Abstract:
The present invention relates to an antenna which is physically combined with a physical/electrical media connector. Some embodiments of the present invention may be configured with connectors which can accommodate RJ-11 or RJ-45 plugs allowing devices equipped with these connectors to utilize cable connections as well as wireless connections via the combined antenna. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise antennas which hinge or otherwise deploy from the combined connector/antenna unit and some embodiments include automatic activation of wireless circuitry when the antenna is deployed. Certain embodiments also comprise units with particular antenna and ground plane configurations.

Description:
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to small scale antennas embodied in physical/electrical media connectors used in the computer and communications industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna which can be constructed as part of a thin profile physical/electrical media connector. This type of antenna is useful in combination electronic devices which utilize both wireless and wired communications networks.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Some standards in the electrical connector industry have been created by government regulation such as the Federal Communications Commission&#39;s Title 47, §68.500, otherwise denoted “Subpart F—Connectors” (Subpart F). Subpart F is incorporated herein by reference. Subpart F contains detailed specifications for “miniature” connectors used in the communications industry. Included in this specification are the “Miniature 6-position plug and jack” and the “Miniature 8-position plug and jack.” These connectors, commonly known as the RJ-11 connector and the RJ-45 connectors, respectively, are ubiquitous throughout the industry.  
           [0003]    The miniature  6 -position connector or RJ-11 has emerged as the industry standard connector for telephone lines. RJ-11 plugs and jacks are used on almost all telephone sets for connection to the phone system and consequently are used for standard modem connections which also use these telephone lines. Although most telephone companies use only 4 or 2 of the available positions on the connector, the 6-position connector is the standard.  
           [0004]    The miniature 8-position connector or RJ-45 has become an industry standard connector for computer networks. It is used for inter-connectivity between network adapter cards, hubs, routers, switches and other network hardware.  
           [0005]    These connectors have been the industry standard for many years and are likely to remain so in the future for telephones, desktop computer modems and network adapters, and other substantially stationary communications equipment. However, hardware technology and the “miniaturization” of components has progressed to the point that the standard, “miniature” RJ connectors have a larger cross-section than the thickness of the hardware to which they connect.  
           [0006]    An example of these smaller, thin profile hardware configurations is the PC Card Standard promulgated by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). The PCMCIA PC Card standard identifies three primary card type designations: Type I, II and III. These type designations correspond to physical dimension restrictions or “form factors” of 85.6 mm (length)×54.0 mm (width) and thicknesses of 3.3 mm, 5.0 mm and 10.5 mm respectively. These thin profile expansion cards are used to expand the functionality of computers and related products by adding circuitry contained on the card to the host device. Host devices, such as laptop computers, contain expansion slots which receive the expansion cards and provide electrical connections thereto. Modems and network adapters are often constructed in PC Card standard form factor.  
           [0007]    As a consequence of hardware miniaturization in the face of a nearly worldwide RJ connector standard, hardware manufacturers have developed myriad proprietary hardware connection standards and an assortment of connectors and adapters that allow the RJ plugs to be connected to thin profile hardware.  
           [0008]    One elegant and convenient connector which allows connection of the standard RJ type plug with thin profile hardware is the XJACK® produced by 3Com Corporation, Salt Lake City, Utah. The XJACK®, shown generally in FIG. 1, is a thin profile connector designed to be contained within hardware such as PC Card standard compliant devices. The XJACK® comprises a thin body  1  with an aperture  3  therein for receiving a standard RJ connector plug  5  such as a miniature 6-pin plug, a miniature 8-pin plug or some other connector. Jack conductors  7  contact plug conductors  9  just as a conventional RJ jack connects. The XJACK® may be retractable within the device or be detachable therefrom. Commonly used XJACK® connectors retract in and out of a device by sliding along a track. A spring is often used to bias the XJACK® connector such that it pops out of its retracted state and remains extended during use.  
           [0009]    Wireless communication devices are now becoming commonplace in the electronics industry. Wireless networking of portable computers and associated devices is now replacing a large segment of the networking market. Wireless communication devices including wireless networking adapters, hubs and other equipment utilize radio transmitters and receivers to transmit data signals from one device or node to another. These radio transmitters and receivers must utilize a specific frequency band and protocol to accomplish this task. Since these wireless networks and communications areas may often overlap, standards, protocols and privacy protection are necessary. One current standard in the industry has been established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and is known as IEEE 802.11. This standard comprises communications standards, protocol and equipment specifications for wireless communication equipment including privacy and encryption provisions.  
           [0010]    Another emerging standard in wireless communications and networking, known as Bluetooth®, is being established by a collaborative group of communications and computing companies. Devices incorporating Bluetooth® technology will utilize a micro-chip transceiver for communications between devices. Bluetooth® devices will transmit in the previously unused 2.4 GHz range. Bluetooth® technology promises to be a viable and economical networking solution for interconnection of cell phones, computers, printers, modems, computer peripherals, fax machines and other communications and computing devices. The size of the Bluetooth® transceiver will make it usable in devices as small as palm computers and cell phones.  
           [0011]    Antennas are well known for enabling and improving transmission to radio receivers and from radio transmitters. Antennas can dramatically increase the range of radio transceivers, however most antenna designs function best when protruding from their host device. In small electronic devices protruding antennas are often vulnerable to breakage as the devices are often stowed in purses, pockets, backpacks and other areas where neglect can occur. A retractable antenna is more convenient and durable and occupies less space when retracted.  
           [0012]    Conventionally retractable antennas often occupy too much space to be combined with other physical/electrical media connectors in a thin profile device or expansion card. The limited space in these devices often precludes the combination of wireless elements with antennas and other wired devices which require cable connectors.  
           [0013]    While wireless technology is fast replacing a large segment of the communications and networking industry, wired equipment is still prevalent. A communications or computing device, such as a portable computer, which can connect to both wireless and conventionally wired networks will be more adaptable and convenient at the present time. A device or expansion card which provides connectivity to both wired and wireless technology is extremely useful.  
         SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention relates to antennas which are physically combined with standard cable connectors on electronic devices. Many electronic apparatus comprise physical/electrical media connectors which are used to connect to communications networks such as telephone networks or computer networks. This is often done by connecting a telephone or network cable to the connector on the apparatus. Some apparatus of the present invention comprises an antenna physically combined with a retractable, thin profile cable connector.  
           [0015]    Wireless communications devices are becoming extremely common especially in the fields of telephone communications and computer network communications. Wireless local area networks (LAN&#39;s) and even wide area networks (WAN&#39;s) are now widespread. Because portable computing devices may need to interface with both wireless and conventional wired networks, a combination network adapter or modem which accommodates both wired and wireless communications can be useful. These combination devices must sometimes fit into a device with a very small form factor or thin profile. Consequently, space for both a wired connector and a separate antenna is often difficult to find. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an antenna which is combined with a cable connector on a device and which obviates the need for a physically separate antenna on the device.  
           [0016]    Some embodiments of the present invention also comprise a ground plane which may be built into the cable connector itself or into a component of the antenna which is a part of the cable connector. For example, and not by way of limitation, an XJACK® or other retractable thin profile jack may be constructed with a ground plane element therein to enhance antenna performance  
           [0017]    Some embodiments of the present invention comprise hinges or other movable parts which may be used to deploy the antenna from a retracted or folded position to a position that will improve reception and performance. For example, and not by way of limitation, an antenna may hinge from a position which fully or partially falls within the form factor of the cable connector to an upright position for improved performance.  
           [0018]    Some embodiments of the present invention may also comprise switching circuitry which automatically activates or switches to a wireless device when the antenna is deployed. When the antenna is deployed, the device switches to its wireless circuitry. For example, and not by way of limitation, a combination wireless network adapter and wired network adapter may be contained in a single expansion card. When the antenna is deployed, the circuitry automatically activates the wireless adapter and when the antenna is stowed, the wired adapter is activated. The same principle may be used for a wired/wireless modem combination.  
           [0019]    Certain embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a “modified monopole” antenna. The modified monopole antenna has a radiating element which typically protrudes substantially vertically from a ground plane element and curves away from device circuitry then curves back toward the vertical forming a shape that may be angular or curved. The shape has been found to improve antenna performance from that of a strictly vertical antenna located at the edge of a ground plane. The shape allows the antenna to protrude from near the center of the ground plane element and then curve away from device circuitry which may produce interference. The antenna typically terminates in a substantially vertical direction.  
           [0020]    Accordingly, it is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide an antenna which is physically combined with conventional cable connectors.  
           [0021]    It is also an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide an antenna which can be combined with thin profile devices without substantially increasing space requirements.  
           [0022]    It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a thin profile combination electronic device which can be used with both wired and wireless communications networks.  
           [0023]    These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following, description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art XJACK® cable connector;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable computing device containing an expansion card slot filled with an expansion card comprising a retractable embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an electronic expansion card containing a retractable embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an electronic expansion card containing a retractable embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thin profile palm computing device comprising an embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged modified monopole antenna;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a cable jack located below a hinged modified monopole antenna in a stowed position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a cable jack located below a hinged modified monopole antenna in a deployed position;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged modified monopole antenna with hinged secondary antenna extension in a stowed position;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged modified monopole antenna with hinged secondary antenna extension in a deployed position;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged antenna which hinges parallel to the end of the device from which it extends with antenna in a stowed position;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged antenna which hinges parallel to the end of the device from which it extends with antenna in a deployed position;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cablejack and a hinged antenna which hinges perpendicular to the end of the device from which it extends with antenna in a stowed position;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjacently located cable jack and a hinged antenna which hinges perpendicular to the end of the device from which it extends with antenna in a deployed position;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a palm computing device with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a swivel mounted antenna with integral cable connector in a stowed position;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a palm computing device with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a swivel mounted antenna with integral cable connector in a deployed position;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a PC Card standard expansion card with an embodiment of the present invention in an extended, but undeployed position; and  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a PC Card standard expansion card with an embodiment of the present invention in an extended and deployed position.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hinged antenna and adjacent cable connector with the antenna in a stowed position.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hinged antenna and adjacent cable connector with the antenna in a deployed position.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hinged whip antenna and cable connector with the antenna in a stowed position.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a hinged whip antenna and cable connector with the antenna in a deployed position.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a retractable whip antenna which extends from a retractable cable connector with the antenna in a stowed position.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a retractable whip antenna which extends from a retractable cable connector with the antenna in an extended position.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 13C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a retractable whip antenna which extends from a retractable cable connector with the antenna in a fully deployed position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0050]    The figures listed above are expressly incorporated as part of this detailed description.  
         [0051]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and apparatus of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 13C, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0052]    The currently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.  
         [0053]    The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) promulgates the PC Card Standard for thin profile or thin architecture expansion cards for electronic devices. The PC Card standard designates the physical dimensions of the cards as well as the electrical configuration of the cards including the 68-pin interface between the card and the host device. The physical dimensions of cards conforming to this standard are 85.6 mm in length by 54.0 mm in width. Several thickness variations fall within the standard and are designated by type designation. Type I, II, and III PC Cards have thicknesses of 3.3 mm, 5.0 mm and 10.5 mm respectively. Any references to the PC Card Standard or PCMCIA card standard refer to electronic cards substantially conforming to this standard as described herein.  
         [0054]    The term miniature modular jack, physical/electrical media connector, fixed jack, XJACK®, alligator jack, cable connector and the like, connotes a media connector that may have qualities such as those connectors having physical attributes described in F.C.C. Part  68 , Subpart F. Specific terms such as RJ-type, RJ-11, RJ-45, 6-pin miniature modular plug, 8-pin miniature modular plug, and similar terminology are all references to specific exemplary physical/electrical media connectors falling within the broader parameters of the term physical/electrical media connectors and are cited by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention to specific connectors.  
         [0055]    In reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention is shown as it may be used in a portable computing device. Portable computing device  2  has a keyboard  6 , pointing device  8 , display  4 , and disk drive or other media reader or writer  10  as are well known in the art. Computing device  2  also contains an expansion card slot  12  such as a PC Card standard expansion slot. Within slot  12  is an expansion card  14  which comprises a novel combination antenna and physical/electrical media connector  16  of the present invention. Expansion cards  12  which are typically integrated with the novel combination antenna and cable connector of the present invention are generally combination devices which utilize both wireless and wired technology.  
         [0056]    An expansion card embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3A where expansion card  14  comprises a novel retractable extension  16  which comprises a combination physical/electrical media connector  17  and antenna  18 . When the connector and antenna are not needed extension  16  may be retracted (as shown in FIG. 3B) to save space and protect extension  16 . Expansion card  14  may conform to the PC Card standard form factor or other thin profile formats.  
         [0057]    Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, is contained in a small and portable computing device such as a palm computing device  20 . Retractable extension  22  may be extended to expose antenna  24  and cable connector  26  for connection to various networks and systems or extension  22  may be retracted to make computing device  20  more compact. Embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated within or may comprise expansion cards, computing devices, communications devices and other apparatus.  
         [0058]    Many embodiments of the present invention may comprise a “modified monopole” type antenna  18 ,  24  and  30 . In reference to FIG. 5, the modified monopole antenna generally comprises a thin “fin”  32  with two substantially planar surfaces  34  and  36 . Planar surface  36  is opposite surface  34  and not shown in FIG. 5. Surfaces  34  and  36  are connected by a substantially vertical edge  38  on one side and a curved, reverse-curved or angled edge  40  on the other side. Within fin  32  is a radiating element  42 . Fin  32  is generally composed of a lightweight and durable non-conductive material such as many plastic materials. Typically, the modified monopole antenna will operate in conjunction with ground plane elements  44 A and  44 B against which it may radiate. Ground plane elements  44 A and  44 B are generally disposed within the structure of extension  50 . Preferably, ground plane elements  44 A and  44 B are disposed such that radiating element  42  will extend from a point near the center of the area occupied by ground plane elements  44 A and  44 B, however some embodiments have been found to operate effectively without a centrally located radiator.  
         [0059]    In a preferred embodiment of the modified monopole antenna, the radiating element  42  extends in a substantially vertical direction from a substantially central location  46  on ground plane elements  44 A and  44 B. After this initial vertical extension, radiating element  42  curves, bends, angles or is otherwise redirected in a direction away from circuitry in host device  52 . The radiating element  42  typically terminates by bending back toward a substantially vertical direction. It should be noted that radiating element  42  may or may not follow the profile of edge  40 . The centroidal position on the ground plane and the redirection of the antenna radiator away from device circuitry may provide improved antenna performance and reduced interference when compared with a similar antenna with a radiator located at the edge of its ground plane. The base of antenna  30  may comprise a hinge  48  or other means for orienting antenna  30 . Orientation in a substantially vertical direction generally increases antenna performance, however, most thin profile devices have a rather flat form factor requiring an internal or retractable antenna to be reoriented from a position within the device to a usable, more vertical position outside the device.  
         [0060]    In reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a combination electronic apparatus  60  with wireless circuitry and cable-connected circuitry. A retractable extension  62  is mounted in apparatus  60  such that extension  62  may be retracted into apparatus  60  or extended to a position exterior to apparatus  60 . When in an extended position, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, extension  62  is exposed so that elements thereon may be accessed or given access to the exterior environment. Extension  62  comprises an antenna  64   a  and  64   b  and a physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  66 .  
         [0061]    In this embodiment, when extension  62  is first extended, antenna  64   a  is in a stowed position which allows for convenient storage in apparatus  60  when extension  62  is retracted. However, this stowed position does not allow for optimum antenna orientation and reception. Therefore, antenna  64   a  and  64   b  comprises a hinge  68  which allows antenna  64   a  and  64   b  to be reoriented from a horizontal stowed position  64   a  to a substantially vertical, deployed position  64   b  for improved performance.  
         [0062]    When antenna  64   b  is deployed, physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  66  is exposed allowing for connection to conventional wired communications networks such as, but not limited to, telephone networks or computer networks.  
         [0063]    Extension  62  may also comprise ground plane elements  70  within its structure to improve antenna performance. Additionally, extension  62 , may comprise impedance matching circuitry to enhance antenna performance and compatibility.  
         [0064]    A second embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, may comprise a combination wireless/wired electronic apparatus such as combination expansion card  80  from which electronic extension  82  may extend. Extension  82  comprises a multiple-hinged antenna  84  and a physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  86 . Antenna  84  may be deployed or reoriented to a substantially vertical position by folding antenna base fin  88  along hinge  90  so that fin  88  rests in a substantially vertical position. Deployment is completed by subsequently rotating antenna tip  94  about hinge pin  92  until antenna tip  94  reaches an extended and substantially vertical position. Antenna  84  may be stowed by folding in a reverse procedure. This embodiment allows access to cable connector  86  at any time while antenna  84  is stowed or deployed so long as extension  80  is extended. Antenna tip  94  may comprise a chip antenna which may or may not require ground plane elements for optimal performance.  
         [0065]    Extension  82  of this second embodiment may also comprise ground plane elements  98  and internal circuitry  96  such as impedance matching circuitry.  
         [0066]    A third embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B comprises an extension  100  comprising a physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  102  and a deployable antenna  104 . Antenna  104  may be deployed to a vertical position once extension  100  has been extended. Deployment of antenna  104  is enabled through a spring-loaded hinge  106 . Spring  108  acts to bias hinge  106  to an open or deployed position. Antenna  106  deployment may be achieved by a manual release method effectuated by pressing release button  110  or it may be achieved automatically as extension  100  is extended. Deployment of antenna  104  may also activate switching circuitry which activates a wireless device or another electronic device as antenna  104  is raised. In this third embodiment of the present invention, antenna  104  is configured to hinge from a point substantially central to ground plane elements  112  in extension  100 . To achieve this central location, antenna  104  is hinged to swing along an arc that is parallel to the adjacent edge  116  of host device  114 .  
         [0067]    A fourth embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D is similar to the third embodiment except that antenna  104  is hinged from a point distal to host device  114  and in a manner that swings antenna  104  along an arc that is perpendicular to the adjacent edge  116  of host device  114 . Depending on frequency and design constraints, a distal location may help eliminate interference from circuitry in host device  114 .  
         [0068]    In reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in conjunction with a palm computing device  120 . Extension  122  extends from palm device  120  on a rotatable and retractable attachment  124 . Once extension  122  is extended from a position internal to palm device  120 , extension  122  may be rotated so as to position antenna  126  in a substantially vertical orientation. Physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  128  may be accessed in either antenna position. This embodiment may further comprise switching circuitry which activates a wireless device when antenna  126  is oriented substantially vertically and deactivates the wireless device when antenna  126  is oriented substantially horizontally. Wired devices which use connector  128  may also be activated and deactivated alternatively. Once extension  122  has been rotated to orient antenna  126  in a vertical orientation, extension  122  may be partially or fully retracted by retracting all or part of extension  122  into slot  130 . Slot  130  may provide structural support and protection for extension  122  and allow palm device  120  to have a smaller size format while antenna  126  is deployed. Retraction into slot  130  may also activate switching mechanisms or circuitry which may activate or deactivate devices in palm computing device  120 .  
         [0069]    Transmission line and switching circuit connections as well as cable connector conductors, conductive elements for a ground plane and impedance matching circuitry may be internal to extension  122 . Some of these elements may increase interference for antenna  126 . Some of this interference and some external interference may be shielded by using a micro-coaxial transmission line cable  132  for antenna  126 . This micro-coaxial cable may be located internal to extension  122  and will electrically connect to a radiating element  134  for antenna  126 .  
         [0070]    It should be noted by reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and other figures, showing other embodiments, that physical/electrical media connector or cable connector  140  may be disposed in several orientations and configurations. Connector  140  may be located on either side of coaxial transmission line  142  and may be rotated as needed to best fit spacial constraints.  
         [0071]    It should also be noted that the shape of the various extensions and antennas of different embodiments of the present invention may vary widely. Many embodiments shown herein comprise modified monopole shaped antennas and extensions. These are merely exemplary of the various antenna designs and configurations which may be used in the present invention.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIGS. 11A and 11B show a seventh embodiment of the present invention with a host device  150  and extension  152 . This embodiment comprises a hinged antenna  154  with an adjacent cable connector  156 . Cable connector  156  may be accessed while antenna  154  is in either a stowed or deployed position. Cable connector may be oriented in almost any position, however, a position which places connector conductors  158  most proximate to host device  150  will generally provide a more economical and efficient connection.  
         [0073]    In reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an eighth embodiment of the present invention comprises a retractable extension  160  with a physical/electrical media connector  162  therein. Extension  160  further comprises a rotatable whip antenna  164 . Antenna  164  may comprise chip antenna circuitry  166  or another antenna configuration which is connected to apparatus  174  by cable or wire  168  which may or may not be part of a radiating element. Cable or wire  168  extends through hinged connection  170  and electrically connects to shielded cable  172  which extends past cable connector  162  and into apparatus  174  to make an electrical connection thereto. Antenna  164  may be hinged from a stowed position as shown in FIG. 12A to a deployed position as shown in FIG. 12B. As in other embodiments of the present invention, extension  160  may comprise ground plane elements as well as impedance matching circuitry, switching circuitry or other circuitry or mechanisms.  
         [0074]    A ninth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, comprises an extension  180  in an electronic apparatus  184  which comprises a cable connector  182  as well as and antenna  186 . Antenna  186  may be fully stowed within extension  180 , as shown in FIG. 13A where antenna  186  is retracted into tube  188  within extension  180 . Tube  188  maybe composed of many materials, however, preferable materials will provide electrical insulation and will allow tube  188  to bend and flex around obstacles which may be found in extension  180  and apparatus  184 . Antenna  186  may also be constructed of flexible materials so that it may conform to a non-linear path of tube  188  when antenna  186  is retracted therein.  
         [0075]    Antenna  186  may be extended from tube  188  by pulling on tip  185  which is exposed from the end of extension  180 . When antenna  186  is fully extended from extension  180 , as shown in FIG. 13B, antenna hinge  190  becomes exposed and is free to rotate antenna  186  into a vertical position as shown in FIG. 13C. Antenna base  194  may be directly connected to a flex cable which extends into apparatus  184  or it may make electrical contact with a fixed contact  192  within extension  180  which, in turn, connects to apparatus  184 . Other connection variations are also possible and are to be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0076]    The commonly used miniature 8-pin and miniature 6-pin connectors known in the art are typically used in applications that require only 2 to 4 pins. The additional pins are typically not necessary and often go unused. Embodiments of the present invention use these unused conductors for additional functionality. Some of the unused conductors may be used as transmission line conductors for the antenna leads. Additional conductors may be used to perform switching operations whereby circuitry in a device or expansion card is activated or deactivated according to the position of the antenna within the device&#39;s jack. In one embodiment comprising a combination wireless LAN adapter and a wired LAN adapter, previously unused conductors are used to switch between the wireless circuitry which is activated when an antenna is inserted into the jack and wired circuitry which is activated when the antenna is removed from the jack. Switching and activation may utilize a pull-up resistor configuration to accomplish this task. Other circuitry may also be used and digital circuitry, including multiplexor adaptations, may be used. A combination wireless modem and wired modem may also used this switching circuitry as may other devices.  
         [0077]    Impedance matching circuitry may also be located within the antenna, extension, other elements or on the host device.  
         [0078]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrated and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.