EP1263080B1 - Slot antenna for airplane - Google Patents

Slot antenna for airplane Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1263080B1
EP1263080B1 EP02291271A EP02291271A EP1263080B1 EP 1263080 B1 EP1263080 B1 EP 1263080B1 EP 02291271 A EP02291271 A EP 02291271A EP 02291271 A EP02291271 A EP 02291271A EP 1263080 B1 EP1263080 B1 EP 1263080B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
aircraft
antenna according
cavity
exciting element
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP02291271A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1263080A1 (en
EP1263080B8 (en
Inventor
René Ceccom
Claude Pichavant
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Airbus Operations SAS
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Airbus Operations SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1263080A1 publication Critical patent/EP1263080A1/en
Publication of EP1263080B1 publication Critical patent/EP1263080B1/en
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Publication of EP1263080B8 publication Critical patent/EP1263080B8/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/28—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
    • H01Q1/286—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons substantially flush mounted with the skin of the craft
    • H01Q1/287—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons substantially flush mounted with the skin of the craft integrated in a wing or a stabiliser
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
    • H01Q13/10—Resonant slot antennas

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a radiofrequency transmission / reception antenna consisting of a removable exciter element, integrated in a fixed or mobile structure, for example an aircraft, radiating all or part of the structural element in which it is integrated, and a plane using such an antenna.
  • the antenna of the invention integrated in the structure of an aircraft. But it could also be integrated into any other type of vehicle.
  • a dipole antenna which is used in particular for radiofrequency reception on board an aircraft, requires a large surface area plane and an antenna of sufficient length with respect to the radio frequencies considered.
  • the antennas are protected: the radiating part is sheltered by a radome consisting, among other things, of a material transparent for electromagnetic waves. Such protection must be contoured so as to disturb the aerodynamic performance as little as possible.
  • the electromagnetic decoupling values between the different antennas which must comply with the requirements of the standards (ARINC in particular), result in physical distance constraints between the antennas working in the same frequency bands.
  • a US patent, US 6,047,925 thus describes a narrow band UHF antenna integrated in the landing hatch of an aircraft. By its installation principle, it is necessary, after each disassembly of the antenna, to redo the agreement of the latter. Such an intervention, if it must be performed during a stopover of an aircraft operated by an airline, is very penalizing (extra cost, immobilization of the aircraft, very specialized tools, etc.).
  • a request of French patent, FR 1 091 358 describes another type of antenna integrated in the structure of an airplane.
  • This antenna is a broadband slot antenna, whose dimensions are relatively large. It must therefore be part of a structural element of the plane of dimensions adapted (drift, etc.), without being dissociated from it.
  • the removal or replacement of such an antenna requires disassembly, and possibly replacement, of the structural element considered.
  • the maintenance costs are high and the immobilization times of the aircraft are important.
  • the present invention relates to an antenna composed of an excitation element that can be easily integrated in a structural element constituting the radiating part of the antenna, without disturbing the aerodynamic performance of the assembly, said excitation element being able to be removed from this structural element without the need to replace it.
  • This structural element may in particular be a part of a construction (for example of a building) or of a vehicle (for example an airplane).
  • the exciter element and the cover are made of fiberglass.
  • the material that fills the exciter element is a resin or cast thermoplastic material.
  • the stub is copper coated on the surface with a silver layer.
  • the cover is attached to the exciter element by means of non-magnetic screws.
  • the exciter element has a form adapted to be fixed in a cut made in a structural element of a building or a vehicle, for example an airplane.
  • the present invention according to claims 8-9 also relates to an aircraft of which at least one of the wing end elements comprises a notch-shaped cavity in which is disposed an exciter element as described above.
  • the figure 1 illustrates the antenna of the invention.
  • the figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the antenna of the invention.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 illustrate the location of the aircraft structure where the antenna of the invention can advantageously be integrated.
  • the figure 5 illustrates a response curve of the TOS as a function of the frequency of the antenna of the invention.
  • This exciter element 10 can be fixed, as equipment, in a cut made in the structure of a construction or a vehicle, for example an aircraft, the dimensions of this notch determining the bandwidth of the antenna.
  • the assembly composed of the exciter element integrated in the structural element thus forms a narrowband slot antenna.
  • the exciter element is housed in the "slot" part of this slot antenna.
  • the radiation of the antenna is provided by the structural element 8 which accommodates the exciter element 10.
  • This structural element must be made of a sufficiently conductive material at the frequencies used, for example aluminum, and of sufficient dimensions ( at least a quarter of the wavelength in the direction of polarization of the electromagnetic wave).
  • the standing wave ratio is less than 2 in the frequency band in which the antenna is used.
  • the dimensions of the antenna depend on the desired frequency band: when decreasing the frequency (for example in HF) the dimensions increase and the frequency limits depend on the possibilities of integration into the structure. When increasing the frequency (for example in UHF) the dimensions decrease. However, we can not climb too high frequency because of the technological constraints of making the cavity.
  • the minimum frequencies that can be transmitted are imposed by the structural element 8 in which it is desired to integrate said exciter element 10.
  • This structural element must have at least one part whose length, in the desired polarization direction, is greater than or equal to at a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to this minimum frequency.
  • the minimum dimension, in the direction of polarization, is equal to a quarter of the wavelength, that is to say c / 4.f, where c is the speed of light (3.10 ⁇ 8 m / s) and f the frequency in Hertz. If the desired polarization is vertical, this minimum dimension is the height H represented on the figure 1 .
  • the maximum frequencies that can be transmitted by such an antenna are estimated at around 5 GHz in the industrial field. This corresponds to a slot of 17 mm in length and 3 mm in height. Such a limitation in frequency comes from the difficulty of industrial production of a cavity of dimensions smaller than these. Such an antenna thus makes it possible to cover the UHF band.
  • the invention can then be applied to the HF, VHF and UHF bands.
  • the exciter element of the invention is integrated in a cavity 20 in one of the end elements 21 of the wings 22 of an aircraft 23 ("wing tip fence” on “winglet”, or wing end fins) .
  • such a cavity 20 may be located in the trailing edge of such an element.
  • Such a location makes it possible to modify as little as possible the reinforcements enabling said end elements of the wings to withstand the aerodynamic forces during the flight of the aircraft. But other locations are also possible.
  • the coaxial power cable of the stub is connected inside these elements, via a connector, to a coaxial cable connected to the transmitter / receiver.
  • This coaxial cable travels along the wing of the aircraft, inside it.
  • the radiation of the antenna is provided by the corresponding end element.
  • This implementation of the antenna makes it possible to respect the radio decoupling with the other radio communication and navigation antennas using the same frequency band since the said elements are situated at the end of the wings, at a sufficient distance from the said other antennas.
  • such an implantation makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory upward and downward radiation pattern because, at the end of the wings, the structure of the aircraft do not interfere with wave propagation up and down.
  • the antenna made by integrating the exciter element 10 in the cavity 20 formed in one of the end elements 21 of the wings 22 of an aircraft 23 has a TOS (Stationary Wave Ratio) less than or equal to 2 on the Civil VHF band (108-137 MHz) in which it is used with a direction of vertical polarization of the electromagnetic wave.
  • TOS tationary Wave Ratio
  • the antenna of the invention has been described in the particular case of its integration into an airplane. But it can equally well be integrated on any type of vehicle (boat, automobile, etc.) having a structural element of adequate dimensions relative to the wavelengths considered, both to ensure the function of radiating element and to be able to make a notch of adequate size to insert the exciter element, and whose material is sufficiently conductive to the operating frequencies of the antenna.

Abstract

The aerial includes a dielectric support (11) and a conducting lamella (12) forming the radiating element. A coaxial cable (14) feeds the aerial assembly, passing through the wall of the support (11). The support has a cover attached, forming a part of the outside surface of the aircraft. The aerial assembly includes a support (11) made of dielectric material which is transparent to radiofrequency signals - this may, for example, be glass fibre filled with a further radiofrequency transparent material such as a resin or thermoplastic material. A conducting lamella (12) made of copper and coated with silver in order to improve surface conductivity at the required frequency is accommodated inside the support, enabling the tuning and matching of the aerial for the required frequency. A cover (13) made of radiofrequency transparent material is attached to the support by means of non-magnetic screws. A coaxial cable (14) feeds the aerial assembly, passing through the wall of the support (11). The cable is terminated with a standard coaxial fitting.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne une antenne d'émission/réception d'ondes radiofréquences constituée d'un élément excitateur amovible, intégré dans une structure fixe ou mobile, par exemple un avion, faisant rayonner tout ou partie de l'élément de structure dans lequel il est intégré, et un avion utilisant une telle antenne.The present invention relates to a radiofrequency transmission / reception antenna consisting of a removable exciter element, integrated in a fixed or mobile structure, for example an aircraft, radiating all or part of the structural element in which it is integrated, and a plane using such an antenna.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Dans la suite de la description on considérera, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, l'antenne de l'invention intégrée dans la structure d'un avion. Mais elle pourrait aussi être intégrée dans tout autre type de véhicule.In the following description will be considered, by way of non-limiting example, the antenna of the invention integrated in the structure of an aircraft. But it could also be integrated into any other type of vehicle.

Pour réaliser une liaison radiofréquence, tant en émission qu'en réception, l'utilisation d'une antenne est nécessaire. Une antenne de type dipole, qui est notamment utilisée pour la réception radiofréquence à bord d'un avion, nécessite un plan de masse de surface importante et une antenne de longueur suffisante eu égard aux fréquences radio considérées.To achieve a radiofrequency link, both transmission and reception, the use of an antenna is necessary. A dipole antenna, which is used in particular for radiofrequency reception on board an aircraft, requires a large surface area plane and an antenna of sufficient length with respect to the radio frequencies considered.

Dans un avion, les antennes sont protégées : la partie rayonnante est abritée par un radôme constitué, entre autres, d'un matériau transparent pour les ondes électromagnétiques. Une telle protection doit être profilée de manière à perturber le moins possible les performances aérodynamiques. De plus, les valeurs de découplage électromagnétique entre les différentes antennes, qui doivent se conformer aux exigences des normes (ARINC notamment), se traduisent par des contraintes d'éloignement physique entre les antennes travaillant dans les mêmes bandes de fréquence.In an airplane, the antennas are protected: the radiating part is sheltered by a radome consisting, among other things, of a material transparent for electromagnetic waves. Such protection must be contoured so as to disturb the aerodynamic performance as little as possible. In addition, the electromagnetic decoupling values between the different antennas, which must comply with the requirements of the standards (ARINC in particular), result in physical distance constraints between the antennas working in the same frequency bands.

Dans un avion de petite taille, l'ajout d'une antenne peut, ainsi, s'avérer très problématique.In a small aircraft, the addition of an antenna can be very problematic.

Afin de ne pas perturber les caractéristiques aérodynamiques d'un avion, on peut utiliser une antenne intégrée dans la structure de ce dernier.In order not to disturb the aerodynamic characteristics of an aircraft, it is possible to use an antenna integrated in the structure of the latter.

Un brevet américain, US 6 047 925 , décrit ainsi une antenne UHF bande étroite intégrée dans la trappe de train d'un avion. De par son principe d'installation, il est nécessaire, après chaque démontage de l'antenne, de refaire l'accord de cette dernière. Une telle intervention, si elle doit être effectuée lors d'une escale d'un avion exploité par une compagnie aérienne, est très pénalisante (surcoût, immobilisation de l'avion, outillage très spécialisé, etc.).A US patent, US 6,047,925 , thus describes a narrow band UHF antenna integrated in the landing hatch of an aircraft. By its installation principle, it is necessary, after each disassembly of the antenna, to redo the agreement of the latter. Such an intervention, if it must be performed during a stopover of an aircraft operated by an airline, is very penalizing (extra cost, immobilization of the aircraft, very specialized tools, etc.).

Une demande de brevet français, FR 1 091 358 , décrit un autre type d'antenne intégrée dans la structure d'un avion. Cette antenne est une antenne fente large bande, dont les dimensions sont relativement importantes. Elle doit donc faire partie d'un élément de structure de l'avion de dimensions adaptées (dérive, etc.), sans pouvoir être dissociée de celui-ci. La dépose ou le remplacement d'une telle antenne nécessite le démontage, et éventuellement le remplacement, de l'élément de structure considéré. En plus des difficultés d'installation d'une telle antenne, les coûts de maintenance sont élevés et les durées d'immobilisation de l'avion sont importantes.A request of French patent, FR 1 091 358 , describes another type of antenna integrated in the structure of an airplane. This antenna is a broadband slot antenna, whose dimensions are relatively large. It must therefore be part of a structural element of the plane of dimensions adapted (drift, etc.), without being dissociated from it. The removal or replacement of such an antenna requires disassembly, and possibly replacement, of the structural element considered. In addition to the difficulties of installing such an antenna, the maintenance costs are high and the immobilization times of the aircraft are important.

Le brevet GB-A-803,723 représente l'état de la technique le plus proche et divulgue une antenne selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The patent GB-A-803.723 represents the closest state of the art and discloses an antenna according to the preamble of claim 1.

La présente invention a pour objet une antenne composée d'un élément d'excitation pouvant être facilement intégré dans un élément de structure constituant la partie rayonnante de l'antenne, sans perturber les performances aérodynamiques de l'ensemble, ledit élément d'excitation pouvant être retiré de cet élément de structure sans nécessiter le remplacement de ce dernier. Cet élément de structure peut notamment être une partie d'une construction (par exemple d'un bâtiment) ou d'un véhicule (par exemple un avion).The present invention relates to an antenna composed of an excitation element that can be easily integrated in a structural element constituting the radiating part of the antenna, without disturbing the aerodynamic performance of the assembly, said excitation element being able to be removed from this structural element without the need to replace it. This structural element may in particular be a part of a construction (for example of a building) or of a vehicle (for example an airplane).

Exposé de l'inventionPresentation of the invention

La présente invention propose dans la revendication 1 une antenne d'émission/réception d'ondes radiofréquences, comprenant :

  • un élément de structure conducteur dans la bande de fréquences de fonctionnement de l'antenne, de dimension au moins égale au quart de la longueur d'onde selon la direction de polarisation de l'onde électromagnétique pour la fréquence minimale de cette bande de fréquences, et comportant une découpe formant cavité,
  • un élément excitateur amovible disposé dans cette cavité, qui agit en tant qu'excitateur de cette cavité,
  • une liaison électriquement conductrice aux fréquences de fonctionnement de l'antenne, assurant une métallisation entre ledit élément excitateur et ledit élément de structure.
The present invention proposes in claim 1 a radiofrequency transmission / reception antenna, comprising:
  • a conductive structure element in the operating frequency band of the antenna, of dimension at least equal to a quarter of the wavelength in the direction of polarization of the electromagnetic wave for the minimum frequency of this frequency band, and having a cavity-forming cutout,
  • a removable exciter element disposed in this cavity, which acts as an exciter of this cavity,
  • an electrically conductive connection to the operating frequencies of the antenna, providing a metallization between said exciter element and said structural element.

Cet élément excitateur comprend :

  • un élément en matériau transparent aux ondes radiofréquences, rempli d'un matériau également transparent aux ondes radiofréquences,
  • une lamelle conductrice formant un stub, permettant de réaliser l'accord et l'adaptation de l'antenne sur la bande de fréquences de fonctionnement,
  • un capot en matériau transparent aux ondes radiofréquences, abritant l'élément excitateur et assurant la continuité du profil de l'élément de structure,
  • une ligne d'alimentation du stub.
This exciter element comprises:
  • an element made of radiofrequency-wave-transparent material, filled with a material that is also transparent to radio-frequency waves,
  • a conductive strip forming a stub, making it possible to achieve tuning and adaptation of the antenna to the frequency band of operation,
  • a cover in radiofrequency-transparent material, housing the exciter element and ensuring the continuity of the profile of the structural element,
  • a stub feeding line.

Dans un exemple de réalisation avantageux, l'élément excitateur et le capot sont en fibre de verre. Le matériau qui remplit l'élément excitateur est une résine ou un matériau thermoplastique coulé. Le stub est en cuivre recouvert en surface d'une couche argentée. Le capot est fixé sur l'élément excitateur au moyen de vis amagnétiques. L'élément excitateur a une forme apte à être fixée dans une entaille pratiquée dans un élément de la structure d'une construction ou d'un véhicule, par exemple un avion.In an advantageous embodiment, the exciter element and the cover are made of fiberglass. The material that fills the exciter element is a resin or cast thermoplastic material. The stub is copper coated on the surface with a silver layer. The cover is attached to the exciter element by means of non-magnetic screws. The exciter element has a form adapted to be fixed in a cut made in a structural element of a building or a vehicle, for example an airplane.

La présente invention selon les revendications 8-9 concerne également un avion dont au moins l'un des éléments d'extrémité d'aile comporte une cavité en forme d'entaille dans laquelle est disposé un élément excitateur tel que décrit précédemment.The present invention according to claims 8-9 also relates to an aircraft of which at least one of the wing end elements comprises a notch-shaped cavity in which is disposed an exciter element as described above.

L'antenne de l'invention présente de nombreux avantages :

  • elle ne modifie pas les propriétés aérodynamiques de l'avion puisqu'elle est intégrée dans un élément de structure de celui-ci,
  • sa mise en place ainsi que sa maintenance (démontage, échange standard, etc.) sont aisées : aucune opération de réglage ou d'accord ne sont nécessaires après le montage de celle-ci,
  • les coûts de maintenance sont donc diminués,
  • elle peut être proposée en tant qu'équipement optionnel dans un avion : en effet, elle peut ne pas faire partie de la structure de celui-ci, mais être fixée sur celle-ci. Un simple capot de protection peut ainsi protéger l'entaille pratiquée dans la structure de l'avion à l'emplacement permettant de recevoir l'élément excitateur,
  • elle peut être intégrée dans un élément de structure suffisamment éloigné des autres antennes utilisant la même bande de fréquences ; ce qui permet de respecter les valeurs de découplage électromagnétique imposées entre antennes.
The antenna of the invention has many advantages:
  • it does not modify the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft since it is integrated in a structural element thereof,
  • its installation and its maintenance (disassembly, standard exchange, etc.) are easy: no adjustment or tuning operations are necessary after mounting it,
  • maintenance costs are therefore reduced,
  • it can be proposed as optional equipment in an airplane: indeed, it may not be part of the structure of the latter, but be fixed on it. A simple protective cover can thus protect the cut made in the structure of the aircraft at the location for receiving the exciter element,
  • it can be integrated into a structure element sufficiently far from other antennas using the same frequency band; allowing to respect the values of electromagnetic decoupling imposed between antennas.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

La figure 1 illustre l'antenne de l'invention.The figure 1 illustrates the antenna of the invention.

La figure 2 illustre une vue éclatée d'un exemple de réalisation de l'antenne de l'invention.The figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the antenna of the invention.

Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent l'endroit de la structure de l'avion où peut être avantageusement intégrée l'antenne de l'invention.The Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the location of the aircraft structure where the antenna of the invention can advantageously be integrated.

La figure 5 illustre une courbe de réponse du TOS en fonction de la fréquence de l'antenne de l'invention.The figure 5 illustrates a response curve of the TOS as a function of the frequency of the antenna of the invention.

Exposé détaillé de modes de réalisationDetailed presentation of embodiments

Comme illustré sur la figure 1, l'antenne d'émission/réception d'ondes radiofréquences de l'inventio comprend :

  • un élément de structure 8 conducteur dans la bande de fréquences de fonctionnement de l'antenne, de dimension au moins égale au quart de la longueur d'onde selon la direction de polarisation de l'onde électromagnétique pour la fréquence minimale de cette bande de fréquences, et comportant une découpe formant cavité 9,
  • un élément excitateur amovible 10 disposé dans cette cavité, qui agit en tant qu'excitateur de cette cavité,
  • une liaison électriquement conductrice aux fréquences de fonctionnement de l'antenne, assurant une métallisation entre ledit élément excitateur 10 et ledit élément de structure 8.
As illustrated on the figure 1 , the radiofrequency radio emission / reception antenna of the inventio comprises:
  • a conductive structure element 8 in the operating frequency band of the antenna, of dimension at least equal to a quarter of the wavelength in the direction of polarization of the electromagnetic wave for the minimum frequency of this frequency band , and having a cavity-forming cutout 9,
  • a removable exciter element 10 disposed in this cavity, which acts as an exciter of this cavity,
  • an electrically conductive connection to the operating frequencies of the antenna, providing a metallization between said exciter element 10 and said structural element 8.

La figure 2 représente un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'élément excitateur amovible 10 de l'antenne d'émission/réception d'ondes radiofréquences de l'invention qui comprend :

  • un élément 11 en un matériau diélectrique transparent aux ondes radiofréquences, par exemple en fibre de verre, rempli d'un matériau également transparent aux ondes radiofréquences, par exemple en résine ou en un matériau thermoplastique coulé,
  • une lamelle conductrice formant un stub 12, par exemple en cuivre recouvert en surface d'une couche argentée afin d'améliorer la conduction (dans le domaine de fréquences considérées, la conduction se fait presque exclusivement en surface : "effet de peau") disposée dans cet élément 11, permettant de réaliser l'accord et l'adaptation de l'antenne sur la bande de fréquences utilisée,
  • un capot 13 en un matériau transparent aux radiofréquences, par exemple en fibre de verre, fixé, par exemple vissé au moyen de vis amagnétiques, sur le pourtour de la cavité, ces vis assurant aussi la métallisation entre l'élément excitateur et l'élément de structure, par exemple en permettant le contact électrique entre cet élément de structure 8 conducteur et un clinquant de cuivre raccordé à la tresse de masse du câble coaxial 14 alimentant le stub 12
  • une ligne 14 d'alimentation du stub, par exemple un câble coaxial, muni d'un connecteur standard de raccordement, permettant de relier l'antenne à un câble coaxial connecté à un émetteur/récepteur.
The figure 2 represents an advantageous embodiment of the removable exciter element 10 of the radiofrequency transmission / reception antenna of the invention which comprises:
  • an element 11 made of a dielectric material that is transparent to radiofrequency waves, for example fiberglass, filled with a material that is also transparent to radio frequency waves, for example made of resin or a cast thermoplastic material,
  • a conductive strip forming a stub 12, for example copper coated on the surface with a silver layer in order to improve the conduction (in the frequency range under consideration, the conduction is almost exclusively at the surface: "skin effect") arranged in this element 11, making it possible to achieve tuning and adaptation of the antenna to the frequency band used,
  • a cover 13 made of a radiofrequency-transparent material, for example made of glass fiber, fixed, for example screwed by means of non-magnetic screws, around the periphery of the cavity, these screws also ensuring the metallization between the exciter element and the element of structure, for example by allowing the electrical contact between this conductive structure element 8 and a copper foil connected to the ground strap of the coaxial cable 14 feeding the stub 12
  • a power supply line 14 of the stub, for example a coaxial cable, provided with a standard connection connector, for connecting the antenna to a coaxial cable connected to a transmitter / receiver.

Cet élément excitateur 10 peut être fixé, en tant qu'équipement, dans une entaille pratiquée dans la structure d'une construction ou d'un véhicule, par exemple un avion, les dimensions de cette entaille déterminant la bande passante de l'antenne. L'ensemble composé de l'élément excitateur intégré dans l'élément de structure forme ainsi une antenne fente bande étroite. L'élément excitateur est logé dans la partie "fente" de cette antenne fente.This exciter element 10 can be fixed, as equipment, in a cut made in the structure of a construction or a vehicle, for example an aircraft, the dimensions of this notch determining the bandwidth of the antenna. The assembly composed of the exciter element integrated in the structural element thus forms a narrowband slot antenna. The exciter element is housed in the "slot" part of this slot antenna.

Le rayonnement de l'antenne est assuré par l'élément de structure 8 qui accueille l'élément excitateur 10. Cet élément de structure doit être constitué d'un matériau suffisamment conducteur aux fréquences utilisées, par exemple en aluminium, et de dimensions suffisantes (au minimum le quart de la longueur d'ondes selon la direction de polarisation de l'onde électromagnétique).The radiation of the antenna is provided by the structural element 8 which accommodates the exciter element 10. This structural element must be made of a sufficiently conductive material at the frequencies used, for example aluminum, and of sufficient dimensions ( at least a quarter of the wavelength in the direction of polarization of the electromagnetic wave).

En pratique, le taux d'ondes stationnaires (TOS) est inférieur à 2 sur la bande de fréquences dans laquelle est utilisée l'antenne.In practice, the standing wave ratio (TOS) is less than 2 in the frequency band in which the antenna is used.

Les dimensions de l'antenne dépendent de la bande de fréquences souhaitée : lorsqu'on diminue la fréquence (par exemple en HF) les dimensions augmentent et les limites de fréquences dépendent des possibilités d'intégration dans la structure. Lorsqu'on augmente la fréquence (par exemple en UHF) les dimensions diminuent. On ne peut toutefois pas monter trop haut en fréquence en raison des contraintes technologiques de réalisation de la cavité.The dimensions of the antenna depend on the desired frequency band: when decreasing the frequency (for example in HF) the dimensions increase and the frequency limits depend on the possibilities of integration into the structure. When increasing the frequency (for example in UHF) the dimensions decrease. However, we can not climb too high frequency because of the technological constraints of making the cavity.

Les fréquences minimales pouvant être transmises sont imposées par l'élément de structure 8 dans lequel on souhaite intégrer ledit élément excitateur 10. Cet élément de structure doit présenter au moins une partie dont la longueur, selon la direction de polarisation souhaitée, est supérieure ou égale au quart de la longueur d'onde correspondant à cette fréquence minimale.The minimum frequencies that can be transmitted are imposed by the structural element 8 in which it is desired to integrate said exciter element 10. This structural element must have at least one part whose length, in the desired polarization direction, is greater than or equal to at a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to this minimum frequency.

La dimension minimale, selon la direction de polarisation, est égale au quart de la longueur d'onde, soit encore c/4.f, où c est la vitesse de la lumière (3.10^8 m/s) et f la fréquence en Hertz. Si la polarisation souhaitée est verticale, cette dimension minimale est la hauteur H représentée sur la figure 1.The minimum dimension, in the direction of polarization, is equal to a quarter of the wavelength, that is to say c / 4.f, where c is the speed of light (3.10 ^ 8 m / s) and f the frequency in Hertz. If the desired polarization is vertical, this minimum dimension is the height H represented on the figure 1 .

Si l'on considère une dimension minimale de quelques mètres (afin d'être techniquement réalisable) on obtient une antenne permettant de couvrir la bande HF (2-30 MHz).If we consider a minimum dimension of a few meters (to be technically feasible) we obtain an antenna to cover the HF band (2-30 MHz).

Les fréquences maximales pouvant être transmises par une telle antenne sont estimées à environ 5 GHz dans le domaine industriel. Cela correspond à une fente de 17 mm de longueur et 3 mm de hauteur. Une telle limitation en fréquence provient de la difficulté de réalisation industrielle d'une cavité de dimensions inférieures à celles-ci. Une telle antenne permet donc de couvrir la bande UHF.The maximum frequencies that can be transmitted by such an antenna are estimated at around 5 GHz in the industrial field. This corresponds to a slot of 17 mm in length and 3 mm in height. Such a limitation in frequency comes from the difficulty of industrial production of a cavity of dimensions smaller than these. Such an antenna thus makes it possible to cover the UHF band.

L'invention peut alors s'appliquer aux bandes HF, VHF, et UHF.The invention can then be applied to the HF, VHF and UHF bands.

Dans un exemple de réalisation illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, l'élément excitateur de l'invention est intégré dans une cavité 20 dans un des éléments d'extrémités 21 des ailes 22 d'un avion 23 ("wing tip fence" on "winglet", ou ailettes d'extrémité de voilure).In an exemplary embodiment illustrated on the Figures 3 and 4 , the exciter element of the invention is integrated in a cavity 20 in one of the end elements 21 of the wings 22 of an aircraft 23 ("wing tip fence" on "winglet", or wing end fins) .

Comme illustré sur la figure 4, une telle cavité 20 peut être située dans le bord de fuite d'un tel élément.As illustrated on the figure 4 such a cavity 20 may be located in the trailing edge of such an element.

Un tel emplacement permet de modifier le moins possible les renforts permettant auxdits éléments d'extrémité des ailes de résister aux efforts aérodynamiques lors du vol de l'avion. Mais d'autres emplacements sont également possibles.Such a location makes it possible to modify as little as possible the reinforcements enabling said end elements of the wings to withstand the aerodynamic forces during the flight of the aircraft. But other locations are also possible.

Le câble coaxial d'alimentation du stub est raccordé à l'intérieur de ces éléments, par l'intermédiaire d'un connecteur, à un câble coaxial relié à l'émetteur/récepteur. Ce câble coaxial chemine le long de l'aile de l'avion, à l'intérieur de celle-ci. Le rayonnement de l'antenne est assuré par l'élément d'extrémité correspondant.The coaxial power cable of the stub is connected inside these elements, via a connector, to a coaxial cable connected to the transmitter / receiver. This coaxial cable travels along the wing of the aircraft, inside it. The radiation of the antenna is provided by the corresponding end element.

Cette implantation de l'antenne permet de respecter les découplages radioélectriques avec les autres antennes de radio-communication et de navigation utilisant la même bande de fréquences car lesdits éléments sont situés en partie extrême des ailes, à une distance suffisante desdites autres antennes. De plus, une telle implantation permet d'obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement vers le haut et vers le bas satisfaisant car, en extrémité des ailes, la structure de l'avion ne gêne pas la propagation des ondes vers le haut et vers le bas.This implementation of the antenna makes it possible to respect the radio decoupling with the other radio communication and navigation antennas using the same frequency band since the said elements are situated at the end of the wings, at a sufficient distance from the said other antennas. In addition, such an implantation makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory upward and downward radiation pattern because, at the end of the wings, the structure of the aircraft do not interfere with wave propagation up and down.

Dans un cas concret de réalisation on considère un élément excitateur, tel que représenté sur la figure 2, réalisé à l'échelle 1. Les dimensions de celui-ci sont alors les suivantes :

  • longueur L = 170 mm,
  • hauteur H = 83 mm.
In a concrete embodiment, an exciter element is considered as represented in FIG. figure 2 , made at scale 1. The dimensions of it are then as follows:
  • length L = 170 mm,
  • height H = 83 mm.

Comme illustré sur la figure 5, l'antenne réalisée en intégrant l'élément excitateur 10 dans la cavité 20 pratiquée dans un des éléments d'extrémité 21 des ailes 22 d'un avion 23 présente un TOS (Taux d'Ondes Stationnaires) inférieur ou égal à 2 sur la bande VHF civile (108-137 MHz) dans laquelle elle est utilisée avec une direction de polarisation verticale de l'onde électromagnétique.As illustrated on the figure 5 , the antenna made by integrating the exciter element 10 in the cavity 20 formed in one of the end elements 21 of the wings 22 of an aircraft 23 has a TOS (Stationary Wave Ratio) less than or equal to 2 on the Civil VHF band (108-137 MHz) in which it is used with a direction of vertical polarization of the electromagnetic wave.

Dans la description qui précède l'antenne de l'invention a été décrite dans le cas particulier de son intégration dans un avion. Mais elle peut, tout aussi bien être intégrée sur tout type de véhicule (bateau, automobile, etc.) présentant un élément de structure de dimensions adéquates par rapport aux longueurs d'ondes considérées, tant pour assurer la fonction d'élément rayonnant que pour pouvoir y pratiquer une entaille de taille adéquate afin d'y insérer l'élément excitateur, et dont le matériau est suffisamment conducteur aux fréquences de fonctionnement de l'antenne.In the foregoing description, the antenna of the invention has been described in the particular case of its integration into an airplane. But it can equally well be integrated on any type of vehicle (boat, automobile, etc.) having a structural element of adequate dimensions relative to the wavelengths considered, both to ensure the function of radiating element and to be able to make a notch of adequate size to insert the exciter element, and whose material is sufficiently conductive to the operating frequencies of the antenna.

Une telle antenne présente d'autant plus d'intérêt que le véhicule doit avoir des performances aérodynamiques élevées.Such an antenna is all the more interesting that the vehicle must have high aerodynamic performance.

Elle peut aussi être utilisée pour des installations fixes (bâtiments, etc.) soumises à des contraintes environnementales sévères (vents violents, etc.)¸.It can also be used for fixed installations (buildings, etc.) subject to severe environmental constraints (high winds, etc.) ¸.

Claims (9)

  1. Antenna for the transmission / reception of radio frequency waves comprising:
    - a structural element (8) that is conducting in the operating frequency band of the antenna, with size equal to at least one quarter of the wavelength along the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave for the minimum frequency of this frequency band, and comprising a cutout forming a cavity (9),
    - an exciting element (10) placed in this cavity that acts as an exciter of this cavity (9),
    - a metallization that is electrically conducting at the operating frequency of the antenna, providing a metallization between the said exciting element (10) and the said structural element (8),
    where this exciting element (10) comprises:
    - an element (11) made of a material transparent to radiofrequency waves, filled with a material that is also transparent to radiofrequency waves,
    - a conducting strip (12) forming a stub, used for tuning and matching the antenna on the operating frequency band, and
    - a stub power supply line (14),
    characterized in that the exciting element is removable, and in that it comprises a cover (13) made of a material transparent to radiofrequency waves, containing the exciting element (10) and maintaining continuity of the profile of the structural element (8).
  2. Antenna according to claim 1, in which the exciting element (10) and the cover (13) are made of glass fiber.
  3. Antenna according to claim 1, in which the material that fills the exciting element (10) is a resin or a cast thermoplastic material.
  4. Antenna according to claim 1, in which the stub is made of copper covered with a silver plated layer on the surface.
  5. Antenna according to claim 1, in which the cover (13) is fixed on the exciting element (10) using non-magnetic screws.
  6. Antenna according to any one of the previous claims, in which the exciting element (10) is shaped such that it can be fixed in a notch formed in a structural element of a building or a vehicle.
  7. Antenna according to claim 6, in which the said vehicle is an aircraft.
  8. Aircraft, characterized in that it comprises an antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the structural element (8) being one of structural elements of the aircraft fitted with a cavity in which the exciting element (10) is placed.
  9. Aircraft, characterized in that it comprises an antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the structural element (8) being one of the wing end elements (21) of the aircraft provided with a cavity in which the exciting element (10) is placed.
EP02291271A 2001-05-25 2002-05-23 Slot antenna for airplane Expired - Lifetime EP1263080B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0106903A FR2825191B1 (en) 2001-05-25 2001-05-25 RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION / RECEPTION ANTENNA AND AIRCRAFT USING SUCH ANTENNA
FR0106903 2001-05-25

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1263080A1 EP1263080A1 (en) 2002-12-04
EP1263080B1 true EP1263080B1 (en) 2009-09-02
EP1263080B8 EP1263080B8 (en) 2009-11-04

Family

ID=8863661

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02291271A Expired - Lifetime EP1263080B8 (en) 2001-05-25 2002-05-23 Slot antenna for airplane

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US (1) US6653980B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1263080B8 (en)
AT (1) ATE441949T1 (en)
BR (1) BR0201918A (en)
CA (1) CA2387206C (en)
DE (1) DE60233544D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2825191B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2825191A1 (en) 2002-11-29
EP1263080A1 (en) 2002-12-04
US20020186170A1 (en) 2002-12-12
ATE441949T1 (en) 2009-09-15
EP1263080B8 (en) 2009-11-04
US6653980B2 (en) 2003-11-25
FR2825191B1 (en) 2004-04-16
CA2387206A1 (en) 2002-11-25
DE60233544D1 (en) 2009-10-15
BR0201918A (en) 2003-04-22
CA2387206C (en) 2012-02-28

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