KR102577650B1 - Antenna device and antenna beam steering system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An antenna device and an antenna beam steering system comprising the same are disclosed. The antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment includes a main antenna unit provided to emit a beam in a preset beam reference direction, one or more sub-antenna units disposed in one or more directions with respect to the main antenna unit, and a feed current to the main antenna unit. It includes a first transmission line that supplies a feed current to the sub-antenna unit, a second transmission line that supplies feed current to the sub-antenna unit, and a switch unit provided on the second transmission line and provided to turn on or off the operation of the sub-antenna unit.

Description

Antenna device and antenna beam steering system comprising the same {ANTENNA DEVICE AND ANTENNA BEAM STEERING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME}

Embodiments of the present invention relate to antenna beam steering technology.

Generally, methods for controlling the antenna beam direction include mechanical steering, which mechanically controls the beam direction of the antenna using a motor, and electrical steering, which uses phase shifter control connected to each antenna unit element. However, the existing method has problems in that the system configuration for antenna beam steering is complex and consumes a lot of power and costs a lot.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0963233 (2010.06.10)

An embodiment of the present invention is intended to provide an antenna device capable of steering the direction of an antenna beam through a simple configuration and an antenna beam steering system including the same.

An antenna device according to an disclosed embodiment includes a main antenna unit provided to emit a beam in a preset beam reference direction; One or more sub-antenna units arranged in one or more directions relative to the main antenna unit; a first transmission line that supplies feeding current to the main antenna unit; a second transmission line supplying feeding current to the sub-antenna unit; and a switch unit provided on the second transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the sub-antenna unit.

The antenna device may operate only the main antenna unit in a basic mode and may additionally operate one or more of the auxiliary antenna units in a beam steering mode.

In the basic mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined as the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit, and in the beam steering mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined by the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit and the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit. The beam direction by the sub-antenna unit may be determined as the synthesized direction.

A plurality of the auxiliary antenna units may be arranged in different directions with respect to the main antenna unit, and one or more of the sub antenna units may be operated by the switch unit in the beam steering mode.

The spacing between the sub-antenna unit and the main antenna unit may be λ/2 (λ is a wavelength according to the resonance frequency band of the antenna device).

The antenna device may adjust the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device by adjusting the size of the beam by the sub-antenna unit.

The antenna device may adjust the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device by adjusting the size of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line.

The antenna device reduces the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device by making the size of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line smaller than a preset reference feeding current, or By increasing the size of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line to be larger than the preset reference feeding current, the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device can be increased.

The antenna device further includes an amplifier provided in the second transmission line, and the weight of the beam direction of the auxiliary antenna unit can be increased in the beam direction of the antenna device through the amplifier.

The sub-antenna unit includes: a first sub-antenna unit provided to be spaced apart from one side of the main antenna unit with respect to the main antenna unit; and a second sub-antenna unit provided to be spaced apart from the other side of the main antenna unit with respect to the main antenna unit, wherein the second transmission line includes: a 2-1 transmission line that supplies feeding current to the first sub-antenna unit; and a 2-2 transmission line that supplies feed current to the second sub-antenna unit, wherein the switch unit is provided on the 2-1 transmission line and is provided to turn on or off the operation of the first sub-antenna unit. a first switch unit; and a second switch unit provided on the 2-2 transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the second sub-antenna unit.

The antenna device may operate only the main antenna unit in a basic mode and may additionally operate the first sub-antenna unit or the second sub-antenna unit in a beam steering mode.

The first sub-antenna unit and the second sub-antenna unit are provided symmetrically with respect to the main antenna unit, and the antenna device is configured to operate the first sub-antenna unit and the second sub-antenna while the main antenna unit is operating. The parts can operate together.

An antenna beam steering system according to an disclosed embodiment is an antenna beam steering system including an antenna device and a switching control device, wherein the antenna device includes: a main antenna unit provided to emit a beam in a preset beam reference direction; One or more sub-antenna units arranged in one or more directions relative to the main antenna unit; a first transmission line that supplies feeding current to the main antenna unit; a second transmission line supplying feeding current to the sub-antenna unit; and a switch unit provided on the second transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the auxiliary antenna unit, wherein the switching control device sends a switching control signal to the switch to turn on or off the operation of the auxiliary antenna unit. It generates wealth.

The switching control device generates a switching control signal to turn on one or more of the sub-antenna units in the beam steering mode of the antenna device, and in the beam steering mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined by the beam by the main antenna unit. The reference direction and the beam direction by the sub-antenna unit may be determined as a combined direction.

A plurality of the auxiliary antenna units are arranged in different directions with respect to the main antenna unit, and the switching control device may generate a switching control signal so that at least one auxiliary antenna unit is turned on in the beam steering mode. .

The antenna beam steering system is mounted on a vehicle, and the switching control device generates a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit corresponding to the direction of the lane that the vehicle wants to detect among the plurality of sub-antenna units. You can.

The antenna beam steering system is applied to an object detection system, and the switching control device generates a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit corresponding to the direction in which the object to be detected is located among the plurality of sub-antenna units. You can do it.

The antenna beam steering system is applied to a water level and flow rate measurement system, and the switching control device can generate a switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is perpendicular to the water surface when measuring the water level.

The switching control device may generate a switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined to the water surface when measuring the flow rate.

The switching control device generates a primary switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined at a first angle with the water surface when measuring the flow rate, and performs a secondary switching control so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined at a second angle with the water surface. A signal can be generated.

The flow rate may be measured based on the difference between the first signal measured at the first angle and the second signal measured at the second angle.

The antenna beam steering system is applied to an object detection system, and the switching control device generates a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit corresponding to the direction in which the object to be detected is located among the plurality of sub-antenna units. You can do it.

According to the disclosed embodiment, by controlling the operation of the sub-antenna unit through the switch unit, the entire beam direction of the antenna unit can be steered only by switch control without a complex configuration for mechanical steering or electrical steering such as a phase shifter, Power consumption and costs due to beam steering can be reduced.

In addition, using an antenna beam steering system, it is possible to more accurately detect objects to be detected (e.g., living organisms, vehicles, etc.) or water resource characteristics through the correlation of information collected from different angles.

1 is a diagram showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state of changing the beam direction of the antenna unit in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing an antenna beam pattern when only the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the first sub-antenna unit is operated while the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing an antenna beam pattern when only the first sub-antenna unit is operated while the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the second sub-antenna unit is operated while the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing an antenna beam pattern when only the second sub-antenna unit is operated while the main antenna unit is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram schematically showing an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an antenna beam steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 to 13 are diagrams showing a state in which an antenna beam steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a vehicle lane detection system.
Figure 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the antenna beam steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the water level and flow rate measurement system

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The detailed description below is provided to provide a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and/or systems described herein. However, this is only an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is merely for describing embodiments of the present invention and should in no way be limiting. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, singular forms include plural meanings. In this description, expressions such as “comprising” or “comprising” are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and one or more than those described. It should not be construed to exclude the existence or possibility of any other characteristic, number, step, operation, element, or part or combination thereof.

Meanwhile, directional terms such as upper side, lower side, one side, other side, etc. are used in relation to the orientation of the disclosed drawings. Since the components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in various orientations, the term directional is used for illustrative purposes and is not limiting.

Additionally, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The above terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the antenna device 100 may include an antenna unit 102, a first transmission line 104, a second transmission line 106, and a switch unit 108.

The antenna unit 102 may be provided to transmit and receive signals in a preset frequency band. Here, transmitting and receiving a signal in a preset frequency band may mean performing one or more operations of transmitting and receiving a signal in a preset frequency band.

The antenna unit 102 may be provided on the substrate 50 . The antenna unit 102 may include a main antenna unit 111 and a secondary antenna unit 113.

The main antenna unit 111 may emit a beam in a preset reference direction. The antenna unit 102 may emit a beam in a reference direction preset by the main antenna unit 111. Hereinafter, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 by the main antenna unit 111 may be referred to as a beam reference direction. At this time, the main antenna unit 111 is provided to emit a beam in the beam reference direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the main antenna unit 111 may be provided to emit a beam in a vertical direction upward from the substrate 50. That is, the beam reference direction may be a vertical direction upward from the substrate 50.

The main antenna unit 111 may include one or more main radiators 111a for transmitting and receiving signals in a preset frequency band. Although FIG. 1 shows eight main radiators 111a, the number of main radiators 111a is not limited to this. Additionally, in FIG. 1, the main radiator 111a is shown as a patch antenna, but the shape of the main radiator 111a is not limited thereto. While the antenna unit 102 is operating, the main antenna unit 111 may always be operated.

The sub-antenna unit 113 may be provided to change the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 by the main antenna unit 111. That is, the sub-antenna unit 113 may be provided to change the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 to a direction other than the beam reference direction. The sub-antenna unit 113 may be arranged in one or more directions with respect to the main antenna unit 111. The entire beam direction of the antenna unit 102 may change depending on whether the sub-antenna unit 113 arranged in one or more directions with respect to the main antenna unit 111 operates. The sub-antenna unit 113 may be provided to transmit and receive signals in a frequency band corresponding to the main antenna unit 111.

While the antenna unit 102 is operated, the sub-antenna unit 113 may be selectively operated. That is, while the antenna unit 102 is operating, the main antenna unit 111 is always operated, but the sub antenna unit 113 may or may not be operated. Whether or not the sub-antenna unit 113 operates may be determined by the switch unit 108, which will be described later. Here, the mode in which only the main antenna unit 111 is operated may be referred to as the basic mode. Additionally, the mode in which the main antenna unit 111 and the sub antenna unit 113 operate together may be referred to as a beam steering mode.

In the basic mode, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 may be the beam reference direction, which is the beam direction of the main antenna unit 111. In the beam steering mode, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 may be changed to a direction that combines the beam reference direction of the main antenna unit 111 and the beam direction of the auxiliary antenna unit 113.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-antenna unit 113 may include a first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and a second sub-antenna unit 113-2. The first sub-antenna unit 113-1 may be provided on the right side of the main antenna unit 111 on the substrate 50. The first sub-antenna unit 113-1 may include one or more sub-radiators 113-1a. The second sub-antenna unit 113-2 may be provided on the left side of the main antenna unit 111 on the substrate 50. The second sub-antenna unit 113-2 may include one or more sub-radiators 113-2a. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the main antenna unit 111.

The first transmission line 104 may be provided to supply feed current to the main antenna unit 111. One end of the first transmission line 104 may be electrically connected to a feeding unit (not shown), and the other end of the first transmission line 104 may be electrically connected to each main radiator 111a.

The second transmission line 106 may be provided to supply feed current to the sub-antenna unit 113. In an exemplary embodiment, the second transmission line 106 may be branched from the first transmission line 104 and electrically connected to the sub-antenna unit 113, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, although the second transmission line 106 is shown here as branching from the first transmission line 104, it is not limited to this and the second transmission line 106 is provided independently from the first transmission line 104. Feed current may be supplied to the antenna unit 113.

The second transmission line 106 may include a 2-1 transmission line 106-1 and a 2-2 transmission line 106-2. The 2-1 transmission line 106-1 may be branched from the first transmission line 104 and provided to supply feeding current to the first sub-antenna unit 113-1. The 2-2 transmission line 106-2 may be branched from the first transmission line 104 and provided to supply feeding current to the second sub-antenna unit 113-2.

The switch unit 108 may be provided on the second transmission line 106. The switch unit 108 may serve to turn on or off the operation of the sub-antenna unit 113. That is, the switch unit 108 can turn on or off the operation of the sub-antenna unit 113 by supplying or blocking the feed current flowing along the second transmission line 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch unit 108 may be made of a Single Pole Single Thru (SPST) switch, but is not limited thereto.

The switch unit 108 may include a first switch unit 108-1 and a second switch unit 108-2. The first switch unit 108-1 is provided on the 2-1 transmission line 106-1 and can turn on or off the operation of the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 according to the switching control signal. The second switch unit 108-2 is provided on the 2-2 transmission line 106-2, and can turn on or off the operation of the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 according to the switching control signal.

The antenna beam steering device 100 may further include a control unit (not shown) that generates a switching control signal to the switch unit 108. The control unit (not shown) operates one of the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 through a switching control signal to change the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 to the beam reference direction. It can be changed in a different direction.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the beam direction of the antenna unit is changed in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 2, when the first switch unit 108-1 is turned on and the second switch unit 108-2 is turned off through a switching control signal, the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 operates and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 does not operate. In this case, the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is formed by combining the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit 111 and the beam direction by the first sub-antenna unit 113-1. In (a) of FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the entire beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is shown to be inclined in the direction in which the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 is formed (i.e., to the left in FIG. 2). .

Referring to (b) of FIG. 2, when the second switch unit 108-2 is turned on and the first switch unit 108-1 is turned off through a switching control signal, the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 operates and the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 does not operate.

In this case, the entire beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is formed by combining the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit 111 and the beam direction by the second sub-antenna unit 113-2. In (b) of FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is shown to be inclined in the direction in which the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 is formed (i.e., to the right in FIG. 2). .

In this way, the entire beam direction of the antenna unit 102 can be easily adjusted through switch control by the switch unit 108. Here, by setting the distance between the main antenna unit 111 and the sub-antenna unit 113 to λ/2 (λ is a wavelength according to the resonance frequency band of the antenna unit 102), the beam by the main antenna unit 111 and It is possible to maximize beam synthesis by the sub-antenna unit 113.

Additionally, by adjusting the size of the beam by the sub-antenna unit 113, it is possible to precisely control the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102. That is, the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is determined by combining the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit 111 and the beam direction by the sub-antenna unit 113, and the sub-antenna unit 113 By adjusting the size of the beam, it is possible to adjust the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit 113 in the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the weight of the beam direction by the sub-antenna unit 113 in the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 can be adjusted through the size of the feeding current supplied to the sub-antenna unit 113. At this time, the second transmission line 106 is provided independently from the first transmission line 104 and can supply feed current to the auxiliary antenna unit 113.

For example, when the size of the feeding current supplied to the sub-antenna unit 113 is made smaller than the size of the preset reference feeding current, the beam direction by the sub-antenna unit 113 in the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 The weight of this branch is reduced compared to when the standard feed current is supplied. On the other hand, when the size of the feeding current supplied to the sub-antenna unit 113 is made larger than the size of the preset reference feeding current, the beam direction by the sub-antenna unit 113 in the entire beam direction of the antenna unit 102 has The weight becomes larger than when the standard feed current is supplied.

Additionally, by adding an amplifier to the second transmission line 106, the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit 113 in the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 can be adjusted to increase.

Meanwhile, herein, it has been explained that the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 operate selectively, but this is not limited to this and the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 The second antenna unit 113-2 may operate simultaneously. Here, when the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 are provided symmetrically with respect to the main antenna unit 111, the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is the main antenna unit 113-2. The beam is maintained in the reference direction by unit 111.

When the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 are operated together, the overall beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is maintained, but the characteristics of the main antenna unit 111 are improved. You can do it. For example, the directionality of the beam can be improved by reducing the side lobes of the main antenna unit 111 and reducing the beam width of the main antenna unit 111.

According to the disclosed embodiment, by controlling the operation of the sub-antenna unit 113 through the switch unit 108, the antenna unit (antenna unit) is controlled only by switch control without a complex configuration for mechanical steering or electrical steering such as a phase shifter. 102), the entire beam direction can be steered, and power consumption and costs due to beam steering can be reduced.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the main antenna unit 111 is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing the main antenna in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram shows the antenna beam pattern when only unit 111 is operated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 is operated while the main antenna unit 111 is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram showing an antenna beam pattern when only the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 is operated while the main antenna unit 111 is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing S11 parameters and antenna characteristics when only the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 is operated while the main antenna unit 111 is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a diagram showing an antenna beam pattern when only the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 is operated while the main antenna unit 111 is operated in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Meanwhile, it has been described here that the sub-antenna unit 113 is formed on the left and right sides of the main antenna unit 111, but this is not limited to this and the sub-antenna unit 113 is positioned in various directions based on the main antenna unit 111. By arranging the beam direction of the antenna unit 102, it is possible to steer in more detail and in various directions.

Figure 9 is a diagram schematically showing an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, we will focus on explaining the differences from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 9, the sub-antenna unit 113 includes a first sub-antenna unit 113-1, a second sub-antenna unit 113-2, a third sub-antenna unit 113-3, and a fourth sub-antenna unit. It may include an antenna unit 113-4.

The first sub-antenna unit 113-1 is provided on the right side of the main antenna unit 111, the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 is provided on the left side of the main antenna unit 111, and the third sub-antenna unit The unit 113-3 may be provided above the main antenna unit 111, and the fourth sub antenna unit 113-4 may be provided below the main antenna unit 111.

In addition, the switch unit 108 includes a first switch unit 108-1, a second switch unit 108-2, a third switch unit 108-3, and a fourth switch unit 108-4. can do.

The first switch unit 108-1 is provided on the 2-1 transmission line 106-1 and can turn on or off the operation of the first sub-antenna unit 113-1. The second switch unit 108-2 is provided on the 2-2 transmission line 106-2 and can turn on or off the operation of the second sub-antenna unit 113-2. The third switch unit 108-3 is provided on the 2-3 transmission line 106-3 and can turn on or off the operation of the third sub-antenna unit 113-3. The fourth switch unit 108-4 is provided on the 2-4 transmission line 106-4 and can turn on or off the operation of the fourth sub-antenna unit 113-4.

In the beam steering mode, when any one of the first to fourth sub-antenna units 113-1 to 113-4 is turned on through the switch unit 108, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is main. The beam reference direction of the antenna unit 111 and the beam direction of the turned-on auxiliary antenna unit are formed in a combined direction.

At this time, when two neighboring sub-antenna units among the first to fourth sub-antenna units 113-1 to 113-4 are turned on at the same time, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is the main antenna unit 111. ) and the beam direction of the two turned-on auxiliary antenna units are formed in a combined direction.

For example, when the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the third sub-antenna unit 113-3 are turned on at the same time, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 is based on the beam by the main antenna unit 111. The direction and the beam direction by the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the beam direction by the third sub-antenna unit 113-3 are formed in a combined direction. Accordingly, the beam direction of the antenna unit 102 can be adjusted in more detail in various directions.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an antenna beam steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the antenna beam steering system 60 may include an antenna device 100 and a switching control device 120.

The antenna device 100 may include a main antenna unit 111, a secondary antenna unit 113, and a switch unit 108. Here, the antenna device 100 may have the same or similar configuration as the antenna device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The switching control device 120 may control the switch unit 108 by generating a switching control signal. That is, the switching control device 120 may generate a switching control signal in the beam steering mode of the antenna device 100 and transmit it to the switch unit 108. At this time, the switch unit 108 may be turned on or off according to the switching control signal. Accordingly, the beam direction of the antenna device 100 can be changed to a direction other than the beam reference direction.

This antenna beam steering system 60 can be applied to various fields. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the antenna beam steering system 60 may be applied to a lane detection system in a vehicle. In this case, the beam direction of the antenna device 100 can be adjusted through switch control according to the lane position to be detected.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when trying to detect a vehicle in the center lane, the antenna device 100 operates only the main antenna unit 111 and operates the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 and the second sub-antenna unit. (113-2) may not operate. As shown in FIG. 12, when trying to detect a vehicle in the left lane, the antenna device 100 can operate only the first sub-antenna unit 113-1 while operating the main antenna unit 111. As shown in FIG. 13, when trying to detect a vehicle in the right lane, the antenna device 100 can operate only the second sub-antenna unit 113-2 while operating the main antenna unit 111.

Additionally, the antenna beam steering system 60 can be applied to a water level and flow rate measurement system as shown in FIG. 14. For example, when measuring the water level of a river or the sea, the beam direction of the antenna device 100 can be made perpendicular to the water surface through switch control.

In addition, when measuring the flow speed of a river or the sea, the beam direction of the antenna device 100 can be tilted to the water surface through switch control. For example, the beam direction of the antenna device 100 is inclined to the water surface at a first angle (for example, 45 degrees) to measure the first signal, and the beam direction of the antenna device 100 is tilted to the water surface at a second angle (e.g., 45 degrees). For example, after measuring the second signal at an inclination of 60 degrees, the flow rate may be measured based on the difference between the first signal and the second signal. At this time, there is a difference in information between the first signal measured at the first angle and the second signal measured at the second angle, and signal processing using this difference can improve the accuracy of flow rate measurement. In other words, water resource characteristics can be detected more accurately through the correlation of information collected from different angles.

Additionally, the antenna beam steering system 60 may be applied to an object detection system (eg, remote bio-signal detection, etc.). At this time, the switching control device 120 may generate a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit corresponding to the direction in which the object to be detected is located among the plurality of sub-antenna units.

Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. . Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the claims described later but also by equivalents to the claims.

50: substrate
60: Antenna beam steering system
100: antenna device
102: antenna unit
104: first transmission line
106: second transmission line
106-1: 2-1 transmission line
106-2: 2-2 transmission line
106-3: 2-3 transmission line
106-4: 2-4 transmission line
108: switch part
108-1: first switch unit
108-2: Second switch unit
108-3: Third switch unit
108-4: Fourth switch unit
111: main antenna unit
111a: main emitter
113: Sub-antenna unit
113-1: Part 1 antenna unit
113-1a: Sub-radiator
113-2: Part 2 antenna section
113-2a: Sub-radiator
113-3: Part 3 antenna section
113-4: Part 4 antenna section
120: switching control device

Claims (22)

As an antenna device,
a main antenna unit provided to emit a beam in a preset beam reference direction;
One or more sub-antenna units arranged in one or more directions relative to the main antenna unit;
a first transmission line that supplies feeding current to the main antenna unit;
a second transmission line that supplies feeding current to the sub-antenna unit; and
A switch unit provided on the second transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the auxiliary antenna unit,
The antenna device is,
In the basic mode, only the main antenna unit is operated, and in the beam steering mode, one or more sub-antenna units are additionally operated, and in the basic mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined as the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit, In the beam steering mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined as a combination of the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit and the beam direction by the auxiliary antenna unit,
By adjusting the size of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line, the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device is adjusted, but the weight of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line is adjusted. The weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device is reduced by making the size smaller than the preset reference feed current, or the size of the feed current supplied through the second transmission line is set to the preset reference feed current. An antenna device that increases the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device by making it larger than the current.
delete delete In claim 1,
The sub-antenna unit,
A plurality of antenna devices are arranged in different directions based on the main antenna unit, and at least one is operated by the switch unit in the beam steering mode.
In claim 1,
The sub-antenna unit,
An antenna device whose distance from the main antenna unit is λ/2 (λ is a wavelength according to the resonance frequency band of the antenna device).
delete delete delete In claim 1,
The antenna device is,
Further comprising an amplifier provided on the second transmission line,
An antenna device that increases the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device through the amplifier.
In claim 1,
The sub-antenna unit includes: a first sub-antenna unit provided to be spaced apart from one side of the main antenna unit with respect to the main antenna unit; and a second sub-antenna unit provided to be spaced apart from the other side of the main antenna unit with respect to the main antenna unit,
The second transmission line includes a 2-1 transmission line that supplies feed current to the first antenna unit; And a 2-2 transmission line that supplies feeding current to the second sub-antenna unit,
The switch unit may include: a first switch unit provided on the 2-1 transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the first sub-antenna unit; and a second switch unit provided on the 2-2 transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the second sub-antenna unit.
In claim 10,
The antenna device is,
An antenna device that operates only the main antenna unit in a basic mode and additionally operates the first sub-antenna unit or the second sub-antenna unit in a beam steering mode.
In claim 10,
The first sub-antenna unit and the second sub-antenna unit are provided symmetrically with respect to the main antenna unit,
The antenna device is,
An antenna device that operates the first sub-antenna unit and the second sub-antenna unit together while the main antenna unit is operating.
An antenna beam steering system comprising an antenna device and a switching control device, comprising:
The antenna device is,
a main antenna unit provided to emit a beam in a preset beam reference direction;
One or more sub-antenna units arranged in one or more directions relative to the main antenna unit;
a first transmission line that supplies feeding current to the main antenna unit;
a second transmission line supplying feeding current to the sub-antenna unit; and
A switch unit provided on the second transmission line and configured to turn on or off the operation of the auxiliary antenna unit,
The switching control device generates a switching control signal to the switch unit to turn on or off the operation of the sub-antenna unit,
The antenna device is,
In the basic mode, only the main antenna unit is operated, and in the beam steering mode, one or more sub-antenna units are additionally operated, and in the basic mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined as the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit, In the beam steering mode, the beam direction of the antenna device is determined as a combination of the beam reference direction by the main antenna unit and the beam direction by the auxiliary antenna unit,
By adjusting the size of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line, the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device is adjusted, but the weight of the feeding current supplied through the second transmission line is adjusted. The weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device is reduced by making the size smaller than the preset reference feed current, or the size of the feed current supplied through the second transmission line is set to the preset reference feed current. An antenna beam steering system that increases the weight of the beam direction of the sub-antenna unit in the beam direction of the antenna device by making it larger than the current.
delete In claim 13,
A plurality of sub-antenna units are arranged in different directions with respect to the main antenna unit,
The switching control device,
In the beam steering mode, the antenna beam steering system generates a switching control signal so that at least one of the sub-antenna units is turned on.
In claim 15,
The antenna beam steering system is mounted on a vehicle,
The switching control device,
An antenna beam steering system that generates a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit among the plurality of sub-antenna units corresponding to the direction of the lane that the vehicle wants to detect.
In claim 15,
The antenna beam steering system is applied to an object detection system,
The switching control device,
An antenna beam steering system that generates a switching control signal to turn on the sub-antenna unit corresponding to the direction in which the object to be detected is located among the plurality of sub-antenna units.
In claim 15,
The antenna beam steering system is applied to a water level and flow rate measurement system,
The switching control device,
An antenna beam steering system that generates a switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is perpendicular to the water surface when measuring the water level.
In claim 18,
The switching control device,
An antenna beam steering system that generates a switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined to the water surface when measuring flow velocity.
In claim 19,
The switching control device,
An antenna that generates a primary switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined at a first angle with the water surface when measuring flow velocity, and generates a secondary switching control signal so that the beam direction of the antenna device is inclined at a second angle with the water surface. Beam steering system.
In claim 20,
An antenna beam steering system that measures the flow rate based on the difference between a first signal measured at the first angle and a second signal measured at the second angle.
delete