EP1223638B1 - Antenna array - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a group antenna system according to the preamble of Claim 1.

They are group antenna systems with an electrically large group antenna known the first Antenna sub-group and a second antenna sub-group, wherein a combination line network is provided which has an entrance to Recording an antenna power signal and one with the first Antenna sub-group connected first output to deliver a first Output signal to the first antenna sub-group and one with the second Antenna sub-group connected second output to deliver the second Output signal to the second antenna sub-group.

Such prior art array antenna systems have typically antenna subgroups in the form of antenna halves in are arranged next to each other on one level. The two antenna halves are from the outputs of a combination line network that through a power divider is formed, in-phase output signals supplied, to generate a summation diagram of the antennas (or antiphase Output signals to generate a difference diagram).

Electrically large group antennas, especially those with standing ones Waves on the feed lines (resonance feed system) or those with narrow-band radiation elements (e.g. patch antennas) are often very Narrow adjustment widths with resonance-like courses of the Reflection factor on, as shown in Figure 3.

An increase in the adaptation bandwidth of such antennas is often not or only possible with considerable additional effort, e.g. with complex Feed systems. Nevertheless, large bandwidths often become constant low reflection factor required, e.g. to the operation of frequency multiplex filters or a constant power output of To enable transmit amplifiers without a circulator.

Group antenna systems are known from EP 0 310 661 B1 and from EP 0 615 659 B1 known, which is a number of spatially separated radiation elements contain those for generating a spatial deflection of the antenna beam signals shifted from each other by a predetermined phase become.

Antenna arrangements are known from DE 1 105 486, DE 1 042 587 and DE 957 239, which to improve the adaptation bandwidth a spatial Spacing of the individual radiation elements with respect to the main beam direction provide the antenna arrangement.

The object of the invention is a group antenna system with a wide range of adaptation to create which is simple in structure and insensitive to external Force is.

This task is accomplished by a group antenna system with the features of the claim 1 solved.

Advantageous further developments of the group antenna system according to the invention are shown in marked the subclaims.

The invention provides a group antenna system with an electrically long one Group antenna created, the first antenna sub-group and a second Antenna subset includes, and with a combination line network, the an input for receiving an antenna power signal and one with the first antenna sub-group connected first output for delivering a first Output signal to the first antenna sub-group and one with the second antenna sub-group connected second output for outputting the second output signal to the second antenna subgroup, the combination line network a phase shifter for generating a phase shift between the output signals of the first output and the second Output before it is fed to the antenna subgroups. According to the invention are on the antenna subgroups waveguide paths with different Arranged transverse dimensions, which are the phase shift of the antenna subsets compensate for the antenna radiation emitted, the reflection factors the antenna subgroups are the same. The group antenna system according to the invention exhibits one versus a corresponding conventional one Group antenna system significantly increased adaptation bandwidth.

The group antenna preferably comprises two of the same size Antenna subsets or it consists of several such pairs of equally large antenna subgroups.

In particular, it is provided that the first antenna subgroup is a first Half antenna of the group antenna forms, and that the second Antenna sub-group forms a second half-antenna of the group antenna.

The waveguide paths preferably have one around a certain one Difference different length, so that a shift of the Antenna sub-groups emitted radiation by a quarter wavelength in the sense of a compensation of the phase shifting device generated 90 ° phase shift is effected.

According to a preferred embodiment thereof, the Antenna sub-groups arranged in a common plane.

An advantageous development provides that at the exit of the Waveguide routes transition routes with a transition from narrow Cross section on wide cross section are provided.

The antenna subgroups are advantageously in the direction of the division electrically large.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the Antenna subgroups in the direction perpendicular to the division are small.

The reflection factors of the antenna subgroups are preferably the same.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention The combination cable network contains a 4-port power divider in the group antenna system.

The 4-port power divider is preferably a Wilkinson divider, one 3 dB directional coupler or an E-H waveguide double-T branch educated.

Figur 1

ein schematisches Diagramm, welches allgemein ein Gruppenantennensystem mit einer ersten Antennenntergruppe und einer zweiten Antennenuntergruppe und einem Kombinationsleitungsnetzwerk zeigt;

Figur 2

verschiedene Ausführungsbeispiele von 4-Tor-Leistungsteilem, wie sie für ein Kombinationsleitungsnetzwerk des erfindungsgemäßen Gruppenantennensystems verwendet werden können;

Figur 3

ein Diagramm, welches die Anpassungsbandbreite eines Gruppenantennensystems als Funktion des Reflexionsfaktors in Abhängigkeit von der Frequenz darstellt;

Figur 4

ein schematisches Diagramm eines Gruppenantennensystems

Figur 5

in der Seitenansicht, Figur 5a), bzw. in der Aufsicht, Figur 5b), eine schematisierte Darstellung eines Gruppenantennensystems gemäß einem Beispiel, das das Verständnis der Erfindung erleichtert;

Figur 6

in der Seitenansicht, Figur 6a), bzw. in der Aufsicht, Figur 6b), eine schematisierte Darstellung eines weiteren Beispiels eines Gruppenantennensystems das das Verständnis der Erfindung erleichtert;

Figur 7

in der Seitenansicht eine schematisierte Darstellung noch eines anderen Beispiels eines Gruppenantennensystems das das Verständnis der Erfindung erleichtert;

Figur 8

in der Seitenansicht eine schematisierte Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Gruppenantennensystems gemäß der Erfindung; und

Figur 9

eine schematisierte Darstellung noch eines weiteren Beispeils Gruppenantennensystems, das das Verständnis der Erfindung erleichtert.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1

is a schematic diagram generally showing a group antenna system with a first antenna sub-group and a second antenna sub-group and a combination line network;

Figure 2

Various exemplary embodiments of 4-port power dividers, as can be used for a combination line network of the group antenna system according to the invention;

Figure 3

a diagram illustrating the adaptation bandwidth of a group antenna system as a function of the reflection factor as a function of frequency;

Figure 4

a schematic diagram of a group antenna system

Figure 5

in the side view, Figure 5a), or in the top view, Figure 5b), a schematic representation of a group antenna system according to an example that facilitates understanding of the invention;

Figure 6

in the side view, Figure 6a), or in the top view, Figure 6b), a schematic representation of another example of a group antenna system which facilitates the understanding of the invention;

Figure 7

in the side view a schematic representation of yet another example of a group antenna system which facilitates the understanding of the invention;

Figure 8

in the side view a schematic representation of an embodiment of a group antenna system according to the invention; and

Figure 9

a schematic representation of yet another example group antenna system, which facilitates the understanding of the invention.

First, the structure of a Group antenna system are discussed as it is the subject of Invention is. One designated overall by reference number 10 Electrically large group antenna comprises a first antenna sub-group 11 and a second antenna sub-group 12, which in the illustrated Embodiment each have a first and a second half antenna Form group antenna 10 and are the same size. On Combination line network 13 includes an input for receiving a Antenna power signal and a first output that is connected to the first Antenna sub-group 11 is connected and a first output signal delivers this, as well as a second output, which with the second Antenna sub-group 12 is connected and a second output signal delivers this.

The combination line network 13 can, for example, a 4-port power divider included by a Wilkinson divider, a 3 dB directional coupler or an E-H waveguide double-T branch can be formed can, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 2a) to c).

The input reflection factor ru of the antenna sub-groups 11, 12, FIG. 1, assumes a minimum around the nominal frequency f0, with a useful bandwidth Δf, as shown in Figure 3. The useful bandwidth Δf is a measure of that Adaptation bandwidth with which the group antenna can be operated.

As Figure 4 shows includes that Combination line network 13, a phase shifter 14, which between an output of the combination line network 13 and one of the the group antenna 10 forming antenna sub-groups 11, 12 is connected (In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the Phase shifter 14 between the second output of the Combination line network 13 and the second antenna subgroup 12 switched), and a phase shift, by the amount 90 °, between the Output signals of the first output and the second output of the Combination line network 13 before the supply of the output signals the antenna sub-groups 11, 12 of the group antenna 10 are generated.

Generally speaking, means are provided for the in the Combination line network 13 or in the provided therein Phase shifting device 14 generates phase shift in the beam path the antenna radiation emitted by the antenna subgroups 11, 12 to compensate again so that the antenna radiation is uniform again Has phase position of the originally intended signal.

In the examples shown in Figure 5 and in Figure 6 are the antenna sub-groups 21, 22 and 31, 32 of the group antennas 20 and 30 shifted with respect to the main beam direction of the antenna, to compensate for the said phase shift.

In the example shown in Figure 5, which in Figure 5a) in the side view and in Figure 5b) is shown in plan view Antenna sub-groups 21, 22 of the group antenna 20 perpendicular to Main beam direction of the antenna and arranged by a quarter wavelength shifted against each other. The first antenna subgroup 21 is directly with connected to the first output of the combination line network 23, while the second antenna subgroup 22 has a Phase shifter 24 with the second output of the Combination line network 23 is connected, so that the displacement of the two antenna sub-groups 21, 22 by a quarter wavelength λ / 4 against each other exactly that caused by the phase shifter 24 Phase shift compensated by -90 °.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, in FIG. 6a) again shows a side view and 6b) shows a plan view Antenna sub-groups 31, 32 of the group antenna 30 obliquely to Main beam direction of the antenna arranged. The middle of the Antenna subgroups 31, 32, which in Figure 6a) by P1 or by P2 are identified with regard to the main beam direction of the Group antenna shifted against each other by a quarter wavelength λ / 4, so that again a compensation of a 90 ° phase shift between the input signals of the two antenna subgroups 31 and 32 becomes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is particularly the special case before that the antenna subgroups 31, 32 in one common level, which is due to the oblique radiation of the Group antenna 30 is possible, but still a shift of the two Antenna subgroups 31, 32 with respect to the (oblique) main beam direction is guaranteed to λ / 4 to each other.

In the example shown in side view in FIG. 7 are antenna sub-groups 41, 42 of a group antenna 40 each with dielectric layers 45, 46 of different dielectric numbers εr1 or εr2 covered. Specifically, that points to the first antenna subgroup 41 provided dielectric layer 45 has a dielectric constant εr1 that dielectric layer 46 provided on the second antenna subgroup 42 has a dielectric constant εr2. The dielectric layers 45, 46 have a thickness d.

In the example shown, the thickness is d of the two dielectric layers 45, 46 are the same, but this need not be the case necessarily be the case. The thickness d of the dielectric layers 45, 46 is chosen so that there is a shift of the Antenna subgroups 41, 42 emitted radiation by a quarter Wavelength λ / 4 results relative to each other, in the sense of a compensation of of the phase shifter (not shown in the figure), compare the phase shifter 14 in FIG. 4.

If, as in the example shown in Figure 7 assuming εr1> εr2, then when the radiation passes through the two Antenna sub-groups 41, 42 through the dielectric layers 45, 46 a Λ / 4 phase shift between those of the two Antenna subgroups 41, 42 emitted antenna radiation occur, which is the 90 ° phase shift of said phase shifter compensated. In practice for the two antenna subgroups 41, 42 the same, if possible negligible, small reflection factor of Obtaining dielectric layers 45, 46 can e.g. the second dielectric Layer 46 is air, and the first dielectric layer 45 is a layered one Medium (with λ / 4 matching layers) with a dielectric constant εr1 that is greater than the dielectric constant εr2 of air.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the two are Antenna sub-groups 41, 42 arranged in a common plane, this however, this need not necessarily be the case. If the two antenna sub-groups 41, 42 of the group antenna 40 with respect to the The main beam direction of the antenna would of course be this Dimensioning the thickness d of the dielectric layers 45, 46 to account.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, there is a group antenna 50 by a first antenna sub-group 51 and a second Antenna subgroup 52 formed. At the antenna subgroups 51, 52 are Waveguide paths 55, 56 with different cross-sectional dimensions arranged, which is a phase shift of the Antenna subgroups 51, 52 emit radiation relative to one another cause. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the waveguide paths 55, 56 a by a difference d different length, so that a Shift of those emitted by the antenna subgroups 51, 52 Radiations around a quarter wavelength λ / 4 relative to each other in the sense compensation for the 90 ° phase shift.

In the embodiment shown in FIG Antenna sub-groups 51, 52 in turn in a common plane arranged. Again, this does not necessarily have to be the case, however would be a shift of the two antenna subgroups 51, 52 relative to each other with respect to the main beam direction of the array antenna 50 when dimensioning the difference d between the two waveguide paths 55, 56 to consider.

At the exit of the waveguide paths 55, 56 can each Transition sections 57, 58 with a transition from a narrow one Cross section can be provided on a wide cross section, which in the Figure 8 embodiment shown with a transition Adjustment levels is realized.

Essential for the invention Group antenna system is that the reflection factors of the Antenna subgroups are the same. That means that Antenna subgroups should be largely decoupled from one another have to. This is guaranteed if the antenna subgroups are at least in Direction of the division are electrically large. In the other direction no restriction, i.e. also antennas, which are in the direction perpendicular to Division are small, e.g. Antennas with only one line can be considered. Such an example is shown in Figure 9, where a Group antenna 60 is formed by antenna subgroups 61, 62, which in Direction perpendicular to the division are small, namely only by two rows are formed by slot radiators.

The structure of the group antenna system according to the invention achieved effect with respect to that reflected on the antenna subgroups Waves is that the reflected waves on the combination line network in Incoming phase and arrive at the fourth gate of the 4-gate power divider used here can emerge or be absorbed. With that, at ideal components the resulting reflection factor on Antenna input practically disappear completely, regardless of the height and the frequency dependence of the reflection factor Antenna subgroups. The function is restricted by non-ideal ones Properties of the combination line network and the Phase shifter. However, the resultant Adaptation bandwidth is nevertheless essential in many practical cases become larger than that of the antenna sub-groups as such.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60

array antenna

11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61

first antenna group

12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62

second antenna group

13; 23

Combination line network

14; 24

Phase shifter

45

dielectric layer

46

dielectric layer

55

Waveguide section

56

Waveguide section

57

Transition zone

58

Transition zone

Claims (10)

1. Antenna array system having an electrically long antenna array (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60), which comprises a first antenna subarray (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61) and a second antenna subarray (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62), and having a combination line network (13; 23), which has one input for receiving an antenna power signal as well as a first output, which is connected to the first antenna subarray (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61), for emitting a first output signal to the first antenna subarray (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61), and has a second output, which is connected to the second antenna subarray (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62), for emitting the second output signal to the second antenna subarray (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62), with the combination line network (13; 23) containing a phase shifting device (14; 24) for production of a phase shift between the output signals from the first output and from the second output before they are supplied to the antenna subarrays (11, 12; 21, 22; 31, 32; 41, 42; 51, 52; 61, 62) characterized in that waveguide sections (55, 56) with different transverse dimensions are arranged on the antenna subarrays (51, 52) and compensate for the phase shift of the antenna radiation which is emitted from the antenna subarrays (51, 52), with the reflection factors of the antenna subarrays (51, 52) being the same.
2. Antenna array system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the antenna array (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) comprises two antenna subarrays (11, 12; 21, 22; 31, 32; 41, 42; 51, 52; 61, 62) of equal size, or comprises two or more such pairs.
3. Antenna array system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first antenna subarray (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61) forms a first half antenna for the antenna array (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60), and in that the second antenna subarray (12; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62) forms a second half antenna for the antenna array (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60).
4. Antenna array system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waveguide sections (55, 56) have a length which differs by a difference (d) such that a shift in the radiation which is emitted from the antenna subarrays (51, 52) is produced by a quarter of a wavelength in the sense of compensation for the 90° phase shift that is produced by the phase shifting device (14, 24).
5. Antenna array system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna subarrays (51, 52) are arranged on a common plane.
6. Antenna array system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that transition sections (57, 58) with a transition from a narrow cross section to a wide cross section are provided at the output of the waveguide sections (55, 56).
7. Antenna array system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna subarrays (51, 52) are electrically long along their common axis.
8. Antenna array system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the antenna subarrays (51, 52) are electrically short at right angles to their common axis.
9. Antenna array system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination line network (13, 23) has a 4 port power divider.
10. Antenna array system according to Claim 9, characterized in that the 4 port power divider is formed by a Wilkinson divider, a 3 dB directional coupler or an E-H waveguide double-T junction.

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