EFFICIENT CLOSED LOOP TUNING USING SIGNAL STRENGH

Abstract

A wireless communication system, in some embodiments, comprises: a receiver; one or more tunable elements, coupled to the receiver, to adjust an impedance of the system; and a processor, coupled to the one or more tunable elements, to tune said one or more tunable elements based on the strength of a received signal.

Claims

1. A wireless communication system, comprising: a receiver comprising: a first processor; and a signal strength detector coupled to the first processor and operable to determine a strength of a received signal; one or more tunable elements coupled to the receiver and configured to adjust an impedance of the system; and a second processor coupled to the one or more tunable elements and configured to: tune said one or more tunable elements based on the strength of the received signal; and transmit a trigger signal to a second wireless communication system instructing the second communication system to perform a tuning process while the wireless communication system maintains the tuned tunable elements unchanged, wherein, to tune said one or more tunable elements based on the received signal strength, the first processor is configured to identify a defined set of tuning states for the one or more tunable elements, identify the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength, and instruct the second processor to adjust the one or more tunable elements to implement said identified tuning state.

2.-3. (canceled)

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor evaluates the received signal strength using a value selected from the group consisting of: received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and received channel power indicator (RCPI).

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more tunable elements are selected from the group consisting of: a tunable antenna and a tunable matching network.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more tunable elements include variable capacitors.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a transmitter; one or more additional tunable elements coupled to the transmitter; and another processor, coupled to said one or more additional tunable elements, to tune said one or more additional tunable elements based on said received signal strength.

8.-20. (canceled)

21. The system of claim 1, wherein, to identify the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength, the first processor is configured to: sort the tuning states in said set to produce a sorted set; determine the received signal strength for each of a sorted subset of tuning states in the sorted set; based on said determination, identify a first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset with the highest determined received signal strength; identify a second candidate tuning state preceding the first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset and a third candidate tuning state succeeding the first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset; and designate one of the first, second, and third candidate tuning states as the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein, to identify the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength, the first processor is configured to: implement each tuning state among said set of tuning states; measure a signal strength indicator for each implemented tuning state; identify, from among the measured signal strength indicators, an optimal tuning state that provides for a greatest measured signal strength indicator; and identify the optimal tuning state as the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength.

23. A wireless communication system, comprising: a transceiver comprising: an output stage power detector; a signal strength detector coupled to the output stage power detector; and a first processor coupled to the signal strength detector and configured to evaluate indications of signal strength received from the signal strength detector; one or more tunable elements coupled to the transceiver and configured to adjust an impedance of the system; and a second processor coupled to the one or more tunable elements and configured to tune said one or more tunable elements based on a received signal.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the output stage is operable to determine a power of a signal output by the transceiver, and wherein a change to the power of the signal output by the transceiver corresponds to an output power of the wireless communications system.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the second processor is configured to tune said one or more tunable elements based at least in part on a signal strength of the received signal determined at least partially by the first processor and the signal strength detector.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the received signal is a trigger signal received from a second wireless communication system, and wherein the second processor is configured to tune said one or more tunable elements based at least in part on a signal strength of the received signal.

27. The system of claim 23, wherein each of the tunable elements comprises a first impedance element, a second impedance element, and a switch coupled between the first impedance element and the second impedance element, and wherein, to tune the one or more tunable elements based on the received signal, the second processor is configured to toggle the switch to adjust the impedance of the system based at least partially on an amount of impedance of the first impedance element and an amount of impedance of the second impedance element.

28. The system of claim 23, wherein the second processor is configured to tune the one or more tunable elements based at least in part on a signal strength indicator received by the system.

29. A wireless communication system, comprising: a transceiver; one or more tunable elements coupled to the transceiver and configured to adjust an impedance of the system; and a processor coupled to the one or more tunable elements and configured to: tune said one or more tunable elements based on the strength of a received signal; and transmit a trigger signal to a second wireless communication system instructing the second communication system to perform a tuning process while the wireless communication system maintains the tuned tunable elements unchanged, wherein, to tune said one or more tunable elements based on the received signal strength, the processor is configured to identify a tuning state among said set of tuning states for the one or more tunable elements that maximizes the received signal strength, and adjust the one or more tunable elements to implement said identified tuning state.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein, to identify the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength, the processor is configured to: sort the tuning states in said set to produce a sorted set; determine the received signal strength for each of a sorted subset of tuning states in the sorted set; based on said determination, identify a first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset with the highest determined received signal strength; identify a second candidate tuning state preceding the first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset and a third candidate tuning state succeeding the first candidate tuning state in the sorted subset; and designate one of the first, second, and third candidate tuning states as the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein, to identify the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength, the processor is configured to: implement each tuning state among said set of tuning states; measure a signal strength indicator for each implemented tuning state; identify, from among the measured signal strength indicators, an optimal tuning state that provides for a greatest measured signal strength indicator; and identify the optimal tuning state as the tuning state among said set that maximizes the received signal strength.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein the processor is configured to evaluate the received signal strength using a value selected from the group consisting of: received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and received channel power indicator (RCPI).

33. The system of claim 29, wherein, to perform said tuning based on said strength, the processor is configured to tune the one or more tunable elements and subsequently determine the extent to which the current output by a system battery is affected.

34. The system of claim 29, wherein each of the tunable elements comprises a first impedance element, a second impedance element, and a switch coupled between the first impedance element and the second impedance element, and wherein the processor is configured to tune the one or more tunable elements by toggling the switch to adjust the impedance of the system based at least partially on an amount of impedance of the first impedance element and an amount of impedance of the second impedance element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings:

[0007] FIGS. 1A-1B depict illustrative wireless medical devices.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative wireless communication system.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative tunable matching network.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative tunable antenna.

[0011] FIGS. 5-7 are flow diagrams of methods for efficient closed-loop tuning using indications of wireless signal strength.

[0012] The specific embodiments given in the drawings and detailed description do not limit the disclosure. On the contrary, they provide the foundation for one of ordinary skill to discern the alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications that are encompassed together with one or more of the given embodiments in the scope of the appended claims. The term “couple” and variants thereof, as used herein, indicate a direct or indirect connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Disclosed herein are closed-loop impedance matching techniques that entail tuning transmitter and receiver systems based on indications of wireless signal strength. In some embodiments, a receiver system contains one or more tunable elements that may be used to match impedances between an antenna and a receiver in the receiver system. Each distinct configuration of the tunable elements is considered to be a separate tuning state of the system. A processor in the receiver system adjusts the tunable elements to implement different tuning states and, as it does so, it evaluates one or more indicators of received signal strength, such as received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values or received channel power indicator (RCPI) values. The processor implements the tuning state that maximizes the received signal strength.

[0014] The receiver system, which also functions as a transceiver, then sends a trigger signal to the transmitter system, which causes the transmitter system to begin tuning its own tunable elements. Like the receiver system, the transmitter system contains a processor that adjusts the tunable elements to implement various tuning states. The processor evaluates one or more indicators of transmitted signal strength in each of these tuning states. Such indicators may include, for example, fluctuations in the transmitter system battery current or a power detector measurement at the output stage of a transmitter in the transmitter system. Such indicators may also include an RSSI or RCPI value provided by the receiver (acting as a transceiver). These RSSI and RCPI values, although obtained from the receiver, directly relate to the strength with which the transmission system is transmitting signals. The processor identifies the tuning state that maximizes one or more such indicators (or an average of such indicators, or another desired mathematical computation involving such indicators) and implements that tuning state.

[0015] The foregoing tuning processes may be executed in the receiver and/or transmitter systems regularly or irregularly. For example, if either or both of these systems are included in a wireless medical product that infrequently engages in wireless communications, one or both of the foregoing tuning processes may be performed just prior to each such communication. Conversely, if either or both of the systems form part of a product that frequently engages in wireless communications, one or both of the foregoing tuning processes may be performed at regular intervals or when one or more signal strength indicators drop below predetermined thresholds.

[0016] As explained, in both the receiver and transmitter systems, one or more signal strength indicators are used to evaluate various tuning states, and such indicators can include—without limitation—RSSI values, RCPI values, battery current fluctuations, transmitter output stage power measurements, and the like. Such indicators are readily accessible and require minimal or no additional circuitry, thus mitigating expense and space requirements. Preferably, however, such indicators do not include direct measurements of antenna impedance using directional couplers, which are relatively expensive and occupy a substantial amount of space.

[0017] FIGS. 1A-1B depict illustrative wireless medical devices that may implement one or more of the techniques disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 1A includes a hearing aid 100 and FIG. 1B includes a pacemaker 102. The hearing aid 100 may house a transmitter system, receiver system or transceiver system that executes the disclosed tuning techniques to enhance wireless communications with, e.g., a mobile phone, media player, personal computer or other device. Similarly, the pacemaker 102 may house a transmitter system, receiver system or transceiver system that executes the disclosed tuning techniques to facilitate wireless communications with, e.g., storage devices that can receive recordings of cardiac electrical activity from the pacemaker 102. The hearing aid 100 and pacemaker 102 are merely representative of a broad array of wireless devices and systems that can benefit from implementing the disclosed tuning techniques. The scope of disclosure is not limited to medical devices and includes any and all transmitter and receiver systems that benefit from closed-loop impedance matching.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative wireless communication system 200. The system 200 comprises a transmitter system 201 and a receiver system 203. Although systems 201 and 203 are designated as transmitter and receiver systems, respectively, in at least some embodiments each of the systems contains a transceiver that enables the system to function as both a transmitter and a receiver system. The transmitter system 201 and/or receiver system 203 may form part of a wireless system or device, including wireless medical devices (e.g., external devices such as hearing aids and glucose monitors; implantable devices such as neurological stimulators and pacemakers). The transmitter system 201 includes a processor 202.sub.1; storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) 204.sub.1 storing software 206.sub.1 and coupling to the processor 202.sub.1; a transceiver 208.sub.1 coupling to a bus 226.sub.1 and comprising a processor 210.sub.1, an output stage power detector 211.sub.1, signal strength detector 212.sub.1, and storage (e.g., RAM) 214.sub.1 storing tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1, tunable element control software 218.sub.1, and signal strength analysis software 220.sub.1; a tunable matching network 222.sub.1 (also referred to as a “tunable element”) coupling to transceiver 208.sub.1 and to bus 226.sub.1; and a tunable antenna 224.sub.1 (also called a “tunable element”) coupling to tunable matching network 222.sub.1 and to bus 226.sub.1. The transmitter system 201 is powered by a battery 205.sub.1.

[0019] The transmitter system 201 communicates with the receiver system 203 via communication channel 228. The receiver system 203 includes a processor 202.sub.2; storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) 204.sub.2 storing software 206.sub.2 and coupling to the processor 202.sub.2; a transceiver 208.sub.2 coupling to a bus 226.sub.2 and comprising a processor 210.sub.2, an output stage power detector 211.sub.2, signal strength detector 212.sub.2, and storage (e.g., RAM) 214.sub.2 storing tuning search algorithm 216.sub.2, tunable element control software 218.sub.2, and signal strength analysis software 220.sub.2; a tunable matching network 222.sub.2 (also referred to as a “tunable element”) coupling to transceiver 208.sub.2 and to bus 226.sub.2; and a tunable antenna 224.sub.2 (or “tunable element”) coupling to tunable matching network 222.sub.2 and to bus 226.sub.2. The receiver system 203 is powered by a battery 205.sub.2.

[0020] The processor 202.sub.1 executes software 206.sub.1 to perform some or all of its functions. These functions include, without limitation, setting tuning states for the transmitter system 201 by adjusting the tunable matching network 222.sub.1 and/or the tunable antenna 224.sub.1. The transceiver 208.sub.1 processes and modulates signals for transmission via the tunable antenna 224.sub.1 or, alternatively, de-modulates and processes signals received via the tunable antenna 224.sub.1. The transceiver's functions are performed by the processor 210.sub.1 as a result of executing the tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1, the tunable element control software 218.sub.1, and/or the signal strength analysis software 220.sub.1. Executing the tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1 causes the processor 210.sub.1 to cycle through multiple different tuning states and to evaluate indications of signal strength—for instance, RSSI—for each tuning state. The tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1 thus facilitates the identification of a tuning state that maximizes indications of signal strength and is described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 below.

[0021] When executing the tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1, the processor 210.sub.1 adjusts the tunable matching network 222.sub.1 and/or the tunable antenna 224.sub.1 by executing the tunable element control software 218.sub.1. The processor 210.sub.1 may perform this tuning function on its own or may share its tuning function with the processor 202.sub.1. Alternatively, it may instruct the processor 202.sub.1 to perform the tuning function on its own. Further, when executing the tuning search algorithm 216.sub.1, the processor 210.sub.1 obtains indications of signal strength (e.g., RSSI or RCPI) by executing the signal strength analysis software 220.sub.1. When executed, the software 220.sub.1 causes the processor 210.sub.1 to obtain signal strength indicators from the signal strength detector 212.sub.1 or from any other suitable source.

[0022] The signal strength detector 212.sub.1 is any suitable device for monitoring signal strength indicators, and it provides such indications to the processor 210.sub.1. In some embodiments, the signal strength detector 212.sub.1 is an RSSI detector or an RCPI detector. In some embodiments, the detector 212.sub.1 couples to the system battery 205.sub.1 to measure the current flowing from the battery (since an increase or decrease in battery current indicates a corresponding increase or decrease in transmission power). In some embodiments, the detector 212.sub.1 couples to the power detector 211.sub.1 at the output stage of the transceiver 208.sub.1 to determine the power of the signal output by the transceiver 208.sub.1 (since an increase or decrease in output power indicates a corresponding increase or decrease in transmission power). The scope of disclosure is not limited to these measures of signal strength, and any and all equivalents besides direct impedance measurements using directional couplers are contemplated. Furthermore, the types of signal strength indicators obtained by the signal strength detector 212.sub.1 depends in part on whether the transceiver 208.sub.1 is functioning as a transmitter or a receiver. For example, when functioning as a receiver, the detector 212.sub.1 may obtain RSSI and RCPI values. Conversely, when functioning as a transmitter, the detector 212.sub.1 may obtain output stage signal power values and/or battery current values.

[0023] The components and functions of the receiver system 203 are similar to those of the transmitter system 201. Similarly-numbered components in each of the two systems correspond to each other and share similar functions. Thus, for instance, the processor 210.sub.2 of the receiver system 203 performs the same or similar functions as the processor 210.sub.1 of the transmitter system 201, and the tunable matching network 222.sub.2 of the receiver system 203 performs the same or similar functions as the tunable matching network 222.sub.1 of the transmitter system 201.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative tunable matching network 222 and is representative of the tunable matching networks 222.sub.1 and 222.sub.2 of FIG. 2. However, various other matching networks may be used and are included within the scope of this disclosure. The tunable matching network 222 comprises nodes 300 and 302 for coupling to the transmission or reception line in the transmitter or receiver system. The network 222 also comprises multiple cells 304.sub.1, 304.sub.2, . . . , 304.sub.N and 306.sub.1, 306.sub.2, . . . , 306.sub.N. These cells may include components such as inductors, capacitors, or various combinations thereof. The network 222 further comprises switches 308.sub.1, 308.sub.2, . . . , 308.sub.N. The switches may include any suitable type of switch, such as transistors, and they are controlled by one or more of the processors in the transmitter system 201. Each switch is positioned between two cells; thus, for instance, switch 308.sub.1 is positioned between cells 304.sub.1 and 306.sub.1. Closing a switch causes the corresponding cells to be coupled in series. One or more of the N switches may be simultaneously closed, thus providing additional impedance (tuning) states. Each possible configuration of switches 308 provides a different tuning state for the tunable matching network 222, and additional tuning states are obtained by combining each configuration of switches 308 with each possible impedance value achievable by the tunable antenna 224.sub.1.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, multi-resonance, tunable antenna 224 and is representative of the tunable antennas 224.sub.1 and 224.sub.2 of FIG. 2. The scope of disclosure is not limited to the specific antenna shown in FIG. 4, and any and all types of tunable antennas are encompassed within the scope of this disclosure. The tunable antenna 224 comprises a central element 402; coupling elements 404.sub.1, 404.sub.2, . . . , 404.sub.N; a microcoax cable 406; a feed point 410; ground connections 412.sub.1, 412.sub.2, . . . , 412.sub.N; variable capacitors 414.sub.1, 414.sub.2, . . . , 414.sub.N (e.g., barium strontium titanate capacitors that may range from 2.05 pico Farads to 8.2 pico Farads, inclusive); and control signal connections 416.sub.1, 416.sub.2, . . . , 416.sub.N that control the variable capacitors based on signals from one or more processors in the transmitter system 201 and/or receiver system 203. The variable capacitors preferably are analog capacitors to provide greater granularity than digital capacitors, although digital capacitors are also contemplated. In some embodiments, one or more of the coupling elements may connect to multiple variable capacitors. The central and coupling elements are formed as desired using well-known techniques and with specific geometries that accomplish specific design objectives. In at least some embodiments, the variable capacitors 414.sub.1, 414.sub.2, . . . , 414.sub.N are positioned close (e.g., between 1 millimeter and 1 centimeter) to their respective ground connections 412.sub.1, 412.sub.2, . . . , 412.sub.N.

[0026] In operation as a transmitter, the central element 402 receives a signal via feed point 410 and radiates the signal. The energy of the radiated signal is at least partially absorbed by the coupling elements 404.sub.1, 404.sub.2, . . . , 404.sub.N. These coupling elements, in turn, radiate the absorbed energy. One or more processors of the transmitter system 201 send signals to the variable capacitors 414.sub.1, 414.sub.2, . . . , 414.sub.N that causes the capacitors to change capacitance values, thus tuning the antenna to a different impedance. Similarly, signals from one or more processors in the receiver system 203 tune the variable capacitors for receiving signals.

[0027] FIGS. 5-7 are flow diagrams of methods for efficient closed-loop tuning using indications of wireless signal strength. Each of these figures is now described in light of FIG. 2. Although these descriptions designate systems 201 and 203 as transmitter and receiver systems, respectively, in at least some embodiments, each of these systems contains a transceiver that enables it to act as both a transmitter and a receiver. Thus, at least some of the steps of the methods in FIGS. 5-7 are applicable to both of the systems 201 and 203.

[0028] The method 500 of FIG. 5 begins with the transmitter system 201 and receiver system 203 establishing a wireless link (step 502). The method 500 further comprises the receiver system 203 identifying an optimal receiver tuning state among a set of candidate tuning states by using a suitable search algorithm (step 504). Although illustrative search algorithms are described below with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, briefly, this step entails one or more processors of the receiver system 203 adjusting the tunable matching network 222.sub.2 and/or the tunable antenna 224.sub.2 to a number of different tuning states and evaluating received signal strength (e.g., discrete RSSI and/or RCPI values, or RSSI and/or RCPI values that have been manipulated (e.g., averaged) as desired using signal strength analysis software 220.sub.2) for each of these tuning states. The “optimal” receiver tuning state is the tuning state among all tested tuning states that results in the highest (or “maximal”) received signal strength. The method 500 then comprises setting the receiver system's tunable elements to the optimal tuning state (step 506). A trigger signal is then sent from the receiver system 203 to the transmitter system 201, instructing the transmitter system 201 to begin its own tuning process (step 508). The receiver tuning state is kept constant while the transmitter tunes itself so that multiple variables are not introduced to the wireless system and changes in signal strength can be attributed solely to changes in the transmitter tuning state.

[0029] The method 500 next comprises the transmitter identifying an optimal tuning state among a set of candidate tuning states by using a suitable search algorithm (step 510). Although illustrative search algorithms are described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 below, briefly, this step entails one or more processors of the transmitter system 201 adjusting the tunable matching network 222.sub.1 and/or the tunable antenna 224.sub.1 to a number of different tuning states and evaluating signal strength for each one. Signal strength may be evaluated by using the power detector 211.sub.1 to determine the signal power at the output stage of the transceiver or by monitoring the current flowing from the battery 205.sub.1 that supplies the transmitter system 201. (If the receiver system 203 were operating as a transmitter, its power detector 211.sub.2 and/or battery 205.sub.2 would be similarly used.) Alternatively or in addition, signal strength may be evaluated by receiving RSSI and/or RCPI values from the receiver system 203 for each of the different transmitter tuning states. One or more of these values may be analyzed (e.g., averaged) as desired using the signal strength analysis software 220.sub.1. The method 500 then comprises setting the tunable matching network 222.sub.2 and/or the tunable antenna 224.sub.2 to the optimal tuning state (step 512).

[0030] The receiver and transmitter tuning processes are then complete, and the method 500 comprises the receiver system 203 waiting for an application-specific trigger to restart the tuning processes (step 514). This trigger signal may be received from, e.g., a processor external to the receiver system 203 or from a processor within the receiver system 203. The trigger signal may be issued regularly or irregularly. For instance, the trigger signal may be issued after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last such signal was issued, or it may be issued when a signal strength indicator value (or an average of such values) meets or drops below a predetermined threshold value. Similarly, the trigger signal may be issued upon the occurrence of some event—for instance, in the context of a wireless medical device, once a biological parameter has been recorded and requires transmission. The method 500 may be adjusted as desired, including by adding, deleting and/or modifying one or more steps.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method 500 may be performed twice: During a first iteration, the receiver system 203 acts as a receiver and the transmitter system 201 acts as a transmitter, and during a second iteration, the receiver system 203 acts as a transmitter (which is possible in these embodiments because the receiver system 203 is a transceiver system) and the transmitter system 201 acts as a receiver (which is possible in these embodiments because the transmitter system 201 is a transceiver system). During each of these iterations, each of the transceiver systems is tuned as described herein, and the optimal tuning states are stored for future reference in, e.g., storages 204.sub.1 and 204.sub.2. For instance, during the first iteration of the method 500, the receiver system 203 determines an optimal tuning state for itself while it acts as a receiver and the transmitter system 201 determines an optimal tuning state for itself while it acts as a transmitter. These values are stored locally in the receiver and transmitter. During the second iteration of method 500, the receiver system 203 determines an optimal tuning state for itself while it acts as a transmitter and the transmitter system 201 determines an optimal tuning state for itself while it acts as a receiver. These values are stored locally as well. Subsequent to these iterations, the receiver system 203 uses the appropriate stored optimal tuning state values when it is to act as a receiver or as a transmitter. Likewise, the transmitter system 201 uses the appropriate stored optimal tuning state values when it is to act as a transmitter or as a receiver. The stored optimal tuning states may optionally be modified over time.

[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7 describe different algorithms that may be used to identify an optimal tuning state in the transmitter and/or receiver systems. The method 600 of FIG. 6 includes identifying all available tuning states in the transmitter or receiver system (step 602). This step may include, for instance, a processor in the system identifying all switches in a corresponding tunable matching network and/or all variable capacitors (and attendant ranges) in a corresponding tunable antenna. The method 600 next includes implementing each identified tuning state and measuring signal strength indicators (e.g., discrete RSSI and/or RCPI values or averages thereof) for each such state (step 604). Finally, the method 600 comprises identifying the optimal tuning state—that is, the tuning state that maximized the signal strength indicator assessed in step 604 (step 606). The method 600 may be adjusted as desired, including by adding, deleting or modifying one or more steps.

[0033] The method 600 of FIG. 6 is suited for applications that are time insensitive because it entails implementing each possible tuning state. For time sensitive applications, fewer than all tuning states may be tested. For instance, the method 700 provides a faster technique for identifying an optimal tuning state. The method 700 of FIG. 7 comprises sorting all available tuning states (or tuning states in a subset) based on increasing or decreasing impedance values (step 702). Next, signal strength indicator values are assessed for every nth tuning state by tuning the transmitter or receiver system to that state and measuring, e.g., RSSI, RCPI, or any other suitable signal strength indicator (step 704). The tuning state with the highest signal strength indicator among the assessed tuning states is then identified (step 706). The method 700 then comprises measuring signal strength indicator values for the n/2 tuning states on each side of the tuning state identified in step 706 (step 708). For example, if n=10 and 100 tuning states are assessed, and further if the 50.sup.th tuning state in the sorted list of tuning states is identified as the optimal tuning state in step 706, then in step 708 the five tuning states preceding the 50.sup.th tuning state and the five tuning states following the 50.sup.th tuning state are implemented and signal strength indicator values are assessed for each such state. In step 710, the tuning state among the tuning states evaluated in step 708 that maximizes the signal strength indicator value is identified. The method 700 may be adjusted as desired, including by adding, deleting or modifying one or more steps.

[0034] Numerous other variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations, modifications and equivalents.