EP0422551A1 - Electronically scanned transmitting antenna - Google Patents

Electronically scanned transmitting antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0422551A1
EP0422551A1 EP90119246A EP90119246A EP0422551A1 EP 0422551 A1 EP0422551 A1 EP 0422551A1 EP 90119246 A EP90119246 A EP 90119246A EP 90119246 A EP90119246 A EP 90119246A EP 0422551 A1 EP0422551 A1 EP 0422551A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
sources
outputs
elementary
antenna
antenna according
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EP90119246A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0422551B1 (en
Inventor
Régis Lenormand
Michel Coustere
Xavier Henrion
Bruno Vidal Sainte Andre
Bernard Curbelie
Antoine Roederer
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Alcatel Espace Industries SA
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Alcatel Espace Industries SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/0006—Particular feeding systems
    • H01Q21/0025—Modular arrays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q25/00—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
    • H01Q25/007—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns using two or more primary active elements in the focal region of a focusing device
    • 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
    • H01Q3/2658—Phased-array fed focussing structure

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an antenna with electronic scanning in transmission.
  • a work entitled "space telecommunications" of the technical and scientific collection of telecommunications in particular in its volume I pages 92 to 94 and pages 259 to 261 describes on the one hand the fact of grouping several antennas, fed simultaneously by the same transmitter with the interposition of power dividers and phase shifters, the radiation characteristics of this group depending both on the diagram of each antenna and on the distribution of powers in amplitude and phase. This property is used to obtain a diagram which could not be obtained with a single radiating source. If, in addition, the characteristics of the power dividers and phase shifters are modified by electronic means, it is possible to obtain an almost instantaneous modification of the diagram.
  • the simplest grouping of radiating sources is the network, in which all the sources are identical and are deduced from each other by any translation. One can thus realize rectilinear or planar networks.
  • the illumination system of the reflector is generally off-center with respect to the latter so as to avoid any blockage of the radiating opening and to facilitate installation on the platform in the case of a spatial application.
  • the main reflector is for example a paraboloid.
  • the mobile beams are in fact the combination of elementary beams, obtained by placing a set of sources of illumination in the vicinity of the focal point, each source corresponding to an elementary beam.
  • the illumination is not geometrically perfect and there are phase aberrations which slightly degrade the radiation performance, therefore decreases in gain compared to the values achievable at home. These degradations are all the more important that you move away from the focal point and that the curvature of the reflector is large. Reflectors must therefore be made as "flat” as possible, that is to say with a focal distance to high aperture diameter ratio. This leads to structures of large dimensions which pose problems of precision and mechanical strength.
  • the configuration of these large antennas must also take into account several system aspects: - satellite volume limitation, linked to the need for an antenna to transmit and receive simultaneously; - compatibility of an easy mechanical arrangement on the platform, and on the launcher before and during operation; - good thermal control; - possible multiplicity of missions and users.
  • the invention aims to solve these different problems.
  • an antenna with electronic scanning in emission comprising a reflector focusing energy, a network of elementary sources, located in the focal zone of this reflector, so as to carry out the synthesis of the electromagnetic field in this focal zone, characterized in that it has a coverage area produced by several adjacent spots, which is partially and simultaneously covered by one or more beams whose accesses are independent and using for this the same number m of elementary sources (or groups of sources) selected each among m classes of sources which are never solicited simultaneously in the same beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to a class and only one is solicited, the switching of the sources ensuring the agility of the beam (s) .
  • the invention has the advantage of not requiring movement of the source or the reflector. It makes it possible to use weak focal lengths (compact antenna), and to ensure several simultaneous links.
  • the advantages compared to a direct radiation network solution are as follows: - The performance of the antenna is not directly linked to the total size of the network; - The installation is not necessarily on the earth face of the satellite.
  • the proposed solution Compared to an imaging network solution with a single reflector, the proposed solution has the following advantages: - the overall dimension of the network is reduced; - the antenna efficiency is improved.
  • the antenna of the invention shown in FIG. 1, comprises an eccentric parabolic reflector 10 supplied by a planar network 11 of sources located in the vicinity of the focal point F of the reflector, the network 12 representing the network of virtual sources, corresponding to this network 11.
  • each elementary source plays only on the phase of each elementary source; which makes it possible to achieve the optimal synthesis of each elementary source as if it were at the focus F of the reflector.
  • Such an operation makes it possible to produce an antenna whose gain does not depend on the pointing direction, while keeping the reflector 10 and the network 11 of elementary sources.
  • the antenna directivity performance is defined by the level of coverage of the spots.
  • the antenna of the invention is provided for a number Sp, of spots, a number m of radiating elements or sources (or group of sources) corresponding to each spot.
  • Sp spots are used, each spot comprising m sources. Some sources only belong to a spot. The sources are grouped into classes so that at a given time only one source of a class is used.
  • the originality of the invention therefore lies in the arrangement of elementary sources in class.
  • a class consisting of a set of sources which are not used simultaneously for the formation of the different beams. This observation therefore makes it possible to group these classes and to choose by switching one source per class; these sources associated with each other by the input divider will form the chosen beam.
  • the matrix making the Sp spots correspond to the n sources
  • the relation of the m active sources for a given spot it is possible to identify classes of sources operating not simultaneously.
  • An adequate definition of the spots makes it possible to obtain a configuration according to which the m active sources correspond to m classes of sources operating in a non-simultaneous manner, and this for all the spots.
  • the coverage area produced by several adjacent spots is partially and simultaneously covered by one or more beams, the accesses of which are independent and using the same number m of elementary sources (of the group of sources) each selected from among m source classes never being solicited simultaneously in the same beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to a class and only one is solicited , switching sources ensuring the agility of the beam (s).
  • An embodiment of electronic supply and control of such an antenna according to the invention comprises: a power divider 15 with an input E and m outputs which form m separate channels V1 to Vm; - and on each channel (Vi) (which corresponds to a class): . a control device 16 comprising an adjustable phase shifter 17; . a switch, or "switch", low level 19 allowing an input to be connected to one of the f outputs; . an amplification stage 20 with f inputs and f outputs comprising a first and a second generalized couplers 21 and 22 arranged on either side of f amplifiers 23 arranged in parallel; . f filters 24 arranged in parallel between the f outputs of the amplification stage 20 and f sources Si1 to Sif of the network; f not necessarily being identical from one channel to another;
  • the power divider 15 consists of a set of hybrid couplers 25 which are combined together to form m outputs.
  • An amplification stage 20 comprises a first and a second generalized couplers 21 and 22 respectively formed of a combination of hybrid couplers 25 on either side of amplifiers 23 so that each input of the first coupler 21 is distributed over all the amplifiers 23 and therefore on all the outputs of the hybrid couplers of the first generalized coupler 21.
  • this amplification stage 20 a signal applied to the first input, for example, spring amplified on the first output. So if a signal is applied to one of the inputs of a stage (of rank i by example), at the corresponding output (of rank i) the signal will be amplified by all the amplifiers and no other output will receive a signal.
  • the power amplifiers 23 receive on their respective inputs a signal coming from each beam, at an almost identical level. A nearly uniform charge distribution is obtained over all the inputs of the amplifiers 23. The signals are then reconstructed using the second generalized coupler 22 which has a structure opposite to that of the first.
  • the amplifiers 23 thus have a constant input power and can therefore operate at their nominal capacity.
  • a switch (19), called “class switch” can address any source of a class, without the operation of the amplifiers is not affected. The same is true for all classes, and therefore for all amplifiers.
  • phase shift circuits (17) are controlled by a control unit not shown in the figures.
  • the antenna supply and control electronics has only one input E, that is to say that it only works with a single user, but it can also work with p users, as shown in figure 5.

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna electronically scanned in transmission, comprising an energy-focusing reflector (10), an array (11) of elementary sources, situated in the focal zone of this reflector, so as to produce the synthesis of the electromagnetic field in this focal zone, characterised in that it possesses a zone of coverage, produced by several adjacent spots, which is covered partially and simultaneously by one or more beams whose pathways are independent and using to do this the same number m of elementary sources (or groups of sources) each selected from m classes of sources which are never called upon simultaneously in one beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to one and only one class is called upon, the switching of the sources ensuring the agility of the beam or beams. Application in particular to the field of space telecommunications. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention se rapporte à une antenne à balayage électronique en émission.The invention relates to an antenna with electronic scanning in transmission.

Un ouvrage intitulé "télécommunications spatiales" de la collection technique et scientifique des télécommunications notamment dans son tome I pages 92 à 94 et pages 259 à 261 (Masson, 1982) décrit d'une part le fait de grouper plusieurs antennes, alimentées simultanément par le même émetteur avec interposition de diviseurs de puissances et de déphaseurs, les caractéristiques de rayonnement de ce groupement dépendant à la fois du diagramme de chaque antenne et de la répartition des puissances en amplitude et phase. Cette propriété est mise à profit pour obtenir un diagramme qui ne pourrait pas être obtenu avec une seule source rayonnante. Si, en outre, on modifie les caractéristiques des diviseurs de puissance et des déphaseurs par des moyens électroniques, on peut obtenir une modification quasi-instantanée du diagramme. Le groupement le plus simple de sources rayonnantes est le réseau, dans lequel toutes les sources sont identiques et se déduisent l'une de l'autre par une translation quelconque. On peut réaliser ainsi des réseaux rectilignes ou plans.A work entitled "space telecommunications" of the technical and scientific collection of telecommunications in particular in its volume I pages 92 to 94 and pages 259 to 261 (Masson, 1982) describes on the one hand the fact of grouping several antennas, fed simultaneously by the same transmitter with the interposition of power dividers and phase shifters, the radiation characteristics of this group depending both on the diagram of each antenna and on the distribution of powers in amplitude and phase. This property is used to obtain a diagram which could not be obtained with a single radiating source. If, in addition, the characteristics of the power dividers and phase shifters are modified by electronic means, it is possible to obtain an almost instantaneous modification of the diagram. The simplest grouping of radiating sources is the network, in which all the sources are identical and are deduced from each other by any translation. One can thus realize rectilinear or planar networks.

Ce document décrit, d'autre part, l'utilisation d'antennes à réflecteur pour la génération de plusieurs faisceaux mobiles qui présentent l'avantage d'une faible masse liée à l'utilisation d'étages amplificateurs optimisés. Le système d'illumination du réflecteur est en général, décentré par rapport à celui-ci de façon à éviter tout blocage de l'ouverture rayonnante et faciliter l'implantation sur la plateforme dans le cas d'une application spatiale. Le réflecteur principal est par exemple un paraboloïde. Les faisceaux mobiles sont en fait la combinaison de faisceaux élementaires, obtenus en plaçant un ensemble de sources d'illumination au voisinage du foyer, chaque source correspondant à un faisceau élémentaire.This document describes, on the other hand, the use of reflector antennas for the generation of several mobile beams which have the advantage of a low mass linked to the use of optimized amplifier stages. The illumination system of the reflector is generally off-center with respect to the latter so as to avoid any blockage of the radiating opening and to facilitate installation on the platform in the case of a spatial application. The main reflector is for example a paraboloid. The mobile beams are in fact the combination of elementary beams, obtained by placing a set of sources of illumination in the vicinity of the focal point, each source corresponding to an elementary beam.

Du fait que l'on ne peut pas les placer exactement au foyer, l'illumination n'est pas géométriquement parfaite et il se produit des aberrations de phase qui dégradent quelque peu les performances de rayonnement, donc des baisses de gain par rapport aux valeurs réalisables au foyer. Ces dégradations sont d'autant plus importantes que l'on s'écarte du foyer et que la courbure du réflecteur est importante. On doit donc réaliser des réflecteurs aussi "plats" que possible, c'est-à-dire avec un rapport distance focale à diamètre d'ouverture élevé. Ceci conduit à des structures de dimensions importantes qui posent des problèmes de précision et de tenue mécanique.Because they cannot be placed exactly at the focal point, the illumination is not geometrically perfect and there are phase aberrations which slightly degrade the radiation performance, therefore decreases in gain compared to the values achievable at home. These degradations are all the more important that you move away from the focal point and that the curvature of the reflector is large. Reflectors must therefore be made as "flat" as possible, that is to say with a focal distance to high aperture diameter ratio. This leads to structures of large dimensions which pose problems of precision and mechanical strength.

Les applications spatiales, qui nécessitent une déflexion électronique de l'onde rayonnante sur un large champ de vue, conduisent à des déviations angulaires de plusieurs largeurs de pinceau. En conséquence la possibilité de contrôler précisément la forme du diagramme de l'antenne est essentielle.Space applications, which require an electronic deflection of the radiating wave over a wide field of view, lead to angular deviations of several brush widths. Consequently, the possibility of precisely controlling the shape of the antenna diagram is essential.

La configuration de ces grandes antennes doit aussi tenir compte de plusieurs aspects système :
- limitation en volume du satellite, liée à la nécessité pour une antenne de transmettre et de recevoir simultanément ;
- compatibilité d'un agencement mécanique aisé sur la plate-forme, et sur le lanceur avant et pendant le fonctionnement ;
- bon contrôle thermique ;
- multiplicité éventuelle des missions et des utilisateurs.The configuration of these large antennas must also take into account several system aspects:
- satellite volume limitation, linked to the need for an antenna to transmit and receive simultaneously;
- compatibility of an easy mechanical arrangement on the platform, and on the launcher before and during operation;
- good thermal control;
- possible multiplicity of missions and users.

L'invention a pour but de résoudre ces différents problèmes.The invention aims to solve these different problems.

Elle propose à cet effet une antenne à balayage électronique en émission comprenant un réflecteur focalisant l'énergie, un réseau de sources élémentaires, situé dans la zone focale de ce réflecteur, de manière à réaliser la synthèse du champ électromagnétique dans cette zone focale,caractérisée en ce qu'elle possède une zone de couverture réalisée par plusieurs spots adjacents, qui est couverte partiellement et simultanément par un ou plusieurs faisceaux dont les accès sont indépendants et utilisant pour cela le même nombre m de sources (ou groupes de sources) élémentaires sélectionnées chacune parmi m classes de sources qui ne sont jamais sollicitées simultanément dans un même faisceau, de telle sorte qu'à chaque instant une source élémentaire appartenant à une classe et une seule soit sollicitée, la commutation des sources assurant l'agilité du ou des faisceaux.To this end, it proposes an antenna with electronic scanning in emission comprising a reflector focusing energy, a network of elementary sources, located in the focal zone of this reflector, so as to carry out the synthesis of the electromagnetic field in this focal zone, characterized in that it has a coverage area produced by several adjacent spots, which is partially and simultaneously covered by one or more beams whose accesses are independent and using for this the same number m of elementary sources (or groups of sources) selected each among m classes of sources which are never solicited simultaneously in the same beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to a class and only one is solicited, the switching of the sources ensuring the agility of the beam (s) .

Par rapport aux solutions mécaniques, l'invention présente l'avantage de ne pas nécessiter de mouvements de la source ou du réflecteur. Elle permet d'utiliser des focales faibles (antenne compacte), et d'assurer plusieurs liaisons simultanées.Compared to mechanical solutions, the invention has the advantage of not requiring movement of the source or the reflector. It makes it possible to use weak focal lengths (compact antenna), and to ensure several simultaneous links.

Les avantages par rapport à une solution réseau à rayonnement direct sont les suivants :
- La performance de l'antenne n'est pas liée directement à la dimension totale du réseau ;
- L'implantation n'est pas obligatoirement sur la face terre du satellite.The advantages compared to a direct radiation network solution are as follows:
- The performance of the antenna is not directly linked to the total size of the network;
- The installation is not necessarily on the earth face of the satellite.

Par rapport à une solution réseau imageur à simple réflecteur, la solution proposée présente les avantages suivants :
- la dimension hors tout de réseau est réduite ;
- l'efficacité antenne est améliorée.Compared to an imaging network solution with a single reflector, the proposed solution has the following advantages:
- the overall dimension of the network is reduced;
- the antenna efficiency is improved.

Enfin, si on compare la solution proposée à une solution réseau imageur à double réflecteur, la compacité de l'antenne de l'invention est clairement mise en évidence.Finally, if we compare the proposed solution to an imaging network solution with double reflector, the compactness of the antenna of the invention is clearly highlighted.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées sur lesquelles :

  • - la figure 1 illustre schématiquement l'antenne à balayage selon l'invention ;
  • - la figure 2 illustre l'arrangement en classe du réseau ;
  • - la figure 3 illustre une première réalisation d'un électronique d'alimentation et de commande de l'antenne selon l'invention ;
  • - la figure 4 illustre un étage de l'électronique telle que représentée à la figure 3 ;
  • - la figure 5 illustre une seconde réalisation d'une électronique d'alimentation et de commande de l'antenne selon l'invention.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • - Figure 1 schematically illustrates the scanning antenna according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2 illustrates the class arrangement of the network;
  • - Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of an electronic power supply and antenna control according to the invention;
  • - Figure 4 illustrates a stage of electronics as shown in Figure 3;
  • - Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of an electronic supply and control of the antenna according to the invention.

L'antenne de l'invention, représentée à la figure 1, comprend un réflecteur parabolique 10 excentré alimenté par un réseau plan 11 de sources situé au voisinage du foyer F du réflecteur, le réseau 12 représentant le réseau de sources virtuelles, correspondant à ce réseau 11.The antenna of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, comprises an eccentric parabolic reflector 10 supplied by a planar network 11 of sources located in the vicinity of the focal point F of the reflector, the network 12 representing the network of virtual sources, corresponding to this network 11.

Dans l'antenne selon l'invention, on joue uniquement sur la phase de chaque source élémentaire ; ce qui permet de réaliser la synthèse optimale de chaque source élémentaire comme si elle était au foyer F du réflecteur.In the antenna according to the invention, one plays only on the phase of each elementary source; which makes it possible to achieve the optimal synthesis of each elementary source as if it were at the focus F of the reflector.

Un tel fonctionnement permet de réaliser une antenne dont le gain ne dépend pas de la direction de pointage, tout en maintenant fixes le réflecteur 10 et le réseau 11 de sources élementaires.Such an operation makes it possible to produce an antenna whose gain does not depend on the pointing direction, while keeping the reflector 10 and the network 11 of elementary sources.

Lorsque la couverture spécifiée est réalisée en utilisant plusieurs spots correspondant à des faisceaux émis par l'antenne, la performance de directivité antenne est définie par le niveau de recouvrement des spots. On peut d'ailleurs donner des formes appropriées aux sources dans le plan focal pour améliorer l'efficacité de l'antenne.When the specified coverage is achieved using several spots corresponding to beams emitted by the antenna, the antenna directivity performance is defined by the level of coverage of the spots. We can also give appropriate forms to the sources in the focal plane to improve the efficiency of the antenna.

Ainsi l'antenne de l'invention est prévue pour un nombre Sp, de spots, un nombre m d'éléments rayonnants ou sources (ou groupe de sources) correspondant à chaque spot.Thus, the antenna of the invention is provided for a number Sp, of spots, a number m of radiating elements or sources (or group of sources) corresponding to each spot.

Pour réaliser une couverture entière on utilise Sp spots, chaque spot comportant m sources. Certaines sources n'appartiennent qu'à un spot. Les sources sont regroupés en classes de telle sorte qu'à un instant donné une seule source d'une classe soit utilisée.To achieve full coverage, Sp spots are used, each spot comprising m sources. Some sources only belong to a spot. The sources are grouped into classes so that at a given time only one source of a class is used.

En contraignant les spots à utiliser le même nombre de sources actives et en limitant le contrôle des sources, par exemple à un contrôle de phase (toutes les sources ayant le même poids en amplitude), on obtient des performances limitées de l'antenne. Par contre, l'architecture du sous-système est simplifiée.By forcing the spots to use the same number of active sources and by limiting the control of the sources, for example to a phase control (all the sources having the same weight in amplitude), one obtains limited performances of the antenna. On the other hand, the architecture of the subsystem is simplified.

L'originalité de l'invention réside donc dans l'arrangement des sources élémentaires en classe. Une classe étant constituée d'un ensemble de sources qui ne sont pas utilisées simultanément pour la formation des différents faisceaux. Cette observation permet donc de regrouper ces classes et de choisir par commutation une source par classe ; ces sources associées entre elles par le diviseur d'entrée vont former le faisceau choisi.The originality of the invention therefore lies in the arrangement of elementary sources in class. A class consisting of a set of sources which are not used simultaneously for the formation of the different beams. This observation therefore makes it possible to group these classes and to choose by switching one source per class; these sources associated with each other by the input divider will form the chosen beam.

En considérant la matrice faisant correspondre les Sp spots aux n sources, par la relation des m sources actives pour un spot donné, il est possible d'identifier des classes de sources fonctionnant non simultanément. Une définition adéquate des spots permet d'obtenir une configuration selon laquelle les m sources actives correspondent à m classes de sources fonctionnant de manière non simultanée, et ceci pour tous les spots.By considering the matrix making the Sp spots correspond to the n sources, by the relation of the m active sources for a given spot, it is possible to identify classes of sources operating not simultaneously. An adequate definition of the spots makes it possible to obtain a configuration according to which the m active sources correspond to m classes of sources operating in a non-simultaneous manner, and this for all the spots.

Ainsi la zone de couverture réalisée par plusieurs spots adjacents est couverte partiellement et simultanément par un ou plusieurs faisceaux dont les accès sont indépendants et utilisant pour cela le même nombre m de sources (du groupe de sources) élémentaires sélectionnées chacune parmi m classes de sources n'étant jamais sollicitées simultanément dans un même faisceau, de telle sorte qu'à chaque instant une source élémentaire appartenant à une classe et une seule soit sollicitée, la commutation des sources assurant l'agilité du ou des faisceaux.Thus the coverage area produced by several adjacent spots is partially and simultaneously covered by one or more beams, the accesses of which are independent and using the same number m of elementary sources (of the group of sources) each selected from among m source classes never being solicited simultaneously in the same beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to a class and only one is solicited , switching sources ensuring the agility of the beam (s).

Un exemple d'organisation en classes pour un réseau de 64 éléments rayonnants ou sources correspondant à 8 classes à 8 sources est donné à la figure 2 : chaque classe étant représentée par un numéro différent allant de 1 à 8.An example of class organization for a network of 64 radiating elements or sources corresponding to 8 classes with 8 sources is given in Figure 2: each class being represented by a different number ranging from 1 to 8.

Une réalisation d'une électronique d'alimentation et de commande d'une telle antenne selon l'invention, telle que représenté à la figure 3, comporte :
- un diviseur de puissance 15 à une entrée E et m sorties qui forment m voies V1 à Vm séparées ;
- et sur chaque voie (Vi) (qui correspond à une classe) :
. un dispositif de contrôle 16 comprenant un déphaseur réglable 17 ;
. un commutateur, ou "switch", bas niveau 19 permettant de relier une entrée à une des f sorties ;
. un étage d'amplification 20 à f entrées et f sorties comprenant un premier et un second coupleurs généralisés 21 et 22 disposés de part et d'autre de f amplificateurs 23 disposés en parallèle ;
. f filtres 24 disposés en parallèle entre les f sorties de l'étage d'amplification 20 et f sources Si1 à Sif du réseau ; f n'étant pas obligatoirement identique d'une voie à l'autre ;An embodiment of electronic supply and control of such an antenna according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises:
a power divider 15 with an input E and m outputs which form m separate channels V1 to Vm;
- and on each channel (Vi) (which corresponds to a class):
. a control device 16 comprising an adjustable phase shifter 17;
. a switch, or "switch", low level 19 allowing an input to be connected to one of the f outputs;
. an amplification stage 20 with f inputs and f outputs comprising a first and a second generalized couplers 21 and 22 arranged on either side of f amplifiers 23 arranged in parallel;
. f filters 24 arranged in parallel between the f outputs of the amplification stage 20 and f sources Si1 to Sif of the network; f not necessarily being identical from one channel to another;

Le diviseur de puissance 15 est constitué d'un ensemble de coupleurs hybrides 25 qui sont combinés entre eux pour former m sorties.The power divider 15 consists of a set of hybrid couplers 25 which are combined together to form m outputs.

Un étage d'amplification 20 comprend un premier et un second coupleurs généralisés 21 et 22 respectivement formés d'une association de coupleurs hybrides 25 de part et d'autre d'amplificateurs 23 de telle façon que chaque entrée du premier coupleur 21 soit répartie sur tous les amplificateurs 23 et donc sur toutes les sorties des coupleurs hybrides du premier coupleur généralisé 21.An amplification stage 20 comprises a first and a second generalized couplers 21 and 22 respectively formed of a combination of hybrid couplers 25 on either side of amplifiers 23 so that each input of the first coupler 21 is distributed over all the amplifiers 23 and therefore on all the outputs of the hybrid couplers of the first generalized coupler 21.

Dans cet étage d'amplification 20 un signal appliqué à la première entrée, par exemple, ressort amplifié sur la première sortie. Ainsi si un signal est appliqué à l'une des entrées d'un étage (de rang i par exemple), à la sortie correspondante (de rang i) le signal sera amplifié par tous les amplificateurs et aucune autre sortie ne recevra de signal.In this amplification stage 20 a signal applied to the first input, for example, spring amplified on the first output. So if a signal is applied to one of the inputs of a stage (of rank i by example), at the corresponding output (of rank i) the signal will be amplified by all the amplifiers and no other output will receive a signal.

Un schéma détaillé de l'étage d'amplification est représenté à la figure 4.A detailed diagram of the amplification stage is shown in Figure 4.

Les amplificateurs de puissance 23 reçoivent sur leurs entrées respectives un signal provenant de chaque faisceau, à un niveau quasi-identique. On obtient une répartition de charge quasi-uniforme sur toutes les entrées des amplificateurs 23. On reconstitue ensuite les signaux à l'aide du deuxième coupleur généralisé 22 qui a une structure inverse de celle du premier.The power amplifiers 23 receive on their respective inputs a signal coming from each beam, at an almost identical level. A nearly uniform charge distribution is obtained over all the inputs of the amplifiers 23. The signals are then reconstructed using the second generalized coupler 22 which has a structure opposite to that of the first.

Les amplificateurs 23 ont ainsi une puissance d'entrée constante et peuvent ainsi fonctionner à leur capacité nominale.The amplifiers 23 thus have a constant input power and can therefore operate at their nominal capacity.

Ainsi dans l'électronique d'alimentation et de commande, tel que représenté à la figure 3, un commutateur (19), dit "commutateur de classe", peut adresser n'importe quelle source d'une classe, sans que le fonctionnement des amplificateurs ne soit affecté. Il en est de même pour toutes les classes, et donc pour tous les amplificateurs.Thus in the supply and control electronics, as represented in FIG. 3, a switch (19), called "class switch", can address any source of a class, without the operation of the amplifiers is not affected. The same is true for all classes, and therefore for all amplifiers.

Les circuits de déphasage (17) sont pilotés par une unité de commande non représentée sur les figures.The phase shift circuits (17) are controlled by a control unit not shown in the figures.

L'électronique d'alimentation et de commande de l'antenne, tel que représenté sur la figure 3, ne possède qu'une entrée E c'est-à-dire qu'elle ne fonctionne qu'avec un seul utilisateur, mais elle peut aussi fonctionner avec p utilisateurs, comme représenté à la figure 5.The antenna supply and control electronics, as shown in FIG. 3, has only one input E, that is to say that it only works with a single user, but it can also work with p users, as shown in figure 5.

A titre d'exemple les électroniques d'alimentation et de commande des figures 3 et 5 sont représentées avec 8 classes (m=8), et 8 sources par classe (f=8) ; On définit ainsi un réseau de 64 sources correspondant à 8 classes de 8 sources. La réalisation d'un faisceau donné est donc obtenue lorsque 8 sources, appartenant respectivement à chacune des 8 classes, sont adressés avec 8 valeurs de phases, pour réaliser après amplification un ensemble de 8 spots. On obtient ainsi un fonctionnement multi-spots simultané et donc à un optimum de la synthèse du faisceau émis.By way of example, the power and control electronics of FIGS. 3 and 5 are represented with 8 classes (m = 8), and 8 sources per class (f = 8); We thus define a network of 64 sources corresponding to 8 classes of 8 sources. The realization of a given beam is therefore obtained when 8 sources, respectively belonging to each of the 8 classes, are addressed with 8 phase values, to achieve after amplification a set of 8 spots. This gives simultaneous multi-spot operation and therefore optimum synthesis of the emitted beam.

Il est bien entendu que la présente invention n'a été décrite et représentée qu'à titre d'exemple préférentiel et que l'on pourra remplacer ses éléments constitutifs par des éléments équivalents sans, pour autant, sortir du cadre de l'invention.It is understood that the present invention has only been described and shown as a preferred example and that its constituent elements can be replaced by equivalent elements without, however, departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

1/ Antenne à balayage électronique en émission comprenant un réflecteur (10) focalisant l'énergie, un réseau (11) de sources élémentaires, situé dans la zone focale de ce réflecteur, de manière à réaliser la synthèse du champ électromagnétique dans cette zone focale,caractérisée en ce qu'elle possède une zone de couverture réalisée par plusieurs spots adjacents, qui est couverte partiellement et simultanément par un ou plusieurs faisceaux dont les accès sont indépendants et utilisant pour cela le même nombre m de sources (ou groupes de sources) élémentaires sélectionnées chacune parmi m classes de sources qui ne sont jamais sollicitées simultanément dans un même faisceau, de telle sorte qu'à chaque instant une source élémentaire appartenant à une classe et une seule soit sollicitée, la commutation des sources assurant l'agilité du ou des faisceaux.1 / Antenna with electronic scanning in emission comprising a reflector (10) focusing energy, a network (11) of elementary sources, located in the focal zone of this reflector, so as to carry out the synthesis of the electromagnetic field in this focal zone , characterized in that it has a coverage area produced by several adjacent spots, which is partially and simultaneously covered by one or more beams whose accesses are independent and using for this the same number m of sources (or groups of sources) elementary each selected from m classes of sources which are never solicited simultaneously in the same beam, so that at each instant an elementary source belonging to a class and only one is solicited, the switching of the sources ensuring the agility of the or beams. 2/ Antenne selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte une électronique d'alimentation et de contrôle comprenant :
- au moins un diviseur de puissance (15) à une entrée et m sorties qui forment m voies (V1 à Vm) séparées ;
- et sur chaque voie (Vi)
. un dispositif de contrôle (16)
. un commutateur bas niveau (19) permettant de relier une entrée à l'une des f sorties ;
. un étage d'amplification (20) à f entrées et f sorties ;
. f filtres (24) disposés en parallèle entre les f sorties de l'étage d'amplification (20) et f éléments rayonnants (Si1 à Sif) du réseau ; f n'étant pas obligatoirement identique d'une voie à l'autre.2 / Antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a supply and control electronics comprising:
- at least one power divider (15) with one input and m outputs which form m separate channels (V1 to Vm);
- and on each channel (Vi)
. a control device (16)
. a low level switch (19) for connecting an input to one of the f outputs;
. an amplification stage (20) with f inputs and f outputs;
. f filters (24) arranged in parallel between the f outputs of the amplification stage (20) and f radiating elements (Si1 to Sif) of the network; f not necessarily being identical from one channel to another. 3/ Antenne selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le diviseur de puissance (15) comprend un ensemble de coupleurs hybrides (25) qui sont combinés entre eux pour former m sorties.3 / antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that the power divider (15) comprises a set of hybrid couplers (25) which are combined together to form m outputs. 4/ Antenne selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de contrôle (16) comprend un déphaseur réglable (17).4 / Antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device (16) comprises an adjustable phase shifter (17). 5/ Antenne selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'étage d'amplification (20) comprend un premier et un second coupleurs généralisés (21 et 22) disposés de part et d'autre de f amplificateurs (23) en parallèle, de telle façon qu'un signal appliqué à la première entrée ressorte amplifié sur la première sortie.5 / antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that the amplification stage (20) comprises a first and a second generalized couplers (21 and 22) arranged on either side of f amplifiers (23) in parallel, in such a way that a signal applied to the first input spring amplified on the first output. 6/ Antenne selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que le premier et le second coupleurs généralisés (21 et 22), sont respectivement formés d'une association de coupleurs hybrides (25), de telle façon que chaque entrée du premier coupleur (21) soit répartie sur tous les amplificateurs (23) et donc sur toutes les sorties des coupleurs hybrides du premier coupleur généralisé (21), le second coupleur généralisé (22) ayant une structure inverse de celle du premier.6 / antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and the second generalized couplers (21 and 22), are respectively formed of a combination of hybrid couplers (25), so that each input of the first coupler (21 ) is distributed over all the amplifiers (23) and therefore over all the outputs of the hybrid couplers of the first generalized coupler (21), the second generalized coupler (22) having a structure opposite to that of the first.
EP90119246A 1989-10-10 1990-10-08 Electronically scanned transmitting antenna Expired - Lifetime EP0422551B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8913188 1989-10-10
FR8913188A FR2652952B1 (en) 1989-10-10 1989-10-10 ELECTRONIC SCANNING ANTENNA.

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EP0422551A1 true EP0422551A1 (en) 1991-04-17
EP0422551B1 EP0422551B1 (en) 1994-08-10

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EP (1) EP0422551B1 (en)
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CA (1) CA2027183C (en)
DE (1) DE69011456T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2652952B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013172736A1 (en) * 2012-05-15 2013-11-21 Komrakov Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Universal device for transmitting radiation from a source to an object

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DE102014112926A1 (en) 2014-09-09 2016-03-10 Hochschule Für Technik Und Wirtschaft Des Saarlandes Precipitation sensor, in particular hail sensor, and method for detecting a precipitation particle

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FR2326055A1 (en) * 1975-09-29 1977-04-22 Trw Inc LOW SECONDARY LOBE ANTENNA NETWORK
FR2570883A1 (en) * 1984-09-25 1986-03-28 Nippon Telegraph & Telephone POWER AMPLIFICATION DEVICE
US4855751A (en) * 1987-04-22 1989-08-08 Trw Inc. High-efficiency multibeam antenna
EP0333166A1 (en) * 1988-03-18 1989-09-20 Alcatel Espace Electronically reconformable transmitting antenna
EP0340429A1 (en) * 1988-03-18 1989-11-08 Alcatel Espace Electronically scanned antenna

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JPH0746761B2 (en) * 1986-03-04 1995-05-17 国際電信電話株式会社 Array antenna feeding circuit
FR2638573B1 (en) * 1988-11-03 1991-06-14 Alcatel Espace ELECTRONIC SCANNING ANTENNA

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FR2326055A1 (en) * 1975-09-29 1977-04-22 Trw Inc LOW SECONDARY LOBE ANTENNA NETWORK
FR2570883A1 (en) * 1984-09-25 1986-03-28 Nippon Telegraph & Telephone POWER AMPLIFICATION DEVICE
US4855751A (en) * 1987-04-22 1989-08-08 Trw Inc. High-efficiency multibeam antenna
EP0333166A1 (en) * 1988-03-18 1989-09-20 Alcatel Espace Electronically reconformable transmitting antenna
EP0340429A1 (en) * 1988-03-18 1989-11-08 Alcatel Espace Electronically scanned antenna

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013172736A1 (en) * 2012-05-15 2013-11-21 Komrakov Evgeny Vyacheslavovich Universal device for transmitting radiation from a source to an object

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DE69011456D1 (en) 1994-09-15
CA2027183C (en) 1994-07-19
CA2027183A1 (en) 1991-04-11
JPH03135205A (en) 1991-06-10
DE69011456T2 (en) 1994-12-08
FR2652952B1 (en) 1992-01-24
FR2652952A1 (en) 1991-04-12
EP0422551B1 (en) 1994-08-10

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