Trimble Navigation Limited

Wavetek Microwave, Inc.

Thomas R Allen

Anil Tiwari

Stephen C Cripps

A method for determining coverage gaps within a geographical area served by a wireless communication network includes: (a) receiving a location report from each of a plurality of mobile units; (b) storing all location reports received from the mobile units in a database; and (c) searching the database for a position within the geographical area at which an acceptable quality wireless signal has not been received. The location report may include a measured signal quality metric of the wireless link, which may be the signal strength of the wireless link, a bit error rate of the wireless link, or both. Location reports may be displayed on a map to show coverage quality and gaps. Statistical technique and quantitative techniques can be applied on the signal quality metrics reported.

Method for locating coverage gaps in wireless communication services

A radio frequency ('RF') power sensor providing RF signal power sensing with reduced dependency upon its input signal power level includes multiple series-connected diodes for detecting the power of an input RF signal and providing an output voltage representing that power. The multiple series-connected diodes couple the input node shunted by an input load resistor to the output node shunted by an output filter capacitor. Using multiple series-connected diodes results in reduced reverse bias voltages across the diodes (presented by the charged output filter capacitor), thereby increasing their junction capacitances. These increased junction capacitances, in turn, result in reduced fractional changes thereof (e.g. capacitance 'modulation') over changes in the input RF signal power. This reduction in fractional capacitance changes as a function of input signal power variations, further in turn, results in reduced input signal power dependency of the sensors' impedances and sensitivities. Therefore, the power detection performed by the diodes becomes more predictable, e.g. more linear, over a broader input RF signal power range.

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San Mateo, CA, United States of America

Thomas R Allen