EP1104587B1 - Wide band planar radiator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present radiator pertains to a planar array antenna for sending or receiving linear polarized waves, with two radiator levels each comprising radiator elements mounted in lines and columns, while the elements of each radiator level are coupled on a central point so as to be equal in phase and amplitude. Both radiator levels receive and transmit mutually perpendicular polarized waves, and each radiator element has shades (6) and a linear excitrated stripline (16, 161, 16a, 16b). Said striplines (16, 161, 16a 16b) are linked in pairs to the branch ends (15, 31) of the coupling networks (1, 2), and the striplines (16, 161, 16a 16b) of each pair are mounted on the axis or arranged in an axially parallel configuration; the free ends of both striplines (15, 161, 16a, 16b) are connected through at least one connection line (32, 33, 34, 36) to a brunch end (15, 31), and a 180° phase difference between both radiator elements (6,16) is obtained by using at least one connection line (32, 33, 34) of a stripline (16, 161, 16a, 16b).

Description

The invention relates to a planar antenna for receiving and Send linearly polarized waves, with two radiator planes arranged parallel to one another several each arranged in rows and columns Radiator elements, the radiator elements each Phase and radiator level each via a coupling network equal in amplitude to a central point are coupled, and the two radiator planes to each other receive or radiate orthogonally polarized waves.

The planar antenna is a radiator system for the directional receiving high frequency electromagnetic Radiation fields based on a planar Solution concept designed by means of the directed Information transmission routes, preferably for the Range of satellite-based data, audio and Video transmission, are operable. Here the Invention ostensibly on the conception of Single radiators and their network-side coupling.

The scope of the invention also includes stationary and mobile telephone or Information transfer based on the satellite-based communication and the Sector of terrestrial information transmission on the Basis of defined point-to-point connections. in this connection are in particular the area of satellite-based analog and digital signal transmission, preferably within the spectral range between 10.70 GHz and 12.75 GHz, as well as the area of terrestrial point-to-point transmission, preferably within the Spectral range between 10.00 GHz and 10.40 GHz, targeted application focus.

Currently known planar spotlight solutions for the Reception of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation fields are based on the electromagnetic excitation of Aperture fields with rectangular, square, circular or Romanesque bezel, whose electromagnetic supply by means of geometry strip conductor of defined dimensions.

The mutual arrangement of the stimulating stripline or excited apertures and the respective interpretation of the The combination of aperture contours determines the character Statistics of the electromagnetic radiation field that can be generated. The known arrangements are based on the Generation of circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation fields by means of diaphragm groups excited in phase, the individual panels each using a pair Stripline with dimensioned dimensions on the geometry side a mutual spatial and temporal displacement of 90 ° can be excited or linear on the generation polarized electromagnetic radiation fields by means of in-phase excited aperture groups, the individual Apertures each defined by means of a geometry dimensioned stripline, its geometric arrangement the direction of vibration of the electric field vector determined, done. Known solutions for the design of the Radiator elements are also based on use Geometrically defined dimensioned from one or several identical or different surface elements existing and galvanically or field-supported coupled Conductor surfaces with square, rectangular, circular or trapezoidal surface boundary, which for Excitation of the aperture fields result in the polarization is determined via the location of the signal coupling.

Any additional solutions used are based on the Configuration of surface resonators in microstrip or Coplanar technology with square, rectangular or circular area boundary. Here are both galvanic as well as field-supported versions of the Signal coupling known. Other known solutions are based on microstrip configurations in ring or Frame design with a resonant geometric ring or Frame length. The well-known solutions of the excitation networks in the case of group arrangement are based on the Parallel feeding of the radiator elements or on the Parallel feeding of series-fed spotlight subassemblies. Here, the execution of the coupling networks Microstrip, slot line, triplate or Coplanar techniques used.

The generation of two orthogonal polarizations is based according to the known state on the along the surface normal of the diaphragms or surface resonators of the radiator elements. Known planar directional emitter arrangements with high directivity are exclusively as narrowband or in the case of satellite-based Information transfer configured as single-band systems. The signal coupling or decoupling is known Way over a waveguide with a capacitive probe, where the waveguide geometry the propagation condition of the Maps field types of the highest cutoff wavelength.

EP 0 542 447 discloses a planar antenna in which two radiator elements arranged next to each other in phase opposition, i.e. are coupled out of phase by 180 °. The Making the phase difference is different by long leads to the radiator elements are generated, whereby the feed lines are designed as strip lines and are arranged around the radiator elements. Through this special arrangement is the necessary length of the Supply lines are disproportionately long, which is disadvantageous large losses due to the coupling network used as well electromagnetic coupling phenomena result.

A planar antenna is also from EP 0 123 350 known for the radiator elements in one plane in rows and columns are arranged to each other, the Radiator elements via a common coupling network are connected, the directions of vibration of the Radiator elements are in phase. This results in inevitably a relatively large distance between the Radiator elements to each other, which means the profit per Area unit of the antenna is disadvantageously reduced.

The aim of the invention is the configuration planar transmitter and receiver modules, by means of which directed both direct and transponder based Information transmission routes primarily within the framework of the mobile terrestrial telephone or

Information transmission sector as well as satellite-based Communication lines are conceivable.

The object of the present invention is therefore a To provide planar antenna, its geometric dimensions are as small as possible, the antenna being as possible spectral broadband with high area efficiency and is high directivity.

According to the invention, this task is accomplished by a planar antenna solved with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous features result from the features of subclaims.

The planar antenna according to the invention advantageously has a square one Fades open, one compared to round fades much higher broadband as well as a larger one Have polarization purity. Have square apertures however, the disadvantage of increased electromagnetic Coupling and mutual influence adjacent radiator elements. They also need square ones Dazzle a higher space requirement, which is disadvantageous to the realization of the dining network. This is due to the fact that only the aperture stimulating stripline of the coupling network in the Aperture space and not the coupling network, which the stimulating stripline with the Coupling point connects. As the optimum between electrical Broadband and necessary geometric space requirements is therefore a square aperture with rounded Corners used. Square or rectangular panels with other conceivable corner or side deformations also conceivable.

The excitation of the single radiator takes place via a Cover protruding ladder section. The ladder shape, the shape the edges of the bezels and the position of the conductor to the aperture determine the base impedance of the Radiator element "aperture line". The radiator elements are correct for impedance as well as amplitude and phase through a likewise planar feed or coupling network connected and to a common summation point (Coupling point). Usually this is a parallel supply between the individual radiators used. However, this is the case with single radiators with a square one Panel shape not due to the lack of space reasonably possible. Due to the need for one low-impedance single-reflector coupling with low impedance as well as necessary impedance transformations appropriate conductor widths, the practical implementation options largely exclude. At the state of the Technology must therefore have at least two feed lines between two bezels are running, which is significant leads to mechanical and electrical difficulties and make practical implementation practically impossible becomes.

This principal problem is discussed in the present Invention with a new serial feeding technology between solved two adjacent radiator elements. Through the serial feeding technology it is possible to the whole Mechanically simplified design of the feed network and at the same time the space problem when feeding square shutters. In addition, the electrical properties of the feed line considerably improved because none parallel between the panels running feed lines occur and therefore none electromagnetic coupling phenomena that the adversely affect overall functionality, may occur.

The diaphragms are supplied by line sections, which alternate in the level of electrical Polarization (E plane) are arranged. That’s all Radiator elements always aligned 180 ° in opposite directions and polarized. For in-phase feeding of all elements to ensure is by phase redirection between two adjacent apertures have a 180 ° phase difference generated. This feed also has the advantage that excited propagating parasitic waves caused by Asymmetries in the excitation of the aperture by the Triplate feed lines arise through the serial Power to be largely wiped out and its negative Influencing the electrical functioning is significantly reduced. The advantageous combination of square aperture with rounded corners and serial supply "leads to very good electrical Characteristic values with regard to the polarization purity, Isolation, the forward / reverse ratio as well as area efficiency.

The stimulating strip conductors serve to excite one determined both by the aperture geometry or contour, as well as the geometrical position and geometry of the stimulating stripline specified field or Vibration type within the aperture. This means that the formation of the resulting field or radiation type the aperture by the superimposition of the by the Arrangement and geometry of the stripline specified source or excitation conditions as well as by defined the aperture contour and geometry Propagation or existence condition is determined. about the targeted generation of a defined impedance profile within the aperture space by means of the arrangement and Dimensioning of the exciting strip conductor on the geometry side the polarization state of the Aperture field set so that in the case of the same Aperture contour both the orthogonal linear Polarizations as well as the orthogonal circular ones Polarizations are generated. Become complementary for the case of the same excitation elements, that is, the same stimulating stripline over the targeted Generation of defined dummy elements within the Aperture space by means of the contour and geometry side Dimensioning the aperture the training or existence conditions the orthogonal linear polarization as well also generated the orthogonal circular polarization. Using an additional polarizer, the linear Polarization converted to circular polarization become.

To the broadband of the single radiator and Maintaining the feed network is a broadband frequency Coupling between the common feed point of the antenna and the subsequent electronics (LNC) necessary. The Planar antenna according to the invention has one for this adapted, low-reflection and frequency broadband Transition from a coaxial line to a triplate line. The difficulty with this type of coupling consists in the realization of a high frequency Earth connection between the coaxial outer conductor (earth) and the two ground lines of a triplate line rear coupling. This problem was solved by the Solved using a hollow profile segment. Here is the good earth connection between the hollow profile segment, the aperture masks and the coaxial coupling in and out crucial. The trained "hollow profile" or "tunnel" is chosen so that the least possible reflection Decoupling the antenna signal power is possible. The outer shape of the hollow segment is for the electrical properties insignificant and is off Manufacturing aspects determined. So are arbitrary many mechanical hollow profile segment shapes possible.

Below is the subject of the invention and additional Embodiments thereof explained in more detail with reference to figures.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Schnittzeichnung durch die erfindungsgemäße Planarantenne;

Figur 2 und 3:

die Kopplungsnetzwerke der Planarantenne;

Figur 4:

eine leitfähige Schicht mit matrixförmig angeordneten Blenden;

Figur 5:

zwei benachbarte Blenden mit den sie anregenden Streifenleitern, welche mittensymmetrisch in den Blendenraum hineinragen;

Figur 6:

zwei benachbarte Blenden mit nicht mittensymmetrisch in den Blendenraum eingreifenden anregenden Streifenleitern;

Figur 7:

Überlagerung der beiden Kopplungsnetzwerke samt Darstellung der Blendenräume;

Figur 8 bis 10:

beispielhafte Blendenformen;

Figur 11 und 12:

Querschnittsdarstellung durch die Kopplungspunkte zwischen koaxialem Wellenleiter und Triplate-Netzwerk;

Figur 13: Figur 14:

Draufsicht auf einen Kopplungspunkt; einen Distanzring zur Bildung des Hohlprofilsegmentes;

Figur 15:

Führungsbuchse.

Show it:

Figure 1:

a perspective sectional drawing through the planar antenna according to the invention;

Figure 2 and 3:

the coupling networks of the planar antenna;

Figure 4:

a conductive layer with screens arranged in a matrix;

Figure 5:

two adjacent panels with the strip conductors that excite them, which protrude symmetrically into the aperture space;

Figure 6:

two adjacent diaphragms with stimulating strip conductors which do not engage in the center-symmetrically in the diaphragm space;

Figure 7:

Superimposition of the two coupling networks including representation of the aperture spaces;

Figure 8 to 10:

exemplary aperture shapes;

Figure 11 and 12:

Cross-sectional representation through the coupling points between coaxial waveguide and triplate network;

Figure 13: Figure 14:

Top view of a coupling point; a spacer ring to form the hollow profile segment;

Figure 15:

Guide bush.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective detail drawing from the planar antenna according to the invention, in which the three conductive layers parallel to each other (Aperture masks) 3, 4 and 5 to the coupling networks 1 and 2 and the base plate 12 are arranged. The panels 6 of the conductive layers 3, 4, 5 are one above the other arranged and together form the aperture spaces, which of those shown in Figures 2 and 3 Coupling networks and in particular through the strip-shaped stimulating strip conductors 16a and 16b be stimulated. The base plate 12 is in one Distance of approximately λ / 4 to the conductive layer 4 and serves for shielding in the direction of the base plate 12 radiated radiation and for reflection of this. The spaces between the conductive layers 3, 4 and 5 and the base plate 12 and the coupling networks 1 and 2 are by means of dielectric layers 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 filled in, the dielectric layers of Films or mats are made and between the individual layers are placed and positioned. The Conductive layers 3 and 4 form with their diaphragms 6 together with the coupling network 1 n x m radiator elements. The conductive layers 4 and 5 with their apertures 6 form together with the coupling network 2 also n x m radiator elements. As from Figures 2 and 3, all stimulating strip conductors 16a are shown and 16b via the coupling networks phase and amplitude-homogeneous to a central one Coupling point 17 or 22 within the network level coupled. Each coupling network consists of parent branches 13a 'or 13b', to the further branches 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b are connected. The last branch of the network before the stimulating stripline will be reached in hereinafter referred to as a branch. At this branch 15, 31 is as can be seen from FIG. 5 via a short connecting line 36 the first exciting strip line 16 is connected. On the branch 15, 31 is also a U-shaped connecting line 32, 33, 34 connected with one leg 32, wherein on the other leg 34 at right angles over one another short lead 35 the second stimulating Strip line 16 is connected. The two on the branch 15, 31 form connected stimulating stripline 16 together a group of two. The stripline 16a of the Coupling network 1, and the stripline 16b of the Coupling network 2, each on a line lie together form one line each Coupling network. The stripline, which is parallel are arranged to each other, each form a column. How shown in Figure 6, it is also possible that the one Stripline 16 'forming a group of two is not on one Line, but are arranged axially parallel to each other. As a result, the excitation or impedance of the planar antenna certainly.

The U-shaped connecting conductor 32, 33, 34 is in his geometric length and coupling profile side Arranged in such a way that in each case between the first and second, third and fourth, fifth and sixth etc. line aperture taking into account the mutual aperture coupling in the plane of electrical field vector of the state of phase opposition is produced.

The connecting cable used for the 180 ° phase shift 32, 33, 34 need not be U-shaped, but can have any other shape and form. The However, U-form has a lot of space Benefits.

The stimulating strip conductors 16a, 16b are each center symmetrical (Fig. 5) or center asymmetrical (Fig.6), preferably center symmetrical to each of the an edge 6b of the panels 6 arranged. The stripline 16a, 16b are perpendicular to each other. This gives the possibility of generating decoupled orthogonal linear polarization or the possibility of Generation of coupled and phase-shifted orthogonal polarization or circular polarization opposite direction of rotation of the field vector.

As can be seen from Figure 7, the individual are stimulating Strip lines 16a, 16b of the coupling networks 1 and 2 to one another arranged orthogonally so that by means of planar antenna according to the invention two mutually orthogonal polarized waves can be sent or received.

Figures 8 to 10 show different diaphragm borders. FIG. 8 shows a square diaphragm 6 straight edges 6b, which by means of circular arc segments 6c are connected. Figure 9 shows one also square aperture 6 ', the corners 6c' are beveled.

Another option using the bezel border below to vary the broadband nature of the planar antenna is shown in Figure 10. Here are the edges 6b '' are not straight, but circular, elliptical or hyperbolic inward.

The diaphragms 6 of the individual conductive layers 3, 4 and 5 are each arranged in such a way that the Intersections of their lines of symmetry lie one above the other. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the diaphragms 6 are one Level arranged at the same distance from each other. It is however, it is also possible not to fade in a layer arrange even distances from each other. Can too the diaphragms against each other in columns or rows be shifted.

The dielectric layers 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 can same or different susceptibility profiles exhibit. The individual layers can either be homogeneous or from more than one sub-layer with the same or unequal, preferably the same, layer height as well the same or different, preferably the same, dielectric susceptibility profiles can be configured. The coupling network is either strapless or by means of a low dielectric layer, preferably one low dielectric film with minimal dielectric Loss angle mechanically guided or stabilized. The Configuration of the coupling networks including stimulating Stripline is done using additive techniques or subtractive method, preferably subtractive Process, preferably using PTFE or PET compositions, Polyethylene compositions, poly-4-methylpentene or poly-4-methylhexene can be used as structural supports.

As can be seen from the figures, everyone has Coupling network 1 and 2 trunk branches 13a, 13b (FIGS. 2 and 3) and 51 (Fig. 13), each of which is one half of the Connect the coupling network to the coupling point. Between the trunk branches 51 is a straight line Stripline section 50 arranged, which is centered with the inner conductor 42 of a coaxial waveguide, which to connect the planar antenna with the downstream one low-noise converter (LNC), not shown, galvanically connected. The inner conductor 42, which passes through the conductor track 50 with this galvanically connected by means of a solder connection. The strip-shaped conductor section 50 is made of two Projections 43a of a spacer ring 43 in the same in each case Distance bordered. Connect the projections 43a and 43a ' the conductive layers 3 and 4 or 4 and 5 with one another, so that a hollow profile segment is created. This Hollow profile segment is preferably rectangular, but can also be circular or elliptical. The length of the Stripline 50 is determined in each case from the required impedance and line conditions. As in Figure 11 is shown on the base plate 12 Arranged outer conductor part 40, which with its one Projection 40a through the base plate in the direction of the low-noise converter be upheld. Optionally, this can Outer conductor part 40 may be screwed to the base plate 12. For this purpose, an external thread on the outer conductor part 40a Area of the base plate 12 necessary, which in turn a must have a corresponding internal thread. The The outer conductor 40 lies with its collar 40b on the Base plate 12 on. This collar 40b has a four or Hexagon shape so that it can be held using a wrench can work together. The collar 40b closes in Direction of the conductive layers 3, 4, 5 in particular cylindrical part 40c, which with its end face forms the bearing surface for the spacer ring 43. On another cylindrical projection 40d with a smaller one Diameter tapers to the collar forming projection 40c. This projection 40d is made by gripped the spacer ring 43 and continues to reach through the conductive layer 5 and closes with its surface cursed. The outer conductor part 40 forms together with the inner conductor 42 and that of non-conductive material existing socket 41 a coaxial waveguide Connection of the downstream low-noise converter. The the The base plate 12 has a projection 40a External thread for attaching the low-noise converter. The Thickness of the base plate 43b of the spacer ring 43 together with the length of the cylindrical part 40c and the length of the Collar 40b together corresponds to the distance between the Base plate and the conductive layer 5. Additional Spacers 45 hold the base plate 12 and conductive layer 5 at a distance. Using screws 47 the conductive layers 4 and 5 are pressed together or held. For this purpose, the conductive layers 4 and 5 corresponding bores or recesses 46, 30 available. Network level 2 also has a corresponding one Hole 24.

Figure 12 shows the coupling between coaxial Waveguide and the triplate waveguide of the network 1. For this purpose, the existing of conductive material connects Spacer ring 43 'the two conductive layers 3, 4 and also penetrates network level 1. Using spacers 45 'and associated screws 47' are the conductive layers 3 and 4 against each other pressurized. The conductive outer conductor part 40 ' connects the base plate 12 conductively with the spacer ring 43 ', so that the base plate 12 together with the conductive Layers 3, 4 are at the same potential. All Parts of Figure 12 correspond in function to those of Figure 11. Functionally identical parts are therefore with the same but deleted reference numerals.

Relevant dimensions of the planar antenna are shown below for the reception of waves in the frequency range between 10 GHz and 13 GHz listed.

The distance between the base plate 12 and the conductive layer 5 is 4 mm and is set by the spacer bushes 45 and the guide bushes 54 according to FIG. 15 and the outer conductor 40 together with the spacer ring 43. The space between the base plate 12 and the conductive layer 5 is filled with a foam mat, the ε _{r of which is} approximately equal to 1. A polyethylene foam film with a thickness of 1 mm is located between a conductive layer 3, 4, 5 and the respective adjacent coupling network 1 or 2. The conductive layers consist of aluminum sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm. Between the conductive layers 3, 4, 5 there is a coupling network 1 or 2, which is arranged on an optional glass fiber reinforced PTFE film (TLY) or PET film, the relative dielectric constant of 2.2 and the thickness of 127 µm ,

The spacer ring 43 has an outer diameter of 12 mm. The inner diameter of the axial bore 43c has one Diameter of 5 mm. The groove 43d has a width of 6 mm. The width of the trunk branches 51 according to FIG. 13 is 2.1 mm, the width of the stripline 50 is 1.2 mm. in the Area of galvanic solder connection between inner conductor 42 and stripline 50, the stripline 50 is thickened executed, in particular by means of circular segment sections, whose radius is 0.85 mm. The height of the base plate 43b the spacer ring 43 is 2 mm. The height of the protrusions 43a is 2.625 mm. The panels have a width and a length of 16 mm each. The corners are rounded the rounding being a segment of a circle with a radius of 5 mm corresponds. The centers of the panels 6 are each 21.5 mm apart.

The exciting strip conductors 16a for the horizontal plane have a length of 6 mm and a width of 1.5 mm. The Distance between the two legs of the U-shaped connecting conductor 33 is 2.3 mm. The radius of the circular section is 1.15 mm. The distance from the edge 6b of an aperture to Center line of the nearest leg 32, 34 is 1.6 mm. The length of the branch 31a is 5 mm. The geometry distinguishes the radiation elements for the vertical plane differ only slightly from that of the radiator elements of the Horizontal plane. The aperture shape is the same. Also amounts to the length of the stimulating strip line 16b 6 mm. The However, the width of the stimulating stripline 16b is 1 mm.

It goes without saying that the above Size information only for a specific frequency band and for appropriately selected materials are valid. ever according to the required frequency spectrum of the planar antenna the geometries are chosen differently.

Reference numerals:

1.2

Coupling networks with stimulating striplines

3,4,5

conductive layers with a matrix arranged panels 6

6,6 ', 6' '

dazzle

6a

Space between the panels

6b, 6b ', 6b' '

Edges of the bezel

6c, 6c '

rounded or beveled corners of the cover

7,8,9,10,11

Dielectric layers

12

baseplate

13a, 14a, 13b, 14b

Branches of the coupling network

13a ', 13b', 50

Trunk branch, galvanic with inner conductor connected

15,15a, 15b, 31,31a, 31b

Branch on which the stimulating stripline 16, 16 ', 16a, 16b

16.16 ' 16a, 16b

stimulating stripline

17.22

Coupling point; galvanic connection point between inner conductor and trunk branch

18.24

Bores / recess for screws 47.47 '

19a, 19b, 25

Bores for guide bush 54

20,23

Cutouts for the coupling network through projections 43a, 43a 'of the spacer ring 43.43 '

21

Recess for the outer conductor part 40 '

26

Bore for the cylindrical part 40c 'of Outer conductor part 40 '

27

Bores for the spacers 45 '

28

Bore for the cylindrical part 40d of the Outer conductor part 40

29

Hole for the coupling network 2 penetrating projections 43a of the Spacer rings 43

30

drilling

32.34

Leg of the U-shaped connecting line

33,33a, 33b

U-shaped connection line

35.36

short connection lines to the stimulating striplines

40.40 '

Outer conductor part

40a, 40a '

part through the base plate 12

40b, 40b '

Plan part against the base plate 12 of the outer conductor part

40c, 40c '

The collar forming part on which the spacer ring 43.43 'is present

40d, 40d '

Another collar of the outer conductor, which by the conductive layer engages and with this plan completes

40e, 40e '

External thread for fastening coaxial Waveguides or a low-noise converter

41.41 '

Insulation bushing between inner conductor 42.42 ' and outer conductor 40.40 '

42.42 '

inner conductor

43.43 '

spacer

43a, 43a '

The conductive layer and that Coupling network through projections; Form the side walls of the groove 43d

43b

Base plate of the spacer ring 43

43c

Axial bore

43d

Groove forming the hollow profile segment

44.44 '

Solder connection between inner conductor 42, 42 'and Root branch of the coupling network

45.45 '

Spacer, especially rivet bushing conductive or non-conductive material

45a, 45a '

Section driven into the base plate of the spacer 45.45 '

45b, 45b '

Inner thread of the spacer 45.45 '

46.46 '

Hole or recess for the Penetrating conductive screw 47.47 '

47.47 '

Screw, made of conductive or non-conductive material

47a, 47a '

External thread of screw 47

47b, 47b '

Head of the screw 47

48.48 '

spacer

50

straight strip-shaped conductor; center symmetrical to the edges of the through the Projections 43a formed groove 43d of the Spacer rings 43

51

Root branches of the coupling network

54

guide bush

55

Section of the guide bush with enlarged Diameter for setting the distance between base plate and conductive layer 5

56

Blind hole with internal thread

58

Contact surface on base plate 12

59

Contact surface on conductive layer 5

Claims (26)

1. A planar antenna for receiving and transmitting linearly polarised waves, comprising at least one radiator plane having a plurality of radiator elements arranged in rows and columns, the radiator elements of each radiator plane being coupled in-phase and at the same amplitude to a central point via a coupling network in each case, each radiator element having slots (6) and a rectilinear exciting stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) and the exciting striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) being connected in groups of two to the ends of the stems (15, 31) of the coupling networks (1, 2), the striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) of each group of two being arranged on one axis or axially parallel to one another, the facing ends of the two striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) being connected via at least one connecting line (32, 33, 34, 35, 36) to one end of a stem (15, 31) and a phase difference of 180 degrees being generated between the two radiator elements (6, 16) by means of at least one connecting line (32, 33, 34) of a stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b), characterised in that the longer of the two connecting lines is U-shaped with two parallel legs (32, 34), the end of one leg (32) being connected to the stem (15, 31) of the coupling network (1, 2) and a short stripline (35) being connected at right angles to the end of the other leg (34), to which short stripline (35) the exciting stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) is connected, the U-shaped connecting line being arranged between the two radiator elements (6, 16).
2. Planar antenna according to Claim 1, characterised in that the connecting lines have a difference in length corresponding to half a wavelength.
3. Planar antenna according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a conductive layer (3, 4, 5) with slots (6) is arranged plane-parallel to and at a particular distance from each coupling network (1, 2), the slots (6) each being arranged over a stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b).
4. Planar antenna according to Claim 3, characterised in that at least one dielectric layer (7, 8, 9, 10) is arranged in each case between the conductive layers (3, 4, 5) and the coupling networks (1, 2), the thickness of which dielectric layer (7, 8, 9, 10) determines the distance between the respective conductive layer (3, 4, 5) and the respective coupling network (1, 2).
5. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling network (1, 2) and the exciting striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) are applied to an, in particular glass-fibre-reinforced, PTFE or PET film.
6. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the exciting striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) of a row are arranged on a line or axially parallel to one another, said striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) being connected alternately by their first and their second narrow end face to the coupling network (1, 2).
7. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the waveguides of the planar antenna are configured in triplate technology.
8. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each coupling network (1, 2) has an input point and an output point (17, 22), the coupling points (17, 22) taking the form of waveguide junctions between the triplate technology and the coaxial input and output.
9. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the slots (6) are rectangular, in particular square, with or without rounded or chamfered corners (6c, 6c'), the radius of the rounded corners or the degree of chamfer determining, among other characteristics, the frequency bandwidth and the input impedance.
10. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contour of the slots (6) has a number n of straight sides (6b, 6b', 6b'') connected together by arcs.
11. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the boundaries of the slots (6) are composed of a number n of circular, elliptical or hyperbolic segments.
12. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an exciting stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) projects in each case into the slot space, the stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) being arranged perpendicularly to the boundary side beyond which it projects into the slot space.
13. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the exciting striplines (16, 16', 16a, 16b) of two slots (6) arranged adjacently in a row are arranged to lead into the slot space, starting alternately from the respective opposite edges (6b, 6b', 6b'').
14. Planar antenna according to Claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the rectilinear stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) inside the slot space is formed from a plurality of rectilinear stripline sections having the same or different lengths and having the same or different widths.
15. Planar antenna according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the stripline composed of sections is formed by conductor sections coupled galvanically or by means of a gap having a defined width.
16. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the exciting stripline (16, 16', 16a, 16b) is arranged to have central symmetry or to be offset with respect to the boundary side of the associated slot space.
17. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central coupling point (17, 22) is so configured that the inner conductor (42, 42') of a coaxial waveguide by means of which the signals are input and output from the planar antenna to the low-noise converter (LNC) is galvanically connected to the stripline section of the coupling network (1, 2) which forms the trunk branch (51), the stripline section (51) in the area of the galvanic connection to the inner conductor (42, 42') leading rectilinearly and centre-symmetrically through a conductively bordered, profiled hollow profile segment.
18. Planar antenna according to Claim 17, characterised in that the hollow profile segment is formed by a conductive connection between the conductive layers having the slots (6) enclosing the coupling network (1, 2) and these conductive layers themselves with.
19. Planar antenna according to Claim 18, characterised in that a spacer ring (43, 43') forming the hollow profile segment conductively connects together the two conductive layers (3, 4; 4, 5) by means of projections (43a, 43a') of defined length formed on its first flat side, and the spacer ring (43, 43') is supported with its second flat side on a collar (40c, 40c') of the part (40, 40') forming the outer conductor of the coaxial waveguide, the projections (43a, 43a') passing through one conductive layer (4, 5) and the coupling network (1, 2) and abutting the other conductive layer (3, 4).
20. Planar antenna according to Claim 19, characterised in that the spacer ring (43, 43') surrounds a cylindrical projection (40d, 40d') adjoining the collar (40c, 40c') of the outer conductor (40, 40') and the cylindrical projection (40d, 40d') passes through a conductive layer (4, 5) and ends flush with the surface thereof.
21. Planar antenna according to either of claims 19 or 20, characterised in that the spacer ring (43, 43) is a disc with an axial bore (43c), in the one flat face of which is located centre-symmetrically a groove (43d) the depth of which corresponds to the length addition of the thickness of the one conductive layer (4, 5) and the distance between the two conductive layers (3, 4; 4, 5).
22. Planar antenna according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that the part (40, 40') forming the outer conductor has a further collar (40b, 40b') which abuts a conductive baseplate (12).
23. Planar antenna according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that the part (40, 40') forming the outer conductor has an axial bore in which is inserted a nonconductive sleeve (41, 41') of, in particular, PTFE in which the inner conductor (42, 42') is arranged, the end face of the sleeve abutting the underside of the coupling network (1, 2).
24. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the baseplate (12) and the conductive layers (3, 4, 5) having the slots (6) are held at a distance apart by means of, in particular, conductive spacers, in particular rivet bushes, driven into the baseplate (12), the spacers (45, 45') having an internal thread (45b, 45b') in which engage screws (47, 47'), a conductive layer (3, 4) being pressure-loaded against the spacer ring (43, 43') by means of the heads of the screws (47, 47').
25. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the planar antenna has two radiator planes arranged to be plane-parallel to one another, and the two radiator planes receive or radiate waves polarised orthogonally to one another.
26. Planar antenna according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that circular polarisation can be received or transmitted by means of a polariser arranged above the planar antenna in the radiation space.

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