CN1792005A

CN1792005A - Phased array antenna system with adjustable electrical tilt

Info

Publication number: CN1792005A
Application number: CN200480013481.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·E·哈斯克尔
Original assignee: Quintel Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Quintel Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2003-05-17
Filing date: 2004-05-10
Publication date: 2006-06-21
Also published as: JP4841435B2; TW200507348A; TWI332729B; ATE535962T1; GB0311739D0; ES2380762T3; GB0311371D0; JP2007503783A

Abstract

A phased array antenna system with adjustable electrical tilt includes an array (62) of antenna elements 621, to 6210. It has a splitter (44) dividing a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal into two signals between which a phase shifter (46) introduces a variable phase shift. Further splitters (52) and (54) divide the relatively phase shifted signals into two sets of five signals. Four of each of the sets of five signals are vectorially combined in a network of 180 degree hybrid couplers 601, to 604. This provides vector sum and difference components which together with the fifth members of the sets are fed to respective fixed phase shifters (56, 58) and 641, to 6410. The phase shifters 641, to 6410 provide signals which are appropriately phased for use as phased array drive signals for respective antenna elements 621, to 6210. Adjustment of the single phase shift provided by the variable phase shifter (46) changes the angle of electrical tilt of the entire antenna array (62).

Description

Phased array antenna system with adjustable electrical tilt

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of phased array antenna system with adjustable electrical tilt.It is applicable to many field of telecommunications, but has specific application in being commonly referred to as the cellular mobile radio network of mobile telephone network.More particularly, but it is not limited, antenna system of the present invention can be used with the second generation (2G) mobile telephone network of for example gsm system, and can use with the third generation (3G) mobile telephone network of for example universal mobile telephone system (UMTS).

Background technology

The operator of cellular mobile radio network utilizes themselves base station usually, and each base station has at least one antenna.In the cellular mobile radio network, antenna is the principal element that limits the coverage that can communicate with the base station.This coverage is divided into many overlapping unit usually, and each unit is related with separately antenna and base station.These unit also are divided into many sectors usually to increase communication coverage.

The antenna of each sector all is connected to the base station, is used for and all vehicular radios in this sector carry out radio communication.These base stations by being generally point-to-point radio link or fixing other means of communication such as landline interconnect, thereby allow vehicular radio communication each other, and communicate by letter with the public telephone network outside the cellular mobile radio network by this unit coverage.

It is known using the cellular mobile radio network of phased array antenna: such antenna comprises the individual antenna element of an array (being generally 8 or more), for example dipole or patch antenna.This antenna has the antenna pattern of being made up of main lobe and secondary lobe.The center of this main lobe is the peak response direction of antenna, i.e. the direction of the primary radiation bundle of antenna.The known properties of phased array antenna is that if be delayed one period along with the linear change with the distance of array edges by the signal that antenna element received, antenna primary radiation bundle just turns to the direction of ever-increasing delay so.The angle corresponding to the variation of the zero-sum non-zero in the inhibit signal between the intrafascicular heart of primary radiation, the angle that promptly turns to depends on the speed that delay changes along with the distance on the array.

Can come equivalence to realize postponing by changing signal phase and therefore changing represented phase array.So can be fed to the primary radiation bundle that phase relation between the signal of different antennae element changes antenna pattern by adjustment.This just makes radiation beam turn to revise the coverage of antenna.

The operator of phased array antenna is necessary to adjust the vertical radiation pattern of their antenna, the i.e. cross section of directional diagram in vertical plane in the cellular mobile radio network.This just must change the vertical angle of the primary radiation bundle of antenna, and just known " inclination angle " is to adjust the coverage of antenna.Above-mentioned adjustment can be essential, for example, and in order to compensate in cellular network architecture or the variation on the number of base stations of antenna.The adjustment of known antenna tilt both can be mechanically also can be electric on, and both can be independent also can be combination.

Can mechanically adjust antenna tilt by portable antenna element or its their shell (radome): this is called the angle adjustment of " mechanical tilt ".As previously described, time delay that can be sent to or receive from each antenna array element (or element group) by change or signal phase are electrically adjusted antenna tilt and be need not physics and move: this is called the angle adjustment at " electric inclination angle ".

When using in the cellular mobile radio network, the vertical radiation pattern of phased array antenna (VRP) has many noticeable requirements:

1. high main lobe (or sight line) gain;

2. the first enough low top sidelobe level is to avoid using the mobile phone of base station to cause interference in different units or network;

3. the sufficiently high first bottom sidelobe level communicates in antenna next-door neighbour's peripheral region with permission.

These requirements are contradicted each other: for example, the increase of sight line gain can increase the level of secondary lobe.With respect to sight line gain-the first top sidelobe level of 18dB has been found the compromise that can facilitate on overall system performance.

The effect of the adjustment of mechanical tilt or the adjustment at electric inclination angle is that sight line is resetted, so that it points to above water or below the horizontal plane, changes the coverage of antenna thus.

Desirable is the mechanical tilt that can either change the cellular radio station antenna, can change the electric inclination angle of cellular radio station antenna again: this just allows to have maximum flexibility in the optimization of unit or sector coverage, because the form at these inclination angles has different influences to the aerial ground coverage, and other antennas in base station next-door neighbour's peripheral region there is different influences.And if electric inclination angle can be adjusted away from antenna assembly, operating efficiency just can improve so.Yet the mechanical tilt of antenna can be adjusted by its radome that resets, and the change at its electric inclination angle needs other electronic circuit, and electronic circuit will increase the cost and the complexity of antenna.And if share individual antenna between many operators, being preferably each operator so provides an independent electric inclination angle.

Needs from the independent electric inclination angle of sharing antenna are not met so far, and cause the concession on systematic function.If descend owing to the technology that is used to change electric inclination angle makes gain, systematic function also can further reduce so.

R.C.Johnson, antenna works teacher handbook (Antenna Engineers Handbook) third edition in 1993, McGraw Hill, ISBN0-07-032381-X, Ch 20, Figure 20-2 disclose a kind of method that is used for this locality or adjusts the electric inclination angle of phased array antenna at a distance.In the method, radio frequency (RF) carrier of transmitter signal is sent to antenna and is assigned to the radiant element of antenna.Each antenna element has relative variable phase shifter, makes signal phase can be used as to cross the function of the distance of this antenna to be adjusted, to change the electric inclination angle of antenna.When not having the inclination angle, power division is proportional, so that sidelobe level and sight line gain can be set.When the phase front at all inclination angles is controlled, can obtain the optimal control at inclination angle, so sidelobe level can not rise to above the inclination angle scope.If desired, electric inclination angle can be adjusted at a distance by the position of using servomechanism control phase shifter.

Antenna in the art methods has many defectives.All variable phase shifter must be arranged for each antenna element.The cost height that causes antenna owing to the number of above-mentioned required phase shifter.Though by using single public delay device or phase shifter to replace each element is all used to one group of antenna element, cost can reduce, this can increase sidelobe level.For example referring to disclosed international patent application no WO03/036756A2 and Japanese patent application No. JP20011211025A.

Postpone though the mechanical couplings of delay device can be used for adjusting, accomplish rightly that this point is difficult; And mechanical connection and gear have caused non-optimized delay to distribute.When the same day, alignment had a down dip, the top sidelobe level increased, thereby had caused the interference voltage source to the mobile phone that uses other base stations.If this antenna is shared by many operators, operators hold public electric inclination angle so, thereby have replaced more excellent different inclination angle.At last, if in communication system, used this antenna, and this communication system has up link and down link at different frequency place (frequency division duplex system), electric inclination angle in emission mode is different from the electric inclination angle in receiving mode so, and this is because the frequency dependence in the Signal Processing Element characteristic.

International patent application no PCT/GB2002/004166 and PCT/GB2002/004930 have described by means of the difference between presenting at a pair of signal that is connected to antenna to come local or adjust the electric inclination angle of antenna at a distance.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a kind of phased array antenna system of replacing form.

The invention provides a kind of phased array antenna system, the antenna element that it has adjustable electric inclination angle and comprises an array is characterized in that this system comprises:

A) be used between the first and second RF signals introducing the variable phase shifter of variable relative phase shift,

B) be used for first and second signals of phase shift relatively are divided into the branch apparatus of component signal, and

C) be used to form the incompatible signal combination network that drive signal separately is provided for each independent antenna element of set of vectors of this component signal, this drive signal has appropriate phase place adjustment with respect to other drive signals, so that the electric inclination angle of this array can be adjusted in response to the change of the variable relative phase shift of being introduced by variable phase shifter.

The invention provides such advantage, make that only use single variable phase shifter is that whole array is adjusted electric inclination angle and become possibility, and replaced in the prior art each antenna element or every group of antenna element all uses a variable phase shifter.If used one or more extra phase shifters, just can obtain an extent at electric inclination angle.

Antenna system can have the odd number antenna element.Variable phase shifter can be first variable phase shifter, this system comprises and being arranged to being carried out second variable phase shifter of phase shift by the component signal of the first variable phase shifter phase shift, and this second variable phase shifter or directly or by the other component signal that one or more splitters/variable phase shifter combination is provided for signal combination and phase-shift network export.

Variable phase shifter can be in a plurality of variable phase shifters, and signal phase shift and combinational network are arranged to produce the antenna element drive signal from component signal, and some of them have been passed through all variable phase shifters, and some of them do not have.

Branch apparatus can be arranged to that component signal is divided into other component signal and be used to be input to signal phase shift and combinational network.Signal phase shift and combinational network can use phase shifter and 3 decibels of directional couplers (synthesizer) that this component signal is carried out phase shift and vectorial combination.This synthesizer can be 180 ° of synthesizers, is also referred to as summation and poor synthesizer.This synthesizer can be configured annular synthesizer, and wherein each has the girth of (n+1/2) λ and the input and output port of minute being opened by λ/4, and n is an integer here, and λ is the wavelength of the RF signal in the material of each annular synthesizer of structure.The input and output port of each synthesizer and system impedance coupling.

Be used for to be designed to input signal I1 and I2 converted to being different from (I1+I2) and vector (I1-I2) and and phasor difference to the synthesizer that component signal carries out vectorial combination.

Branch apparatus, variable phase shifter and signal phase shift and combinational network can with the antenna array co, to form antenna assembly, this device has the single RF input power feeder from far-away sources.Interchangeable, branch apparatus can comprise first, second and the 3rd splitter, this first splitter be installed together away from the variable phase shifter of the second and the 3rd splitter, this the second and the 3rd splitter, signal phase shift and combinational network and antenna array are as the antenna assembly co, and this device has the two RF input power feeders from far-away sources, and first splitter and first variable phase shifter are positioned at the far-away sources place.

Variable phase shifter can be first variable phase shifter that is connected in the transmission channel, this system comprises second variable phase shifter that is connected in the receive path: can have the similar passage that transmits and receives to replace variable phase shift so that the immobile phase in-migration to be provided: then, by producing the antenna element drive signal in response to the signal in transmission channel, and from by producing the receive path signal in the formed signal of antenna element that operates in the receiving mode, and arrange signal phase shift and combinational network to transmit and receive two kinds of mode operations.So, this electric inclination angle is independent adjustable in each pattern.

Variable phase shifter can be in a plurality of variable phase shifters relevant with separately operator, and this system comprises filtering and composite set, this device is used for after each variable phase shifter carries out phase shift signal being routed to the common signal feeding means, this common signal feeding means is connected to branch apparatus and signal combination and phase-shift network, in order to provide signal to antenna, this antenna comprises the influence that has the operator at independently adjustable electric inclination angle from two.These a plurality of variable phase shifters can comprise the corresponding a pair of variable phase shifter relevant with each operator, and this system can have the assembly that possesses forward and reverse signal disposal ability simultaneously, so that this system can both move, and in each pattern, all has independent adjustable electric inclination angle in transmitting and receiving pattern.

On the other hand, the invention provides a kind of method of adjusting the electric inclination angle of phased array antenna system, this system comprises the antenna element of an array, it is characterized in that this method comprises:

A) between the first and second RF signals, introduce a variable relative phase shift,

B) first and second signals of phase shift are divided into component signal relatively, and

C) this component signal is carried out vectorial combination and phase shift relatively, coming provides separately drive signal for each independent antenna element, this drive signal has appropriate phase place adjustment with respect to other drive signals, so that the electric inclination angle of this array can be adjusted in response to the change of variable relative phase shift.

This array can have the odd number antenna element.

This method can comprise that producing at least one has experienced the component signal of phase shift in a plurality of variable phase shifters.Above-mentioned variable phase shifter can be in groups, and this method comprises the antenna element drive signal of generation from component signal, and the some of them drive signal is through all variable phase shifters, and some of them are not passed through.

This method can comprise that the component signal that the one-component signal is divided into other is in order to be input to signal phase shift and combinational network.It can use phase shifter and synthesizer to come this component signal is carried out phase shift and vectorial combination.These synthesizers can be 180 ° of synthesizers.They can be annular synthesizers, and it has the girth of (n+1/2) λ and the input and output port of minute being opened by λ/4, and wherein n is an integer, and λ is the wavelength of the RF signal in the material of each annular synthesizer of structure.Branch apparatus also can comprise above-mentioned annular synthesizer, and a port end of each synthesizer is connected to an equivalence on the resistor of system impedance, to form a matched load.

This method can comprise that supply is used for carrying out Signal Separation, variable phase shift and vectorial combination at the network with the aerial array co from the single RF input signal of far-away sources, to form an antenna assembly.Interchangeable, this method can comprise two RF input signals are fed to an antenna assembly from far-away sources, to carry out Signal Separation, variable phase shift and vectorial combination in a network with the aerial array co, wherein in these two RF input signals has variable phase with respect to another.This method can be used and transmit and receive passage and be used for and can also can move with receiving mode with emission mode, and in response to the generation of the signal in transmission channel antenna element drive signal, and produce the receive path signal in the formed signal of the antenna element from operate in receiving mode.

This variable phase shifter can be in a plurality of variable phase shifters relevant with separately operator, and this method can comprise:

A) when carry out phase shift in each variable phase shifter after, signal is carried out filtering and combination, and send it to common signal feeding means, this common signal feeding means is connected to branch apparatus and signal combination and phase-shift network;

B) provide signal to the antenna that comprises from two operators' influence; And

C) independently adjust electric inclination angle relatively with each operator.

These a plurality of variable phase shifters can comprise the corresponding a pair of variable phase shifter all relevant with each operator; This method can be used the assembly that possesses forward direction and reverse signal disposal ability simultaneously, and this method can comprise transmitting and receiving two kinds of mode operations, and all has independent adjustable electric inclination angle in each pattern.

Description of drawings

For the present invention can more fully be understood, by the mode of example embodiment is described now with reference to accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a vertical radiation pattern (VRP) with the phased array antenna at the electric inclination angle of zero-sum non-zero;

Fig. 2 illustrates the phased array antenna that has adjustable electric inclination angle in the prior art;

Fig. 3 is the structure chart of phased array antenna of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates in greater detail employed signal combination network in the system of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is the phasor of the antenna element signal relevant with 90 ° of phase shift, and these 90 ° of phase shifts are introduced by the variable phase shifter in the system of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are the part-structure figure that comprises other phased array antenna systems of the present invention of 11 and 12 antenna elements (element spacing is not exclusively according to the ratio among Fig. 6) respectively;

Fig. 8 is the phasor of the antenna element signal relevant with 90 ° of phase shift, and these 90 ° of phase shifts are introduced by the variable phase shifter in the system of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 has been to use the part-structure figure of another phased array antenna system of the present invention of two variable phase shifters;

Figure 10 is the part-structure figure with similar antenna system of the present invention shown in Fig. 9, but it has used variable phase shifter in groups;

Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrate the use of the present invention that has wall scroll and two feed lines respectively;

Figure 13 shows and allows the independent adjustable distortion of the present invention in emission mode and receiving mode of electric inclination angle;

Figure 14 is the structure chart of another phased array antenna system of the present invention, and it illustrates by a plurality of user's antenna shared with two feed lines and single inclination angle and emission/receiving ability;

Figure 15 is the distortion of antenna system with Fig. 9 of variable phase shifter, and the position of the variable phase shifter that it has away from each other; And

Figure 16 illustrates the phased array antenna system of the present invention that comprises 3 decibels of directional couplers of annular.

Embodiment

In the connection that all illustrated embodiments are used, genertor impedance equals each load impedance, to form " coupling " system.The system of coupling will be transferred to the maximizes power of load from the source, and avoid signal reflex.() position for instance, referring to Fig. 6, the value of this resistor equals system impedance, to form the terminal of a coupling to end at a resistor at holding wire.

With reference to Fig. 1, show vertical radiation pattern (VRP) 10a and the 10b of antenna 12, this antenna is the phased array of an individual antenna element (not shown).This antenna 12 is planes, has center 14 and extends perpendicular to the figure midplane.Corresponding to delay and the zero-deviation in the phase place and the non-zero-deviation of antenna element signal, this antenna element signal has the distance that strides across antenna 12 separately for VRP10a and VRP 10b.VRP10a and VRP 10b have the main lobe 16a, the 16b that have center line or " sight line " 18a, 18b separately, the first top secondary lobe 20a, 20b and the first bottom secondary lobe 22a, 22b; 18c is illustrated in the boresight direction that is used for zero-deviation in the delay, is used for comparing with non-zero yield 18b.When not using the mark of suffix a or b, for example secondary lobe 20, refer to this in the element any one and do not have difference.VRP10b is (downward as shown in FIG.) that tilt with respect to VRP10a,, has the angle at the angle-inclination angle between main lobe center line 18b and 18c that is, and the size of this angle depends on the speed that delay changes along with the distance that strides across antenna 12.

VRP must satisfy a plurality of standards: a) high sight line gain; B) the first top secondary lobe 20 should be on enough low level, to avoid causing the interference to the mobile phone that uses another unit; And c) the first bottom secondary lobe 22 should be enough big so that can communicate in antenna next-door neighbour's peripheral region.

These requirements are contradicted each other: for example, sight line gain maximization can be increased secondary lobe 20,22.With respect to sight line level (length of primary radiation bundle 16), the first top sidelobe level of-18dB has been found the compromise that can facilitate on overall system performance.Since reducing in the effective aperture of antenna, proportional the reducing of cosine function at sight line gain and inclination angle.The effect that further reduces in the sight line gain will depend on the degree that the inclination angle changes.

The effect of adjusting mechanical tilt or electric inclination angle is that sight line is resetted, so that it points to above water or below the horizontal plane, and increases or reduce the coverage of antenna thus.In order to use the maximization of flexibility, cellular radio station had preferably both had available mechanical tilt and had also had available electric inclination angle, because every kind of inclination angle has different influences to the shape of ground coverage with area, and in next-door neighbour's peripheral region and other antennas in the adjacent unit different influences is also arranged.If the electric inclination angle of antenna can be adjusted away from antenna, so also is very easily.In addition, if share individual antenna between many operators, being preferably each operator so provides single electric inclination angle.

Referring now to Fig. 2, show the phased array antenna system 30 of prior art, wherein, electric inclination angle is adjustable.This system 30 comprises an input 32 that is used for radio frequency (RF) transmitter carrier signal, and this input is connected to a distribution network 34.This network 34 is by phase shifter Phi.E0, Phi.E1L to Phi.E[n] L and Phi.E1U to Phi.E[n] U is connected respectively to each radiator antenna element E0, the E1L to E[n of phased array antenna system 30] L and E1U to E[n] U: here, tail tag U and L represent the upper and lower respectively, n be definition phased array size greater than any positive integer of 2, and as 36 dotted line (element that expression is relevant) can duplicate according to the needs of the array size of arbitrary expectation.

Phased array antenna system 30 following operations.RF transmitter carrier signal is sent to distribution network 34 by importing 32: this network 34 is at phase shifter Phi.E0, Phi.E1L to Phi.E[n] L and Phi.E1U to Phi.E[n] distribute this signal (needn't equate) between the U, the signal phase shift that the latter receives their also is delivered to each autocorrelative antenna element E0, E1L to E[n with the phase shift signal of gained] L, E1U to E[n] U.Be chosen to be to the phase shift of each element and signal amplitude and be used to select a suitable electric inclination angle angle.When the inclination angle was zero, the power division of selecting network 34 was to be provided with the gain of sidelobe level and sight line rightly.When the phase front at all inclination angles is controlled, can obtain the optimal control at inclination angle, so sidelobe level can phenomenal growth along with the inclination angle scope.If desired, electric inclination angle can be by using servomechanism control phase shifter Phi.E0, Phi.E1L to Phi.E[n] L and Phi.E1U to Phi.E[n] U adjusts at a distance, and wherein this inclination angle is mechanically activated.

The phased array antenna system 30 of prior art has many defectives, and is as follows:

A) for each antenna element or every set of pieces separately phase shifter must be arranged all;

B) cause the cost height of antenna owing to the number of above-mentioned required phase shifter;

C) can increase sidelobe level by the cost reduction that element application phase shifter is in groups obtained;

D) mechanical couplings of implementing phase shifter for correct setting delay is difficult, and will use mechanical connection and mechanical driving device, and this will cause the delay configuration of non-optimum;

When e) same day, alignment had a down dip, the top sidelobe level increased, the feasible potential interference source that occurs the mobile phone that uses other unit;

F) if different operators shares an antenna, so all operators just must use identical electric inclination angle;

G) line link and down link are arranged in system's (Frequency Division Duplexing system) at different frequency place thereon, and the electric inclination angle in the emission is different from the electric inclination angle in the reception;

Referring now to Fig. 3, show phased array antenna system 40 of the present invention, it has adjustable electric inclination angle.This system 40 comprises 5 continuous functions zones 40 ₁To 40 ₅, be called " level " in the prior art, and for example illustrating between 41 the paired dotted line.It has the input 42 that is used for RF carrier transmission signal: this input 42 is connected to power divider 44 as input, this power divider 44 provides two output signals with amplitude V1A, V1B, and these output signals become the input of the variable phase shifter 46 and first fixed phase shifter 48

respectively.Phase shifter

46 and 48 can be regarded as time delay by equivalence.They provide respectively separately output signal V2B and V2A to two power dividers 52 and 54.

Power divider

52 and 54 has for example n the output of 52a and 54a respectively: the n here is equal to, or greater than 2 positive integer, and the output 52b of dotted line and 54b show that output in each case can duplicate according to the needs of the phased array size of arbitrary expectation.

For example the output of the power divider of 52a and 54a provides respectively and has had amplitude Va1 to Va[n] and Vb1 to Vb[n] output signal (shown in not use letter V).As more detailed description hereinafter, some in these output signals can have the amplitude that equals other output signals, and other are then unequal.In an embodiment with ten antenna elements (n=5) (will be described), Va1=Va2=Va3, Vb3=Vb4=Vb5; Va4=Vb2 and Va5=Vb1.These output signals are sent to phase shift and combination stage 40 ₄, it comprises the second and the 3rd fixed

phase shifter

56 and 58 and all by the 60 vectorial combination networks of representing.Level 40 ₄Hereinafter will more detailed description: its fixed phase shifter 64 by separately ₁To 64 _nThe antenna element that be spacedly distributed 62 of drive signal to phased array 62 is provided ₁To 62 _nAs before, n is equal to, or greater than any positive integer of 2 here, but it equals the n value of

power divider

52 and 54, and the size of phased array is a 2n antenna element.Inside antenna element 62 ₂With 62 ₃With dashed lines shows, can duplicate according to the needs of the phased array size of arbitrary expectation to show it.

Phased array antenna system 40 following operations.The radio frequency sending set carrier signal is sent to (SF single feed line) power divider 44 by importing 42, and this signal is divided into signal V1A and V1B (power equates in this embodiment) therein.Signal V1A and V1B are sent to variable respectively and fixed phase shifter 46 and 48.Variable phase shifter 46 has been used an optional phase shift of operator or delay, and has controlled antenna element 62 at the number of degrees of this applied phase shift ₁And the electric inclination angle of the whole phased array 62 of other antenna elements.Fixed phase shifter 48 is optional, but had more convenient: it has used a fixed phase drift, for convenience's sake this fixed phase drift is elected as the maximum phase shift φ that can be applied by variable phase shifter 46 _MHalf.This just make V1A with respect to V1B at-φ _M/ 2 to+φ _MPhase place is variable in/2 the scope, and after phase shift, these signals become V2B and V2A, as talking about, after the output of

phase shifter

46 and 48.

In the

power divider

52 and 54 each all is divided into signal V2B or V2A one group of n output signal Vb1 to Vb[n separately] or Va1 to Va[n], wherein, all needn't equal the power of other signals in this group at the power of each signal of every group of Vb1 and other signals or Va1 and other signals.The variation of the signal power on group Va1 and other signals and Vb1 and other signals is for the antenna element 62 of the different numbers in array 62 ₁And other antenna elements are different.

One group of output signal Vb1 to Vb[n wherein] in one deliver to corresponding fixed antenna phase shifter 64 by second phase shifter 56 ₃, and one group of output signal Va1 to Va[n] in one similarly deliver to another antenna phasing unit 64 by the 3rd phase shifter 58 ₈Second introduce to fill the phase shift that in-migration compensation is mutually introduced by combinational network 60 with the 3rd phase shifter 56 and 58.The group Vb1 to Vb[n] and Va1 to Va[n] in other signals in network 60, made up in couples, with the generation vector addition composite signal, be used for by phase shifter 64 ₁Wait the antenna element 62 that drives separately ₁Deng.Fixed phase shifter 64 ₁And other fixed phase shifters have forced fixed phase drift, and this fixed phase drift is according to the geometric position of the element on array 62 and at different antennae element 62 ₁And change between other antenna elements: when having forced zero when differing by variable phase shifter 46 between signal V1A and V1B, this has just set the sight line that zero reference direction (18a in Fig. 1 or 18b) is used for array 62.This antenna phasing unit 64 ₁And other antenna phasing units are optional, but they are preferred, handle the phase shift of introducing, b) optimization Sidelobe Suppression on the scope of inclination angle, and c because they can be used to a) correctly balance by the inclination angle) introduce an optional holding electrical inclination angle.

By means of using a variable phase shifter---variable phase shifter 46, the electric inclination angle of array 60 also is variable.This with prior art in need the requirement of a plurality of variable phase shifters to compare, what be used for each antenna element or group's antenna element just only needs one.When differing of introducing by variable phase shifter 46 with respect to fixed phase drift 48 for positive the time, antenna tilts in one direction, and differs when bearing when this, antenna tilts in the opposite direction.

If there are a plurality of users, then each user can have phased array antenna system 40 separately.Interchangeablely be, the user shares a community antenna if desired, and keeps an independent electric inclination angle ability simultaneously, and so, each user just can have the corresponding one group of level 40 in Fig. 3 ₁With 40 ₂In addition, by

level

40 ₃, 40 ₄With 40 ₅The combinational network of forming must or postpone 46,48 signal combination from resulting multicomponent road device 44 and phase shifter, to be sent to aerial array 62.Disclosed international patent application No.WO03/043127 A3 has described sharing in this way, but it has used the antenna with a plurality of groups antenna element, and each antenna element in group has components identical drive signal phase place.In antenna system 40, antenna element 62 ₁To 62 _nAll has different element drives signal phase owing to the needs that improve the phased array performance.

As can be seen, antenna system 40 has good Sidelobe Suppression, and it can be kept on the scope of whole electric inclination angle.This antenna system 40 can be than providing the lower cost of other design of similitude energy level to realize now.Its electric inclination angle can use single variable delay apparatus to adjust at a distance, and different shared this equipment of operator of its permission, and provides an independent electric inclination angle for each operator simultaneously.Be used to transmit and receive to comprise different paths and phase shifter by the modification antenna system 40 that will be described below, electric inclination angle both can be with identical in receiving mode in emission mode, also can be with different in receiving mode.

Referring now to Fig. 4, wherein show the present invention and be used for ten elements 62 ₁To 62 ₁₀The embodiment 70 of phased array 62.Wherein has identical Reference numeral with identical parts noted earlier.Fig. 4 is corresponding to the part among Fig. 3 40 ₃To 40 ₅, and

splitter

52 and 54 position as shown in FIG.

exchanges.Splitter

52 and 54 is equal input signal V2B and the V2A of received power respectively, but its relative phase is variable.In them each is divided into 5 signals with its input separately, and wherein three have identical amplitude (A or B), and in addition two amplitude is 0.32 and 0.73 times of described amplitude (A or B 0.32 or 0.73).

From 8 in 10 signals of

splitter

52 and 54 through 4 vectorial combination devices 60 ₁To 60 ₄: each in these devices all is 180 ° of synthesizers (being labeled as H), and this synthesizer has two input and two outputs that are marked as S and D of being labeled as I1 and I2, is respectively applied for summation and asks poor.For convenience's sake, mark I1 and I2 are used to indicate the signal at those ports too.As those port titles are represented, after receiving input signal I1 and I2, synthesizer 60 ₁To 60 ₄Each produce two output signals, vector and and phasor difference that these two output signals are respectively their input signals separately at S and D place.Following table 1 shows by synthesizer 60 ₁To 60 ₄The amplitude of the input signal that is received, and the output signal of the vector form of corresponding generation are represented with arbitrary value A and B under every kind of situation.

Table 1

Synthesizer	The I1 input	The I2 input	S output	D output
Synthesizer	The I1 input	The I2 input	S output	D output	60 ₁	A	0.73B	0.707(A+0.73B)	0.707(A-0.73B)
60 ₂	A	0.32B	0.707(A+0.32B)	0.707(A-0.32B)	60 ₁	A	0.73B	0.707(A+0.73B)	0.707(A-0.73B)
60 ₂	A	0.32B	0.707(A+0.32B)	0.707(A-0.32B)	60 ₃	B	0.32A	0.707(B+0.32A)	0.707(B-0.32A)
60 ₄	B	0.73A	0.707(B+0.73A)	0.707(B-0.73A)	60 ₃	B	0.32A	0.707(B+0.32A)	0.707(B-0.32A)

Following table 2 shows antenna element, and these antenna element is by antenna phasing unit (PS) 64 ₁To 64 ₁₀Reception is by

splitter

52,54 and synthesizer 60 ₁To 60 ₄The output signal that is produced.

Table 2

Antenna element	Signal amplitude	Antenna element	Signal amplitude
Antenna element	Signal amplitude	Antenna element	Signal amplitude		62 ₁	0.707(B-0.73A)	62 ₆	0.707(A+0.73B)
62 ₂	0.707(B-0.32A)	62 ₇	0.707(A+0.32B)		62 ₁	0.707(B-0.73A)	62 ₆	0.707(A+0.73B)
62 ₂	0.707(B-0.32A)	62 ₇	0.707(A+0.32B)	62 ₃	B	62 ₈	A
62 ₄	0.707(B+0.32A)	62 ₉	0.707(A-0.32B)	62 ₃	B	62 ₈	A
62 ₄	0.707(B+0.32A)	62 ₉	0.707(A-0.32B)	62 ₅	0.707(B+0.73A)	62 ₁₀	0.707(A-0.73B)

Signal A or B from each

splitter

52 or 54 are routed to antenna phasing unit 64 through synthesizer ₃Or 64 ₈, but through having used the

phase shifter

56 or 58 of phase shift φ, this phase shift equals and is used for compensation by synthesizer 60 ₁To 60 ₄One of the phase shift of forcing.This is called as " filling ".Fixed phase shifter is to 56/64 ₃With 58/64 ₈In each can be realized as single phase shift.Input splitter 44 in Fig. 3 can (at random) provide unequal power division, so different with V2B with signal amplitude V2A among Fig. 4 at Fig. 3.In addition, provide and vector and difference vector (I1+I2) and synthesizer 60 (I1-I2) ₁To 60 ₄(aforesaid) can (at random) comprises all or partial function of splitter 52 and 54: promptly, they can change into and be designed to convert input I1 and I2 to be not I1+I2 and I1-I2 vector and with poor, for example xI1+yI2 and, wherein x and y are unequal numerical value.This is limited by whole power output and adds that the synthesizer power consumption must keep equaling to be input to synthesizer 60 ₁To 60 ₄The constraint of whole power.And, replace 180 ° of synthesizers 60 ₁To 60 ₄, can use the synthesizer that provides other phase shifts (for example 60 °, 90 ° or 120 °).

Also with reference to Fig. 5, show the polar plot of antenna system 70 when differing between signal V2A and the V2B (having the same phase as A and B respectively) is 90 ° now, in this embodiment, 90 degree are the optimized angles of phase front that can make antenna element.All vectors in Fig. 5 and with phasor difference (i.e. all vectors except A and B) in fact should be with 2 ^-1/2Or 0.707 multiply each other, and as shown in table 1 and 2, for example A+0.73B should be 0.707 (A+0.73B); But this multiplication constant only is a zoom factor, and has dispensed from accompanying drawing, to reduce complexity.

By determine A in table 1 and 2 and the value of B at phase quadrature, antenna system 70 is optimised: on this phase difference, antenna system 70 strides across the phase front that antenna element has substantially linear on two electric inclination angles, and has equal phase front on mean obliquity.Be terminated at 82 ₁To 82 ₁₀For example 80 radiation arrow indicated, when they appear at antenna element 62 respectively ₁To 62 ₁₀During the place, the amplitude of phased array drive signal and phase angle.For example 84 tilted arrows is represented the radius vector skew (for example 0.73b or 0.32a) from radius vector A or B.Indicated+0.73B and+two arrow 84a of 0.73A and 84b be counted as having comprised adjacent sign in the figure+0.32B and+arrow 84 of 0.32A, and extend to radius vector A and B thus backward respectively.

For example 86 four-headed arrow is illustrated in differing between the adjacent radius vector, and this differs at outmost twin aerial element 62 ₁/ 62 ₂With 62 ₉/ 62 ₁₀On signal between be 22 °, this differs at every other twin aerial element 62 ₂/ 62 ₃To 62 ₈/ 62 ₉Between be 18 °.It is very little being in differing in the scope of phased array between 18 ° and 22 °: therefore for practical purposes, and at adjacent twin aerial element 62 _i/ 62 _I+1Differing between (i=1 to 9) is constant basically, and according to the needs of standard phased array operation, the phase change that strides across array 62 is the substantially linear function of the position in this array.

As above state, Fig. 5 has represented the situation of the phase quadrature between signal A and B or V2A and the V2B.Zero differs the average angle corresponding to the inclination angle, and positive and negative differing corresponding to positive and negative antenna tilt angle.

Referring now to Fig. 6, show the part of antenna system 100 of the present invention, it comprises the odd number antenna element, is 11 antenna elements in this example.System 100 is identical with embodiment 70 except adding few components, and hereinafter will concentrate on its difference to its description.Wherein identical with those aforementioned parts parts use identical Reference numeral.System 100 is synthesizer 60 with system's difference of formerly describing ₁With 60 ₄Difference output D be connected to phase shifter 64 ₁With 64 ₁₀, but be connected respectively to two-way splitter 102 and 104.These splitters will be from synthesizer 60 ₁With 60 ₄Signal be divided into separately that the fractional part of amplitude is c1/c2 and d1/d2: in these parts, c1 and d1 are sent to phase shifter 64 ₁With 64 ₁₀, with in driven antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀The middle use.Fractional part c2 and d2 are delivered to additional pentahapto respectively and are grown up to be a useful person 60 ₅I1 and I2 input, pentahapto grows up to be a useful person 60 ₅With synthesizer 60 ₁With 60 ₄Type identical.Pentahapto grows up to be a useful person 60 ₅Have summation output S, this output S is terminated at the load 106 of a coupling, also has difference output D, and D is by φ-90 ° phase shifter 108 and antenna phasing unit 64 in this output ₀Be connected to the antenna element 62 of additional centralized positioning ₀In Fig. 5, all antenna elements are all uniformly-spaced opened by the distance that L represents, so center antenna element 62 ₀Introducing mean it and adjacent element 62 ₅With 62 ₆(be such mark in this accompanying drawing, but for convenience's sake, the distance shown in the figure being greater than the distance in the practical situation) separates L/2.Yet above-mentioned L/2 is optional at interval.

Improved net effect at aerial array 62 places in Fig. 6 is an element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀Have the drive signal that is decreased to d1 (B-0.73A) and c1 (A-0.73B), and center part 62 ₀Has drive signal d2 (B-0.73A)-c2 (A-0.73B).

Can see that when downward-sloping, with the comparison that is inclined upwardly, antenna system 100 has asymmetric vertical radiation pattern.When aerial array 62 upwards or downwards during electrical tilt, deliver to terminal antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀Signal power have growth.Desirable, when the variation (amplitude taper) of the drive signal that strides across array kept constant basically on the antenna tilt scope, sidelobe level will obtain optimal control.In order to offset because antenna element 62 endways when tilting ₁With 62 ₁₀The place flash-up and consequential influence on secondary lobe can be used following multinomial technology:

Can with terminal antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀In series insert attenuator;

2. can be with terminal antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀In each be divided into two, and then increase by two other elements to antenna;

3. can use more synthesizer with power section ground from terminal antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀Transfer on the element at adjacent antennas center; And

4. from terminal antenna element 62 ₁With 62 ₁₀Part power can be used to drive center part 62 ₀, in fact as shown in Figure 6.

Antenna system 100 provides following advantage:

1. when aerial array 62 electrical tilt, the sidelobe level of antenna is reduced.

2. when the same day, alignment had a down dip, along with this electric inclination angle through a mean value, center part 62 ₀The carrier wave or 180 ° of the phase changes of drive signal, and further reduce the top sidelobe level.

3. when the same day, alignment had a down dip, the effect that reduces the top sidelobe level was the interference that has reduced mobile phone, and the channel that this mobile phone uses is different from the channel that is assigned to antenna system 100.

Referring now to Fig. 7, show and be used for 12 elements 122 ₁To 122 ₁₂The part of embodiments of the invention 120 of phased array 122.First and second splitters 124 ₁With 124 ₂Be received in the input signal of being represented by vector A and B in this example respectively: these vector powers equate, but have variable relative phase.Splitter 124 ₁With 124 ₂Implement respectively along separate routes, separately input signal is divided into three fractional part a1/a2/a3 and b1/b2/b3: promptly, signal a1A, a2A and a3A are from splitter 124 ₁Output, and signal section b1B, b2B and b3B are from splitter 124 ₂Output.Signal a1A and b1B are sent to first and second φ respectively and fill phase shifter 128 ₁With 128 ₂Signal a2A and b3B are sent to the one 180 ° of synthesizer 134 of described in the early time that class ₁I1 and I2 input.Signal b2B and a3A are sent to second synthesizer 134 ₂I1 and I2 input.Synthesizer 134 ₁With 134 ₂Have difference output D, this difference output D is connected to third and fourth splitter 124 as input ₃With 124 ₄, these two splitters produce the two-way shunting sign respectively, and above-mentioned output signal is divided into fractional part c1/c2 and d1/d2 respectively.Synthesizer 134 ₁With 134 ₂Also have summation output S, this summation output S is connected respectively to third and fourth synthesizer 134 ₃With 134 ₄I1 input.

From first and second phase shifters 128 ₁With 128 ₂Output signal be sent to the 5th and the 6th splitter 124 ₅With 124 ₆, the 5th and the 6th splitter 124 ₅With 124 ₆Produce three road shunting signs respectively, above-mentioned output signal is divided into fractional part e1/e2/e3 and f1/f2/f3 respectively.From the 3rd splitter 124 ₃Output signal transmit (fractional part c1) and grow up to be a useful person 134 to pentahapto ₅I1 input, and transmit (fractional part c2) and fill phase shifter 128 to the 3rd φ ₃From the 4th splitter 124 ₄Output signal transmit (fractional part d1) and grow up to be a useful person 134 to the six directions ₆I1 input, and transmit (fractional part d2) and fill phase shifter 128 to the 4th φ ₄From the 5th splitter 124 ₅Output signal transmit (fractional part e1) and grow up to be a useful person 134 to pentahapto ₅I2 input, and transmit (fractional part e2) and fill phase shifter 128 to the 5th φ ₅, and transmit (fractional part e3) to the 4th synthesizer 134 ₄I2 input.From the 6th splitter 124 ₆Output signal transmit (fractional part f1) and grow up to be a useful person 134 to the six directions ₆I2 input, and transmit (fractional part f2) and fill phase shifter 128 to the 6th φ ₆, and transmit (fractional part f3) to the 3rd synthesizer 134 ₃I2 input.Through fixed phase shifter (PS) 136 separately ₁To 136 ₁₂, antenna element 122 ₁To 122 ₁₂Grow up to be a useful person 134 from the 3rd to the six directions ₃, 134 ₆And the 3rd to the 6th phase shifter 128 ₃, 128 ₆Output receive drive signal, as described in the following table 3.

Table 3

Element	Synthesizer or phase shifter	Signal amplitude
Element	Synthesizer or phase shifter	Signal amplitude	122 ₁	Synthesizer 134 ₆, output D	0.5d1(b2B-a3A)-0.707b1f1B
122 ₂	Phase shifter 128 ₄	0.707d2(b2B-a3A)	122 ₁	Synthesizer 134 ₆, output D	0.5d1(b2B-a3A)-0.707b1f1B
122 ₂	Phase shifter 128 ₄	0.707d2(b2B-a3A)	122 ₃	Synthesizer 134 ₆, output S	0.5d1(b2B-a3A)+0.707b1f1B
122 ₄	Phase shifter 128 ₆	b1f2B	122 ₃	Synthesizer 134 ₆, output S	0.5d1(b2B-a3A)+0.707b1f1B
122 ₄	Phase shifter 128 ₆	b1f2B	122 ₅	Synthesizer 134 ₄, output D	0.5(b2B+a3A)-0.707a1e3A
122 ₆	Synthesizer 134 ₄, output S	0.5(b2B+a3A)+0.707a1e3A	122 ₅	Synthesizer 134 ₄, output D	0.5(b2B+a3A)-0.707a1e3A
122 ₆	Synthesizer 134 ₄, output S	0.5(b2B+a3A)+0.707a1e3A	122 ₇	Synthesizer 134 ₃, output S	0.5(a2A+b3B)+0.707b1f3B
122 ₈	Synthesizer 134 ₃, output D	0.5(a2A+b3B)-0.707b1f3B	122 ₇	Synthesizer 134 ₃, output S	0.5(a2A+b3B)+0.707b1f3B
122 ₈	Synthesizer 134 ₃, output D	0.5(a2A+b3B)-0.707b1f3B	122 ₉	Phase shifter 128 ₅	a1e2A
122 ₁₀	Synthesizer 134 ₅, output S	0.5c1(a2A-b3B)+0.707a1e1A	122 ₉	Phase shifter 128 ₅	a1e2A
122 ₁₀	Synthesizer 134 ₅, output S	0.5c1(a2A-b3B)+0.707a1e1A	122 ₁₁	Phase shifter 128 ₄	0.707c2(a2A-b3B)
122 ₁₂	Synthesizer 134 ₅, output D	0.5c1(a2A-b3B)+0.707a1e1A	122 ₁₁	Phase shifter 128 ₄	0.707c2(a2A-b3B)

Because all a1 to f3 are marks, so all signal powers are all according to being input to first and second splitters 124 respectively ₁With 124 ₂Signal phasor A and the fractional part of B.

Phase shifter 128 ₁To 128 ₆For occurring in synthesizer (for example 134 ₁) in phase shift afford redress.Therefore, signal or the signal component that does not transmit via one or more synthesizers arrives antenna element 122 ₃With 122 ₉Pass two phase shifters (for example 128 before ₁) and receive one 360 ° phase shift.In addition, signal that transmits via synthesizer or signal component arrive antenna element (for example 122 ₂) pass a phase shifter (for example 128 before ₄) and receive a relative φ phase shift.

Table 4

Splitter	Splitter output	The shunt resistor ratio
		The shunt resistor ratio		Voltage	Decibel
		124 ₁，124 ₂	a1A，b1B	Voltage	Decibel	0.4690	-6.58
a2A，b2B	0.8290		a1A，b1B	-1.63		0.4690	-6.58
a2A，b2B	0.8290		a3A，b3B	-1.63	0.3040	-10.34
124 ₃，124 ₄	0.707c1(a2A-b3B)， 0.707d1(b2B-a3A)		a3A，b3B	0.800	0.3040	-10.34	-1.94
	0.707c1(a2A-b3B)， 0.707d1(b2B-a3A)	0.707c2(a2A-b3B)， 0.707d2(b2B-a3A)	0.600	0.800	-4.43		-1.94
	124 ₅，124 ₆	0.707c2(a2A-b3B)， 0.707d2(b2B-a3A)	0.600	a1e1A，a1e3A， b1f1B，b1f3B	-4.43	0.2357	-12.55
a1e2A，b1f2B		0.9428	-0.51	a1e1A，a1e3A， b1f1B，b1f3B		0.2357	-12.55

Table 4 has provided the shunt resistor ratio; Amplitude (voltage) is to calculate according to the power that is normalized into 1 watt.

Also with reference to Fig. 8, show the polar plot of the antenna system 120 when differing between input signal vector A and B is 60 ° now, wherein, in this embodiment, the phase front of aerial array 122 is optimised when described angle.The antenna element drive signal is by having antenna element Reference numeral 122 ₁To 122 ₁₂Represent in the mode of amplitude and phase place with the solid line radius vector arrow of signal power (for example a1e2A).The component of above-mentioned signal (for example a1e1A) is by chain-dotted line or dotted line vector representation.At antenna element 122 separately ₄With 122 ₉On signal b1f2B and a1e2A be the fractional form of input signal vector A and B, and with input signal vector A and B homophase, and they on phase place separately 60 °, as represented by two four-headed arrows, wherein each four-headed arrow is labeled as 30 °.This accompanying drawing has comprised the complete information of relevant signal amplitude and phase place, and will be further described hereinafter.

Referring now to Fig. 9, show n the element 152 that has used two variable delays ₁To 152 _nThe antenna system of the present invention 150 of phased array 152, wherein n is a positive integer arbitrarily.First splitter 154 ₁Receive an input signal Vin, and be divided into two signals, and the power of one of them signal is another twice.In these two signals, the power higher signal sends to first variable phase shifter 156 ₁, and the lower signal of power sends to first fixed phase shifter 158 ₁This first fixed phase shifter 158 ₁Through second fixed phase shifter 158 ₂Provide an output signal to second splitter 154 ₂, this second splitter 154 ₂Above-mentioned output signal is divided into the bus output that n signal fractional part a1 represents to an so that via passage P.First variable phase shifter 156 ₁Provide and output signal to the 3rd splitter 154 ₃, the 3rd splitter 154 ₃Above-mentioned output signal is divided into n signal fractional part b1 to bn.Signal fractional part b2 to bn is via the 3rd fixed phase shifter 158 ₃Be output with the bus of representing by passage Q.Signal fractional part b1 has and delivers to first fixed phase shifter 158 ₁The identical power of signal, and signal fractional part b1 is sent to second variable phase shifter 156 ₂, and send to the 4th splitter 154 by this place ₄, the 4th splitter 154 ₄Above-mentioned output signal is divided into n signal fractional part c1 to cn, is used for bus output through representing by passage R.The bus of being represented by passage P, Q and R has Na, Nb and Nc lead separately respectively.

Signal fractional part on passage P, Q and R is sent to generally by 159 signal combination and the phase-shift networks of representing.This network 159 is similar with the network described in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, will not remake description hereinafter.It has the function to signal combination and phase shift, and to produce the antenna element drive signal, this drive signal is carried out suitable variation for phased array 152.Two variable phase shifters 156 ₁With 156 ₂Use optional, but with respect to only using an above-mentioned variable phase shifter, it has increased the inclination angle scope that antenna can electrical tilt.Wider if desired inclination angle, Fig. 9 can expand with the combination of additional variable phase shifter and splitter: promptly, be 156 as b1 ₂The place variable phase shift and 154 ₄The punishment road, c1 can be by variable phase shift with along separate routes producing d1 to dn, and d1 can be by variable phase shift with along separate routes producing e1 to en, or the like.

Referring now to Figure 10, show 10 elements 172 that have been used to use two variable delays in groups ₁To 172 ₁₀The antenna system of the present invention 170 of phased array 172.This is the distortion with reference to the system 150 of Fig. 9 description.First splitter 174 ₁Receiving inputted signal Vin, and be divided into two signals, the power of one of them signal is another twice.In these two signals, the power higher signal sends to first variable phase shifter 176 ₁, and the lower signal of power sends to the first-180 ° of phase shifter 178 ₁Be sent to first phase shifter 178 ₁Signal be marked as vector A.It provides an output signal to second splitter 174 ₂, this second splitter 174 ₂Above-mentioned output signal is divided into 4 signal a1A to a4A.

First variable phase shifter 176 ₁Provide one to output signal to the 3rd splitter 174 ₃, the 3rd splitter 174 ₃Above-mentioned output signal is divided into the signal that two amplitudes equate with the amplitude of vector A: one of these two signals are marked as vector B, and this signal is sent to the 4th splitter 174 ₄, the 4th splitter 174 ₄Above-mentioned output signal is divided into 3 signal b1B to b3B.In these two signals another is through second variable phase shifter 176 ₂Be sent to the 5th splitter 174 ₅, and this another signal is marked as vector C, and the 5th splitter 174 ₅Above-mentioned output signal is divided into 3 signal c1C to c3C.

Signal b1B and c1C pass through antenna phasing unit 182 respectively ₃With 182 ₈Be sent to antenna element 172 ₃With 172 ₈Signal b2B, b3B, c2C and c3C provide the I1 input signal to first, second, third and the 4 180 ° of synthesizer 180 of described the sort of type in the early time respectively ₁, 180 ₂, 180 ₃With 180 ₄These synthesizers provide the signal combination network.Signal a1A to a4A provides the I2 input signal to these synthesizers respectively.Through fixed phase shifter (PS) 182 separately ₁, 182 ₂, 182 ₄To 182 ₇, 182 ₉With 182 ₁₀, antenna element 172 ₁, 172 ₂, 172 ₄To 172 ₇, 172 ₉With 172 ₁₀From synthesizer 180 ₁To 180 ₄Output receive drive signal, its amplitude is as shown in table 5 below, and has also increased in the table and be used for element 172 ₃With 172 ₈Drive signal.The N/A here represents not use.

Table 5

Antenna element	Synthesizer output	Signal amplitude
Antenna element	Synthesizer output	Signal amplitude	172 ₁	Synthesizer 180 ₂, output S	0.707(b3B+a2A)
172 ₂	Synthesizer 180 ₁, output S	0.707(b2B+a1A)	172 ₁	Synthesizer 180 ₂, output S	0.707(b3B+a2A)
172 ₂	Synthesizer 180 ₁, output S	0.707(b2B+a1A)	172 ₃	N/A	b1B
172 ₄	Synthesizer 180 ₁, output D	0.707(b2B-a1A)	172 ₃	N/A	b1B
172 ₄	Synthesizer 180 ₁, output D	0.707(b2B-a1A)	172 ₅	Synthesizer 180 ₂, output D	0.707(b3B-a2A)
172 ₆	Synthesizer 180 ₄, output S	0.707(c3C+a4A)	172 ₅	Synthesizer 180 ₂, output D	0.707(b3B-a2A)
172 ₆	Synthesizer 180 ₄, output S	0.707(c3C+a4A)	172 ₇	Synthesizer 180 ₃, output S	0.707(c2C+a3A)
172 ₈	N/A	c1C	172 ₇	Synthesizer 180 ₃, output S	0.707(c2C+a3A)
172 ₈	N/A	c1C	172 ₉	Synthesizer 180 ₃, output D	0.707(c2C-a3A)
172 ₁₀	Synthesizer 180 ₄, output D	0.707(c3C-a4A)	172 ₉	Synthesizer 180 ₃, output D	0.707(c2C-a3A)

In following table 6, provide the value of shunt resistor ratio, wherein come calculating voltage according to the power that is normalized into 1 watt as previously mentioned.

Table 6

Splitter	Splitter output	The shunt resistor ratio
		The shunt resistor ratio		Voltage	Decibel
		174 ₂	a1A，a3A	Voltage	Decibel	0.3162	-10.00
a2A，a4A	0.6324		a1A，a3A	-3.98		0.3162	-10.00
a2A，a4A	0.6324		174 ₄	-3.98	b1B，b2B，b3B	0.577	-4.78
174 ₅	c1C，c2C，c3C	0.577	174 ₄	-4.78	b1B，b2B，b3B	0.577	-4.78

Variable phase shifter 176 ₁With 176 ₂Be in groups, represent that they can change and provide identical phase shift together like this by arrow and dotted line.They are all by 186 controls of inclination angle controlling organization.

As can be seen from Figure 10, the first half (antenna element 172 is only arranged in the array 172 ₆To 172 ₁₀) receive with from the 5th splitter 174 ₅Relevant signal component such as fractional part c1, these compositions are 176 ₁With 176 ₂Two variable phase shift of place's experience.And, the latter half is only arranged in the array 172, promptly antenna element 172 ₁To 172 ₅, receive with from the 4th splitter 174 ₄Relevant signal component such as fractional part b1, these compositions are 176 ₁Variable phase shift of place's experience.This two and half one of array 172 is (except antenna element 172 ₃With 172 ₈) receive from second splitter 174 ₂Signal component a1A etc., these compositions not experience 176 ₁Or 176 ₂The variable phase shift at place.

Referring now to Figure 11, antenna system of the present invention can be used as the SF single feed wire system or the twin feeder system realizes.In the SF single feed wire system, individual signals input 200 provides signal Vin to antenna assembly 204 by a feed line 202, and this antenna assembly 204 can be installed on the mast with aerial array 206.As previously described signal along separate routes, variable and fixedly execution in phase shift and the device 204 of vectorial combination on mast.Have an advantage like this, promptly only have a signal to present and must be sent to antenna system from remote subscriber, but opposite be that far-end operation person can not adjust the angle at electric inclination angle when the antenna assembly 204 of not visiting on mast.Equally, the operator who shares individual antenna will all have identical electric inclination angle.

Figure 12 shows the antenna system of the present invention that realizes as twin feeder system 210.This system has inclination angle control assembly 212, and as previously mentioned, this parts produce two signal V2A and V2B, and these signals are delivered to aerial array 216 through separately feed line 214A and 214B.Inclination angle control assembly 212 can be positioned at away from aerial array 60 with by the user place of the mast of dress aerial array, and antenna feed network 218 (for example seeing Fig. 4) can with aerial array 216 together.Signal shunt as previously described, fixedly phase shift (if desired, also can be other variable phase shifts) and vectorial combination are carried out in device 216.The user can directly visit the angle that inclination angle control assembly 212 is adjusted electric inclination angle away from aerial array 60 and mast place now, and can be so that should adjust with other users of shared antenna assembly 216 irrelevant.

In twin feeder was installed, the sensitivity that also can reduce the inclination angle easily alleviated the influence that differs between feed line, for example needed the operator and the difference between the electric inclination angle of antenna place needs.Owing to be positioned each operator place, and select each inclination angle control assembly 212 of combiner input side, can realize the antenna shared system in independent inclination angle mode each operator in the frequency that is positioned place, operator base station.

Figure 13 has shown and the phased array antenna system of the present invention 240 of equivalence shown in Fig. 3, and this system has and changes so that not only may but also can use with emission mode with receiving mode.The Reference numeral of the parts that the front has been described is similar, but has prefix 200 here, and hereinafter only describes the parts that change.The variable phase shifter 246 that is used to control the inclination angle only uses with emission (Tx) pattern this moment, and is connected in the transmission channel 243, is connected in series between band pass filter (BPF) 245 and 247.Similar reception (Rx) passage 249 is also arranged, and this receive path has variable phase shifter 251 and low noise amplifier or the LNA257 that is connected in series between band pass filter 253 and 255.It is significantly different usually to transmit and receive frequency, is isolated mutually by band pass filter 245 grades to allow it.

Exist other, most of equivalence relevant with fixed phase drift ψ second transmit and receive passage 243f, 249f: these passages have the similar Reference numeral that has suffix f.The second transmission channel 243f has the fixed phase shifter 246f between band pass filter 245f and 247f.The second receive path 249f has fixed phase shifter 251f and the LNA257f between band pass filter 253f and 255f.

Outside the emission mode operation, element 242,244,252,254,256 and 258 to 265 has the ability of operating with receiving mode conversely, and for example splitter becomes combiner.Only difference is that feed line 265 provides input in emission mode in two kinds of patterns, and transmission channel 243 and 243f are passed by transmitting from left to right, yet receive path 249 and 249f are passed by received signal from right to left in receiving mode, and feed line 265 provides the array output of these signals.Received signal is at circuit 264 ₁To 264 _nAnd produce by phase shift and combined antenna element signal in 260 to 254, and this phase shift and combined antenna element signal are received and produce in response to the signal from free space by array 262.The advantage of system 240 is, because it allows electric inclination angle both can also can independently adjust in receiving mode at emission mode, and equate: generally speaking (and being disadvantageous) this be impossible, because the antenna system element has frequency dependence, this characteristic also is different on the frequency in different transmitting and receiving.

Referring now to Figure 14, show a plurality of (two)

operators

301 and 302 by single phased array antenna 305 of the present invention not only with emission mode but also the phased array antenna system 300 that uses with receiving mode.Reference numeral of the parts of described equivalence is similar before those, but has prefix 300 here.This accompanying drawing has a plurality of different channels: the Reference numeral of the parts of the equivalence in different channels is similar, and have one or more suffix: suffix T or R represent emission or receive path,

suffix

1 or 2 expression first or

second operators

301 or 302, and suffix A or B represent A or B passage.From Reference numeral prefix (for example 342), omit these suffix and mean all items with prefix of being quoted.

First operator's 301 transmission channel 307T1 at first will be described.This transmission channel has the RF input 342 of feed to splitter 344T1, and this splitter 344T1 will be in the input between variable phase shifter 346T1A and the fixed phase shifter 348T1B separately.Signal is sent to different duplexer 311A and band pass filter (BPF) 309T1A and 309T1B the 311B from phase shifter 346T1A and 348T1B respectively.Band pass filter 309T1A and 309T1B have the logical center of band at first operator's 301 tranmitting frequency place, this frequency is designated as Ftx1, as shown in the drawing.First operator 301 also has the receive frequency that is designated as Frx1, and similarly has Ftx2 and Frx2 for second operator 302.

Transmit to transmit from first operator at frequency Ftx1 of leftmost band pass filter 309T1A output and made up by the first duplexer 311A with second operator who exports from adjacent band pass filter 309T2A in the same derivation of frequency Ftx2.Signal after these combinations is sent to described that class antenna tilt network 315 of embodiment in the early time along feed line 313A, and is sent to phased array antenna 305 by this place.Equally, other first operators at frequency Ftx1 from band pass filter 309T1B output transmit and penetrate feed signals with second operator in the same derivation of frequency Ftx2 who exports from adjacent band pass filter 309T2B and made up by the second duplexer 311B.Signal after these combinations is sent to phased array antenna 305 along the second feed line 313B through antenna tilt network 315.Although used identical phased array antenna 305, these two operators also can be independently and are changed the emission angle at its electric inclination angles away from antenna 305, only get final product promptly variable phase shifter 346T1A or 346T2A in each case by adjusting single variable phase shifter respectively.

Approx, the received signal of returning through network 315 and

feed line

313A and 313B and from antenna 305 is divided by

duplexer

311A and 311B and is opened.Then, these signals that separated are filtered to isolate independent frequency Frx1 and Frx2 in band pass filter 309R1A, 309R2A, 309R1B and 309R2B, and these band pass filters provide signal to variable and fixed phase shifter 346R1A, 346R2A, 348R1B and 348R2B respectively.Then, the receiving angle at electric inclination angle is by being adjusted its variable phase shifter 346R1A and 346R2A and can adjusting separately by operator 301 and 302.For the signal more than two operators, can make up in emission by the element that duplicates or separate in reception: promptly, replace the parts with

suffix

1 and 2, have the parts that similarly have suffix 1 to m, wherein, m is operator's a quantity.

Figure 15 shows phased array antenna system 470 of the present invention, and it is most of identical with the system shown in Figure 10.The Reference numeral of above-cited parts is similar, but uses prefix 400 to replace 100 here, and hereinafter only describes its change.This system 470 has first splitter 474 ₁, this first splitter 474 ₁To be divided into two parts in the input RF at 473 places carrier signal, wherein a part is by first variable phase shifter 476 ₁Be sent to first feed line 477 ₁, and another part directly is sent to second feed line 477 ₂These are 473 to 477 years old ₂Be positioned in the (not shown) of cellular mobile radio base station or near.Feed line 477 ₁With 477 ₂The base station is connected on the remote radome 479, has wherein placed second variable phase shifter 476 ₂

System 470 is as operating with reference to Figure 10 is described in the early time, except first and second variable phase shifters 476 ₁With 476 ₂No longer be in groups, adjusted independently but replace with.This system provides such advantage, can provide independently electric inclination angle for the operator of each shared antenna 472 (frequency of utilization is selected combination, and example as shown in Figure 14), but the inclination angle scope that has for all operations person has obtained expansion.In fact, by second variable phase shifter 476 ₂The angle at the electric inclination angle that is provided with can be easily as the mean value at the single inclination angle at the operator's of all shared antennas 472 electric inclination angle.

Yet Figure 15 has shown second variable phase shifter 476 in radome 479 ₂Adjustment, it also can be provided with away from the radome 479 that uses servomechanism controller (not shown).Can other variable phase shifter be increased on the antenna system 470 according to the present invention, to extend further to the inclination angle scope that all operations person has.

Figure 16 shows the further embodiment of phased array antenna system 500 of the present invention, and it uses input splitter SP ₁, parallel circuit coupler (PLC) SP ₂And SP ₃And 180 ° of annular synthesizer SP ₄To SP ₁₁And H ₁To H ₆Here at SP ₁Deng in SP represent splitter, and at H ₁Deng in H represent to be used as summation and the synthesizer of asking poor (SD) generator.Synthesizer SP ₄To SP ₁₁And H ₁To H ₆In each have 4 ports, i.e. first and second input ports and first and second output ports, each arrow inwardly free and outward direction is represented.Each SD generator synthesizer H ₁To H ₆Output port all be summation and ask difference output, represent by S and D respectively.Around annular circumferential under every kind of situation, single annular synthesizer SP ₄To SP ₁₁With H ₁To H ₆Each port distance of separating λ/4 from a port, and from another port distance of 3 λ/4 separately.The λ here is the wavelength of signal Vin in annular material.

Be applied to arbitrary annular synthesizer SP ₄To SP ₁₁And H ₁To H ₆The signal of input port be divided into two components, clockwise and counterclockwise respectively the passing of these two components around this annular, and should annular itself has the circumference of (n+1/2) λ, wherein n is an integer: these components have the relative amplitude that relative path resistance determined in the annular of being passed by by them, and it allows shunt resistor than being preestablished.Two signals that receive from each input ports of distance output port λ/4 are homophases, and can be superimposed to provide summation output.Two signals that receive from each input ports of distance output port λ/4 and 3 λ/4 are anti-phase, and subtract each other each other to provide and ask difference output.Output port at distance input port λ/2 places, be anti-phase from input through two signals of clockwise and counterclockwise path reception respectively, and if path resistance is equal just will provide the null value result: so the distance of these λ/2 that just two ports separated each other.

Each is used as the annular synthesizer SP of splitter ₄To SP ₁₁Have first input end (arrow inwardly leads) that is connected with receiving inputted signal and second input that is connected to each port T (matched load).This port T provides one zero input signal: thereby, annular synthesizer or splitter SP ₄To SP ₁₁With the signal on their first input ends between its output separately with separately shunt resistor than distributing, this shunt resistor is than by being determined by the impedance ratio between the input and output side in each case.

In system 500, as the preceding embodiment, input signal Vin is by the first splitter SP ₁Be divided into two equal signals, wherein each signal is reduced to-3dB with respect to the power of input signal Vin: so a signal that forms also can occur on first feed line 504 as vector A by variable phase shifter 502.So another signal that forms can occur on second feed line 506 as vector B; This just can be as previously described at the first splitter SP ₁And second comprise a fixed phase shifter (not shown) between the feed line 506.

Signal phasor A and B are taken as input transfer respectively to PLC SP ₂And SP ₃, wherein each has two output O1 and O2 and the 4th an end T who is terminated at matched load T ₄, this matched load provides one zero input signal.Each PLC SP ₂And SP ₃Produce signal at output O1 and O2 from its input, the power of these signals with respect to the input signal under every kind of situation be reduced to respectively-0.12dB and-16.11dB.These two from PLC SP ₂And SP ₃Gained-the 0.12dB signal delivered to the 5th and the 8th splitter SP respectively ₅And SP ₈First input end, but-the 16.11dB signal delivered to the 6th and the 7th splitter SP respectively ₆And SP ₇First input end.

The 5th splitter SP ₅Its input signal is divided into output signal, the power of these output signals is reduced to respectively below the input signal-5.3dB and-1.5dB, and these output signals are delivered to the 4th splitter SP respectively ₄With a SD generator H ₁First input end.Similarly, the 8th splitter SP ₈With its-the 0.12dB input signal be divided into its below input signal-5.3dB and-output signal of 1.5dB, and these output signals are delivered to the 9th splitter SP respectively ₉With the 2nd SD generator H ₂First input end.

The 4th splitter SP ₄With its-the 5.42dB input signal be divided into its below input signal-1.68dB and-output signal of 4.94dB: wherein-antenna element E4 that the 1.68dB output signal is sent to fixed phase shifter PE4 and delivers to 12 element aerial array E from here through circuit L4.Have an above-mentioned circuit Ln for each fixed phase shifter/antenna element combination PEn/En (n=1 to 12): circuit Ln does not illustrate clearly to the connection of fixed phase shifter PEn, avoiding too many overlapping circuit, but the end of its every circuit Ln under every kind of situation is by " PEn " expression.From the 4th splitter SP ₄-the 4.94dB output signal is sent to the 2nd SD generator H ₂Second input.

The 9th splitter SP ₉With its input signal be divided into its below input signal-1.68dB and-output signal of 4.94dB: wherein-the 1.68dB output signal is sent to antenna element E9 by fixed phase shifter PE9 through circuit L9.Should-the 4.94dB output signal is sent to a SD generator H ₁Second input.The 6th splitter SP ₆Be an impartial splitter, it generates two all in the output signal of the following 3dB of its input signal: in these output signals, an output signal is sent to the 5th SD generator H ₅First input end, and another is sent to Three S's D generator H ₃First input end.The 7th splitter SP ₇Also be an impartial splitter, it generates two all in the output signal of the following 3dB of its input signal, and this output signal is delivered to the 4th and the 6th SD generator H respectively ₄And H ₆First input end.The one SD generator H ₁Have and be connected to the 4th SD generator H ₄The summation output S of second input.It has and is connected to the tenth splitter SP ₁₀Input ask difference output D.Similar, the 2nd SD generator H ₂Have and be connected to the 5th SD generator H ₅The summation output S of second input.It has and is connected to the 11 splitter SP ₁₁Input ask difference output D.

The tenth splitter SP ₁₀Be an impartial splitter, its generate two all at it from a SD generator H ₁The output signal that equates of the following 3dB of input signal.In these output signals one delivers to antenna element E2 via circuit L2 by fixed phase shifter PE2.Another of these output signals is sent to Three S's D generator H ₃Second input.Equally, the 11 splitter SP ₁₁Also be an impartial splitter, its generate two all at it from the 2nd SD generator H ₂The output signal that equates of the following 3dB of input signal.In these output signals one delivers to antenna element E11 via circuit L11 by fixed phase shifter PE11, and another of these output signals is sent to the 6th SD generator H ₆Second input.

The the 3rd to the 6th SD generator H ₃To H ₆Have summation output S and ask difference output D, it provides drive signal to antenna element E1, E3, E5 to E8, E10 and E12 through circuit L1, L3, L5 to L8, L10 and L12 and fixed phase shifter PE1, PE3, PE5 to PE8, PE10 and PE12 respectively.The power of input signal Vin can obtain (ignoring the loss in imperfect element) by the dB value addition that each signal path is indicated with the direct comparison of the signal power that antenna element received: for example, antenna element E4 receives a signal, and this signal is compared at splitter SP ₁, SP ₃, SP ₅And SP ₄The input power at place is reduced to respectively-3dB ,-0.12dB ,-5.3dB and-1.68dB, and gross power is reduced to-9.1dB.The relative phase of antenna element drive signal will not be described because it analyzes given similar with the embodiment of front.

Embodiments of the invention described above have used 180 ° of synthesizers.They can be replaced by for example 90 ° of " quadrature " synthesizers, and an additional 90-degree phase shifter to be obtaining identical repertoire, but this less practicality.

Embodiments of the invention are described based on splitter that is connected in series and synthesizer, and these splitters and synthesizer are abbreviated as (S-H).From these splitters and synthesizer, other embodiment of the present invention be contemplated that have more multistage, for example S-H-S, S-H-S-H or the like.

Claims

1, a kind of phased array antenna system, it has adjustable electric inclination angle and comprises an antenna element arrays, and this system comprises:

A) variable phase shifter, it is used for introducing variable relative phase shift between first and second radiofrequency signals;

B) branch apparatus, it is used for and will be divided into component signal by first and second signals of phase shift relatively, and

C) signal combination network, it is used to form, and the set of vectors of these component signals is incompatible to provide separately drive signal for each independent antenna element, this drive signal has suitable phase place adjustment with respect to other drive signals, so that the electric inclination angle response of this array can be adjusted by the change of the variable relative phase shift of variable phase shifter introducing.

2, according to the system of claim 1, it has the odd number antenna element.

3, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, variable phase shifter is first variable phase shifter, and this system comprises and being configured to being carried out second variable phase shifter of phase shift by the component signal of the first variable phase shifter phase shift, this second variable phase shifter or directly or by one or more splitter/variable phase shifters be combined as signal combination and phase-shift network provides other component signal output.

4, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, variable phase shifter is in a plurality of variable phase shifters, and signal phase shift and combinational network are configured to produce the antenna element drive signal from component signal, in the described component signal some have been passed through all variable phase shifters, and some do not have.

5, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, the component signal that branch apparatus is configured to component signal is divided into other is used to be input to signal phase shift and combinational network.

6, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, signal phase shift and combinational network use phase shifter and 3 decibels of directional couplers (synthesizer), are used for this component signal is carried out phase shift and vectorial combination.

7, according to the system of claim 6, wherein, above-mentioned synthesizer is 180 degree synthesizers.

8, according to the system of claim 6, wherein, above-mentioned synthesizer is annular synthesizer, and wherein annular synthesizer has the girth of (n+1/2) λ and the adjacent port of minute being opened by λ/4, and λ is the wavelength of the RF signal in the material of each annular synthesizer of structure here.

9, system according to Claim 8, wherein, branch apparatus comprises girth with (n+1/2) λ and the annular synthesizer of the adjacent input and output port minute opened by λ/4, and an input port of each synthesizer is terminated at a resistor that equals system impedance and form matched load.

10, according to the system of claim 6, wherein, synthesizer is designed to input signal I1 and I2 converted to and is different from (I1+I2) and vector (I1-I2) and and phasor difference.

11, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, branch apparatus, variable phase shifter become antenna assembly with combinational network with the antenna array co with the signal phase shift, and this device has the single radio frequency input power feeder from far-away sources.

12, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, branch apparatus comprises first, second and the 3rd splitter, first splitter be installed together away from the variable phase shifter of the second and the 3rd splitter, and the second and the 3rd splitter, signal phase shift and combinational network and antenna array are as the antenna assembly co, and this device has from the dijection of far-away sources imports power feeder frequently, and first splitter and first variable phase shifter are positioned at the far-away sources place.

13, system according to claim 1, wherein, variable phase shifter is first variable phase shifter that is connected in the transmission channel, and this system comprise be connected in the receive path and fixed phase drift is provided other transmit and receive second variable phase shifter of passage, and, by producing the antenna element drive signal in response to the signal in transmission channel, and generation receive path signal in the formed signal of the antenna element from operate in receiving mode, and arrange signal phase shift and combinational network to transmit and receive two kinds of mode operations, in every kind of pattern, have the electric inclination angle of independent adjustable.

14, according to the system of claim 1, wherein, variable phase shifter is in a plurality of variable phase shifters relevant with each operator, and this system comprises filtering and composite set, be used for after each variable phase shifter carries out phase shift, signal being routed to the common signal feeding means, this common signal feeding means is connected to branch apparatus and signal combination and phase-shift network, in order to provide signal to antenna, this antenna comprises the influence that has the operator at independently adjustable electric inclination angle from two.

15, according to the system of claim 14, wherein, these a plurality of variable phase shifters comprise a pair of separately the variable phase shifter relevant with each operator, and this system has the assembly that possesses forward and reverse signal disposal ability simultaneously, so that this system can both move, and in every kind of pattern, all has independent adjustable electric inclination angle in transmitting and receiving pattern.

16, a kind of method of adjusting the electric inclination angle of phased array antenna system, this system comprises an antenna element arrays, and this method comprises:

A) between first and second radiofrequency signals, introduce a variable relative phase shift,

C) these component signals are carried out vectorial combination and phase shift relatively, coming provides separately drive signal for each independent antenna element, this drive signal has suitable phase place adjustment with respect to other drive signals, so that the electric inclination angle of this array can be adjusted in response to the change of variable relative phase shift.

17, according to the method for claim 16, wherein, this array has the odd number antenna element.

18, according to the method for claim 16, it comprises that producing at least one has experienced the component signal of phase shift in a plurality of variable phase shifters.

19, according to the method for claim 18, wherein, above-mentioned variable phase shifter is in groups, and this method comprises that the some of them component signal has passed through all variable phase shifters from component signal generation antenna element drive signal, and some of them do not have.

20, according to the method for claim 16, it comprises that the component signal that the one-component signal is divided into other is in order to be input to signal phase shift and combinational network.

21, according to the method for claim 16, it uses phase shifter and synthesizer to come component signal is carried out phase shift and vectorial combination.

22, according to the method for claim 21, wherein, described synthesizer is 180 degree synthesizers.

23, according to the method for claim 21, wherein, described synthesizer is annular synthesizer, this annular synthesizer has the girth of (n+1/2) λ and the adjacent input and output port of minute being opened by λ/4, wherein n is an integer, and λ is the wavelength of radiofrequency signal in the material of each annular synthesizer of structure.

24, according to the method for claim 23, wherein, branch apparatus comprises annular synthesizer, this annular synthesizer has the girth of (n+1/2) λ and the adjacent input and output port of minute being opened by λ/4, and an input port of each annular synthesizer is terminated at the resistor that equals system impedance and form matched load.

25, according to the method for claim 23, wherein, described synthesizer is designed to input signal I1 and I2 converted to and is different from (I1+I2) and vector (I1-I2) and and phasor difference.

26, according to the method for claim 16, it comprises that presenting the single radio frequency input signal from far-away sources is used for carrying out Signal Separation, variable phase shift and vectorial combination with the aerial array co with the network that forms antenna assembly at one.

27, according to the method for claim 16, it comprises two radio-frequency input signalss is fed to antenna assembly from far-away sources, and in a network with the aerial array co, carry out Signal Separation, variable phase shift and vectorial combination, wherein these two radio-frequency input signalss have variable phase toward each other.

28, according to the method for claim 16, it is characterized in that it has used transmits and receives passage in order to can also moving with receiving mode with emission mode, and it comprises in response to the generation of the signal in transmission channel antenna element drive signal, and produce the receive path signal in the signal of the formation of the antenna element from operate in receiving mode, and in each pattern, all has independent adjustable electric inclination angle.

29, according to the method for claim 16, wherein, this variable phase shifter is in a plurality of variable phase shifters relevant with each operator, and this method comprises:

A) carry out signal being carried out filtering and combination, and sending it to common signal feeding means after the phase shift in each variable phase shifter, this common signal feeding means is connected to branch apparatus and signal combination and phase-shift network;

C) the independent adjustment electric inclination angle relevant with each operator.

30, according to the method for claim 29, wherein, these a plurality of variable phase shifters comprise a pair of separately the variable phase shifter all relevant with each operator, this method is used the assembly that possesses forward and reverse signal disposal ability simultaneously, and this method comprises transmitting and receiving mode operation, and all have independent adjustable electric inclination angle in each pattern.