Standardized RF module insert for a portable electronic processing device
View Patent ↗A wireless network adapter for establishing wireless communication links between electronic devices. In one embodiment, the wireless network adapter comprises wireless communication circuitry encased in a shell in the form of a detachable molding element of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter further comprises a bus connector adapted to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus when the shell is attached to an outer surface of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter is a fully integrated solution further comprising an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network and a radio modem comprising a radio, a receiver, and modulation circuitry. The RF antenna in the wireless network adapter may take one of several forms. The antenna may be a dedicated unit housed within the shell of the wireless network adapter. Alternatively, the antenna may form a part of the outer shell of the adapter or it may form a part of a company logo located on the shell the adapter. The wireless network adapter is installed in an electronic device such as a portable computer. The electronic device comprises, at a minimum, a system microprocessor, an expansion bus, a read-writeable memory device, an input/output device, and an expansion port connected to the expansion bus that is configured to accept the detachable wireless network adapter. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an electronic device equipped with an external sleeve configured to accept a wireless network adapter insert.
1. A removable wireless network adapter for use with a computer system, comprising:
wireless communication circuitry;
a bus connector for coupling the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus in the computer system;
an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network;
a radio modem that converts between digital and modulated analog signals;
a housing for housing the wireless communication circuitry, radio modem and RF antenna; and
the network adapter fits in a recess formed in an outer surface of the computer system and when fitted in the recess, the bus connector couples to the expansion bus and a portion of the exterior surface of the computer system functions as a ground plane for the RF antenna.
2. The wireless network adapter of claim 1 , wherein the computer system comprises a laptop computer having a hinged display, and the network adapter fits in a recess formed in an outer surface of the display.
3. A removable wireless network adapter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the RF antenna comprises conductive material that is deposited on the housing.
4. A removable wireless network adapter as defined in claim 3 , wherein the conductive material is in the shape of a company logo.
5. A removable wireless network adapter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the RF antenna is in a fixed location inside of the housing.
6. A wireless network adapter that mates with a computer system, comprising:
wireless communication circuitry that fits within a recess in an outer surface of the computer system;
a bus connector adapted to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus in the computer system;
an antenna for communication with a wireless network and adapted to fit within the recess; and
a detachable cover that encases the communication circuitry and antenna and covers the recess.
7. The wireless network adopter of claim 6 wherein the computer system comprises a portable computer having a hinged display and the detachable cover covers a recess formed in the display.
8. A wireless network adapter that mates with a hinged lid of a laptop computer, comprising:
wireless communication circuitry;
an antenna coupled to the wireless communication circuitry;
wherein the communication circuitry and antenna attach to the lid; and
a detachable cover encases the communication circuitry and antenna and functions as a latch release for the lid of the laptop computer.
9. The wireless network adapter of claim 8 wherein the detachable cover fits in a recess formed in the lid and covers the recess.
10. A wireless network adapter as defined in claim 8 , wherein the antenna comprises conductive material that is deposited on the detachable cover.
11. A wireless network adapter as defined in claim 10 , wherein the conductive material is in the shape of a company logo.
12. A method for providing a wireless communication link for a computer that includes an exterior case having a recess, comprising;
inserting a detachable molding element that houses a wireless network adapter that includes wireless communication circuitry and an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network into the recess; and
automatically establishing an electrical interconnection between the wireless network adapter and the computer upon the detachable molding element being inserted into the recess.
13. A method as defined in claim 12 , wherein the detachable molding element covers the recess once it is inserted into the recess.
14. A method as defined in claim 12 , wherein the computer comprises a laptop computer having a lid and the detachable molding element functions us a latch release for the lid.
15. A method as defined in claim 12 , further comprising:
securing the detachable molding element to the recess using one or more latches.