US20080233911A1 - Method and system for utilizing a power source as an fm antenna for an integrated fm radio - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a power source as an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio are provided. In this regard, aspects of the invention may enable reception of FM radio signals via an external component coupled to a power port of a communication device. In this regard, an external component may act as an antenna for the reception of FM radio signals. Additionally, a device may be enabled to determine whether to use a connected external component or use an antenna within the device based on the power levels of FM radio signals received via each. An inductor may be utilized in order to enhance the resonance of the external component at FM radio frequencies. Additionally, an output impedance of a device may be matched to an external component via a configurable matching network.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
• This patent application makes reference to, claims priority to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/895,665 filed Mar. 19, 2007.
• This patent application also makes reference to:
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18563US02) filed on even date herewith;
  U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18568US02) filed on even date herewith;
  U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18569US02) filed on even date herewith;
  U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18570US02) filed on even date herewith;
• Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• Certain embodiments of the invention relate to wireless communication. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for utilizing a power source as an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• With the increasing popularity of various wireless standards and technologies, there is a growing demand to provide a simple and complete solution for wireless communications applications. In this regard, electronics manufacturers are increasingly attempting to incorporate multiple wireless technologies into portable electronic devices. For example, “smart phones” are increasingly being equipped to handle a variety of wireless signals for multiple protocols.
• Although desirable to users, handling multiple wireless communication technologies into devices such as wireless handsets may pose problems in terms of cost and complexity. In this regard, combining a plurality of wireless technologies into a portable electronic device may require separate processing hardware and/or separate processing software. Moreover, coordinating the reception and/or transmission of data to and/or from the portable electronic device may require significant processing overhead that may impose certain operation restrictions and/or design challenges.
• For example, integrating FM systems into portable devices often leads to design challenges not experienced in conventional FM radios. For example, it may be difficult to achieve high quality reception of FM signals utilizing relatively small antennas as are typically found in a portable wireless communication device. In this regard, the low frequencies of FM radio broadcast signals are not conducive to the small antennas found in portable electronic devices.
• Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A system and/or method is provided for utilizing a power source as an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
• These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plurality of handheld devices which comprise a single chip integrated FM radio system for communicating with an FM radio transmitter and/or an FM radio receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for FM radio transmission and/or reception, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary impedance matching network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system enabled to utilize a power source as an FM radio antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4A depicts a car charger utilized as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4B depicts a wall charger utilized as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4C depicts an external FM radio antenna which connects to the power port of a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing a power source as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for utilizing a power source as an FM radio antenna for an integrated FM radio. The FM radio system may comprise an integrated FM radio transmitter and FM radio receiver. Aspects of the invention may enable reception of FM radio signals via an external component coupled to a power port of a communication device. In this regard, an external component may act as an antenna for the reception of FM radio signals. Additionally, a device may be enabled to determine whether to use a connected external component or use an antenna within the device based on the power levels of FM radio signals received via each. In order to improve the resonance at FM radio frequencies of the external component, an inductor may be utilized. Additionally, an output impedance of a device may be matched to an external component via a configurable matching network.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plurality of handheld devices which comprise a single chip integrated FM radio system for communicating with an FM radio transmitter and/or an FM radio receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1A, there is shown anFM radio transmitter102, anFM radio receiver110, apersonal audio player104a, asmart phone104b, acomputer104c, and an exemplary FM radio equipped device104d. TheFM radio transmitter102 may be implemented as part of a radio station or other broadcasting device, for example. Each of thepersonal audio player104a, thesmart phone104b, thecomputer104c, and the exemplary FM radio equipped device104dmay comprise asingle chip106 with an integrated FM radio for supporting FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions. Thechip106 may enable the devices104 to receive FM radio communications from theFM radio transmitter102. Similarly, thesingle chip106 may enable transmission of FM radio communications by each of thedevices104a,104b,104c, and104dto theFM radio receiver102.
• Each of thedevices104a,104b,104c, and104dmay comprise an electrically small antenna that may result in low quality and/or inefficient transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the relatively long wavelength of FM radio broadcast signals makes it difficult to radiate/gather sufficient signal energy for such signals. Accordingly, increasing the area of an antenna may improve the quality of FM radio signals transmitted/received by such thedevices104a,104b,104c, and104d. In this regard, each thedevices104a,104b,104c, and104dmay comprise a power port that may enable charging an internal battery or which may be utilized as a power source instead of an internal battery. Accordingly, the power port may be connected to a significant length of cable and/or a power source which may comprise significant conductive area and may act as an antenna for frequencies in the FM radio broadcast band. Consequently, thedevices104a,104b,104c, and104dmay be enabled to utilize the power port for transmitting and/or receiving FM radio signals.
• FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals in an FM radio broadcast band, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2A, the radio200 may comprise twofrequency synthesizers224aand224b, an FM radio receive (Rx) block226, amemory228, aprocessor230, adirectional coupler234, an antenna236, a FM radio transmit (Tx) block232, and aconfigurable matching network244.
• Thefrequency synthesizers224aand224bmay comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable generation of fixed and/or variable frequency signals. For example, thefrequency synthesizers224aand224bmay each comprise one or more direct digital frequency synthesizers, and/or phase locked loops (PLLs).
• Thememory228 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable storage of information. In this regard, thememory228 may, for example, enable storage of information utilized to control and/or configure thefrequency synthesizers224aand224b. For example, thememory228 may store the value of state variables that may be utilized to control the frequency output by each of thefrequency synthesizers224aand224b. Thememory228 may enable storage of information that may be utilized to configure the FM radio Rx block226 and/or the FMradio Tx block232. In this regard, the FMradio RX block226 and/or the FM radio Tx block232 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code such as a filter, for example, that may be configured based on the desired frequency of operation. Thememory228 may enable storage of information utilized for configuring thematching network244. For example, one or more state variables may be utilized to configure a bank of capacitors via one or more switching elements. Thememory228 may enable storage of information that may be utilized to configure thesignal analyzer242 and/or thesignal analyzer240. In this regard, thesignal analyzer242 and/or thesignal analyzer240 may comprise circuitry, logic, and/or code such as a filter, for example, that may be configured based on the desired frequency for measurement. Additionally, thememory228 may be enabled to store measurement results from theanalyzer242 and/or thesignal analyzer240.
• The FM radio Rx block226 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the FM radio Rx block226 may be enabled to tune to a desired channel, amplify received signals, down-convert received signals, and/or demodulate received signals to, for example, output data and/or audio information comprising the channel. For example, the FM radio Rx block226 may utilize in-phase and quadrature phase local oscillator signals generated by thefrequency synthesizer224ato down-convert received FM radio signals. The FM radio Rx block226 may, for example, be enabled to operate over a “FM radio broadcast band”, or approximately 76 MHz to 108 MHz. Signal processing performed by the FM Rx block226 may be performed entirely in the analog domain, or the FM radio Rx block226 may comprise one or more analog to digital converters and/or digital to analog converters. The FM radio Rx block226 may comprise asignal analyzer240. In this regard, thesignal analyzer240 may, for example, be enabled to measure the power at one or more frequencies in a received signal. In this regard, thesignal analyzer240 may comprise one or more tunable filters which may be tuned to the same frequency as the FMradio Rx block226.
• The FM radio Tx block232 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable transmission of FM radio signals. In this regard, the FM radio Tx block232 may be enabled to frequency modulate a carrier signal with audio/data information. In this regard, the carrier frequency may be generated by thefrequency synthesizer224b. The FM radio Tx block232 may also be enabled to up-convert a modulated signal to a frequency, for example, in a “FM radio broadcast band”, or approximately 76 MHz to 108 MHz. Additionally, the FM radio Tx block232 may be enabled to buffer and/or amplify a FM radio signal such that the signal may be transmitted via an antenna. In another embodiment of the invention, thefrequency synthesizer224amay comprise a DDFS that may be capable of providing FM radio modulation for the signal to be transmitted. The FM radio Tx block232 may comprise asignal analyzer242. In this regard, thesignal analyzer242 may, for example, be enabled to measure the power at one or more frequencies in a signal being transmitted. In this regard, thesignal analyzer240 may comprise one or more tunable filters which may be tuned to the same frequency as the FMradio Tx block226.
• Theprocessor230 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable interfacing to thememory228, thefrequency synthesizers224aand224b, the FMradio Rx block226, theconfigurable matching network244, thesignal analyzer242, thesignal analyzer240 and/or the FMradio Tx block232. In this regard, theprocessor230 may be enabled to execute one or more instructions that enable reading and/or writing to/from thememory228. Theprocessor230 may be enabled to execute one or more instructions that enable providing one or more control signals to the frequency synthesizer224, the FM radio Rx block226 and/or the FMradio Tx block232. In this regard, theprocessor230 may, for example, be enabled to tune the FM radio Rx block226 and/or the FM radio Tx block232 to a desired FM radio channel. Theprocessor230 may be enabled to execute one or more instructions that enable providing one or more control signals to theconfigurable matching network244. In this regard, theprocessor230 may, for example, be enabled to configure one or more switching elements comprising theconfigurable matching network244. Theprocessor230 may be enabled to execute one or more instructions that enable providing one or more control signals to thesignal analyzer242, and/or thesignal analyzer240. In this regard, theprocessor230 may, for example, be enabled to tune thesignal analyzer242, and/or thesignal analyzer240 to a desired frequency for measurement. Similarly, theprocessor230 may be enable controlling measurements performed by the transmittedsignal analyzer242 and/or the receivedsignal analyzer240. Theprocessor230 may be enabled to store measurement results from thesignal analyzer242 and/or thesignal analyzer240 to thememory228.
• Thedirectional coupler234 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic and or code that may enable coupling the FM radio Tx block232 and the FM radio Rx block226 to the antenna236 for the transmission and reception of wireless signals. Thedirectional coupler234 may be enabled to route signals from the FM radio Tx block to the antenna236 and to route signals from the antenna236 to the FMradio Rx block226. In this regard, thedirectional coupler234 may route received signals to the Rx block226 where they may be measured by thesignal analyzer240.
• Theconfigurable matching network244 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable matching the FM radio Rx block226 and/or the FM radio Tx block to the antenna236 over a range of impedances. In this regard thematching network244 may comprise one or more active components, passive components, and/or switching elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the matching network may comprise an LC network with one or more variable capacitances and/or inductances. In this regard the variable capacitance may be a bank of capacitors configured via a number of switching elements. Similarly, the variable inductance may be a bank of inductors configured via a number of switching elements. In various embodiments of the invention, all or part of thematching network244 may reside on-chip or off-chip. For example, one or more banks of capacitors may be realized on chip while one or more inductors may be realized off-chip.
• In an exemplary operation, one or more signals provided by theprocessor230 may configure the system200. Theprocessor230 may access thememory228 and may provide control signals to the various blocks comprising the chip202. Thefrequency synthesizers224aand224bmay be frequency locked to each other such that the FM radio Tx block232 withcorresponding signal analyzer242, and the FM radio Rx block226 with thecorresponding signal analyzer240 may be tuned to the same frequency. A test signal may be generated by the FM radio Tx block232 and the test signal may be partially reflected by the antenna236 due to an impedance mismatch between the Tx block232 and the antenna236. Theanalyzer240 may measure the reflected signal. Theprocessor230 may utilize measurements from theanalyzers240 and242 to configure thematching network244. The matching network may be configured for a plurality of antennas. For example, each of theantennas236aand236bmay have different characteristics and may thus require a different configuration of the matching network. Accordingly, matching to a plurality of antennas may enable selecting the antenna that achieves the best reception and/or transmission for a given application. Additionally, a parallel combination of two or more antennas may be used if it provides the best required reception. The configuration of the matching network may be performed at a multitude of frequencies across a “FM radio broadcast band”. For example, for an FM radio band of 76 MHz to 108 MHz, thematching network244 may be configured at 76 MHz, 92 MHz and 108 MHz. The configuration of the matching network may be performed utilizing a multitude of test tone signal strengths. For example, the matching network may be configured for a maximum and a minimum transmit power of the FMradio Tx block232. The determined matching network configuration for each test frequency and/or signal strength may be stored to thememory228.
• FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary impedance matching network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2B there is shown two banks ofcapacitors254aand254bwithcorresponding switch networks255a,255d, and a bank ofinductors256 withcorresponding switch networks255band255c. Each of the switch networks255 may comprise a plurality of switches which may be controlled via a digital word.
• In operation each of the switch networks may be controlled via a digital word. In this regard the capacitance betweennode251 and ground may be determined via a digital control word. Similarly the capacitance betweennode253 and ground may be determined via a digital control word. Similarly the inductance betweennodes251 and253 may be configured. Accordingly, thematching network244 may be programmable controlled to match a wide range of impedances. All or part of the matching network may be integrated onto a single substrate or may comprise one or more discrete components. In this regard, all or part of thematching network244 may be integrated onto thechip106.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system enabled to utilize a power source as an FM radio antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3 there is shown awireless communication device302, apower source320, an AC chokes322a,322b,322c, apower cable324, and inductors324Aa,324b.
• Thewireless communication device302 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the wireless communication device may be similar to or the same as the devices104 described inFIG. 1. Thewireless communication device302 may comprise aprocessor312, amemory314, an FM radio Tx/Rx block316, amatching network318, anantenna312, aswitching element308, apower conditioning block306, abattery307, apower port310, and aDC blocking cap304.
• Thememory314 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable storage of information. Similar to thememory228 ofFIG. 2A, thememory314 may enable storing state variables and/or other control signal that may enable configuring and/or controlling the Fm radio Tx/Rx block316 and/or thematching network318. Additionally, thememory314 may enable storage of state variables and/or other information that may enable controlling theswitching element308 to select between theinternal antenna312 and thepower port310 for receiving FM radio signals. Also, thememory314 may enable storage of information utilized for the configuration and/or operation of thepower conditioning block306.
• Theprocessor312 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable interfacing to thememory314, the integrated FM radio Tx/Rx316, thematching network318, the switchingelement308, and/or thepower conditioning block306. In interfacing to thememory314, the integrated FM radio Tx/Rx block316, and thematching network318, theprocessor312 may be similar to or the same as theprocessor230 described inFIG. 2A. Additionally, theprocessor312 may be enabled to provide one or more control signals to theswitching element308 for selecting between theinternal antenna312 and thepower port310 for receiving FM radio signals. Also, theprocessor312 may be enabled to provide one or more control signals to thepower conditioning circuit306.
• The FM radio Tx/Rx block316 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code to enable transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the FM radio Tx/Rx block316 may be similar to or the same as thechip106 isFIGS. 1 and 2A.
• Thematching network318 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable matching the output impedance of the FM radio Tx/Rx block316 to one or more antennas. In this regard, the matching network may be similar to or the same as thematching network244 inFIGS. 2A and 2B.
• Thewireless communication device302 may comprise an electrically smallinternal antenna312. In this regard, theantenna312 may comprise an electrically small antenna that may provide low quality and/or inefficient transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals.
• The switchingelement308 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable communicatively coupling one of a number of signal sources to thematching network318. In this regard, the switchingelement308 may enable selecting between theinternal antenna312 and thepower port310. The switchingelement308 may be controlled by one or more signals from theprocessor312.
• Thepower conditioning block306 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable conditioning power received via thepower port310 and/or thebattery307. In this regard, thepower conditioning block306 may be enabled to filter power lines, generate multiple voltages from a single voltage, regulate voltages, and/or regulate currents. Voltages and/or currents output by thepower conditioning block306 may be utilized to power the various blocks comprising thedevice302. Similarly, power received via thepower port310 may be conditioned to be suitable for charging thebattery307.
• Thepower port310 may comprise a physical interface via which thedevice302 may receive power from theexternal power source320. Additionally, thepower port310 may enable utilizing thecable324 and/or thepower source320 as an FM radio antenna. In this regard, RF signals received via the power port may pass through theDC blocking capacitor304 to theswitching element308.
• Thepower cable324 may comprise a length of electrical conductor suitable for transmission of power from thepower source320 to thedevice302. In this regard, thepower cable324 may act as an antenna for FM radio signals in a FM radio broadcast range.
• Theinductors326a,326bmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable enhancing the resonance of thecable324 and/or thepower source320. In this regard, placing theinductor326abetween thepower source320 and thecable324 and/or placing theinductor326bbetween thepower source320 and ground may enhance the resonance of thepower source320 and thecable324 at frequencies in an FM radio broadcast band.
• The AC chokes322a,322b,322cmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable passing DC frequencies while blocking AC frequencies in a FM radio broadcast range. In this regard, thepower conditioning block306 may be low impedance at frequencies in a FM radio broadcast band. Consequently, without anAC choke322a,322b, and/or322c, AC signals received via thepower port310 may effectively be shorted to ground.
• Thepower source320 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable generation and/or transmission of power to thewireless communication device302. In various embodiments of the invention, thepower source320 may provide DC current to thewireless communication device302. Thepower source320 may comprise significant amounts of metal and/or cabling which may act as an antenna at FM radio broadcast frequencies. In various embodiments of the invention, thepower source302 may comprise one or more transformers and rectifier circuits for AC to DC conversion. In various embodiments of the invention, the power source may comprise one or more switching elements for DC to DC conversion.
• In operation, thedevice302 may tune to a desired frequency in an FM radio broadcast band. Thedevice302 may then sample an RF signal from theantenna312 and an RF signal from thepower port310. For example, an analyzer such as theanalyzer240 ofFIG. 2A may be utilized to determine whether the signal from theantenna312 or the signal from thepower port310 comprises, for example, greater power and/or less noise. Accordingly, if theantenna312 receives a stronger and/or less noisy signal, then theswitching element308 may be configured to receive FM radio signals via theantenna312. Similarly, if thepower port310 receives a stronger and/or less noisy signal, then theswitching element308 may be configured to receive FM radio signals via thepower port310. In various embodiments of the invention, the sampling of the signals may be performed periodically in order to provide a best available signal in the face of changing conditions. In this regard, the signals may be sampled, for example, with sufficiently high frequency such that received FM radio signals are not audibly impacted.
• In determining the best received signal, thematching network318 may accordingly be configured based on whether theantenna312 or thepower port310 is selected. Additionally, different configurations of thematching network312 may be ideal fordifferent power sources320, different frequencies of operation, and/or different signal strengths. Accordingly, a calibration routine may be invoked upon an initial setup of thedevice302 and/or periodically during operation of thedevice302. In this regard, the optimal configuration for thematching network316 for each of theantenna312 andvarious power sources320 may be determined in a manner similar to the method described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18570US02) which is filed on even date herewith, and hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• FIG. 4A depicts a car charger utilized as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4A there is shown awireless communication device302 comprising apower port310 connected to apower adapter402. In this regard, theadapter402 may enable connecting thedevice302 to a 12 Vdc outlet located, for example, in an automobile. In one embodiment of the invention, theadapter402 may comprise an inductor such as theinductor326aor326bdescribed inFIG. 3. In this manner, thecable404 may act as an antenna. In another embodiment of the invention, an automobile to which theadapter402 is connected may have an inductor between the power outlet and chassis ground. In this instance, metal components comprising the automobile itself may act as an FM radio antenna.
• FIG. 4B depicts an AC/DC converter utilized as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4B there is shown awireless communication device302 comprising apower port310 connected to an AC/DC converter406. In this regard, the AC/DC converter406 may enable connecting thedevice302 to a 120 Vac electrical outlet. In one embodiment of the invention, the AC/DC converter406 may comprise an AC choke such as the AC choke322 described inFIG. 3. In this manner, thecable408 may act as an antenna. In another embodiment of the invention, an outlet to which theadapter402 is connected may have an inductor between the power outlet and ground. In this instance, metal components comprising the outlet and wiring may act as an FM radio antenna.
• FIG. 4C depicts an external FM radio antenna which may connect to the power port of a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4C there is shown an externalFM radio antenna410 that may be enabled to connect to the power port of thewireless communication device302. In this regard, utilizing the power port as an antenna port may save space and/or cost as compared to having a dedicated port for an external antenna.
• FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing a power source as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 5, the exemplary steps may begin withstart step502. Subsequent to step502 the exemplary steps may advance to step504. Instep504 it may be determined whether an external component is connected via a power port of a wireless communication device. For example, a device may comprise a discrete logic signal that is asserted when an external component is connected to the power port. If an external component is not connected to the power port, then the steps may advance to step514. In step514 a default antenna, internal to the wireless communication device, may be utilized for transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the wireless communication device may configure a matching network for an optimum match to the internal antenna at one or more desired frequencies.
• Returning to step504 if an external device is connected to the power port, then the exemplary steps may advance to step506. Instep506 the wireless communication device may measure RF signal levels present on the power port. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the measurement results may be stored to a memory, such as thememory314 inFIG. 3. Subsequent to step506 the exemplary steps may advance to step508. Instep508 the wireless communication device may measure RF signal levels present on the internal antenna port. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the measurement results may be stored to a memory, such as thememory314 inFIG. 3. Subsequent to step508 the exemplary steps may advance to step510. Instep510 the results fromsteps506 and508 may be compared. In this regard if the power port provides a stronger and/or less noisy signal at a desired FM frequency then, instep512, the power port may be utilized for transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals at the desired frequency. Conversely, if the internal antenna provides a stronger and/or less noisy signal at a desired FM frequency then, instep514, the internal antenna may be utilized for transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals at the desired frequency.
• Another embodiment of the invention may provide a machine-readable storage, having stored thereon, a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform the steps as described herein for matching an integrated FM radio system to an antenna utilizing on-chip measurement of reflected signals.
• Aspects of a method and system for receiving FM radio signals via an external component coupled to a power port of a communication device, such as theport310 of thedevice302. In this regard, an external component, such as the components shown inFIGS. 4A,4B, and4C, may act as an antenna for the reception of FM radio signals. Additionally, a device may be enabled to determine whether to use a connected external component or an antenna within the device, such as theantenna312 ofFIG. 3, based on the power levels of FM radio signals received via each. In order to improve the resonance of the external component at FM radio frequencies, an inductor such as theinductor326aor326bofFIG. 3 may be utilized. Additionally, an output impedance of a device, such as thedevice302, may be matched to an external component via a configurable matching network, such as thematching network318. In one embodiment of the invention, the matching network may comprise a bank of capacitors.
• Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
• The present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
• While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method for processing signals in a communication system, the method comprising:

in a wireless communication device, receiving FM radio signals via an external component connected to a power port of said wireless communication device.

2. The method according toclaim 1, comprising receiving said FM radio signals via an external power coupled to said power port, wherein said power source acts as an FM antenna.

3. The method according toclaim 1, comprising receiving said FM radio signals via a 12 V DC power adapter coupled to an automobile.

4. The method according toclaim 1, comprising receiving said FM radio signals via an AC to DC converter coupled to a 120 V AC electrical outlet.

5. The method according toclaim 1, comprising receiving said FM radio signals via an external antenna coupled to a power port of said wireless communication device.

6. The method according toclaim 1, comprising programmably selecting between an antenna comprising said wireless communication device and said external component for said receiving of said FM signals.

7. The method according toclaim 1, comprising selecting between an antenna within said wireless communication device and said external component based on power levels and/or signal quality of said FM radio signals received via said antenna within said wireless communication device and via said external component.

8. The method according toclaim 1, comprising utilizing an inductor to enhance resonance at FM radio frequencies of said external component in an FM radio broadcast band.

9. The method according toclaim 1, comprising programmably matching an output impedance of said wireless communication device to said external component.

10. The method according toclaim 1, comprising programmably configuring one or more banks of capacitors and/or inductors to match an output impedance of said wireless communication device to said external component.

11. A system for processing signals, the system comprising:

one or more circuits which enable reception of FM radio signals via an external component connected to a power port of said wireless communication device.

12. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an external power coupled to said power port, wherein said power source acts as an FM antenna.

13. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable reception of said FM signals via a 12 V DC power adapter coupled to an automobile.

14. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an AC to DC converter coupled to a 120 V AC electrical outlet.

15. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an external antenna coupled to a power port of said wireless communication device.

16. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable programmable selection between an antenna comprising said wireless communication device and said external component for said receiving of said FM radio signals.

17. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable selection between an antenna within said wireless communication device and said external component based on power levels and/or signal quality of said FM radio signals received via said antenna within said wireless communication device and via said external component.

18. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable utilization of an inductor to enable said external component to resonate at FM radio frequencies in an FM radio broadcast band.

19. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable programmably matching an output impedance of said wireless communication device to said external component.

20. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said one or more circuits enable programmable configuration one or more banks of capacitors and/or inductors to match an output impedance of said wireless communication device to said external component.

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