EP2446507B1 - Method of helping to steer an antenna, power-assisted steering antenna using this method and mobile terminal comprising such an antenna - Google Patents

Method of helping to steer an antenna, power-assisted steering antenna using this method and mobile terminal comprising such an antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2446507B1
EP2446507B1 EP10725750.3A EP10725750A EP2446507B1 EP 2446507 B1 EP2446507 B1 EP 2446507B1 EP 10725750 A EP10725750 A EP 10725750A EP 2446507 B1 EP2446507 B1 EP 2446507B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
radiating elements
pointing
radiating
activating
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EP10725750.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2446507A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Raguenet
Nicolas Chuberre
Olivier Courseille
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Thales SA
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Thales SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q25/00—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
    • H01Q25/002—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns providing at least two patterns of different beamwidth; Variable beamwidth antennas

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of assisting the pointing of an antenna and an assisted pointing antenna implementing this method. It applies in particular to the field of satellite communications and more particularly for broadband applications using nomadic terminals, that is to say transportable, but usable in a fixed position.
  • Satellite data communication systems require the use of antennas that are correctly oriented relative to the satellite.
  • the pointing of the antenna must be realized with a precision of the order of the degree, even a few tenths of a degree, which can not be achieved manually without using means of pointing aid.
  • antennas whose pointing is aided by mechanical means.
  • a rough score is manually performed by the user, for example by operating the antenna in rotation so as to pre-position it with respect to the satellite. Then the user performs a small scan in site and azimuth to determine the maximum level of signal received from the satellite.
  • the antenna is equipped with a sound signal generator whose frequency is proportional to the level of the received signal. Intuitively, the user locates the maximum reception level corresponding to the center of the antenna lobe.
  • This technique is implemented on terminals operating in Ku-band and equipped with bulky parabolic antennas whose size is of the order of 60 to 70 cm in diameter.
  • Other flat antennas are equipped with an electronic pointing mechanism, such as, for example, antennas using the process known as "conical scan".
  • a rough score is manually made by the user, for example in rotating the antenna so as to pre-position it with respect to the satellite.
  • the manual pointing thus achieved is located in an estimated error cone of the order of plus or minus ten degrees around the actual position of the satellite.
  • a pointing aid is then performed electronically by an automated algorithm that successively scans all the angular domains included in the uncertainty cone, and calculates for each domain, the energy level received with respect to the noise. to derive the precise direction of the satellite.
  • the search for the satellite is done via a signal received on a radiofrequency channel of the satellite or a signal coming from a beacon and makes it possible to define the angles of pointing in site and in azimuth which must be given as set the attenuators and phase shifters of the electronic antenna in order to point the antenna beam correctly.
  • This technique makes it possible to perform a pointing aid and acquisition of the carrier of the satellite in a correct way, but has the disadvantage of requiring a large number of controls with an antenna comprising a large number of phase shift modules and formation of bundles and be very complex and very expensive to implement, which is unacceptable for use with low-cost terminals such as desktops.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method of assisting the pointing of an antenna, preferably of planar type, not having the drawbacks of known methods and assisted pointing antennas, comprising means for assisting pointing. simple to implement and at a lower cost and to achieve a fine score, quickly and reliably.
  • the second step comprises at least two substeps consisting of successively activating an increasing number of radiating elements from the first central part towards the second part and then towards a peripheral part of the radiating panel surrounding the second part up to the second part. activation of all the radiating elements of the antenna and, at each substep, manually refine the pointing direction of the antenna in site and in azimuth.
  • the activation of the radiating elements of the antenna is achieved by manually actuating at least two switching means.
  • the pointing direction of the antenna is adjusted at each step by actuating verniers adjusting in rotation about two axes respectively in elevation and in azimuth.
  • the maximum level of reception of the signal emitted by the satellite is determined by viewing a light signal or by hearing a sound signal, the light-or sound signal depending on the reception level.
  • the first and second activation means are microwave switches.
  • the adjustment means are step verniers.
  • the antenna further comprises, on reception, third activation means for activating third radiating elements situated in a third peripheral part of the radiating panel surrounding the second part and at least one second means for combining the signals received by the radiating elements activated by the first, the second and the third activation means.
  • the invention also relates to a mobile terminal comprising an assisted pointing antenna.
  • the method of assisting the pointing of an antenna according to the invention comprises at least two successive steps.
  • the first step makes it possible to acquire a signal derived from a satellite, for example of the geostationary type, and to perform a pre-pointing of the antenna in the direction corresponding to a maximum energy level of this signal .
  • the pre-pointing is achieved by activating only a few radiating elements of the antenna located at the center of the radiating panel so as to obtain a radiated beam, called a spot, having a broad radiation pattern, and therefore not very directional, and a low gain, which makes it possible to obtain a fast but coarse manual score with a low precision, so with a large margin of error.
  • the second step makes it possible to refine the pointing direction and thus reduce the margin of error.
  • the score is refined by activating a greater number of radiating elements from the center to the periphery of the radiating panel of the antenna, so as to obtain a finer spot and therefore more directional.
  • the second step can be split into several successive sub-steps.
  • the number of radiating elements activated from the center to the periphery is, from one substep to the next, successively more and more important until the activation of the complete antenna, which allows to obtain more and more directive spots and to refine more and more the score achieved in successive sub-stages.
  • two or three steps are sufficient.
  • the pointing aid method is applied to an antenna of A4 format.
  • three steps are sufficient to obtain a positioning of the radio axis of the antenna towards the satellite with a precision of the degree.
  • the antenna example shown schematically on the figure 1a comprises a radiating panel 10 consisting of an array of radiating elements 12 of the patch type.
  • the figure 1b shows an example of distribution of the radiating elements of the antenna into fifteen subsets, called basic bricks 11, each base brick 11 having thirty two radiating elements 12 arranged in a rectangular configuration.
  • the directivity of each radiating element may be of the order of 9 dBi and the directivity of a basic brick may be of the order of 24 dBi.
  • the central portion 13 of the antenna corresponding to the central base brick is activated.
  • the figure 2a represents an enlargement of the activated part of the antenna.
  • the pre-pointing of the antenna is done manually using for example a receiver type GPS (in English: Global Positioning System) and a compass.
  • the GPS receiver is used to determine the local geographic coordinates of the terminal, ie longitude and latitude, and to calculate the angular orientation required in site and azimuth so that the antenna can receive a signal from the satellite to acquire whose longitude is known by the terminal during its first implementation.
  • the longitude of the satellite is given by the operator when offering services.
  • the signal received from the satellite can come either from a beacon on board the satellite or as a carrier transmitted in a satellite communication channel.
  • the compass gives the direction of the geographic North which allows to orient, approximately, the antenna in site and in azimuth.
  • the method then consists in aligning the direction of the maximum radiation of the central base brick of the antenna with respect to the direction of the satellite.
  • the radiation pattern of the beam radiated by this central part of the antenna for example at a frequency of 20 GHz as represented on the Figures 2c and 2d , gives the order of magnitude of the pointing accuracy that can be obtained.
  • the spot radiated by this central zone is elliptical and its widths at -10dB in two perpendicular sectional planes XZ and YZ are respectively equal to approximately 24 ° and 12 °, Z being the direction of an axis normal to the surface of the radiating panel, X and Y being orthogonal axes located in the plane of the radiating panel and respectively corresponding to the main axes of the antenna in elevation and in azimuth.
  • the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued by using verniers of adjustment of the rotating antenna around of the two X and Y axes and energy level indicators of the signals received by a receiver of the antenna, so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum energy of the radiation pattern of the central part of the antenna.
  • the energy level indicators can be, for example, light signals emitted by light-emitting diodes or sound signals emitted by a buzzer.
  • the adjustment verniers preferably comprise a device for rotating in a step-by-step manner.
  • the accuracy of alignment of the antenna normal to the satellite is approximately 6 ° in the XZ plane, and 3 ° in the YZ plane, as shown by the Figures 2c and 2d .
  • the central part of the antenna corresponding to the central base brick and an intermediate part of the antenna comprising four additional bricks surrounding the central brick are activated simultaneously.
  • these five bricks form, in this example, a drawing in the shape of a cross.
  • the directivity of the operational part of the antenna is then improved and of the order of 31 dBi with respect to the directivity of the only central part used in the first step and consisting of a single basic brick which is the order of 24 dBi.
  • the fact of using a larger part of the antenna provides a more directional radiation pattern, so with an amplitude with larger slopes of variation that will further refine the pointing.
  • the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued by using the verniers of adjustment of the antenna in rotation around the two axes X and Y and the level indicators of the signals received by a receiver of the antenna, so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum of the radiation pattern of the activated zone of the antenna comprising the central part and the intermediate part.
  • the accuracy of the alignment of the antenna normal to the satellite is approximately 2.6 ° according to the XZ plane, and 1.3 ° according to the YZ plane, as shown by the figures 3b and 3c .
  • the complete panel of the antenna comprising the fifteen basic bricks is activated.
  • the directivity of the complete panel is improved compared to the cases of the two previous steps where only part of the panel is activated.
  • the directivity of the complete panel is of the order of 35.8 dBi.
  • the fact to activate all the radiating elements of the antenna panel makes it possible to obtain a more directional radiation pattern than in the preceding steps and to refine the pointing once more.
  • the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued using the same method of adjustment as in the previous steps, by means of the adjustment verniers and received signal levels so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum of the radiation pattern of the complete radiating panel.
  • the final accuracy of the alignment of the antenna normal towards the satellite is about 1 ° according to the XZ plane, and 0.8 ° according to the YZ plane, as shown by the Figures 4a and 4b .
  • the precision obtained is of the order of 1 °.
  • the antenna is considered correctly pointed towards the satellite with a final pointing accuracy of plus or minus 0.5 ° according to the two axes in elevation and in azimuth.
  • This pointing assistance strategy is very simple since each step uses only information delivered by a signal receiver and is performed manually by the user, iteratively and with increasing accuracy depending on the size of the antenna, only by actuating verniers of rotational adjustments around the two axes site and azimuth of the antenna in accordance with indications of level of the received signal.
  • the number of steps used depends on the desired pointing accuracy and the operating frequency used. Typically, two or three steps are sufficient.
  • the different parts of the radiating panel and the base bricks may have different shapes from those chosen in the embodiment described, but they must be made to form sets of radiating elements that can be activated successively from the center to the periphery of the radiating panel of the antenna.
  • the figure 5 represents an example of antenna architecture implementing the pointing aid method.
  • This architecture has no search calculator of the optimum pointing direction.
  • the activation of the different parts of the antenna to go from a step of the pointing assist method to the next step is controlled only by means of microwave switches whose position change is activated manually by the user, which limits the complexity and cost of realization of the antenna.
  • signal combiners make it possible to combine the signals received by at least two different parts of the antenna.
  • the pointing aid method comprises three successive steps and the radiating elements mounted on the radiating panel of the antenna are thus configured in three concentric subassemblies respectively constituting a central portion 1 of the antenna, an intermediate portion 2 surrounding the central portion 1, and an outer peripheral portion 3 surrounding the intermediate portion 2.
  • the number of parts of the antenna is modified accordingly.
  • the antenna comprises a transmission path and a reception path connected via diplexers 21, 22, 23, to each of the three parts of the radiating panel.
  • the diplexers provide, in a conventional manner, the separation of the transmit and receive channels.
  • the signals received on each of the channels are amplified in respective amplifiers 41, 42, 43 before being transmitted to a receiver 30.
  • the reception channel comprises a signal receiver 30 connected to the different parts of the radiating panel of the antenna via a plurality of microwave switches 31, 32, 33, 34 and signal combiners 35, 36.
  • the output of the receiver is connected to a modulation and demodulation interface 37.
  • the central part 1 of the antenna is connected to a first switch 31 having a first position connected to the receiver 30 via a second switch 32 and a second position connected to a first signal combiner 35.
  • the first combiner signal 35 has two inputs respectively connected to the intermediate portion 2 and the central portion 1 of the antenna when the first switch 31 is in the second position and an output connected to the receiver 30 via a third switch 33 having a first position connected to the second switch 32 and a second position connected to a second signal combiner 36.
  • the second signal combiner 36 has two inputs respectively connected to the outer peripheral part 3 of the antenna and to the output of the first signal combiner 35 when the third switch 33 is in the second position and an output connected to the receiver 30 by the intermediate of a fourth switch 34 and the second switch 32.
  • a reception mode operation during the initial phase of acquiring the signal of a satellite and pointing the antenna towards the satellite, the successive activation of each of the three subassemblies 1, 2, 3 of radiating elements of the antenna is performed by the user only by successively changing the position of one or more microwave switches 31, 32, 33, 34 connected to the signal receiver 30.
  • the terminal has the authorization of only when the antenna is correctly pointed.
  • the modulation and demodulation interface 37 which is intended to shape a signal to be transmitted, is connected to an amplifier 38, then to a signal splitter 39 which divides the signal to be emitted in three components respectively applied at the input of each of the three parts 1, 2, 3 of the antenna via the respective diplexers 21, 22, 23.

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  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé d'aide au pointage d'une antenne et une antenne à pointage assisté mettant en oeuvre ce procédé. Elle s'applique notamment au domaine des communications par satellites et plus particulièrement pour des applications à large bande utilisant des terminaux nomades, c'est à dire transportables, mais utilisables en position fixe.The present invention relates to a method of assisting the pointing of an antenna and an assisted pointing antenna implementing this method. It applies in particular to the field of satellite communications and more particularly for broadband applications using nomadic terminals, that is to say transportable, but usable in a fixed position.

Les systèmes de communications de données par satellite nécessitent d'utiliser des antennes correctement orientées par rapport au satellite. Dans le cas des applications en bande Ka utilisant des terminaux nomades équipés d'une antenne directive d'un format tel que A5 (15 * 21 cm) ou A4 (21 * 29.7 cm), le réglage du pointage de l'antenne doit être réalisé avec une précision de l'ordre du degré, voire de quelques dixièmes de degré, ce qui ne peut pas être réalisé manuellement sans utiliser des moyens d'aide au pointage.Satellite data communication systems require the use of antennas that are correctly oriented relative to the satellite. In the case of Ka-band applications using nomadic terminals equipped with a directional antenna of a format such as A5 (15 * 21 cm) or A4 (21 * 29.7 cm), the pointing of the antenna must be realized with a precision of the order of the degree, even a few tenths of a degree, which can not be achieved manually without using means of pointing aid.

Il existe des antennes dont le pointage est aidé par des moyens mécaniques. Un pointage grossier est réalisé manuellement par l'utilisateur, par exemple en actionnant l'antenne en rotation de façon à la pré-positionner par rapport au satellite. Puis l'utilisateur effectue un petit balayage en site et azimut afin de déterminer le niveau maximum de signal reçu du satellite. L'antenne est équipée d'un générateur de signal sonore dont la fréquence est proportionnelle au niveau du signal reçu. Intuitivement, l'utilisateur repère le niveau de réception maximum correspondant au centre du lobe de l'antenne. Cette technique est mise en oeuvre sur des terminaux opérant en bande Ku et équipés d'antennes paraboliques encombrantes dont la taille est de l'ordre de 60 à 70 cm de diamètre.There are antennas whose pointing is aided by mechanical means. A rough score is manually performed by the user, for example by operating the antenna in rotation so as to pre-position it with respect to the satellite. Then the user performs a small scan in site and azimuth to determine the maximum level of signal received from the satellite. The antenna is equipped with a sound signal generator whose frequency is proportional to the level of the received signal. Intuitively, the user locates the maximum reception level corresponding to the center of the antenna lobe. This technique is implemented on terminals operating in Ku-band and equipped with bulky parabolic antennas whose size is of the order of 60 to 70 cm in diameter.

D'autres antennes planes sont équipées d'un mécanisme de pointage électronique, telles que par exemple les antennes utilisant le procédé connu sous le nom anglais de « conical scan ». Selon ce procédé connu, un pointage grossier est réalisé manuellement par l'utilisateur, par exemple en actionnant l'antenne en rotation de façon à la pré-positionner par rapport au satellite. Le pointage manuel ainsi réalisé est situé dans un cône d'erreur estimé de l'ordre de plus ou moins dix degrés autour de la position réelle du satellite. Pour affiner ce pointage, une aide au pointage est ensuite réalisée de manière électronique par un algorithme automatisé qui balaye successivement tous les domaines angulaires compris dans le cône d'incertitude, et calcule pour chaque domaine, le niveau d'énergie reçu par rapport au bruit thermique afin d'en déduire la direction précise du satellite. La recherche du satellite se fait par l'intermédiaire d'un signal reçu sur un canal radiofréquence du satellite ou d'un signal provenant d'une balise et permet de définir les angles de pointage en site et en azimut qu'il faut donner comme consigne aux atténuateurs et aux déphaseurs de l'antenne électronique afin de pointer le faisceau de l'antenne correctement. Cette technique permet de réaliser une aide au pointage et à l'acquisition de la porteuse du satellite de façon correcte, mais présente l'inconvénient de nécessiter un grand nombre de contrôles avec une antenne comportant un grand nombre de modules de déphasage et de formation de faisceaux et d'être très complexe et très coûteuse à mettre en oeuvre, ce qui est inacceptable pour une utilisation avec des terminaux à bas coût tels que des ordinateurs de bureau.Other flat antennas are equipped with an electronic pointing mechanism, such as, for example, antennas using the process known as "conical scan". According to this known method, a rough score is manually made by the user, for example in rotating the antenna so as to pre-position it with respect to the satellite. The manual pointing thus achieved is located in an estimated error cone of the order of plus or minus ten degrees around the actual position of the satellite. To refine this score, a pointing aid is then performed electronically by an automated algorithm that successively scans all the angular domains included in the uncertainty cone, and calculates for each domain, the energy level received with respect to the noise. to derive the precise direction of the satellite. The search for the satellite is done via a signal received on a radiofrequency channel of the satellite or a signal coming from a beacon and makes it possible to define the angles of pointing in site and in azimuth which must be given as set the attenuators and phase shifters of the electronic antenna in order to point the antenna beam correctly. This technique makes it possible to perform a pointing aid and acquisition of the carrier of the satellite in a correct way, but has the disadvantage of requiring a large number of controls with an antenna comprising a large number of phase shift modules and formation of bundles and be very complex and very expensive to implement, which is unacceptable for use with low-cost terminals such as desktops.

Le but de l'invention est de réaliser un procédé d'aide au pointage d'une antenne, de préférence de type plane, ne comportant pas les inconvénients des procédés et des antennes à pointage assisté connues, comportant des moyens d'aide au pointage simples à mettre en oeuvre et à moindre coût et permettant de réaliser un pointage fin, de façon rapide et fiable.The object of the invention is to provide a method of assisting the pointing of an antenna, preferably of planar type, not having the drawbacks of known methods and assisted pointing antennas, comprising means for assisting pointing. simple to implement and at a lower cost and to achieve a fine score, quickly and reliably.

Pour cela, l'invention concerne un procédé d'aide au pointage d'une antenne, consistant à utiliser une antenne comportant une pluralité d'éléments rayonnants répartis sur une surface d'un panneau rayonnant, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste :

  • dans une première étape, à activer uniquement des premiers éléments rayonnants situés dans une première partie centrale du panneau rayonnant, à assurer, manuellement, un pré-pointage de l'antenne en site et en azimut, dans une direction correspondant à un niveau maximum de réception d'un signal émis par un satellite,
  • dans une deuxième étape, à activer ensuite simultanément les premiers éléments rayonnants et au moins des deuxièmes éléments rayonnants situés dans une deuxième partie du panneau rayonnant entourant la première partie centrale et à affiner, manuellement, la direction de pointage de l'antenne en site et en azimut.
For this, the invention relates to a method of assisting the pointing of an antenna, consisting in using an antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements distributed over a surface of a radiating panel, characterized in that it consists of:
  • in a first step, to activate only first radiating elements located in a first central portion of the radiating panel, to manually provide a pre-score of the antenna in elevation and in azimuth, in a direction corresponding to a maximum level of reception of a signal emitted by a satellite,
  • in a second step, then simultaneously activate the first radiating elements and at least second radiating elements located in a second part of the radiating panel surrounding the first central part and manually refine the pointing direction of the antenna in site and in azimuth.

Avantageusement, la deuxième étape comporte au moins deux sous-étapes consistant à activer successivement un nombre croissant d'éléments rayonnants de la première partie centrale, vers la deuxième partie, puis vers une partie périphérique du panneau rayonnant entourant la deuxième partie jusqu'à l'activation de tous les éléments rayonnants de l'antenne et, à chaque sous-étape, à affiner, manuellement, la direction de pointage de l'antenne en site et en azimut.Advantageously, the second step comprises at least two substeps consisting of successively activating an increasing number of radiating elements from the first central part towards the second part and then towards a peripheral part of the radiating panel surrounding the second part up to the second part. activation of all the radiating elements of the antenna and, at each substep, manually refine the pointing direction of the antenna in site and in azimuth.

Avantageusement, l'activation des éléments rayonnants de l'antenne est réalisée en actionnant manuellement au moins deux moyens de commutation.Advantageously, the activation of the radiating elements of the antenna is achieved by manually actuating at least two switching means.

Avantageusement, la direction de pointage de l'antenne est réglée à chaque étape en actionnant des verniers de réglage en rotation autour de deux axes respectivement en site et en azimut.Advantageously, the pointing direction of the antenna is adjusted at each step by actuating verniers adjusting in rotation about two axes respectively in elevation and in azimuth.

Préférentiellement, le niveau maximum de réception du signal émis par le satellite est déterminé par visualisation d'un signal lumineux ou par audition d'un signal sonore, le signal lumineux-ou sonore dépendant du niveau de réception.Preferably, the maximum level of reception of the signal emitted by the satellite is determined by viewing a light signal or by hearing a sound signal, the light-or sound signal depending on the reception level.

L'invention concerne également une antenne d'émission et de réception à pointage assisté pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, l'antenne comportant une pluralité d'éléments rayonnants répartis sur une surface d'un panneau rayonnant, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte en outre à la réception :

  • des premiers moyens d'activation pour activer uniquement des premiers éléments rayonnants situés dans une première partie centrale du panneau rayonnant,
  • au moins des seconds moyens d'activation d'au moins des deuxièmes éléments rayonnants situés dans une deuxième partie du panneau rayonnant entourant la première partie centrale, et au moins un premier moyen de combinaison des signaux reçus par les éléments rayonnants activés par les premiers et les second moyens d'activation,
  • des moyens de réglage manuel pour assurer un pré-pointage de l'antenne et pour affiner le pointage en site et en azimut, dans une direction correspondant à un niveau maximum de réception d'un signal émis par le satellite.
The invention also relates to an assisted pointing reception and reception antenna for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, the antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements distributed over a surface of a radiating panel. , characterized in that it further comprises at the reception:
  • first activating means for activating only first radiating elements located in a first central portion of the radiating panel,
  • at least second activation means for at least second radiating elements located in a second part of the radiating panel surrounding the first central part, and at least a first means for combining the signals received by the radiating elements activated by the first and the second activation means,
  • manual adjustment means for pre-pointing the antenna and for fine-tuning the pointing in elevation and in azimuth, in a direction corresponding to a maximum level of reception of a signal emitted by the satellite.

Avantageusement, les premiers et les deuxièmes moyens d'activation sont des commutateurs hyperfréquences.Advantageously, the first and second activation means are microwave switches.

Avantageusement, les moyens de réglage sont des verniers pas à pas.Advantageously, the adjustment means are step verniers.

Avantageusement, l'antenne comporte en outre, à la réception, des troisièmes moyens d'activation pour activer des troisièmes éléments rayonnants situés dans une troisième partie périphérique du panneau rayonnant entourant la deuxième partie et au moins un second moyen de combinaison des signaux reçus par les éléments rayonnants activés par les premiers, les deuxièmes et les troisièmes moyens d'activation.Advantageously, the antenna further comprises, on reception, third activation means for activating third radiating elements situated in a third peripheral part of the radiating panel surrounding the second part and at least one second means for combining the signals received by the radiating elements activated by the first, the second and the third activation means.

L'invention concerne également un terminal nomade comportant une antenne à pointage assisté.The invention also relates to a mobile terminal comprising an assisted pointing antenna.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement dans la suite de la description donnée à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés qui représentent :

  • figure 1a, 1b : deux schémas d'un exemple d'antenne comportant un panneau rayonnant, selon l'invention ;
  • figure 2a : un schéma d'un agrandissement de la partie centrale de l'antenne de la figure 1, selon l'invention ;
  • figures 2b, 2c, 2d : un schéma d'un exemple de spot rayonné par la partie centrale de l'antenne et deux diagrammes de rayonnement correspondants, selon deux plans orthogonaux entre eux, selon l'invention ;
  • figure 3a :un schéma d'un agrandissement de la partie centrale et d'une partie intermédiaire de l'antenne activées simultanément, selon l'invention ;
  • figures 3b et 3c : deux diagrammes de rayonnement selon deux plans orthogonaux entre eux, correspondant à la partie centrale et à la partie intermédiaire de l'antenne activées simultanément, selon l'invention ;
  • figures 4a et 4b : deux diagrammes de rayonnement selon deux plans orthogonaux entre eux, correspondant à l'activation de tous les éléments rayonnants de l'antenne, selon l'invention ;
  • figure 5 : un exemple d'architecture d'une antenne, selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear in the following description given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached schematic drawings which represent:
  • figure 1a, 1b : two diagrams of an example of an antenna comprising a radiating panel, according to the invention;
  • figure 2a : a diagram of an enlargement of the central part of the antenna of the figure 1 according to the invention;
  • figures 2b , 2c , 2d : a diagram of an example of a spot radiated by the central part of the antenna and two corresponding radiation patterns, according to two orthogonal planes between them, according to the invention;
  • figure 3a : a diagram of an enlargement of the central part and an intermediate part of the antenna activated simultaneously, according to the invention;
  • figures 3b and 3c : two radiation patterns in two orthogonal planes between them, corresponding to the central portion and the intermediate portion of the antenna activated simultaneously, according to the invention;
  • Figures 4a and 4b two radiation patterns in two orthogonal planes, corresponding to the activation of all the radiating elements of the antenna, according to the invention;
  • figure 5 : An example of architecture of an antenna, according to the invention.

Le procédé d'aide au pointage d'une antenne selon l'invention comporte au moins deux étapes successives. la première étape permet de faire l'acquisition d'un signal issu d'un satellite, par exemple de type géostationnaire, et de réaliser un pré-pointage de l'antenne dans la direction correspondant à un niveau d'énergie maximum de ce signal. Pendant cette première étape, le pré-pointage est réalisé en activant uniquement quelques éléments rayonnants de l'antenne situés au centre du panneau rayonnant de façon à obtenir un faisceau rayonné, appelé spot, ayant un diagramme de rayonnement large, donc peu directif et un gain faible, ce qui permet d'obtenir un pointage manuel rapide mais grossier avec une faible précision, donc avec une grande marge d'erreur.The method of assisting the pointing of an antenna according to the invention comprises at least two successive steps. the first step makes it possible to acquire a signal derived from a satellite, for example of the geostationary type, and to perform a pre-pointing of the antenna in the direction corresponding to a maximum energy level of this signal . During this first step, the pre-pointing is achieved by activating only a few radiating elements of the antenna located at the center of the radiating panel so as to obtain a radiated beam, called a spot, having a broad radiation pattern, and therefore not very directional, and a low gain, which makes it possible to obtain a fast but coarse manual score with a low precision, so with a large margin of error.

La deuxième étape permet d'affiner la direction de pointage et de diminuer ainsi la marge d'erreur. Dans cette deuxième étape, le pointage est affiné en activant un nombre d'éléments rayonnants plus important du centre vers la périphérie du panneau rayonnant de l'antenne, de façon à obtenir un spot plus fin donc plus directif.The second step makes it possible to refine the pointing direction and thus reduce the margin of error. In this second step, the score is refined by activating a greater number of radiating elements from the center to the periphery of the radiating panel of the antenna, so as to obtain a finer spot and therefore more directional.

Optionnellement, la deuxième étape peut être scindée en plusieurs sous-étapes successives. Dans ce cas, le nombre d'éléments rayonnants activés du centre vers la périphérie est, d'une sous-étape à la suivante, successivement de plus en plus important jusqu'à l'activation de l'antenne complète, ce qui permet d'obtenir des spots de plus en plus directifs et d'affiner de plus en plus le pointage réalisé aux sous-étapes successives. Typiquement, deux ou trois étapes sont suffisantes.Optionally, the second step can be split into several successive sub-steps. In this case, the number of radiating elements activated from the center to the periphery is, from one substep to the next, successively more and more important until the activation of the complete antenna, which allows to obtain more and more directive spots and to refine more and more the score achieved in successive sub-stages. Typically, two or three steps are sufficient.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit ci-après, le procédé d'aide au pointage est appliqué à une antenne de format A4. Dans cet exemple, trois étapes sont suffisantes pour obtenir un positionnement de l'axe radioélectrique de l'antenne en direction du satellite avec une précision du degré. L'exemple d'antenne représentée schématiquement sur la figure 1a comporte un panneau rayonnant 10 constitué d'un réseau d'éléments rayonnants 12 de type patchs. La figure 1b montre un exemple de répartition des éléments rayonnants de l'antenne en quinze sous-ensembles, appelés briques de base 11, chaque brique de base 11 comportant trente deux éléments rayonnants 12 arrangés selon une configuration rectangulaire. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la directivité de chaque élément rayonnant peut être de l'ordre de 9 dBi et la directivité d'une brique de base peut être de l'ordre de 24 dBi.In the exemplary embodiment described below, the pointing aid method is applied to an antenna of A4 format. In this example, three steps are sufficient to obtain a positioning of the radio axis of the antenna towards the satellite with a precision of the degree. The antenna example shown schematically on the figure 1a comprises a radiating panel 10 consisting of an array of radiating elements 12 of the patch type. The figure 1b shows an example of distribution of the radiating elements of the antenna into fifteen subsets, called basic bricks 11, each base brick 11 having thirty two radiating elements 12 arranged in a rectangular configuration. By way of nonlimiting example, the directivity of each radiating element may be of the order of 9 dBi and the directivity of a basic brick may be of the order of 24 dBi.

Dans la première étape du procédé selon l'invention, seule la partie centrale 13 de l'antenne correspondant à la brique de base centrale est activée. La figure 2a représente un agrandissement de la partie activée de l'antenne.In the first step of the method according to the invention, only the central portion 13 of the antenna corresponding to the central base brick is activated. The figure 2a represents an enlargement of the activated part of the antenna.

Dans cette première étape, le pré-pointage de l'antenne est réalisé manuellement en utilisant par exemple un récepteur de type GPS (en anglais : Global Positioning System) et une boussole. Le récepteur GPS permet de déterminer les coordonnées géographiques locales du terminal, c'est-à-dire la longitude et la latitude, et de calculer l'orientation angulaire nécessaire en site et en azimut pour que l'antenne puisse recevoir un signal provenant du satellite à acquérir dont la longitude est connue par le terminal lors de sa première mise en oeuvre. La longitude du satellite est donnée par l'opérateur lors de son offre de services. Le signal reçu du satellite peut provenir, soit d'une balise à bord du satellite, soit sous forme d'une porteuse émise dans un canal de communication du satellite. La boussole donne la direction du Nord géographique ce qui permet d'orienter, de façon approximative, l'antenne en site et en azimut.In this first step, the pre-pointing of the antenna is done manually using for example a receiver type GPS (in English: Global Positioning System) and a compass. The GPS receiver is used to determine the local geographic coordinates of the terminal, ie longitude and latitude, and to calculate the angular orientation required in site and azimuth so that the antenna can receive a signal from the satellite to acquire whose longitude is known by the terminal during its first implementation. The longitude of the satellite is given by the operator when offering services. The signal received from the satellite can come either from a beacon on board the satellite or as a carrier transmitted in a satellite communication channel. The compass gives the direction of the geographic North which allows to orient, approximately, the antenna in site and in azimuth.

Le procédé consiste alors à aligner la direction du maximum de rayonnement de la brique de base centrale de l'antenne par rapport à la direction du satellite. Le diagramme de rayonnement du faisceau rayonné par cette partie centrale de l'antenne, par exemple à une fréquence de 20 GHz comme représenté sur les figures 2c et 2d, donne l'ordre de grandeur de la précision du pointage qu'il est possible d'obtenir. Du fait d'un choix d'une zone centrale rectangulaire, le spot rayonné par cette zone centrale, représenté par exemple sur la figure 2b, est elliptique et ses largeurs à -10dB selon deux plans de coupe perpendiculaires XZ et YZ, sont respectivement égales à environ 24° et 12°, Z étant la direction d'un axe normal à la surface du panneau rayonnant, X et Y étant des axes orthogonaux situés dans le plan du panneau rayonnant et correspondant respectivement aux axes principaux de l'antenne en site et en azimut.The method then consists in aligning the direction of the maximum radiation of the central base brick of the antenna with respect to the direction of the satellite. The radiation pattern of the beam radiated by this central part of the antenna, for example at a frequency of 20 GHz as represented on the Figures 2c and 2d , gives the order of magnitude of the pointing accuracy that can be obtained. Due to a choice of a central rectangular zone, the spot radiated by this central zone, represented for example on the figure 2b , is elliptical and its widths at -10dB in two perpendicular sectional planes XZ and YZ are respectively equal to approximately 24 ° and 12 °, Z being the direction of an axis normal to the surface of the radiating panel, X and Y being orthogonal axes located in the plane of the radiating panel and respectively corresponding to the main axes of the antenna in elevation and in azimuth.

Lorsque l'antenne a accroché le signal provenant du satellite, à partir de cette position initiale d'accrochage, la procédure d'alignement de l'antenne par rapport au satellite est poursuivie en utilisant des verniers de réglage de l'antenne en rotation autour des deux axes X et Y et des indicateurs de niveaux d'énergie des signaux reçus par un récepteur de l'antenne, de façon à positionner l'antenne dans la direction du maximum d'énergie du diagramme de rayonnement de la partie centrale de l'antenne. Les indicateurs de niveaux d'énergie peuvent être par exemple des signaux lumineux émis par des diodes électroluminescentes ou des signaux sonores émis par un bruiteur. Les verniers de réglage comportent de préférence un dispositif d'entrainement en rotation de type pas à pas.When the antenna has hooked up the signal coming from the satellite, from this initial hooking position, the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued by using verniers of adjustment of the rotating antenna around of the two X and Y axes and energy level indicators of the signals received by a receiver of the antenna, so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum energy of the radiation pattern of the central part of the antenna. 'antenna. The energy level indicators can be, for example, light signals emitted by light-emitting diodes or sound signals emitted by a buzzer. The adjustment verniers preferably comprise a device for rotating in a step-by-step manner.

A la fin de cette première étape, en positionnant la sensibilité de détection du signal provenant du satellite à des écarts de niveaux de 0,5dB, la précision de l'alignement de la normale de l'antenne en direction du satellite est d'environ 6° selon le plan XZ, et de 3° selon le plan YZ, comme le montrent les figures 2c et 2d.At the end of this first step, by setting the detection sensitivity of the signal from the satellite to 0.5dB level deviations, the accuracy of alignment of the antenna normal to the satellite is approximately 6 ° in the XZ plane, and 3 ° in the YZ plane, as shown by the Figures 2c and 2d .

Dans la deuxième étape du procédé selon l'invention, la partie centrale de l'antenne correspondant à la brique de base centrale et une partie intermédiaire de l'antenne comportant quatre briques additionnelles entourant la brique centrale sont activées simultanément. Comme représenté sur la figure 3a, ces cinq briques forment, dans cet exemple, un dessin en forme de croix. La directivité de la partie opérationnelle de l'antenne est alors améliorée et de l'ordre de 31 dBi par rapport à la directivité de la seule partie centrale utilisée à la première étape et constituée d'une unique brique de base qui est de l'ordre de 24 dBi. Comme représenté sur les figures 3b et 3c, le fait d'utiliser une partie plus importante de l'antenne permet d'obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement plus directif, donc avec une amplitude comportant des pentes de variation plus importantes qui vont permettre d'affiner encore le pointage.In the second step of the method according to the invention, the central part of the antenna corresponding to the central base brick and an intermediate part of the antenna comprising four additional bricks surrounding the central brick are activated simultaneously. As shown on the figure 3a these five bricks form, in this example, a drawing in the shape of a cross. The directivity of the operational part of the antenna is then improved and of the order of 31 dBi with respect to the directivity of the only central part used in the first step and consisting of a single basic brick which is the order of 24 dBi. As shown on figures 3b and 3c , the fact of using a larger part of the antenna provides a more directional radiation pattern, so with an amplitude with larger slopes of variation that will further refine the pointing.

A partir de la position optimum obtenue à la fin de la première étape, la procédure d'alignement de l'antenne par rapport au satellite est poursuivie en utilisant les verniers de réglage de l'antenne en rotation autour des deux axes X et Y et les indicateurs de niveaux des signaux reçus par un récepteur de l'antenne, de façon à positionner l'antenne dans la direction du maximum du diagramme de rayonnement de la zone activée de l'antenne comportant la partie centrale et la partie intermédiaire.From the optimum position obtained at the end of the first step, the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued by using the verniers of adjustment of the antenna in rotation around the two axes X and Y and the level indicators of the signals received by a receiver of the antenna, so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum of the radiation pattern of the activated zone of the antenna comprising the central part and the intermediate part.

A la fin de cette deuxième étape, en positionnant la sensibilité de détection du signal provenant du satellite à des écarts de niveaux de 0,5dB, la précision de l'alignement de la normale de l'antenne en direction du satellite est d'environ 2,6° selon le plan XZ, et de 1,3° selon le plan YZ, comme le montrent les figures 3b et 3c.At the end of this second step, by setting the detection sensitivity of the signal from the satellite to 0.5dB level deviations, the accuracy of the alignment of the antenna normal to the satellite is approximately 2.6 ° according to the XZ plane, and 1.3 ° according to the YZ plane, as shown by the figures 3b and 3c .

Dans la troisième étape du procédé selon l'invention, le panneau complet de l'antenne comportant les quinze briques de base est activé. La directivité du panneau complet est améliorée par rapport aux cas des deux étapes précédentes où seule une partie du panneau est activée. Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, la directivité du panneau complet est de l'ordre de 35,8 dBi. Comme représenté sur les figures 4a et 4b, le fait d'activer la totalité des éléments rayonnants du panneau de l'antenne permet d'obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement plus directif que dans les étapes précédentes et d'affiner une nouvelle fois le pointage.In the third step of the method according to the invention, the complete panel of the antenna comprising the fifteen basic bricks is activated. The directivity of the complete panel is improved compared to the cases of the two previous steps where only part of the panel is activated. In the embodiment described, the directivity of the complete panel is of the order of 35.8 dBi. As shown on Figures 4a and 4b , the fact to activate all the radiating elements of the antenna panel makes it possible to obtain a more directional radiation pattern than in the preceding steps and to refine the pointing once more.

A partir de la position optimum obtenue à la fin de la deuxième étape, la procédure d'alignement de l'antenne par rapport au satellite est poursuivie en utilisant la même méthode de réglage que dans les étapes précédentes, au moyen des verniers de réglage et des niveaux de signaux reçus de façon à positionner l'antenne dans la direction du maximum du diagramme de rayonnement du panneau rayonnant complet. La précision finale de l'alignement de la normale de l'antenne en direction du satellite est d'environ 1° selon le plan XZ, et de 0,8° selon le plan YZ, comme le montrent les figures 4a et 4b. Globalement, la précision obtenue est de l'ordre de 1°. A ce stade, l'antenne est considérée comme correctement pointée en direction du satellite avec une précision de pointage finale de plus ou moins 0,5° selon les deux axes en site et en azimut.From the optimum position obtained at the end of the second step, the alignment procedure of the antenna with respect to the satellite is continued using the same method of adjustment as in the previous steps, by means of the adjustment verniers and received signal levels so as to position the antenna in the direction of the maximum of the radiation pattern of the complete radiating panel. The final accuracy of the alignment of the antenna normal towards the satellite is about 1 ° according to the XZ plane, and 0.8 ° according to the YZ plane, as shown by the Figures 4a and 4b . Overall, the precision obtained is of the order of 1 °. At this point, the antenna is considered correctly pointed towards the satellite with a final pointing accuracy of plus or minus 0.5 ° according to the two axes in elevation and in azimuth.

Cette stratégie d'aide au pointage est très simple puisque chaque étape utilise uniquement des informations délivrées par un récepteur de signaux et est réalisée manuellement par l'utilisateur, de façon itérative et avec une précision croissante dépendant de la taille de l'antenne, uniquement en actionnant des verniers de réglages en rotation autour des deux axes site et azimut de l'antenne en accord avec des indications de niveau du signal reçu. Le nombre d'étapes utilisé dépend de la précision de pointage souhaitée et de la fréquence de fonctionnement utilisée. Typiquement, deux ou trois étapes sont suffisantes.This pointing assistance strategy is very simple since each step uses only information delivered by a signal receiver and is performed manually by the user, iteratively and with increasing accuracy depending on the size of the antenna, only by actuating verniers of rotational adjustments around the two axes site and azimuth of the antenna in accordance with indications of level of the received signal. The number of steps used depends on the desired pointing accuracy and the operating frequency used. Typically, two or three steps are sufficient.

Les différentes parties du panneau rayonnant et les briques de bases peuvent avoir des formes différentes de celles choisies dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, mais elles doivent être réalisées de façon à constituer des ensembles d'éléments rayonnants pouvant être activés successivement du centre vers la périphérie du panneau rayonnant de l'antenne.The different parts of the radiating panel and the base bricks may have different shapes from those chosen in the embodiment described, but they must be made to form sets of radiating elements that can be activated successively from the center to the periphery of the radiating panel of the antenna.

La figure 5 représente un exemple d'architecture d'antenne mettant en oeuvre le procédé d'aide au pointage. Cette architecture ne comporte aucun calculateur de recherche de la direction de pointage optimum. L'activation des différentes parties de l'antenne permettant de passer d'une étape du procédé d'aide au pointage à l'étape suivante est commandée uniquement au moyen de commutateurs hyperfréquences dont le changement de position est activé manuellement par l'utilisateur, ce qui permet de limiter la complexité et le coût de réalisation de l'antenne. Suivant la position des différents commutateurs, des combineurs de signaux permettent de combiner les signaux reçus par au moins deux parties différentes de l'antenne.The figure 5 represents an example of antenna architecture implementing the pointing aid method. This architecture has no search calculator of the optimum pointing direction. The activation of the different parts of the antenna to go from a step of the pointing assist method to the next step is controlled only by means of microwave switches whose position change is activated manually by the user, which limits the complexity and cost of realization of the antenna. Depending on the position of the different switches, signal combiners make it possible to combine the signals received by at least two different parts of the antenna.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté, le procédé d'aide au pointage comporte trois étapes successives et les éléments rayonnants montés sur le panneau rayonnant de l'antenne sont donc configurés en trois sous-ensembles concentriques constituant respectivement une partie centrale 1 de l'antenne, une partie intermédiaire 2 entourant la partie centrale 1, et une partie périphérique externe 3 entourant la partie intermédiaire 2. Pour un procédé comportant un nombre d'étapes différent de trois, le nombre de parties de l'antenne est modifié en conséquence.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pointing aid method comprises three successive steps and the radiating elements mounted on the radiating panel of the antenna are thus configured in three concentric subassemblies respectively constituting a central portion 1 of the antenna, an intermediate portion 2 surrounding the central portion 1, and an outer peripheral portion 3 surrounding the intermediate portion 2. For a method having a number of steps other than three, the number of parts of the antenna is modified accordingly.

L'antenne comporte une voie d'émission et une voie de réception reliées par l'intermédiaire de diplexeurs 21, 22, 23, à chacune des trois parties du panneau rayonnant. Les diplexeurs assurent, de manière classique, la séparation des canaux d'émission et de réception. En sortie des diplexeurs les signaux reçus sur chacun des canaux sont amplifiés dans des amplificateurs respectifs 41, 42, 43 avant d'être transmis à un récepteur 30. La voie de réception comporte un récepteur de signaux 30 relié aux différentes parties du panneau rayonnant de l'antenne par l'intermédiaire de plusieurs commutateurs hyperfréquences 31, 32, 33, 34 et de combineurs de signaux 35, 36. La sortie du récepteur est reliée à une interface de modulation et de démodulation 37.The antenna comprises a transmission path and a reception path connected via diplexers 21, 22, 23, to each of the three parts of the radiating panel. The diplexers provide, in a conventional manner, the separation of the transmit and receive channels. At the output of the diplexers the signals received on each of the channels are amplified in respective amplifiers 41, 42, 43 before being transmitted to a receiver 30. The reception channel comprises a signal receiver 30 connected to the different parts of the radiating panel of the antenna via a plurality of microwave switches 31, 32, 33, 34 and signal combiners 35, 36. The output of the receiver is connected to a modulation and demodulation interface 37.

Dans l'exemple d'architecture représenté sur la figure 5, la partie centrale 1 de l'antenne est reliée à un premier commutateur 31 comportant une première position connectée au récepteur 30 par l'intermédiaire d'un deuxième commutateur 32 et une deuxième position connectée à un premier combineur de signaux 35. Le premier combineur de signaux 35 comporte deux entrées connectées respectivement à la partie intermédiaire 2 et à la partie centrale 1 de l'antenne lorsque le premier commutateur 31 est dans la deuxième position et une sortie reliée au récepteur 30 par l'intermédiaire d'un troisième commutateur 33 comportant une première position reliée au deuxième commutateur 32 et une deuxième position reliée à un deuxième combineur de signaux 36.In the architecture example shown on the figure 5 , the central part 1 of the antenna is connected to a first switch 31 having a first position connected to the receiver 30 via a second switch 32 and a second position connected to a first signal combiner 35. The first combiner signal 35 has two inputs respectively connected to the intermediate portion 2 and the central portion 1 of the antenna when the first switch 31 is in the second position and an output connected to the receiver 30 via a third switch 33 having a first position connected to the second switch 32 and a second position connected to a second signal combiner 36.

Le deuxième combineur de signaux 36 comporte deux entrées connectées respectivement à la partie périphérique externe 3 de l'antenne et à la sortie du premier combineur de signaux 35 lorsque le troisième commutateur 33 est dans la deuxième position et une sortie reliée au récepteur 30 par l'intermédiaire d'un quatrième commutateur 34 et du deuxième commutateur 32.The second signal combiner 36 has two inputs respectively connected to the outer peripheral part 3 of the antenna and to the output of the first signal combiner 35 when the third switch 33 is in the second position and an output connected to the receiver 30 by the intermediate of a fourth switch 34 and the second switch 32.

Dans un fonctionnement en mode réception, pendant la phase initiale d'acquisition du signal d'un satellite et du pointage de l'antenne en direction du satellite, l'activation successive de chacun des trois sous-ensembles 1, 2, 3 d'éléments rayonnants de l'antenne est réalisée par l'utilisateur uniquement en changeant successivement la position d'un ou de plusieurs commutateurs hyperfréquences 31, 32, 33, 34 reliés au récepteur de signaux 30. Le terminal n'a l'autorisation d'émettre que lorsque l'antenne est correctement pointée.In a reception mode operation, during the initial phase of acquiring the signal of a satellite and pointing the antenna towards the satellite, the successive activation of each of the three subassemblies 1, 2, 3 of radiating elements of the antenna is performed by the user only by successively changing the position of one or more microwave switches 31, 32, 33, 34 connected to the signal receiver 30. The terminal has the authorization of only when the antenna is correctly pointed.

A l'émission, lorsque l'antenne est correctement pointée, l'interface de modulation et de démodulation 37 qui est destinée à mettre en forme un signal à émettre, est connectée à un amplificateur 38, puis à un diviseur de signaux 39 qui divise le signal à émettre en trois composantes appliquées respectivement en entrée de chacune des trois parties 1, 2, 3 de l'antenne par l'intermédiaire des diplexeurs respectifs 21, 22, 23.On transmission, when the antenna is correctly pointed, the modulation and demodulation interface 37 which is intended to shape a signal to be transmitted, is connected to an amplifier 38, then to a signal splitter 39 which divides the signal to be emitted in three components respectively applied at the input of each of the three parts 1, 2, 3 of the antenna via the respective diplexers 21, 22, 23.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec des modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention.Although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

  1. A method for assisting the pointing of an antenna, involving the use of an antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements distributed on a surface of a radiating panel, characterised in that it comprises:
    - in a first step, activating only first radiating elements located in a first central part of said radiating panel, providing by using manual adjustment means, pre-pointing of said antenna in elevation and in azimuth, in a direction corresponding to a maximum power level for receiving a signal transmitted by a satellite, so as to position said antenna in a first optimal position;
    - in a second step, with said antenna being in said optimal position on completion of said first step, then simultaneously activating said first radiating elements and at least second radiating elements located in a second part of said radiating panel surrounding said first central part, and refining the pointing direction of said antenna in elevation and in azimuth, corresponding to a maximum level for receiving.
  2. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that said second step comprises at least two sub-steps involving successively activating an increasing number of radiating elements of said first central part, toward said second part, then toward a peripheral part of said radiating panel surrounding said second part until all of said radiating elements of said antenna are activated, and, during each sub-step, manually refining the pointing direction of said antenna in elevation and in azimuth.
  3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, in order to change from one pointing direction to another, the activation of said radiating elements of said antenna is carried out by manually activating at least two switching means.
  4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the pointing direction of said antenna is adjusted during each step by activating adjustment verniers by rotation about two axes in elevation and in azimuth, respectively.
  5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the maximum level for receiving the signal transmitted by the satellite is determined by seeing a light signal or by hearing an audible signal, with said light or audible signal depending on the level for receiving.
  6. A transmission and reception antenna with assisted pointing for the implementation of the method according to any one of the preceding claims, said antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements distributed on a surface of a radiating panel, characterised in that on reception it further comprises:
    - first activation means for activating only first radiating elements located in a first central part of said radiating panel;
    - at least second means for activating at least second radiating elements located in a second part of said radiating panel surrounding said first central part, and at least one first means for combining signals received by said radiating elements activated by said first and second activation means;
    - manual adjustment means for providing pre-pointing of said antenna and for refining the pointing in elevation and in azimuth, in a direction corresponding to a maximum level for receiving a signal transmitted by said satellite.
  7. The antenna according to claim 6, characterised in that said first and second activation means are ultra-high frequency switches.
  8. The antenna according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that said adjustment means are stepper verniers.
  9. The antenna according to claim 6, characterised in that it further comprises, on reception, third activation means for activating third radiating elements located in a third peripheral part of said radiating panel surrounding said second part, and at least one second means for combining signals received by said radiating elements activated by said first, second and third activation means.
  10. A nomad terminal, characterised in that it comprises an antenna according to any one of claims 6 to 9.
EP10725750.3A 2009-06-26 2010-06-21 Method of helping to steer an antenna, power-assisted steering antenna using this method and mobile terminal comprising such an antenna Not-in-force EP2446507B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0903134A FR2947388B1 (en) 2009-06-26 2009-06-26 ANTENNA POINT ASSISTING METHOD, ASSISTED POINT ANTENNA USING THE SAME, AND NOMAD TERMINAL HAVING SUCH ANTENNA
PCT/EP2010/058700 WO2010149605A1 (en) 2009-06-26 2010-06-21 Method of helping to steer an antenna, power-assisted steering antenna using this method and mobile terminal comprising such an antenna

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EP2446507A1 EP2446507A1 (en) 2012-05-02
EP2446507B1 true EP2446507B1 (en) 2014-11-12

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EP10725750.3A Not-in-force EP2446507B1 (en) 2009-06-26 2010-06-21 Method of helping to steer an antenna, power-assisted steering antenna using this method and mobile terminal comprising such an antenna

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EP (1) EP2446507B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2527217T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2947388B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010149605A1 (en)

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WO2015048998A1 (en) * 2013-10-03 2015-04-09 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) A device and a method for antenna alignment
US10756443B1 (en) * 2019-08-30 2020-08-25 Cth Lending Company, Llc Methods for formation of antenna array from sub-arrays
CN111277309B (en) * 2020-01-21 2023-05-05 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Customer premises equipment

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FR2703190B1 (en) * 1993-03-26 1995-05-12 Alcatel Espace Radiant structure with variable directivity.
US6307507B1 (en) * 2000-03-07 2001-10-23 Motorola, Inc. System and method for multi-mode operation of satellite phased-array antenna
US7224685B2 (en) * 2001-09-13 2007-05-29 Ipr Licensing, Inc. Method of detection of signals using an adaptive antenna in a peer-to-peer network
WO2004082070A1 (en) * 2003-03-11 2004-09-23 Nortel Networks Limited System and method of operation of an array antenna in a distributed wireless communication network
JP2006333069A (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-12-07 Hitachi Ltd Antenna controller and control method for mobile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2446507A1 (en) 2012-05-02
FR2947388B1 (en) 2012-05-18
FR2947388A1 (en) 2010-12-31
ES2527217T3 (en) 2015-01-21
WO2010149605A1 (en) 2010-12-29

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