EP1082781B1 - Antenna array with several vertically superposed primary radiator modules - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an antenna array with several primary radiator modules arranged vertically one above the other according to the preamble of claim 1.

Antenna arrays with vertically stacked primary radiators are known as such. In the case of dual Polarized antennas can stack these arranged primary radiator two orthogonal polarizations radiate or receive. Furthermore, these can Primary radiators, which are arranged in an array, also be referred to as primary radiator modules. such For example, modules can consist of simple dipoles, Slots, planar emitter elements or so-called patch emitters consist, for example, of EP 0 685 900 A1 or from the previous publication "antennas, 2. Part, Bibliographical Institute, Manheim / Vienna / Zurich, 1970, pp. 47 to 50 "are known. For the dipole arrangements dipoles arranged in a cross shape are preferred or double dipole arrangements, which in plan view have a square structure (dipole square) used.

Dual polarized antennas are also, for example known from WO 98/01923.

In the mentioned prior art Primary emitter modules with the same radiation characteristics combined into arrays. In contrast, the interconnection of antennas with different radiation characteristics used to different areas supply. Here the disadvantage is consciously accepted, that in the overlap area of both radiation patterns there is an undefined phase position, which alternately for cancellation or additive overlay leads. The resulting radiation diagram in The overlap area is not known.

Finally, multi-range antennas are also known which different primary radiators for different frequency ranges be interconnected with the aim of Frequency range extension of the antenna. Here, however, works each radiator at a different frequency.

Finally, the interconnection is different Primary emitters with continuous Size expansion for the purpose of expanding the frequency range (for example logarithmic antennas or leaky wave antennas) known.

In the mobile radio sector in particular, it is a requirement to design and adjust the antennas so that you Radiation diagram of a desired predetermined half-value width equivalent. The setting of the horizontal Half-width of linear, vertically stacked arrays, which is the typical design of such base station antennas correspond to for mobile communications according to the known means and measures the choice of the half-value width of the primary radiators and by the corresponding coordination with the reflector. in this connection become primary emitters with the same design used.

A disadvantage of the previously known designs is that there is an undefined phase position of the primary radiators and also a defined interconnection of different ones Primary emitters to arrays for the purpose of the defined Influencing the radiation characteristics is not known from this difficulty.

Based on the last-mentioned state of the art is therefore the object of the invention, a To create antenna array, which is at least two vertical superimposed primary radiator modules comprises, and in which one with comparatively simple means improved realization of a desired horizontal Half-width of the antenna array is possible.

The task is according to the invention in accordance with the claim 1 or 2 specified features solved. advantageous Embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims specified.

It must be described as extremely surprising that it is possible by the solution according to the invention, by corresponding Selection of different primary radiator modules a tuning of the half-width of such an antenna array make. It should also be emphasized that an interconnection with a defined phase position possible by appropriate design of the dining network is.

It is also surprising that the combination according to the invention the modules for optimizing the vertical diagram, for example for the targeted reduction of the side lobes, can be applied. According to the invention this is thereby allowing the at least two used Primary emitter modules different horizontal and have vertical half-widths. By interconnection of these at least two different primary radiator modules becomes a linear, vertically stacked array the setting of the horizontal half width of the whole antenna allows.

The antennas according to the invention can be used using Primary radiator modules are constructed from double dipoles and single dipoles exist.

The invention is the same for dual polarized antennas applicable, for example with a +/- 45 ° polarization orientation work (so-called X-arrays).

For example, a combination of three single dipoles with a typical half width of 90 ° and three Double dipoles with a typical half-value width of 65 ° arranged vertically one above the other according to the invention (in other words, a so-called linear, vertically stacked antenna array assembled), see above this results in a horizontal half-width of approx. 75 °.

In the case of dual polarized antennas, for example +/- 45 ° polarization alignment can be achieved by such Combination of cross dipoles (horizontal full width at half maximum of, for example, approx. 85 °) and dipole squares (With a horizontal half-width of, for example approx. 65 °) a resulting horizontal half-width of approx. 75 ° can be generated and used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the different groups of primary radiator modules significantly different horizontal half-widths on that is more than 5 °, especially more differ from each other as 10 °, 15 ° or 20 °.

But it is also possible that the inventive Antenna arrays using primary radiators in Shape of patch spots with significantly different Half-width are formed.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary radiators can of the invention consist of dual polarized radiators. The primary radiators can consist of dipole squares and Cross dipoles be formed.

The antenna according to the invention can be used for sending or receiving used in various frequency ranges become. Such is usually the case in the mobile radio sector Antenna in a frequency band from 1.71 to 1.90 GHz operated, i.e. at a center frequency of approx. 1.80 GHz.

Figur 1 :

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Antennenarrays;

Figur 2 :

eine Seitenansicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3 :

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines abgewandelten erfindungsgemäßen Antennenarrays in Form von Linearstrahlern;

Figur 4 :

eine Seitenansicht des Ausführungsbeispieles gemäß Figur 3; und

Figur 5 :

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Antennenarrays in Form eines Patchstrahlers.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments. The individual shows:

Figure 1:

a schematic perspective view of an antenna array according to the invention;

Figure 2:

a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3:

a schematic perspective view of a modified antenna array according to the invention in the form of linear radiators;

Figure 4:

a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3; and

Figure 5:

is a schematic perspective view of an antenna array according to the invention in the form of a patch radiator.

In Figures 1 and 2 is a schematic perspective Top view or in a horizontal side view first embodiment of an antenna array according to the invention with several vertically one above the other Shown primary radiator modules, this antenna array subsequently also partially as a linear, vertically bushed Antenna array is called.

This antenna array thus comprises radiator modules 1 and 3, which in front of a, in the embodiment shown, rectangular Shaped reflector 5 are arranged, with its larger longitudinal extent aligned in the vertical direction is.

The reflector is conductive. On the back of the reflector there may be a dining network over which the first as well as the second radiator module electrically connected are. As a rule, this is a common one Feed network provided, about which the first and second Group of radiator modules 1, 3 with a defined power and phase for shaping the vertical radiation characteristic be fed. Here takes over the dining network also the compensation regarding the different phase of the different Primary radiator modules. The first radiator module 1 exists thereby from several dipoles 1a, namely in the exemplary embodiment shown of four dipoles 1a, which in the manner of a Dipole squares are arranged. The dipoles 1a are over a so-called symmetry 7 with respect to the reflector or a circuit board located behind it mechanically and electrically via the mentioned food network contacted, so fed.

Both those belonging to the first and the second group Primary radiator modules, i.e. radiator modules 1 and 3, are designed so that the length of the dipole elements in is approximately the same and on the desired frequency range is coordinated. Due to the orthogonal orientation of the Dipole elements 1a (for the first radiator module 1) or 3a (for the second radiator module 3, what follows is a dual polarized in a known manner Antenna (also called X-polarized antenna for short) created, in which the dipoles 1a and 3a each in an angle of + 45 ° and -45 ° to the vertical (or equally with respect to the horizontal) are.

The reflector plate itself points in the horizontal direction of radiation one each, in the exemplary embodiment shown perpendicular to the plane of the reflector plate 5 in a certain height-increasing reflector edge 6, whereby the radiation diagram in an advantageous manner can be influenced.

Staggered between those formed like a dipole square Radiator modules 1 are now radiator modules 3. These second radiator modules 3 are shown in the Embodiment not as dipole squares, but formed in the shape of a cross dipole. The two orthogonal Dipoles 3a standing on top of each other are also again, like the symmetry 9 assigned to them the reflector or a circuit board behind it mechanically supported and electrically powered.

The vertical distance between two neighboring radiator modules 1 and 3 always corresponds to half the distance between two radiator modules 1 or two radiator modules 3. With in other words, there is always a radiator module in one group in the middle between the vertical distance between two radiator modules the other group.

Both groups of radiator modules 1 and 3 are marked by a common dining network with a defined performance and phase for shaping the vertical radiation characteristic fed. In other words, both radiator modules operated in the same frequency range. at Use of dipole elements, for example in the form of Cross dipoles, dipole squares, etc., thus have the dipoles as usual about the same length.

As can be seen in particular from the side view Figure 2 shows, the individual dipole elements 1a, 3a are not at the same common height. Prefers is the distance between the plane of the reflector 5 and the level of dipoles 1a and 3a no more than one Wavelength and not less than 1/20 of the wavelength. Particularly favorable areas arise when the Distance between the reflector 5 and the plane of the dipole elements 1a, 3a not more than 40% of the wavelength, preferably is not more than 30% of the wavelength.

The wavelength is the operating wavelength, based on the operating frequency or the frequency band range the antenna in which it is operated becomes. In the embodiment shown, the antenna operated in a range from 1.71 GHz to about 1.90 GHz will have a center frequency of approximately 1.80 GHz. Such antennas are used in the mobile radio sector used. There are favorable lower limit values for the distance in question between the dipoles and the level of the reflector values that are 10% or more, in particular 20% or 1/4 of the wavelength (operating wavelength) should be. The dipoles 1a do not have to the same distance from the reflector 5 as the dipoles 3a are located, as can also be seen in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 also apparent that the symmetries carrying the dipoles 7 for example for the dipole square, but how also the symmetrizations 9 carrying the dipoles 3a for the second group of primary radiator modules not vertical to the reflector level, but run obliquely to this can. This is precisely the reason for the distance between the dipole elements to the level of the reflector 5 less than 1/4 of the Wavelength, for example less than 0.2 of the wavelength be. However, other mounts can also be used be provided for the dipoles that are not simultaneously have to work for the symmetries.

In the exemplary embodiment shown there is therefore the linear vertically stacked antenna array of two pairs each of antenna modules 1 and 3, the antenna modules 1 from dipole squares and the antenna modules 3 from cross dipoles are formed.

In the embodiment shown, a dual polarized Antenna with, for example, +/- 45 ° polarization alignment leads the combination of the radiator modules 1 in Form of cross dipoles with a horizontal half-width of, for example, approx. 85 ° with the radiator modules 3 in the form of the dipole squares mentioned with a horizontal Half-width of about 65 ° to a resulting horizontal half-width of the entire dual polarized 75 ° antenna.

The following is a modified embodiment 3 and 4, in which the first and second group of radiator modules not from +/- 45 ° dual polarized primary radiator modules 1, 3, but consists of linearly polarized radiator modules 1, 3.

The radiator modules 1 consist of vertical ones Directional dipoles 1a that are horizontal arranged side by side with double offset are.

Between two double, single polarized so formed Primary radiator modules 1 are in between each arranged linearly polarized radiator modules 3, each consisting of a vertically aligned dipole 3a exist.

Furthermore, the symmetrizations 7 are also shown in FIG. 3 for the radiator modules 1 and the symmetrizations 9 for the Radiator modules 3 can be seen.

Using this exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 it can also be seen that the structure of the antenna is symmetrical to a horizontal plane, i.e. the Number of radiator modules 3 is odd (in this Embodiment consisting of three modules), whereas the radiator modules 1 at intervals between them only occur twice.

Based on the embodiment of Figure 5 is a Modification shown for patch heaters, which also again are fixed via appropriate brackets 7 and 9.

The radiator modules 1 consist of doubly provided and arranged horizontally next to each other with a lateral offset Patch spotlights, whereas the second group belonging patch heaters are only provided. Also otherwise the structure of the antenna array thus formed comparable to the previous exemplary embodiments, being the distance between the plane of the reflector 5 and the level of the patch radiator elements as is known is less.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments, can either the same number of primary radiator modules 1 of the first Type and primary radiator modules 3 of the second type are provided , or this number can preferably be distinguish one, creating a symmetrical antenna structure is also formed to a horizontal plane.

Claims (12)

1. Antenna array comprising at least two radiator modules or radiators (1, 3) arranged vertically one above the other, which are located in front of a reflector (5) and are fed by a preferably common feed network with a defined power and phase, characterized by the following features

   at least one first primary radiator module or one first radiator (1) of a first type and at least one second primary radiator module or one second radiator (3) of a second type are provided, which are arranged at a distance vertically one above the other,

   the at least one or the plurality of primary radiator module or modules or the at least one first radiator (1) of the first type has or have a different horizontal half-value width to the at least one or the plurality of primary radiator module or modules or the at least one second radiator (3) of the second type, as a result of which the overall antenna can have an overall horizontal half-value width which is different to this, and

   the at least one or the plurality of primary radiator module or modules or the at least one first radiator (1) of the first type has or have a different physical design to the at least one or the plurality of primary radiator module or modules or the at least one second radiator (3) of the second type.
2. Antenna array with at least a first and at least a second radiator (1, 3) which are arranged vertically one above the other in front of a reflector (5) and emit in the same direction, characterized by the following features

   the first radiator (1) has a different design to the second radiator (3),

   the first radiator (1) has a different horizontal half-value width to the second radiator (3), and

   when the first radiator (1) and the second radiator (3) are being operated together, they form an overall half-value width which is different to both the half-value width of the first radiator (1) and to the half-value width of the second radiator (3) when being operated on their own.
3. Antenna array according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the half-value widths of the primary radiator modules or of the first and second radiators (1, 3) differ from one another by at least 10°, preferably by at least 20°, 25° or 30°.
4. Antenna array according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a plurality of first primary radiator modules or first radiators (1) and a plurality of second primary radiator modules or second radiators (3) are provided, which are arranged alternately vertically one above the other.
5. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one first primary radiator module or the at least one first radiator (1) and the at least one second primary radiator module or the at least one second radiator (3) are linear polarized antennas.
6. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one first primary radiator module or the at least one first radiator (1) is or are composed of double dipoles, and the at least one second primary radiator module or the at least one second radiator (3) is or are composed of single dipoles.
7. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one first and the at least one second primary radiator module and the at least one first and the at least one second radiator (1, 3) comprise dual-polarized antennas.
8. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the case of a dual-polarized antenna module, the first primary radiator modules or first radiators (1) comprise dipole squares (1a), and the second primary radiator modules or the second radiators (3) comprise cross-dipoles (3a).
9. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first and second primary radiator modules or first and second radiators (1, 3) comprise patch radiators.
10. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first primary radiator modules or radiators (1) comprise dipoles (1a, 3a), and the second primary radiator modules or radiators (3) comprise patch radiators.
11. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the antenna array comprises a combination of radiators, which have more than two different types, whose designs differ.
12. Antenna array according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the number of first primary radiator modules or radiators (1) is even, and the number of second primary radiator modules or radiators (3) is odd, or vice versa.

Images