Multiformat auto-handoff communications handset

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, a multiformat auto-handoff communications handset is utilized to support communications and handoffs between multiple signal formats at multiple carrier frequencies.
This is basically achieved by utilizing a first and a second RF signal path each capable of supporting the multiple signal formats at the multiple carrier frequencies and a multisystem controller.
This essentially allows the first RF signal path to be utilized during normal communications until the user begins to exit the service coverage area of that signal format.
Once this is detected by the multisystem controller, the multisystem controller will initiate a handoff utilizing the second RF signal path to establish communications with another signal format in another service coverage area.
After the connection is established on the second RF signal path, the communications occurring in the first RF signal path is terminated.
This allows the user of the communications handset to maintain an uninterrupted call beyond the service coverage area of one signal format.
In one preferred embodiment, antenna circuitry receives and transmits the multiple signal formats at the multiple carrier frequencies.
The antenna circuitry is capable of simultaneously receiving a first RF receive signal and a second RF receive signal as well as being capable of simultaneously transmitting a first RF transmit signal and a second RF transmit signal.
The first RF receive signal received by the antenna circuitry is down converted into a first IF (intermediate frequency) receive signal by a first broadband RF receive system and the second RF receive signal is down converted into a second IF receive signal by a second broadband RF receive system.
The first IF receive signal is then demodulated in a first digital/IF baseband processor controller while the second IF receive signal is demodulated in a second digital/IF baseband processor controller.
The first IF/baseband processor controller modulates a first IF transmit signal and the second digital/IF baseband processor controller modulates a second IF transmit signal