DE1766174B2 - METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPROVING THE ACCURACY OF THE DIRECTION OF RADIATION FROM AN ANTENNA - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for improving the accuracy of the direction of radiation of the beam of an antenna with electronically controlled beam pivoting, with several Radiation elements and several adjustable phase shifters, which phase shifts in quantized Generate values and are assigned to the radiation elements, the beam a Swing according to a predetermined periodic function of time and the theoretical values the phase shifts to be generated by the phase shifters are calculated and then after a Prescription for each individual phase shifter the quantized to be actually generated by this Phase shifts are determined.

The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out such a method.

Antennas of the type specified above, which allow a periodic beam swivel after a vorbetimnuen Executing a time function can be found, for example, in satellites for attitude stabilization fjm rotate on their own axis, with the bundle of rays the "satellite antenna is always on the same Point should be directed.

From "the journal" Proceedings IEE ". Vol. 112, Nr H- November 1965, pp. 2041 to 2045, it is known to feed the elementary radiators of such antennas from the phase shifters via a Butler matrix there is the advantage that the direction of radiation is determined solely by changing the phase shifts the phase shifter can be adjusted without additional amplitude control. The Butler Matrix

links (Jj ₆ outputs of the phase shifter in an orscebenen way with the elementary radiators. Here "v-Trd the rotation of the emitted beam is achieved by changing the phase shifts between the successive inputs of the matrix. The phase shift depends on the range, ie the number of the input of the matrix, and "from the desired position of the beam a steady rotation can be achieved if the phase shifts generated by the phase shifters are continuously variable.

In practice, however, phase shifters are used which can only produce certain values of the phase shifted in an arithmetic series. For this purpose, the theoretically required phase shift values are quantized. If the direction of the systematic phase errors based on this quantization is selected according to a simple function, in that each phase value is rounded up or down to the nearest quantized value regardless of any other consideration, the result is a jerky rotation with temporary deviations in the Direction of radiation from the target position. In order to avoid this phenomenon, it is known from the magazine "IEEE Spectrum", November 1 ⁽ > 64, pp. 126 and 127.) that these systematic errors are caused by the introduction of additional pseudo-random errors.

n the excitation of the radiator group

b) it is checked in each case or the resulting corrected theoretical value

1. coincides with a predetermined value within a quamization interval or

2. lower or

3. is higher than this value;

c) In the first case of b), the decision is made whether the corresponding phase shifter is on the next lower or the next higher quantized phase shift value rounded down or rounded up is brought about by chance; in the second case of b) the corresponding Phase shifter to the next lower, in the third case of b) to the next higher Value set.

An arrangement for performing this confusion with a directional antenna, consisting of a Group of radiation elements, a group of the radiation elements associated with adjustable quantized "phase shifters, a phase shifter control arrangement, a phase arithmetic system for calculating the resolution for the respective radiation theoretically ^ required phase shifts of the individual phase shifters and with rounding calculators, which in each case one of the calculated values of the phase shifts to a quantized value or rounding off, is characterized according to the invention that the phase arithmetic arrangement is designed. that they besides calculating the theoretical phase shift values carry out the process step mentioned in claim 1 under a), and that each rounding computer has an allocation signal generator and contains a test circuit which is "designed. That it is in case b) 1. of the claim" 1 the corrected value of the phase shift depending on whether the random ssianalcencralor output random signal smaller oocr larger than a predetermined value. on the next higher Quantization value rounds up or rounds off to the next lower quantization value.

The invention has the effect that on the one hand the systematic due to the quantization mean directional error to disappear

πι uti ait> .. w.i patent application, German Offenleeungsschrift 1 541 476, finally, is proposed the relationship between the computed theoretical Phase shifter values and the quantified phase shifter values to be set according to a specified To choose regulation.

The object of the invention is to create a method of the type specified at the beginning particularly simple and effective introduction of random deviations in the excitation of the radiating elements of the antenna, as well as the provision of an arrangement for implementing such Procedure.

According to the invention, based on a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, this is thereby achieved achieved that the procedure is as follows: a) The calculated theoretical values are in theoretical values corrected in such a way that when these corrected fij Values of the systematic error in the direction of the beam caused by quantization is compensated;

stay, and that on the other hand these are kept small by 1.1 Switching from several phases going \ is prevented.

The invention is explained in more detail, for example, with the aid of the figures. Fs shows

F i g. 1 shows a basic diagram of a known arrangement in which the invention can be used, F i g. 2 is a circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention,

F i g. 3 to 5 graphic representations / for explanation of the invention and

Fig. (1 and 7 circuit diagrams of parts of the arrangement of Fig. 2.

The following description relates to the particular case of an antenna which is mounted on a Rotationsstabilisicrten satellite is arranged. The direction of the beam is sol! with the geocentric direction

Itrahlenbunaei mun uum-i "> - * - £ gave the satellite the same uniform rotation preserved like this one, but in reverse

5 6

Direction. For the sake of clarity, the ones generated by the phase shifters are in the

Phase shifts in this case must be drawing the group of «connections between

change according to a linear function. the arrangements 3, 4 and 5 each by a double

The general case of an antenna with an arbitrary line of sight is given, but note that for

periodic beam swivel, each phase shifter derives its own phase calculator from this 5

Special case in that the linear changes in the phase arithmetic system 3, a separate rounding

the phase shifts due to changes according to the computer in the rounding arithmetic unit 4 and a

any function. own phase control element in the phase shifter

In the known arrangement control arrangement 5 shown in FIG. 1,
voltage, the antenna consists η radiating elements io The rounding processing arrangement contains in the A _1, A., .. .A _n. which in the following are also known as element arrangements, simple comparators, tar counters and around the satellite, for example, flip-flops, which the theoretical ones are arranged in a circle. The direction of the value in each case to the nearest quantum radiation maximum rotates around the axis of the sizing stage up or down. The quantizing angle emitted by the circle in its plane or by enclosing a con-15 rounding arithmetic arrangement with the same. The three phase shift values therefore have no increase in the radiation beam is obtained by a circuit inserted between the avoidance of deviations from the elements theoretically required for the exact input terminal T of the arrangement and the radiation direction of the radiation direction. These borrowed values, and consequently the circuit also contains a power divider D, the radiation direction at 20 real radiation direction from the theoretical radiation direction of a transmitting antenna of a power generator G. Furthermore, the beam fed changes, adjustable phase shifter Ph ₁ ... Ph _n development direction not steady, but jerky and a Butler matrix B with / 1 inputs and η expressing the switching of the individual phase responses. A linear and continuous change shifter that occurs whenever the phase shifting phase shift of a phase shifter generated by the phase shifters results in a progressive shift through the middle between two levels of quantization of the radiation from the elementary radiators A ₁ ... A _n and goes . This jerky character becomes especially with a uniform rotation of the emitted Bünton when several phase shifters change at the same time. The necessary at each input of the matrix B are switched.

Phase shifts are linearly related to 30 die in FIG. 2 illustrated changes according to the invention Rank, d. H. the number of the input and the order indicates a modified circuit to the desired Angle of rotation together. Theoretical phase shift and tuning

In practice, the phase shifters Ph ₁ ... work on the quantized phase shift, which

Ph _n, however, is not continuous, but rather they are on the one hand the probability of simultaneous

quantized levels switchable. The rotation of the 35 phase jumps on several. Phase shifters, d. H.

Bundle is therefore not continuous, but rather a larger jerk, very little makes and other

wcise in small steps, with the discontinuity on the other hand, the theoretical movement of the beam

Rotation of the chosen subdivision of the quan-

tization calls depends. The control of the valuation always as close as possible to the desired one

that of the phase shifters P / i; (f = 1. 2 ... n) remains in the 40 position.

generated quantized phase shifts takes place. For this purpose, the circuit contains an intermediate

through a phase arithmetic arrangement 3. a run- see the input B _n and the phase arithmetic arrangement

dung arithmetic arrangement 4 and a phase shifter 3 arranged correction arrangement 7 for correcting

control arrangement 5 correction of the function <j (Θ). which the theoretical

In the phase arithmetic arrangement 3, the phase shift is determined as a function of the desired angle S _{0 of} the theoretical radiation direction cingege- beam direction (M _n ), and another rune. The angle (->" is the angle between the dunesrcchenanordnung. Which takes the place of the run bundle and a reference direction in the plane of the computation 4 von Fiel and an Ekmentarstrahler, if the axis of the bundle in test circuit 8 has, with the one Random signal · this plane lies, or the angle is connected between the source 9. This rounding arithmetic projection of the bundle onto this plane and the beacon is designed in such a way that the probable wedge direction when the bundle is in one of 90 " simultaneous change of several Pha different constant angles to the axis of the slide is very small.
Circle of elementary radiators rotates. Exemplary embodiments for the correction arrangement "1

The input of the phase 55 receiving the angle O ₀ and the rounding arithmetic arrangement 8, 9 are later

sensor arrangement 3 is described, for example, with a ter.

Position sensor 6 coupled for the position of the satellite. The Correction Arrangement for the Phase Function The phase arithmetic unit 3 supplies π outputs aKo a compensation of the periodically changing the theoretical values of the phase shifts mean error of the radiation direction of the π phase shifters. These values are compared with the 60 by comparing the theoretical movement of the rays of different quantization levels m of the rounding bundle with the uniform rotary movement of the computing arrangement 4, which prevents the commands to be issued alternately leading and lagging and the different phase shifters . These commands are, for example, in ßere abrupt changes to this error,
the most common case of span- 65 The graphs of Fig. 3.4 and i drying gesture Erten phase shifters in the phase to make the operation of this arrangement Bessei schiebersteoeranordnung 5 in control voltages environmentally understandable
set. F i g. 3 shows in a solid line the one

"Nen phase shifters dl rank _P M of Ab szisse) phase shift Φ (to be set aut of Ordinaw). For a given angle β., Sraj d " _dmch ^ _{Mvor Ecsch} , idert special * _{gsbi | dd} " _Rundu "gs, real arrangement rmmmal

^ r the minimum angle deviation

S5Ä

to the next level of entertainment Φ

the theory

= feÄX »SS2S

Using the rank ρ = 2 on the ^p . ^ ° ^ve ^ p ₌ f «p = φ and the phase shifter with the rank ρ compensate for the kel deviation

^ _{Refinement of the} basic idea ^ this Kor_

Shift roughly in the middle
f lit

G
level is located

, _included run

fl ₀ = «* sin η Θ . U)

»« .Ehe, at graphic "sen _k a"". as in Fi, 5 an-

tion _f “determines which slider of the rank ρ tP - 1 noise generator is supplied.

_dneten whether this

. each η _{predetermined} .

^d " ^2U

Se correction arrangement 7 of F ^ B purpose to eliminate this systematic error through the quantization | en ^ »Jf the value of the direction error d O ₀ to zero 2Γ2ώ & Αΐη * the switchover ^, the slide-related fast multiples of the quantization range, ie the value

^ _n φ 2 compared
At the output of the! Comparator 8 tntt em normal

_lized signal »1«. if ?, " like one of these ^ ^ ^ _{the sjgnal O} ^ _wejm ^

309530/372

Condition is not met. This output is connected to the control inputs of two gate circuits 821 and 822, of which the gate circuit 821 is opened by the signal "0", while the gate circuit 822 is opened by the signal "1". The signal inputs of these gate circuits are also supplied with the signal <p _(h) from the output of the phase arithmetic system 3. The output of the gate circuit 821 is connected to a rounding computer 84, which is implemented in the same way as one of the rounding computers in the rounding arithmetic system 4 of FIG is, so it delivers the quantization level closest to <ρ _{/ Λ.}

The output of the gate circuit 822 is parallel to the inputs of two gate circuits 831 and 832 coupled, which work in opposite directions.

A random voltage ε _ρ , which from the noise generator !? is supplied, is compared in a threshold circuit (HO with a threshold voltage V _s , and depending on the result of the comparison occurs on

10

The output of the threshold circuit 810 has a normalized signal “1” or “0”.

This output is coupled to the control inputs of gate circuits 831 and 832. For ε _ρ < V _s

_If the output signal of the threshold circuit 810 is "0", the gate circuit 831 is open, and the signal φ ίΗ reaches a rounding calculator 841, which rounds off to the quantization level below. On the other hand, for ε _ρ > V _s

ίο the output signal of the threshold circuit 810 equals "1", the gate circuit 832 is open, and the signal <p _lh reaches a rounding up computer 842, which rounds up to the next higher quantization level. The arrangements 84,841,842, of which only one is in operation at any given point in time, feed the phase shifter control arrangement S.

It can also the gate circuits 822, 831 and 832 to a single device with several

ac control inputs are combined.

1 sheet of drawings

Claims (5)

Patent claims: 1. Procedure for improving accuracy the direction of radiation of the beam from an antenna with electronically controlled beam swiveling, with several radiation elements and several adjustable phase shifters, which quantized phase shifts Generate values and are assigned to the radiation elements, the beam a Pivoting according to a predetermined periodic time function executes and the theoretical Values of the phase shifts to be generated by the phase shifters are calculated and then according to a rule for each individual Phase shifter the quantized phase shifts actually to be generated by this are defined, characterized in that that according to this rule the following is experienced: a) The calculated thcotclischcii values are converted into theoretical values corrected in such a way that they are corrected on the basis of these Values of the systematic error of the direction of the beam caused by quantization is compensated; b) it is checked in each case whether the resulting corrected theoretical value 1. with a predetermined lying within a quantization interval Value coincides or 2. lower or 3. is higher than this value; c) in the first case of b) the decision is whether the corresponding phase shifter is on the next lower or next higher quantized phase shift value rounded down or is rounded up, brought about by a random effect, in the second case of b) the corresponding phase shifter is set to the next lower, in the third case of b) set to the next higher value. 2. Arrangement for performing the method according to claim 1 with a directional antenna, consisting from a group of radiating elements, a group of the radiating elements associated adjustable quantized phase shifters, a phase shift control arrangement, a phase calculation arrangement for calculating the theoretical for the respective radiation direction necessary phase shifts of the individual phase shifters, and with rounding calculators, each of the calculated values of the phase shifts to a quantized value round up or down, characterized in that the phase computing arrangement (7. 3 in Fiß. 2) so is trained. that in addition to the calculation of the theoretical phase shift values, the im Claim 1 under a) carries out the process step mentioned, and that each rounding reducer one Random signal generator (9 in Fig. 2) and a Test circuit (8) contains, which is designed. that in case b) 1. of claim 1 they corrected Value of the phase shift depending on whether it is from the random signal generator output random signal is smaller or larger than a predetermined value, to the next higher The quantization value is rounded up or down to the next lower quantization value, 3. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that that the phase arithmetic anomaly the calculation according to the theoretical calculation function performing phase computer (3) and a correction circuit (7) connected to the phase computer 4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the correction circuit has a Contains memory (71 in Fig. 6) in which the associated corrected values are stored for a number of theoretical phase shift values and an arithmetic interpolation calculator (72) is connected downstream. 5. Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each test circuit (8) contains a comparator (81 in FIG. 7) with several comparison stages, its Input is connected to the output of the phase arithmetic unit, and a first and a second gate circuit (821,822) controlled in opposite directions by the output signal of the comparator and whose signal inputs are connected in parallel to the input of the comparator, a rounding calculator that rounds up or down to the next quantization value (84) between the output of the first gate circuit (821) and the phase shifter control arrangement (S) is inserted, a threshold value comparator (810) which is connected to the output of the random signal generator (9) is connected. a third and a fourth gate circuit (831,832), the are controlled in opposite directions by the output signal of the threshold value comparator (810) and whose signal inputs are connected to the output of the second gate circuit (822), one Rounding off computer (841) between the output of the third gate circuit (831) and the input the phase shifter control arrangement (5) and a rounding up calculator (842). between the output of the fourth gate circuit (832) and the input of the phase shifter control arrangement (5) is inserted.