EP0137562A2 - Phase-shift control for a phased array antenna - Google Patents

Phase-shift control for a phased array antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0137562A2
EP0137562A2 EP84201399A EP84201399A EP0137562A2 EP 0137562 A2 EP0137562 A2 EP 0137562A2 EP 84201399 A EP84201399 A EP 84201399A EP 84201399 A EP84201399 A EP 84201399A EP 0137562 A2 EP0137562 A2 EP 0137562A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
phase
antenna
shift control
setting
computing means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP84201399A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0137562A3 (en
Inventor
Willem Mulder
Albert Jan Hendrik Bouwmeester
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Thales Nederland BV
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Thales Nederland BV
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Publication of EP0137562A3 publication Critical patent/EP0137562A3/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a phase shift control for a phased array antenna, whereby the antenna modules comprising the phase shifters are arranged in rows and columns, which phase shift control is provided with computing means for caLcuLating the desired phase setting for the separate phase shifters from at Least the beam direction to be determined, the frequency of the energy emitted, and the position of each phase shifter in the array.
  • phase-shift control is known from, for example, M.I. Skolnik, "Introduction to Radar Systems", 2 nd ed., McGraw-Hill Kogakusha, Ltd., 1980, p. 323, where the phase shift for the respective antenna modules is determined in a beam-steering computer. If these phase shifts must be determined for each radar pulse emitted, an exceptionally Large computer capacity will be required for the usually Large number of antenna modules. This capacity can be Limited by refraining from a phase setting per pulse and enabling this setting after each transmission of a given pulse series or by performing the phase setting in accordance with certain patterns.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide such a phase-shift control that with a strongly reduced computer capacity still a phase setting per pulse and per antenna module can be achieved.
  • the computing means thereto comprises central computing means for calculating, from the beam direction to be determined and the frequency of the energy emitted, the terms in the mathematical expression for the phase setting, which terms are the same for all phase shifters, and a computing chip present in each antenna module for determining the desired phase setting from the terms determined by the central computing means and the position of the separate phase shifters in the array.
  • the complete computer processes to be performed are therefore split into processes performed centrally and processes performed locally, i.e. on antenna-module LeveL.
  • the x- and y-axes determine the antenna plane and the z-axis the antenna main axis and it is assumed that the beam direction makes an angle 0 with the z-axis and that the projection of the beam direction on the x-y plane makes an angle ⁇ with the x-axis, then for phase differences ⁇ and ⁇ y between the phase shifters adjoining the x- and y-directions: where d 1 is the distance between two antenna modules in the x-direction and d 2 the distance between two antenna modules in the y-direction. If all antenna modules in the x-y plane are arranged above and next to each other, then for the phase shift for antenna module m,n:
  • this phase shift wiLL be: while maintaining the row and column configuration in the array.
  • the first situation in the array wiLL be considered here, so that
  • K is a constant. It is known to calculate this phase shift for each antena module separately in a beam-steering computer. According to the invention, the caLcuLation is however split into processes performed centrally and processes performed LocaLLy in each antenna module. In the case of centraLLy performed processes, the results can be fed to all antenna modules simultaneously.
  • the d, e, f and g values can be stored permanently in each computing chip; they can however also be supplied by the central computing means each time before the array is activated. In such a case, the B-vaLue can be supplied as well; it is also possible to enter this value separately or simultaneously with the a, b and c values when the array is in the active mode.
  • the numeral 1 represents the central computing means.
  • the computing chip of each antenna module is designated by 2 and the associated phase shifter by 3.
  • the antenna modules are thus formed by the elements 2 and 3 jointly.
  • the data transmissions from the central computing means 1 to the separate antenna modules 2, 3 are routed via the buffer elements 4 by means of the addressing circuit 5.
  • the d-values are the same for the antenna modules Lying in a column.
  • ALL buffer elements 4 are therefore fiLLed with a certain m-value from the central computing means.
  • the e-values are the same for the antenna modules Lying in a row.
  • aLL buffer elements 4 are filled with the same n-value from the central computing means, namely m successive times with a new n-value.
  • the f- and g-values are different for each antenna module.
  • the buffer elements are fiLLed m successive times with a certain C or m,n ⁇ m,n value from the central computing means.
  • the addressing circuit 5 ensures that this information is entered intothe antenna modules.
  • C m,n values are frequency-dependent, it is preferable to enter several of such values in each antenna module to ensure that, when the array is in the active mode, an appropriate C m,n value is avaiLabLe for the LocaLLy performed caLcuLations with each frequency change.
  • the values d 1 .cos ⁇ .sin ⁇ , d 2 .sin ⁇ .sin ⁇ and , supplied to the antenna modules each time, are the same for all antenna modules.
  • the buffer elements 4 are fiLLed successively with the same a-, b- or c-value from the central computing means 1, while the addressing circuit 5 again ensures that this information is entered into the respective antenna modules.
  • the a-, b- and c-values for a subsequent radar pulse are entered into the antenna modules.
  • only a command signal is sent to all antenna modules simultaneously in the same way as the a-, b- and c-values,whereupon the array switches to the newly selected beam direction.

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  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)

Abstract

In a phase-shift control for a phased array antenna the antenna modules are arranged in rows and columns. The phase shift control is provided with central computing means for calculating from the beam direction to be determined and the frequency of the energy emitted, the terms in the mathematical expression for the phase setting for the separate phase shifters in the antenna modules, which terms are the same for all phase shifters, and a computing chip present in each antenna module for determining the desired phase setting from the terms determined by the central computing means and the position of the separate phase shifters in the array.

Description

  • The invention relates to a phase shift control for a phased array antenna, whereby the antenna modules comprising the phase shifters are arranged in rows and columns, which phase shift control is provided with computing means for caLcuLating the desired phase setting for the separate phase shifters from at Least the beam direction to be determined, the frequency of the energy emitted, and the position of each phase shifter in the array.
  • Such a phase-shift control is known from, for example, M.I. Skolnik, "Introduction to Radar Systems", 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill Kogakusha, Ltd., 1980, p. 323, where the phase shift for the respective antenna modules is determined in a beam-steering computer. If these phase shifts must be determined for each radar pulse emitted, an exceptionally Large computer capacity will be required for the usually Large number of antenna modules. This capacity can be Limited by refraining from a phase setting per pulse and enabling this setting after each transmission of a given pulse series or by performing the phase setting in accordance with certain patterns. The present invention has for its object to provide such a phase-shift control that with a strongly reduced computer capacity still a phase setting per pulse and per antenna module can be achieved.
  • According to the invention, the computing means thereto comprises central computing means for calculating, from the beam direction to be determined and the frequency of the energy emitted, the terms in the mathematical expression for the phase setting, which terms are the same for all phase shifters, and a computing chip present in each antenna module for determining the desired phase setting from the terms determined by the central computing means and the position of the separate phase shifters in the array. The complete computer processes to be performed are therefore split into processes performed centrally and processes performed locally, i.e. on antenna-module LeveL.
  • If in a Cartesian coordinate system the x- and y-axes determine the antenna plane and the z-axis the antenna main axis and it is assumed that the beam direction makes an angle 0 with the z-axis and that the projection of the beam direction on the x-y plane makes an angle ϕ with the x-axis, then for phase differences ψ and ψy between the phase shifters adjoining the x- and y-directions:
    Figure imgb0001
    Figure imgb0002
    where d1 is the distance between two antenna modules in the x-direction and d2 the distance between two antenna modules in the y-direction. If all antenna modules in the x-y plane are arranged above and next to each other, then for the phase shift for antenna module m,n:
    Figure imgb0003
  • If on the other hand the rows of antenna modules are shifted alternately a distance of ½d1 in the x-direction with respect to each other, this phase shift wiLL be:
    Figure imgb0004
    while maintaining the row and column configuration in the array. For simplicity, the first situation in the array wiLL be considered here, so that
    Figure imgb0005
  • In the case of using a space-fed phased array antenna, either a Lens array or a reflect array, a correction must be made in the expression for ψm,n. This correction allows for the change from a spherical to a plane phase front. To this effect, the term
    Figure imgb0006
     Cm,n is included in the expression for ψm,n . For the change from a purely snherical to a plane chase front.
    Figure imgb0007
    where p is the distance between the centre of the horn radiator or other radiating element and the antenna plane. Such a purely spherical phase front is not present in practice. Since the Cm,n values are found to be frequency-dependent and no mathematical relationship between Cm,n and the frequency can be indicated, Cm,n values for different frequency intervals must be established emperically.
  • During scanning with the antenna beam at certain elevations it is sometimes desirable to widen the beam. This requires the introduction of an additional phase shift εm,n; consequently, no plane phase front is formed, but say a quadratic phase front.
  • For phase shift ψm,n the relationship is now:
    Figure imgb0008
    where B=0 if no beam widening is applied; if applied, B=1. K is a constant. It is known to calculate this phase shift for each antena module separately in a beam-steering computer. According to the invention, the caLcuLation is however split into processes performed centrally and processes performed LocaLLy in each antenna module. In the case of centraLLy performed processes, the results can be fed to all antenna modules simultaneously.
  • The terms
    Figure imgb0009
    .cosϕ.sinθ,
    Figure imgb0010
    .sinϕ.sinθ and c = X can be calculated centrally. Entry of the values d=m, e=n, f=Cm,n and g=εm,n into the computing chip of each antenna module is done once only, Leaving in each chip only the calculation of
    Figure imgb0011
    The d, e, f and g values can be stored permanently in each computing chip; they can however also be supplied by the central computing means each time before the array is activated. In such a case, the B-vaLue can be supplied as well; it is also possible to enter this value separately or simultaneously with the a, b and c values when the array is in the active mode.
  • The division between centrally and LocaLLy performed processes may be effected other than described above. For instance,
    Figure imgb0012
    the values a = cosϕ.sinθ, b = sinϕ.sinθ and can be determined centraLLy and, after entry of the values d = K.m.d1, e = K.n.d2, f = K.Cm,n and g = εm,n in the respective computing chips, the phase shift ψm,n = c.{a.d + b.e + f} + B.g locally, or the values
    Figure imgb0013
    cosϕ.sinθ,
    Figure imgb0014
    sinϕ.sinθ and
    Figure imgb0015
    centraLLy, and after entry of the values d = K.m.d1, e = K.n.d2, f = K.Cm,n and g = εm,n into the computing chips, the phase shift ψm,n = a.d + b.e + c.f + B.g LocaLLy.
  • The invention wiLL now be described with reference to the accompanying figure, showing a block diagram of an embodiment of the phase-shift control in accordance with the invention.
  • In this figure, the numeral 1 represents the central computing means. The computing chip of each antenna module is designated by 2 and the associated phase shifter by 3. The antenna modules are thus formed by the elements 2 and 3 jointly. The data transmissions from the central computing means 1 to the separate antenna modules 2, 3 are routed via the buffer elements 4 by means of the addressing circuit 5.
  • Reading of the values d = m, e = n, f = Cm,n and g = εm,n into the separate computing chips takes place before the array antenna assumes the active mode. The d-values are the same for the antenna modules Lying in a column. ALL buffer elements 4 are therefore fiLLed with a certain m-value from the central computing means. The e-values are the same for the antenna modules Lying in a row. To enter these values, aLL buffer elements 4 are filled with the same n-value from the central computing means, namely m successive times with a new n-value. The f- and g-values are different for each antenna module. To enter these values, the buffer elements are fiLLed m successive times with a certain C or m,n εm,n value from the central computing means. In all cases, the addressing circuit 5 ensures that this information is entered intothe antenna modules.
  • Since the Cm,n values are frequency-dependent, it is preferable to enter several of such values in each antenna module to ensure that, whenthe array is in the active mode, an appropriate Cm,n value is avaiLabLe for the LocaLLy performed caLcuLations with each frequency change.
  • With the array antenna in the active mode, the values
    Figure imgb0016
     d1.cosϕ.sinθ,
    Figure imgb0017
    d2.sinϕ.sinθ and
    Figure imgb0018
    , supplied to the antenna modules each time, are the same for all antenna modules. The buffer elements 4 are fiLLed successively with the same a-, b- or c-value from the central computing means 1, while the addressing circuit 5 again ensures that this information is entered into the respective antenna modules. During the transmission of a radar pulse and the Listening to an echo the a-, b- and c-values for a subsequent radar pulse are entered into the antenna modules. In the dead time before the transmission of the next radar pulse, only a command signal is sent to all antenna modules simultaneously in the same way as the a-, b- and c-values,whereupon the array switches to the newly selected beam direction.

Claims (3)

1. Phase-shift control for a phased array antenna, whereby the antenna modules comprising the phase shifters are arranged in rows and columns, which phase shift control is provided with computing means for calculating the desired phase setting for the separate phase shifters from at Least the beam direction to be determined, the frequency of the energy emitted, and the position of each phase shifter in the array, characterised in that the computing means comprises central computing means for caLcuLating from the beam direction to be determined and the frequency of the energy emitted, the terms in the mathematical expression for the phase setting, which terms are the same for all phase shifters, and a computing chip present in each antenna module for determining the desired phase setting from the terms determined by the central computing means and the position of the separate phase shifters in the array.
2. Phase-shift control as claimed in claim 1, whereby a space-fed phased array antenna is applied, characterised in that frequency-dependent correction values, required for the phase setting of the phase shifters individually and the change from a spherical to a plane phase front, can be entered into each computing chip.
3. Phase-shift control as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a correction value, required for the phase setting of the phase shifters individually and the beamwidth setting, can be entered into each computing chip.
EP84201399A 1983-10-07 1984-10-02 Phase-shift control for a phased array antenna Withdrawn EP0137562A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL8303444 1983-10-07
NL8303444A NL8303444A (en) 1983-10-07 1983-10-07 PHASE ROTATOR CONTROL FOR A PHASED-ARRAY ANTENNA.

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EP0137562A2 true EP0137562A2 (en) 1985-04-17
EP0137562A3 EP0137562A3 (en) 1985-06-12

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2617647A1 (en) * 1985-03-21 1989-01-06 Knudsen Donald BEAMFORMING CONTROL DEVICE FOR MULTI-TRANSDUCER NETWORK ANTENNA
EP0357165A3 (en) * 1988-08-31 1991-03-13 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Phase shift data transfer system for phased array antenna apparatuses
EP0416264A3 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-04-10 Hughes Aircraft Company Adaptive polarization combining system
DE3521026A1 (en) * 1985-06-12 1991-05-08 Telefunken Systemtechnik Phase controlled antenna - has matrix of emitter modules coupled to digital phase shift control stages
WO1991001620A3 (en) * 1989-06-02 1991-05-16 Scientific Atlanta Multi-element antenna system and array signal processing method
EP0921591A1 (en) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-09 Nec Corporation Array antenna with switched distributed-constant phase-shifter
US6198458B1 (en) 1994-11-04 2001-03-06 Deltec Telesystems International Limited Antenna control system
US6573875B2 (en) 2001-02-19 2003-06-03 Andrew Corporation Antenna system
US6677896B2 (en) 1999-06-30 2004-01-13 Radio Frequency Systems, Inc. Remote tilt antenna system
US7031751B2 (en) 2001-02-01 2006-04-18 Kathrein-Werke Kg Control device for adjusting a different slope angle, especially of a mobile radio antenna associated with a base station, and corresponding antenna and corresponding method for modifying the slope angle
US7557675B2 (en) 2005-03-22 2009-07-07 Radiacion Y Microondas, S.A. Broad band mechanical phase shifter

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1163215A (en) * 1967-04-11 1969-09-04 Gen Electric & English Elect Improvements in or relating to Aerial Arrays
US3699584A (en) * 1970-12-30 1972-10-17 Us Army Insertion phase correction of phase shifters by presetting binary counters
US3697994A (en) * 1971-07-19 1972-10-10 Us Navy Automatic beam steering technique for cylindrical-array radar antennas
FR2235503B1 (en) * 1973-06-28 1978-10-27 Siemens Ag
US4217587A (en) * 1978-08-14 1980-08-12 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Antenna beam steering controller
JPS5665504A (en) * 1979-10-31 1981-06-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Beam scanning device

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2617647A1 (en) * 1985-03-21 1989-01-06 Knudsen Donald BEAMFORMING CONTROL DEVICE FOR MULTI-TRANSDUCER NETWORK ANTENNA
DE3521026A1 (en) * 1985-06-12 1991-05-08 Telefunken Systemtechnik Phase controlled antenna - has matrix of emitter modules coupled to digital phase shift control stages
EP0357165A3 (en) * 1988-08-31 1991-03-13 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Phase shift data transfer system for phased array antenna apparatuses
WO1991001620A3 (en) * 1989-06-02 1991-05-16 Scientific Atlanta Multi-element antenna system and array signal processing method
EP0416264A3 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-04-10 Hughes Aircraft Company Adaptive polarization combining system
US6538619B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2003-03-25 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
US6198458B1 (en) 1994-11-04 2001-03-06 Deltec Telesystems International Limited Antenna control system
US6346924B1 (en) 1994-11-04 2002-02-12 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
CN1316835C (en) * 1994-11-04 2007-05-16 安德鲁公司 Antenna control system
US6567051B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2003-05-20 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
US6590546B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2003-07-08 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
US6600457B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2003-07-29 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
US6603436B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2003-08-05 Andrew Corporation Antenna control system
US8558739B2 (en) 1994-11-04 2013-10-15 Andrew Llc Antenna control system
EP0921591A1 (en) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-09 Nec Corporation Array antenna with switched distributed-constant phase-shifter
US6677896B2 (en) 1999-06-30 2004-01-13 Radio Frequency Systems, Inc. Remote tilt antenna system
US7031751B2 (en) 2001-02-01 2006-04-18 Kathrein-Werke Kg Control device for adjusting a different slope angle, especially of a mobile radio antenna associated with a base station, and corresponding antenna and corresponding method for modifying the slope angle
US6573875B2 (en) 2001-02-19 2003-06-03 Andrew Corporation Antenna system
US6987487B2 (en) 2001-02-19 2006-01-17 Andrew Corporation Antenna system
US7557675B2 (en) 2005-03-22 2009-07-07 Radiacion Y Microondas, S.A. Broad band mechanical phase shifter

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EP0137562A3 (en) 1985-06-12
NL8303444A (en) 1985-05-01

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