A computer apparatus for receiving a removable communication card such as
a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is self-contained inside a
housing of the communication card and has an electrical interface for
communicating information to and from the computer apparatus. The
computer apparatus receives the communication card such that it engages
the electrical interface. These contacts automatically connect the
communication card to an appropriate antenna, telephone or telephone
line. A radio communication card is connected to the appropriate antenna
for the type and frequency of the radio. A modem card is connected to a
standard telephone line, a cellular phone, or an antenna for a cellular
phone if the cellular phone is also disposed within the housing of the
modem communication card. Additionally, a switching matrix can be used to
connect one set of contacts on a radio card or a modem card to one or
more of a plurality of antennas and telephone lines. A computer device
utilizing an antenna cap which covers the opening into which the radio
has been inserted is also shown. Antenna contacts are disposed on the cap
to engage the antenna contacts positioned on the end of the radio card.
At least one antenna is operably connected to the radio card through the
cap. A band is used to attach the cap to the housing of the computer
device. The antenna or antennas are embedded in the cap, in the band, or
embedded in or attached to the housing of the computer device.
Positioning two similar antennas in different position creates an antenna
diversity scheme. Shielding can be added to the cap to help reduce the
escape of electronic noise. A micro shield ribbon can be used to connect
the antenna and the antenna contacts on the cap.