Rick Lee Harris

US Patent:

58120980, Sep 22, 1998

Filed:

Nov 26, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/756783

Inventors:

Rick Dale Harris - Vancouver WA
Tai Won Youn - Vancouver WA
Jagtar Singh Saroya - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Sharp Microelectronics Technology, Inc. - Camas WA
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha - Osaka

International Classification:

H01Q 124
H01Q 150

US Classification:

343906

Abstract:

A single port antenna connector assembly, mateable with either a retractable antenna or a hardline connector, is provided. When the antenna connector is mated with the connector assembly, it engages a signal contact supplying an antenna signal. When the hardline connector is mated, it engages a signal contact supplying a conductive signal to test equipment, or to an auxiliary antenna. The signal contacts have different positions in the assembly, with each connector being differentiated to engage only its corresponding signal contact. In addition, the design of connector assembly permits the antenna to be withdrawn through the connector assembly, at least partially, past the unused test signal contact. The antenna has at least two positions so that the profile of the antenna can be reduced for either storage, or for lower gain operation when the device is in a standby mode of operation. A method for selecting a retractable antenna connector assembly signal contact in response to the connector type mated to the assembly is also provided.