EP3365943A1 - Acquisition aid antenna device and associated antenna system for monitoring a moving target - Google Patents

Acquisition aid antenna device and associated antenna system for monitoring a moving target

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Publication number
EP3365943A1
EP3365943A1 EP16784538.7A EP16784538A EP3365943A1 EP 3365943 A1 EP3365943 A1 EP 3365943A1 EP 16784538 A EP16784538 A EP 16784538A EP 3365943 A1 EP3365943 A1 EP 3365943A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lens
antenna
acquisition
main
source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP16784538.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3365943B1 (en
Inventor
Pascal Cousin
Christophe MELLE
Alain KARAS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Data Systems SAS
Original Assignee
Zodiac Data Systems SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zodiac Data Systems SAS filed Critical Zodiac Data Systems SAS
Publication of EP3365943A1 publication Critical patent/EP3365943A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3365943B1 publication Critical patent/EP3365943B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/125—Means for positioning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/02—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism
    • H01Q15/08—Refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens, prism formed of solid dielectric material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
    • H01Q15/16—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures curved in two dimensions, e.g. paraboloidal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q19/06—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens
    • H01Q19/062—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens for focusing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/30—Combinations of separate antenna units operating in different wavebands and connected to a common feeder system
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q5/00—Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements
    • H01Q5/20—Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements characterised by the operating wavebands
    • H01Q5/28—Arrangements for establishing polarisation or beam width over two or more different wavebands
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q5/00—Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements
    • H01Q5/30—Arrangements for providing operation on different wavebands

Definitions

  • An acquisition aiding antenna device and an antenna system for tracking a moving target including such a device for assisting acquisition.
  • the invention applies to monitoring stations, tracking, telemetry and flight tests of aircraft or aircraft (aircraft, missiles, drones ...) or in the space domain as the receipt of data from scientific and observation payloads (low-orbiting satellites), orbit control during the launch phase for all types of satellites (LEO, MEO, GEO), for both ground-based and well-grounded antenna systems on warships or civilians, air defense systems, monopulse and multi-band radar systems.
  • the main antenna is particularly directive with a fine emission beam, having an opening angle of a few degrees. Given the fineness of its beam, it is difficult to point the main antenna towards the target, especially when it is moving quickly.
  • auxiliary antennas intended to be attached to main antennas in a telemetry station.
  • This acquisition aid antenna is generally attached to the main antenna and has a much wider lobe than that of the main antenna (between 15 and 30 °, ie up to 20 times that of the main antenna). ).
  • the role of the acquisition support antenna is to facilitate rapid acquisition and ensure short-range pursuit. Once the main antenna is properly oriented and the received signal level from the target is sufficient to allow reception by the main antenna, the signal is switched to the main antenna, without loss of pursuit when the target is at a good distance.
  • the acquisition aid antenna is also used to retrieve telemetry data in the event of loss of signal by the main antenna.
  • the acquisition aid antenna makes it possible to continue tracking a moving target (drone, airplane or missile, for example) when the target is near or moving rapidly.
  • Switching from the main antenna to the acquisition aid antenna can also be carried out as a preventive measure when the proximity of the target may cause saturation of the radio frequency equipment.
  • Acquisition assistance antennas comprising an antenna source and a small diameter parabolic reflector, the antenna source being disposed at the focus of the reflector.
  • a disadvantage of this type of antenna is that, the reflector being of small diameter, the antenna source masks a large part of the reflector. As a result, the acquisition assist antenna exhibits poor performance and a poor reception pattern (having high amplitude side lobes).
  • Acquisition assistance antennas are also known comprising a plane array of radiating elements.
  • the bandwidth of the network is limited, which can lead to the use of multiple networks in parallel to achieve multi-band reception, and impact the cost and size of the support antenna. acquisition.
  • An object of the invention is to propose an antenna system including an antenna for assisting acquisition, which has a small footprint and good performance in terms of performance and quality of the radiation pattern.
  • an antenna system for tracking a moving target comprising: a main antenna device comprising:
  • a parabolic reflector capable of reflecting a radiation emitted by a target according to a first reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a first opening angle
  • a source of main antenna adapted to receive the radiation reflected by the parabolic reflector
  • An acquisition antenna device mounted fixedly relative to the main antenna device comprising:
  • a multi-band acquisition aid antenna source adapted to receive radiation emitted by a target according to a second reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a second opening angle
  • a lens disposed in the main reception lobe of the acquisition aid antenna source for concentrating the radiation received from the target towards the antenna source, so as to receive the radiation emitted by the target according to a third reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a third opening angle smaller than the second opening angle and greater than the first opening angle.
  • the proposed acquisition assist antenna device enables target radiation to be focused on the antenna source while having a small footprint.
  • the diameter of the device can be in the range of 1.5 to 5 wavelengths, which allows the acquisition antenna device to be placed on the side of the larger main antenna device. diameter.
  • the use of a lens disposed in the main receiving lobe of the acquisition-aid antenna source makes it possible to adjust the opening angle of the acquisition-assist antenna device, and provides a good performance while having a small footprint.
  • the proposed system makes it possible in particular to use an acquisition antenna source identical to that used for the main antenna device.
  • the lens makes it possible to reduce the angle of aperture of the main lobe of the antenna source of assistance with the acquisition of a third angle / second angle quotient between 1 / 6.5 and 1 / 3.25 ,
  • the acquisition antenna source comprises a plurality of radiating assemblies, each radiating assembly being adapted to receive radiation in a given frequency band, different from the frequency bands received by the other radiating assemblies, and in which radiating ensemble in the lowest frequency range has a phase center located at the focal point of the lens,
  • the other radiating assemblies have phase centers located on an optical axis of the lens while being offset with respect to the focal point of the lens,
  • the radiating elements are arranged such that the higher the frequency range of a radiating element, the closer the phase center of the radiating element is to the lens,
  • the lens is configured to transform a quasi-plane wave received from the target into a spherical wave, the spherical wave being emitted towards the acquisition antenna source,
  • the lens is formed in at least one block of material, the material having a density of between 1.05 and 1.15, and a relative permittivity (or dielectric constant) of between 2.5 and 2.7,
  • the material forming the lens is a polymeric material, preferably a polystyrene-based material,
  • the main antenna source and the acquisition antenna source are identical to each other.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically represent an antenna system for tracking a moving target, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 schematically represents, in longitudinal section, an antenna device for assisting the acquisition
  • FIG. 4 schematically represents, in longitudinal section, a lens of the device for assisting acquisition
  • the antenna system 1 shown comprises a main antenna device 2 and an associated auxiliary antenna device 3.
  • the main antenna device 2 comprises a main antenna source 4 and a parabolic reflector 5.
  • the main antenna source 4 is positioned at the focus of the parabolic reflector 5.
  • the main antenna source 4 is held in this position by a support 6 for fixing the main antenna source 4 on the parabolic reflector 5.
  • the main antenna source 4 may be a multiband source, for example a multiband source as described in the document FR 3 007 215. Such a source is able to transmit and / or receive telemetry signals selectively in each of the bands. frequency L (1 GHz to 2GHz), S (2GHz to 4GHz) and C (4 GHz to 8GHz).
  • the main antenna source 4 is adapted to illuminate the parabolic reflector 5 with an opening angle at -10 dB approximately 70 degrees around the main receiving axis X 1 of the source 4.
  • the source main antenna 4 substantially illuminates the entire reflective surface of the parabolic reflector 5.
  • the parabolic reflector 5 is adapted to reflect radiation emitted by a target towards the source 4 with an opening angle at -10dB ⁇ of between 2 and 8 degrees.
  • the auxiliary antenna device 3 (referred to as an "acquisition antenna device") is arranged adjacent to the main antenna device 2.
  • the acquisition aid antenna device 3 is mounted fixed on the main antenna device 2. Thus, when tracking a moving target, the two devices 2 and 3 are driven together in an identical displacement.
  • the acquisition aid antenna device 3 comprises an acquisition aid antenna source 7, a lens holder 8 and a lens 9.
  • the antenna system 1 also comprises a support arm 10 connecting the acquisition aid antenna device 3 to the main antenna device 2.
  • the support arm 10 is fixed on the one hand to the parabolic reflector 5 of the main antenna device 2 and on the other hand to the casing of the acquisition aid antenna source 7.
  • the support arm 10 holds the acquisition aid antenna device 3 in a fixed position relative to the main antenna device 2.
  • the acquisition aid antenna source 7 is identical to the main antenna source 4.
  • the source of acquisition aid has the same characteristics of frequency bands, polarization and diagrams (sum and difference) as the main antenna source.
  • the source An acquisition support antenna can be used temporarily as the main antenna source.
  • the acquisition assist antenna device is illustrated more precisely in FIG. 3.
  • the acquisition aid antenna source 7 has a main reception axis X2, parallel to the main reception axis X1 of the main antenna source.
  • the acquisition aid antenna source 7 comprises a plurality of radiating assemblies 1 1 to 16 capable of generating radiation respectively in the frequency bands C, S and L. Each radiating assembly 1 1 to 16 is clean. receiving radiation according to a first reception pattern having a reception main lobe oriented along the main reception axis X2.
  • the radiating assemblies comprise:
  • a first delta radiating assembly 1 1 able to receive a delta radiation in the first frequency band L
  • a first sigma radiating assembly 12 capable of receiving a sigma radiation in the first frequency band L
  • a second delta radiating assembly 13 able to receive a delta radiation in the second frequency band S
  • a second sigma radiating assembly 14 able to receive a sigma radiation in the second frequency band S
  • a third delta radiating assembly 15 capable of receiving delta radiation in the third frequency band C
  • a third sigma radiating assembly 16 capable of receiving a sigma radiation in the third frequency band C.
  • the main reception lobe has an opening angle ⁇ .
  • An aperture angle ⁇ denotes the aperture angle of the acquisition assist antenna source 7 alone, without the lens 9.
  • the aperture angle ⁇ is about 130 degrees at - 10dB.
  • the lens 9 is positioned on the main reception axis X2 of the acquisition aid antenna source 7, the optical axis of the lens 9 coinciding with the main receiving axis of the source 7.
  • the lens 9 is disposed with respect to the acquisition aid antenna source 7 so that the source receives all the radiation transmitted by the lens.
  • the lens 9 is a convergent lens having a first convex surface 17 (also called “inner surface”) and a second convex surface 18 (also called “outer surface”), opposite to the first convex surface 17.
  • the first convex surface 17 is directed towards the source 7.
  • the second convex surface 18 is directed towards a target to be detected.
  • the lens 9 is configured to focus the radiation emitted by the target to the acquisition assist antenna source 7, so as to obtain a reception pattern of the acquisition assist antenna device having a receiving main lobe having an opening angle ⁇ less than the opening angle ⁇ .
  • the lens 9 is sized to reduce the opening angle of the main lobe with a ⁇ / ⁇ quotient between 1 / 6.5 and 1 / 3.25.
  • the angle ⁇ is thus between 20 and 40 degrees at -10 dB (depending on the frequency band considered).
  • the lens holder 8 makes it possible to mount the fixed lens 9 with respect to the acquisition-aid antenna source 7.
  • the lens holder 8 has a generally tubular shape.
  • the lens holder 8 comprises a wall 19 of generally cylindrical shape of revolution defining a first opening 21 and a second opening 22.
  • the lens support 8 is fixed on the one hand to the source of acquisition aid 7, the source extending through the first opening 21, and secondly to the lens 9, the lens 9 obstructing the second opening 22.
  • the lens 9 has a point focus.
  • the assembly radiating in the lowest frequency range (in this case, the assembly 12 radiating in the band L) has its phase center located at the focus of the lens 9.
  • the radiating assemblies in the other frequency ranges (in this case, the sets 14 and 16 radiating in the strips S and C) have phase centers located on the optical axis of the lens 9 being offset from the focal point of the lens 9.
  • the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 are arranged so that the higher the frequency range of a radiating assembly is high, the phase center of the radiating assembly is away from the focus of the lens 9 and close to the first surface 17 of the lens 9.
  • the phase centers of the radiating elements in the ranges of the highest frequency (in this case, the sets 14 and 16 radiating in the bands S and C) are located between the focus of the lens 9 and the lens 9.
  • the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 By controlling the position of the phase centers of the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 with respect to the focal point of the lens 9, it is possible to adjust the opening angle ⁇ for each of the frequency ranges L, S and C , on a bandwidth of 2 octaves.
  • the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 may be arranged along the optical axis of the lens so as to minimize the variation of the opening angle ⁇ as a function of the reception frequency range L, S and C.
  • the lens 9 is dimensioned to transform a quasi-plane wave received from the target into a spherical wave, the spherical wave being emitted towards the antenna source 7, in the lowest frequency range (in this case, the band L).
  • the lens 9 can be formed by machining in one or more blocks of material.
  • the material used preferably has a density of between 1.05 and 1.15, and a relative permittivity of between 2.5 and 2.7.
  • the material forming the lens 9 is a dielectric material, such as a polymeric material, having low dielectric losses (loss tangent ⁇ 0.0007 to 10 GHz) in the reception frequency ranges of the light source. acquisition and a refractive index greater than 1.5.
  • the polymeric material may be a polystyrene and hydrocarbon material.
  • An example of a suitable material is a material sold under the name Rexolite® by San Diego Plastics, Inc., obtained by crosslinking a polystyrene with a divinylbenzene.
  • the lens 9 is formed of two pieces of material 23 and 24.
  • the two pieces 23 and 24 are fixed to one another by means of screws 25. It is thus it is possible to manufacture each part 23, 24 independently of the other, and in particular to machine each convex surface 17 and 18 separately.
  • Figure 5 schematically shows the parameterization of the lens for calculating the equations of the surfaces 17 and 18 of the lens.
  • L Q distance between the focus 0 1 and the first convex surface 17
  • L 0 ' distance between the point 0 2 and the first convex surface 17
  • T thickness of the lens
  • ⁇ ⁇ maximum angle of focus by the ray lens at point 0 2 ,
  • T ldB level of the field of the incident wave at the edge of the lens
  • T 2dB level of the field of the refracted wave at the edge of the lens
  • n index of the material forming the lens
  • a point M 1 of coordinates x, z ⁇ ), as a point of intersection of a radius with the first surface 17 of the lens, and a point M 2 , of coordinates (x 2 , z 2 ), a point of intersection of the same radius with the second surface 18 of the lens.
  • the resolution of the differential equation can be achieved by a Runge Kutta method, order 4.
  • the resolution of the differential equation leads to obtaining two series of points M 1 and M 2 (each point being defined by its coordinates (x z and (3 ⁇ 4, z 2 )) of the first surface 17 and the second surface 18 of the lens.
  • the surface equation can be calculated as a polynomial by interpolation of the series of points.
  • the lens is thus specifically shaped to have a focal length adjusted to the different phase centers of each sub-band of the source, which allows to achieve excellent performance at even the lowest frequencies.
  • the diameter of the acquisition aid antenna is thus minimized, as is its weight. For example, a lens 30 to 40 centimeters in diameter can simultaneously cover the L, S and C bands of the telemetry with the correct opening angle and reduced side lobes.
  • the use of a lens disposed in the receiving beam of the acquisition-aid antenna source makes it possible to adjust the opening angle of the acquisition-aid antenna device, and allows to obtain a good performance while having a small footprint.
  • the multi-band source based on differentiated radiating elements is a solution that confers good merit factors on the main antenna.
  • the proposed system makes it possible to use an acquisition antenna source identical to the main antenna source. Reusing the main antenna source for acquisition simplifies the design and maintenance of the antenna system, although it is still possible to use different sources.
  • the topology of the tracking device is thus identical for the two antennas.

Abstract

The invention concerns an acquisition aid antenna device (3), intended to be secured to a main antenna device, the acquisition aid antenna device (3) comprising: - a multiband acquisition aid antenna feed (7), suitable for receiving radiation emitted by a target, and - a lens (9) arranged in the main reception lobe of the acquisition aid antenna feed (7) for concentrating the radiation received from the target towards the acquisition aid antenna feed (7). This device makes it possible to detect targets that are outside the useful beam of the main antenna device, and to use an acquisition aid antenna feed identical to the feed of the main antenna device.

Description

DISPOSITIF D'ANTENNE D'AIDE A L'ACQUISITION ET SYSTEME D'ANTENNE POUR LE SUIVI D'UNE CIBLE EN MOUVEMENT ASSOCIE  ACQUISITION ASSIST ANTENNA DEVICE AND ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVING TARGET ASSOCIATED WITH
DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION
L'invention concerne un dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition ainsi qu'un système d'antenne pour le suivi d'une cible en mouvement incluant un tel dispositif d'aide à l'acquisition.  An acquisition aiding antenna device and an antenna system for tracking a moving target including such a device for assisting acquisition.
L'invention s'applique aux stations de suivi, de poursuite, pour la télémesure et les essais en vol d'engins ou d'aéronef (avions, missiles, drones...) ou dans le domaine spatial comme la réception de données des charges utiles scientifiques et d'observation (satellites défilants en orbite basse), le contrôle en orbite durant la phase de lancement pour tous types de satellites (LEO, MEO, GEO), aussi bien pour des systèmes d'antenne au sol ou bien embarqués sur des navires de guerre ou civils, des systèmes de défense aérienne, des systèmes de radars monopulse et multi-bandes.  The invention applies to monitoring stations, tracking, telemetry and flight tests of aircraft or aircraft (aircraft, missiles, drones ...) or in the space domain as the receipt of data from scientific and observation payloads (low-orbiting satellites), orbit control during the launch phase for all types of satellites (LEO, MEO, GEO), for both ground-based and well-grounded antenna systems on warships or civilians, air defense systems, monopulse and multi-band radar systems.
ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE STATE OF THE ART
Dans une station de télémesure, l'antenne principale est particulièrement directive avec un faisceau d'émission fin, ayant un angle d'ouverture de quelques degrés. Compte tenu de la finesse de son faisceau, il est difficile de pointer l'antenne principale vers la cible, en particulier lorsque celle-ci se déplace rapidement.  In a telemetry station, the main antenna is particularly directive with a fine emission beam, having an opening angle of a few degrees. Given the fineness of its beam, it is difficult to point the main antenna towards the target, especially when it is moving quickly.
Les antennes d'aide à l'acquisition (en anglais, « Acquisition Aid Antenna ») sont des antennes auxiliaires destinées à être fixées à des antennes principales dans une station de télémesure.  Acquisition Aid Antennae (antennas) are auxiliary antennas intended to be attached to main antennas in a telemetry station.
Cette antenne d'aide à l'acquisition est généralement solidaire de l'antenne principale et présente un lobe nettement plus large que celui de l'antenne principale (entre 15 et 30°, soit jusqu'à 20 fois celui de l'antenne principale). Le rôle de l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition est de faciliter une acquisition rapide et d'assurer une poursuite à faible distance. Une fois que l'antenne principale est correctement orientée et que le niveau du signal reçu provenant de la cible est suffisant pour permettre une réception par l'antenne principale, le signal est commuté vers l'antenne principale, sans perte de la poursuite lorsque la cible est à bonne distance. This acquisition aid antenna is generally attached to the main antenna and has a much wider lobe than that of the main antenna (between 15 and 30 °, ie up to 20 times that of the main antenna). ). The role of the acquisition support antenna is to facilitate rapid acquisition and ensure short-range pursuit. Once the main antenna is properly oriented and the received signal level from the target is sufficient to allow reception by the main antenna, the signal is switched to the main antenna, without loss of pursuit when the target is at a good distance.
L'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition est également utilisée pour récupérer des données de télémesure en cas de perte de signal par l'antenne principale. L'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition permet en particulier de continuer à poursuivre une cible en mouvement (drone, avion ou missile par exemple) lorsque la cible est proche ou se déplace rapidement.  The acquisition aid antenna is also used to retrieve telemetry data in the event of loss of signal by the main antenna. In particular, the acquisition aid antenna makes it possible to continue tracking a moving target (drone, airplane or missile, for example) when the target is near or moving rapidly.
Il est ainsi possible de commuter entre l'antenne principale et l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition afin de maintenir une continuité du signal de télémesure.  It is thus possible to switch between the main antenna and the acquisition aid antenna in order to maintain a continuity of the telemetry signal.
Une commutation de l'antenne principale vers l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition peut également être réalisée à titre préventif lorsque la proximité de la cible risque d'entraîner une saturation des équipements radiofréquence.  Switching from the main antenna to the acquisition aid antenna can also be carried out as a preventive measure when the proximity of the target may cause saturation of the radio frequency equipment.
On connaît des antennes d'aide à l'acquisition comprenant une source d'antenne et un réflecteur parabolique de petit diamètre, la source d'antenne étant disposée au foyer du réflecteur. Un inconvénient de ce type d'antenne est que, le réflecteur étant de petit diamètre, la source d'antenne masque une partie importante du réflecteur. Cela a pour conséquence que l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition présente un rendement médiocre et un diagramme de réception de mauvaise qualité (présentant des lobes secondaires d'amplitude élevée).  Acquisition assistance antennas are known comprising an antenna source and a small diameter parabolic reflector, the antenna source being disposed at the focus of the reflector. A disadvantage of this type of antenna is that, the reflector being of small diameter, the antenna source masks a large part of the reflector. As a result, the acquisition assist antenna exhibits poor performance and a poor reception pattern (having high amplitude side lobes).
On connaît également des antennes d'aide à l'acquisition comprenant un réseau plan d'éléments rayonnants. Cependant, la largeur de bande du réseau est limitée, ce qui peut conduire à l'utilisation de plusieurs réseaux en parallèle pour obtenir une réception multi-bande, et impacte le coût et l'encombrement de l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition.  Acquisition assistance antennas are also known comprising a plane array of radiating elements. However, the bandwidth of the network is limited, which can lead to the use of multiple networks in parallel to achieve multi-band reception, and impact the cost and size of the support antenna. acquisition.
RESUME DE L'INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Un but de l'invention est de proposer un système d'antenne incluant une antenne d'aide à l'acquisition, qui présente un encombrement réduit et de bonnes performances en termes de rendement et de qualité du diagramme de rayonnement. An object of the invention is to propose an antenna system including an antenna for assisting acquisition, which has a small footprint and good performance in terms of performance and quality of the radiation pattern.
Ce but est atteint dans le cadre de la présente invention grâce à un système d'antenne pour le suivi d'une cible en mouvement, comprenant : · un dispositif d'antenne principale comprenant :  This object is achieved within the scope of the present invention by an antenna system for tracking a moving target, comprising: a main antenna device comprising:
- un réflecteur parabolique propre à réfléchir un rayonnement émis par une cible selon un premier diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un premier angle d'ouverture,  a parabolic reflector capable of reflecting a radiation emitted by a target according to a first reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a first opening angle,
- une source d'antenne principale propre à recevoir le rayonnement réfléchi par le réflecteur parabolique, et  a source of main antenna adapted to receive the radiation reflected by the parabolic reflector, and
• un dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition monté fixe par rapport au dispositif d'antenne principale, comprenant :  An acquisition antenna device mounted fixedly relative to the main antenna device, comprising:
- une source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition multibande, propre à recevoir un rayonnement émis par une cible selon un deuxième diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un deuxième angle d'ouverture, et  a multi-band acquisition aid antenna source adapted to receive radiation emitted by a target according to a second reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a second opening angle, and
- une lentille disposée dans le lobe principal de réception de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition pour concentrer le rayonnement reçu de la cible vers la source d'antenne, de manière à recevoir le rayonnement émis par la cible selon un troisième diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un troisième angle d'ouverture inférieur au deuxième angle d'ouverture et supérieur au premier angle d'ouverture.  a lens disposed in the main reception lobe of the acquisition aid antenna source for concentrating the radiation received from the target towards the antenna source, so as to receive the radiation emitted by the target according to a third reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a third opening angle smaller than the second opening angle and greater than the first opening angle.
Grâce à l'utilisation d'une lentille, le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition proposé permet de concentrer le rayonnement de la cible sur la source d'antenne tout en présentant un encombrement réduit. Le diamètre du dispositif peut être de l'ordre de 1 ,5 à 5 longueurs d'ondes, ce qui permet de placer le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition sur le côté du dispositif d'antenne principale de plus grand diamètre.  Through the use of a lens, the proposed acquisition assist antenna device enables target radiation to be focused on the antenna source while having a small footprint. The diameter of the device can be in the range of 1.5 to 5 wavelengths, which allows the acquisition antenna device to be placed on the side of the larger main antenna device. diameter.
L'utilisation d'une lentille disposée dans le lobe principal de réception de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition permet d'ajuster l'angle d'ouverture du dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition, et permet d'obtenir un bon rendement tout en présentant un encombrement réduit. Le système proposé permet en particulier d'utiliser une source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition identique à celle utilisée pour le dispositif d'antenne principale. The use of a lens disposed in the main receiving lobe of the acquisition-aid antenna source makes it possible to adjust the opening angle of the acquisition-assist antenna device, and provides a good performance while having a small footprint. The proposed system makes it possible in particular to use an acquisition antenna source identical to that used for the main antenna device.
Le système proposé peut en outre présenter les caractéristiques suivantes :  The proposed system may further have the following characteristics:
- la lentille permet de diminuer l'angle d'ouverture du lobe principal de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition d'un quotient troisième angle / deuxième angle compris entre 1/6,5 et 1/3,25,  the lens makes it possible to reduce the angle of aperture of the main lobe of the antenna source of assistance with the acquisition of a third angle / second angle quotient between 1 / 6.5 and 1 / 3.25 ,
- la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition comprend plusieurs ensembles rayonnants, chaque ensemble rayonnant étant propre à recevoir un rayonnement dans une bande de fréquences donnée, différente des bandes de fréquences reçus par les autres ensembles rayonnants, et dans lequel l'ensemble rayonnant dans la gamme de fréquences la plus basse a un centre de phase situé au foyer de la lentille,  the acquisition antenna source comprises a plurality of radiating assemblies, each radiating assembly being adapted to receive radiation in a given frequency band, different from the frequency bands received by the other radiating assemblies, and in which radiating ensemble in the lowest frequency range has a phase center located at the focal point of the lens,
- les autres ensembles rayonnants ont des centres de phase situés sur un axe optique de la lentille en étant décalés par rapport au foyer de la lentille,  the other radiating assemblies have phase centers located on an optical axis of the lens while being offset with respect to the focal point of the lens,
- les éléments rayonnants sont disposés de sorte que plus la gamme de fréquence d'un élément rayonnant est élevée, plus le centre de phase de l'élément rayonnant est proche de la lentille,  the radiating elements are arranged such that the higher the frequency range of a radiating element, the closer the phase center of the radiating element is to the lens,
- la lentille est configurée pour transformer une onde quasi-plane reçue de la cible en une onde sphérique, l'onde sphérique étant émise vers la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition,  the lens is configured to transform a quasi-plane wave received from the target into a spherical wave, the spherical wave being emitted towards the acquisition antenna source,
- la lentille est formée dans au moins un bloc de matériau, le matériau présentant une densité comprise entre 1 ,05 et 1 ,15, et une permittivité relative (ou constante diélectrique) comprise entre 2,5 et 2,7, the lens is formed in at least one block of material, the material having a density of between 1.05 and 1.15, and a relative permittivity (or dielectric constant) of between 2.5 and 2.7,
- le matériau formant la lentille est un matériau polymérique, de préférence un matériau à base de polystyrène, the material forming the lens is a polymeric material, preferably a polystyrene-based material,
- la source d'antenne principale et la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition sont identiques entre elles. PRESENTATION DES DESSINS the main antenna source and the acquisition antenna source are identical to each other. PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages assortiront encore de la description qui suit, laquelle est purement illustrative et non limitative, et doit être lue en regard des figures annexées, parmi lesquelles :  Other characteristics and advantages will furthermore be accompanied by the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting, and should be read with reference to the appended figures, among which:
- les figures 1 et 2 représentent de manière schématique un système d'antenne pour le suivi d'une cible en mouvement, conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention,  FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically represent an antenna system for tracking a moving target, according to an embodiment of the invention,
- la figure 3 représente de manière schématique, en coupe longitudinale, un dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition,  FIG. 3 schematically represents, in longitudinal section, an antenna device for assisting the acquisition,
- la figure 4 représente de manière schématique, en coupe longitudinale, une lentille du dispositif d'aide à l'acquisition,  FIG. 4 schematically represents, in longitudinal section, a lens of the device for assisting acquisition,
- la figure 5 représente de manière schématique le paramétrage de la lentille du dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'UN MODE DE REALISATION  - Figure 5 schematically shows the parameterization of the lens of the antenna device for acquisition assistance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
Sur la figure 1 , le système d'antenne 1 représenté comprend un dispositif d'antenne principale 2 et un dispositif d'antenne auxiliaire 3 associé.  In FIG. 1, the antenna system 1 shown comprises a main antenna device 2 and an associated auxiliary antenna device 3.
Le dispositif d'antenne principal 2 comprend une source d'antenne principale 4 et un réflecteur parabolique 5. La source d'antenne principale 4 est positionnée au foyer du réflecteur parabolique 5. La source d'antenne principale 4 est maintenue dans cette position par un support 6 permettant de fixer la source d'antenne principale 4 sur le réflecteur parabolique 5.  The main antenna device 2 comprises a main antenna source 4 and a parabolic reflector 5. The main antenna source 4 is positioned at the focus of the parabolic reflector 5. The main antenna source 4 is held in this position by a support 6 for fixing the main antenna source 4 on the parabolic reflector 5.
La source d'antenne principale 4 peut être une source multibande, par exemple une source multibande telle que décrite dans le document FR 3 007 215. Une telle source est propre à émettre et/ou recevoir des signaux de télémesure sélectivement dans chacune des bandes de fréquence L (1 GHz à 2GHz), S (2GHz à 4GHz) et C (4 GHz à 8GHz).  The main antenna source 4 may be a multiband source, for example a multiband source as described in the document FR 3 007 215. Such a source is able to transmit and / or receive telemetry signals selectively in each of the bands. frequency L (1 GHz to 2GHz), S (2GHz to 4GHz) and C (4 GHz to 8GHz).
La source d'antenne principale 4 est propre à éclairer le réflecteur parabolique 5 avec un angle d'ouverture à -10dB a d'environ 70 degrés autour de l'axe principale de réception X1 de la source 4. Ainsi, la source d'antenne principale 4 éclaire sensiblement la totalité de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur parabolique 5. The main antenna source 4 is adapted to illuminate the parabolic reflector 5 with an opening angle at -10 dB approximately 70 degrees around the main receiving axis X 1 of the source 4. Thus, the source main antenna 4 substantially illuminates the entire reflective surface of the parabolic reflector 5.
Le réflecteur parabolique 5 est propre à réfléchir un rayonnement émis par une cible vers la source 4 avec un angle d'ouverture à -10dB β compris entre 2 et 8 degrés.  The parabolic reflector 5 is adapted to reflect radiation emitted by a target towards the source 4 with an opening angle at -10dB β of between 2 and 8 degrees.
Le dispositif d'antenne auxiliaire 3 (appelé « dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition ») est disposé à côté du dispositif d'antenne principal 2. Le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 3 est monté fixe sur le dispositif d'antenne principale 2. Ainsi, lors du suivi d'une cible en mouvement, les deux dispositifs 2 et 3 sont entraînés ensemble, selon un déplacement identique.  The auxiliary antenna device 3 (referred to as an "acquisition antenna device") is arranged adjacent to the main antenna device 2. The acquisition aid antenna device 3 is mounted fixed on the main antenna device 2. Thus, when tracking a moving target, the two devices 2 and 3 are driven together in an identical displacement.
Le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 3 comprend une source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7, un support de lentille 8 et une lentille 9.  The acquisition aid antenna device 3 comprises an acquisition aid antenna source 7, a lens holder 8 and a lens 9.
Le système d'antenne 1 comprend également un bras de support 10 reliant le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 3 au dispositif d'antenne principale 2. Le bras de support 10 est fixé d'une part au réflecteur parabolique 5 du dispositif d'antenne principale 2 et d'autre part au carter de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7. Le bras de support 10 maintient le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 3 dans une position fixe par rapport au dispositif d'antenne principale 2. Ainsi, au cours de l'acquisition de signaux de télémesure, le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 3 et le dispositif d'antenne principal 2 sont déplacés simultanément, de manière identique.  The antenna system 1 also comprises a support arm 10 connecting the acquisition aid antenna device 3 to the main antenna device 2. The support arm 10 is fixed on the one hand to the parabolic reflector 5 of the main antenna device 2 and on the other hand to the casing of the acquisition aid antenna source 7. The support arm 10 holds the acquisition aid antenna device 3 in a fixed position relative to the main antenna device 2. Thus, during the acquisition of telemetry signals, the acquisition aid antenna device 3 and the main antenna device 2 are moved simultaneously, identically.
Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7 est identique à la source d'antenne principale 4.  In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the acquisition aid antenna source 7 is identical to the main antenna source 4.
Cette caractéristique présente l'avantage de ne pas nécessiter un développement spécifique pour la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition. De cette manière, la source d'aide à l'acquisition présente les mêmes caractéristiques de bandes de fréquences, de polarisation et de diagrammes (somme et différence) que la source d'antenne principale. De plus, en cas de panne de la source d'antenne principale, la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition peut être utilisée de manière provisoire comme source d'antenne principale. This feature has the advantage of not requiring a specific development for the acquisition aid antenna source. In this way, the source of acquisition aid has the same characteristics of frequency bands, polarization and diagrams (sum and difference) as the main antenna source. In addition, in the event of failure of the main antenna source, the source An acquisition support antenna can be used temporarily as the main antenna source.
Le dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition est illustré plus précisément sur la figure 3.  The acquisition assist antenna device is illustrated more precisely in FIG. 3.
La source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7 présente un axe principal de réception X2, parallèle à l'axe principal de réception X1 de la source d'antenne principale.  The acquisition aid antenna source 7 has a main reception axis X2, parallel to the main reception axis X1 of the main antenna source.
La source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7 comprend une pluralité d'ensemble rayonnants 1 1 à 16 propres à générer un rayonnement respectivement dans les bandes de fréquence C, S et L. Chaque ensemble rayonnant 1 1 à 16 est propre à recevoir un rayonnement selon un premier diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception orienté selon l'axe principal de réception X2.  The acquisition aid antenna source 7 comprises a plurality of radiating assemblies 1 1 to 16 capable of generating radiation respectively in the frequency bands C, S and L. Each radiating assembly 1 1 to 16 is clean. receiving radiation according to a first reception pattern having a reception main lobe oriented along the main reception axis X2.
Plus précisément, les ensembles rayonnants comprennent :  More specifically, the radiating assemblies comprise:
- un premier ensemble rayonnant delta 1 1 propre à recevoir un rayonnement delta dans la première bande de fréquence L,  a first delta radiating assembly 1 1 able to receive a delta radiation in the first frequency band L,
- un premier ensemble rayonnant sigma 12 propre à recevoir un rayonnement sigma dans la première bande de fréquence L,  a first sigma radiating assembly 12 capable of receiving a sigma radiation in the first frequency band L,
- un deuxième ensemble rayonnant delta 13 propre à recevoir un rayonnement delta dans la deuxième bande de fréquence S,  a second delta radiating assembly 13 able to receive a delta radiation in the second frequency band S,
- un deuxième ensemble rayonnant sigma 14 propre à recevoir un rayonnement sigma dans la deuxième bande de fréquence S,  a second sigma radiating assembly 14 able to receive a sigma radiation in the second frequency band S,
- un troisième ensemble rayonnant delta 15 propre à recevoir un rayonnement delta dans la troisième bande de fréquence C, et  a third delta radiating assembly 15 capable of receiving delta radiation in the third frequency band C, and
- un troisième ensemble rayonnant sigma 16 propre à recevoir un rayonnement sigma dans la troisième bande de fréquence C.  a third sigma radiating assembly 16 capable of receiving a sigma radiation in the third frequency band C.
Dans chacune des bandes de fréquence L, S et C, le lobe principal de réception présente un angle d'ouverture γ. Par angle d'ouverture γ, on désigne l'angle d'ouverture de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7 seule, sans la lentille 9. L'angle d'ouverture γ est d'environ 130 degrés à - 10dB. La lentille 9 est positionnée sur l'axe principal de réception X2 de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7, l'axe optique de la lentille 9 étant confondu avec l'axe principal de réception de la source 7. La lentille 9 est disposée par rapport à la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7 de sorte que la source reçoit la totalité du rayonnement transmis par la lentille. In each of the frequency bands L, S and C, the main reception lobe has an opening angle γ. An aperture angle γ denotes the aperture angle of the acquisition assist antenna source 7 alone, without the lens 9. The aperture angle γ is about 130 degrees at - 10dB. The lens 9 is positioned on the main reception axis X2 of the acquisition aid antenna source 7, the optical axis of the lens 9 coinciding with the main receiving axis of the source 7. The lens 9 is disposed with respect to the acquisition aid antenna source 7 so that the source receives all the radiation transmitted by the lens.
La lentille 9 est une lentille convergente présentant une première surface convexe 17 (appelée également « surface intérieure ») et une deuxième surface convexe 18 (appelée également « surface extérieure »), opposée à la première surface convexe 17. La première surface convexe 17 est dirigée vers la source 7. La deuxième surface convexe 18 est dirigée vers une cible à détecter. La lentille 9 est configurée pour concentrer le rayonnement émis par la cible vers la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7, de manière à obtenir un diagramme de réception du dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un angle d'ouverture δ inférieur à l'angle d'ouverture γ.  The lens 9 is a convergent lens having a first convex surface 17 (also called "inner surface") and a second convex surface 18 (also called "outer surface"), opposite to the first convex surface 17. The first convex surface 17 is directed towards the source 7. The second convex surface 18 is directed towards a target to be detected. The lens 9 is configured to focus the radiation emitted by the target to the acquisition assist antenna source 7, so as to obtain a reception pattern of the acquisition assist antenna device having a receiving main lobe having an opening angle δ less than the opening angle γ.
Plus précisément, la lentille 9 est dimensionnée pour diminuer l'angle d'ouverture du lobe principal avec un quotient δ/γ compris entre 1/6,5 et 1/3,25. L'angle δ est ainsi compris entre 20 et 40 degrés à -10 dB (en fonction de la bande de fréquence considérée).  More specifically, the lens 9 is sized to reduce the opening angle of the main lobe with a δ / γ quotient between 1 / 6.5 and 1 / 3.25. The angle δ is thus between 20 and 40 degrees at -10 dB (depending on the frequency band considered).
Le support de lentille 8 permet de monter la lentille 9 fixe par rapport à la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition 7. Le support de lentille 8 présente une forme générale tubulaire. Le support de lentille 8 comprend une paroi 19 de forme générale cylindrique de révolution définissant une première ouverture 21 et une deuxième ouverture 22. Le support de lentille 8 est fixé d'une part à la source d'aide à l'acquisition 7, la source s'étendant à travers la première ouverture 21 , et d'autre part à la lentille 9, la lentille 9 obstruant la deuxième ouverture 22.  The lens holder 8 makes it possible to mount the fixed lens 9 with respect to the acquisition-aid antenna source 7. The lens holder 8 has a generally tubular shape. The lens holder 8 comprises a wall 19 of generally cylindrical shape of revolution defining a first opening 21 and a second opening 22. The lens support 8 is fixed on the one hand to the source of acquisition aid 7, the source extending through the first opening 21, and secondly to the lens 9, the lens 9 obstructing the second opening 22.
La lentille 9 présente un foyer ponctuel. L'ensemble rayonnant dans la gamme de fréquences la plus basse (en l'espèce, l'ensemble 12 rayonnant dans la bande L) a son centre de phase situé au foyer de la lentille 9. En revanche, les ensembles rayonnants dans les autres gammes de fréquences (en l'espèce, les ensembles 14 et 16 rayonnant dans les bandes S et C) ont des centres de phase situés sur l'axe optique de la lentille 9 en étant décalés par rapport au foyer de la lentille 9. Les ensembles rayonnants 12, 14 et 16 sont disposés de sorte que plus la gamme de fréquence d'un ensemble rayonnant est élevée, plus le centre de phase de l'ensemble rayonnant est éloigné du foyer de la lentille 9 et proche de la première surface 17 de la lentille 9. Ainsi, les centres de phase des éléments rayonnants dans les gammes de fréquence les plus élevées (en l'espèce, les ensembles 14 et 16 rayonnant dans les bandes S et C) sont situés entre le foyer de la lentille 9 et la lentille 9. The lens 9 has a point focus. The assembly radiating in the lowest frequency range (in this case, the assembly 12 radiating in the band L) has its phase center located at the focus of the lens 9. On the other hand, the radiating assemblies in the other frequency ranges (in this case, the sets 14 and 16 radiating in the strips S and C) have phase centers located on the optical axis of the lens 9 being offset from the focal point of the lens 9. The radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 are arranged so that the higher the frequency range of a radiating assembly is high, the phase center of the radiating assembly is away from the focus of the lens 9 and close to the first surface 17 of the lens 9. Thus, the phase centers of the radiating elements in the ranges of the highest frequency (in this case, the sets 14 and 16 radiating in the bands S and C) are located between the focus of the lens 9 and the lens 9.
En contrôlant la position des centres de phase des ensembles rayonnants 12, 14 et 16 par rapport au foyer de la lentille 9, il est possible d'ajuster l'angle d'ouverture δ, pour chacune des gammes de fréquences L, S et C, sur une bande passante de 2 octaves. En particulier, les ensembles rayonnants 12, 14 et 16 peuvent être disposés le long de l'axe optique de la lentille de manière à minimiser la variation de l'angle d'ouverture δ en fonction de la gamme de fréquences de réception L, S et C.  By controlling the position of the phase centers of the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 with respect to the focal point of the lens 9, it is possible to adjust the opening angle δ for each of the frequency ranges L, S and C , on a bandwidth of 2 octaves. In particular, the radiating assemblies 12, 14 and 16 may be arranged along the optical axis of the lens so as to minimize the variation of the opening angle δ as a function of the reception frequency range L, S and C.
La lentille 9 est dimensionnée pour transformer une onde quasi- plane reçue de la cible en une onde sphérique, l'onde sphérique étant émise vers la source d'antenne 7, dans la gamme de fréquences la plus basse (en l'espèce, la bande L).  The lens 9 is dimensioned to transform a quasi-plane wave received from the target into a spherical wave, the spherical wave being emitted towards the antenna source 7, in the lowest frequency range (in this case, the band L).
Comme illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, la lentille 9 peut être formée par usinage dans un ou plusieurs blocs de matériau. Le matériau utilisé présente de préférence une densité comprise entre 1 ,05 et 1 ,15, et une permittivité relative comprise entre 2,5 et 2,7.  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens 9 can be formed by machining in one or more blocks of material. The material used preferably has a density of between 1.05 and 1.15, and a relative permittivity of between 2.5 and 2.7.
Le matériau formant la lentille 9 est un matériau diélectrique, tel qu'un matériau polymérique, présentant de faibles pertes diélectriques (tangente de perte < 0,0007 à 10 GHz) dans les gammes de fréquence de réception de la source d'aide à l'acquisition et un indice de réfraction supérieur à 1 ,5. Le matériau polymérique peut être un matériau à base de polystyrène et d'hydrocarbure. Un exemple de matériau approprié est un matériau commercialisé sous la dénomination Rexolite® par la société San Diego Plastics, Inc., obtenu par réticulation d'un polystyrène avec un divinylbenzène. The material forming the lens 9 is a dielectric material, such as a polymeric material, having low dielectric losses (loss tangent <0.0007 to 10 GHz) in the reception frequency ranges of the light source. acquisition and a refractive index greater than 1.5. The polymeric material may be a polystyrene and hydrocarbon material. An example of a suitable material is a material sold under the name Rexolite® by San Diego Plastics, Inc., obtained by crosslinking a polystyrene with a divinylbenzene.
Néanmoins, d'autres matériaux polymériques pourraient être utilisés, tels que du polytétrafluoroéthylène expansé par exemple.  Nevertheless, other polymeric materials could be used, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for example.
Dans l'exemple illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, la lentille 9 est formée en deux pièces de matériaux 23 et 24. Les deux pièces 23 et 24 sont fixées l'une à l'autre au moyen de vis 25. Il est ainsi possible de fabriquer chaque pièce 23, 24 indépendamment de l'autre, et en particulier d'usiner chaque surface convexe 17 et 18 séparément.  In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens 9 is formed of two pieces of material 23 and 24. The two pieces 23 and 24 are fixed to one another by means of screws 25. It is thus it is possible to manufacture each part 23, 24 independently of the other, and in particular to machine each convex surface 17 and 18 separately.
La figure 5 représente de manière schématique le paramétrage de la lentille permettant de calculer les équations des surfaces 17 et 18 de la lentille.  Figure 5 schematically shows the parameterization of the lens for calculating the equations of the surfaces 17 and 18 of the lens.
On définit les paramètres suivants :  We define the following parameters:
D : diamètre de la lentille,  D: diameter of the lens,
01 : foyer de la lentille, 0 1 : focus of the lens,
02 : point de calcul à distance quasi-infini (grande par rapport à la distance L0), 0 2 : quasi-infinite distance calculation point (large relative to the distance L 0 ),
LQ : distance entre le foyer 01 et la première surface convexe 17, L0' : distance entre le point 02 et la première surface convexe 17 (LQ' est une distance arbitraire très supérieure à la distance L0, par exemple L'o~10000 x L0), L Q : distance between the focus 0 1 and the first convex surface 17, L 0 ': distance between the point 0 2 and the first convex surface 17 (L Q ' is an arbitrary distance much greater than the distance L 0 , for example O ~ 10000 x L 0 ),
T : épaisseur de la lentille,  T: thickness of the lens,
gmax . ang|e maximum de focalisation par la lentille des rayons au foyer 01 de la lentille, gmax. an g | e maximum focusing lens by the ray in the home 1 0 of the lens,
θ αχ : angle maximum de focalisation par la lentille des rayons au point 02 , θ αχ : maximum angle of focus by the ray lens at point 0 2 ,
TldB : niveau du champ de l'onde incidente au bord de la lentille T2dB : niveau du champ de l'onde réfractée au bord de la lentille n : indice du matériau formant la lentille. Pour obtenir un gain maximum, les deux conditions suivantes doivent être remplies : T ldB : level of the field of the incident wave at the edge of the lens T 2dB : level of the field of the refracted wave at the edge of the lens n: index of the material forming the lens. To achieve maximum gain, the following two conditions must be met:
1/ la lentille est collimatrice, c'est-à-dire que les rayons incidents parallèles sont focalisés sur la source, cela implique que |L0'| » \L0\ et L'o~10000 x L0, 1 / the lens is collimating, that is to say that the incident incident rays are focused on the source, this implies that | L 0 '| \ L 0 \ and L o ~ 10000 x L 0 ,
21 la répartition d'amplitude du champ électromagnétique dans l'ouverture rayonnante en entrée de la lentille est la plus uniforme possible, cela implique que Τ2άΒ {θ αχ) « OdB. 21 the amplitude distribution of the electromagnetic field in the aperture radiating at the input of the lens is as uniform as possible, this implies that Τ 2άΒ {θ αχ ) "OdB.
On définit un point M1, de coordonnées x , z^), comme un point d'intersection d'un rayon avec la première surface 17 de la lentille, et un point M2, de coordonnées (x2, z2), un point d'intersection du même rayon avec la deuxième surface 18 de la lentille. We define a point M 1 , of coordinates x, z ^), as a point of intersection of a radius with the first surface 17 of the lens, and a point M 2 , of coordinates (x 2 , z 2 ), a point of intersection of the same radius with the second surface 18 of the lens.
Les coordonnées des points M1 et M2 vérifient l'équation différentielle suivante : The coordinates of the points M 1 and M 2 satisfy the following differential equation:
zi  zi
cos(^) =— cos (^) = -
dans lequel a et b sont des exposants des lois d'illumination en cos(9) : in which a and b are exponents of the illumination laws in cos (9):
TldB  TLDB
a =  a =
ZOlo cos fl^) ZOlo cos fl ^)
avec rldB = -10 dB with r ldB = -10 dB
et T7dR = -0.0001 dB and T 7dR = -0.0001 dB
1  1
a7 a 7
sin(92)]2 sin (9 2 )] 2
(1  (1
tan(<¾)  tan (<¾)
Δ= 3 2— 2 ■ 4 Δ = 3 2 - 2 ■ 4
α2 α 2
*2  * 2
¾ = + tan(<¾)  ¾ = + tan (<¾)
Avec les conditions initiales suivantes With the following initial conditions
x1 = 0 et z1 = LQ x 1 = 0 and z 1 = L Q
x2 = 0 et z2 = L0 + T x 2 = 0 and z 2 = L 0 + T
La résolution de l'équation différentielle peut être réalisée par une méthode de Runge Kutta, d'ordre 4. The resolution of the differential equation can be achieved by a Runge Kutta method, order 4.
La résolution de l'équation différentielle conduit à l'obtention de deux séries de points M1 et M2 (chaque point étant défini par ses coordonnées (x^ z et (¾, z2) ) de la première surface 17 et de la deuxième surface 18 de la lentille. The resolution of the differential equation leads to obtaining two series of points M 1 and M 2 (each point being defined by its coordinates (x z and (¾, z 2 )) of the first surface 17 and the second surface 18 of the lens.
A partir de chaque série de points, il est possible de calculer une équation de la surface correspondante de la lentille. L'équation de la surface peut être calculée sous la forme d'un polynôme, par interpolation de la série de points.  From each series of points, it is possible to calculate an equation of the corresponding surface of the lens. The surface equation can be calculated as a polynomial by interpolation of the series of points.
La lentille est ainsi spécifiquement conformée pour présenter une distance focale ajustée aux différents centres de phase de chaque sous- bande de la source, ce qui permet d'atteindre un excellent rendement aux fréquences même les plus faibles. Le diamètre de l'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition est ainsi minimisé, de même que son poids. Par exemple, une lentille de 30 à 40 centimètres de diamètre peut couvrir simultanément les bandes L, S et C de la télémesure avec le bon angle d'ouverture et des lobes secondaires réduits. The lens is thus specifically shaped to have a focal length adjusted to the different phase centers of each sub-band of the source, which allows to achieve excellent performance at even the lowest frequencies. The diameter of the acquisition aid antenna is thus minimized, as is its weight. For example, a lens 30 to 40 centimeters in diameter can simultaneously cover the L, S and C bands of the telemetry with the correct opening angle and reduced side lobes.
L'utilisation d'une lentille disposée dans le faisceau de réception de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition permet d'ajuster l'angle d'ouverture du dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition, et permet d'obtenir un bon rendement tout en présentant un encombrement réduit.  The use of a lens disposed in the receiving beam of the acquisition-aid antenna source makes it possible to adjust the opening angle of the acquisition-aid antenna device, and allows to obtain a good performance while having a small footprint.
La source multi-bandes à base d'éléments rayonnants différenciés est une solution qui confère de bons facteurs de mérite à l'antenne principale.  The multi-band source based on differentiated radiating elements is a solution that confers good merit factors on the main antenna.
Le système proposé permet d'utiliser une source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition identique à la source d'antenne principale. La réutilisation de la source d'antenne principale pour l'acquisition permet de simplifier la conception et la maintenance du système d'antenne, même s'il demeure possible d'utiliser des sources différentes.  The proposed system makes it possible to use an acquisition antenna source identical to the main antenna source. Reusing the main antenna source for acquisition simplifies the design and maintenance of the antenna system, although it is still possible to use different sources.
La topologie du dispositif de poursuite est ainsi identique pour les deux antennes.  The topology of the tracking device is thus identical for the two antennas.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système d'antenne (1 ) pour le suivi d'une cible en mouvement, comprenant : Antenna system (1) for tracking a moving target, comprising:
· un dispositif d'antenne principale (2) comprenant : A main antenna device (2) comprising:
- un réflecteur parabolique (5) propre à réfléchir un rayonnement émis par une cible selon un premier diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un premier angle d'ouverture (β),  a parabolic reflector (5) capable of reflecting a radiation emitted by a target according to a first reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a first opening angle (β),
- une source d'antenne principale (4) propre à recevoir le rayonnement réfléchi par le réflecteur parabolique (5), et  a main antenna source (4) able to receive the radiation reflected by the parabolic reflector (5), and
• un dispositif d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (3) monté fixe par rapport au dispositif d'antenne principale (2), comprenant :  An acquisition aid antenna device (3) fixedly mounted relative to the main antenna device (2), comprising:
- une source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (7) multibande, propre à recevoir un rayonnement émis par une cible selon un deuxième diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un deuxième angle d'ouverture (γ), et  a multi-band acquisition aid antenna source (7) adapted to receive radiation emitted by a target according to a second reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a second opening angle (γ), and
- une lentille (9) disposée dans le lobe principal de réception de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (7) pour concentrer le rayonnement reçu de la cible vers la source d'antenne (7), de manière à recevoir le rayonnement émis par la cible selon un troisième diagramme de réception présentant un lobe principal de réception ayant un troisième angle d'ouverture (δ) inférieur au deuxième angle d'ouverture (γ) et supérieur au premier angle d'ouverture (β).  a lens (9) disposed in the main reception lobe of the acquisition aid antenna source (7) for concentrating radiation received from the target towards the antenna source (7), so as to receiving the radiation emitted by the target according to a third reception pattern having a main reception lobe having a third opening angle (δ) smaller than the second opening angle (γ) and greater than the first opening angle (β) .
2. Système selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel la lentille (9) permet de diminuer l'angle d'ouverture du lobe principal de la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition d'un quotient troisième angle / deuxième angle compris entre 1/3,25 et 1/6,5. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the lens (9) makes it possible to reduce the opening angle of the main lobe of the antenna source to aid in the acquisition of a third angle quotient / second angle inclusive. between 1 / 3.25 and 1 / 6.5.
3. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, dans lequel la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (7) comprend plusieurs ensembles rayonnants (12, 14, 16), chaque ensemble rayonnant (12, 14, 16) étant propre à recevoir un rayonnement dans une bande de fréquences donnée, et dans lequel l'ensemble rayonnant (12) dans la gamme de fréquences la plus basse a un centre de phase situé au foyer de la lentille (9). 3. System according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the source of antenna acquisition aid (7) comprises several radiating assemblies (12, 14, 16), each radiating assembly (12, 14, 16) being adapted to receive radiation in a given frequency band, and wherein the radiating assembly (12) in the lowest frequency range has a phase center located at the focus of the lens (9).
4. Système selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les autres ensembles rayonnants (14, 16) ont des centres de phase situés sur un axe optique de la lentille (9) en étant décalés par rapport au foyer de la lentille (9). 4. System according to claim 3, wherein the other radiating assemblies (14, 16) have phase centers located on an optical axis of the lens (9) being offset from the focal point of the lens (9).
5. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel les éléments rayonnants (1 1 -16) sont disposés de sorte que plus la gamme de fréquence d'un élément rayonnant est élevée, plus le centre de phase de l'élément rayonnant est proche de la lentille (9). 5. System according to claim 4, wherein the radiating elements (1 1 -16) are arranged such that the higher the frequency range of a radiating element, the closer the phase center of the radiating element is. the lens (9).
6. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la lentille (9) est configurée pour transformer une onde quasi-plane reçue de la cible en une onde sphérique, l'onde sphérique étant émise vers la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (7). 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lens (9) is configured to transform a quasi-plane wave received from the target into a spherical wave, the spherical wave being emitted to the antenna source assistance with acquisition (7).
7. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel la lentille (9) est formée dans au moins un bloc de matériau, le matériau présentant une densité comprise entre 1 ,05 et 1 ,15, et une permittivité relative comprise entre 2,5 et 2,7. 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lens (9) is formed in at least one block of material, the material having a density of between 1, 05 and 1, 15, and a relative permittivity included between 2.5 and 2.7.
8. Système selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le matériau formant la lentille (9) est un matériau polymérique, de préférence un matériau à base de polystyrène. The system of claim 7, wherein the lens forming material (9) is a polymeric material, preferably a polystyrene material.
9. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel la source d'antenne principale (4) et la source d'antenne d'aide à l'acquisition (7) sont identiques entre elles. 9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main antenna source (4) and the acquisition antenna source (7) are identical to each other.
EP16784538.7A 2015-10-22 2016-10-21 Acquisition aid antenna device and associated antenna system for monitoring a moving target Active EP3365943B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1560104A FR3042917B1 (en) 2015-10-22 2015-10-22 ACQUISITION ASSIST ANTENNA DEVICE AND ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVING TARGET ASSOCIATED WITH
PCT/EP2016/075454 WO2017068155A1 (en) 2015-10-22 2016-10-21 Acquisition aid antenna device and associated antenna system for monitoring a moving target

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EP3365943A1 true EP3365943A1 (en) 2018-08-29
EP3365943B1 EP3365943B1 (en) 2020-01-15

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FR (1) FR3042917B1 (en)
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US10700407B2 (en) 2020-06-30
WO2017068155A1 (en) 2017-04-27
EP3365943B1 (en) 2020-01-15
US20180358682A1 (en) 2018-12-13
IL258834A (en) 2018-06-28
FR3042917B1 (en) 2018-12-07
FR3042917A1 (en) 2017-04-28
IL258834B (en) 2019-06-30

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