EP2171799A1 - Antenna system having a radiating diagram reconfigurable from sectorial and directional radiating diagrams, and corresponding transmitter and/or receiver device - Google Patents

Antenna system having a radiating diagram reconfigurable from sectorial and directional radiating diagrams, and corresponding transmitter and/or receiver device

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Publication number
EP2171799A1
EP2171799A1 EP08786258A EP08786258A EP2171799A1 EP 2171799 A1 EP2171799 A1 EP 2171799A1 EP 08786258 A EP08786258 A EP 08786258A EP 08786258 A EP08786258 A EP 08786258A EP 2171799 A1 EP2171799 A1 EP 2171799A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plane
radiation pattern
source
source antennas
antennas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP08786258A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Benjamin Fuchs
Sébastien PALUD
Olivier Lafond
Mohamed Himdi
Laurent Le Coq
Sébastien RONDINEAU
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite de Rennes 1
Original Assignee
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite de Rennes 1
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Universite de Rennes 1 filed Critical Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Publication of EP2171799A1 publication Critical patent/EP2171799A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/24—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
    • H01Q3/245—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching in the focal plane of a focussing device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/02—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism
    • H01Q15/08—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism formed of solid dielectric material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q19/06—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens
    • H01Q19/062—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens for focusing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q25/00—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
    • H01Q25/007—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns using two or more primary active elements in the focal region of a focusing device

Definitions

  • Antenna system whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable among sectoral and directive radiation patterns, and corresponding transmitter and / or receiver device.
  • the field of the invention is that of radiating antennas and more particularly antenna systems whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable among a set of radiation patterns.
  • Such antenna systems can switch from a directional radiation pattern (i.e. radiating in a preferred direction) to a sectoral radiation pattern (i.e. radiating in an angular sector with a constant power density) and vice versa.
  • a sector diagram is a diagram whose beam shape has a uniform radiation (on a given sector of space) and zero side lobes.
  • corrugations smaller than 3dB and also secondary lobes (within a certain limit) are acceptable.
  • a conventional technique consists in implementing several source antennas arranged so as to form a network which is generally realized by means of a planar network technology. printed.
  • an active module comprising a phase-shifter and an amplifier or an attenuator
  • the amplitude and phase laws applied to the network it is possible to go from a sectoral radiation pattern to a directional radiation pattern, and vice versa.
  • a directional radiation pattern is obtained by choosing a network comprising a large number of source antennas (the larger this number is, the more directional the radiation pattern is);
  • a sectoral radiation pattern is obtained by playing both on the amplitude and the phase of each source antenna of the network as illustrated by Figures IA and IB (from the doctoral thesis document of the University of Rennes 1 supported by Olivier LAFOND in December 2000 and entitled "60GHz multilayer printed antenna design and technologies") which show a sectorial radiation pattern (figure IA) obtained at 58.5 GHz when applying the value pairs indicated by Figure IB has six source antennas 101, 102, 13, 104, 105, 106 of an antenna system.
  • the invention in at least one embodiment, is intended in particular to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.
  • an object of the invention in at least one of its embodiments, is to provide an antennal system whose radiation is reconfigurable, more easily than with the systems of the prior art, among a set of radiation patterns comprising at least one directional radiation pattern and at least one sectoral radiation pattern.
  • Another object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that does not require the use of phase shifters and amplifiers to ensure the reconfigurability of its radiation pattern.
  • Another objective of the invention in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that allows a reconfigurability (passage of a directional radiation sectorial, or vice versa), while maintaining the same axis of misalignment.
  • Another object of the invention in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that allows a reconfigurability in several planes each associated with a distinct azimuthal direction distinct.
  • the invention in at least one of its embodiments, still aims to implement such a system that is simpler and less costly to achieve than conventional reconfigurable radiation field / sectoral antenna systems.
  • the invention relates to an antenna system whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable from a set of radiation patterns comprising, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, at least one directional radiation pattern. in said plane, and at least one sectoral radiation pattern in said plane.
  • This system comprises a plurality of source antennas and reconfiguration means, for switching from one diagram to another among said set of radiation patterns.
  • the reconfiguration means comprise: power management means of said source antennas, generating a plurality of power configurations each associated with a radiation pattern separate from said set of radiation patterns, said plurality of power configuration comprising, for at least one associated plane at a given azimuth direction,
  • the general principle of the invention consists in associating a dielectric lens with a plurality of source antennas in an antenna system in order to make it easily reconfigurable, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, by feeding or not certain source antennas.
  • the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach, and on a surprising effect. Indeed, because of the presence of the lens, the greater the number of source antennas powered, the more the radiation pattern is sectoral. On the contrary, in the technique of the prior art (without a lens, but by varying the amplitude and phase of each of the source antennas), the greater the number of source antennas powered, the more the radiation pattern is directive. .
  • Such an antenna system does not require the implementation of phase shifters and amplifiers to ensure the reconfigurability of its radiation pattern.
  • it has several advantages over conventional field / sector reconfigurable radiation pattern antenna systems: it has improved radiation efficiency (because it has low losses); it is wider band (because there are no phase shifters); it is particularly adapted to millimeter frequencies; - It is simpler and less expensive to make.
  • said dielectric lens belongs to the group comprising: homogeneous or inhomogeneous index-gradient spherical lenses, and index-gradient inhomogeneous hemispherical lenses.
  • said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectoral radiation pattern in said plane, in which all the source antennas contained in said plane are fed.
  • all source antennas that are powered are with the same amplitude and the same phase.
  • said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectorial radiation pattern in said plane and offset along a given misalignment axis, in which there are more antennas fed on one side than on the other. the other of an axis of symmetry of distribution of the source antennas in said plane.
  • said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a directional radiation pattern in said plane and offset along said given misalignment axis.
  • said plurality of source antennas are distributed according to a network belonging to the group comprising: linear networks, making it possible to define the directional or sectoral nature of each radiation pattern, for a single plane associated with a given azimuthal direction; and areal networks, for defining the directional or sectoral nature of each radiation pattern, for at least two planes each associated with a distinct predetermined azimuthal direction.
  • the power management means of said source antennas comprise at least one switch belonging to the group comprising: PIN diodes; MMIC amplifiers; MEMS.
  • the invention also relates to a device transmitter and / or receiver of radio waves comprising at least one antennal system as described above.
  • FIGS. IB present a sectoral radiation pattern
  • FIG. 1A obtained at 58.5 GHz when applying the value pairs indicated in FIG. 1B to six source antennas of an antenna system according to the prior art
  • FIG. 2A shows a diagram of a first antennal system, according to one particular embodiment of the invention, based on a six-lens shells associated with four source antennas based waveguide
  • FIG. 2B shows a diagram of a second antennal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, based on a three-shell lens associated with five printed source antennas
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show diagrams of top views of the aforementioned second antennal system in the case where the source antennas are in the H plane (FIG. 3A) and in the case where the source antennas are in the E plane (FIG.
  • FIG. 5A shows top view diagrams of the aforementioned second antennal system in the case where the five source antennas are powered (FIG. 5A) and in the case where only the central source antenna among the five source antennas is powered ( Figure 5B);
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the evolution of the angular distribution of the 77 GHz radiation pattern of a fourth antenna system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 9 source antennas based on a waveguide and a 9-shell lens, when the number of fed source antenna (s) goes from 1 to 9;
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B show a diagram (FIG.
  • FIG. 7A representing the evolution of the angular distribution of the 77 GHz radiation pattern of a fifth antenna system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 8 aligned source antennas (FIG. 7B) and a 9-shell lens, when varying the supplied source antenna triplet;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary hexagonal surface array of source antennas;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an Oxyz mark, in which the angles PHI ( ⁇ ) and THETA ( ⁇ ) are represented;
  • FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show diagrams of top views of an antenna system comprising source antennas arranged according to a surface network, in different cases of supplying the source antennas;
  • HA and HB show diagrams of top views of the same antennal system, the supply of the source antennas being such that in one case (FIG. 1A) the radiation pattern is directional and depointed and in the other case (figure HB) the radiation pattern is sectorial and misaligned along the same misalignment axis. 6. Description of an embodiment of the invention
  • a particular embodiment of the invention relates to an antenna system comprising: a source antenna array disposed on a substrate, the source antennas each emitting radiation; reconfiguration means making it possible to switch from one diagram to another among a set of radiation diagrams comprising, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, at least one directional radiation pattern in said plane and at least one a sectoral radiation pattern in the aforementioned plan.
  • the reconfiguration means comprise: a dielectric lens disposed above the source antennas and for focusing the rays of the supplied source antennas; source antenna power management means, generating a plurality of power supply configurations each associated with a radiation pattern distinct from the set of radiation patterns, the plurality of power supply configurations comprising, for at least a plane associated with a given azimuthal direction: * at least one first configuration, associated with a directional radiation in the aforementioned plane, in which N source antenna (s) contained in the aforementioned plane is (are) fed, with N ⁇ 2; and
  • At least one second configuration associated with a sectoral radiation pattern in the aforementioned plane, in which N 'source antennas contained in the aforementioned plane are fed, with N'> N.
  • the dielectric lens is for example: a homogeneous spherical lens (lens called "constant K” for example) or an inhomogeneous spherical lens index gradient (L ⁇ neburg lens for example); an inhomogeneous index-gradient hemispherical lens (for example Maxwell's Poisson à demi-oeil lens).
  • a non-homogeneous gradient-indexed lens of the Maxwell Poisson's Eye type is used in the form of a hemisphere as described in the patent application. French No 2888407 published on January 12, 2007.
  • the index-gradient non-homogeneous lens of Maxwell's Poisson's eye type produced in the form of a hemisphere according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprises N concentric shells in the form of a half-sphere, discrete dielectric constants different and nested with each other without empty space between two successive shells, with 3 ⁇ N ⁇ 20, the discrete dielectric constants of the N shells being such that they define a discrete distribution approaching at best the aforementioned theoretical distribution of the dielectric constant inside the lens.
  • source antennas are chosen which are compatible with a good insertion of their radiation into the lens (that is to say which make it possible to minimize the "spill-over" or overflow of the radiation of the lens).
  • source antennas based on waveguides are used.
  • waveguide source antennas makes it possible to reduce the insertion losses of the radiation emitted by the source antennas in the focusing means.
  • source antennas printed on a substrate for example metal tracks printed on a printed circuit
  • the antenna system is simpler to manufacture and less expensive.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show a diagram of a first antennal system 2100 based on a six-shell lens 2110, 2111 to 2116, associated with four waveguide-based source antennas, 2121 to 2124, according to the first exemplary embodiment according to the particular embodiment of the invention (FIG. 2A) and a diagram of a second antennal system 2200 based on a 2210 lens with three shells, 2211 to 2213, associated with five source antennas printed, 2221 to 2225, according to the second exemplary embodiment according to the particular embodiment of the invention ( Figure 2B).
  • the five printed source antennas (also called “patches”) 2221 to 2225 are printed on a substrate 2226.
  • the increase in the number of shells in the lens of an antenna system according to the invention makes it possible to improve the directivity in the "directional radiation pattern" configuration of this system (that is to say when a number N ⁇ 2 of source antennas are fed, N being for example equal to one if the total number of antenna antennas of the antenna array is odd and equal to two if the total number of source antenna is even) .
  • the source antennas may be aligned in the plane H of the antenna system (as illustrated by FIG. diagram of a top view of the second aforementioned antennal system in the case where its patches are aligned in the plane H) but they can also be aligned in the plane E of the antennal system (as illustrated by FIG. 3B showing a diagram a top view of the second aforementioned antennal system in the case where its patches are aligned in the plane E); the number of source antennas included in the antenna system may be even or odd.
  • the reconfiguration means illustrated in FIG. 4 comprise a lens 701 and power management means 702.
  • the power management means 702 are, for example, a circuit antenna power supply 71 to which is added a switching module 72, for example, based on PIN diode switches or amplifiers MMIC or MEMS.
  • This switching module controlled by a switching signal applied to it by a control module 73 which, according to the invention, makes it possible to manage the supply of a variable number of source antennas 74, in order to dynamically reconfigure the radiation pattern, and pass including a directional radiation pattern to a sectoral radiation pattern, or vice versa.
  • a control module 73 which, according to the invention, makes it possible to manage the supply of a variable number of source antennas 74, in order to dynamically reconfigure the radiation pattern, and pass including a directional radiation pattern to a sectoral radiation pattern, or vice versa.
  • all source antennas 74 which are powered are with the same amplitude and the same phase.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B diagrams of top views of the aforementioned second antenna system 2200 are presented in the case where the five source antennas 2221 to 2225 are fed simultaneously (FIG. 5A) and in the case where only the 2223 central source antenna among the five source antennas 2221 to 2225 is fed (Figure 5B).
  • the second antenna system transmits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens 2210 which is a sectoral radiation pattern.
  • the second antenna system In the case where only the central source antenna 2223 among the source antennas 2221 to 2225 is fed by the supply circuit, then the second antenna system emits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens 2210 which is a radiation pattern. directive. Thus we find the property of the lenses, namely the focusing by the lens of the radiation coming from the central source antenna 2223. Thus, in this case, the shaped radiation pattern is a focused radiation pattern.
  • a third antenna system (not shown) identical to the second antennal system except that it comprises an even number (for example six) of source antennas, then, if we feed both central source antennas among the source antennas, then the third antennal system emits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens which is a directional radiation pattern.
  • FIGS. HA and HB diagrams of top views of an antennal system with eight source antennas 111 to 118 and a 2200 lens with three shells are presented: in the case where only one, the second source antenna in from the right
  • the antennal system emits a radiation pattern (shaped by the lens) which is a directional radiation pattern misaligned along a given misalignment axis (defined by a non-zero angle THETA, in the reference point described below in relation to Figure 9, assuming that the source antennas are aligned along the axis Ox).
  • the antenna system emits a radiation pattern (shaped by the lens) which is a sectorial radiation diagram that is off-set according to the same misalignment axis as in FIG.
  • the source antenna referenced 117 is the central antenna of the group of antennas referenced 116 to 118.
  • FIG. 6 shows a diagram representing the evolution of the angular distribution (in directivity (or also directivity) expressed in dB as a function of the angle (referenced ⁇ ) expressed in degrees of the radiation pattern at 77GHz of a fourth antennal system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 9 waveguide-based source antennas and a 9-shell lens, when the number of antenna (s) fed source (s) is respectively 1 (curve 501), 3 (curve 502), 5 (curve 503), 7 (curve 504) and 9 (curve 505).
  • curve 501 illustrates a directional radiation pattern
  • curve 505 illustrates a sectoral radiation pattern
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B a diagram (FIG. 7A) representing the evolution of the power distribution (that is to say the directivity radiation pattern, or "directivity” in English) is presented.
  • dB as a function of the angle (referenced ⁇ ) expressed in degrees) at 77 GHz, of a fifth antenna system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 8 source antennas 61 to 68 aligned (FIG.
  • these six feed configurations of the 8 source antennas 61 to 66 correspond to six branched sectoral radiation diagrams.
  • the reconfigurability of the above antennal systems according to the particular embodiment of the invention is obtained simply by feeding or not some of the source antennas of the source antenna array.
  • the reconfigurability of the radiation pattern of these antenna systems is achieved by the implementation of a switching module in a conventional power supply circuit.
  • a first application of such an antenna system according to the invention is the implementation in a collision-avoidance radar at 77 GHz, for example, embedded in an automobile.
  • a solution to this problem may be an antenna system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, the radiation pattern of which is reconfigurable.
  • a second application of such an antennal system according to the invention is that of broadband indoor communications (for example in a home) general public.
  • broadband indoor communications for example in a home
  • the use, in this context, of the reconfigurable antennal system according to the invention is advantageous because in such a case of presence of an obstacle, the antenna system can switch from a directional radiation pattern to a control diagram. sectoral radiation, which then allows, by multipath, to restore communication.
  • the source antennas are distributed in a linear array, which may be flat (ID) or not (2D).
  • the source antenna array is a surface network, which may be plane (2D) or shaped (3D).
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a hexagonal network of source antennas 81, making it possible to have the same distance between the source antennas and thus of mirror the radiation pattern. On the other hand, it shows that the arrangement of sources does not necessarily follow a Cartesian mesh.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an Oxyz mark, in which the angles PHI ( ⁇ ) and THETA ( ⁇ ) are represented. At each value of the angle PHI corresponds a distinct azimuthal direction. The angle THETA makes it possible to measure the misalignment of the beam, if it is supposed that the pattern of the grating is centered on the center 0 of the mark.
  • FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show diagrams of top views of an antenna system comprising: nine source antennas arranged in a three-line and three-column areal network, centered on the center of the marker, and a lens (not shown) ).
  • the fed antennas are represented by a rectangle whose surface is black.
  • the unpowered antennas are represented by a rectangle whose surface is white.
  • the source antennas of the middle column and the middle line are fed simultaneously.
  • all the source antennas (those of the three columns and of the three lines) are fed simultaneously.
  • the antenna system emits a radiation pattern that is sectoral for any PHI angle (i.e., in all planes each associated with an azimuth direction itself defined by a distinct PHI angle).
  • the source antennas of the middle column are fed simultaneously.

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna system having a radiating diagram that can be reconfigured from a set of diagrams including, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuth direction, at least one directional radiating diagram in said plane and at least one sectorial radiating diagram in said plane. The system includes a plurality of source antennas (74) and a reconfiguration means for switching from one diagram to another in said set of radiating diagrams. The reconfiguration means includes a means (702) for managing the power supply of the source antennas and a dielectric lens (701) focusing the radiation of the powered source antennas. The means (702) for managing the power supply of the source antennas generates a plurality of supply configurations each associated with a radiating diagram distinct from the set of radiating diagrams. The plurality of supply configurations includes, at least for a plane associated with a given azimuth direction: at least a first configuration associated with the directional radiating diagram in said plane, in which N source antenna(s) contained in said plane is/are powered, with N = 2; and at least a second configuration associated with a sectorial radiating diagram in said plane, in which N' source antennas contained in said plane are powered, with N' > N.

Description

Système antennaire dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfigurable parmi des diagrammes de rayonnement sectoriels et directifs, et dispositif émetteur et/ou récepteur correspondant. Antenna system whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable among sectoral and directive radiation patterns, and corresponding transmitter and / or receiver device.
1. Domaine de l'invention Le domaine de l'invention est celui des antennes rayonnantes et plus particulièrement des systèmes antennaires dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfïgurable parmi un ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The field of the invention is that of radiating antennas and more particularly antenna systems whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable among a set of radiation patterns.
De tels systèmes antennaires peuvent passer d'un diagramme de rayonnement directif (c'est-à-dire qui rayonne dans une direction privilégiée) à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel (c'est-à-dire qui rayonne dans un secteur angulaire avec une densité de puissance constante) et inversement.Such antenna systems can switch from a directional radiation pattern (i.e. radiating in a preferred direction) to a sectoral radiation pattern (i.e. radiating in an angular sector with a constant power density) and vice versa.
D'un point de vue théorique (voir par exemple le document suivant : W. L. Stutzman, "Antenna theory and design ", p.524 - John Wiley & Sons - 1981), un diagramme sectoriel est un diagramme dont la forme du faisceau a un rayonnement uniforme (sur un secteur donné de l'espace) et des lobes secondaires nuls. En pratique, on accepte des ondulations inférieures à 3dB et également des lobes secondaires (dans une limite déterminée).From a theoretical point of view (see for example the following document: WL Stutzman, "Antenna theory and design", p.524 - John Wiley & Sons - 1981), a sector diagram is a diagram whose beam shape has a uniform radiation (on a given sector of space) and zero side lobes. In practice, corrugations smaller than 3dB and also secondary lobes (within a certain limit) are acceptable.
2. Solutions de l'art antérieur2. Solutions of the prior art
Afin d'obtenir un système antennaire présentant un diagramme de rayonnement reconfigurable (directif / sectoriel), une technique classique consiste à mettre en œuvre plusieurs antennes source disposées de sorte à former un réseau qui est généralement réalisé au moyen d'une technologie de réseau planaire imprimé.In order to obtain an antennal system having a reconfigurable radiation pattern (directive / sectoral), a conventional technique consists in implementing several source antennas arranged so as to form a network which is generally realized by means of a planar network technology. printed.
Grâce à l'association d'un module actif, comprenant un déphaseur et un amplificateur ou un atténuateur, à chaque antenne source du réseau, on peut jouer sur l'amplitude et la phase de chaque antenne source du réseau, et donc contrôler l'ouverture du lobe principal du diagramme de rayonnement. Ainsi, selon les lois d'amplitude et de phase appliquées au réseau, on peut passer d'un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel à un diagramme de rayonnement directif, et inversement. Ainsi, grâce à un tel système antennaire : un diagramme de rayonnement directif est obtenu en choisissant un réseau comprenant un nombre important d'antennes source (plus ce nombre est important et plus le diagramme de rayonnement est directif) ; un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel est obtenu en jouant à la fois sur l'amplitude et sur la phase de chaque antenne source du réseau tel qu'illustré par les figures IA et IB (issues du document de thèse de doctorat de l'Université de Rennes 1 soutenue par Olivier LAFOND en décembre 2000 et intitulée « conception et technologies d'antennes imprimées multicouches à 60GHz ») qui présentent un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel (figure IA) obtenu à 58,5GHz lorsque l'on applique les couples de valeur indiqués par la figure IB à six antennes source 101, 102, 13, 104, 105, 106 d'un système antennaire.Thanks to the association of an active module, comprising a phase-shifter and an amplifier or an attenuator, to each source antenna of the network, it is possible to play on the amplitude and the phase of each source antenna of the network, and thus to control the opening of the main lobe of the radiation pattern. Thus, according to the amplitude and phase laws applied to the network, it is possible to go from a sectoral radiation pattern to a directional radiation pattern, and vice versa. Thus, thanks to such an antennal system: a directional radiation pattern is obtained by choosing a network comprising a large number of source antennas (the larger this number is, the more directional the radiation pattern is); a sectoral radiation pattern is obtained by playing both on the amplitude and the phase of each source antenna of the network as illustrated by Figures IA and IB (from the doctoral thesis document of the University of Rennes 1 supported by Olivier LAFOND in December 2000 and entitled "60GHz multilayer printed antenna design and technologies") which show a sectorial radiation pattern (figure IA) obtained at 58.5 GHz when applying the value pairs indicated by Figure IB has six source antennas 101, 102, 13, 104, 105, 106 of an antenna system.
Cependant, l'implémentation des modules actifs, qui sont très coûteux dans le domaine millimétrique, dans ce système antennaire classique : - introduit une baisse du rendement de rayonnement l'antenne du fait de pertes de l'ordre de plusieurs dB à 77GHz et rend le système antennaire plus encombrant et plus coûteux et complexe à réaliser.However, the implementation of the active modules, which are very expensive in the millimetric domain, in this conventional antennal system: - introduces a decrease in the radiation yield of the antenna due to losses of the order of several dB at 77 GHz and makes the antennal system more bulky and more expensive and complex to achieve.
De plus, le fait de mettre en œuvre un nombre important d'antennes source implique une arborescence complexe et donc également une augmentation des pertes. En outre si, afin d'obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement encore plus directif, on souhaite diminuer le niveau des lobes secondaires, une pondération des amplitudes appliquées sur les antennes source doit de plus être mise en œuvre ce qui rend le système antennaire encore plus encombrant et plus coûteux et complexe à réaliser.In addition, the fact of implementing a large number of source antennas involves a complex tree structure and therefore also an increase in losses. In addition, if, in order to obtain an even more directional radiation pattern, it is desired to reduce the level of the sidelobes, a weighting of the amplitudes applied to the source antennas must also be implemented, which makes the antenna system even more cumbersome. and more expensive and complex to achieve.
3. Objectifs de l'invention3. Objectives of the invention
L'invention, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, a notamment pour objectif de pallier ces inconvénients de l'art antérieur.The invention, in at least one embodiment, is intended in particular to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.
Plus précisément, un objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un de ses modes de réalisation, est de fournir un système antennaire dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfigurable, plus aisément qu'avec les systèmes de l'art antérieur, parmi un ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement comprenant au moins un diagramme de rayonnement directif et au moins un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel. Un autre objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un de ses modes de réalisation, est de mettre en œuvre un tel système qui ne nécessite pas l'utilisation de déphaseurs et d'amplificateurs pour assurer la reconfigurabilité de son diagramme de rayonnement.More specifically, an object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to provide an antennal system whose radiation is reconfigurable, more easily than with the systems of the prior art, among a set of radiation patterns comprising at least one directional radiation pattern and at least one sectoral radiation pattern. Another object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that does not require the use of phase shifters and amplifiers to ensure the reconfigurability of its radiation pattern.
Un autre objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un de ses modes de réalisation, est de mettre en œuvre un tel système qui permette une reconfigurabilité (passage d'un rayonnement directif à sectoriel, ou inversement), tout en conservant un même axe de dépointage.Another objective of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that allows a reconfigurability (passage of a directional radiation sectorial, or vice versa), while maintaining the same axis of misalignment.
Un autre objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un de ses modes de réalisation, est de mettre en œuvre un tel système qui permette une reconfigurabilité dans plusieurs plans associés chacun à une direction azimutale déterminée distincte.Another object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement such a system that allows a reconfigurability in several planes each associated with a distinct azimuthal direction distinct.
L'invention, dans au moins un de ses modes de réalisation, a encore pour objectif de mettre en œuvre un tel système qui soit plus simple et moins coûteux à réaliser que les systèmes antennaires à diagramme de rayonnement reconfigurable directif/sectoriel classiques.The invention, in at least one of its embodiments, still aims to implement such a system that is simpler and less costly to achieve than conventional reconfigurable radiation field / sectoral antenna systems.
4. Exposé de l'invention4. Presentation of the invention
Conformément à un mode de réalisation particulier, l'invention concerne un système antennaire dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfigurable parmi un ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée, au moins un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan, et au moins un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan. Ce système comprend une pluralité d'antennes source et des moyens de reconfiguration, permettant de passer d'un diagramme à un autre parmi ledit ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement. Les moyens de reconfiguration comprennent : des moyens de gestion de l'alimentation desdites antennes source, générant une pluralité de configurations d'alimentation associées chacune à un diagramme de rayonnement distinct dudit ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement, ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée, :According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an antenna system whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable from a set of radiation patterns comprising, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, at least one directional radiation pattern. in said plane, and at least one sectoral radiation pattern in said plane. This system comprises a plurality of source antennas and reconfiguration means, for switching from one diagram to another among said set of radiation patterns. The reconfiguration means comprise: power management means of said source antennas, generating a plurality of power configurations each associated with a radiation pattern separate from said set of radiation patterns, said plurality of power configuration comprising, for at least one associated plane at a given azimuth direction,
* au moins une première configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan, dans laquelle N antenne(s) source contenue(s) dans ledit plan est (sont) alimentée(s), avec N < 2 ; et * au moins une seconde configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan, dans laquelle N' antennes source contenues dans ledit plan sont alimentées, avec N' > N ; une lentille diélectrique, permettant de focaliser les rayonnements des antennes source alimentées. Le principe général de l'invention consiste à associer une lentille diélectrique à une pluralité d'antennes source dans un système antennaire afin de rendre celui-ci reconfîgurable simplement, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donné, en alimentant ou non certaines des antennes source.at least one first configuration, associated with a directional radiation pattern in said plane, in which N antenna (s) contained source (s) in said plane is (are) fed, with N <2; and * at least one second configuration, associated with a sectoral radiation pattern in said plane, in which N 'source antennas contained in said plane are fed, with N'> N; a dielectric lens, for focusing the radiation of the fed source antennas. The general principle of the invention consists in associating a dielectric lens with a plurality of source antennas in an antenna system in order to make it easily reconfigurable, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, by feeding or not certain source antennas.
Il est important de noter que l'invention repose sur une approche tout à fait nouvelle et inventive, et sur un effet surprenant. En effet, du fait de la présence de la lentille, plus le nombre d'antennes source alimentées est important, plus le diagramme de rayonnement est sectoriel. Au contraire, dans la technique de l'art antérieur (sans lentille, mais en jouant sur l'amplitude et la phase de chacune des antennes source), plus le nombre d'antennes source alimentées est important, plus le diagramme de rayonnement est directif.It is important to note that the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach, and on a surprising effect. Indeed, because of the presence of the lens, the greater the number of source antennas powered, the more the radiation pattern is sectoral. On the contrary, in the technique of the prior art (without a lens, but by varying the amplitude and phase of each of the source antennas), the greater the number of source antennas powered, the more the radiation pattern is directive. .
Un tel système antennaire ne nécessite pas la mise en œuvre de déphaseurs et d'amplificateurs pour assurer la reconfigurabilité de son diagramme de rayonnement. En conséquence, il possède plusieurs avantages par rapport aux systèmes antennaires à diagramme de rayonnement reconfigurable directif/sectoriel classiques : il présente un rendement de rayonnement amélioré (du fait qu'il présente de faibles pertes) ; il est plus large bande (du fait qu'il n'y a pas de déphaseurs) ; il est particulièrement adapté aux fréquences millimétriques ; - il est plus simple et moins coûteux à réaliser.Such an antenna system does not require the implementation of phase shifters and amplifiers to ensure the reconfigurability of its radiation pattern. As a result, it has several advantages over conventional field / sector reconfigurable radiation pattern antenna systems: it has improved radiation efficiency (because it has low losses); it is wider band (because there are no phase shifters); it is particularly adapted to millimeter frequencies; - It is simpler and less expensive to make.
Avantageusement, ladite lentille diélectrique appartient au groupe comprenant : des lentilles sphériques homogènes ou inhomogènes à gradient d'indice, et des lentilles hémisphériques inhomogènes à gradient d'indice. Préférentiellement, ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan, dans laquelle toutes les antennes source contenues dans ledit plan sont alimentées.Advantageously, said dielectric lens belongs to the group comprising: homogeneous or inhomogeneous index-gradient spherical lenses, and index-gradient inhomogeneous hemispherical lenses. Preferably, said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectoral radiation pattern in said plane, in which all the source antennas contained in said plane are fed.
Avantageusement, toutes les antennes source qui sont alimentées le sont avec une même amplitude et une même phase.Advantageously, all source antennas that are powered are with the same amplitude and the same phase.
Préférentiellement, N est égal à un si le nombre total d'antennes source contenues dans ledit plan est impair, et N est égal à deux N=2 si le nombre total d'antennes source contenues dans ledit plan est pair.Preferably, N is equal to one if the total number of source antennas contained in said plane is odd, and N is equal to two N = 2 if the total number of source antennas contained in said plane is even.
Avantageusement, ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan et dépointé selon un axe de dépointage donné, dans laquelle il y a plus d'antennes alimentées d'un côté que de l'autre d'un axe de symétrie de répartition des antennes source dans ledit plan.Advantageously, said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectorial radiation pattern in said plane and offset along a given misalignment axis, in which there are more antennas fed on one side than on the other. the other of an axis of symmetry of distribution of the source antennas in said plane.
De façon avantageuse, ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan et dépointé selon ledit axe de dépointage donné.Advantageously, said plurality of power supply configurations comprises at least one configuration, associated with a directional radiation pattern in said plane and offset along said given misalignment axis.
Ainsi, en gardant un même axe de dépointage, on passe d'un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel à un diagramme de rayonnement directif (dans un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée), ou inversement. Avantageusement, ladite pluralité d'antennes source sont réparties selon un réseau appartenant au groupe comprenant : des réseaux linéaires, permettant de définir le caractère directif ou sectoriel de chaque diagramme de rayonnement, pour un unique plan associé à une direction azimutale déterminée ; et des réseaux surfaciques, permettant de définir le caractère directif ou sectoriel de chaque diagramme de rayonnement, pour au moins deux plans associés chacun à une direction azimutale déterminée distincte. Selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, les moyens de gestion de l'alimentation desdites antennes source comprennent au moins un commutateur appartenant au groupe comprenant : les diodes PIN ; les amplificateurs MMIC ; les MEMS. L'invention concerne également un dispositif émetteur et/ou récepteur d'ondes radio comprenant au moins un système antennaire tel que décrit précédemment.Thus, keeping the same misalignment axis, we go from a sectoral radiation pattern to a directional radiation pattern (in a plane associated with a given azimuthal direction), or vice versa. Advantageously, said plurality of source antennas are distributed according to a network belonging to the group comprising: linear networks, making it possible to define the directional or sectoral nature of each radiation pattern, for a single plane associated with a given azimuthal direction; and areal networks, for defining the directional or sectoral nature of each radiation pattern, for at least two planes each associated with a distinct predetermined azimuthal direction. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the power management means of said source antennas comprise at least one switch belonging to the group comprising: PIN diodes; MMIC amplifiers; MEMS. The invention also relates to a device transmitter and / or receiver of radio waves comprising at least one antennal system as described above.
Les avantages du dispositif émetteur d'onde radio sont les mêmes que ceux du système antennaire, ils ne sont pas détaillés plus amplement. 5. Liste des figuresThe advantages of the radio wave transmitter device are the same as those of the antenna system, they are not detailed further. 5. List of figures
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers, donnés à titre de simples exemples illustratifs et non limitatifs, et des dessins annexés, parmi lesquels : - les figures IA et IB présentent un diagramme de rayonnement sectorielOther characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which: FIGS. IB present a sectoral radiation pattern
(figure IA) obtenu à 58,5GHz lorsque l'on applique les couples de valeur indiqués par la figure IB à six antennes source d'un système antennaire selon l'art antérieur ; la figure 2A présente un schéma d'un premier système antennaire, selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, à base d'une lentille à six coquilles associée à quatre antennes source à base de guide d'onde ; la figure 2B présente un schéma d'un second système antennaire selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, à base d'une lentille à trois coquilles associée à cinq antennes source imprimées ; - les figures 3A et 3B présentent des schémas de vues de dessus du second système antennaire précité dans le cas où les antennes source sont dans le plan H (figure 3A) et dans le cas où les antennes source sont dans le plan E (figure 3B) ; la figure 4 présente un schéma des moyens de configuration selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ; les figures 5A et 5B présentent des schémas de vues de dessus du second système antennaire précité dans le cas où les cinq antennes source sont alimentées (figure 5A) et dans le cas où seule l'antenne source centrale parmi les cinq antennes source est alimentée (figure 5B) ; - la figure 6 un diagramme représentant l'évolution de la répartition angulaire du diagramme de rayonnement à 77GHz d'un quatrième système antennaire selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, comprenant 9 antennes source à base de guide d'onde et une lentille à 9 coquilles, lorsque le nombre d'antenne(s) source alimentée(s) passe de 1 à 9 ; les figures 7A et 7B présentent un diagramme (figure 7A) représentant l'évolution de la répartition angulaire du diagramme de rayonnement à 77GHz d'un cinquième système antennaire selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, comprenant 8 antennes source alignées (figure 7B) à base de guide d'onde et une lentille à 9 coquilles, lorsque l'on fait varier le triplet d'antennes source alimenté ; la figure 8 illustre un exemple de réseau surfacique hexagonal d'antennes source ; la figure 9 illustre un repère Oxyz, dans lequel sont représentés les angles PHI (φ) et THETA (θ) ; les figures 1OA, 1OB et 1OC présentent des schémas de vues de dessus d'un système antennaire comprenant des antennes sources disposées selon un réseau surfacique, dans différents cas d'alimentation des antennes source ; - les figures HA et HB présentent des schémas de vues de dessus d'un même système antennaire, l'alimentation des antennes source étant telle que dans un cas (figure 1 IA) le diagramme de rayonnement est directif et dépointé et dans l'autre cas (figure HB) le diagramme de rayonnement est sectoriel et dépointé selon le même axe de dépointage. 6. Description d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention(FIG. 1A) obtained at 58.5 GHz when applying the value pairs indicated in FIG. 1B to six source antennas of an antenna system according to the prior art; FIG. 2A shows a diagram of a first antennal system, according to one particular embodiment of the invention, based on a six-lens shells associated with four source antennas based waveguide; FIG. 2B shows a diagram of a second antennal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, based on a three-shell lens associated with five printed source antennas; FIGS. 3A and 3B show diagrams of top views of the aforementioned second antennal system in the case where the source antennas are in the H plane (FIG. 3A) and in the case where the source antennas are in the E plane (FIG. 3B). ); Figure 4 shows a diagram of the configuration means according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 5A and 5B show top view diagrams of the aforementioned second antennal system in the case where the five source antennas are powered (FIG. 5A) and in the case where only the central source antenna among the five source antennas is powered ( Figure 5B); FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the evolution of the angular distribution of the 77 GHz radiation pattern of a fourth antenna system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 9 source antennas based on a waveguide and a 9-shell lens, when the number of fed source antenna (s) goes from 1 to 9; FIGS. 7A and 7B show a diagram (FIG. 7A) representing the evolution of the angular distribution of the 77 GHz radiation pattern of a fifth antenna system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 8 aligned source antennas (FIG. 7B) and a 9-shell lens, when varying the supplied source antenna triplet; FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary hexagonal surface array of source antennas; FIG. 9 illustrates an Oxyz mark, in which the angles PHI (φ) and THETA (θ) are represented; FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show diagrams of top views of an antenna system comprising source antennas arranged according to a surface network, in different cases of supplying the source antennas; FIGS. HA and HB show diagrams of top views of the same antennal system, the supply of the source antennas being such that in one case (FIG. 1A) the radiation pattern is directional and depointed and in the other case (figure HB) the radiation pattern is sectorial and misaligned along the same misalignment axis. 6. Description of an embodiment of the invention
Sur toutes les figures du présent document, les éléments identiques sont désignés par une même référence numérique.In all the figures of this document, identical elements are designated by the same reference numeral.
Un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention concerne un système antennaire comprenant : - un réseau d'antennes source disposé sur un substrat, les antennes source émettant chacune un rayonnement ; des moyens de reconfiguration, permettant de passer d'un diagramme à un autre parmi un ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée, au moins un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans le plan précité et au moins un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans le plan précité. Les moyens de reconfiguration comprennent : une lentille diélectrique disposée au-dessus des antennes source et permettant de focaliser les rayonnements des antennes source alimentées ; - des moyens de gestion de l'alimentation des antennes source, générant une pluralité de configurations d'alimentation associées chacune à un diagramme de rayonnement distinct de l'ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement, la pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée : * au moins une première configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans le plan précité, dans laquelle N antenne(s) source contenue(s) dans le plan précité est (sont) alimentée(s), avec N < 2 ; etA particular embodiment of the invention relates to an antenna system comprising: a source antenna array disposed on a substrate, the source antennas each emitting radiation; reconfiguration means making it possible to switch from one diagram to another among a set of radiation diagrams comprising, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, at least one directional radiation pattern in said plane and at least one a sectoral radiation pattern in the aforementioned plan. The reconfiguration means comprise: a dielectric lens disposed above the source antennas and for focusing the rays of the supplied source antennas; source antenna power management means, generating a plurality of power supply configurations each associated with a radiation pattern distinct from the set of radiation patterns, the plurality of power supply configurations comprising, for at least a plane associated with a given azimuthal direction: * at least one first configuration, associated with a directional radiation in the aforementioned plane, in which N source antenna (s) contained in the aforementioned plane is (are) fed, with N <2; and
* au moins une seconde configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans le plan précité, dans laquelle N' antennes source contenue(s) dans le plan précité sont alimentées, avec N' > N.at least one second configuration, associated with a sectoral radiation pattern in the aforementioned plane, in which N 'source antennas contained in the aforementioned plane are fed, with N'> N.
La lentille diélectrique est par exemple : une lentille sphérique homogène (lentille appelée « constante K » par exemple) ou une lentille sphérique inhomogène à gradient d'indice (lentille de Lϋneburg par exemple) ; une lentille hémisphérique inhomogène à gradient d'indice (lentille à demiOeil de Poisson de Maxwell par exemple.The dielectric lens is for example: a homogeneous spherical lens (lens called "constant K" for example) or an inhomogeneous spherical lens index gradient (Lϋneburg lens for example); an inhomogeneous index-gradient hemispherical lens (for example Maxwell's Poisson à demi-oeil lens).
Dans le cadre d'un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, on utilise une lentille inhomogène à gradient d'indice de type Œil de Poisson de Maxwell réalisée sous la forme d'une demi-sphère telle que décrite dans la demande de brevet français n°2888407 publiée le 12 janvier 2007.In the context of a particular embodiment of the invention, a non-homogeneous gradient-indexed lens of the Maxwell Poisson's Eye type is used in the form of a hemisphere as described in the patent application. French No 2888407 published on January 12, 2007.
On rappelle que la lentille inhomogène à gradient d'indice de type Œil de Poisson de Maxwell présente une permittivité diélectrique qui varie radialement suivant la distribution théorique suivante : εr (r) = 4/(1 + (r/R)2)2 où R est le rayon externe de la lentille et r est la distance au centre de la lentille. En pratique, cette variation d'indice est approchée en imbriquant plusieurs coquilles homogènes les unes dans les autres.It is recalled that Maxwell's Poisson-like index gradient inhomogeneous lens has a dielectric permittivity which varies radially according to the following theoretical distribution: ε r (r) = 4 / (1 + (r / R) 2 ) 2 where R is the outer radius of the lens and r is the distance to the center of the lens. In practice, this index variation is approximated by nesting several homogeneous shells into each other.
Préférentiellement, la lentille inhomogène à gradient d'indice, de type Œil de Poisson de Maxwell réalisée sous la forme d'une demi-sphère selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention comprend N coquilles concentriques en forme de demi-sphère, de constantes diélectriques discrètes différentes et imbriquées entre elles sans espace vide entre deux coquilles successives, avec 3 < N < 20, les constantes diélectriques discrètes des N coquilles étant telles qu'elles définissent une distribution discrète approchant au mieux la distribution théorique précité de la constante diélectrique à l'intérieur de la lentille.Preferably, the index-gradient non-homogeneous lens of Maxwell's Poisson's eye type, produced in the form of a hemisphere according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprises N concentric shells in the form of a half-sphere, discrete dielectric constants different and nested with each other without empty space between two successive shells, with 3 <N <20, the discrete dielectric constants of the N shells being such that they define a discrete distribution approaching at best the aforementioned theoretical distribution of the dielectric constant inside the lens.
Dans le cadre de la présente invention, on peut mettre en œuvre tout type d'antenne source. Préférentiellement, on choisit des antennes source compatibles avec une bonne insertion de leur rayonnement dans la lentille (c'est-à-dire qui permettent de minimiser le « spill-over » ou débordement du rayonnement de la lentille).In the context of the present invention, it is possible to implement any type of source antenna. Preferably, source antennas are chosen which are compatible with a good insertion of their radiation into the lens (that is to say which make it possible to minimize the "spill-over" or overflow of the radiation of the lens).
Selon un premier exemple conforme au mode de réalisation particulier précité de l'invention, on met en œuvre des antennes source à base de guides d'onde.According to a first example in accordance with the particular embodiment mentioned above of the invention, source antennas based on waveguides are used.
Ainsi, l'utilisation d'antennes source à base de guides d'onde permet de réduire les pertes d'insertion du rayonnement émis par les antennes source dans les moyens de focalisation.Thus, the use of waveguide source antennas makes it possible to reduce the insertion losses of the radiation emitted by the source antennas in the focusing means.
Selon un second exemple conforme au mode de réalisation particulier précité de l'invention, on met en œuvre des antennes source imprimées sur un substrat (par exemple des pistes métalliques imprimées sur un circuit imprimé).According to a second example according to the above-mentioned particular embodiment of the invention, source antennas printed on a substrate (for example metal tracks printed on a printed circuit) are used.
Ainsi, dans le cas de l'utilisation d'antennes source imprimées sur le substrat, le système antennaire est plus simple à fabriquer et moins coûteux.Thus, in the case of the use of source antennas printed on the substrate, the antenna system is simpler to manufacture and less expensive.
On peut remarquer qu'il n'est pas nécessaire dans le cadre du système antennaire selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention de respecter le critère de SHANNON NYQUIST d'espacement minimum des antennes source de λ0/ 2 (où λo est la longueur d'onde du signal émis par le système antennaire) car seul le diagramme de rayonnement mis en forme issu de l'association antennes source - lentille est important. Cependant, on peut noter qu'afin de diminuer les ondulations du diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel du système antennaire selon le mode de réalisation particulier, il est possible de trouver un espacement entre les éléments conducteurs qui est optimisé.It may be noted that it is not necessary, in the context of the antenna system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, to respect the SHANNON NYQUIST criterion of minimum spacing of the source antennas of λ 0/2 (where λ 0 is the wavelength of the signal emitted by the antennal system) because only the shaped radiation pattern resulting from the source-lens antenna combination is important. However, it may be noted that in order to decrease the undulations of the sectorial radiation pattern of the antenna system according to the particular embodiment, it is possible to find a spacing between the conductive elements which is optimized.
On peut noter qu'augmenter le nombre d'antennes source dans le système antennaire selon l'invention permet d'augmenter le secteur éclairé). On présente, en relation avec les figures 2A et 2B, un schéma d'un premier système antennaire 2100 à base d'une lentille 2110 à six coquilles, 2111 à 2116, associée à quatre antennes source à base de guide d'onde, 2121 à 2124, selon le premier exemple de réalisation conforme au mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention (figure 2A) et un schéma d'un second système antennaire 2200 à base d'une lentille 2210 à trois coquilles, 2211 à 2213, associée à cinq antennes source imprimées, 2221 à 2225, selon le second exemple de réalisation conforme au mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention (figure 2B).It may be noted that increasing the number of source antennas in the antenna system according to the invention makes it possible to increase the illuminated area). FIGS. 2A and 2B show a diagram of a first antennal system 2100 based on a six-shell lens 2110, 2111 to 2116, associated with four waveguide-based source antennas, 2121 to 2124, according to the first exemplary embodiment according to the particular embodiment of the invention (FIG. 2A) and a diagram of a second antennal system 2200 based on a 2210 lens with three shells, 2211 to 2213, associated with five source antennas printed, 2221 to 2225, according to the second exemplary embodiment according to the particular embodiment of the invention (Figure 2B).
Les cinq antennes source imprimées (également appelés « patchs ») 2221 à 2225 sont imprimées sur un substrat 2226.The five printed source antennas (also called "patches") 2221 to 2225 are printed on a substrate 2226.
On peut noter que l'augmentation du nombre de coquilles dans la lentille d'un système antennaire selon l'invention permet d'améliorer la directivité dans la configuration « diagramme de rayonnement directif » de ce système (c'est-à- dire lorsqu'un nombre N < 2 d'antennes source sont alimentées, N étant par exemple égal à un si le nombre total d'antennes source du réseau d'antennes est impair et égal à deux si le nombre total d'antenne source est pair).It may be noted that the increase in the number of shells in the lens of an antenna system according to the invention makes it possible to improve the directivity in the "directional radiation pattern" configuration of this system (that is to say when a number N <2 of source antennas are fed, N being for example equal to one if the total number of antenna antennas of the antenna array is odd and equal to two if the total number of source antenna is even) .
On peut noter que, conformément à l'invention : les antennes source (qu'elles soient à base de guide d'onde ou imprimées) peuvent être alignées dans le plan H du système antennaire (tel qu'illustré par la figure 3A présentant un schéma d'une vue de dessus du second système antennaire précité dans le cas où ses patchs sont alignés dans le plan H) mais elles peuvent également être alignées dans le plan E du système antennaire (tel qu'illustré par la figure 3B présentant un schéma d'une vue de dessus du second système antennaire précité dans le cas où ses patchs sont alignés dans le plan E) ; le nombre d'antennes source comprises dans le système antennaire peut être pair ou impair.It may be noted that according to the invention: the source antennas (whether waveguide-based or printed) may be aligned in the plane H of the antenna system (as illustrated by FIG. diagram of a top view of the second aforementioned antennal system in the case where its patches are aligned in the plane H) but they can also be aligned in the plane E of the antennal system (as illustrated by FIG. 3B showing a diagram a top view of the second aforementioned antennal system in the case where its patches are aligned in the plane E); the number of source antennas included in the antenna system may be even or odd.
Les moyens de reconfiguration illustrés par la figure 4 comprennent une lentille 701 et des moyens de gestion de l'alimentation 702. Les moyens de gestion de l'alimentation 702 sont par exemple un circuit d'alimentation d'antenne 71 classique auquel est adjoint un module de commutation 72, par exemple, à base de commutateurs à diodes PIN ou à amplificateurs MMIC ou encore à MEMS.The reconfiguration means illustrated in FIG. 4 comprise a lens 701 and power management means 702. The power management means 702 are, for example, a circuit antenna power supply 71 to which is added a switching module 72, for example, based on PIN diode switches or amplifiers MMIC or MEMS.
Ce module de commutation, commandé par un signal de commutation qui lui est appliqué par un module de contrôle 73 qui, selon l'invention, permet de gérer l'alimentation d'un nombre variable d'antennes source 74, afin de reconfigurer dynamiquement le diagramme de rayonnement, et passer notamment d'un diagramme de rayonnement directif à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel, ou inversement. Préférentiellement, afin de gagner en simplicité, grâce aux moyens de gestion 702 selon l'invention, toutes les antennes source 74 qui sont alimentées, le sont avec une même amplitude et une même phase.This switching module, controlled by a switching signal applied to it by a control module 73 which, according to the invention, makes it possible to manage the supply of a variable number of source antennas 74, in order to dynamically reconfigure the radiation pattern, and pass including a directional radiation pattern to a sectoral radiation pattern, or vice versa. Preferably, in order to gain simplicity, thanks to the management means 702 according to the invention, all source antennas 74 which are powered, are with the same amplitude and the same phase.
On présente, en relation avec les figures 5A et 5B, des schémas de vues de dessus du second système antennaire 2200 précité dans le cas où les cinq antennes source 2221 à 2225 sont alimentées simultanément (figure 5A) et dans le cas où seule l'antenne source centrale 2223 parmi les cinq antennes source 2221 à 2225 est alimentée (figure 5B).With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, diagrams of top views of the aforementioned second antenna system 2200 are presented in the case where the five source antennas 2221 to 2225 are fed simultaneously (FIG. 5A) and in the case where only the 2223 central source antenna among the five source antennas 2221 to 2225 is fed (Figure 5B).
Dans le cas où chacune des cinq antennes source 2221 à 2225 est alimentée simultanément par le circuit d'alimentation au moyen d'un même signal d'alimentation (même amplitude et même phase pour chacune des antennes source), alors le second système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement mis en forme par la lentille 2210 qui est un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel.In the case where each of the five source antennas 2221 to 2225 is simultaneously supplied by the supply circuit by means of the same supply signal (same amplitude and same phase for each of the source antennas), then the second antenna system transmits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens 2210 which is a sectoral radiation pattern.
Dans le cas où seule l'antenne source centrale 2223 parmi les antennes source 2221 à 2225 est alimentée par le circuit d'alimentation, alors le second système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement mis en forme par la lentille 2210 qui est un diagramme de rayonnement directif. On retrouve ainsi la propriété des lentilles à savoir la focalisation par la lentille du rayonnement provenant de l'antenne source centrale 2223. Ainsi, dans ce cas, le diagramme de rayonnement mis en forme est un diagramme de rayonnement focalisé. Bien entendu, dans le cas d'un troisième système antennaire (non représenté) identique au second système antennaire si ce n'est qu'il comprend un nombre pair (par exemple six) d'antennes source, alors, si on alimente les deux antennes source centrales parmi les antennes source, alors le troisième système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement mis en forme par la lentille qui est un diagramme de rayonnement directif.In the case where only the central source antenna 2223 among the source antennas 2221 to 2225 is fed by the supply circuit, then the second antenna system emits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens 2210 which is a radiation pattern. directive. Thus we find the property of the lenses, namely the focusing by the lens of the radiation coming from the central source antenna 2223. Thus, in this case, the shaped radiation pattern is a focused radiation pattern. Of course, in the case of a third antenna system (not shown) identical to the second antennal system except that it comprises an even number (for example six) of source antennas, then, if we feed both central source antennas among the source antennas, then the third antennal system emits a radiation pattern shaped by the lens which is a directional radiation pattern.
On présente, en relation avec les figures HA et HB, des schémas de vues de dessus d'un système antennaire à huit antennes sources 111 à 118 et une lentille 2200 à trois coquilles : - dans le cas où une seule la deuxième antenne source en partant de la droiteWith reference to FIGS. HA and HB, diagrams of top views of an antennal system with eight source antennas 111 to 118 and a 2200 lens with three shells are presented: in the case where only one, the second source antenna in from the right
(celle référencée 117) est alimentée (figure 1 IA) et dans le cas où les trois antennes les plus à droite (celles référencées 116 à(that referenced 117) is fed (Figure 1 IA) and in the case where the three antennas further to the right (those referenced 116 to
118) sont alimentées simultanément (figure 1 IB).118) are fed simultaneously (FIG. 1B).
Dans le premier cas (figure HA), le système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement (mis en forme par la lentille) qui est un diagramme de rayonnement directif dépointé selon un axe de dépointage donné (défini par un angle THETA non nul, dans le repère décrit ci-après en relation avec la figure 9, en supposant que les antennes source sont alignées selon l'axe Ox).In the first case (Figure HA), the antennal system emits a radiation pattern (shaped by the lens) which is a directional radiation pattern misaligned along a given misalignment axis (defined by a non-zero angle THETA, in the reference point described below in relation to Figure 9, assuming that the source antennas are aligned along the axis Ox).
Dans le second cas (figure 1 IB), le système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement (mis en forme par la lentille) qui est un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dépointé selon le même axe de dépointage que sur la figureIn the second case (FIG. 1BB), the antenna system emits a radiation pattern (shaped by the lens) which is a sectorial radiation diagram that is off-set according to the same misalignment axis as in FIG.
HA, du fait que l'antenne source référencée 117 est l'antenne centrale du groupe d'antennes référencées 116 à 118.HA, since the source antenna referenced 117 is the central antenna of the group of antennas referenced 116 to 118.
On présente, en relation avec la figure 6, un diagramme représentant l'évolution de la répartition angulaire (en directivité (ou également directivity) exprimée en dB en fonction de l'angle (référencé θ) exprimé en degré) du diagramme de rayonnement à 77GHz d'un quatrième système antennaire selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, comprenant 9 antennes source à base de guide d'onde et une lentille à 9 coquilles, lorsque le nombre d'antenne(s) source alimentée(s) vaut respectivement, 1 (courbe 501), 3 (courbe 502), 5 (courbe 503), 7 (courbe 504) et 9 (courbe 505).FIG. 6 shows a diagram representing the evolution of the angular distribution (in directivity (or also directivity) expressed in dB as a function of the angle (referenced θ) expressed in degrees of the radiation pattern at 77GHz of a fourth antennal system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 9 waveguide-based source antennas and a 9-shell lens, when the number of antenna (s) fed source (s) is respectively 1 (curve 501), 3 (curve 502), 5 (curve 503), 7 (curve 504) and 9 (curve 505).
On se rend compte que plus le nombre d'antennes source alimentées est grand et plus le diagramme de rayonnement est étalé dans le domaine angulaire. Ainsi, la courbe 501 illustre un diagramme de rayonnement directif et la courbe 505 illustre un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel.It is realized that the greater the number of fed source antennas, the more the radiation pattern is spread in the angular range. Thus, curve 501 illustrates a directional radiation pattern and curve 505 illustrates a sectoral radiation pattern.
On présente, en relation avec les figures 7 A et 7B, un diagramme (figure 7A) représentant l'évolution de la répartition de puissance (c'est-à-dire le diagramme de rayonnementen directivité, ou « directivity » en anglais) exprimée en dB, en fonction de l'angle (référencé θ) exprimé en degré) à 77GHz, d'un cinquième système antennaire selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, comprenant 8 antennes source 61 à 68 alignées (figure 7B) à base de guide d'onde et une lentille à 9 coquilles, lorsque les antennes source alimentées sont respectivement, les antennes 61 à 63 (courbe 601), 62 à 64 (courbe 602), 63 à 65 (courbe 603), 64 à 66 (courbe 604), 65 à 67 (courbe 605) et 66 à 68 (courbe 606).In relation to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a diagram (FIG. 7A) representing the evolution of the power distribution (that is to say the directivity radiation pattern, or "directivity" in English) is presented. in dB, as a function of the angle (referenced θ) expressed in degrees) at 77 GHz, of a fifth antenna system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, comprising 8 source antennas 61 to 68 aligned (FIG. waveguide base and a 9-shell lens, when the supplied source antennas are, respectively, antennas 61 to 63 (curve 601), 62 to 64 (curve 602), 63 to 65 (curve 603), 64 to 66 (Curve 604), 65 to 67 (Curve 605) and 66 to 68 (Curve 606).
Ainsi, à ces six configuration d'alimentation des 8 antennes sources 61 à 66 correspondent six diagrammes de rayonnement sectoriels dépointés. Dans chacune de ces configurations d'alimentation, il y a plus d'antennes source alimentées d'un côté d'un axe 69 de symétrie de répartition des antennes source que de l'autre.Thus, these six feed configurations of the 8 source antennas 61 to 66 correspond to six branched sectoral radiation diagrams. In each of these power supply configurations, there are more source antennas fed on one side of an axis 69 of distribution symmetry of the source antennas than on the other.
Ainsi, la reconfigurabilité des systèmes antennaires précités selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention est obtenue simplement en alimentant ou non certaines des antennes source du réseau d'antenne source. Ainsi, en aucun cas, il n'y a besoin de déphaser ou de pondérer les alimentations des antennes source les unes par rapport aux autres, il est seulement nécessaire d'alimenter ou pas ces antennes source. En conséquence, la reconfigurabilité du diagramme de rayonnement de ces systèmes antennaires est obtenue grâce à la mise en œuvre d'un module de commutation dans un circuit d'alimentation classique. Une première application d'un tel système antennaire selon l'invention est la mise en œuvre dans un radar anti-collision à 77GHz, par exemple, embarqué dans une automobile. En effet, un tel radar doit pouvoir émettre à la fois un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel afin de balayer l'environnement proche de l'automobile et un diagramme de rayonnement directif afin de sonder l'environnement à plus longue portée. Ainsi, une solution à ce problème peut être un système antennaire selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfigurable.Thus, the reconfigurability of the above antennal systems according to the particular embodiment of the invention is obtained simply by feeding or not some of the source antennas of the source antenna array. Thus, in any case, there is no need to phase out or weight the feeds of the source antennas relative to each other, it is only necessary to feed or not these source antennas. As a result, the reconfigurability of the radiation pattern of these antenna systems is achieved by the implementation of a switching module in a conventional power supply circuit. A first application of such an antenna system according to the invention is the implementation in a collision-avoidance radar at 77 GHz, for example, embedded in an automobile. Indeed, such a radar must be able to emit both a sectoral radiation pattern to scan the environment close to the automobile and a directional radiation pattern to probe the longer-range environment. Thus, a solution to this problem may be an antenna system according to the particular embodiment of the invention, the radiation pattern of which is reconfigurable.
Une seconde application d'un tel système antennaire selon l'invention est celle des communications haut débit indoor (par exemple dans une habitation) grand public. En effet, dans le cadre d'une communication dans les fréquences correspondant à des longueurs d'onde millimétriques (typiquement autour de 60GHz), la présence d'un obstacle sur le trajet de l'onde émise par un système antennaire émettant un diagramme directif peut couper la communication. Ainsi, l'utilisation, dans ce cadre, du système antennaire reconfigurable selon l'invention est avantageuse du fait que dans un tel cas de présence d'un obstacle, le système antennaire peut commuter d'un diagramme de rayonnement directif à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel, ce qui permet alors, par multitrajets, de rétablir la communication. Dans les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus, en relation avec les figuresA second application of such an antennal system according to the invention is that of broadband indoor communications (for example in a home) general public. Indeed, in the context of a communication in the frequencies corresponding to millimetric wavelengths (typically around 60 GHz), the presence of an obstacle on the path of the wave emitted by an antennal system emitting a directional diagram can cut the communication. Thus, the use, in this context, of the reconfigurable antennal system according to the invention is advantageous because in such a case of presence of an obstacle, the antenna system can switch from a directional radiation pattern to a control diagram. sectoral radiation, which then allows, by multipath, to restore communication. In the embodiments described above, in connection with the figures
2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B, HA et HB, les antennes sources sont réparties selon un réseau linéaire, pouvant être plat (ID) ou non (2D).2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B, HA and HB, the source antennas are distributed in a linear array, which may be flat (ID) or not (2D).
On présente ci-après, en relation avec les figures 8, 9 et 10 à 10C, une variante de réalisation dans laquelle le réseau d'antennes source est un réseau surfacique, pouvant être plan (2D) ou conformé (3D).In the following, with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 to 10C, an embodiment variant in which the source antenna array is a surface network, which may be plane (2D) or shaped (3D).
L'utilisation d'un tel réseau surfacique d'antennes sources est qu'il permet l'obtention de diagrammes (sectoriel ou directif) dans des plans différents, associés chacun à une direction azimutale PHI distincte.The use of such a surface array of source antennas is that it allows the obtaining of diagrams (sectoral or directive) in different planes, each associated with a distinct azimuth direction PHI.
La figure 8 illustre un exemple de réseau hexagonal d'antennes source 81, permettant d'avoir la même distance entre les antennes source et ainsi de symétriser le diagramme de rayonnement. D'autre part, cela montre que la disposition des sources ne suit pas forcément un maillage cartésien.FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a hexagonal network of source antennas 81, making it possible to have the same distance between the source antennas and thus of mirror the radiation pattern. On the other hand, it shows that the arrangement of sources does not necessarily follow a Cartesian mesh.
La figure 9 illustre un repère Oxyz, dans lequel sont représentés les angles PHI (φ) et THETA (θ). A chaque valeur de l'angle PHI correspond une direction azimutale distincte. L'angle THETA permet de mesurer le dépointage du faisceau, si l'on suppose que le motif du réseau est centré sur le centre 0 du repère.FIG. 9 illustrates an Oxyz mark, in which the angles PHI (φ) and THETA (θ) are represented. At each value of the angle PHI corresponds a distinct azimuthal direction. The angle THETA makes it possible to measure the misalignment of the beam, if it is supposed that the pattern of the grating is centered on the center 0 of the mark.
Les figures 1OA, 1OB et 1OC présentent des schémas de vues de dessus d'un système antennaire comprenant : neuf antennes sources, disposées selon un réseau surfacique à trois lignes et trois colonnes, centré sur le centre du repère, et une lentille (non représentée).FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show diagrams of top views of an antenna system comprising: nine source antennas arranged in a three-line and three-column areal network, centered on the center of the marker, and a lens (not shown) ).
Les antennes alimentées sont représentées par un rectangle dont la surface est noire. Les antennes non alimentées sont représentées par un rectangle dont la surface est blanche. Dans l'exemple de la figure 10A, les antennes source de la colonne du milieu et de la ligne du milieu sont alimentées simultanément. Le système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement qui est sectoriel dans le plan PHI=0° (c'est-à-dire le plan associé à la direction azimutale PHI=0°), et sectoriel dans le plan PHI=90°. Dans l'exemple de la figure 10B, toutes les antennes source (celles des trois colonnes et des trois lignes) sont alimentées simultanément. Le système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement qui est sectoriel pour tout angle PHI (c'est-à-dire dans tous les plans associés chacun à une direction azimutale elle-même définie par un angle PHI distinct). Dans l'exemple de la figure 10C, les antennes source de la colonne du milieu sont alimentées simultanément. Le système antennaire émet un diagramme de rayonnement qui est sectoriel dans le plan PHI=0°, et directif dans le plan PHI=90°. The fed antennas are represented by a rectangle whose surface is black. The unpowered antennas are represented by a rectangle whose surface is white. In the example of Figure 10A, the source antennas of the middle column and the middle line are fed simultaneously. The antenna system emits a radiation pattern which is sectorial in the plane PHI = 0 ° (that is to say the plane associated with the azimuthal direction PHI = 0 °), and sectorial in the plane PHI = 90 °. In the example of FIG. 10B, all the source antennas (those of the three columns and of the three lines) are fed simultaneously. The antenna system emits a radiation pattern that is sectoral for any PHI angle (i.e., in all planes each associated with an azimuth direction itself defined by a distinct PHI angle). In the example of FIG. 10C, the source antennas of the middle column are fed simultaneously. The antennal system emits a radiation pattern which is sectorial in the plane PHI = 0 °, and directional in the plane PHI = 90 °.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système antennaire dont le diagramme de rayonnement est reconfigurable parmi un ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée, au moins un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan, et au moins un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan, ledit système comprenant : une pluralité d'antennes source (61 à 68 ; 74 ; 81 ; 111 à 118 ; 2121 à 2124), des moyens de reconfiguration, permettant de passer d'un diagramme à un autre parmi ledit ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de reconfiguration comprennent : des moyens (702) de gestion de l'alimentation desdites antennes source, générant une pluralité de configurations d'alimentation associées chacune à un diagramme de rayonnement distinct dudit ensemble de diagrammes de rayonnement, ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprenant, pour au moins un plan associé à une direction azimutale donnée, : * au moins une première configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan, dans laquelle N antenne(s) source contenue(s) dans ledit plan est (sont) alimentée(s), avec N < 2 ; etAn antenna system whose radiation pattern is reconfigurable from a set of radiation patterns comprising, for at least one plane associated with a given azimuthal direction, at least one directional radiation pattern in said plane, and at least one radiation pattern. sector in said plane, said system comprising: a plurality of source antennas (61 to 68; 74; 81; 111 to 118; 2121 to 2124), reconfiguration means for switching from one diagram to another of said radiation pattern set, characterized in that said reconfiguration means comprises: power control means (702) for said source antennas, generating a plurality of power configurations each associated with a radiation pattern distinct from said set of radiation patterns, said plurality of power supply configurations comprising, for at least one plane associated with an azimuthal direction d atnée a first configuration, associated with a directional radiation pattern in said plane, wherein N source antenna (s) contained in said plane is (are) fed, with N <2; and
* au moins une seconde configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan, dans laquelle N' antennes source contenues dans ledit plan sont alimentées, avec N' > N ; une lentille diélectrique (2110 ; 2210 ; 701), permettant de focaliser les rayonnements des antennes source alimentées.at least one second configuration, associated with a sectorial radiation pattern in said plane, in which N 'source antennas contained in said plane are fed, with N'> N; a dielectric lens (2110; 2210; 701) for focusing the radiation of the supplied source antennas.
2. Système antennaire selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite lentille diélectrique appartient au groupe comprenant : des lentilles sphériques homogènes ou inhomogènes à gradient d'indice, et des lentilles hémisphériques inhomogènes à gradient d'indice.Antenna system according to claim 1, characterized in that said dielectric lens belongs to the group comprising: homogeneous or inhomogeneous index-gradient spherical lenses, and index-gradient inhomogeneous hemispherical lenses.
3. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan, dans laquelle toutes les antennes source contenues dans ledit plan sont alimentées.3. Antenna system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said plurality of power supply configuration comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectorial radiation pattern in said plane, in which all the source antennas contained in said plane are fed.
4. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que toutes les antennes source qui sont alimentées le sont avec une même amplitude et une même phase.4. antennal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the source antennas that are fed are with the same amplitude and the same phase.
5. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que N est égal à un si le nombre total d'antennes source contenues dans ledit plan est impair, et N est égal à deux N=2 si le nombre total d'antennes source contenues dans ledit plan est pair. 5. antennal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that N is equal to one if the total number of source antennas contained in said plane is odd, and N is equal to two N = 2 if the total number of source antennas contained in said plane is even.
6. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement sectoriel dans ledit plan et dépointé selon un axe de dépointage donné, dans laquelle il y a plus d'antennes alimentées d'un côté que de l'autre d'un axe de symétrie de répartition des antennes source dans ledit plan.6. Antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said plurality of power configuration comprises at least one configuration, associated with a sectorial radiation pattern in said plane and offset according to a given misalignment axis , in which there are more antennas fed on one side than on the other of an axis of symmetry of distribution of the source antennas in said plane.
7. Système antennaire selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite pluralité de configuration d'alimentation comprend au moins une configuration, associée à un diagramme de rayonnement directif dans ledit plan et dépointé selon ledit axe de dépointage donné. 7. Antenna system according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of power supply configuration comprises at least one configuration, associated with a directional radiation pattern in said plane and offset according to said given misalignment axis.
8. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite pluralité d'antennes source sont réparties selon un réseau appartenant au groupe comprenant : des réseaux linéaires, permettant de définir le caractère directif ou sectoriel de chaque diagramme de rayonnement, pour un unique plan associé à une direction azimutale déterminée ; et des réseaux surfaciques, permettant de définir le caractère directif ou sectoriel de chaque diagramme de rayonnement, pour au moins deux plans associés chacun à une direction azimutale déterminée distincte.8. Antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said plurality of source antennas are distributed in a network belonging to the group comprising: linear networks, to define the directional or sectoral nature of each diagram of radiation, for a single plane associated with a given azimuthal direction; and areal networks, defining the directional or sectoral character of each radiation pattern, for at least two planes each associated with a distinct azimuthal direction distinct.
9. Système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de gestion de l'alimentation desdites antennes source comprennent au moins un commutateur appartenant au groupe comprenant : les diodes PIN ; les amplificateurs MMIC ; - les MEMS.9. Antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the power management means of said source antennas comprise at least one switch belonging to the group comprising: PIN diodes; MMIC amplifiers; - MEMS.
10. Dispositif émetteur et/ou récepteur d'ondes radio comprenant au moins un système antennaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9. Radio transmitter and / or receiver device comprising at least one antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
EP08786258A 2007-07-20 2008-07-18 Antenna system having a radiating diagram reconfigurable from sectorial and directional radiating diagrams, and corresponding transmitter and/or receiver device Ceased EP2171799A1 (en)

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FR0756664A FR2919121B1 (en) 2007-07-20 2007-07-20 ANTENNA SYSTEM WITH RADIATION DIAGRAM RECONFIGURABLE AMONG SECTORAL AND DIRECTIVE RADIATION DIAGRAMS, AND TRANSCEIVER AND / OR RECEIVER DEVICE THEREOF.
PCT/EP2008/059478 WO2009013248A1 (en) 2007-07-20 2008-07-18 Antenna system having a radiating diagram reconfigurable from sectorial and directional radiating diagrams, and corresponding transmitter and/or receiver device

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US7042420B2 (en) * 1999-11-18 2006-05-09 Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. Multi-beam antenna
FR2888407B1 (en) * 2005-07-05 2009-08-21 Univ Rennes I Etablissement Pu INHOMOGENIC LENS WITH MAXWELL FISH EYE INDEX GRADIENT, ANTENNA SYSTEM AND CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS.

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *
See also references of WO2009013248A1 *

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WO2009013248A1 (en) 2009-01-29
FR2919121A1 (en) 2009-01-23

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