Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/704,885, filed Feb. 9, 2007, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/785,116, filed on Mar. 23, 2006. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to cellular phones, and more particularly to cellular phones with integrated FM radio receivers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Consumers increasing want to purchase smaller cellular phones. At the same time, consumers also expect their cellular phones to have increased functionality. These two trends may pose problems for cellular phone manufacturers since the demand for increased functionality tends to increase the size of the cellular phones. 
         [0004]    Cellular phones may include MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), WiFi or other network interfaces, cameras, Bluetooth interfaces and/or other devices. Some new cell phones also incorporate FM radio receivers to allow users to receive analog and/or digital FM broadcasts. 
         [0005]    Multi-function cellular phones usually require multiple antennas for receiving analog cellular signals, digital cellular signals, Bluetooth signals, WiFi signals and/or other types of wireless signals. If the cellular phone has an FM receiver, another antenna having suitable dimensions is required to allow reception of the FM signals. Because of the compact dimensions of cellular phones, it is not feasible to integrate a suitable FM antenna within the form factor of the cellular phone. Rather, antennas having larger dimensions are typically required and are externally connected to the cellular phone. For example, the antenna may be combined with and/or run adjacent to wires that connect the FM receiver to earphones such as earbuds. 
         [0006]    There are multiple ways of implementing an FM receiver. For purposes of illustration, simplified block diagrams of super-heterodyne and direct conversion transmitter and receiver architectures will be discussed, although other architectures may be used. Referring now to  FIG. 1A , an exemplary super-heterodyne receiver  14 - 1  is shown. The receiver  14 - 1  includes an antenna  19  that is coupled to an optional RF filter  20  and a low noise amplifier  22 . An output of the amplifier  22  is coupled to a first input of a mixer  24 . A second input of the mixer  24  is connected to an oscillator  25 , which provides a reference frequency. The mixer  24  converts radio frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. 
         [0007]    An output of the mixer  24  is connected to an optional IF filter  26 , which has an output that is coupled to an automatic gain control amplifier (AGCA)  32 . An output of the AGCA  32  is coupled to first inputs of mixers  40  and  41 . A second input of the mixer  41  is coupled to an oscillator  42 , which provides a reference frequency. A second input of the mixer  40  is connected to the oscillator  42  through a −90° phase shifter  43 . 
         [0008]    The mixers  40  and  41  convert the IF signals to baseband (BB) signals. Outputs of the mixers  40  and  41  are coupled to BB circuits  44 - 1  and  44 - 2 , respectively. The BB circuits  44 - 1  and  44 - 2  may include low pass filters (LPF)  45 - 1  and  45 - 2  and gain blocks  46 - 1  and  46 - 2 , respectively, although other BB circuits may be used. Mixer  40  generates an in-phase (I) signal, which is output to a BB processor  47 . The mixer  41  generates a quadrature-phase (Q) signal, which is output to the BB processor  47 . 
         [0009]    Referring now to  FIG. 1B , an exemplary direct conversion receiver  14 - 2  is shown. The receiver  14 - 2  includes the antenna  19  that is coupled to the optional RF filter  20  and to the low noise amplifier  22 . An output of the low noise amplifier  22  is coupled to first inputs of RF to BB mixers  48  and  50 . A second input of the mixer  50  is connected to oscillator  51 , which provides a reference frequency. A second input of the mixer  48  is connected to the oscillator  51  through a −90° phase shifter  52 . The mixer  48  outputs the I-signal to the BB circuit  44 - 1 , which may include the LPF  45 - 1  and the gain block  46 - 1 . An output of the BB circuit  44 - 1  is input to the BB processor  47 . Similarly, the mixer  50  outputs the Q signal to the BB circuit  44 - 2 , which may include the LPF  45 - 2  and the gain block  46 - 2 . An output of the BB circuit  44 - 2  is output to the BB processor  47 . 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In one feature of the present disclosure, a cellular phone is provided that includes a first wireless transceiver that receives intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The IF signals are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to an IF by a remote device. An FM processing module receives the IF signals, converts the IF signals to baseband signals, and generates processed FM signals. 
         [0011]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes a cellular phone processing module that performs cellular phone signal processing. One of the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module is integrated with the cellular phone processing module in an integrated circuit. 
         [0012]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver transmits the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0013]    In yet another feature, the cellular phone further includes a user interface that generates FM station selection data. The first wireless transceiver transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0014]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0015]    In still another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes an antenna and a tuner. The tuner communicates with the antenna and tunes an RF frequency. In an additional feature, the remote device further includes an amplifier that amplifies RF signals at the RF frequency. In a further feature, the remote device further includes a mixer that mixes the RF signals to generate the IF signals. In another feature, the remote device further comprises a second wireless transceiver that transmits the IF signals to the cellular phone. In another feature, the remote device includes a user interface that communicates with the tuner to select an FM station. 
         [0016]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module are implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0017]    In yet another feature, a communication method is provided and includes receiving intermediate frequency (IF) signals via a first wireless transceiver. The IF signals are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to an IF by a remote device. The IF signals are received via an FM processing module. The FM processing module converts the IF signals to baseband signals and generates processed FM signals. 
         [0018]    In another feature, the communication method includes transmitting the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0019]    In still another feature, the communication method further includes generating FM station selection data and transmitting the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0020]    In an additional feature, the communication method further includes generating an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0021]    In another feature, the communication method further includes communicating with an antenna via a tuner. An RF frequency is tuned. In another feature, the communication method further includes amplifying RF signals at the RF frequency. In another feature, the communication method further includes mixing the RF signals to generate the IF signals. In another feature, the communication method includes transmitting the IF signals to a cellular phone. 
         [0022]    In another feature, the communication method further includes communicating with a tuner to select an FM station. 
         [0023]    In yet another feature, a cellular phone is provided that includes first wireless transceiver means for receiving intermediate frequency (IF) signals, which are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals. The FM signals have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to an IF by a remote device. FM processing means is included for receiving the IF signals, converts the IF signals to baseband signals, and generates processed FM signals. 
         [0024]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes a cellular phone processing means for performing cellular phone signal processing, at least one of the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means is integrated with the cellular phone processing means in an integrated circuit. 
         [0025]    In a further feature, the first wireless transceiver means transmits the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0026]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes user interface means for generating FM station selection data, the first wireless transceiver means transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0027]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device, the remote means generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0028]    In still another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes an antenna, and tuner means for communicating with the antenna and tuning an RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes amplifier means for amplifying RF signals at the RF frequency. In an additional feature, the remote device further includes mixer means for mixing the RF signals to generate the IF signals. In another feature, the remote device further includes second wireless transceiver means for transmitting the IF signals to the cellular phone. In another feature, the remote device includes user interface means for communicating with the tuner means to select an FM station. 
         [0029]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means are implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0030]    In a further feature, a cellular phone is provided that includes a first wireless transceiver that receives radio frequency (RF) signals. The RF signals include frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned by a remote device. An FM processing module receives the RF signals, converts the RF signals to baseband signals, and generates processed FM signals. 
         [0031]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes a cellular phone processing module that performs cellular phone signal processing. One or more of the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module are integrated with the cellular phone processing module in an integrated circuit. 
         [0032]    In still another feature, the first wireless transceiver transmits the processed signals to the remote device. 
         [0033]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes a user interface that generates FM station selection data. The first wireless transceiver transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0034]    In yet another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0035]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes an antenna and a tuner that communicates with the antenna and that tunes an RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes an amplifier that amplifies signals at the tuned RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes a second wireless transceiver that transmits the IF signals to the cellular phone. 
         [0036]    In an additional feature, the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module are implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0037]    In another feature, the FM processing module includes an intermediate frequency (IF) mixer that converts the RF signals to IF signals. A BB mixer converts the IF signals to BB signals. 
         [0038]    In yet another feature, a communication method is provided that includes receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The RF signals include frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned by a remote device via a first wireless transceiver. The RF signals are received. The RF signals are converted to baseband signals. Processed FM signals are generated via an FM processing module. 
         [0039]    In yet another feature, the communication method further includes transmitting the processed signals to the remote device. In another feature, the communication method further includes generating and transmitting FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0040]    In another feature, the communication method further includes generating an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. In another feature, the communication method further includes communicating with an antenna and tuning an RF frequency. In still another feature, the communication method further includes amplifying signals at the tuned RF frequency. In another feature, the communication method further includes transmitting the IF signals to the cellular phone. 
         [0041]    In an additional feature, the communication method further includes converting the RF signals to IF signals. The IF signals are converted to BB signals. 
         [0042]    In another feature, a cellular phone is provided and includes first wireless transceiver means for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The RF signals include frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned by a remote device. FM processing means for receiving the RF signals is included. The FM processing means converts the RF signals to baseband signals and generates processed FM signals. 
         [0043]    In a further feature, the cellular phone further includes cellular phone processing means for performing cellular phone signal processing. One or more of the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means are integrated with the cellular phone processing means in an integrated circuit. 
         [0044]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means transmits the processed signals to the remote device. 
         [0045]    In yet another feature, the cellular phone further includes user interface means for generating FM station selection data. The first wireless transceiver means transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0046]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0047]    In still another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes antenna means and tuner means for communicating with the antenna means and for tuning an RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes an amplifier means for amplifying signals at the tuned RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes a second wireless transceiver means that transmits the IF signals to the cellular phone. 
         [0048]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means are implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0049]    In a further feature, the FM processing means includes intermediate frequency (IF) mixer means for converting the RF signals to IF signals. BB mixer means for converting the IF signals to BB signals is also included. 
         [0050]    In another feature, a cellular phone is provided and includes a first wireless transceiver that receives baseband (BB) signals. The BB signals are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to the BB by a remote device. An FM processing module receives the BB signals and generates processed FM signals based on the BB signals. 
         [0051]    In still another feature, the cellular phone further includes a cellular phone processing module that performs cellular phone signal processing. One or more of the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module are integrated with the cellular phone processing module in an integrated circuit. 
         [0052]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver transmits the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0053]    In yet another feature, the cellular phone further includes a user interface that generates FM station selection data. The first wireless transceiver transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0054]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0055]    In an additional feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes an antenna and a tuner that communicates with the antenna and that tunes an RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes an amplifier that amplifies RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes an intermediate frequency (IF) mixer that mixes the RF signals to IF signals. In yet another feature, the remote device further includes a BB mixer that mixes the IF signals to BB signals. In another feature, the remote device further includes a second wireless transceiver that transmits the BB signals to the cellular phone. 
         [0056]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver and the FM processing module is implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0057]    In a further feature, a communication method is provided and includes receiving baseband (BB) signals, which are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to the BB by a remote device via a first wireless transceiver. The BB signals are received via an FM processing module. Processed FM signals are generated based on the BB signals. 
         [0058]    In another feature, the communication method further includes transmitting the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0059]    In still another feature, the communication method further includes generating FM station selection data and transmitting the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0060]    In another feature, the communication method further includes generating an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0061]    In an additional feature, the communication method further includes communicating with an antenna via a tuner and tunings an RF frequency. In another feature, the communication method further includes amplifying RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. In yet another feature, the communication method further includes mixing the RF signals to generate IF signals. In another feature, the communication method further includes mixing the IF signals to generate BB signals. In another feature, the communication method further includes transmitting the BB signals to a cellular phone. 
         [0062]    In still another feature, a cellular phone is provided and includes first wireless transceiver means for receiving baseband (BB) signals. The BB signals are based on frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned and down-converted from a radio frequency (RF) to the BB by a remote device. FM processing means for receiving the BB signals is also included. The FM processing means generates processed FM signals based on the BB signals. 
         [0063]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes cellular phone processing means for performing cellular phone signal processing. One or more of the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means is integrated with the cellular phone processing means in an integrated circuit. 
         [0064]    In a further feature, the first wireless transceiver means transmits the processed FM signals to the remote device. 
         [0065]    In another feature, the cellular phone further includes user interface means for generating FM station selection data. The first wireless transceiver means transmits the FM station selection data to the remote device. 
         [0066]    In still another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further generates an audio signal based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0067]    In another feature, a system includes the cellular phone and further includes the remote device. The remote device further includes an antenna and tuner means for communicating with the antenna and for tuning an RF frequency. In another feature, the remote device further includes amplifier means for amplifying RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. In a further feature, the remote device further includes intermediate frequency (IF) mixer means for mixing the RF signals to generate IF signals. In another feature, the remote device further includes a BB mixer means for mixing the IF signals to generate BB signals. In yet another feature, the remote device further includes a second wireless transceiver means for transmitting the BB signals to the cellular phone. 
         [0068]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means and the FM processing means are implemented as an integrated circuit. 
         [0069]    In still another feature, a remote device is provided and includes a frequency modulated (FM) tuner that communicates with an antenna and that tunes an FM frequency. A wireless transceiver transmits wireless signals to a remote cellular phone based on FM signals received at the FM frequency. 
         [0070]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver receives FM tuning data from the remote cellular phone and adjusts the FM tuner based on the FM tuning data. 
         [0071]    In another feature, the remote device further includes a first antenna that communicates with the FM tuner and receives the RF signals. A second antenna communicates with the first wireless transceiver and transmits the wireless signals. 
         [0072]    In an additional feature, the first wireless transceiver includes a Bluetooth interface. 
         [0073]    In another feature, the remote device further includes an amplifier that amplifies signals at the tuned RF frequency. A mixer mixes the signals to the IF signals. The first wireless transceiver transmits the IF signals to the remote cellular phone and receives processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone. An amplifier generates amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0074]    In a further feature, a headset includes the remote device and further includes speakers that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the speakers. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0075]    In another feature, an article of clothing includes the remote device and further includes a speaker that outputs the amplified audio signals. In another feature, a system includes the remote device and further includes speakers that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the speakers. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0076]    In yet another feature, the remote device further includes a first amplifier that amplifies RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. An intermediate frequency (IF) mixer mixes the RF signals to IF signals. A BB mixer mixes the IF signals to BB signals. The wireless transceiver transmits the BB signals to the remote cellular phone and receives processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone. A second amplifier generates amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0077]    In another feature, a headset includes the remote device and further includes speakers that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the speakers, wherein the antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0078]    In still another feature, an article of clothing includes the remote device and further includes a speaker that outputs the amplified audio signals. 
         [0079]    In another feature, a system includes the remote device of claim  6  and further includes earbuds that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the earbuds. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0080]    In another feature, the remote device further includes a tuner that tunes an RF frequency. A first amplifier amplifies signals at the tuned RF frequency. The wireless transceiver transmits the RF signals to the remote cellular phone and receives processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone. A second amplifier generates amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0081]    In yet another feature, a headset includes the remote device further includes speakers that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the speakers. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0082]    In another feature, an article of clothing includes the remote device and further includes a speaker that outputs the amplified audio signals. In another feature, a system includes the remote device and further includes earbuds that output the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes a conductor that connects the remote device to the earbuds. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor. 
         [0083]    In another feature, a communication method is provided and includes communicating with an antenna and tuning an FM frequency via a frequency modulated (FM) tuner. Wireless signals are transmitted to a remote cellular phone based on FM signals received at the FM frequency via a wireless transceiver. 
         [0084]    In another feature, the communication method includes receiving FM tuning data from the remote cellular phone and adjusting the FM tuner based on the FM tuning data. 
         [0085]    In still another feature, the communication method further includes communicating with the FM tuner and receiving the RF signals via a first antenna. The first wireless transceiver is communicated with and the wireless signals are transmitted via a second antenna. 
         [0086]    In another feature, the communication method further includes amplifying signals at the tuned RF frequency. The amplified signals are mixed to generate the IF signals. The IF signals are transmitted to the remote cellular phone. Processed FM signals are received from the remote cellular phone. The amplified audio signals are generated based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0087]    In a further feature, the communication method further includes amplifying RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. The RF signals are mixed to generate IF signals. The IF signals are mixed to generate BB signals. The BB signals are transmitted to the remote cellular phone. Processed FM signals are received from the remote cellular phone. Amplified audio signals are generated based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0088]    In another feature, the communication method further includes tuning an RF frequency. Amplifying signals are tuned at the RF frequency. The RF signals are transmitted to the remote cellular phone. Processed FM signals are received from the remote cellular phone. Amplified audio signals are generated based on the processed FM signals. 
         [0089]    In another feature, the communication method further includes outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the communication method further includes outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the communication method further includes outputting the amplified audio signals. 
         [0090]    In an additional feature, a remote device is provided and includes frequency modulated (FM) tuner means for communicating with an antenna and for tuning an FM frequency. Wireless transceiver means for transmitting wireless signals to a remote cellular phone based on FM signals received at the FM frequency is also included. 
         [0091]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means receives FM tuning data from the remote cellular phone and adjusts the FM tuner based on the FM tuning data. 
         [0092]    In another feature, the remote device further includes first antenna means for communicating with the FM tuner and receiving the RF signals. Second antenna means for communicating with the first wireless transceiver means and transmitting the wireless signals is included. 
         [0093]    In another feature, the first wireless transceiver means includes a Bluetooth interface means. 
         [0094]    In yet another feature, the remote device further includes amplifier means for amplifying signals at the tuned RF frequency. Mixer means for mixing the signals to generate the IF signals. First wireless transceiver means for transmitting the IF signals to the remote cellular phone and for receiving processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone is included. Amplifier means for generating amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals is also included. 
         [0095]    In another feature, a headset includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes a conductor means for connecting the remote means to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0096]    In still another feature, an article of clothing includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, a system includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes conductor means for connecting the remote means to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0097]    In another feature, the remote device further includes first amplifier means for amplifying RF signals at the tuned RF frequency. Intermediate frequency (IF) mixer means for mixing the RF signals to generate IF signals is included. BB mixer means for mixing the IF signals to generate BB signals is also included. The wireless transceiver means transmits the BB signals to the remote cellular phone and receives processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone. Second amplifier means for generating amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals is further included. 
         [0098]    In another feature, a headset includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes conductor means for connecting the remote means to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0099]    In a further feature, an article of clothing includes the remote means and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, a system includes the remote means and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes conductor means for connecting the remote means to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0100]    In another feature, the remote device further includes tuner means for tuning an RF frequency. First amplifier means for amplifying signals at the tuned RF frequency is included. The wireless transceiver means transmits the RF signals to the remote cellular phone and receives processed FM signals from the remote cellular phone. Second amplifier means for generating amplified audio signals based on the processed FM signals is further included. 
         [0101]    In another feature, a headset includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the headset further includes conductor means for connecting the remote device to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0102]    In an additional feature, an article of clothing includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, a system includes the remote device and further includes audio means for outputting the amplified audio signals. In another feature, the system further includes conductor means for connecting the remote device to the audio means. The antenna extends adjacent to the conductor means. 
         [0103]    In still other features, the systems and methods described above are implemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors. The computer program can reside on a computer readable medium such as but not limited to memory, non-volatile data storage and/or other suitable tangible storage mediums. 
         [0104]    Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0105]    The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0106]      FIG. 1A  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary FM receiver according to the prior art; 
           [0107]      FIG. 1B  is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary FM receiver according to the prior art; 
           [0108]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a cellular phone system including an exemplary remote device and an exemplary cellular phone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0109]      FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram of a headset according to the present disclosure; 
           [0110]      FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of earbuds according to the present disclosure; 
           [0111]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate articles of clothing that incorporate the remote device according to the present disclosure; 
           [0112]      FIG. 5  is a more detailed functional block diagram of the cellular phone system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0113]      FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of an alternate cellular phone system; 
           [0114]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of another alternate cellular phone system; and 
           [0115]      FIG. 8  is a logic flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a cellular phone system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0116]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed sequentially, simultaneously or in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
         [0117]    A cellular phone FM receiver typically has multiple associated components, such as tuners, low noise amplifiers (LNAs), oscillators, amplifiers, filters, converters, etc. The cellular phone system according to the present invention separates one or more of such components from a cellular phone. As a result, a potion of the FM signal processing is performed remotely from the cellular phone. The cellular phone continues and completes the FM signal processing as described in further detail below. 
         [0118]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a cellular phone system  100  is shown and includes a remote device  110  and a cellular phone  120 . The cellular phone system  100 , the remote device  110 , and the cellular phone  120  are shown as and each considered a cellular phone circuit. The remote device  110  includes a tuning module  124  that tunes to one or more selected frequencies, such as one or more FM radio stations. The tuning module  124  communicates with one or more FM antennas  126  that receive FM signals as input signals. A low noise amplifier (LNA) module  128  amplifies the selected FM signals and outputs amplified signals to an analog to digital (A/D) converter module  130 . The A/D converter  130  outputs digital signals to a wireless interface module  132  of the remote device  110 . The wireless interface module  132  transmits wireless signals to the cellular phone  120  via an antenna  133 . One or more components of the remote device  110  can be integrated into a system on a chip (SOC). 
         [0119]    The user may select a particular FM station using inputs on the cellular phone  120  and/or on the remote device  110 . If the user employs inputs of the cellular phone  120  to select an FM station, the wireless interface  132  also may receive tuning data such as frequency data from the cellular phone  120 , which is output to the tuner  124 . Alternately, the remote device  110  may include a user input  136  that allows a user to select a station, adjust volume, and/or perform other radio-based functions such as selecting preset stations, setting preset stations, scanning, etc. The user input of the cellular phone  120  may also allow the user to adjust volume, and/or perform other radio-based functions such as selecting preset stations, setting preset stations, scanning, etc. 
         [0120]    The wireless interface  132  also receives the processed FM radio signal from the cellular phone  120 . The received signal is output to a digital to analog (D/A) converter  142 , which outputs analog audio signals. The D/A converter  142  outputs the audio signal to an amplifier  144 , which amplifies the audio signal and outputs the signal to an output  146 , such as an output jack, speakers, etc. 
         [0121]    An exemplary embodiment of the cellular phone  120  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Still other types of cellular phones may be used. The cellular phone  120  includes a modified FM receiver or FM processing module  200 , which communicates with a wireless interface module  168  of the cellular phone  120 . The FM module  200  continues processing of the FM signals as will be described further below. When the processing is completed, the FM module  200  outputs the processed FM signals to the signal processing and/or control module  152  and/or to the wireless interface module  168 . From the control module  152 , the processed FM signals may be sent to the wireless interface  168  and/or to an audio out  158 . The wireless interface module  168 , in turn, transmits the wireless signals to the wireless interface module  132  via an antenna  167 . The remote device  110  receives the wireless signals and outputs the signals as described above. 
         [0122]    The cellular phone  120  in addition to the audio output  158 , which may be a speaker and/or audio output jack, may include a microphone  156 , a display  160  and/or an input device  162  such as a keypad, pointing device, voice actuation and/or other input device. The control module  152  and/or other circuits (not shown) in the cellular phone  120  may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/or perform other cellular phone functions. The cellular phone in addition to the antenna  167  may have a cellular designated antenna  170 . 
         [0123]    The cellular phone  120  may communicate with mass data storage  164  that stores data in a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magnetic storage devices for example hard disk drives HDD. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″. 
         [0124]    The cellular phone  120  may be connected to memory  166  such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The cellular phone  120  also may support connections with a WLAN via the wireless interface  168  and/or via an additional wireless interface (not shown). The wireless interfaces may be compliant with one or more of the following IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11n, 802.16, 802.20, and/or Bluetooth. The control module  152  may be integrated with the FM module  200 , the memory  166  into a system on-chip (SOC). 
         [0125]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , the remote device  110  may be packaged with a headset  220 , that includes first and second housings  224  and  226 . The first and second housings  224  and  226  enclose speakers  230  and  232 , respectively. The remote device  110  may be packaged with the first and/or second housings  224  and  226 . The housings  224  and  226  may be connected by a “C”-shaped portion  230 , which supports the headset  220  on a user&#39;s head. The antenna  126  may be routed through the “C”-shaped portion  230 . The housings  224  and/or  226  may also house batteries  240 , which power the remote device  110 . 
         [0126]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , the remote device  110  may be integrated with a headset  250 , which is shown to include first and second earbuds  244  and  246 , respectively. The first and second earbuds  244  and  246  include speakers  230  and  232 , respectively. The earbuds  244  and  246  may include a device (not shown) that physically attaches to attach the earbuds  244  and  246  to the user&#39;s ears. The remote device  110  may be integrated with one or both of the earbuds  244  and/or  246 . The earbuds  244  and  246  may be connected by wire  260 . The antenna  126  may be integrated with and/or routed adjacent to the wire  260 . The earbuds  244  and/or  246  may also house batteries  240 , which power the remote device  110 . 
         [0127]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the remote device  110  may be attached to and/or inserted in an article of clothing  260 . In  FIG. 4A , the article of clothing  260  also includes a speaker  270  and a battery  272 . In  FIG. 4B , the earbuds  244  and  246  are connected by wire  260  to the remote device  110  via an output jack thereof. The antenna  126  may be located adjacent to the wire  260 . Still other variations are contemplated. 
         [0128]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , several variations relating to the relative arrangement and location of FM receiver components associated with the remote device  110  and/or the cellular phone  120  are shown. In  FIG. 5 , a more detailed drawing of the remote device  110  of  FIG. 2  is shown. The LNA is located in the remote device  110 . In  FIG. 6 , an intermediate frequency (IF) mixer is also located in the remote device  110  in addition to the LNA. In  FIG. 7 , the IF mixer and a baseband (BB) mixer are located in the remote device  110  in addition to the LNA. 
         [0129]    In  FIG. 5 , the antenna  126  receives a RF signal including FM signals. The LNA  128  amplifies the signals and outputs the signals to the A/D converter  130 . Optional filters  300  may be used at the input and/or output of the LNA  128 . The digital signal output by the A/D converter  130  is output to the wireless network interface  132 , which transmits the digital signal to the wireless network interface  168 . The wireless network interface  168  outputs the signal to intermediate frequency (IF) mixers  304 - 1  and  304 - 2 , which also receive a reference signal outputs from an oscillator  308 . Intermediate signal outputs of the IF mixers  304 - 1  and  304 - 2  are optionally filtered by filters  310  and  312  and input to BB mixers  312 - 1  and  312 - 2 , respectively. The BB mixers  312 - 1  and  312 - 2  also receive reference signal outputs from an oscillator  316 . Baseband signal outputs of the BB mixers  312 - 1  and  312 - 2  are optionally filtered by filters  320  and  322  and input to a signal processor  330 , which processes the baseband FM signals. 
         [0130]    The processed FM signals are output by the signal processor  330  to the wireless network interface  168 . The wireless network interface  168  transmits the processed signal to the wireless network interface  132 . The wireless network interface  132  outputs the received processed signal to a digital to analog (D/A) converter  142 . The D/A converter  142  outputs the analog signals to an amplifier  144  as described above. 
         [0131]    In  FIG. 6 , an analog IF mixer  400  is integrated with the remote device  110 . The mixer  400  includes first and second mixers  410 - 1  and  410 - 2 . An analog oscillator  414  outputs oscillator signals to the mixers  410 - 1  and  410 - 2 . Outputs of the mixers  410 - 1  and  410 - 2  are optionally filtered by filters  414  and  416 , respectively and output to the A/D converter  130 . 
         [0132]    In  FIG. 7 , the analog IF mixer  400  is integrated with the remote device  110 . In addition, an analog BB mixer  430  is integrated with the remote device  110 . The mixer  430  includes first and second mixers  432 - 1  and  432 - 2 . An analog oscillator  434  outputs oscillator signals to the mixers  432 - 1  and  432 - 2 . Outputs of the mixers  432 - 1  and  432 - 2  are optionally filtered (not shown) and output to the A/D converter  130 . As can be appreciated, one or both of the mixers  400 ,  430  can be implemented in the digital domain by adjusting the location of the A/D converter  130  in the remote device  110 . 
         [0133]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a logic flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a cellular phone system is shown. Although the following steps are primarily described with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the steps may be easily modified to encompass other embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described above. 
         [0134]    In step  500 , a remote device receives FM station data. The FM station data may be received from a user input of the remote device or may be wirelessly received from a cellular phone using wireless interfaces, such as the interfaces  132 ,  168 . In step  502 , a tuner of the remote device tunes to a FM station based on the FM station data. In step  504 , FM radio signals are received via a first antenna, such as the antenna  126 . In step  506 , the FM signals are amplified to generate amplified signals. The FM signals may be amplified by a LNA, such the LNA  128 . 
         [0135]    In step  508 , the amplified signals are converted into digital signals or preprocessed FM signals. The amplified signals may be converter using an A/D converter, such as the A/D converter  130 . In step  510 , the preprocessed FM signals are wirelessly transmitted as wireless signals to the cellular phone via a second antenna, such as the antenna  133 . 
         [0136]    Note that additional steps may be incorporated in between steps  504 - 510  to perform addition FM signal processing as described above and below. For example, additional steps may be incorporated to include the generation of intermediate frequency signals and baseband signals, as well the filtration of such signals. 
         [0137]    In step  512 , the preprocessed FM signals are received by the cellular phone as input signals via an antenna, such as the antenna  167 . In step  514 , the preprocessed FM signals are passed through a wireless interface to a FM processing module, such as the FM processing module  200 . In step  516 , the FM processing module or some other cellular phone processor or control module completes the processing of the originally received FM signals. The preprocessed FM signals are converted into processed FM signals. 
         [0138]    In step  518 , the processed FM signals from step  116  are transmitted to the remote device for audio output thereof or to an audio output of the cellular phone. Of course, the processed FM signals or data related thereto may be stored in a memory of the cellular phone or in a memory of the remote device. 
         [0139]    The above-described method eliminates some of the disadvantages that are associated with the need for a long FM antenna to be directly connected to a cellular phone. 
         [0140]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.

Technology Category: h