EP2381533B1 - Phase array antenna system - Google Patents
Phase array antenna system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2381533B1 EP2381533B1 EP10401056A EP10401056A EP2381533B1 EP 2381533 B1 EP2381533 B1 EP 2381533B1 EP 10401056 A EP10401056 A EP 10401056A EP 10401056 A EP10401056 A EP 10401056A EP 2381533 B1 EP2381533 B1 EP 2381533B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- phased array
- antenna system
- array antenna
- elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
- H01Q21/24—Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
- H01Q13/08—Radiating ends of two-conductor microwave transmission lines, e.g. of coaxial lines, of microstrip lines
- H01Q13/085—Slot-line radiating ends
Definitions
- the invention relates to a phase array antenna system having at least one broadband antenna segment, the antenna segment having a plurality of slotted antenna elements emitting linearly polarized waves, and wherein at least two antenna elements are oriented at right angles to each other and thus the antenna segment for the radiation of waves of two, is formed at right angles to each other standing polarization directions.
- the invention further relates to a method for generating electromagnetic waves with temporally and spatially varying polarization.
- the terrestrial broadcasting and television supply is in a phase of change, in which the surviving analog technology is replaced by modern digital technology.
- the transmission antenna technology for digital radio which is available from the analogue radio, is generally adopted first.
- the frequency ranges are essentially taken over by the analog radio, therefore, the transmit antennas can continue to be used first.
- the concept of digital radio has some fundamental differences to analog radio.
- analogue radio the highest possible antennas and the highest possible power are used to effectively exploit the scarce broadcasting transmission frequencies at as few locations as possible in order to supply large areas with one antenna.
- the transmitters emit the electromagnetic waves with fixed polarization, which is directed either horizontally or vertically.
- receive antennas are used with great gain aligned to the transmitter site and in the same polarization direction as the transmitter.
- Neighboring transmit antennas must operate at different frequencies, as in the case of analog technology interference would occur in an overlap area between two antennas operated at the same frequency, resulting in local receive gaps and interference in reception.
- digital signal processing allows multiple transmitters to transmit on the same frequency. All signals of these transmitters are evaluated and improved at the receiver This significantly affects the reception conditions. Prerequisite is the time-synchronized radiation with the same content. This makes it possible to form the digital radio as a so-called simulcast radio network.
- Installing radar networks eliminates the need to cover large areas with powerful transmitters. Instead, a small-cell supply through multiple transmit antennas is possible.
- the aim of the antenna development for such small-cell digital broadcasting networks is a seamless supply of all areas and a good reception everywhere, even with mobile devices.
- the construction of small-celled single-frequency radio networks is particularly attractive for urban areas.
- the possibility of suitable diagram shaping of the transmission antennas is desirable.
- a simulcast radio network not only can the power be reduced, but also the total received signal and the reception quality can be improved many times over by selectively used multipath reception.
- transmit antennas with a high gain and a large bandwidth. Due to the high gain, the transmission power is concentrated on the area to be supplied, and the broadband makes it possible to radiate different frequencies.
- a supply of waves of each transverse polarization direction which can be achieved by circular polarization.
- Vivaldi antennas are two-dimensional structures made, for example, of two-sided circuit board material, wherein a thin metal layer or dielectric layer applied to a dielectric substrate has a slot in the transmission direction and wherein the slot is exponentially widened toward the radiating end of the metal layer , Such an antenna radiates linearly polarized waves, wherein the polarization direction of the electric field strength of the generated radio wave lies in the circuit board plane and perpendicular to the emission direction.
- a second circuit board level is needed, in which a slot line is formed.
- Vivaldi antennas can be inexpensively manufactured by known printed circuit board technology. Also known are arrays of orthogonally crossed Vivaldi antenna structures having antenna structures for two polarization directions. An antenna array of crossed Vivaldi structures, for example, in the document EP 0 349 069 A1 described. Such an antenna is composed of inexpensive elements. The installation and connection of such an antenna is complex but so high total cost of such an antenna arise.
- An antenna array for emitting circularly polarized waves is for example from the document WO 89/08933 known.
- the object is achieved by an antenna system of the above-mentioned type, wherein the antenna elements are formed from sheet metal.
- the design of the antenna elements which can be understood as individual antennas in an antenna array, made of sheet metal, a significant simplification of the manufacturing technology is achieved in comparison to the known in the art printed circuit board technology.
- the metal sheet consists in the simplest case only of a metal layer, which is particularly easy to cut and processed, for example, bent, can be. From the good workability of metal sheets compared to double-sided PCB material results on the one hand, a simple manufacturing process, on the other hand are available for the design of the antenna system, other technical options than when using printed circuit board materials.
- the metal sheet can be reshaped so that the antenna system with very good beam characteristics and yet compact can be made available.
- the antenna system according to the invention is particularly suitable for the construction of small-cell simplex radio networks.
- the antenna elements have the structure of a Vivaldi antenna, which has a circular clearance in a metal surface and a slot extending from the free space whose width increases in the emission direction; wherein surface areas of the antenna elements, which are located opposite the slotted sides of the antenna elements, are bent transversely to the emission direction.
- the antenna system in each case at least two antenna elements are formed together to form at least one row of antenna elements in a sheet metal strip; and at least two rows of antenna elements are at least once crossed with each other to form an antenna element array, by arranging mounting slots formed between the antenna elements, respectively.
- the formation of a plurality of antenna elements in a sheet metal strip is a particularly simple and inexpensive method for the production of antenna elements.
- the provision of mounting slots in the sheet metal strips and the nesting of the mounting slots for the formation of antenna element arrays are particularly simple production methods for producing an antenna array. By crossing the sheet metal strips, an orthogonal arrangement of antenna elements is achieved, which is required for generating any transverse polarization directions, such as circularly polarized waves.
- the sheet metal strip is bent to form at least two rows of antenna elements.
- Sheet metal strips can also be bent several times or angled, for example, in a zigzag shape, which can be easily and inexpensively a stable Array Jardin can be made of two metal strips.
- the broadband antenna elements according to the invention are initially planar structures that are realized in one plane during production.
- Vivaldi structures are used as antenna elements.
- Such antenna elements may be subdivided into an outer surface region and an inner surface region for description, the outer surface region being that from which an antenna signal is emitted or received and the inner surface region being the opposite part of the antenna structure.
- the outer surface area is characterized by the widening slot and the inner area area by the termination of the slot in the circular space within the metal surface. At the inner surface area of the antenna elements, the signal feed is connected.
- the inner surface area of the antenna structure is angled at an angle, for example by about 90 °, to the emission direction.
- the kink must not be sharp-edged.
- the beveled surface area of the antenna elements also includes the circular one Free space, and the slot of the antenna elements extends from the non-folded surface area in the folded area. Due to the bending of the inner surface regions of the antenna elements, the feed points of the antenna elements are bent to a plane whose surface normal is oriented in the emission direction of the antenna elements. In other words, the inner surface areas of the antenna elements partially form a back surface for the antenna element array. On this back surface, the feeding points of the antenna elements are particularly easy to contact, and the array can be easily mounted on a back wall.
- the antenna segment is mounted on a dielectric backplane.
- the dielectric backplane is used as a mechanical support of the antenna segment or as a mechanical support for the antenna element array.
- the dielectric properties of the rear wall initially do not affect the antenna characteristic.
- the dielectric backplane has supply and operating elements of the antenna system.
- Each antenna segment in the antenna system according to the invention signals must be supplied.
- the signal feeds can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by structuring metallic layers on dielectric plates in the so-called printed circuit board technology or coaxially.
- a fiber reinforced plastic such as Tecryl may be used.
- the signals must be amplified and a desired phase shift must be realized for each antenna element. These tasks are realized by the operating elements of the antenna system.
- the operating elements that is to say the signal amplifiers and the phase shifters, are realized as close as possible to the antenna elements, that is to say on the dielectric rear wall or directly on the antenna element.
- reflectors can also be provided on the dielectric rear wall. Reflectors may emanate towards the dielectric backplane from the antenna elements Reflect electromagnetic radiation in the desired direction of radiation and are used to optimize the radiation characteristics.
- the antenna system has a radome consisting of a dielectric material. Since the antennas are intended for outdoor use and are exposed to weather conditions during their use, it is advantageous for the antenna system to provide a lining, a so-called radome, which can prevent the influence of the weather on the properties of the antenna system. For example, the radome prevents rain and snow deposits on the antenna elements that would affect the antenna characteristics. As a material for the production of the radome, the fiber-reinforced plastic Tecryl has proven itself. However, other suitable materials may be used.
- directors are provided in or on the radome.
- Directors are structural elements that influence the antenna pattern of the antenna.
- the directors are metallic structures.
- the antenna elements of the antenna system according to the invention are scaled correspondingly to the wavelength range provided for them. Scaling the geometric structure of the antenna elements allows the application of the invention over a wide frequency range.
- the phase and / or the power for each antenna element is separately adjustable and / or changeable.
- a separate RF amplifier or a separate RF amplifier channel and / or a separate phase control is provided for each antenna element.
- an RF drive circuit with a power amplifier and a phase drive is provided for each antenna element, wherein the position of the RF drive circuit is provided at the drive point of the antenna element and wherein the antenna element is provided as a heat sink for the RF drive circuit is.
- antenna element Due to the spatial proximity of antenna element and RF drive circuit, it is also possible to use the antenna element in addition to its function of the radio wave radiation as a heat sink for the RF drive circuit. In this way, costs for separate heatsink can be saved, and the antenna system can be realized very compact.
- the antenna elements are at least partially coated with a dielectric material.
- a dielectric material By coating with dielectric materials, an optimization of the desired antenna characteristic can be achieved.
- the antenna system is formed from at least two antenna segments, which are arranged and controlled such that a predetermined solid angle range is supplied.
- the antenna segments described are characterized by a directivity.
- an irradiation task can already be fulfilled with an antenna segment, for example if an elongated village is illuminated by the emission characteristic of an antenna segment.
- greater coverage such as 360 ° coverage, is required around the antenna site.
- multiple antenna segments are combined and set up to best serve the coverage area defined in the task.
- the object is further achieved by a method for generating an electric field with time varying polarization, in which a phase array antenna system according to one of claims 1 to 14 is used as a broadcast antenna system.
- a phase array antenna system according to one of claims 1 to 14 is used as a broadcast antenna system. Since, as described above, the inventive phase array antenna system emits with different polarization directions, thereby signals can be generated, which occupy virtually all polarization directions at the receiving location.
- the high frequency power can be concentrated by means of the high gain on the area to be supplied and a radiation of several signals at different frequencies with one and the same Antenna system can be realized. As a result, an improved radio coverage, especially for mobile receivers in small cell digital broadcasting networks, can be provided.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a phase array antenna system 1 according to the invention in a perspective view.
- the illustrated antenna system 1 has four antenna segments 2, which in turn each have a plurality of antenna elements 3 formed from sheet metal.
- the antenna segments 2 are clad by a radome 12 and secured to a mast 13 in the example shown.
- the illustrated embodiment of an inventive antenna system 1 is provided for the radio coverage of a coverage area, which is located in the vicinity of the antenna mast 13.
- Each antenna segment 2 is provided for the illumination of a part of the coverage area, specifically a circular sector with a center angle of about 90 °.
- the emission direction of the antenna segments 2 is directed radially outwards by the antenna mast 13.
- antenna segments 2 can be used. For example, only one antenna segment 2 can be used for radio coverage of a single-sided coverage area or, for example, eight antenna segments 2 can be used for all-round coverage.
- Fig. 2 schematically shows a single antenna segment 2, which is formed from an antenna element array of two by six antenna elements 3.
- the antenna elements 3 are arranged in two orthogonal orientations.
- a dielectric backplane 4 forms the mechanical basis of the antenna segment 2.
- Each antenna segment 2 has, in addition to the antenna elements 3, also a signal feed 20, a crosslinking element 21 and feed lines 22, in the illustration of FIG Fig. 2 only two of the twelve feed lines 22 used here are outlined.
- the crosslinking element 21 can feed each antenna element 3 of the antenna segment 2 with an adjustable amplitude and phase angle.
- Antenna elements 3 with a first orientation are preferably fed with a phase position, and antenna elements 3 with a different orientation are preferably fed with a shifted by about 90 ° phase position, so that the antenna segment 2 radiates circularly polarized waves.
- the phase angle of each individual antenna element 3 is fine-tuned to optimize the Abstrahl characterisik.
- an asymmetrical feeding can also take place, in which case the polarization of the antenna element orientation fed with higher power predominates in the radiated wave.
- a differentiated power control of individual antenna elements 3 can be used to optimize the emission direction of the antenna segment 2.
- the feed lines 22 are designed as separate lines in the examples shown. In other variants of the invention, not shown, they may also be formed in layers on the dielectric backplane 4 or between layers of the dielectric backplane 4.
- the dielectric back wall 4 is preferably made of the dielectric material Tecryl.
- the rear wall 4 may also consist of other dielectric materials or of metal.
- Fig. 3 shows a Vivaldi structure as an example of an antenna element 3.
- the Vivaldi structure is formed in a metal surface of a metal sheet. It is characterized by a slot 6, by a circular space 8 and a broadening of the slot 7 in the emission direction. While this broadening is exponential in the embodiment shown, in other embodiments of the invention it may be otherwise geometrically designed, as is well known in the art.
- the radiation direction of the Vivaldi structure is directed from the circular space 8 to the broadening out.
- the emitted by a Vivaldi element wave is linearly polarized, wherein the electric field vector lies in the plane of the Vivaldi structure and orthogonal to the emission direction.
- a Vivaldi structure is suitable by the broadening of the slot 7 and the circular space 8 for the transmission or reception of a wide frequency range. It is therefore a broadband and universal antenna element 3.
- other antenna element structures may be used which are, for example, narrow-band antenna elements 3 optimized for a specific frequency.
- Fig. 4 schematically shows an antenna element row 5 formed from a metal sheet, which consists in the illustrated example of two Vivaldi structures. In other embodiments, not shown, the antenna element row 5, as in Fig. 5 shown to have significantly more than two antenna elements 3.
- Fig. 5 schematically shows sheet metal strips, which are provided for the formation of antenna segments 2 for use in a phase array antenna system 1 according to the invention.
- Antenna element rows 5, each with two antenna elements 3, are formed in the metal sheet strips by zigzag-shaped buckling of the sheet metal strips. That is, in the example shown here, the metal sheet strips are bent to every other antenna element 3 to form antenna element rows 5, each with two Vivaldi structures.
- mounting slots 10, 11 are formed such that the mounting slots 11 can be guided in the mounting slots 10 of the other sheet metal strip to form a grid.
- the inner surface portions 30 of the antenna elements 3 are bent out of the plane of the antenna elements 3 alternately in one direction and the other direction by 90 °.
- the fold does not take place sharp-edged.
- the bending preferably takes place in such a way that the bevelled surface regions 30 of antenna elements 3 which adjoin one another do not overlap. Due to the fold, the height of the sheet metal strips in the direction of radiation can be reduced by about one third.
- the HF technical Parameters of the antenna elements 3 are not changed by this folding.
- Edge regions of the inner surface regions 30 of antenna elements 3 are cut off at an edge 16 in the illustrated embodiment in order to reduce the outer dimensions of the antenna element array. By trimming the inner surface region 30 of the antenna elements 3, it is also possible to influence the emission characteristic of the antenna segment 2.
- metal sheets are preferably used to form the antenna segments 2, since they are particularly easy and inexpensive to machine.
- a metal sheet is primarily understood to mean a planar layer of a metallic material that can be deformed, for example, by bending.
- the layer may also be formed from a plurality of metallic materials provided next to one another or above one another.
- the metal surfaces in the outer region of the antenna elements 3, which do not adjoin mounting slots 10, 11, are provided in the embodiment shown with notches 9, which serve to optimize the frequency response of the antenna elements 3.
- Fig. 6 schematically shows two superimposed antenna diagrams 32, 33 of antenna segments 2, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 are shown.
- the illustrated antenna diagrams are horizontal polar coordinate diagrams representing the radiated power density as a function of the angle of radiation. The angle denotes the emission direction and the radius the logarithmically applied power density.
- the antenna diagram 32 shows the emission characteristic of a non-optimized antenna segment 2 whose highest power density is 90 °, which can be clearly recognized by the orientation of the so-called main lobe. In addition to the main lobe, the antenna diagram 32 of the non-optimized antenna segment 2 also has undesirable side lobes at 40 ° and 140 °. This in Fig.
- antenna segment 2 has at a optimized control of the antenna elements 3 in the Fig. 6 illustrated antenna diagram 33, in which the sidelobes are completely eliminated at 40 ° and 140 ° and in which the width of the main lobe of 60 ° is increased to nearly 90 °.
- Fig. 7 schematically shows a favorable embodiment of the antenna system 1 according to the invention, in which directly at the antenna element 3, an RF drive circuit 24 is provided.
- the direct positioning of the RF drive circuit 24 at the control point 25 eliminates the costly dimensioning of supply lines. Since the RF drive circuit 24 takes over the power amplification for the RF signal, only a low-power RF signal and unproblematic supply and information streams must be supplied via the signal and information line 23.
- the antenna elements 3 can be controlled optimally individually, and the antenna system 1 can be realized highly effective and energy-efficient.
- heat generated by the power loss of the HF drive circuit 24 can be dissipated directly via the metal surfaces of the antenna elements 3.
- About the signal and information line 23 is a simple modification of settings or an adaptive control of the antenna system 1 is possible.
- Fig. 8 schematically shows two differently geometrically scaled antenna segments 2, 2 ', which have different sized structure dimensions in adaptation to the respective frequency range.
- the antenna segment 2 is provided in the illustrated example for a UHF frequency range of 474 MHz to 538 MHz comprising 8 channels with 8 MHz width each.
- the antenna segment 2 ' is designed for a range of higher frequencies from 656 MHz to 720 MHz.
- back walls 4 of the same size can be used for the antenna segments 2 and 2 '.
- further elements of the antenna systems 1, such as radome 12, 14 or fasteners can be used universally.
- Fig. 9 shows a radome 14 for a single antenna segment 2.
- the radome 14 is preferably made of a fiber reinforced plastic, such as Tecryl, in which metallic components 15 are integrated.
- the radome 14 is provided for the sealed attachment of an antenna segment 2 described above.
- the radome 14 protects the antenna segment 2 mechanically and against environmental influences.
- the shape and material composition of the radome 14 can be used to optimize the radiation characteristics. It is therefore possible to use other radomes and materials than those shown here.
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Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Phasen-Array-Antennensystem, das wenigstens ein breitbandiges Antennensegment aufweist, wobei das Antennensegment mehrere geschlitzte Antennenelemente aufweist, die linear polarisierte Wellen abstrahlen, und wobei wenigstens zwei Antennenelemente rechtwinklig zueinander ausgerichtet sind und das Antennensegment somit zur Abstrahlung von Wellen zweier, rechtwinklig zueinander stehender Polarisationsrichtungen ausgebildet ist. Die Erfindung betrifft ferner ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen elektromagnetischer Wellen mit zeitlich und räumlich variierender Polarisation.The invention relates to a phase array antenna system having at least one broadband antenna segment, the antenna segment having a plurality of slotted antenna elements emitting linearly polarized waves, and wherein at least two antenna elements are oriented at right angles to each other and thus the antenna segment for the radiation of waves of two, is formed at right angles to each other standing polarization directions. The invention further relates to a method for generating electromagnetic waves with temporally and spatially varying polarization.
Derzeit befindet sich die terrestrische Rundfunk- und Fernsehversorgung in einer Umbruchphase, in welcher die überlebte Analogtechnik durch moderne Digitaltechnik ersetzt wird. Bei dieser Umstellung wird in der Regel zunächst die vom Analogfunk vorhandene Sendeantennentechnik für den Digitalfunk übernommen. Bei der Umstellung auf Digitalfunk werden die Frequenzbereiche vom Analogfunk im Wesentlichen übernommen, daher können auch die Sendeantennen zunächst weiter verwendet werden. Das Konzept des Digitalfunks weist aber einige prinzipielle Unterschiede zum Analogfunk auf.Currently, the terrestrial broadcasting and television supply is in a phase of change, in which the surviving analog technology is replaced by modern digital technology. In this changeover, the transmission antenna technology for digital radio, which is available from the analogue radio, is generally adopted first. When switching to digital radio, the frequency ranges are essentially taken over by the analog radio, therefore, the transmit antennas can continue to be used first. The concept of digital radio, however, has some fundamental differences to analog radio.
Im analogen Funk werden zur effektiven Ausnutzung der knappen Rundfunksendefrequenzen an möglichst wenigen Standorten möglichst hohe Antennen und möglichst große Leistungen verwendet, um mit einer Antenne große Gebiete zu versorgen. Die Sender strahlen die elektromagnetischen Wellen mit fester Polarisation ab, die entweder horizontal oder vertikal gerichtet ist. Für den stationären Empfang dieser Signale werden Empfangsantennen mit großem Gewinn ausgerichtet auf den Senderstandort und in der gleichen Polarisationsrichtung wie der Sender angewendet. Benachbarte Sendeantennen müssen mit anderen Frequenzen arbeiten, da es bei der Analogtechnik in einem Überschneidungsbereich zwischen zwei mit gleicher Frequenz betriebenen Antennen zu Interferenzen und damit zu lokalen Empfangslücken und Störungen des Empfangs kommen würde. In digitalen Rundfunkversorgungssystemen wird durch die digitale Signalverarbeitung ermöglicht, dass mehrere Sender auf der gleichen Frequenz senden können. Alle Signale dieser Sender werden am Empfänger ausgewertet und verbessern dadurch wesentlich die Empfangsbedingungen. Voraussetzung ist die zeitsynchrone Abstrahlung mit gleichen Inhalten. Damit ist es möglich, den Digitalfunk als sogenanntes Gleichwellenfunknetz auszubilden.In analogue radio, the highest possible antennas and the highest possible power are used to effectively exploit the scarce broadcasting transmission frequencies at as few locations as possible in order to supply large areas with one antenna. The transmitters emit the electromagnetic waves with fixed polarization, which is directed either horizontally or vertically. For stationary reception of these signals, receive antennas are used with great gain aligned to the transmitter site and in the same polarization direction as the transmitter. Neighboring transmit antennas must operate at different frequencies, as in the case of analog technology interference would occur in an overlap area between two antennas operated at the same frequency, resulting in local receive gaps and interference in reception. In digital broadcasting systems, digital signal processing allows multiple transmitters to transmit on the same frequency. All signals of these transmitters are evaluated and improved at the receiver This significantly affects the reception conditions. Prerequisite is the time-synchronized radiation with the same content. This makes it possible to form the digital radio as a so-called simulcast radio network.
Durch die Installation von Gleichfunknetzen ist es nicht mehr nötig, mit leistungsstarken Sendern große Gebiete abzudecken. Stattdessen ist eine kleinzellige Versorgung durch mehrere Sendeantennen möglich. Das Ziel der Antennenentwicklung für solche kleinzelligen digitalen Rundfunknetze ist eine lückenlose Versorgung aller Gebiete und ein überall guter Empfang auch mit mobilen Geräten.Installing radar networks eliminates the need to cover large areas with powerful transmitters. Instead, a small-cell supply through multiple transmit antennas is possible. The aim of the antenna development for such small-cell digital broadcasting networks is a seamless supply of all areas and a good reception everywhere, even with mobile devices.
Für mobile Geräte, deren Empfangsort variabel ist und sich zeitlich ändert, wenn der Empfänger in Bewegung ist, ist eine gute Funkversorgung eine besonders anspruchsvolle Aufgabe. Mobile Geräte verwenden nur kleine Antennen, und die kleinen Antennen können zudem nicht optimal auf eine horizontale oder eine vertikale Polarisation von im Analogfunk verwendeten Sendeantennen ausgerichtet werden. Derzeit werden große Feldstärken verwendet, um einen ausreichenden Signal-Rausch-Abstand für mobile Empfangsgeräte zu erreichen. Zur Vermeidung von Elektrosmog und Energieverschwendung sind jedoch möglichst kleine Sendeleistungen wünschenswert; kleinzellige Versorgungsstrukturen können mit einer reduzierten Gesamtsendeleistung betrieben werden. Zudem weisen kleinzellige Versorgungsstrukturen eine für einen störungsfreien Empfang günstige Signalpegelgleichmäßigkeit, also eine geringe Pegeldynamik auf.For mobile devices whose reception is variable and changes over time when the receiver is in motion, good radio coverage is a particularly demanding task. Mobile devices use only small antennas, and the small antennas also can not be optimally aligned to a horizontal or vertical polarization of transmitting antennas used in analog radio. Currently, large field strengths are used to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for mobile receivers. To avoid electrosmog and waste of energy, however, the lowest possible transmission powers are desirable; Small cell supply structures can be operated with a reduced total transmit power. In addition, small-cell supply structures have a signal level uniformity that is favorable for trouble-free reception, ie low level dynamics.
Der Aufbau von kleinzelligen Gleichwellenfunknetzen ist vor allem für urbane Gebiete attraktiv. Zur Erreichung einer optimalen Flächenabdeckung in einem Gleichwellenfunknetz ist die Möglichkeit einer geeigneten Diagrammformung der Sendeantennen wünschenswert. In einem Gleichwellenfunknetz kann nicht nur die Leistung reduziert werden, durch gezielt eingesetzten Mehrwegeempfang kann auch das Gesamtempfangssignal und die Empfangsqualität um ein Vielfaches verbessert werden. Für den Aufbau eines Gleichwellenfunknetzes ist es günstig, Sendeantennen mit einem hohen Gewinn und einer großen Bandbreite einzusetzen. Durch den hohen Gewinn wird die Sendeleistung auf den zu versorgenden Bereich konzentriert, und durch die Breitbandigkeit wird das Abstrahlen verschiedener Frequenzen möglich. Zudem soll im Hinblick auf eine gute Empfangsqualität in mobilen Empfängern mit zufälliger Orientierung der Empfangsantenne am Empfangsort eine Versorgung mit Wellen jeder transversalen Polarisationsrichtung erfolgen, was durch zirkulare Polarisation erreicht werden kann.The construction of small-celled single-frequency radio networks is particularly attractive for urban areas. In order to achieve optimal area coverage in a simulcast radio network, the possibility of suitable diagram shaping of the transmission antennas is desirable. In a simulcast radio network, not only can the power be reduced, but also the total received signal and the reception quality can be improved many times over by selectively used multipath reception. For the construction of a simulcast radio network, it is favorable to use transmit antennas with a high gain and a large bandwidth. Due to the high gain, the transmission power is concentrated on the area to be supplied, and the broadband makes it possible to radiate different frequencies. In addition, with a view to a good reception quality in mobile receivers with random orientation of the receiving antenna at the receiving location a supply of waves of each transverse polarization direction, which can be achieved by circular polarization.
Aus dem Stand der Technik ist bekannt, dass ein hoher Gewinn von Antennen beispielsweise durch die Kombination mehrerer Antennen zu einem Antennenarray erreicht werden kann. Bekannte Lösungen zur Realisierung breitbandiger Antennen sind beispielsweise Vivaldi-Antennen-Strukturen. Vivaldi-Antennen sind zweidimensionale Strukturen, die beispielsweise aus zweiseitigem Leiterplattenmaterial hergestellt sind, wobei eine auf eine dielektrische Unterlage aufgebrachte dünne Metallschicht oder ein entsprechender, auf dielektrischem Material aufgebrachter Microstrip einen Schlitz in Senderichtung aufweist und wobei der Schlitz zum Abstrahlende der Metallschicht hin exponentiell verbreitert ist. Eine solche Antenne strahlt linear polarisierte Wellen ab, wobei die Polarisationsrichtung der elektrischen Feldstärke der erzeugten Radiowelle in der Leiterplattenebene und senkrecht zur Abstrahlrichtung liegt. Zur Speisung der bekannten Vivaldi-Antennen wird eine zweite Leiterplattenebene benötigt, in welcher eine Schlitzleitung ausgebildet ist.It is known from the prior art that a high gain of antennas can be achieved, for example, by combining a plurality of antennas into an antenna array. Known solutions for the realization of broadband antennas are, for example, Vivaldi antenna structures. Vivaldi antennas are two-dimensional structures made, for example, of two-sided circuit board material, wherein a thin metal layer or dielectric layer applied to a dielectric substrate has a slot in the transmission direction and wherein the slot is exponentially widened toward the radiating end of the metal layer , Such an antenna radiates linearly polarized waves, wherein the polarization direction of the electric field strength of the generated radio wave lies in the circuit board plane and perpendicular to the emission direction. To power the known Vivaldi antennas, a second circuit board level is needed, in which a slot line is formed.
Vivaldi-Antennen können kostengünstig mittels bekannter Leiterplattentechnik hergestellt werden. Es sind auch Arrays von orthogonal gekreuzten Vivaldi-Antennenstrukturen bekannt, die Antennenstrukturen für zwei Polarisationsrichtungen aufweisen. Ein Antennenarray aus gekreuzten Vivaldi-Strukturen ist beispielsweise in der Druckschrift
Ein ähnliches Array ist auch in
Bei einer Ansteuerung einer solchen Antenne mit einem phasenverschobenen Signal für die gekreuzten Antennenstrukturen können auch zirkular polarisierte Wellen ausgestrahlt bzw. empfangen werden. Ein Antennenarray zur Abstrahlung zirkular polarisierter Wellen ist beispielsweise aus der Druckschrift
Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik ist es die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein breitbandiges Antennensystem aufzuzeigen, das zirkular polarisierte Wellen abstrahlen kann und welches technologisch einfach und mit kompakten Abmessungen herstellbar ist. Zudem soll ein geeignetes Verfahren zum Erzeugen eines elektrischen Feldes mit zeitlich variierender Polarisation basierend auf einem solchen Antennensystem zur Verfügung gestellt werden.Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a broadband antenna system that can radiate circularly polarized waves and which is technologically simple and compact dimensions to produce. In addition, a suitable method for generating an electrical Fields are provided with time-varying polarization based on such an antenna system.
Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Antennensystem der oben genannten Gattung gelöst, wobei die Antennenelemente aus Metallblech ausgebildet sind. Durch die Ausbildung der Antennenelemente, die als Einzelantennen in einem Antennenarray verstanden werden können, aus Metallblech wird eine deutliche Vereinfachung der Herstellungstechnologie im Vergleich zu der im Stand der Technik bekannten Leiterplattentechnologie erreicht. Das Metallblech besteht im einfachsten Fall nur aus einer Metalllage, die besonders einfach zugeschnitten und bearbeitet, beispielsweise gebogen, werden kann. Aus der guten Bearbeitbarkeit von Metallblechen im Vergleich zu doppelseitigem Leiterplattenmaterial ergibt sich einerseits ein einfaches Herstellungsverfahren, andererseits stehen für das Design des Antennensystems auch andere technische Möglichkeiten als beim Einsatz von Leiterplattenmaterialien offen. Zudem kann das Metallblech derart umgeformt werden, dass das Antennensystem mit sehr guter Strahlcharakteristik und dennoch kompakt zur Verfügung gestellt werden kann. Somit eignet sich das erfindungsgemäße Antennensystem insbesondere zum Aufbau von kleinzelligen Gleichwellenfunknetzen.The object is achieved by an antenna system of the above-mentioned type, wherein the antenna elements are formed from sheet metal. The design of the antenna elements, which can be understood as individual antennas in an antenna array, made of sheet metal, a significant simplification of the manufacturing technology is achieved in comparison to the known in the art printed circuit board technology. The metal sheet consists in the simplest case only of a metal layer, which is particularly easy to cut and processed, for example, bent, can be. From the good workability of metal sheets compared to double-sided PCB material results on the one hand, a simple manufacturing process, on the other hand are available for the design of the antenna system, other technical options than when using printed circuit board materials. In addition, the metal sheet can be reshaped so that the antenna system with very good beam characteristics and yet compact can be made available. Thus, the antenna system according to the invention is particularly suitable for the construction of small-cell simplex radio networks.
Die Antennenelemente weisen die Struktur einer Vivaldi-Antenne auf, welche einen kreisförmigen Freiraum in einer Metallfläche und einen von dem Freiraum ausgehenden Schlitz aufweist, dessen Breite in Abstrahlrichtung zunimmt; wobei Flächenbereiche der Antennenelemente, die sich gegenüber den geschlitzten Seiten der Antennenelemente befinden, quer zur Abstrahlrichtung abgekantet sind.The antenna elements have the structure of a Vivaldi antenna, which has a circular clearance in a metal surface and a slot extending from the free space whose width increases in the emission direction; wherein surface areas of the antenna elements, which are located opposite the slotted sides of the antenna elements, are bent transversely to the emission direction.
In einer günstigen Ausbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems sind jeweils wenigstens zwei Antennenelemente gemeinsam unter Ausbildung wenigstens einer Antennenelementreihe in einem Metallblechstreifen ausgebildet; und wenigstens zwei Antennenelementreihen sind wenigstens einmal zueinander gekreuzt unter Ausbildung eines Antennenelementarrays angeordnet, indem jeweils zwischen den Antennenelementen ausgebildete Montageschlitze ineinander geführt sind. Die Ausbildung mehrerer Antennenelemente in einem Metallblechstreifen ist eine besonders einfache und kostengünstige Methode zur Herstellung von Antennenelementen. Das Vorsehen von Montageschlitzen in den Metallblechstreifen und das Ineinanderführen der Montageschlitze zur Ausbildung von Antennenelementarrays sind besonders einfache Herstellungsmethoden zur Herstellung eines Antennenarrays. Durch das Kreuzen der Metallblechstreifen wird eine orthogonale Anordnung von Antennenelementen erreicht, die zur Erzeugung beliebiger transversaler Polarisationsrichtungen, wie z.B. zirkular polarisierter Wellen, erforderlich ist.In a favorable embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, in each case at least two antenna elements are formed together to form at least one row of antenna elements in a sheet metal strip; and at least two rows of antenna elements are at least once crossed with each other to form an antenna element array, by arranging mounting slots formed between the antenna elements, respectively. The formation of a plurality of antenna elements in a sheet metal strip is a particularly simple and inexpensive method for the production of antenna elements. The provision of mounting slots in the sheet metal strips and the nesting of the mounting slots for the formation of antenna element arrays are particularly simple production methods for producing an antenna array. By crossing the sheet metal strips, an orthogonal arrangement of antenna elements is achieved, which is required for generating any transverse polarization directions, such as circularly polarized waves.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems ist der Metallblechstreifen unter Ausbildung wenigstens zweier Antennenelementreihen abgewinkelt. Metallblechstreifen können auch mehrfach gebogen oder beispielsweise in Zickzackform abgewinkelt werden, wodurch aus zwei Metallblechstreifen einfach und kostengünstig eine stabile Arraystruktur hergestellt werden kann.In an advantageous embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, the sheet metal strip is bent to form at least two rows of antenna elements. Sheet metal strips can also be bent several times or angled, for example, in a zigzag shape, which can be easily and inexpensively a stable Arraystruktur can be made of two metal strips.
Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Abkantung so, dass die abgekanteten Flächenbereiche aneinander angrenzender Vivaldi-Antennen einander nicht überlappen. Die erfindungsgemäßen breitbandigen Antennenelemente sind während der Herstellung zunächst flächige Strukturen, die in einer Ebene realisiert sind. In der konkreten Ausbildung werden als Antennenelemente sogenannte Vivaldi-Strukturen verwendet. Solche Antennenelemente können zur Beschreibung in einen äußeren Flächenbereich und einen inneren Flächenbereich unterteilt werden, wobei der äußere Flächenbereich der ist, von welchem ein Antennensignal ausgestrahlt oder empfangen wird und der innere Flächenbereich der gegenüber liegende Teil der Antennenstruktur ist. Bei der Vivaldi-Struktur ist der äußere Flächenbereich durch den sich verbreiternden Schlitz gekennzeichnet und der innere Flächenbereich durch den Abschluss des Schlitzes in dem kreisförmigen Freiraum innerhalb der Metallfläche. An den inneren Flächenbereich der Antennenelemente wird die Signaleinspeisung angeschlossen. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der innere Flächenbereich der Antennenstruktur in einem Winkel, beispielsweise um etwa 90°, zur Abstrahlrichtung abgewinkelt. Bei dem Abwinkeln ist zu beachten, dass die Knickstelle nicht scharfkantig sein darf. Dadurch wird bei gleichen HF-technischen Parametern der Antennenelemente eine Reduzierung der Bauhöhe um ein Drittel erreicht. Durch die reduzierte Länge der Antennenelemente wird letztendlich eine größere Kompaktheit des gesamten Antennensystems erreicht.The bending preferably takes place in such a way that the folded surface areas of mutually adjacent Vivaldi antennas do not overlap one another. The broadband antenna elements according to the invention are initially planar structures that are realized in one plane during production. In the concrete training so-called Vivaldi structures are used as antenna elements. Such antenna elements may be subdivided into an outer surface region and an inner surface region for description, the outer surface region being that from which an antenna signal is emitted or received and the inner surface region being the opposite part of the antenna structure. In the Vivaldi structure, the outer surface area is characterized by the widening slot and the inner area area by the termination of the slot in the circular space within the metal surface. At the inner surface area of the antenna elements, the signal feed is connected. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface area of the antenna structure is angled at an angle, for example by about 90 °, to the emission direction. When bending, it should be noted that the kink must not be sharp-edged. As a result, with the same RF technical parameters of the antenna elements, a reduction of the overall height by one third is achieved. The reduced length of the antenna elements ultimately a greater compactness of the entire antenna system is achieved.
In einer besonders günstigen Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems umfasst der abgekantete Flächenbereich der Antennenelemente auch den kreisförmigen Freiraum, und der Schlitz der Antennenelemente erstreckt sich von dem nicht abgekanteten Flächenbereich in den abgekanteten Flächenbereich. Durch die Abkantung der inneren Flächenbereiche der Antennenelemente werden die Speisepunkte der Antennenelemente auf eine Ebene gebogen, deren Flächennormale in Abstrahlrichtung der Antennenelemente orientiert ist. Die inneren Flächenbereiche der Antennenelemente bilden mit anderen Worten teilweise eine Rückenfläche für das Antennenelementarray. Auf dieser Rückenfläche sind die Speisepunkte der Antennenelemente besonders einfach kontaktierbar, und das Array kann besonders einfach auf eine Rückwand montiert werden.In a particularly favorable development of the antenna system according to the invention, the beveled surface area of the antenna elements also includes the circular one Free space, and the slot of the antenna elements extends from the non-folded surface area in the folded area. Due to the bending of the inner surface regions of the antenna elements, the feed points of the antenna elements are bent to a plane whose surface normal is oriented in the emission direction of the antenna elements. In other words, the inner surface areas of the antenna elements partially form a back surface for the antenna element array. On this back surface, the feeding points of the antenna elements are particularly easy to contact, and the array can be easily mounted on a back wall.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausbildung des Antennensystems ist das Antennensegment auf einer dielektrischen Rückwand montiert. Die dielektrische Rückwand wird als mechanischer Träger des Antennensegments bzw. als mechanischer Träger für das Antennenelementarray verwendet. Durch die dielektrischen Eigenschaften der Rückwand wird die Antennencharakteristik zunächst nicht beeinflusst.In an advantageous embodiment of the antenna system, the antenna segment is mounted on a dielectric backplane. The dielectric backplane is used as a mechanical support of the antenna segment or as a mechanical support for the antenna element array. The dielectric properties of the rear wall initially do not affect the antenna characteristic.
In einer optionalen Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems weist die dielektrische Rückwand Zuführungs- und Betriebselemente des Antennensystems auf. Jedem Antennensegment in dem erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystem müssen Signale zugeführt werden. Die Signalzuführungen können besonders einfach und kostengünstig durch Strukturierungen von metallischen Schichten auf dielektrischen Platten in der sogenannten Leiterplattentechnik oder koaxial hergestellt werden. Als bevorzugtes Material für die dielektrische Rückwand kann beispielsweise ein faserverstärkter Kunststoff, wie Tecryl, verwendet werden. Es können aber auch andere geeignete Materialien eingesetzt werden. Des Weiteren müssen die Signale verstärkt werden, und für jedes Antennenelement muss eine gewünschte Phasenverschiebung realisiert werden. Diese Aufgaben werden von den Betriebselementen des Antennensystems realisiert. Die Betriebselemente, also die Signalverstärker und die Phasen-Schieber, werden möglichst nahe an den Antennenelementen, also auf der dielektrischen Rückwand oder direkt auf dem Antennenelement, realisiert.In an optional embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, the dielectric backplane has supply and operating elements of the antenna system. Each antenna segment in the antenna system according to the invention signals must be supplied. The signal feeds can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by structuring metallic layers on dielectric plates in the so-called printed circuit board technology or coaxially. As the preferred material for the dielectric backplane, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic such as Tecryl may be used. However, other suitable materials can also be used. Furthermore, the signals must be amplified and a desired phase shift must be realized for each antenna element. These tasks are realized by the operating elements of the antenna system. The operating elements, that is to say the signal amplifiers and the phase shifters, are realized as close as possible to the antenna elements, that is to say on the dielectric rear wall or directly on the antenna element.
In einer weiteren günstigen Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems können auf der dielektrischen Rückwand auch Reflektoren vorgesehen sein. Reflektoren können in Richtung der dielektrischen Rückwand von den Antennenelementen ausgehende elektromagnetische Strahlung in die gewünschte Abstrahlrichtung reflektieren und so zur Optimierung der Abstrahlcharakteristik eingesetzt werden.In a further favorable variant of the antenna system according to the invention, reflectors can also be provided on the dielectric rear wall. Reflectors may emanate towards the dielectric backplane from the antenna elements Reflect electromagnetic radiation in the desired direction of radiation and are used to optimize the radiation characteristics.
Es ist besonders von Vorteil, wenn das Antennensystem ein aus einem dielektrischen Material bestehendes Radom aufweist. Da die Antennen für den Außeneinsatz vorgesehen sind und bei ihrem Einsatz Witterungseinflüssen ausgesetzt sind, ist es günstig, für das Antennensystem eine Verkleidung, ein sogenanntes Radom, vorzusehen, die einen Einfluss der Witterung auf die Eigenschaften des Antennensystems verhindern kann. Durch das Radom werden beispielsweise Regen- und Schneeablagerungen auf den Antennenelementen verhindert, welche die Eigenschaften der Antennencharakteristik beeinflussen würden. Als Material für die Herstellung des Radoms hat sich der faserverstärkte Kunststoff Tecryl bewährt. Es können jedoch auch andere geeignete Materialien verwendet werden.It is particularly advantageous if the antenna system has a radome consisting of a dielectric material. Since the antennas are intended for outdoor use and are exposed to weather conditions during their use, it is advantageous for the antenna system to provide a lining, a so-called radome, which can prevent the influence of the weather on the properties of the antenna system. For example, the radome prevents rain and snow deposits on the antenna elements that would affect the antenna characteristics. As a material for the production of the radome, the fiber-reinforced plastic Tecryl has proven itself. However, other suitable materials may be used.
Entsprechend einer günstigen Weiterbildung der Erfindung sind in oder auf dem Radom Direktoren vorgesehen. Direktoren sind Strukturelemente, die das Antennendiagramm der Antenne beeinflussen. In der Regel sind die Direktoren metallische Strukturen. Es kann jedoch auch die Form und die Materialzusammensetzung des Radoms zur Optimierung der Abstrahlcharakteristik der Antenne eingesetzt werden.According to a favorable development of the invention, directors are provided in or on the radome. Directors are structural elements that influence the antenna pattern of the antenna. As a rule, the directors are metallic structures. However, it is also possible to use the shape and the material composition of the radome to optimize the emission characteristic of the antenna.
In einem weiteren möglichen Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Antennenelemente des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems dem für sie vorgesehenen Wellenlängenbereich entsprechend skaliert. Eine Skalierung der geometrischen Struktur der Antennenelemente ermöglicht die Anwendung der Erfindung über einen großen Frequenzbereich hinweg.In a further possible exemplary embodiment, the antenna elements of the antenna system according to the invention are scaled correspondingly to the wavelength range provided for them. Scaling the geometric structure of the antenna elements allows the application of the invention over a wide frequency range.
In einer besonders hoch entwickelten Ausbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems ist die Phase und/oder die Leistung für jedes Antennenelement separat einstellbar und/oder veränderbar. Für jedes Antennenelement ist also beispielsweise ein eigener HF-Verstärker oder ein eigener HF-Verstärkerkanal und/oder eine eigene Phasenregelung vorgesehen. Dadurch kann das Antennensegment mit den einzelnen Antennenelementen besonders flexibel betrieben werden, und es bestehen maximale Einflussmöglichkeiten auf das Antennendiagramm, mit Abstrahlrichtung und Abstrahlcharakteristik, sowie auf die Polarisation.In a particularly sophisticated embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, the phase and / or the power for each antenna element is separately adjustable and / or changeable. For example, a separate RF amplifier or a separate RF amplifier channel and / or a separate phase control is provided for each antenna element. As a result, the antenna segment can be operated particularly flexibly with the individual antenna elements, and there is maximum influence on the antenna diagram, with emission direction and emission characteristic, as well as on the polarization.
Gemäß einer besonders geeigneten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems ist für jedes Antennenelement ein HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis mit einem Leistungsverstärker und einer Phasenansteuerung vorgesehen, wobei die Position des HF-Ansteuerschaltkreises an dem Ansteuerpunkt des Antennenelementes vorgesehen ist und wobei das Antennenelement als Kühlkörper für den HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis vorgesehen ist. Durch das Vorsehen eines Leistungsverstärkers für jedes Antennenelement wird die HF-Leistung direkt an dem Ort erzeugt, wo sie benötigt wird und wo sie abgestrahlt werden soll. Dadurch werden Verluste auf langen Übertragungswegen ausgeschlossen. Durch die Realisierung der Phasenansteuerung direkt in dem HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis an dem Antennenelement kann die Phase für das Antennenelement exakt eingestellt werden. Durch die räumliche Nähe von Antennenelement und HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis ist es zudem möglich, das Antennenelement zusätzlich zu seiner Funktion der Radiowellenabstrahlung auch als Kühlkörper für den HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis zu verwenden. Auf diese Weise können Kosten für separate Kühlkörper eingespart werden, und das Antennensystem kann besonders kompakt realisiert werden.According to a particularly suitable embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, an RF drive circuit with a power amplifier and a phase drive is provided for each antenna element, wherein the position of the RF drive circuit is provided at the drive point of the antenna element and wherein the antenna element is provided as a heat sink for the RF drive circuit is. By providing a power amplifier for each antenna element, the RF power is generated directly at the location where it is needed and where it is to be radiated. This eliminates losses on long transmission paths. By realizing the phase drive directly in the RF drive circuit on the antenna element, the phase for the antenna element can be set exactly. Due to the spatial proximity of antenna element and RF drive circuit, it is also possible to use the antenna element in addition to its function of the radio wave radiation as a heat sink for the RF drive circuit. In this way, costs for separate heatsink can be saved, and the antenna system can be realized very compact.
In einer optionalen Erweiterung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems sind die Antennenelemente wenigstens teilweise mit einem dielektrischen Material beschichtet. Durch die Beschichtung mit dielektrischen Materialien kann eine Optimierung der gewünschten Antennencharakteristik erreicht werden.In an optional extension of the antenna system according to the invention, the antenna elements are at least partially coated with a dielectric material. By coating with dielectric materials, an optimization of the desired antenna characteristic can be achieved.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystems ist das Antennensystem aus wenigstens zwei Antennensegmenten ausgebildet, die derart angeordnet und angesteuert sind, dass ein vorgegebener Raumwinkelbereich versorgt wird. Die beschriebenen Antennensegmente zeichnen sich durch eine Richtwirkung aus. Mitunter kann mit einem Antennensegment bereits eine Bestrahlungsaufgabe erfüllt werden, beispielweise wenn ein langgestrecktes Dorf von der Abstrahlcharakteristik eines Antennensegmentes beleuchtet wird. In anderen Fällen ist aber eine größere Abdeckung, beispielsweise eine 360°-Abdeckung, um den Antennenstandort gefordert. In diesen Fällen werden mehrere Antennensegmente so kombiniert und eingerichtet, dass sie den in der Aufgabe definierten Versorgungsbereich optimal bedienen.In an advantageous embodiment of the antenna system according to the invention, the antenna system is formed from at least two antenna segments, which are arranged and controlled such that a predetermined solid angle range is supplied. The antenna segments described are characterized by a directivity. Sometimes an irradiation task can already be fulfilled with an antenna segment, for example if an elongated village is illuminated by the emission characteristic of an antenna segment. In other cases, however, greater coverage, such as 360 ° coverage, is required around the antenna site. In these cases, multiple antenna segments are combined and set up to best serve the coverage area defined in the task.
Die Aufgabe wird ferner durch ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen eines elektrischen Feldes mit zeitlich variierender Polarisation gelöst, bei welchem ein Phasen-Array-Antennensystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14 als Rundfunkantennensystem verwendet wird. Da, wie oben beschrieben, das erfindungsgemäße Phasen-Array-Antennensystem mit unterschiedlichen Polarisationsrichtungen emittiert, können hierdurch Signale erzeugt werden, welche am Empfangsort praktisch alle Polarisationsrichtungen einnehmen. Da zudem durch das erfindungsgemäße Phasen-Array-Antennensystem ein hoher Gewinn und eine große Bandbreite erzielbar ist, kann bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren die Hochfrequenzleistung mittels des hohen Gewinns auf den zu versorgenden Bereich konzentriert werden und eine Abstrahlung mehrerer Signale auf verschiedenen Frequenzen mit ein und demselben Antennensystem realisiert werden. Im Ergebnis kann eine verbesserte Funkversorgung, insbesondere für mobile Empfangsgeräte in kleinzelligen digitalen Rundfunknetzen, zur Verfügung gestellt werden.The object is further achieved by a method for generating an electric field with time varying polarization, in which a phase array antenna system according to one of
Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung, deren Aufbau, Funktion und Vorteile werden im Folgenden anhand von Figuren näher erläutert, wobei
Figur 1- eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungs- gemäßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt;
Figur 2- schematisch ein Beispiel für ein Antennensegment des erfindungsgemä- ßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt;
Figur 3- schematisch eine Vivaldi-Struktur als Beispiel für ein Antennenelement des erfindungsgemäßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt;
Figur 4- schematisch eine Antennenelementreihe einer Ausführungsform des erfin- dungsgemäßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt;
Figur 5- schematisch abgewinkelte Metallblechstreifen mit Antennenelementreihen gemäß
Fig. 4 zeigt; Figur 6- schematisch Beispiele für Antennendiagramme von Antennensegmenten einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Phasen-Array-Antennen- systems zeigt;
Figur 7- schematisch einen HF-Ansteuerschaltkreis für ein Antennensegment eines erfindungsgemäßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt;
Figur 8- schematisch zwei unterschiedlich skalierte Antennensegmente für unter- schiedliche erfindungsgemäße Phasen-Array-Antennensysteme mit unter- schiedlichen Frequenzbereichen zeigt; und
Figur 9- schematisch ein Radom für ein Antennensegment eines erfindungsgemä- ßen Phasen-Array-Antennensystems zeigt.
- FIG. 1
- shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a phased array antenna system according to the invention;
- FIG. 2
- schematically shows an example of an antenna segment of the inventive phase array antenna system;
- FIG. 3
- schematically shows a Vivaldi structure as an example of an antenna element of the phase array antenna system according to the invention;
- FIG. 4
- schematically shows an antenna element row of an embodiment of the inventive phase array antenna system;
- FIG. 5
- schematically angled sheet metal strips with antenna element rows according to
Fig. 4 shows; - FIG. 6
- schematically shows examples of antenna diagrams of antenna segments of an embodiment of the inventive phase array antenna system;
- FIG. 7
- schematically shows an RF drive circuit for an antenna segment of a phase array antenna system according to the invention;
- FIG. 8
- schematically shows two differently scaled antenna segments for different inventive phase array antenna systems with different frequency ranges; and
- FIG. 9
- schematically shows a radome for an antenna segment of a phase array antenna system according to the invention.
In anderen, nicht dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Antennensystemen kann auch eine andere Anzahl von Antennensegmenten 2 eingesetzt werden. Beispielsweise kann nur ein Antennensegment 2 zur Radioversorgung eines einseitigen Versorgungsgebietes oder es können beispielsweise acht Antennensegmente 2 zur Rundumversorgung verwendet werden.In other, not shown antenna systems according to the invention, a different number of
Die Speiseleitungen 22 sind in den dargestellten Beispielen als separate Leitungen ausgeführt. In anderen, nicht dargestellten Varianten der Erfindung können sie auch in Schichten auf der dielektrischen Rückwand 4 oder zwischen Lagen der dielektrischen Rückwand 4 ausgebildet sein. Die dielektrische Rückwand 4 ist vorzugsweise aus dem dielektrischen Material Tecryl gefertigt. Die Rückwand 4 kann aber auch aus anderen dielektrischen Materialien oder aus Metall bestehen.The feed lines 22 are designed as separate lines in the examples shown. In other variants of the invention, not shown, they may also be formed in layers on the
Die inneren Flächenbereiche 30 der Antennenelemente 3 sind aus der Ebene der Antennenelemente 3 heraus abwechselnd in die eine und die andere Richtung jeweils um 90° abgekantet. Die Abkantung erfolgt nicht scharfkantig. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Abkantung so, dass sich die abgekanteten Flächenbereiche 30 aneinander angrenzender Antennenelemente 3 nicht überlappen. Durch die Abkantung kann die Höhe der Metallblechstreifen in Abstrahlrichtung um etwa ein Drittel reduziert werden. Die HF-technischen Parameter der Antennenelemente 3 werden durch dieses Abkanten nicht verändert. Randbereiche der inneren Flächenbereiche 30 von Antennenelementen 3 sind in dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel zur Reduzierung der Außenabmessungen des Antennenelementarrays an einer Kante 16 abgeschnitten. Durch das Beschneiden des inneren Flächenbereiches 30 der Antennenelemente 3 kann auch Einfluss auf die Abstrahlcharakteristik des Antennensegmentes 2 genommen werden.The
Erfindungsgemäß werden zur Ausbildung der Antennensegmente 2 vorzugsweise Metallbleche verwendet, da diese besonders einfach und kostengünstig bearbeitbar sind. Unter einem Metallblech wird erfindungsgemäß in erster Linie eine flächige, beispielsweise durch Biegen umformbare Lage aus einem metallischen Material verstanden. Dabei kann die Lage auch aus mehreren, nebeneinander oder übereinander vorgesehenen metallischen Materialien ausgebildet sein. Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglich, als Metallblech gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung eine Kombination aus metallischen und nichtmetallischen Materialien vorzusehen, insofern diese Kombination ähnlich wie ein einfaches Metallblech umformbar ist bzw. wenn die Umformung dieses Materials nur mit geringfügig erhöhtem Aufwand im Vergleich zum Umformen von einfachen Metallblechen möglich ist.According to the invention, metal sheets are preferably used to form the
Die Metallflächen im äußeren Bereich der Antennenelemente 3, die nicht an Montageschlitze 10, 11 grenzen, sind in dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel mit Einkerbungen 9 versehen, welche zur Optimierung des Frequenzverhaltens der Antennenelemente 3 dienen.The metal surfaces in the outer region of the
Claims (14)
- Phased array antenna system (1) which has at least one broadband antenna segment (2), with the antenna segment (2) having a plurality of slotted antenna elements (3) which emit linearly polarized waves, with at least two antenna elements (3) being aligned at right angles to one another and with the antenna segment (2) therefore being designed to emit waves in two mutually perpendicular polarization directions, and with the antenna elements (3) being formed from sheet metal, with the antenna elements (3) having the structure of a Vivaldi antenna which has a circular free space (8) in a metal surface and a slot (7) which originates from the free space and whose width increases in the emission direction, characterized in that inner surface areas (30) of the antenna elements (3) which are located opposite the slotted sides of the antenna elements (3) are tilted transversely with respect to the emission direction.
- Phased array antenna system according to Claim 1, characterized in that in each case at least two antenna elements (3) are formed jointly, forming at least one antenna element row (5) in a sheet-metal strip; and at least two antenna element rows (5) are arranged crossed over one another at least once, forming an antenna element array, in that mounting slots (10, 11), which are formed between the antenna elements (3), are in each case passed into one another.
- Phased array antenna system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the sheet-metal strip is angled, forming at least two antenna element rows (5).
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilted surface area of the antenna elements (3) also surrounds the circular free space, and in that the slot of the antenna elements (3) extends from the non-tilted surface area into the tilted surface area.
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna segment (2) is mounted on a dielectric rear wall (4).
- Phased array antenna system according to Claim 5, characterized in that the dielectric rear wall (4) has feed and operating elements (20, 21, 22) of the phased array antenna system (1).
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phased array antenna system (1) has a radome (12) which is composed of a dielectric material.
- Phased array antenna system according to Claim 7, characterized in that directors are provided in or on the radome (12, 14).
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna elements of the phased array antenna system (1) are scaled corresponding to the wavelength range provided for them.
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase and/or the power can be adjusted and/or varied separately for each antenna element (3).
- Phased array antenna system according to Claim 10, characterized in that an RF drive circuit (24) having a power amplifier and a phase drive is provided for each antenna element (3) with the position of the RF drive circuit (24) being provided at a drive point (25) of the antenna element (3), and with the antenna element (3) being provided as heat sink for the RF drive circuit.
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna elements (3) are at least partially coated with a dielectric material.
- Phased array antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phased array antenna system (1) is formed from at least two antenna segments (2) which are arranged and driven such that a predetermined solid angle range is supplied.
- Method for producing an electrical field with a polarization which varies over time, in which a phased array antenna system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 is used as a broadcast antenna system.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT10401056T ATE550807T1 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2010-04-15 | PHASE ARRAY ANTENNA SYSTEM |
EP10401056A EP2381533B1 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2010-04-15 | Phase array antenna system |
ES10401056T ES2383884T3 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2010-04-15 | Antenna system with phase adjustment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10401056A EP2381533B1 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2010-04-15 | Phase array antenna system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2381533A1 EP2381533A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
EP2381533B1 true EP2381533B1 (en) | 2012-03-21 |
Family
ID=42711156
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10401056A Not-in-force EP2381533B1 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2010-04-15 | Phase array antenna system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2381533B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE550807T1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2383884T3 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2220303A (en) * | 1988-06-29 | 1990-01-04 | Philips Electronic Associated | Dual polarised phased array antenna |
WO2005011057A1 (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2005-02-03 | Stichting Astron | Dual polarised antenna device for an antenna array and method for manufacturing the same |
US6839036B1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2005-01-04 | Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration, Inc. | Concatenated Vivaldi notch/meander line loaded antennas |
US7064722B1 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2006-06-20 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Dual polarized broadband tapered slot antenna |
-
2010
- 2010-04-15 EP EP10401056A patent/EP2381533B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-04-15 ES ES10401056T patent/ES2383884T3/en active Active
- 2010-04-15 AT AT10401056T patent/ATE550807T1/en active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2381533A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
ES2383884T3 (en) | 2012-06-27 |
ATE550807T1 (en) | 2012-04-15 |
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