[go: up one dir, main page]

EP0888648A1 - Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefor - Google Patents

Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefor

Info

Publication number
EP0888648A1
EP0888648A1 EP97914395A EP97914395A EP0888648A1 EP 0888648 A1 EP0888648 A1 EP 0888648A1 EP 97914395 A EP97914395 A EP 97914395A EP 97914395 A EP97914395 A EP 97914395A EP 0888648 A1 EP0888648 A1 EP 0888648A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
helices
strands
substrate
radiating strands
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP97914395A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0888648B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Blot
Ala Sharaiha
Jean-Marc Toureilles
Claude Terret
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by France Telecom SA filed Critical France Telecom SA
Publication of EP0888648A1 publication Critical patent/EP0888648A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0888648B1 publication Critical patent/EP0888648B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P5/00—Coupling devices of the waveguide type
    • H01P5/12—Coupling devices having more than two ports
    • H01P5/16—Conjugate devices, i.e. devices having at least one port decoupled from one other port
    • H01P5/19—Conjugate devices, i.e. devices having at least one port decoupled from one other port of the junction type
    • H01P5/22—Hybrid ring junctions
    • H01P5/227—90° branch line couplers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P5/00—Coupling devices of the waveguide type
    • H01P5/12—Coupling devices having more than two ports
    • H01P5/16—Conjugate devices, i.e. devices having at least one port decoupled from one other port
    • H01P5/19—Conjugate devices, i.e. devices having at least one port decoupled from one other port of the junction type
    • H01P5/22—Hybrid ring junctions
    • H01P5/222—180° rat race hybrid rings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q11/00—Electrically-long antennas having dimensions more than twice the shortest operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q11/02—Non-resonant antennas, e.g. travelling-wave antenna
    • H01Q11/08—Helical antennas

Definitions

  • Helical antenna with integrated duplexing means and corresponding manufacturing methods.
  • the field of the invention is that of wide bandwidth antennas with a hemispherical or quasi-hemispherical radiation pattern. More specifically, the invention relates to resonant helical antennas operating in two neighboring frequency bands corresponding to transmission and reception, and in particular the decoupling of these two channels, and therefore the duplexer function.
  • the antenna of the invention finds applications in particular in the context of mobile satellite communications between fixed users and mobiles of any type, for example aeronautical, maritime or land.
  • satellite communication systems are implemented, or are currently under development (for example the INMARSAT, INMARSAT-M, GLOBALSTAR systems, etc.).
  • PCS personal communication systems
  • the very different incidences of the signals received or transmitted require the antennas to have a radiation diagram with hemispherical coverage.
  • the polarization must be circular with an ellipticity ratio better than 5 dB in the useful band.
  • the invention can find applications in all systems requiring the use of a wide band, a hemispherical coverage diagram, circular polarization and a good ellipticity ratio.
  • the antennas must indeed have the above characteristics either in a very wide bandwidth, of the order of 10%, or in two neighboring sub-bands corresponding respectively to reception and to l 'program.
  • This antenna called the resonant quadrifilar helix antenna (HQR)
  • HQR resonant quadrifilar helix antenna
  • Two-band operation is possible using two-layer HQR antennas. These antennas are formed by a concentric "nesting" of two coaxial resonant quadrifilar helices, electromagnetically coupled.
  • a quadrifilar antenna is formed by four radiating strands.
  • An exemplary embodiment is described in detail in the document "Analysis of quadrifilar resonant helical antenna for mobile communications", by A. Sharaiha and C. Terret (IEEE - Proceedings H, vol. 140, no.4, August 1993).
  • the radiating strands are printed on a thin dielectric substrate, then wound on a cylindrical support transparent from the radioelectric point of view.
  • the four strands of the propeller are open or short-circuited at one end and electrically connected at the other end with conductive segments arranged on the base of the lower part of the support cylinder. The four strands of the propeller are therefore excited through these conductive segments.
  • This antenna conventionally requires a supply circuit, which ensures the excitation of the different antenna strands by signals of the same amplitude in phase quadrature.
  • Several techniques are known for making such supply circuits. In the document "Analysis of quadrifilar resonant helical antenna for mobile communications" cited above, this function is performed using a coupler structure (3 dB, -90 °) and a hybrid ring. This assembly is installed on a printed circuit which is placed at the base of the antenna.
  • This technique has the advantage of being relatively simple to carry out and to implement. On the other hand, it leads to a not insignificant size, compared to the size of the antenna (which can for example have a size of the order of ten centimeters). This drawback makes this solution incompatible with many applications, especially when maximum miniaturization is required.
  • each two-wire propeller can be powered by a coaxial balun of the so-called “folded balun” type.
  • the two two-wire cables are then excited in phase quadrature using a hybrid coupler.
  • balun / adapter assembly used for this type of antenna (made for example from a coaxial section, the core and the sheath of which form a dipole) is complex and bulky.
  • duplexer This is the role of the duplexer, generally placed at the antenna feed point.
  • duplexers Several types are known. The document "RF filters and
  • these known devices have the disadvantage of being in the form of an independent and complementary element to the antenna. They therefore entail a significant footprint, especially in cases where the antennas are very small.
  • duplexers act as filters, and can therefore introduce losses of useful parts of the signal.
  • an objective of the invention is to provide an antenna and its feed system (hereinafter, the term "antenna” includes the actual antenna and its feed system) which has two sub-bands which are sufficiently decoupled to not require the presence of a conventional additional duplexer.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a bidirectional antenna ensuring the duplexing function in a simple and efficient manner, without calling on known duplexers.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide such an antenna, which is of low cost, and easily industrially achievable.
  • the invention aims to provide such an antenna, which can be manufactured in a very small number of successive operations.
  • Another object of the invention is also to provide such an antenna, which does not require specific and complex adjustments.
  • Yet another objective of the invention is to provide such an antenna (and in particular its feed system), which is of reduced bulk, compared to known devices.
  • the invention also aims to provide such an antenna, which provides an equiamplitude excitation of the four strands and a law in exact phase quadrature, and therefore a good quality of circular polarization, in the two sub-bands.
  • a helical antenna with integrated duplexing means comprising two decoupled coaxial helices, each formed of radiating strands printed on a substrate, each of said helices being associated with an independent and miniaturized broadband supply structure of said radiating strands, said supply structures being printed on said corresponding substrate and comprising minus a hybrid coupler made from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions.
  • the production of the antenna strands and of the supply of printed elements makes it possible to produce the antenna, its supply and the duplexer in a single operation, without specific connection means, and in a particularly reduced format.
  • the use of hybrid couplers produced from semi-localized elements makes it possible to obtain all of the desired qualities, and in particular to reduce the overall size of the assembly, compared to the lines conventionally used.
  • each of said coaxial helices being perfectly decoupled, this structure directly plays the role of duplexer, without any additional element.
  • the supply points of each of the propellers correspond, respectively, and directly, to the emission signal and to the reception signal.
  • said propellers have, when laid flat, strands having directions symmetrical with respect to the axis of said antenna, and are wound in opposite winding directions, so that said strands are substantially parallel.
  • each of said quadrifilar helices is offset with respect to each other, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said helices. According to an advantageous embodiment, they are offset by 135 °.
  • said propeller is a quadrifilar propeller, formed of four radiating strands supplied by a supply structure comprising three hybrid couplers.
  • said supply structure comprises a first 180 ° hybrid coupler associating an input and / or output supply of said antenna with two outputs and / or intermediate inputs out of phase with
  • said antenna is mounted on a support having first and second distinct parts having different permittivities, said first part carrying said radiating strands and said second part carrying said supply structure.
  • said first part carrying the antenna strands has a permittivity greater than 1.
  • An antenna as described above can be used alone, or in an antenna array.
  • the invention also relates to the manufacture of such antennas, which proves to be particularly simplified, compared to known techniques.
  • a first method of manufacturing a resonant helical antenna the following stages are provided: printing on a flat substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent broadband miniaturized power supply structure said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions thereof; winding said substrate around a cylindrical support.
  • a second method of manufacturing a resonant helical antenna which is even simpler to implement, the following steps are carried out: - obtaining a cylindrical support carrying a substrate; printing on said substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent broadband miniaturized feed structure of said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a quadrifilar propeller with integrated feed according to the invention, forming the outer layer of the antenna, developed flat
  • Figure 2 shows the propeller of Figure 1, wound cylindrically, so as to form a first operational propeller
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a second quadrifilar helix with integrated feed according to the invention forming the internal layer of the antenna, developed flat
  • FIG. 4 shows the propeller of FIG.
  • Figures 1 and 3 show a sectional view of the mounted antenna, comprising the propellers of Figures 2 and 4, mounted offset;
  • Figure 6 shows in more detail the supply structure of Figures 1 and 3;
  • Figures 7 A to 7C illustrate the design of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler according to the invention: - Figure 7A: conventional coupler in distributed elements;
  • FIG. 7B corresponding representation using cells in ⁇ ;
  • FIG. 7C corresponding microstrip line coupler;
  • Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the design of a -3 dB coupler
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the standing wave ratio (ROS) of a particular embodiment of the antenna of FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • Figures 10 and 11 show radiation patterns measured in right and left circular polarization of the same embodiment, respectively at frequencies 1, 98 GHz and 2.2 GHz;
  • Figure 12 shows the decoupling (S 21 ) between the two propellers.
  • the invention therefore relates to an antenna with a broadband feed system and integrated duplexer, produced according to a simple manufacturing technique and having a low cost price.
  • the invention can be applied to any type of helical antenna.
  • the preferred embodiment described above relates to an antenna with quadrifilar propellers.
  • the antenna therefore has two coaxial propellers ensuring transmission and reception respectively.
  • Each of these helices is formed by four strands printed on a substrate, on which a feeding structure is jointly printed.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the printed elements, when developed flat.
  • the antenna dimensions vary depending on the frequency band and the coverage required.
  • the dimensions of these strands can be as follows:
  • the four strands 1 1] to II 4 are preferably open at their upper end 15 1 to 15 4 . They can also be short-circuited. However, the system of the invention is particularly suitable for the excitation of antennas with more open strands which, for equal performance, have smaller dimensions than the antennas with short-circuited strands.
  • the other end 16] to I6 4 of the strands is connected to the feeder lines of the supply circuit.
  • the feed system is produced on the same substrate, in line with the antenna. It is made up of three hybrid couplers 12, 13 and 14 designed as semi-localized elements.
  • the first hybrid coupler 12 is connected on the one hand to the antenna signal input (respectively output) 17, and on the other hand to the two inputs (respectively outputs) 18 and 19 of the other two couplers 13 and 14. It is a 180 ° hybrid coupler.
  • the hybrid couplers 13 and 14 are two identical 90 ° couplers. They are connected on the one hand to the entry 18 (respectively 19) and on the other hand to the end of the strands
  • the four strands are fed in perfect phase quadrature, over a wide band.
  • the assembly thus obtained is then wound on a cylindrical support in a counterclockwise direction, towards the outside (the printed elements being outside the cylinder), to obtain the external propeller, shown in front view in FIG. 2.
  • the cylindrical support is a transparent support from the radioelectric point of view, that is to say having a permittivity close to 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the elements forming the internal layer of the antenna, shown flat. These elements are quite similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1, except that the antenna strands 51 d to 5 U, are inclined in the opposite direction, the winding direction 52 being opposite to the direction winding 17 of the first propeller.
  • the dielectric substrate is in this example identical to the first.
  • the supply system 53 is also located in the extension of the antenna strands 511 and 514 and is made of semi-localized elements.
  • the assembly is then wound inwards (arrow 52) on a support which is transparent from the radioelectric point of view, in order to provide the internal propeller of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates more precisely the structure for supplying semi-localized elements according to the invention, magnified substantially by a factor of 3 compared to reality. It comprises two types of printed lines: narrow lines, having an inductive characteristic; - wider lines, having a capacitive characteristic.
  • the 90 ° couplers 13 and 14 each consist of 4 wide elements 31 1 and 3 U, connected 2 to 2 by 4 lines of small width 32 1 to 32 4 .
  • the 190 ° coupler comprises 6 wide elements 331 to 336 connected by 6 narrow lines 34] to 34 6 .
  • Figures 7A and 7C illustrate the design of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler. More information can be found, if necessary, in the thesis of M. Coupez, University of Western Brittany, "Study of phase-shifter structures potentially integrable at 900 MHz", May 1988.
  • FIG. 7A presents a conventional diagram of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler in distributed elements. It comprises two sections of line 81, 82 of length ⁇ g / 4 and of characteristic impedance Zc, and two sections of line 83, 84 of length ⁇ g / 4, and of impedance Zc / V2.
  • Each of these line sections can be replaced by ⁇ cells of localized elements, formed of capacitances C and inductances L and L ', as illustrated in FIG. 7B.
  • ⁇ cells of localized elements formed of capacitances C and inductances L and L ', as illustrated in FIG. 7B.
  • Such a propeller has the following advantages in particular: it is open-stranded, so the impedance of each strand is easily adaptable to 50 ⁇ for an antenna having the desired properties (hemispherical coverage and weak reverse polarization); - the feed structure using hybrids is broadband, and perfectly balanced: in amplitude (identical for each strand); and in phase (0 °; ⁇ 90 °; ⁇ 180 °; ⁇ 270 °); the dimensions of the supply device are smaller than those of known systems (a gain of the order of 50% can be obtained). Indeed, we can easily see that each semi-localized element is very much smaller than the line it replaces (which is generally of a size multiple of ⁇ / 4); the antenna has strong strand-by-strand insulation. As an indication, we now present the measurement results obtained from a particular embodiment, intended for communications with equipment and proximity communications.
  • the dimensions of the assembly formed by the antenna and the integrated power supply are as follows: - diameter: 26 mm; - height: 130 mm;
  • Figures 10 and 11 relate to the radiation patterns measured in right circular polarization (a) and in left circular polarization (6), with a dipole rotating respectively at frequencies 1.98 GHz ( Figure 10) and 2.2 GHz ( Figure 11).
  • Figure 12 shows that the decoupling between the two propellers is more than 20 dB.
  • An antenna according to the invention can be produced in several ways.
  • the helices can be printed flat, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 3. They are then wound on a support to form the antenna (FIGS. 2 and 4).
  • the substrate intended to receive the printed elements can be produced directly in its final cylindrical shape.
  • the printing of the strands and the feeding structure is carried out directly on the cylinder.
  • the antenna of the invention advantageously lends itself to the production of antenna arrays.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

A helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, including two decoupled coaxial helices that each consist of printed radiating wires (111 to 114) on a substrate and are combined with respective separate miniaturised broadband radiating wire power supply structures (12, 13, 14) printed on the corresponding substrate and provided with at least one hybrid coupler (12, 13, 14) made of semi-localised elements, in order to reduced the size thereof, is disclosed. Said helices are advantageously wound in opposite winding directions (17), and their excitation points are mutually staggered in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said helices. The corresponding manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Description

Antenne hélicoïdale à moyens de duplexage intégrés, et procédés de fabrication correspondants. Helical antenna with integrated duplexing means, and corresponding manufacturing methods.
Le domaine de l'invention est celui des antennes à large bande passante et à diagramme de rayonnement hémisphérique ou quasi-hémisphérique. Plus précisément, l'invention concerne les antennes hélicoïdales résonnantes fonctionnant dans deux bandes de fréquence voisines correspondant à l'émission et à la réception, et en particulier le découplage de ces deux voies, et donc la fonction de duplexeur.The field of the invention is that of wide bandwidth antennas with a hemispherical or quasi-hemispherical radiation pattern. More specifically, the invention relates to resonant helical antennas operating in two neighboring frequency bands corresponding to transmission and reception, and in particular the decoupling of these two channels, and therefore the duplexer function.
L'antenne de l'invention trouve notamment des applications dans le cadre des communications mobiles par satellite entre utilisateurs fixes et des mobiles de tout type, par exemple aéronautiques, maritimes ou terrestres. Dans ce domaine, plusieurs systèmes de communication par satellite sont mis en oeuvre, ou sont actuellement en cours de développement (par exemple les systèmes INMARSAT, INMARSAT-M, GLOBALSTAR,...). Ces antennes présentent également un intérêt dans le déploiement des systèmes de communications personnelles (PCS) par satellites géostationnaires. Pour tous ces systèmes, qui prévoient des liaisons avec des satellites géostationnaires, les incidences très différentes des signaux reçus ou émis imposent aux antennes de posséder un diagramme de rayonnement à couverture hémisphérique. De plus la polarisation doit être circulaire avec un rapport d'ellipticité meilleur que 5 dB dans la bande utile. Plus généralement, l'invention peut trouver des applications dans tous les systèmes nécessitant l'emploi d'une large bande, un diagramme à couverture hémisphérique, une polarisation circulaire et un bon rapport d'ellipticité.The antenna of the invention finds applications in particular in the context of mobile satellite communications between fixed users and mobiles of any type, for example aeronautical, maritime or land. In this field, several satellite communication systems are implemented, or are currently under development (for example the INMARSAT, INMARSAT-M, GLOBALSTAR systems, etc.). These antennas are also of interest in the deployment of personal communication systems (PCS) by geostationary satellites. For all these systems, which provide for links with geostationary satellites, the very different incidences of the signals received or transmitted require the antennas to have a radiation diagram with hemispherical coverage. In addition, the polarization must be circular with an ellipticity ratio better than 5 dB in the useful band. More generally, the invention can find applications in all systems requiring the use of a wide band, a hemispherical coverage diagram, circular polarization and a good ellipticity ratio.
Dans les domaines d'application cités plus haut, les antennes doivent en effet présenter les caractéristiques précédentes soit dans une bande passante très large, de l'ordre de 10 %, soit dans deux sous-bandes voisines correspondant respectivement à la réception et à l'émission.In the fields of application mentioned above, the antennas must indeed have the above characteristics either in a very wide bandwidth, of the order of 10%, or in two neighboring sub-bands corresponding respectively to reception and to l 'program.
On connaît déjà, par le brevet FR-89 14952 au nom du même déposant, un type d'antenne particulièrement adapté à de telles applications.Already known, from patent FR-89 14952 in the name of the same applicant, a type of antenna particularly suitable for such applications.
Cette antenne, appelée antenne hélice quadrifilaire résonnante (HQR), possède des caractéristiques très proches des critères énoncés dans une bande de fréquence limitée en général à 5 % par des problèmes d'adaptation d'impédance. Un fonctionnement sur deux bandes est possible en utilisant des antennes HQR bicouche. Ces antennes sont formées par 1" 'emboîtement" concentriques de deux hélices quadrifilaires résonnantes coaxiales, couplées électromagnétiquement. Une antenne quadrifilaire est formée de quatre brins rayonnants. Un exemple de réalisation est décrit en détail dans le document "Analysis of quadrifilar résonant helical antenna for mobile communications" (analyse de l'antenne hélice quadrifilaire résonnante pour les communications avec les mobiles), par A. Sharaiha et C. Terret (IEEE - Proceedings H, vol. 140, n° 4, août 1993). Selon ce mode de réalisation, les brins rayonnants sont imprimés sur un substrat diélectrique de faible épaisseur, puis enroulé sur un support cylindrique transparent du point de vue radioélectrique. Les quatre brins de l'hélice sont ouverts ou court-circuités à une extrémité et connectés électriquement à l'autre extrémité avec des segments conducteurs disposés sur la base de la partie inférieure du cylindre support. Les quatre brins de l'hélice sont donc excités à travers ces segments conducteurs.This antenna, called the resonant quadrifilar helix antenna (HQR), has characteristics very close to the criteria set out in a frequency band limited by generally at 5% by impedance matching problems. Two-band operation is possible using two-layer HQR antennas. These antennas are formed by a concentric "nesting" of two coaxial resonant quadrifilar helices, electromagnetically coupled. A quadrifilar antenna is formed by four radiating strands. An exemplary embodiment is described in detail in the document "Analysis of quadrifilar resonant helical antenna for mobile communications", by A. Sharaiha and C. Terret (IEEE - Proceedings H, vol. 140, no.4, August 1993). According to this embodiment, the radiating strands are printed on a thin dielectric substrate, then wound on a cylindrical support transparent from the radioelectric point of view. The four strands of the propeller are open or short-circuited at one end and electrically connected at the other end with conductive segments arranged on the base of the lower part of the support cylinder. The four strands of the propeller are therefore excited through these conductive segments.
Cette antenne nécessite, classiquement, un circuit d'alimentation, qui assure l'excitation des différents brins d'antenne par des signaux de même amplitude en quadrature de phase. Plusieurs techniques sont connues pour réaliser de tels circuits d'alimentation. Dans le document "Analysis of quadrifilar résonant helical antenna for mobile communications" cité ci-dessus, cette fonction est réalisée à partir de structure de coupleurs (3 dB, -90 °) et d'un anneau hybride. Cet ensemble est implanté sur un circuit imprimé qui est placé à la base de l'antenne.This antenna conventionally requires a supply circuit, which ensures the excitation of the different antenna strands by signals of the same amplitude in phase quadrature. Several techniques are known for making such supply circuits. In the document "Analysis of quadrifilar resonant helical antenna for mobile communications" cited above, this function is performed using a coupler structure (3 dB, -90 °) and a hybrid ring. This assembly is installed on a printed circuit which is placed at the base of the antenna.
Cette technique présente l'avantage d'être relativement simple à réaliser et à mettre en oeuvre. En revanche, elle conduit à un encombrement non négligeable, par rapport à la taille de l'antenne (qui peut par exemple présenter une taille de l'ordre d'une dizaine de centimètres). Cet inconvénient rend cette solution incompatible avec de nombreuses applications, notamment lorsqu'une miniaturisation maximum est requise.This technique has the advantage of being relatively simple to carry out and to implement. On the other hand, it leads to a not insignificant size, compared to the size of the antenna (which can for example have a size of the order of ten centimeters). This drawback makes this solution incompatible with many applications, especially when maximum miniaturization is required.
Selon une deuxième technique, décrite dans le document "UHF satellite array nulls adjacent signais" par J. L. Wong et H. E. King (Microwaves & RF, mars 1984), chaque hélice bifilaire peut être alimentée par un symétriseur coaxial du type dit "balun replié". Les deux bifilaires sont ensuite excitées en quadrature de phase à l'aide d'un coupleur hybride.According to a second technique, described in the document "UHF satellite array nulls adjacent signais" by JL Wong and HE King (Microwaves & RF, March 1984), each two-wire propeller can be powered by a coaxial balun of the so-called "folded balun" type. The two two-wire cables are then excited in phase quadrature using a hybrid coupler.
L'avantage de cette méthode est qu'elle ne nécessite l'utilisation que d'un seul élément hybride externe. En revanche, le montage symétriseur/adaptateur utilisé pour ce type d'antennes (réalisé par exemple à partir d'un tronçon de coaxial, dont l'âme et la gaine forment dipôle) est complexe et encombrant.The advantage of this method is that it only requires the use of a single external hybrid element. However, the balun / adapter assembly used for this type of antenna (made for example from a coaxial section, the core and the sheath of which form a dipole) is complex and bulky.
Par ailleurs, ce type de montage présente l'inconvénient de former une sorte de filtre passe-bande à bande encore trop étroite. Une troisième technique, plus complexe, est décrite dans le document "résonant quadrifilar hélix" (hélice résonnante quadrifilaire) par C.C. Kilgus (Microwave Journal, décembre 1970) La ligne coaxiale d'alimentation est fendue à son extrémité pour constituer un symétriseur. La quadrature de phase est assurée en ajustant la longueur des brins. Cette technique permet de supprimer les coupleurs hybrides. Elle présente en revanche l'inconvénient de nécessiter un réglage délicat de la longueur des brins. De plus, l'antenne n'est plus symétrique, et la réalisation sera plus complexe. Par ailleurs, cette méthode reste spécifiquement réservée aux systèmes utilisant une bande de fonctionnement étroite. Dans le cas des antennes bidirectionnelles, devant assurer l'émission et la réception de signaux, il est bien sûr nécessaire de découpler au tant que faire se peut la bande de fréquence d'émission et la bande de fréquence de réception, qui sont généralement voisines.Furthermore, this type of arrangement has the drawback of forming a sort of bandpass filter with a band which is still too narrow. A third, more complex technique is described in the document "resonant quadrifilar helix" (resonant quadrifilar helix) by C.C. Kilgus (Microwave Journal, December 1970) The coaxial supply line is split at its end to form a balun. The quadrature of phase is ensured by adjusting the length of the strands. This technique eliminates hybrid couplers. On the other hand, it has the drawback of requiring a delicate adjustment of the length of the strands. In addition, the antenna is no longer symmetrical, and production will be more complex. Furthermore, this method remains specifically reserved for systems using a narrow operating band. In the case of bidirectional antennas, which must ensure the transmission and reception of signals, it is of course necessary to decouple as far as possible the transmit frequency band and the receive frequency band, which are generally close .
C'est le rôle du duplexeur, généralement placé au niveau du point d'alimentation de l'antenne. Plusieurs types de duplexeurs sont connus. Le document "RF filters andThis is the role of the duplexer, generally placed at the antenna feed point. Several types of duplexers are known. The document "RF filters and
Diplexers for Cellular Applications", par Gord Neilson et John Mchory (Antem'90) présentent ainsi divers types de duplexeurs utilisés dans le domaine de la radiocommunication.Diplexers for Cellular Applications ", by Gord Neilson and John Mchory (Antem'90) thus present various types of duplexers used in the radiocommunication field.
D'une façon générale, ces dispositifs connus ont l'inconvénient de se présenter sous la forme d'un élément indépendant et complémentaire à l'antenne. Ds entraînent donc un encombrement non négligeable, notamment dans les cas où les antennes sont de taille très réduite.In general, these known devices have the disadvantage of being in the form of an independent and complementary element to the antenna. They therefore entail a significant footprint, especially in cases where the antennas are very small.
Par ailleurs, il s'agit d'éléments complexes à réaliser et à mettre en oeuvre. En conséquence, leur coût de revient est important, par rapport au coût de l'antenne proprement dite.Furthermore, these are complex elements to be produced and implemented. Consequently, their cost is high, compared to the cost of the antenna itself.
Enfin, ces duplexeurs agissent comme des filtres, et peuvent donc introduire des pertes de parties utiles de signal.Finally, these duplexers act as filters, and can therefore introduce losses of useful parts of the signal.
L'invention a notamment pour objectif de pallier ces divers inconvénients de l'état de la technique. Plus précisément, un objectif de l'invention est de fournir une antenne et son système d'alimentation (par la suite, le terme "antenne" englobe l'antenne proprement dite et son système d'alimentation) qui présente deux sous-bandes qui sont suffisamment découplées pour ne pas nécessiter la présence d'un duplexeur supplémentaire classique.The invention particularly aims to overcome these various drawbacks of the state of the art. More specifically, an objective of the invention is to provide an antenna and its feed system (hereinafter, the term "antenna" includes the actual antenna and its feed system) which has two sub-bands which are sufficiently decoupled to not require the presence of a conventional additional duplexer.
En d'autres termes, l'invention a pour objectif de fournir une antenne bidirectionnelle assurant de façon simple et efficace la fonction de duplexage, sans faire appel aux duplexeurs connus.In other words, the object of the invention is to provide a bidirectional antenna ensuring the duplexing function in a simple and efficient manner, without calling on known duplexers.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est de fournir une telle antenne, qui soit d'un coût de revient peu important, et aisément réalisable industriellement. En particulier, l'invention à pour objectif de fournir une telle antenne, qui puisse être fabriquée en un nombre très réduit d'opérations successives.Another object of the invention is to provide such an antenna, which is of low cost, and easily industrially achievable. In particular, the invention aims to provide such an antenna, which can be manufactured in a very small number of successive operations.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est également de fournir une telle antenne, qui ne nécessite par de réglages spécifiques et complexes.Another object of the invention is also to provide such an antenna, which does not require specific and complex adjustments.
Encore un autre objectif de l'invention est de fournir une telle antenne (et notamment son système d'alimentation), qui soit d'un encombrement réduit, par rapport aux dispositifs connus.Yet another objective of the invention is to provide such an antenna (and in particular its feed system), which is of reduced bulk, compared to known devices.
L'invention a également pour objectif de fournir une telle antenne, qui assure une excitation équiamplitude des quatre brins et une loi en exacte quadrature de phase, et donc une bonne qualité de polarisation circulaire, dans les deux sous-bandes.The invention also aims to provide such an antenna, which provides an equiamplitude excitation of the four strands and a law in exact phase quadrature, and therefore a good quality of circular polarization, in the two sub-bands.
Ces objectifs, ainsi que d'autres qui apparaîtront par la suite, sont atteints selon l'invention à l'aide d'une antenne hélicoïdale à moyens de duplexage intégrés, comprenant deux hélices coaxiales découplées, formées chacune de brins rayonnants imprimés sur un substrat, chacune desdites hélices étant associée à une structure indépendante et miniaturisée d'alimentation large bande desdits brins rayonnants, lesdites structures d'alimentation étant imprimées sur ledit substrat correspondant et comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi-localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions.These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved according to the invention using a helical antenna with integrated duplexing means, comprising two decoupled coaxial helices, each formed of radiating strands printed on a substrate, each of said helices being associated with an independent and miniaturized broadband supply structure of said radiating strands, said supply structures being printed on said corresponding substrate and comprising minus a hybrid coupler made from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions.
La réalisation des brins d'antenne et de l'alimentation en éléments imprimés permet de produire l'antenne, son alimentation et le duplexeur en une seule opération, sans moyens de connexion spécifiques, et sous un format particulièrement réduit. L'utilisation de coupleurs hybrides réalisés à partir d'éléments semi-localisés permet d'obtenir l'ensemble des qualités désirées, et notamment de réduire l'encombrement de l'ensemble, par rapport aux lignes classiquement utilisées.The production of the antenna strands and of the supply of printed elements makes it possible to produce the antenna, its supply and the duplexer in a single operation, without specific connection means, and in a particularly reduced format. The use of hybrid couplers produced from semi-localized elements makes it possible to obtain all of the desired qualities, and in particular to reduce the overall size of the assembly, compared to the lines conventionally used.
Les deux couches formant chacune desdites hélices coaxiales étant parfaitement découplées, cette structure joue directement le rôle de duplexeur, sans aucun élément supplémentaire. Les points d'alimentation de chacune des hélices correspondent respectivement, et directement, au signal d'émission et au signal de réception.The two layers forming each of said coaxial helices being perfectly decoupled, this structure directly plays the role of duplexer, without any additional element. The supply points of each of the propellers correspond, respectively, and directly, to the emission signal and to the reception signal.
On obtient ainsi une antenne bidirectionnelle très simple, et à faible coût de revient.This gives a very simple bidirectional antenna, and at low cost.
De façon avantageuse, lesdites hélices présentent, lorsqu'elles sont mises à plat, des brins présentant des directions symétriques par rapport à l'axe de ladite antenne, et sont enroulées selon des sens d'enroulement opposés, de façon que lesdits brins soient sensiblement parallèles.Advantageously, said propellers have, when laid flat, strands having directions symmetrical with respect to the axis of said antenna, and are wound in opposite winding directions, so that said strands are substantially parallel.
Cette technique permet que la face imprimée de l'hélice interne soit dirigée vers l'intérieur, et celle de l'hélice externe vers l'extérieur. Préférentiellement, dans le but d'augmenter le découplage, les points d'excitation de chacune desdites hélices quadrifilaires sont décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre, dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe desdites hélices. Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, ils sont décalés de 135°.This technique allows the printed side of the internal propeller to face inward, and that of the external propeller to the outside. Preferably, in order to increase the decoupling, the excitation points of each of said quadrifilar helices are offset with respect to each other, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said helices. According to an advantageous embodiment, they are offset by 135 °.
L'invention peut s'appliquer à tous les types d'antennes en hélices. Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, ladite hélice est une hélice quadrifilaire, formée de quatre brins rayonnants alimentés par une structure d'alimentation comprenant trois coupleurs hybrides.The invention can be applied to all types of helical antennas. According to a preferred embodiment, said propeller is a quadrifilar propeller, formed of four radiating strands supplied by a supply structure comprising three hybrid couplers.
De façon avantageuse, dans ce dernier cas, ladite structure d'alimentation comprend un premier coupleur hybride à 180° associant une entrée et/ou sortie d'alimentation de ladite antenne à deux sorties et/ou entrées intermédiaires déphasées deAdvantageously, in the latter case, said supply structure comprises a first 180 ° hybrid coupler associating an input and / or output supply of said antenna with two outputs and / or intermediate inputs out of phase with
180°, et deux coupleurs hybrides à 90° associant chacun l'une desdites sorties et/ou entrées intermédiaires dudit premier coupleur hybride à une des extrémités de deux desdits brins rayonnants.180 °, and two 90 ° hybrid couplers each associating one of said outputs and / or intermediate inputs of said first hybrid coupler at one of the ends of two of said radiating strands.
Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, ladite antenne est montée sur un support présentant une première et une seconde parties distinctes ayant des permittivités différentes, ladite première partie portant lesdits brins rayonnants et ladite seconde partie portant ladite structure d'alimentation.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said antenna is mounted on a support having first and second distinct parts having different permittivities, said first part carrying said radiating strands and said second part carrying said supply structure.
Préférentiellement, ladite première partie portant les brins d'antenne présente une permittivité supérieure à 1. Ainsi, il est possible de réduire encore l'encombrement de l'antenne.Preferably, said first part carrying the antenna strands has a permittivity greater than 1. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the size of the antenna.
Une antenne telle que décrite ci-dessus peu être utilisée seule, ou en réseau d'antennes.An antenna as described above can be used alone, or in an antenna array.
L'invention concerne également la fabrication de telles antennes, qui s'avère particulièrement simplifiée, par rapport aux techniques connues. Selon un premier procédé de fabrication d'une antenne hélicoïdale résonnante, on prévoit les étapes suivantes : impression sur un substrat plan d'au moins deux brins rayonnants, destinés à former une hélice, et d'une structure indépendante d'alimentation miniaturisée large bande desdits brins rayonnants comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi- localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions ; enroulement dudit substrat autour d'un support cylindrique. Selon un second procédé de fabrication d'une antenne hélicoïdale résonnante, encore plus simple à mettre en oeuvre, on réalise les étapes suivantes : - obtention d'un support cylindrique portant un substrat ; impression sur ledit substrat d'au moins deux brins rayonnants, destinés à former une hélice, et d'une structure indépendante d'alimentation miniaturisée large bande desdits brins rayonnants comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi-localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions.The invention also relates to the manufacture of such antennas, which proves to be particularly simplified, compared to known techniques. According to a first method of manufacturing a resonant helical antenna, the following stages are provided: printing on a flat substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent broadband miniaturized power supply structure said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions thereof; winding said substrate around a cylindrical support. According to a second method of manufacturing a resonant helical antenna, which is even simpler to implement, the following steps are carried out: - obtaining a cylindrical support carrying a substrate; printing on said substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent broadband miniaturized feed structure of said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, donné à titre de simple exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et des dessins annexés parmi lesquels : la figure 1 illustre un exemple d'hélice quadrifilaire à alimentation intégrée selon l'invention, formant la couche externe de l'antenne, développée à plat ; la figure 2 présente l'hélice de la figure 1, enroulée cylindriquement, de façon à former une première hélice opérationnelle ; la figure 3 illustre une seconde hélice quadrifilaire à alimentation intégrée selon l'invention formant la couche interne de l'antenne, développée à plat ; la figure 4 présente l'hélice de la figure 3, enroulée cylindriquement, de façon à former une seconde hélice opérationnelle ; la figure 5 présente une vue en coupe de l'antenne montée, comprenant les hélices des figures 2 et 4, montées en décalage ; la figure 6 présente de façon plus détaillée la structure d'alimentation des figures 1 et 3 ; les figures 7 A à 7C illustrent la conception d'un coupleur -3 dB 90° selon l'invention : - figure 7A : coupleur classique en éléments distribués ; figure 7B : représentation correspondante à l'aide de cellules en π ; figure 7C : coupleur en lignes microrubans correspondant ; les figures 8A et 8B illustrent la conception d'un coupleur -3 dBOther characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the appended drawings among which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a quadrifilar propeller with integrated feed according to the invention, forming the outer layer of the antenna, developed flat; Figure 2 shows the propeller of Figure 1, wound cylindrically, so as to form a first operational propeller; FIG. 3 illustrates a second quadrifilar helix with integrated feed according to the invention forming the internal layer of the antenna, developed flat; FIG. 4 shows the propeller of FIG. 3, wound cylindrically, so as to form a second operational propeller; Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the mounted antenna, comprising the propellers of Figures 2 and 4, mounted offset; Figure 6 shows in more detail the supply structure of Figures 1 and 3; Figures 7 A to 7C illustrate the design of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler according to the invention: - Figure 7A: conventional coupler in distributed elements; FIG. 7B: corresponding representation using cells in π; FIG. 7C: corresponding microstrip line coupler; Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the design of a -3 dB coupler
180 ° ; - figure 8 A : représentation d'un anneau hybride 180 ° ; figure 8B : coupleur en lignes microrubans correspondant, la figure 9 illustre le rapport d'onde stationnaire (ROS) d'un mode de réalisation particulier de l'antenne des figures 1 et 2 ; les figures 10 et 11 présentent des diagrammes de rayonnement mesurés en polarisation circulaire droite et gauche du même mode de réalisation, respectivement aux fréquences 1 ,98 GHz et 2,2 GHz ; la figure 12 montre le découplage (S21) entre les deux hélices. L'invention concerne donc une antenne à système d'alimentation à large bande et duplexeur intégrés, réalisée selon une technique de fabrication simple et présentant un faible coût de revient.180 °; - Figure 8 A: representation of a 180 ° hybrid ring; FIG. 8B: corresponding microstrip line coupler, FIG. 9 illustrates the standing wave ratio (ROS) of a particular embodiment of the antenna of FIGS. 1 and 2; Figures 10 and 11 show radiation patterns measured in right and left circular polarization of the same embodiment, respectively at frequencies 1, 98 GHz and 2.2 GHz; Figure 12 shows the decoupling (S 21 ) between the two propellers. The invention therefore relates to an antenna with a broadband feed system and integrated duplexer, produced according to a simple manufacturing technique and having a low cost price.
Comme indiqué précédemment, l'invention peut s'appliquer à tout type d'antenne en hélices. Le mode de réalisation préférentiel décrit ci-dessus concerne une antenne à hélices quadrifilaires.As indicated above, the invention can be applied to any type of helical antenna. The preferred embodiment described above relates to an antenna with quadrifilar propellers.
Selon l'invention, l'antenne présente donc deux hélices coaxiales assurant respectivement l'émission et la réception. Chacune de ces hélices est formée de quatre brins imprimés sur un substrat, sur lequel est conjointement imprimé une structure d'alimentation.According to the invention, the antenna therefore has two coaxial propellers ensuring transmission and reception respectively. Each of these helices is formed by four strands printed on a substrate, on which a feeding structure is jointly printed.
Ainsi, en une seule opération sont implantée les fonctions d'antenne, d'alimentation et de duplexeur. Cela permet d'obtenir une antenne très compacte, et à coût de revient très faible.Thus, in a single operation, the functions of antenna, power supply and duplexer are implemented. This makes it possible to obtain a very compact antenna, and at very low cost price.
On décrit maintenant en détail la première hélice formant la couche.The first helix forming the layer will now be described in detail.
La figure 1 illustre les éléments imprimés, lorsqu'elle est développée à plat.Figure 1 illustrates the printed elements, when developed flat.
Elle comprend tout d'abord quatre brins d'antenne rayonnants 111 à 114.It firstly comprises four radiating antenna strands 11 1 to 11 4 .
Un mode de détermination des caractéristiques de ces brins est par exemple donné dans le brevet FR-89 14952 déjà cité.A method of determining the characteristics of these strands is for example given in patent FR-89 14952 already cited.
Les dimensions de l'antenne varient en fonction de la bande de fréquence et des couvertures exigées. A titre d'exemple, les dimensions de ces brins peuvent être les suivantes :The antenna dimensions vary depending on the frequency band and the coverage required. By way of example, the dimensions of these strands can be as follows:
- longueur 90 mm ; - largeur 2 mm ; - épaisseur : 35 μm ;- length 90 mm; - width 2 mm; - thickness: 35 μm;
- angle d'inclinaison : 54,5°.- tilt angle: 54.5 °.
Ils sont par exemple réalisés en cuivre, sur un substrat diélectrique de faible épaisseur, tel que du kapton (εr ≈ 3,8). Les quatre brins 1 1 ] à I I4 sont préférentiellement ouverts à leur extrémité supérieure 151 à 154. Ils peuvent également être court-circuités. Toutefois, le système de l'invention convient particulièrement à l'excitation d'antennes à brins plus ouverts qui, à performances égales, possèdent des dimensions plus réduites que les antennes à brins court-circuités. L'autre extrémité 16] à I64 des brins est connectée aux lignes d'attaque du circuit d'alimentation.They are for example made of copper, on a thin dielectric substrate, such as kapton (ε r ≈ 3.8). The four strands 1 1] to II 4 are preferably open at their upper end 15 1 to 15 4 . They can also be short-circuited. However, the system of the invention is particularly suitable for the excitation of antennas with more open strands which, for equal performance, have smaller dimensions than the antennas with short-circuited strands. The other end 16] to I6 4 of the strands is connected to the feeder lines of the supply circuit.
Le système d'alimentation est réalisé sur le même substrat, dans le prolongement de l'antenne. Il est formé de trois coupleurs hybrides 12, 13 et 14 conçus en éléments semi-localisés. Le premier coupleur hybride 12 est relié d'une part à l'entrée (respectivement sortie selon l'utilisation) 17 de signal de l'antenne, et d'autre aux deux entrées (respectivement sorties) 18 et 19 des deux autres coupleurs 13 et 14. Il s'agit d'un coupleur hybride 180°.The feed system is produced on the same substrate, in line with the antenna. It is made up of three hybrid couplers 12, 13 and 14 designed as semi-localized elements. The first hybrid coupler 12 is connected on the one hand to the antenna signal input (respectively output) 17, and on the other hand to the two inputs (respectively outputs) 18 and 19 of the other two couplers 13 and 14. It is a 180 ° hybrid coupler.
Les coupleurs hybrides 13 et 14 sont deux coupleurs identiques 90 °. Ils sont reliés d'une part à l'entrée 18 (respectivement 19) et d'autre part à l'extrémité des brinsThe hybrid couplers 13 and 14 are two identical 90 ° couplers. They are connected on the one hand to the entry 18 (respectively 19) and on the other hand to the end of the strands
16] et 162 (respectivement I63 et I64).16] and 16 2 (respectively I6 3 and I6 4 ).
Ainsi, les quatre brins sont alimentés en parfaite quadrature de phase, sur une large bande.Thus, the four strands are fed in perfect phase quadrature, over a wide band.
L'ensemble ainsi obtenu est ensuite enroulé sur un support cylindrique dans le sens trigonométrique, vers l'extérieur (les éléments imprimés étant à l'extérieur du cylindre), pour obtenir l'hélice externe, représentée en vue de face en figure 2.The assembly thus obtained is then wound on a cylindrical support in a counterclockwise direction, towards the outside (the printed elements being outside the cylinder), to obtain the external propeller, shown in front view in FIG. 2.
Le support cylindrique est un support transparent du point de vue radioélectrique, c'est-à-dire présentant une permittivité voisine de 1.The cylindrical support is a transparent support from the radioelectric point of view, that is to say having a permittivity close to 1.
Il est à noter qu'il est aisé de réduire encore la hauteur de l'ensemble, en utilisant un support de permittivité supérieure à 1, pour la partie correspondant aux brins d'antenne.It should be noted that it is easy to further reduce the height of the assembly, by using a support of permittivity greater than 1, for the part corresponding to the strands. antenna.
La figure 3 illustre les éléments formant la couche interne de l'antenne, représentés à plat. Ces éléments sont tout à fait similaires à ceux décrits en relation avec la figure 1, si ce n'est que les brins d'antennes 51 j à 5U, sont inclinés dans le sens opposé, le sens d'enroulement 52 étant opposé au sens d'enroulement 17 de la première hélice.FIG. 3 illustrates the elements forming the internal layer of the antenna, shown flat. These elements are quite similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1, except that the antenna strands 51 d to 5 U, are inclined in the opposite direction, the winding direction 52 being opposite to the direction winding 17 of the first propeller.
Le substrat diélectrique est dans cet exemple identique au premier. Le système d'alimentation 53 se trouve également dans le prolongement des brins d'antennes 511 et 514 et est réalisé en éléments semi-localisés.The dielectric substrate is in this example identical to the first. The supply system 53 is also located in the extension of the antenna strands 511 and 514 and is made of semi-localized elements.
L'ensemble est ensuite, enroulé vers l'intérieur (flèche 52) sur un support transparent du point de vue radioélectrique, pour fournir l'hélice interne de la figure 4.The assembly is then wound inwards (arrow 52) on a support which is transparent from the radioelectric point of view, in order to provide the internal propeller of FIG. 4.
Les deux couches ainsi obtenues sont finalement montées concentriquement l'une dans l'autre, ainsi que cela est illustré par la vue en coupe de la figure 5.The two layers thus obtained are finally mounted concentrically one inside the other, as illustrated by the sectional view of FIG. 5.
La couche externe (formée des conducteurs externes 61) et la couche externe (formée des conducteurs internes 62) sont décalés d'un angle α = 135° par rapport à leurs points d'excitation.The outer layer (formed of the outer conductors 61) and the outer layer (formed of the inner conductors 62) are offset by an angle α = 135 ° relative to their excitation points.
La figure 6 illustre de façon plus précise la structure d'alimentation en éléments semi-localisés selon l'invention, grossie sensiblement d'un facteur 3 par rapport à la réalité. Elle comprend deux types de lignes imprimées : des lignes de faible largeur, présentant une caractéristique inductive ; - des lignes plus larges, présentant une caractéristique capacitive.FIG. 6 illustrates more precisely the structure for supplying semi-localized elements according to the invention, magnified substantially by a factor of 3 compared to reality. It comprises two types of printed lines: narrow lines, having an inductive characteristic; - wider lines, having a capacitive characteristic.
Ainsi, les coupleurs 90 ° 13 et 14 sont constitués chacun de 4 éléments larges 31 1 et 3 U, reliés 2 à 2 par 4 lignes de faible largeur 321 à 324. Le coupleur 190 ° comprend 6 éléments larges 331 à 336 reliés par 6 lignes de faible largeur 34] à 346.Thus, the 90 ° couplers 13 and 14 each consist of 4 wide elements 31 1 and 3 U, connected 2 to 2 by 4 lines of small width 32 1 to 32 4 . The 190 ° coupler comprises 6 wide elements 331 to 336 connected by 6 narrow lines 34] to 34 6 .
Les figures 7A et 7C illustrent la conception d'un coupleur -3 dB 90°. De plus amples informations pourront être trouvées, si nécessaire, dans la thèse de M. Coupez, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, "Etude de structures de déphaseurs potentiellement intégrables à 900 MHz", mai 1988.Figures 7A and 7C illustrate the design of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler. More information can be found, if necessary, in the thesis of M. Coupez, University of Western Brittany, "Study of phase-shifter structures potentially integrable at 900 MHz", May 1988.
La figure 7A présente un schéma classique d'un coupleur -3 dB 90° en éléments distribués. Il comprend deux tronçons de ligne 81, 82 de longueur λg/4 et d'impédance caractéristique Zc, et deux tronçons de ligne 83, 84 de longueur λg/4, et d'impédance Zc/V2.FIG. 7A presents a conventional diagram of a -3 dB 90 ° coupler in distributed elements. It comprises two sections of line 81, 82 of length λg / 4 and of characteristic impedance Zc, and two sections of line 83, 84 of length λg / 4, and of impedance Zc / V2.
On peut remplacer chacun de ces tronçons de ligne par des cellules en π d'éléments localisés, formées de capacités C et d'inductances L et L', tel que cela est illustré en figure 7B. En utilisant les propriétés inductive (lignes de faible largeur 85) et capacitiveEach of these line sections can be replaced by π cells of localized elements, formed of capacitances C and inductances L and L ', as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Using the inductive (lines of small width 85) and capacitive properties
(lignes plus large 86) des lignes microrubans, on peut alors transformer à nouveau le coupleur en éléments distribués, ainsi qu'illustré en figure 7C.(wider lines 86) of the microstrip lines, it is then possible to transform the coupler again into distributed elements, as illustrated in FIG. 7C.
On procède de même pour transformer la structure classique d'un anneau hybride -3 dB, 180 illustrée en figure 8 A, en un coupleur en éléments semi-localisés, illustré en figure 8B.The same procedure is used to transform the conventional structure of a -3 dB hybrid ring, 180 illustrated in FIG. 8 A, into a coupler made of semi-localized elements, illustrated in FIG. 8B.
Une telle hélice présente notamment les avantages suivants : elle est à brins ouverts, donc l'impédance de chaque brin est aisément adaptable à 50 Ω pour une antenne ayant les propriétés souhaitées (couverture hémisphérique et polarisation inverse faible) ; - la structure d'alimentation utilisant des hybrides est large bande, et parfaitement équilibrée : en amplitude (identique pour chaque brin) ; et en phase (0° ; ± 90° ; ± 180° ; ± 270°) ; les dimensions du dispositif d'alimentation sont plus faibles que celles des systèmes connus (un gain de l'ordre de 50 % peut être obtenu). En effet, on constate aisément que chaque élément semi-localisé est de taille très inférieure à la ligne qu'il remplace (qui est généralement d'une taille multiple de λ/4) ; l'antenne présente une forte isolation brin à brin. A titre indicatif, on présente maintenant les résultats de mesure obtenus à partir d'un mode de réalisation particulier, destiné aux communications avec les matériels et aux communications de proximité.Such a propeller has the following advantages in particular: it is open-stranded, so the impedance of each strand is easily adaptable to 50 Ω for an antenna having the desired properties (hemispherical coverage and weak reverse polarization); - the feed structure using hybrids is broadband, and perfectly balanced: in amplitude (identical for each strand); and in phase (0 °; ± 90 °; ± 180 °; ± 270 °); the dimensions of the supply device are smaller than those of known systems (a gain of the order of 50% can be obtained). Indeed, we can easily see that each semi-localized element is very much smaller than the line it replaces (which is generally of a size multiple of λ / 4); the antenna has strong strand-by-strand insulation. As an indication, we now present the measurement results obtained from a particular embodiment, intended for communications with equipment and proximity communications.
Les dimensions de l'ensemble formé par l'antenne et l'alimentation intégrée sont les suivantes : - diamètre : 26 mm ; - hauteur : 130 mm ;The dimensions of the assembly formed by the antenna and the integrated power supply are as follows: - diameter: 26 mm; - height: 130 mm;
- poids total : 70 g.- total weight: 70 g.
Les caractéristiques radio-électriques relevées sont :The radio characteristics noted are:
- émission : 2.17 - 2.2 GHz - réception : 1.98 - 2.01 GHz- transmission: 2.17 - 2.2 GHz - reception: 1.98 - 2.01 GHz
- polarisation : circulaire droite - couverture : 180 °- polarization: circular right - coverage: 180 °
- ellipticité < 5 dB pour θ < 90°- ellipticity <5 dB for θ <90 °
< 2 dB pour θ < 75° - défaut d'omnidirectionnalité : ± 0,6 dB à l'horizon.<2 dB for θ <75 ° - omnidirectionality fault: ± 0.6 dB on the horizon.
Sur la figure 9 on présente le rapport d'onde stationnaire (ROS) à l'entrée de chaque antenne, en fonction de la fréquence de chacune des hélices. On constate que l'on obtient un ROS inférieur à 2 pour chaque antenne, dans une bande de 400 MHz.In Figure 9 we present the standing wave ratio (ROS) at the input of each antenna, as a function of the frequency of each of the propellers. It can be seen that an ROS of less than 2 is obtained for each antenna, in a 400 MHz band.
Les figures 10 et 11 sont relatives aux diagrammes de rayonnement mesurés en polarisation circulaire droite (a) et en polarisation circulaire gauche (6), avec un dipôle tournant respectivement aux fréquences 1,98 GHz (figure 10) et 2,2 GHz (figure 11). On peut observer que l'on obtient : une ouverture moyenne à -3 dB quasi-hémisphérique supérieure à 180° ; une réjection de la polarisation inverse supérieure à -15 dB dans toute la couverture.Figures 10 and 11 relate to the radiation patterns measured in right circular polarization (a) and in left circular polarization (6), with a dipole rotating respectively at frequencies 1.98 GHz (Figure 10) and 2.2 GHz (Figure 11). We can observe that we obtain: an average aperture at -3 dB quasi-hemispherical greater than 180 °; rejection of reverse polarization greater than -15 dB throughout the coverage.
La figure 12 montre que le découplage entre les deux hélices est supérieur à 20 dB.Figure 12 shows that the decoupling between the two propellers is more than 20 dB.
Une antenne selon l'invention peut être réalisée de plusieurs façons.An antenna according to the invention can be produced in several ways.
Ainsi, selon un premier mode de réalisation, les hélices peuvent être imprimées à plat, tel qu'illustré en figure 1 et 3. Elles sont ensuite enroulées sur un support pour former l'antenne (figure 2 et 4).Thus, according to a first embodiment, the helices can be printed flat, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 3. They are then wound on a support to form the antenna (FIGS. 2 and 4).
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, encore plus rapide, le substrat destiné à recevoir les éléments imprimés peut être réalisé directement dans sa forme cylindrique définitive. Dans ce cas, l'impression des brins et de la structure d'ahmentation est effectué directement sur le cylindre. Par ailleurs, il est à noter que, bien qu'elle soit utilisable à l'unité, l'antenne de l'invention se prête avantageusement à la réalisation de réseaux d'antennes. According to another embodiment, even faster, the substrate intended to receive the printed elements can be produced directly in its final cylindrical shape. In this case, the printing of the strands and the feeding structure is carried out directly on the cylinder. Furthermore, it should be noted that, although it can be used individually, the antenna of the invention advantageously lends itself to the production of antenna arrays.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Antenne hélicoïdale à moyens de duplexage intégrés, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend deux hélices coaxiales découplées, formées chacune de brins rayonnants imprimés sur un substrat, chacune desdites hélices étant associée à une structure indépendante d'alimentation miniaturisée large bande desdits brins rayonnants, lesdites structures d'alimentation étant imprimées sur ledit substrat correspondant et comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi-localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions.1. Helical antenna with integrated duplexing means, characterized in that it comprises two decoupled coaxial helices, each formed by radiating strands printed on a substrate, each of said helices being associated with an independent structure of miniaturized broadband supply of said radiating strands, said supply structures being printed on said corresponding substrate and comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions thereof.
2 . Antenne selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que lesdites hélices présentent, lorsqu'elles sont mises à plat, des brins présentant des directions symétriques par rapport à l'axe de ladite antenne, et sont enroulées selon des sens d'enroulement opposés, de façon que lesdits brins soient sensiblement parallèles.2. Antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that said helices have, when laid flat, strands having directions symmetrical with respect to the axis of said antenna, and are wound in opposite winding directions, so that said strands are substantially parallel.
3 . Antenne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que les points d'excitation de chacune desdites hélices quadrifilaires sont décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre, dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe desdites hélices.3. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the excitation points of each of said quadrifilar helices are offset with respect to each other, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said helices.
4 . Antenne selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que lesdits points d'excitation sont décalés de 135°.4. Antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that said excitation points are offset by 135 °.
5 . Antenne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que lesdites hélices sont des hélices quadrifilaires, formées chacune de quatre brins rayonnants alimentés par une structure d'alimentation comprenant trois coupleurs hybrides.5. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said helices are quadrifilar helices, each formed by four radiating strands supplied by a supply structure comprising three hybrid couplers.
6 . Antenne selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que chacune desdites structures d'alimentation comprend un premier coupleur hybride à 180° associant une entrée et/ou sortie d'alimentation de ladite antenne à deux sorties et/ou entrées intermédiaires déphasées de 180°, et deux coupleurs hybrides à 90° associant chacun l'une desdites sorties et/ou entrées intermédiaires dudit premier coupleur hybride à une des extrémités de deux desdits brins rayonnants.6. Antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that each of said supply structures comprises a first hybrid coupler at 180 ° associating an input and / or output supply of said antenna with two outputs and / or intermediate inputs phase shifted by 180 °, and two 90 ° hybrid couplers each associating one of said intermediate outputs and / or inputs of said first hybrid coupler at one of the ends of two of said radiating strands.
7 . Antenne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une desdites hélices est montée sur un support présentant une première et une seconde parties distinctes ayant des permittivités différentes, ladite première partie portant lesdits brins rayonnants et ladite seconde partie portant ladite structure d'alimentation. 7. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of said propellers is mounted on a support having first and second distinct parts having different permittivities, said first part carrying said radiating strands and said second part carrying said supply structure.
8 . Antenne selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que ladite première partie portant lesdits brins rayonnants présente une permittivité supérieure à 1.8. Antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that said first part carrying said radiating strands has a permittivity greater than 1.
9 . Procédé de fabrication d'une antenne hélicoïdale à moyens de duplexage et d'alimentation miniaturisés intégrés comprenant deux hélices coaxiales découplées, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, pour chacune desdites hélices, les étapes suivantes : impression sur un substrat plan d'au moins deux brins rayonnants, destinés à former une hélice, et d'une structure indépendante d'alimentation miniaturisée large bande desdits brins rayonnants comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi- localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions ; enroulement dudit substrat autour d'un support cylindrique.9. Method of manufacturing a helical antenna with integrated miniaturized duplexing and feeding means comprising two decoupled coaxial helices, characterized in that it comprises, for each of said helices, the following steps: printing on a flat substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent broadband miniaturized feed structure for said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce their dimensions; winding said substrate around a cylindrical support.
10. Procédé de fabrication d'une antenne hélicoïdale à moyens de duplexage et d'alimentation miniaturisés intégrés comprenant deux hélices coaxiales découplées, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, pour chacune desdites hélices, les étapes suivantes : obtention d'un support cylindrique portant un substrat ; impression sur ledit substrat d'au moins deux brins rayonnants, destinés à former une hélice, et d'une structure indépendante d'alimentation miniaturisée large bande desdits brins rayonnants comprenant au moins un coupleur hybride réalisé à partir d'éléments semi-localisés, de façon à en réduire les dimensions. 10. A method of manufacturing a helical antenna with integrated miniaturized duplexing and feeding means comprising two decoupled coaxial propellers, characterized in that it comprises, for each of said propellers, the following steps: obtaining a cylindrical support carrying a substrate; printing on said substrate of at least two radiating strands, intended to form a helix, and of an independent miniaturized broadband power supply structure of said radiating strands comprising at least one hybrid coupler produced from semi-localized elements, so as to reduce the dimensions.
EP97914395A 1996-03-19 1997-03-13 Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefore Expired - Lifetime EP0888648B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9603699 1996-03-19
FR9603699A FR2746548B1 (en) 1996-03-19 1996-03-19 HELICAL ANTENNA WITH INTEGRATED DUPLEXING MEANS, AND MANUFACTURING METHODS THEREOF
PCT/FR1997/000456 WO1997035357A1 (en) 1996-03-19 1997-03-13 Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0888648A1 true EP0888648A1 (en) 1999-01-07
EP0888648B1 EP0888648B1 (en) 2003-11-05

Family

ID=9490519

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97914395A Expired - Lifetime EP0888648B1 (en) 1996-03-19 1997-03-13 Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefore

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US6608604B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0888648B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1218434C (en)
AU (1) AU2165197A (en)
CA (1) CA2248884A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69725972T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2212088T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2746548B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997035357A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6072441A (en) * 1997-11-06 2000-06-06 Nec Corporation Method of producing a helical antenna and the helical antenna apparatus
SE514568C2 (en) 1998-05-18 2001-03-12 Allgon Ab An antenna device comprising feed means and a hand-held radio communication device for such an antenna device
SE514530C2 (en) 1998-05-18 2001-03-12 Allgon Ab An antenna device comprising capacitively coupled radio tower elements and a hand-held radio communication device for such an antenna device
FR2814285A1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-22 France Telecom VARIABLE STEP HELICOID ANTENNA, AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
US7245268B2 (en) * 2004-07-28 2007-07-17 Skycross, Inc. Quadrifilar helical antenna
US7173576B2 (en) * 2004-07-28 2007-02-06 Skycross, Inc. Handset quadrifilar helical antenna mechanical structures
CN1314287C (en) * 2005-06-24 2007-05-02 京信通信技术(广州)有限公司 High-integrated universal duplexer module used for mobile communication duplex tower top amplifier
DE102006021839A1 (en) * 2006-05-10 2007-11-15 Siemens Ag Antenna and transmitting / receiving unit
GB0700276D0 (en) * 2007-01-08 2007-02-14 Sarantel Ltd A dielectrically-loaded antenna
US8089421B2 (en) * 2008-01-08 2012-01-03 Sarantel Limited Dielectrically loaded antenna
WO2010103264A1 (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-16 Sarantel Limited A dielectrically loaded antenna
US8456375B2 (en) * 2009-05-05 2013-06-04 Sarantel Limited Multifilar antenna
CN101600269B (en) * 2009-06-30 2011-06-08 华为技术有限公司 Device, system and method for sharing antenna feeder
CN102412859B (en) * 2010-09-21 2013-12-04 中国科学院上海微系统与信息技术研究所 Mixed radio-frequency duplexer based on discrete device
US9923266B1 (en) 2013-12-16 2018-03-20 First Rf Corporation Antenna array with tilted conical helical antennas
US9343796B2 (en) * 2014-07-15 2016-05-17 Novatel Inc. Wideband and low-loss quadrature phase quad-feeding network for high-performance GNSS antenna
US10374299B1 (en) 2015-02-06 2019-08-06 First Rf Corporation Method for making a radiator structure for a helical antenna
EP4106106A1 (en) * 2021-06-17 2022-12-21 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG Antenna arrangement, transceiver arrangement and communication system

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4008479A (en) * 1975-11-03 1977-02-15 Chu Associates, Inc. Dual-frequency circularly polarized spiral antenna for satellite navigation
FR2654554B1 (en) * 1989-11-10 1992-07-31 France Etat ANTENNA IN PROPELLER, QUADRIFILAIRE, RESONANT BICOUCHE.
US5198831A (en) * 1990-09-26 1993-03-30 501 Pronav International, Inc. Personal positioning satellite navigator with printed quadrifilar helical antenna
US5235296A (en) * 1990-11-28 1993-08-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Directional coupler using a microstrip line
US5581268A (en) * 1995-08-03 1996-12-03 Globalstar L.P. Method and apparatus for increasing antenna efficiency for hand-held mobile satellite communications terminal
US5828348A (en) * 1995-09-22 1998-10-27 Qualcomm Incorporated Dual-band octafilar helix antenna

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9735357A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1997035357A1 (en) 1997-09-25
DE69725972D1 (en) 2003-12-11
CN1218581A (en) 1999-06-02
CN1218434C (en) 2005-09-07
EP0888648B1 (en) 2003-11-05
FR2746548B1 (en) 1998-06-19
US6608604B1 (en) 2003-08-19
ES2212088T3 (en) 2004-07-16
CA2248884A1 (en) 1997-09-25
DE69725972T2 (en) 2004-09-02
FR2746548A1 (en) 1997-09-26
AU2165197A (en) 1997-10-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0888647B1 (en) Helix antenna with a built-in broadband power supply, and manufacturing methods therefor
EP0888648B1 (en) Helical antenna with built-in duplexing means, and manufacturing methods therefore
EP0427654B1 (en) Tuned helical antennae consisting of two quadrifilar antennas fit into each other
EP1073143B1 (en) Dual polarisation printed antenna and corresponding array
EP0320404B1 (en) Helix-type antenna and its manufacturing process
EP0714151B1 (en) Broadband monopole antenna in uniplanar printed circuit technology and transmit- and/or receive device with such an antenna
EP0481417B1 (en) Device for feeding an antenna element radiating two orthogonal polarisations
EP0243289A1 (en) Plate antenna with two crossed polarizations
FR2752646A1 (en) PLANE PRINTED ANTENNA WITH OVERLAPPING ELEMENTS SHORT CIRCUITS
FR2810163A1 (en) IMPROVEMENT TO ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE EMISSION / RECEPTION SOURCE ANTENNAS
FR2583226A1 (en) OMNIDIRECTIONAL CYLINDRICAL ANTENNA
FR2778272A1 (en) RADIOCOMMUNICATION DEVICE AND BIFREQUENCY ANTENNA MADE ACCORDING TO MICRO-TAPE TECHNIQUE
EP1805848B1 (en) Multiband printed helical slot antenna
EP1540768B1 (en) Broadband helical antenna
FR2814285A1 (en) VARIABLE STEP HELICOID ANTENNA, AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
EP0463263B1 (en) Circularly-polarized omnidirectionnal antenna with maximum horizontal gain
WO2009077529A2 (en) Very wide band active antenna for passive radar
EP0477102B1 (en) Directional network with adjacent radiator elements for radio communication system and unit with such a directional network
FR2814286A1 (en) Mobile satellite communications high pass band helical antenna having helix radiating strips helix formed with one/more strips varying width.
EP2092592B1 (en) Orthogonal-mode junction coupler with an ultrabroad operating bandwidth
FR2713020A1 (en) Dipole type radiating element made of printed technology, matching adjustment method and corresponding network.
EP0850496B1 (en) Transmission device with omnidirectional antenna
EP4203191A1 (en) Circularly polarized planar radio frequency antenna
WO2002037606A1 (en) Multiband antenna

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19981012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19990507

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: HELICAL ANTENNA WITH BUILT-IN DUPLEXING MEANS, AND MANUFACTURING METHODS THEREFORE

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69725972

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20031211

Kind code of ref document: P

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20040213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2212088

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040806

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060331

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070226

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070307

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20070308

Year of fee payment: 11

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20080314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070313