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EP2802036B1 - Longitudinal displacement passive phase shifter - Google Patents

Longitudinal displacement passive phase shifter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2802036B1
EP2802036B1 EP13305590.5A EP13305590A EP2802036B1 EP 2802036 B1 EP2802036 B1 EP 2802036B1 EP 13305590 A EP13305590 A EP 13305590A EP 2802036 B1 EP2802036 B1 EP 2802036B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
phase
dielectric
shifting system
conductive line
phase shift
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.)
Active
Application number
EP13305590.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2802036A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Harel
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.)
Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Alcatel Lucent Shanghai Bell Co Ltd
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Priority to EP13305590.5A priority Critical patent/EP2802036B1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2014/061211 priority patent/WO2014181239A2/en
Publication of EP2802036A1 publication Critical patent/EP2802036A1/en
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Publication of EP2802036B1 publication Critical patent/EP2802036B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/18—Phase-shifters
    • H01P1/184—Strip line phase-shifters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/32—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by mechanical means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a longitudinal displacement phase shifting system for applying a phase shift on radiating elements, or groups of radiating elements.
  • the invention is intended to be used in particular for radiating elements belonging to antennas for the base stations of the cellular communication networks (GSM, UMTS, etc.) but also to any other type of application requiring a phase shift.
  • the phase shift aims to detach the direction of the main lobe of the antenna, and thus achieve antennas dynamic depointing, or otherwise called "antennas variable tilt".
  • Base station antennas for telecommunication applications must have a high gain and radiation patterns in the horizontal plane and in the vertical plane free of spurious radiation.
  • the requirements in terms of gain and radiation pattern in the vertical plane depend on the length of the antenna. These parameters are controlled via the power supply network of the radiating elements of the antenna.
  • Variable electric tilt antennas known as VET (Variable Electric Tilt) allow to vary the position of the main lobe with respect to the horizon. Adjustment of the inclination of the antenna in the vertical plane can be achieved by different techniques applied to the antenna supply network, using active and / or passive devices, mainly by means of a device for shifting the antenna. phase.
  • Phase shift systems are most often passive systems, that is to say having no electronic component, for applying a relative phase difference between different accesses of a radiofrequency power supply network.
  • Devices are known that use at least two dielectric domains: a domain consisting of a solid dielectric material and a domain consisting of air or empty, for example. Moving the solid dielectric material with respect to a conductive line (for example a line of the coaxial, microstrip, triplate, coplanar, etc. type) induces a phase variation.
  • the solid dielectric material is placed so as to cut the current lines lying between the conductive line and a ground plane, ie a conductive plane connected to the ground.
  • phase shift system comprises solid dielectric material portions which slide transversely while the control member is a central cylinder which is moved in the axis of the antenna.
  • additional mechanical parts have a cost.
  • each radiating element of a panel antenna for example, is individually phase shifted. If the performance of such an antenna is good in terms of value and stability of the radiation in the vertical plane, several parameters need to be further improved.
  • phase shift system is assembled to form a single module that includes phase shifters and current dividers.
  • a box of great length is necessary to house this module. It is expensive to manufacture and requires specific tools for its transportation because of its dimensions.
  • This bulky box also involves reserving a large volume for its installation at the rear of the chassis of a panel antenna, which is not easy in a multiband antenna context where many of these boxes must be arranged to the rear of an antenna chassis.
  • a volume complicates and limits the assembly possibilities of the panel antennas, insofar as antenna arrays are generally the same length as the chassis of a panel antenna.
  • This assembly module also makes more complex possible repairs: when the assembly of the phase shift system is completed, it is no longer possible to directly access the components located at the rear of the system supplying the radiating elements, such as the power cable connections for example, without destroying certain parts of the housing, such as the cover.
  • the object of the present invention is a unitary phase shift system comprising at least one power supply line comprising an input portion connected to the input of the phase shift system connected to a power supply source, and a portion of output connected to the output of the phase shift system connected to at least one antenna radiating element to be powered, a fixed dielectric part surrounding the input portion of the conductive line, a movable dielectric part surrounding the output portion of the conductive line , and a control member secured to the movable dielectric member adapted to move longitudinally so as to cause a longitudinal movement of the movable dielectric part along the conductive line.
  • the conductive line comprises an input portion composed of three segments, the surface of each segment being fixed.
  • the conductive line comprises an output portion composed of three segments, the relative area of each segment being variable.
  • the input portion and the output portion of the conductive line each comprise three segments, a central segment providing the impedance transformation and side segments respectively surrounded by a first dielectric domain and a second one. dielectric domain.
  • the first dielectric domain may be the surrounding air and the second dielectric domain may be a solid dielectric material selected from a polymer and a ceramic.
  • the longitudinal displacement of the movable dielectric part is carried out parallel to the fixed dielectric part which serves as a guide.
  • the first halves of the fixed and movable dielectric parts are deposited in a housing cover and a housing base is deposited on the second halves of the fixed and mobile dielectric parts.
  • control members are placed on the same side of the stack.
  • the invention also relates to an antenna comprising a phase shift system placed in a housing, one of whose faces is constituted by the frame of the antenna.
  • This simple and inexpensive phase shift system has many advantages. In particular it allows a variation of the inclination of a panel antenna in the vertical plane over a range of at least 12 °.
  • the figure 1 illustrates a unit phase shift system 1 seen from above in perspective.
  • the phase shift system 1 has an input connected to an antenna power source, for example a coaxial input power cable 2 , and an output connected to a radiating element or a group of radiating elements antenna, for example by a coaxial output power cable 3 .
  • the phase shifting system 1 comprises a conductive line 4 stripline (or "stripline" in English) of power, for example based on copper or brass, which provides the connection between the input of the phase shift system connected to the cable of input power supply 2 and the output of the phase shift system connected to the output power cable 3 .
  • the dimensions of the conductive line 4 are adapted to respect the input and output impedance in the phase shift system that is sought, usually of the order of 50 Ohms.
  • the coaxial power cables 2 and 3 could be replaced by connectors or by an extension of the conducting line 4 triplate.
  • a fixed dielectric part 5 is placed on an input portion 6 of the conductive line 4 which is connected to the input power cable 2 .
  • a movable dielectric part 7 is placed on an output portion 8 of the conductive line 4 which is connected to the output power cable 3 .
  • the movable dielectric part 7 can move longitudinally by sliding mechanically between two extreme positions along the outlet portion 8 of the conductive line 4 .
  • the conductive line 4 triplate is made here in one piece and can be broken down into several conductive segments.
  • the phase shift system 1 unit is here supported by the bottom 9 of a conductive housing serving as ground plane (or "ground plane” in English).
  • the housing can be mounted directly on the frame of the antenna which then constitutes one of the faces of the housing, for example the bottom 9 .
  • Fixing the housing, or the housing cover, on the frame of the antenna, can be achieved by means of screws, rivets, clip-fasteners or staples for example.
  • a thin insulating layer may be placed on the bottom 9 of the housing, which may be the antenna frame, and disposed between the conductive bottom 9 and the phase shift system 1 .
  • the insulating thin layer about 0.1 mm thick, can be for example a plastic film, a thin layer of paint or anodization, but not limited to.
  • first segment 100 From the input of the phase shift system 1 connected to the input power cable 2 , there is a first segment 100 on the feed line 4 triplate.
  • the first segment 100 in contact with a dielectric domain which is the ambient air, behaves like a resistive line of 50 Ohms.
  • the first segment 100 is electrically connected for example to the central conductor of the coaxial input power cable 2 .
  • the first segment 100 follows a second segment 101 used to allow a correct impedance transformation between the first segment 100 surrounded by air and a third segment 102 surrounded by solid dielectric material.
  • the area of the fixed dielectric part 5 surrounding the second segment 101 can be realized using several topologies, the appropriate configuration being determined by calculation or simulation starting from a equivalence of the dielectric medium composed of localized elements, that is to say envisaged as the succession of discrete elements R, L and C.
  • the desired configuration is given by the presence of recesses 10 in a solid dielectric material, but could also be obtained by a modification of the shape or the size of the fixed dielectric part 5 , or else by a variation of the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material used.
  • These recesses 10 have been represented here by rectangular holes, but they can of course have any other shape depending on the desired result.
  • the entire surface of the third segment 102 is in contact with the solid dielectric material, which corresponds to a conductive line having a characteristic impedance which depends on the dimensions of the triplate segment 102 and the solid dielectric material used to constitute the fixed part 5 .
  • the solid dielectric material may be a plastic or polymer, such as polypropylene, polyester (PPS RYTON ⁇ ) having a dielectric constant ⁇ r of the order of 4 to 6. Although more expensive and more accurate applicant, it is also possible to use a plastic material containing certain types of ceramic as a dielectric material, whose dielectric constant ⁇ r is then of the order of 10.
  • the segments 100 , 101 and 102 compose the input portion 6 .
  • the surface of each segment 100 , 101 and 102 is constant because the dielectric part 5 is stationary.
  • the following three segments 103 , 104 and 105 make up the output portion 8 . Their relative surface depends on the position of the moving dielectric part 7 .
  • the fourth segment 103 is similar to the third segment 102 , the entire surface of the fourth segment 103 is in contact with the solid dielectric material, which corresponds to a conductive line having a characteristic impedance which depends on the dimensions of the triplate segment 103 and the dielectric material solid used to constitute the moving part 7 .
  • the sixth segment 105 is electrically connected for example to the central conductor of the output power cable 3 .
  • the sixth segment 105 in contact with a dielectric domain which is the ambient air, behaves like a 50 Ohm resistive line.
  • the working frequency band is 1.7-2.7 GHz. It has been chosen to maintain a constant thickness of the material for the two dielectric pieces 5 , 7 , and to use only two sections 101, 102 and 103, 104 respectively in contact with the dielectric domain consisting of the solid dielectric material for the sake of simplicity and efficiency.
  • the displacement of the movable dielectric part 7 can be controlled by a control member such as a lever 11 , which can be associated with a gear and / or a rod for example, so as to be manually actuated from the outside.
  • a control member such as a lever 11
  • Another solution could be to use step motors or independent linear actuators. Displacements are thus only along the longitudinal axis, which advantageously contributes to the simplification of the phase shift system and improves its reliability.
  • the phase shift of the supply network of the radiating elements is thus achieved solely by means of a direct connection, without intermediate between the control member and the mobile part constituting the core of the phase shift system.
  • FIGS. 2a to 2e are illustrated the steps of assembling a unit phase shift system in a housing.
  • the figure 2a represents the cover 20 of the conductive housing protecting the phase shift system.
  • the housing cover can be made by different techniques. Here there is shown a case cover obtained by folding a sheet of brass or copper, which makes it possible to weld the conductive shielding sheath, here braided, coaxial power cables directly on the housing cover in order to ensure the connection to the ground. But this housing cover could equally well be made of stamped aluminum, zinc alloy, aluminum, magnesium and copper (zamac) molded, etc ...
  • connection points 23 are connected to connection points 23 , for example by welding directly on the housing cover or by means of connectors, as shown in figure 2b .
  • FIG. Figure 2c shows the next step where a first half 25 of the upper movable dielectric material is positioned in the lid 20 of the casing, parallel to the first half 24 of the upper fixed dielectric part and close to the output supply cable 22.
  • a line The stripline conductor 26 having an S-recess is placed over the first upper halves 24 , 25 of the fixed and movable dielectric parts so as to cover both of them.
  • the particular form of the conductive line 26 allows a longitudinal displacement of the movable dielectric part which is carried out parallel to the fixed dielectric part then serving as a guide.
  • Each end of the conductive line 26 is connected, for example by welding, to the central conductor of the input power cable 21 and the output power cable 22 respectively.
  • the first upper half 24 of the fixed dielectric part is fixed on the conductive line 26 , for example by means of clip clips or staples integrated in the conductive line 26 .
  • the conductive line 26 is covered with a second lower half 28 of the fixed dielectric part.
  • the second lower half 28 is also fixed on the conductive line 26 and cooperates with the first upper half 24 to form the fixed dielectric part. It was also covered with the conductive line 26, a second half 29 of the lower movable dielectric piece. The second half 29 bottom cooperates with the first half 25 to form the upper movable dielectric piece.
  • the first half 25 above is fixed to the second half 29 lower, which allows the mobile dielectric part to slide freely along the conductive line 26.
  • the bottom of the housing (not shown) is placed on the assembly thus produced and fixed to the cover 20 .
  • FIGS. 3a to 3e are perspective top views that illustrate the different positions of the phase shift system during its use.
  • the figure 3a illustrates a conductive housing, enclosing a unitary phase shift system, which comprises a folded brass sheet lid 30 which is fixed, for example by means of screws or rivets 31 , to a bottom 32 , for example the antenna frame .
  • An input power cable 33 and a coaxial output power cable 34 whose shielding braid is connected to the housing cover 30 , are placed on the side faces which are on either side of the cover. 30 .
  • a joystick control 35 shown in the intermediate position, protrudes out of the housing 30 for ease of handling.
  • the figure 3b analogous to the figure 3a shows the phase shift system in the intermediate position, the cover 30 of the housing having been shown transparent to reveal the unit phase shift system it contains.
  • a conductive line 36 connects the input power cable 33 to the output power cable 34 .
  • a fixed dielectric piece 37 surrounds the input portion of the conductive line 36 electrically connected to the center conductor of the input power cable 33 .
  • a movable dielectric piece 38 surrounds the output portion of the conductive line 36 electrically connected to the center conductor of the output power cable 34 . While the position of the fixed dielectric piece 37 remains unchanged, the movable dielectric piece 38 can move between two extreme end-of-stroke positions. Here the movable dielectric part 38 is represented in an intermediate position between these two extreme positions.
  • the phase shift system is in an extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum.
  • the moving part 38 is then in mechanical stop in the position closest to the output power cable 34 .
  • the surface of the conductive line 36 corresponding to the segment 103 is maximum and its characteristic impedance is maximum.
  • the figure 4 schematically illustrates a power supply network for a panel-type antenna 40 having five aligned radiating elements 41a-41e .
  • the radiating elements 41a-41e here are of the double-polarization + 45 ° / -45 ° type and may for example be of the dipole, spiral patch, periodic log, bow tie (or “bow tie"), cross (or ") type. cross bow tie "), butterfly (or” butterfly “), etc.
  • the portion of the supply network corresponding to one of the polarizations of the radiating elements 41a-41e of the antenna 40 which comprises several systems is represented. phase shift 42a-42e units .
  • a coaxial input power cable 43 is connected to a first current divider 44a which divides the incoming signal into three signal portions.
  • the first signal portion is sent in a phase shift system 42a unit, the second portion of the signal is sent to another phase shift system 42b unit and the third portion of the signal directly feeds a radiating element 41a .
  • the signal is sent in current dividers 44b and 44c respectively.
  • Each current divider 44b, 44c divides the incoming signal into two signal portions, the first signal portion is sent in a phase shift system 42c, 42d unit and the second portion of the signal directly supplies a radiating element 41b, 41d.
  • the output signal from the phase shift systems 42c and 42d unit placed at the end of the circuit directly supplies a radiating element 41c, 41e .
  • antenna 40 comprising five radiating elements 41a-41e may be applied to any other antenna comprising a lower or higher number of radiating elements.
  • the antenna supply network must then comprise as many dividers and unit phase shifting systems as necessary to enable the phase shift and division of the signal to be carried out successively until all the radiating elements constituting the antenna are powered.
  • phase shift systems 42 are moved by means of a mechanical device 45 comprising a common rod 46 which is integral with the control levers 47 of each phase shift system 42a-42d.
  • the phase shifts introduced via the supply network of the radiating elements 41a-41e are obtained by means of unitary phase shift systems 42a-42d allowing by a simple movement to act directly on the conductive supply line.
  • phase shift systems 42 provides an input on a side face, while the output is on the opposite side face. With this configuration, the total length of coaxial cable necessary to realize the antenna power supply network is less than when the input and output are placed on one of the large faces, upper or lower, of the phase shift system.
  • the figure 5 illustrates the variation of the impedance matching IM (in dB) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter.
  • IM impedance matching
  • HB UBB antenna for "High Band Ultra Broad Band” in English
  • the curve 50a represents the value of the input impedance and the curve 50b represents the value of the output impedance for the position corresponding to the minimum phase shift.
  • Curve 51a represents the value of the input impedance and curve 51b represents the value of the output impedance for a displacement of 5 mm with respect to the position corresponding to the minimum offset. phase.
  • the curves 52, 53, 54, 55 respectively correspond to a displacement of 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm with respect to the position corresponding to the minimum phase shift.
  • Curve 56a represents the value of the input impedance and curve 56b represents the value of the output impedance for a displacement of 30 mm, ie the position corresponding to the phase shift maximum.
  • the figure 6 illustrates the attenuation IL (in dB) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter.
  • the attenuation of the unit phase shift system is represented for several mechanical positions of the moving dielectric part, illustrated by the Figures 3b to 3d from the extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift to the extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum through the intermediate position. It is observed that, in the case of the dielectric characteristics of the material mentioned above, the attenuation IL or insertion loss (for "insertion loss" in English) is better than -0.35 dB in all cases between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz.
  • the figure 7 illustrates the PV phase variation (in degrees) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shift system.
  • the phase variation is represented for several positions of the moving dielectric part, illustrated by the Figures 3b to 3d from the extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift to the extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum through the intermediate position.
  • the phase shift between the extreme positions of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter is better than 82 °. This corresponds to a variation of the tilt of the main lobe which can reach 15.5 ° for an HB UBB antenna with five cross-polarized radiating elements and 125 mm inter-element spacing.
  • the curve 70 corresponds to the position of the moving dielectric part corresponding to the minimum phase shift.
  • the measurements of the phase are represented by the curves 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 for displacements of the moving dielectric part of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm respectively.
  • Curve 76 corresponds to the measurement of the phase for the position of the movable dielectric part corresponding to the phase shift maximum, ie a displacement of 30 mm.
  • a first unit phase shift system 80 is produced in a manner analogous to that illustrated by the Figures 2a-2e and described in detail previously.
  • the first lower half 81 of the fixed dielectric piece 82 and a first lower half 83 of the movable dielectric piece 84 are deposited on the bottom 85 of a first conductive casing. It should be noted that it may be advantageous to use the antenna frame as the bottom of the conductive housing, which facilitates subsequent access to phase shift systems and other internal parts of the antenna.
  • the first lower halves 81, 83 are covered with fixed dielectric 82 and movable 84 pieces with a conductive line 86 , here of the triplate type.
  • Each end of the conductive line 86 is respectively connected to the central conductor on the one hand of a coaxial input power cable 87 and a coaxial output power cable 88 on the other hand.
  • the second upper half 89 of the fixed dielectric piece 82 is placed on the conductive line 86 near its connection to the input power cable 87 .
  • the second upper half 90 of the movable dielectric piece 84 is placed on the conductive line 86 near its connection to the output power cable 88 .
  • the movable dielectric part 84 is integral with a control handle 91 to move it.
  • the figure 8b illustrates the step of closing the first conductive housing by means of a cover 92 which is fixed on the bottom 85 of the first housing.
  • a cover 92 which is fixed on the bottom 85 of the first housing.
  • perforated U-shaped angles 93 connecting the cover 92 have been used.
  • the bottom 85 of the housing by means of fastening means such as screws, rivets, clips, clips, etc.
  • the cover 92 of the first conductive housing covering the first phase shift system 80 serves in its turn to a second conductive housing enclosing a second unit phase shift system.
  • the second phase shift system is realized as illustrated on the figure 8a and previously described in detail.
  • the second phase shift system comprises a power supply line placed between an input power cable 94 and an output power cable 95 .
  • the second phase shift system also comprises a fixed dielectric piece and a movable dielectric piece 96 moved from the outside by a control handle 97 .
  • the second phase shift system is covered with a cover 98 which is fixed on the bottom 92 to form the second conductive housing.
  • this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the number of steps necessary for the realization of the stacking and the number of parts used, which makes it possible to reduce the costs.
  • each unit phase shift system 80, 90 comprises a control handle 87, 93 .
  • the control levers 81, 93 are preferably placed on the same side of the stack, as shown in FIG. figure 9 .
  • the control levers 81, 93 can be actuated simultaneously by connecting them with a common rod for example.
  • each lever can be operated individually. It may for example be considered to arrange the joysticks alternately on one side and another of the stack. For example in the case of the stacking of phase shifting systems corresponding to the power supply of the + 45 ° polarization and the supply of the -45 ° polarization.

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  • Waveguide Switches, Polarizers, And Phase Shifters (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)

Description

DOMAINEFIELD

La présente invention se rapporte à un système de déphasage à déplacement longitudinal permettant d'appliquer un déphasage sur des éléments rayonnants, ou des groupes d'éléments rayonnants. L'invention est destinée à être utilisée notamment pour des éléments rayonnants appartenant à des antennes pour les stations de base des réseaux de communication cellulaires (GSM, UMTS, ...) mais également à tout autre type d'application nécessitant un décalage de phase. Le déphasage vise à dépointer la direction du lobe principal de l'antenne, et ainsi de réaliser des antennes à dépointage dynamique, ou autrement appelées « antennes à tilt variable ».The present invention relates to a longitudinal displacement phase shifting system for applying a phase shift on radiating elements, or groups of radiating elements. The invention is intended to be used in particular for radiating elements belonging to antennas for the base stations of the cellular communication networks (GSM, UMTS, etc.) but also to any other type of application requiring a phase shift. . The phase shift aims to detach the direction of the main lobe of the antenna, and thus achieve antennas dynamic depointing, or otherwise called "antennas variable tilt".

ARRIERE-PLANBACKGROUND

Les antennes de station de base pour les applications de télécommunication doivent avoir un gain élevé et des diagrammes de rayonnement dans le plan horizontal et dans le plan vertical exempts de rayonnement parasite. Les exigences en termes de gain et de diagramme de rayonnement dans le plan vertical dépendent de la longueur de l'antenne. Ces paramètres sont contrôlés par l'intermédiaire du réseau d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants de l'antenne. Les antennes à inclinaison électrique variable dites VET (pour « Variable Electric Tilt » en anglais) permettent de faire varier la position du lobe principal par rapport à l'horizon. Le réglage de l'inclinaison de l'antenne dans le plan vertical peut être réalisé par différentes techniques appliquées au réseau d'alimentation d'antenne, en utilisant des dispositifs actifs et/ou passifs, principalement au moyen d'un dispositif de décalage de phase.Base station antennas for telecommunication applications must have a high gain and radiation patterns in the horizontal plane and in the vertical plane free of spurious radiation. The requirements in terms of gain and radiation pattern in the vertical plane depend on the length of the antenna. These parameters are controlled via the power supply network of the radiating elements of the antenna. Variable electric tilt antennas known as VET (Variable Electric Tilt) allow to vary the position of the main lobe with respect to the horizon. Adjustment of the inclination of the antenna in the vertical plane can be achieved by different techniques applied to the antenna supply network, using active and / or passive devices, mainly by means of a device for shifting the antenna. phase.

Les systèmes de déphasage sont le plus souvent des systèmes passifs, c'est à dire ne comportant pas de composant électronique, permettant d'appliquer une différence de phase relative entre différents accès d'un réseau d'alimentation radiofréquence. On connait notamment des dispositifs utilisant au moins deux domaines diélectriques : un domaine constitué d'un matériau diélectrique solide et un domaine constitué par l'air ou vide par exemple. Déplacer le matériau diélectrique solide par rapport à une ligne conductrice (par exemple une ligne de type coaxial, microruban, triplaque, coplanaire, etc...) induit une variation de phase. Le matériau diélectrique solide est placé de manière à couper les lignes de courant se situant entre la ligne conductrice et un plan de masse, i.e. un plan conducteur relié à la terre.Phase shift systems are most often passive systems, that is to say having no electronic component, for applying a relative phase difference between different accesses of a radiofrequency power supply network. Devices are known that use at least two dielectric domains: a domain consisting of a solid dielectric material and a domain consisting of air or empty, for example. Moving the solid dielectric material with respect to a conductive line (for example a line of the coaxial, microstrip, triplate, coplanar, etc. type) induces a phase variation. The solid dielectric material is placed so as to cut the current lines lying between the conductive line and a ground plane, ie a conductive plane connected to the ground.

La construction actuelle d'un système de déphasage comporte des parties en matériau diélectrique solide qui coulissent transversalement alors que l'organe de commande est un vérin central qui est déplacé dans l'axe de l'antenne. Cela implique l'addition de pièces mécaniques spécifiques permettant la transmission d'un mouvement axial vers un déplacement transversal. Ces pièces mécaniques supplémentaires ont un coût. En outre, elles sont sources de dysfonctionnements mécaniques, tels que friction ou jeu dans la transmission du déplacement (ou « backslash » en anglais), qui sont créés par la multiplication des pièces mécaniques et des tolérances qui leur sont associées.The current construction of a phase shift system comprises solid dielectric material portions which slide transversely while the control member is a central cylinder which is moved in the axis of the antenna. This involves the addition of specific mechanical parts allowing the transmission of an axial movement to a transverse displacement. These additional mechanical parts have a cost. In addition, they are sources of mechanical malfunctions, such as friction or play in the transmission of displacement (or "backslash" in English), which are created by the multiplication of mechanical parts and tolerances associated with them.

Dans les systèmes de déphasage actuellement en service, les parties solides diélectriques coulissent le long des lignes triplaques d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants. Dans cette configuration, chaque élément rayonnant, d'une antenne panneau par exemple, est individuellement déphasé. Si les performances d'une telle antenne sont bonnes en termes de valeur et de stabilité du rayonnement dans le plan vertical, plusieurs paramètres doivent encore être améliorés.In phase shift systems currently in use, the dielectric solid portions slide along the triplate supply lines of the radiating elements. In this configuration, each radiating element, of a panel antenna for example, is individually phase shifted. If the performance of such an antenna is good in terms of value and stability of the radiation in the vertical plane, several parameters need to be further improved.

RESUMEABSTRACT

Habituellement un système de déphasage est assemblé afin de constituer un seul module qui comprend des déphaseurs et des diviseurs de courant. Un caisson de grande longueur est nécessaire pour loger ce module. Il est coûteux à fabriquer et nécessite des outils spécifiques pour son transport en raison de ses dimensions. Ce caisson volumineux implique également de lui réserver un grand volume pour son installation à l'arrière du châssis d'une antenne panneau, ce qui n'est pas aisé dans un contexte d'antenne multibande où plusieurs de ces caissons doivent être disposés à l'arrière d'un châssis d'antenne. De plus un tel volume complique et limite les possibilités d'assemblage des antennes panneau, dans la mesure où des réseaux d'antennes ont généralement la même longueur que le châssis d'une antenne panneau.Usually a phase shift system is assembled to form a single module that includes phase shifters and current dividers. A box of great length is necessary to house this module. It is expensive to manufacture and requires specific tools for its transportation because of its dimensions. This bulky box also involves reserving a large volume for its installation at the rear of the chassis of a panel antenna, which is not easy in a multiband antenna context where many of these boxes must be arranged to the rear of an antenna chassis. Moreover, such a volume complicates and limits the assembly possibilities of the panel antennas, insofar as antenna arrays are generally the same length as the chassis of a panel antenna.

Cette assemblage en module rend aussi plus complexes d'éventuelles réparations : lorsque l'assemblage du système de déphasage est terminé, il n'est plus possible d'accéder directement aux composants situés à l'arrière du système d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants, tels que les connexions de câble d'alimentation par exemple, sans détruire certaines parties du boîtier, comme par exemple le couvercle.This assembly module also makes more complex possible repairs: when the assembly of the phase shift system is completed, it is no longer possible to directly access the components located at the rear of the system supplying the radiating elements, such as the power cable connections for example, without destroying certain parts of the housing, such as the cover.

Il est proposé un système de déphasage passif, du type utilisant des matériaux diélectriques, qui est plus simple à fabriquer, plus accessible et moins coûteux que les systèmes de déphasage connus.It is proposed a passive phase shift system, of the type using dielectric materials, which is simpler to manufacture, more accessible and less expensive than known phase shift systems.

L'objet de la présente invention est un système de déphasage unitaire comportant au moins une ligne conductrice d'alimentation comportant une portion d'entrée reliée à l'entrée du système de déphasage connectée à une source d'alimentation électrique, et une portion de sortie reliée à la sortie du système de déphasage connectée à au moins un élément rayonnant d'antenne à alimenter, une pièce diélectrique fixe entourant la portion d'entrée de la ligne conductrice, une pièce diélectrique mobile entourant la portion de sortie de la ligne conductrice, et un organe de commande solidaire de la pièce diélectrique mobile apte à de déplacer longitudinalement de manière à provoquer un mouvement longitudinal de la pièce diélectrique mobile le long de la ligne conductrice.The object of the present invention is a unitary phase shift system comprising at least one power supply line comprising an input portion connected to the input of the phase shift system connected to a power supply source, and a portion of output connected to the output of the phase shift system connected to at least one antenna radiating element to be powered, a fixed dielectric part surrounding the input portion of the conductive line, a movable dielectric part surrounding the output portion of the conductive line , and a control member secured to the movable dielectric member adapted to move longitudinally so as to cause a longitudinal movement of the movable dielectric part along the conductive line.

Selon un premier aspect, la ligne conductrice comporte une portion d'entrée composée de trois segments, la surface de chaque segment étant fixe.According to a first aspect, the conductive line comprises an input portion composed of three segments, the surface of each segment being fixed.

Selon un deuxième aspect, la ligne conductrice comporte une portion de sortie composée de trois segments, la surface relative de chaque segment étant variable.According to a second aspect, the conductive line comprises an output portion composed of three segments, the relative area of each segment being variable.

Selon un troisième aspect, la portion d'entrée et la portion de sortie de la ligne conductrice comporte chacune trois segments, un segment central assurant la transformation d'impédance et des segments latéraux respectivement entourés d'un premier domaine diélectrique et d'un deuxième domaine diélectrique.According to a third aspect, the input portion and the output portion of the conductive line each comprise three segments, a central segment providing the impedance transformation and side segments respectively surrounded by a first dielectric domain and a second one. dielectric domain.

Dans ce cas, le premier domaine diélectrique peut être l'air environnant et le deuxième domaine diélectrique peut être un matériau diélectrique solide choisi parmi un polymère et une céramique.In this case, the first dielectric domain may be the surrounding air and the second dielectric domain may be a solid dielectric material selected from a polymer and a ceramic.

Selon un quatrième aspect, le déplacement longitudinal de la pièce diélectrique mobile s'effectue parallèlement à la pièce diélectrique fixe qui lui sert de guide.According to a fourth aspect, the longitudinal displacement of the movable dielectric part is carried out parallel to the fixed dielectric part which serves as a guide.

L'invention a aussi pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un système de déphasage unitaire comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • on dépose une première moitié de la pièce diélectrique fixe à proximité de l'entrée du système de déphasage et une première moitié de la pièce diélectrique mobile à proximité de la sortie du système de déphasage,
  • on dépose une ligne conductrice sur les premières moitiés des pièces diélectrique fixe et mobile,
  • on connecte chaque extrémité de la ligne conductrice respectivement à l'entrée du système de déphasage et à la sortie du système de déphasage,
  • on fixe la première moitié de la pièce diélectrique fixe sur la ligne conductrice,
  • on dépose une seconde moitié de la pièce diélectrique fixe sur la portion d'entrée de la ligne conductrice, et on dépose une seconde moitié de la pièce diélectrique mobile sur la portion de sortie de la ligne conductrice,
  • on fixe la seconde moitié de la pièce diélectrique fixe sur la ligne conductrice.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a unit phase shift system comprising the following steps:
  • depositing a first half of the fixed dielectric part near the input of the phase shift system and a first half of the moving dielectric part near the output of the phase shift system,
  • a conductive line is deposited on the first halves of the fixed and mobile dielectric parts,
  • each end of the conductive line is connected respectively to the input of the phase shift system and to the output of the phase shift system,
  • the first half of the fixed dielectric part is fixed on the conductive line,
  • depositing a second half of the fixed dielectric part on the input portion of the conductive line, and depositing a second half of the mobile dielectric part on the output portion of the conductive line,
  • the second half of the fixed dielectric part is fixed on the conductive line.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les premières moitiés des pièces diélectriques fixe et mobile sont déposées dans un couvercle de boîtier et un fond de boîtier est déposé sur les secondes moitiés des pièces diélectriques fixe et mobile.According to one embodiment, the first halves of the fixed and movable dielectric parts are deposited in a housing cover and a housing base is deposited on the second halves of the fixed and mobile dielectric parts.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un empilement de systèmes de déphasage unitaires comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  1. (a) on forme un premier système de déphasage unitaire,
  2. (b) on recouvre le premier système de déphasage unitaire par un couvercle,
  3. (c) on forme un deuxième système de déphasage unitaire sur le couvercle,
  4. (d) on reproduit les étapes (b) et (c) autant de fois que souhaité,
  5. (e) on recouvre le dernier système de déphasage unitaire par un couvercle
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a stack of unit phase shift systems comprising the following steps:
  1. (a) forming a first unit phase shift system,
  2. (b) covering the first unit phase shift system with a cover,
  3. (c) forming a second unit phase shift system on the lid,
  4. (d) steps (b) and (c) are repeated as many times as desired,
  5. (e) covering the last unit phase shift system with a cover

Selon un mode de réalisation, on place les organes de commande d'un même côté de l'empilement.According to one embodiment, the control members are placed on the same side of the stack.

L'invention a aussi pour objet une antenne comprenant un système de déphasage placé dans un boîtier dont l'une des faces est constituée par le châssis de l'antenne.The invention also relates to an antenna comprising a phase shift system placed in a housing, one of whose faces is constituted by the frame of the antenna.

Ce système de déphasage simple et peu coûteux présente de nombreux avantages. En particulier il permet une variation de l'inclinaison d'une antenne panneau dans le plan vertical sur une plage d'au moins 12°.This simple and inexpensive phase shift system has many advantages. In particular it allows a variation of the inclination of a panel antenna in the vertical plane over a range of at least 12 °.

L'utilisation de boîtiers légers et de faible volume, contenant un système de déphasage unitaire, qui peuvent être groupés selon les besoins et la place disponible, apporte une grande souplesse, un accès facilité au système de déphasage et aux autres parties de l'antenne, notamment pour la maintenance, et une réduction du coût de réalisation.The use of lightweight, low volume packages, containing a unit phase shift system, which can be grouped according to need and available space, provides great flexibility, easier access to the phase shift system and other parts of the antenna , especially for maintenance, and a reduction in the cost of implementation.

L'invention s'applique notamment aux antennes radiofréquences de type panneau à inclinaison électrique variable VET.The invention applies in particular to radio frequency antennas panel type VET variable electrical inclination.

BREVE DESCRIPTIONBRIEF DESCRIPTION

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation, donné bien entendu uniquement à titre illustratif et non limitatif, et dans le dessin annexé sur lequel

  • la figure 1 illustre une vue de dessus en perspective d'un système de déphasage unitaire,
  • les figures 2a à 2e illustrent en vue de dessus en perspective les étapes de réalisation du système de déphasage de la figure 1,
  • les figures 3a à 3d illustrent en perspective différentes positions du système de déphasage de la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 illustre une vue schématique d'un réseau d'alimentation d'une antenne de type panneau comprenant des éléments rayonnants alignés,
  • la figure 5 illustre la variation d'impédance IM en dB en fonction de la fréquence F en GHz,
  • la figure 6 illustre l'atténuation IL en dB en fonction de la fréquence F en GHz,
  • la figure 7 illustre la variation de phase PV en degrés en fonction de la fréquence F en GHz,
  • les figures 8a, 8b et 8c illustrent la réalisation d'un empilement de systèmes de déphasage unitaire,
  • la figure 9 illustre une vue de côté de l'empilage des figures 8a-8c.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment, given of course only for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and in the accompanying drawing in which:
  • the figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a unit phase shift system,
  • the FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate in perspective view from above the steps of producing the phase shift system of the figure 1 ,
  • the Figures 3a to 3d illustrate in perspective different positions of the phase shift system of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of a power supply network of a panel-type antenna comprising aligned radiating elements,
  • the figure 5 illustrates the impedance variation IM in dB as a function of the frequency F in GHz,
  • the figure 6 illustrates the attenuation IL in dB as a function of the frequency F in GHz,
  • the figure 7 illustrates the PV phase variation in degrees as a function of the frequency F in GHz,
  • the Figures 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate the realization of a stack of unit phase shift systems,
  • the figure 9 illustrates a side view of stacking Figures 8a-8c .

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEEDETAILED DESCRIPTION

La figure 1 illustre un système de déphasage 1 unitaire vu de dessus en perspective. Le système de déphasage 1 comporte une entrée connectée à une source d'alimentation électrique de l'antenne, par exemple à un câble d'alimentation d'entrée 2 coaxial, et une sortie connectée à un élément rayonnant ou un groupe d'éléments rayonnants d'antenne, par exemple par un câble d'alimentation de sortie 3 coaxial. Le système de déphasage 1 comporte une ligne conductrice 4 triplaque (ou « stripline » en anglais) d'alimentation, par exemple à base de cuivre ou de laiton, qui assure la liaison entre l'entrée du système de déphasage reliée au câble d'alimentation d'entrée 2 et la sortie du système de déphasage reliée au câble d'alimentation de sortie 3. Les dimensions de la ligne conductrice 4 sont adaptées pour respecter l'impédance d'entrée et de sortie dans le système de déphasage qui est recherchée, habituellement de l'ordre de 50 Ohms. Les câbles d'alimentation 2 et 3 coaxiaux pourraient être remplacés par des connecteurs ou par un prolongement de la ligne conductrice 4 triplaque. Une pièce diélectrique fixe 5 est placée sur une portion d'entrée 6 de la ligne conductrice 4 qui est reliée au câble d'alimentation d'entrée 2. Une pièce diélectrique mobile 7 est placée sur une portion de sortie 8 de la ligne conductrice 4 qui est reliée au câble d'alimentation de sortie 3. La pièce diélectrique mobile 7 peut se déplacer longitudinalement en glissant mécaniquement entre deux positions extrêmes le long de la portion de sortie 8 de la ligne conductrice 4. La ligne conductrice 4 triplaque est réalisée ici d'une seule pièce et peut être décomposée en plusieurs segments conducteurs.The figure 1 illustrates a unit phase shift system 1 seen from above in perspective. The phase shift system 1 has an input connected to an antenna power source, for example a coaxial input power cable 2 , and an output connected to a radiating element or a group of radiating elements antenna, for example by a coaxial output power cable 3 . The phase shifting system 1 comprises a conductive line 4 stripline (or "stripline" in English) of power, for example based on copper or brass, which provides the connection between the input of the phase shift system connected to the cable of input power supply 2 and the output of the phase shift system connected to the output power cable 3 . The dimensions of the conductive line 4 are adapted to respect the input and output impedance in the phase shift system that is sought, usually of the order of 50 Ohms. The coaxial power cables 2 and 3 could be replaced by connectors or by an extension of the conducting line 4 triplate. A fixed dielectric part 5 is placed on an input portion 6 of the conductive line 4 which is connected to the input power cable 2 . A movable dielectric part 7 is placed on an output portion 8 of the conductive line 4 which is connected to the output power cable 3 . The movable dielectric part 7 can move longitudinally by sliding mechanically between two extreme positions along the outlet portion 8 of the conductive line 4 . The conductive line 4 triplate is made here in one piece and can be broken down into several conductive segments.

Le système de déphasage 1 unitaire est ici supporté par le fond 9 d'un boîtier conducteur servant de plan de masse (ou « ground plane » en anglais). Le boîtier peut être monté directement sur le châssis de l'antenne qui constitue alors l'une des faces du boîtier, par exemple le fond 9. La fixation du boîtier, ou du couvercle du boîtier, sur le châssis de l'antenne, peut être réalisée au moyen de vis, de rivets, d'attaches-clips ou d'agrafes par exemple. Pour tenir compte des aspects d'intermodulation, une couche mince isolante peut être placée sur le fond 9 du boîtier, qui peut être le châssis de l'antenne, et disposée entre le fond 9 conducteur et le système de déphasage 1. La couche mince isolante, d'environ 0,1 mm d'épaisseur, peut être par exemple un film plastique, une couche fine de peinture ou d'anodisation, de manière non limitative.The phase shift system 1 unit is here supported by the bottom 9 of a conductive housing serving as ground plane (or "ground plane" in English). The housing can be mounted directly on the frame of the antenna which then constitutes one of the faces of the housing, for example the bottom 9 . Fixing the housing, or the housing cover, on the frame of the antenna, can be achieved by means of screws, rivets, clip-fasteners or staples for example. To take account of intermodulation aspects, a thin insulating layer may be placed on the bottom 9 of the housing, which may be the antenna frame, and disposed between the conductive bottom 9 and the phase shift system 1 . The insulating thin layer, about 0.1 mm thick, can be for example a plastic film, a thin layer of paint or anodization, but not limited to.

A partir de l'entrée du système de déphasage 1 reliée au câble d'alimentation d'entrée 2, on distingue un premier segment 100 sur la ligne d'alimentation 4 triplaque. Le premier segment 100, en contact avec un domaine diélectrique qui est l'air ambiant, se comporte comme une ligne résistive de 50 Ohms. Le premier segment 100 est électriquement connecté par exemple au conducteur central du câble d'alimentation d'entrée 2 coaxial. Au premier segment 100 succède un deuxième segment 101 utilisé pour permettre une transformation d'impédance correcte entre le premier segment 100 environné d'air et un troisième segment 102 entourée de matériau diélectrique solide.From the input of the phase shift system 1 connected to the input power cable 2 , there is a first segment 100 on the feed line 4 triplate. The first segment 100 , in contact with a dielectric domain which is the ambient air, behaves like a resistive line of 50 Ohms. The first segment 100 is electrically connected for example to the central conductor of the coaxial input power cable 2 . In the first segment 100 follows a second segment 101 used to allow a correct impedance transformation between the first segment 100 surrounded by air and a third segment 102 surrounded by solid dielectric material.

Dans le but d'obtenir une transformation d'impédance convenable, la zone de la pièce diélectrique fixe 5 qui entoure le deuxième segment 101 peut être réalisé en utilisant plusieurs topologies, la configuration adéquate étant déterminée par calculs ou par simulation en partant d'une équivalence du milieu diélectrique composée d'éléments localisés, c'est à dire envisagée comme la succession d'éléments discrets R, L et C. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté ici, la configuration souhaitée est donnée par la présence d'évidements 10 dans un matériau diélectrique solide, mais pourrait être également obtenue par une modification de la forme ou la taille de la pièce diélectrique fixe 5, ou bien encore par une variation de la constante diélectrique du matériau diélectrique solide utilisé. Ces évidements 10 ont été représentés ici par des trous rectangulaires, mais ils peuvent bien entendu avoir toute autre forme en fonction du résultat escompté.In order to obtain a suitable impedance transformation, the area of the fixed dielectric part 5 surrounding the second segment 101 can be realized using several topologies, the appropriate configuration being determined by calculation or simulation starting from a equivalence of the dielectric medium composed of localized elements, that is to say envisaged as the succession of discrete elements R, L and C. In the embodiment shown here, the desired configuration is given by the presence of recesses 10 in a solid dielectric material, but could also be obtained by a modification of the shape or the size of the fixed dielectric part 5 , or else by a variation of the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material used. These recesses 10 have been represented here by rectangular holes, but they can of course have any other shape depending on the desired result.

Toute la surface du troisième segment 102 est en contact avec le matériau diélectrique solide, ce qui correspond à une ligne conductrice ayant une impédance caractéristique qui dépend des dimensions du segment 102 triplaque et du matériau diélectrique solide utilisé pour constituer la pièce fixe 5. Le matériau diélectrique solide peut être une matière plastique, ou polymère, comme par exemple du polyester polypropylène (PPS RYTON©) ayant une constante diélectrique εr de l'ordre de 4 à 6. Bien que plus cher et requérant une plus grande précision, on peut aussi utiliser une matière plastique contenant certains types de céramique comme matériau diélectrique, dont la constante diélectrique εr est alors de l'ordre de 10.The entire surface of the third segment 102 is in contact with the solid dielectric material, which corresponds to a conductive line having a characteristic impedance which depends on the dimensions of the triplate segment 102 and the solid dielectric material used to constitute the fixed part 5 . The solid dielectric material may be a plastic or polymer, such as polypropylene, polyester (PPS RYTON ©) having a dielectric constant ε r of the order of 4 to 6. Although more expensive and more accurate applicant, it is also possible to use a plastic material containing certain types of ceramic as a dielectric material, whose dielectric constant ε r is then of the order of 10.

Les segments 100, 101 et 102 composent la portion d'entrée 6. La surface de chaque segment 100, 101 et 102 est constante du fait que la pièce diélectrique 5 est immobile. Les trois segments 103, 104 et 105 suivants composent la portion de sortie 8. Leur surface relative dépend de la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile 7.The segments 100 , 101 and 102 compose the input portion 6 . The surface of each segment 100 , 101 and 102 is constant because the dielectric part 5 is stationary. The following three segments 103 , 104 and 105 make up the output portion 8 . Their relative surface depends on the position of the moving dielectric part 7 .

Le quatrième segment 103 est analogue au troisième segment 102, Toute la surface du quatrième segment 103 est en contact avec le matériau diélectrique solide, ce qui correspond à une ligne conductrice ayant une impédance caractéristique qui dépend des dimensions du segment 103 triplaque et du matériau diélectrique solide utilisé pour constituer la pièce mobile 7.The fourth segment 103 is similar to the third segment 102 , the entire surface of the fourth segment 103 is in contact with the solid dielectric material, which corresponds to a conductive line having a characteristic impedance which depends on the dimensions of the triplate segment 103 and the dielectric material solid used to constitute the moving part 7 .

Un cinquième segment 104, analogue au deuxième segment 101, est placé à la suite du quatrième segment 103. Le cinquième segment 104 permet la transformation d'impédance entre le quatrième segment 103 entourée de matériau diélectrique solide et un sixième segment 105 environné d'air. Dans le but d'obtenir une transformation d'impédance convenable, la zone de la pièce diélectrique mobile 7 qui entoure le cinquième segment 104 peut être réalisée en utilisant plusieurs topologies, la configuration adéquate étant déterminée par calculs ou par simulation, comme expliqué précédemment.A fifth segment 104 , similar to the second segment 101 , is placed after the fourth segment 103 . The fifth segment 104 allows the impedance transformation between the fourth segment 103 surrounded by solid dielectric material and a sixth segment 105 surrounded by air. In order to obtain a suitable impedance transformation, the area of the moving dielectric part 7 which surrounds the fifth segment 104 can be realized by using several topologies, the appropriate configuration being determined by calculation or simulation, as previously explained.

Le sixième segment 105, analogue au premier segment 100, est électriquement connecté par exemple au conducteur central du câble d'alimentation de sortie 3. Le sixième segment 105, en contact avec un domaine diélectrique qui est l'air ambiant, se comporte comme une ligne résistive de 50 Ohms.The sixth segment 105 , similar to the first segment 100 , is electrically connected for example to the central conductor of the output power cable 3 . The sixth segment 105 , in contact with a dielectric domain which is the ambient air, behaves like a 50 Ohm resistive line.

Quand le déplacement de la pièce diélectrique mobile 7 le long de la portion 8 de la ligne conductrice 4 triplaque conduit à une diminution de la surface du quatrième segment 103, il entraine corrélativement une augmentation de la surface du sixième segment 105, et vice-versa. Le quatrième segment 103 et le sixième segment 105 n'étant pas en contact avec le même domaine diélectrique, leur vitesse de phase est différente. Lors du glissement de la pièce diélectrique mobile 7, le retard électrique total varie dans la ligne conductrice 4, entre l'entrée et la sortie du système de déphasage 1, et donc le déphasage des éléments rayonnants qui lui sont reliés.When the displacement of the movable dielectric part 7 along the portion 8 of the conductive line 4 triplate leads to a decrease in the area of the fourth segment 103 , it correlatively causes an increase in the area of the sixth segment 105 , and vice versa . The fourth segment 103 and the sixth segment 105 not being in contact with the same dielectric domain, their phase velocity is different. During the sliding of the movable dielectric part 7 , the total electrical delay varies in the conductive line 4 , between the input and the output of the phase shift system 1 , and thus the phase shift of the radiating elements which are connected thereto.

En fonction de la bande de fréquence sur laquelle est réalisée la transformation d'impédance et du niveau d'adaptation souhaité, on pourra modifier le nombre de segments, la nature et l'épaisseur du matériau diélectrique solide (segments 101-104), la forme et les dimensions des évidements (segments 101 et 104). Ici la bande de fréquence de travail est 1,7-2,7 GHz. On a choisi de conserver une épaisseur constante du matériau pour les deux pièces diélectriques 5, 7, et d'utiliser seulement deux sections 101, 102 et 103, 104 respectivement en contact avec le domaine diélectrique constitué par le matériau diélectrique solide dans un souci de simplicité et d'efficacité.Depending on the frequency band on which the impedance transformation and the desired level of adaptation are performed, the number of segments, the nature and the thickness of the solid dielectric material (segments 101-104), the shape and dimensions of the recesses (segments 101 and 104). Here the working frequency band is 1.7-2.7 GHz. It has been chosen to maintain a constant thickness of the material for the two dielectric pieces 5 , 7 , and to use only two sections 101, 102 and 103, 104 respectively in contact with the dielectric domain consisting of the solid dielectric material for the sake of simplicity and efficiency.

Le déplacement de la pièce diélectrique mobile 7 peut être commandé grâce à un organe de commande tel qu'une manette 11, qui peut être associée à un engrenage et/ou une tige par exemple, de manière à être actionnée manuellement depuis l'extérieur. Une autre solution pourrait être d'utiliser des moteurs pas-à-pas ou des actionneurs linéaires indépendants. Les déplacements se font ainsi uniquement selon l'axe longitudinal ce qui contribue avantageusement à la simplification du système de déphasage et améliore sa fiabilité. Le déphasage du réseau d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants est donc réalisé uniquement par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison directe, sans intermédiaire entre l'organe de commande et la partie mobile constituant le coeur du système de déphasage.The displacement of the movable dielectric part 7 can be controlled by a control member such as a lever 11 , which can be associated with a gear and / or a rod for example, so as to be manually actuated from the outside. Another solution could be to use step motors or independent linear actuators. Displacements are thus only along the longitudinal axis, which advantageously contributes to the simplification of the phase shift system and improves its reliability. The phase shift of the supply network of the radiating elements is thus achieved solely by means of a direct connection, without intermediate between the control member and the mobile part constituting the core of the phase shift system.

Sur les figures 2a à 2e sont illustrées les étapes de l'assemblage d'un système de déphasage unitaire dans un boîtier. La figure 2a représente le couvercle 20 du boitier conducteur protégeant le système de déphasage. Le couvercle du boîtier peut être réalisé par différentes techniques. Ici on a représenté un couvercle de boîtier obtenu par pliage d'une feuille de laiton ou de cuivre, ce qui permet de souder la gaine conductrice de blindage, ici tressée, des câbles d'alimentation coaxiaux directement sur le couvercle du boîtier afin d'assurer la liaison à la terre. Mais ce couvercle de boîtier pourrait tout aussi bien être réalisé en aluminium embouti, en alliage de zinc, d'aluminium, de magnésium et de cuivre (zamac) moulé, etc...On the FIGS. 2a to 2e are illustrated the steps of assembling a unit phase shift system in a housing. The figure 2a represents the cover 20 of the conductive housing protecting the phase shift system. The housing cover can be made by different techniques. Here there is shown a case cover obtained by folding a sheet of brass or copper, which makes it possible to weld the conductive shielding sheath, here braided, coaxial power cables directly on the housing cover in order to ensure the connection to the ground. But this housing cover could equally well be made of stamped aluminum, zinc alloy, aluminum, magnesium and copper (zamac) molded, etc ...

Respectivement, à chaque extrémité du couvercle 20 du boîtier, les tresses de blindage du câble d'alimentation d'entrée 21 coaxial et du câble d'alimentation de sortie 22 coaxial sont reliés à des points de connexion 23, par exemple par soudure directement sur le couvercle du boîtier ou au moyen de connecteurs, comme le montre la figure 2b.Respectively, at each end of the housing cover 20 , the shielding braids of the coaxial input power cable 21 and the coaxial output power cable 22 are connected to connection points 23 , for example by welding directly on the housing cover or by means of connectors, as shown in figure 2b .

On vient ensuite déposer dans le couvercle 20 du boitier, à proximité du câble d'alimentation d'entrée 21, une première moitié 24 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe comme montré sur la figure 2c. La figure 2d représente l'étape suivante où une première moitié 25 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique mobile est placée dans le couvercle 20 du boitier, parallèlement à la première moitié 24 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe et à proximité du câble d'alimentation de sortie 22. Une ligne conductrice 26 triplaque présentant un décrochement en S est placée par-dessus les premières moitiés 24, 25 supérieures des pièces diélectriques fixe et mobile de manière à les recouvrir toutes les deux. La forme particulière de la ligne conductrice 26 permet un déplacement longitudinal de la pièce diélectrique mobile qui s'effectue parallèlement à la pièce diélectrique fixe lui servant alors de guide. De ce fait la longueur totale du système de déphasage est diminuée sans réduire la course de la pièce diélectrique mobile, et donc sans réduire la plage d'inclinaison. Chaque extrémité de la ligne conductrice 26 est reliée, par exemple par soudure, au conducteur central du câble d'alimentation d'entrée 21 et du câble d'alimentation de sortie 22 respectivement. La première moitié 24 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe est fixée sur la ligne conductrice 26, par exemple au moyen d'attaches-clips ou d'agrafes intégrés à la ligne conductrice 26. Une manette de commande 27, reliée à la première moitié 25 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique mobile et accessible depuis l'extérieur, permet de déplacer longitudinalement la pièce diélectrique mobile.Then comes to deposit in the cover 20 of the housing, near the input power supply cable 21 , a first upper half 24 of the fixed dielectric piece as shown in FIG. Figure 2c . The figure 2d shows the next step where a first half 25 of the upper movable dielectric material is positioned in the lid 20 of the casing, parallel to the first half 24 of the upper fixed dielectric part and close to the output supply cable 22. A line The stripline conductor 26 having an S-recess is placed over the first upper halves 24 , 25 of the fixed and movable dielectric parts so as to cover both of them. The particular form of the conductive line 26 allows a longitudinal displacement of the movable dielectric part which is carried out parallel to the fixed dielectric part then serving as a guide. As a result, the total length of the phase shift system is reduced without reducing the travel of the moving dielectric part, and therefore without reducing the inclination range. Each end of the conductive line 26 is connected, for example by welding, to the central conductor of the input power cable 21 and the output power cable 22 respectively. The first upper half 24 of the fixed dielectric part is fixed on the conductive line 26 , for example by means of clip clips or staples integrated in the conductive line 26 . A control handle 27 connected to the upper first half 25 of the movable dielectric part and accessible from outside, can move longitudinally movable dielectric piece.

Sur la figure 2e, la ligne conductrice 26 est recouverte avec une seconde moitié 28 inférieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe. La seconde moitié 28 inférieure est également fixée sur la ligne conductrice 26 et coopère avec la première moitié 24 supérieure pour constituer la pièce diélectrique fixe. On a aussi recouvert la ligne conductrice 26 avec une seconde moitié 29 inférieure de la pièce diélectrique mobile. La seconde moitié 29 inférieure coopère avec la première moitié 25 supérieure pour constituer la pièce diélectrique mobile. La première moitié 25 supérieure est fixée à la seconde moitié 29 inférieure, ce qui permet à la pièce diélectrique mobile de coulisser librement le long de la ligne conductrice 26. Enfin le fond du boîtier (non représenté) est posé sur l'assemblage ainsi réalisé et fixé au couvercle 20.On the figure 2e the conductive line 26 is covered with a second lower half 28 of the fixed dielectric part. The second lower half 28 is also fixed on the conductive line 26 and cooperates with the first upper half 24 to form the fixed dielectric part. It was also covered with the conductive line 26, a second half 29 of the lower movable dielectric piece. The second half 29 bottom cooperates with the first half 25 to form the upper movable dielectric piece. The first half 25 above is fixed to the second half 29 lower, which allows the mobile dielectric part to slide freely along the conductive line 26. Finally the bottom of the housing (not shown) is placed on the assembly thus produced and fixed to the cover 20 .

Les figures 3a à 3e sont des vues de dessus en perspective qui illustrent les différentes positions du système de déphasage au cours de son utilisation.The Figures 3a to 3e are perspective top views that illustrate the different positions of the phase shift system during its use.

La figure 3a illustre un boîtier conducteur, enfermant un système de déphasage unitaire, qui comprend un couvercle 30 en feuille de laiton pliée qui est fixé, par exemple au moyen de vis ou de rivets 31, sur un fond 32, par exemple le châssis de l'antenne. Un câble d'alimentation d'entrée 33 et un câble d'alimentation de sortie 34 coaxiaux, dont la tresse de blindage est connectée au couvercle 30 du boîtier, sont placés sur les faces latérales qui se trouvent de part et d'autre du couvercle 30. Une manette de commande 35, représentée en position intermédiaire, dépasse hors du boîtier 30 pour en faciliter la manipulation.The figure 3a illustrates a conductive housing, enclosing a unitary phase shift system, which comprises a folded brass sheet lid 30 which is fixed, for example by means of screws or rivets 31 , to a bottom 32 , for example the antenna frame . An input power cable 33 and a coaxial output power cable 34 , whose shielding braid is connected to the housing cover 30 , are placed on the side faces which are on either side of the cover. 30 . A joystick control 35 , shown in the intermediate position, protrudes out of the housing 30 for ease of handling.

La figure 3b, analogue à la figure 3a, montre le système de déphasage en position intermédiaire, le couvercle 30 du boîtier ayant été représenté transparent pour laisser apparaître le système de déphasage unitaire qu'il contient. Une ligne conductrice 36 relie le câble d'alimentation d'entrée 33 au câble d'alimentation de sortie 34. Une pièce diélectrique fixe 37 entoure la portion d'entrée de la ligne conductrice 36 électriquement connecté au conducteur central du câble d'alimentation d'entrée 33. Une pièce diélectrique mobile 38 entoure la portion de sortie de la ligne conductrice 36 électriquement connecté au conducteur central du câble d'alimentation de sortie 34. Alors que la position de la pièce diélectrique fixe 37 reste inchangée, la pièce diélectrique mobile 38 peut se déplacer entre deux positions extrêmes de fin de course. Ici la pièce diélectrique mobile 38 est représentée en position intermédiaire entre ces deux positions extrêmes. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la pièce diélectrique mobile 38 peut glisser le long de la ligne conductrice 36 en étant guidée d'une part par la pièce diélectrique fixe 37 et d'autre part par le rebord 39 replié du couvercle 30 du boîtier. La pièce diélectrique mobile 38 est solidaire de la manette de commande 35, et son déplacement ne nécessite aucun autre élément supplémentaire. La manette de commande 35 peut être actionnée manuellement ou grâce à un moteur pas-à-pas ou à un actionneur linéaire, ou bien par tout autre moyen.The figure 3b , analogous to the figure 3a shows the phase shift system in the intermediate position, the cover 30 of the housing having been shown transparent to reveal the unit phase shift system it contains. A conductive line 36 connects the input power cable 33 to the output power cable 34 . A fixed dielectric piece 37 surrounds the input portion of the conductive line 36 electrically connected to the center conductor of the input power cable 33 . A movable dielectric piece 38 surrounds the output portion of the conductive line 36 electrically connected to the center conductor of the output power cable 34 . While the position of the fixed dielectric piece 37 remains unchanged, the movable dielectric piece 38 can move between two extreme end-of-stroke positions. Here the movable dielectric part 38 is represented in an intermediate position between these two extreme positions. In this embodiment, the movable dielectric piece 38 can slide along the conductive line 36 being guided on the one hand by the fixed dielectric piece 37 and on the other by the flange 39 folded cover 30 of the housing. The movable dielectric part 38 is integral with the control lever 35 , and its displacement does not require any additional element. The control lever 35 may be operated manually or by a stepper motor or a linear actuator, or by any other means.

Sur la figure 3c, le système de déphasage est dans une position extrême correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. La pièce mobile 38 se trouve alors en butée mécanique dans la position la plus éloignée de la sortie du système de déphasage reliée au câble d'alimentation de sortie 34. La surface de la ligne conductrice 36 correspondant au segment 103 est minimum et son impédance caractéristique est minimum.On the figure 3c , the phase shift system is in an extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift. The moving part 38 is then in mechanical stop in the position farthest from the output of the phase shift system connected to the output power cable 34 . The surface of the conductive line 36 corresponding to the segment 103 is minimum and its characteristic impedance is minimum.

Sur la figure 3d, le système de déphasage est dans une position extrême correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase. La pièce mobile 38 se trouve alors en butée mécanique dans la position la plus proche du câble d'alimentation de sortie 34. La surface de la ligne conductrice 36 correspondant au segment 103 est maximum et son impédance caractéristique est maximum.On the figure 3d , the phase shift system is in an extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum. The moving part 38 is then in mechanical stop in the position closest to the output power cable 34 . The surface of the conductive line 36 corresponding to the segment 103 is maximum and its characteristic impedance is maximum.

La figure 4 illustre schématiquement un réseau d'alimentation pour une antenne 40 de type panneau comportant cinq éléments rayonnants 41a-41e alignés. Les éléments rayonnants 41a-41e sont ici du type à double polarisation +45°/-45° et peuvent être par exemple du type dipôle, patch spirale, Log périodique, noeud papillon (ou "bow tie"), en croix (ou "cross bow tie"), papillon (ou "butterfly"), etc... On a représenté la partie du réseau d'alimentation correspondant à l'une des polarisations des éléments rayonnants 41a-41e de l'antenne 40 qui comporte plusieurs systèmes de déphasage 42a-42e unitaires. Un câble d'alimentation d'entrée 43 coaxial est relié à un premier diviseur de courant 44a qui divise le signal entrant en trois portions de signal. La première portion de signal est envoyée dans un système de déphasage 42a unitaire, la deuxième portion du signal est envoyée dans un autre système de déphasage 42b unitaire et la troisième portion du signal alimente directement un élément rayonnant 41a. A la sortie des systèmes de déphasage 42a et 42b, le signal est envoyé dans des diviseurs de courant 44b et 44c respectivement. Chaque diviseur de courant 44b, 44c divise le signal entrant en deux portions de signal, la première portion de signal est envoyée dans un système de déphasage 42c, 42d unitaire et la deuxième portion du signal alimente directement un élément rayonnant 41b, 41d. Enfin le signal sortant des systèmes de déphasage 42c et 42d unitaires placés en bout de circuit alimente directement un élément rayonnant 41c, 41e. Bien entendu ce qui vient d'être décrit pour une antenne 40 comportant cinq éléments rayonnants 41a-41e peut être appliqué à toute autre antenne comportant un nombre inférieur ou supérieur d'éléments rayonnants. Le réseau d'alimentation de l'antenne doit alors comporter autant de diviseurs et de systèmes de déphasage unitaires que nécessaire pour permettre d'effectuer successivement les opérations de déphasage et de division du signal jusqu'à ce que tous les éléments rayonnants constituants l'antenne soient alimentés.The figure 4 schematically illustrates a power supply network for a panel-type antenna 40 having five aligned radiating elements 41a-41e . The radiating elements 41a-41e here are of the double-polarization + 45 ° / -45 ° type and may for example be of the dipole, spiral patch, periodic log, bow tie (or "bow tie"), cross (or ") type. cross bow tie "), butterfly (or" butterfly "), etc. The portion of the supply network corresponding to one of the polarizations of the radiating elements 41a-41e of the antenna 40 which comprises several systems is represented. phase shift 42a-42e units . A coaxial input power cable 43 is connected to a first current divider 44a which divides the incoming signal into three signal portions. The first signal portion is sent in a phase shift system 42a unit, the second portion of the signal is sent to another phase shift system 42b unit and the third portion of the signal directly feeds a radiating element 41a . At the output of the phase shift systems 42a and 42b , the signal is sent in current dividers 44b and 44c respectively. Each current divider 44b, 44c divides the incoming signal into two signal portions, the first signal portion is sent in a phase shift system 42c, 42d unit and the second portion of the signal directly supplies a radiating element 41b, 41d. Finally, the output signal from the phase shift systems 42c and 42d unit placed at the end of the circuit directly supplies a radiating element 41c, 41e . Of course, what has just been described for an antenna 40 comprising five radiating elements 41a-41e may be applied to any other antenna comprising a lower or higher number of radiating elements. The antenna supply network must then comprise as many dividers and unit phase shifting systems as necessary to enable the phase shift and division of the signal to be carried out successively until all the radiating elements constituting the antenna are powered.

Les pièces diélectriques mobiles des systèmes de déphasage 42 unitaires sont déplacées au moyen d'un dispositif mécanique 45 comprenant une tige commune 46 qui est solidaire des manettes de commande 47 de chaque système de déphasage 42a-42d. Les déphasages introduits via le réseau d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants 41a-41e sont obtenus par l'intermédiaire de systèmes de déphasage 42a-42d unitaires permettant par un mouvement simple d'agir de manière direct sur la ligne conductrice d'alimentation.The moving dielectric parts of the phase shift systems 42 are moved by means of a mechanical device 45 comprising a common rod 46 which is integral with the control levers 47 of each phase shift system 42a-42d. The phase shifts introduced via the supply network of the radiating elements 41a-41e are obtained by means of unitary phase shift systems 42a-42d allowing by a simple movement to act directly on the conductive supply line.

La configuration de tels systèmes de déphasage 42 permet d'avoir une entrée sur une face latérale, tandis que la sortie se trouve sur la face latérale opposée. Avec cette configuration, la longueur totale de câble coaxial nécessaire pour réaliser le réseau d'alimentation de l'antenne est moindre que lorsque les entrée et sortie sont placées sur une des grandes faces, supérieure ou inférieure, du système de déphasage.The configuration of such phase shift systems 42 provides an input on a side face, while the output is on the opposite side face. With this configuration, the total length of coaxial cable necessary to realize the antenna power supply network is less than when the input and output are placed on one of the large faces, upper or lower, of the phase shift system.

La figure 5 illustre la variation de l'adaptation en impédance IM (en dB) en fonction de la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile du déphaseur. Dans le cas présent on a illustré le cas d'une antenne haute fréquence très large bande HB UBB (pour « High Band Ultra Broad Band » en anglais) pour des fréquences F comprises entre 1,7 GHz et 2,7 GHz.The figure 5 illustrates the variation of the impedance matching IM (in dB) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter. In this case we have illustrated the case of a very high bandwidth high frequency HB UBB antenna (for "High Band Ultra Broad Band" in English) for frequencies F between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz.

Dans ce cas, les dimensions du boîtier contenant le système de déphasage sont par exemple de 110 mm de long sur 25 mm de large et 8 mm de haut. Le matériau diélectrique utilisé ici est un matériau plastique chargé en céramique dont les caractéristiques électriques sont une constante diélectrique εr qui vaut 8,25 etune tangente de perte de l'ordre de 0,001. Bien entendu, le système de déphasage pourrait inclure d'autres matériau diélectriques comme par exemple un polymère tel que le polyéthylène PE, le polytétrafluoroéthylène PTFE, ou une céramique telle que l'alumine Al2O3. Le dimensionnement du boîtier et le résultat radiofréquence dépendent du matériau utilisé.In this case, the dimensions of the housing containing the phase shift system are for example 110 mm long by 25 mm wide and 8 mm high. The dielectric material used here is a ceramic-filled plastic material whose electrical characteristics are a dielectric constant ε r which is equal to 8.25 and a tangent of loss of the order of 0.001. Of course, the phase shift system could include other dielectric materials such as a polymer such as polyethylene PE, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, or a ceramic such as Al 2 O 3 alumina. The size of the housing and the radiofrequency result depend on the material used.

Les impédances d'entrée et de sortie du système de déphasage unitaire sont représentées pour plusieurs positions mécaniques de la pièce diélectrique mobile, illustrées par les figures 3b à 3d, de la position extrême correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase à la position extrême correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase en passant des positions intermédiaires. L'amplitude du mouvement de la pièce diélectrique mobile, qui représente ici un déplacement de 30 mm, couvre une plage d'adaptation d'impédance IM (pour « Impedance Matching » en anglais) d'au moins 17 dB dans la bande de fréquence de 1,7 GHz à 2,7 GHz.The input and output impedances of the unit phase shift system are represented for several mechanical positions of the moving dielectric part, illustrated by the Figures 3b to 3d from the extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift to the extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum by passing intermediate positions. The amplitude of the movement of the moving dielectric part, which here represents a displacement of 30 mm, covers an impedance matching range IM (for "Impedance Matching") of at least 17 dB in the frequency band 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz.

Par exemple la courbe 50a représente la valeur de l'impédance d'entrée et la courbe 50b représente la valeur de l'impédance de sortie pour la position correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. La courbe 51a représente la valeur de l'impédance d'entrée et la courbe 51b représente la valeur de l'impédance de sortie pour un déplacement de 5 mm par rapport à la position correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. De même les courbes 52, 53, 54, 55 correspondent respectivement à un déplacement de 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, et 25 mm par rapport à la position correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. La courbe 56a représente la valeur de l'impédance d'entrée et la courbe 56b représente la valeur de l'impédance de sortie pour un déplacement de 30 mm, soit la position correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase.For example, the curve 50a represents the value of the input impedance and the curve 50b represents the value of the output impedance for the position corresponding to the minimum phase shift. Curve 51a represents the value of the input impedance and curve 51b represents the value of the output impedance for a displacement of 5 mm with respect to the position corresponding to the minimum offset. phase. Similarly, the curves 52, 53, 54, 55 respectively correspond to a displacement of 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm with respect to the position corresponding to the minimum phase shift. Curve 56a represents the value of the input impedance and curve 56b represents the value of the output impedance for a displacement of 30 mm, ie the position corresponding to the phase shift maximum.

La figure 6 illustre l'atténuation IL (en dB) en fonction de la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile du déphaseur. L'atténuation du système de déphasage unitaire est représentée pour plusieurs positions mécaniques de la pièce diélectrique mobile, illustrées par les figures 3b à 3d, de la position extrême correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase à la position extrême correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase en passant par la position intermédiaire. On observe que, dans le cas des caractéristiques diélectrique du matériau mentionnées précédemment, l'atténuation IL ou perte d'insertion (pour « Insertion Loss » en anglais) est meilleure que -0,35 dB dans tous les cas entre 1,7 GHz et 2,7 GHz.The figure 6 illustrates the attenuation IL (in dB) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter. The attenuation of the unit phase shift system is represented for several mechanical positions of the moving dielectric part, illustrated by the Figures 3b to 3d from the extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift to the extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum through the intermediate position. It is observed that, in the case of the dielectric characteristics of the material mentioned above, the attenuation IL or insertion loss (for "insertion loss" in English) is better than -0.35 dB in all cases between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz.

La courbe 60 correspond à la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. Les pertes d'insertion sont représentées par les courbes 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 pour des déplacements de la pièce diélectrique mobile de 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm et 25 mm respectivement. La courbe 66 correspond à un déplacement de 30 mm soit la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase.Curve 60 corresponds to the position of the mobile dielectric part corresponding to the minimum phase shift. The insertion losses are represented by the curves 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 for displacements of the moving dielectric part of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm respectively. Curve 66 corresponds to a displacement of 30 mm, ie the position of the moving dielectric part corresponding to the phase shift maximum.

La figure 7 illustre la variation de phase PV (en degrés) en fonction de la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile du système de déphasage. La variation de phase est représentée pour plusieurs positions de la pièce diélectrique mobile, illustrées par les figures 3b à 3d, de la position extrême correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase à la position extrême correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase en passant par la position intermédiaire. A la fréquence de 2 GHZ, le déphasage entre les positions extrêmes de la pièce diélectrique mobile du déphaseur est meilleur que 82°. Ceci correspond à une variation de l'inclinaison du lobe principal qui peut atteindre 15,5° pour une antenne HB UBB à cinq éléments rayonnants à polarisation croisée et 125 mm d'espacement interéléments.The figure 7 illustrates the PV phase variation (in degrees) as a function of the position of the moving dielectric part of the phase shift system. The phase variation is represented for several positions of the moving dielectric part, illustrated by the Figures 3b to 3d from the extreme position corresponding to the minimum phase shift to the extreme position corresponding to the phase shift maximum through the intermediate position. At the frequency of 2 GHZ, the phase shift between the extreme positions of the moving dielectric part of the phase shifter is better than 82 °. This corresponds to a variation of the tilt of the main lobe which can reach 15.5 ° for an HB UBB antenna with five cross-polarized radiating elements and 125 mm inter-element spacing.

La courbe 70 correspond à la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile correspondant au minimum de décalage de phase. Les mesures de la phase sont représentées par les courbes 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 pour des déplacements de la pièce diélectrique mobile de 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm et 25 mm respectivement. La courbe 76 correspond à la mesure de la phase pour la position de la pièce diélectrique mobile correspondant au maximum de décalage de phase, soit un déplacement de 30 mm.The curve 70 corresponds to the position of the moving dielectric part corresponding to the minimum phase shift. The measurements of the phase are represented by the curves 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 for displacements of the moving dielectric part of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm respectively. Curve 76 corresponds to the measurement of the phase for the position of the movable dielectric part corresponding to the phase shift maximum, ie a displacement of 30 mm.

Sur les figures 8a à 8c, on a illustré les étapes de la réalisation d'un empilement de boîtiers conducteurs contenant chacun un système de déphasage unitaire. On a illustré et décrit le cas de l'empilement de deux boîtiers, mais il est bien entendu que les étapes décrites peuvent être réitérées afin d'obtenir l'empilage d'un nombre plus important de boîtiers.On the Figures 8a to 8c , the steps of producing a stack of conductive housings each containing a unit phase shift system are illustrated. We have illustrated and described the case of the stack of two boxes, but it is understood that the described steps can be repeated to obtain the stack of a larger number of boxes.

Comme illustré sur la figure 8a, un premier système de déphasage 80 unitaire est réalisé de manière analogue à celle illustrée par les figures 2a-2e et décrite en détail précédemment. On dépose lune première moitié 81 inférieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe 82 et une première moitié 83 inférieure de la pièce diélectrique mobile 84 sur le fond 85 d'un premier boîtier conducteur. Il faut noter qu'il peut être avantageux d'utiliser le châssis de l'antenne comme fond du boîtier conducteur, ce qui facilite l'accès ultérieur aux systèmes de déphasage et aux autres parties interne de l'antenne. On recouvre les premières moitiés 81, 83 inférieures des pièces diélectriques fixe 82 et mobile 84 avec une ligne conductrice 86 d'alimentation, ici de type triplaque. Chaque extrémité de la ligne conductrice 86 est connectée respectivement au conducteur central d'une part d'un câble d'alimentation d'entrée 87 coaxial et d'un câble d'alimentation de sortie 88 coaxial d'autre part. La seconde moitié 89 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique fixe 82 est placée sur la ligne conductrice 86 à proximité de sa connexion au câble d'alimentation d'entrée 87. La seconde moitié 90 supérieure de la pièce diélectrique mobile 84 est placée sur la ligne conductrice 86 à proximité de sa connexion au câble d'alimentation de sortie 88. La pièce diélectrique mobile 84 est solidaire d'une manette de commande 91 permettant de la déplacer.As illustrated on the figure 8a , a first unit phase shift system 80 is produced in a manner analogous to that illustrated by the Figures 2a-2e and described in detail previously. The first lower half 81 of the fixed dielectric piece 82 and a first lower half 83 of the movable dielectric piece 84 are deposited on the bottom 85 of a first conductive casing. It should be noted that it may be advantageous to use the antenna frame as the bottom of the conductive housing, which facilitates subsequent access to phase shift systems and other internal parts of the antenna. The first lower halves 81, 83 are covered with fixed dielectric 82 and movable 84 pieces with a conductive line 86 , here of the triplate type. Each end of the conductive line 86 is respectively connected to the central conductor on the one hand of a coaxial input power cable 87 and a coaxial output power cable 88 on the other hand. The second upper half 89 of the fixed dielectric piece 82 is placed on the conductive line 86 near its connection to the input power cable 87 . The second upper half 90 of the movable dielectric piece 84 is placed on the conductive line 86 near its connection to the output power cable 88 . The movable dielectric part 84 is integral with a control handle 91 to move it.

La figure 8b illustre l'étape de fermeture du premier boîtier conducteur au moyen d'un couvercle 92 qui est fixé sur le fond 85 du premier boîtier. Dans le cas présent on a utilisé par exemple des cornières en U 93 perforées reliant le couvercle 92 et le fond 85 du boîtier grâce à des moyens de fixation tels que des vis, des rivets, des attaches-clips, des agrafes, etc...The figure 8b illustrates the step of closing the first conductive housing by means of a cover 92 which is fixed on the bottom 85 of the first housing. In the present case, for example, perforated U-shaped angles 93 connecting the cover 92 have been used. and the bottom 85 of the housing by means of fastening means such as screws, rivets, clips, clips, etc.

Le couvercle 92 du premier boîtier conducteur recouvrant le premier système de déphasage 80 unitaire sert à son tour de fond pour un deuxième boîtier conducteur enfermant un deuxième système de déphasage unitaire. Le deuxième système de déphasage est réalisé de la manière illustrée sur la figure 8a et précédemment décrite en détail. Le deuxième système de déphasage comprend une ligne conductrice d'alimentation placée entre un câble d'alimentation d'entrée 94 et un câble d'alimentation de sortie 95. Le deuxième système de déphasage comprend aussi une pièce diélectrique fixe et une pièce diélectrique mobile 96 déplacée depuis l'extérieur par une manette de commande 97. Comme illustré sur la figure 8c, le deuxième système de déphasage est recouvert d'un couvercle 98 qui est fixé sur le fond 92 pour former le deuxième boîtier conducteur. Il faut noter que ce mode de réalisation permet de réduire le nombre des étapes nécessaires à la réalisation de l'empilage et le nombre des pièces utilisées, ce qui permet de réduire les coûts. Toutefois il est aussi possible d'empiler des boîtiers constitués individuellement, tel que celui représenté sur la figure 3a, chacun possédant un fond et un couvercle.The cover 92 of the first conductive housing covering the first phase shift system 80 serves in its turn to a second conductive housing enclosing a second unit phase shift system. The second phase shift system is realized as illustrated on the figure 8a and previously described in detail. The second phase shift system comprises a power supply line placed between an input power cable 94 and an output power cable 95 . The second phase shift system also comprises a fixed dielectric piece and a movable dielectric piece 96 moved from the outside by a control handle 97 . As illustrated on the figure 8c , the second phase shift system is covered with a cover 98 which is fixed on the bottom 92 to form the second conductive housing. It should be noted that this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the number of steps necessary for the realization of the stacking and the number of parts used, which makes it possible to reduce the costs. However it is also possible to stack individually constituted housings, such as the one shown on the figure 3a each having a bottom and a lid.

La forme de ces boîtiers est adaptée pour leur permettre d'être empilés. En particulier chaque système de déphasage 80, 90 unitaire comprend une manette de commande 87, 93. Les manettes de commande 81, 93 sont de préférence placées du même côté de l'empilage, comme illustré sur la figure 9. Ainsi les manettes de commande 81, 93 peuvent être actionnées simultanément en les reliant par une tige commune par exemple. Toutefois chaque manette peut être actionnée individuellement. On pourra par exemple envisager de disposer les manettes alternativement d'un côté et d'un autre de l'empilement. Par exemple dans le cas de l'empilage de systèmes de déphasage correspondant à l'alimentation de la polarisation +45° et à l'alimentation de la polarisation -45°. On peut constituer deux empilements, chacun muni d'une tige commune permettant d'actionner les manettes de commande correspondant à l'alimentation d'une même polarité. On peut aussi constituer un seule empilement en alternant les systèmes de déphasage correspondant à l'alimentation de chaque polarité et en disposant les manettes de commande alternativement d'un côté et de l'autre de l'empilement. Une tige commune permet de actionner les manettes de commande de trouvant placées d'un même côté de l'empilement. Dans le cas d'un système d'antennes multibande où plusieurs réseaux d'alimentation sont nécessaires, cette solution se révèle avantageuse pour permettre une implantation sur une surface réduite du châssis de l'antenne.The shape of these boxes is adapted to allow them to be stacked. In particular each unit phase shift system 80, 90 comprises a control handle 87, 93 . The control levers 81, 93 are preferably placed on the same side of the stack, as shown in FIG. figure 9 . Thus the control levers 81, 93 can be actuated simultaneously by connecting them with a common rod for example. However each lever can be operated individually. It may for example be considered to arrange the joysticks alternately on one side and another of the stack. For example in the case of the stacking of phase shifting systems corresponding to the power supply of the + 45 ° polarization and the supply of the -45 ° polarization. There may be two stacks, each provided with a common rod for operating the control levers corresponding to the supply of the same polarity. It is also possible to constitute a single stack by alternating the phase shift systems corresponding to the supply of each polarity and by arranging the control levers alternately on one side and the other side of the stack. A common rod makes it possible to operate the control levers located on the same side of the stack. In the case of an antenna system multiband where multiple power networks are required, this solution is advantageous to allow implantation on a reduced surface of the frame of the antenna.

Claims (11)

  1. Unitary phase-shifting system comprising at least
    - a conductive feed line comprising an input portion (6) connected to the input of the phase-shifting system, said input portion being connected to a source of electrical power (2), and an output portion (8) connected to the output of the phase-shifting system (3), said output portion being connected to at least one antenna radiating element to be fed,
    - a fixed dielectric part (5) surrounding the input portion of the conductive line,
    - a moving dielectric part (7) surrounding the output portion of the conductive line,
    - a control unit (11) rigidly connected to the moving dielectric part, said control unit being capable of longitudinally moving so as to cause the moving dielectric part (7) to move longitudinally along the conductive line.
  2. Phase-shifting system according to claim 1, wherein the conductive line comprises an input portion made up of three segments, with the surface area of each segment being fixed.
  3. Phase-shifting system according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the conductive line comprises an output portion made up of three segments, with the relative surface area of each segment being variable.
  4. Phase-shifting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input portion and the output portion of the conductive line each comprise three segments, a central segment providing the impedance matching and lateral segments respectively surrounded by a first dielectric domain and a second dielectric domain.
  5. Phase-shifting system according to claim 4, wherein the first dielectric domain is the surrounding air and the second dielectric domain is a solid dielectric material chosen from among a polymer and a ceramic.
  6. Phase-shifting system according to one of the previous claims, wherein the longitudinal movement of the moving dielectric part is parallel to the fixed dielectric part that serves as its guide.
  7. Method for manufacturing a unitary phase-shifting system according to one of the previous claims, comprising the following steps:
    - a first half of the fixed dielectric part (5) is placed near the input of the phase-shifting system and a first half of the moving dielectric part (7) is placed near the output of the phase-shifting system,
    - a conductive line (4) is placed on the first halves of the fixed and moving dielectric parts,
    - each end of the conductive line is connected respectively to the input (2) of the phase-shifting system and the output (3) of the phase-shifting system,
    - the first half of the fixed dielectric part (5) is fastened onto the conductive line (4),
    - a second half of the fixed dielectric part (5) is fastened onto the input portion of the conductive line (4), and a second half of the moving dielectric part (7) is fastened onto the output portion of the conductive line (4),
    - the second half of the fixed dielectric part (5) is fastened onto the conductive line (4).
  8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the first halves of the fixed (5) and moving (7) dielectric parts are placed in a housing cover (20) and a housing bottom (9, 32) is placed on the second halves of the fixed and moving dielectric parts.
  9. Method for manufacturing a stack of unitary phase-shifting systems according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps:
    (a) a first unitary phase-shifting system is formed,
    (b) the first unitary phase-shifting system is covered by a cover (20),
    (c) a second unitary phase-shifting system is formed on the cover (20),
    (d) steps (b) and (c) are repeated as many times as desired,
    (e) the last unitary phase-shifting system is covered by a cover (20).
  10. Manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein the control units are placed on the same side of the stack.
  11. Antenna comprising a phase-shifting system according to one of the previous claims, wherein the phase-shifting system is placed in a housing of which one of the faces is formed by the chassis of the antenna.
EP13305590.5A 2013-05-06 2013-05-06 Longitudinal displacement passive phase shifter Active EP2802036B1 (en)

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EP13305590.5A EP2802036B1 (en) 2013-05-06 2013-05-06 Longitudinal displacement passive phase shifter
PCT/IB2014/061211 WO2014181239A2 (en) 2013-05-06 2014-05-05 Longitudinal-displacement passive phase-shifter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13305590.5A EP2802036B1 (en) 2013-05-06 2013-05-06 Longitudinal displacement passive phase shifter

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EP2802036B1 true EP2802036B1 (en) 2016-02-03

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EP3618173B1 (en) 2018-08-28 2023-04-26 Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy Apparatus for a phase shifter and a method of manufacture of an apparatus for a phase shifter
CN109638391B (en) * 2018-11-09 2020-07-07 华南理工大学 Medium mobile phase shifter and base station antenna
CN111293383A (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-06-16 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Dielectric phase shifter and base station antenna
CN112652869A (en) * 2019-10-10 2021-04-13 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Phase shifter, electrically tunable antenna, network equipment and phase shifter manufacturing method
CN111063999B (en) * 2019-12-31 2024-11-22 京信通信技术(广州)有限公司 Antenna, phase-shifted feeding device and cavity structure

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US3656179A (en) * 1970-08-21 1972-04-11 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Microwave stripline phase adjuster
FR2813445B1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2003-04-04 In Snec LOW LOSS VARIABLE ELECTRIC PHASE-PHASE
NZ513770A (en) * 2001-08-24 2004-05-28 Andrew Corp Adjustable antenna feed network with integrated phase shifter
FR2845205B3 (en) * 2002-07-16 2005-04-08 Jacquelot DEPTHASE CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUS PHASE VARIATION
CN101645524B (en) * 2009-07-13 2013-02-13 电子科技大学 Miniaturized electric regulating intelligent antenna phaser based on helix slow wave line

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WO2014181239A2 (en) 2014-11-13
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