EP3671951A1 - Antenna device - Google Patents

Abstract

Antenna device with a radiator arrangement in an upper plane in the direction of radiation / reception; and in a lower plane in the radiation / reception direction; wherein the radiator arrangement comprises at least four elements which are spaced apart by gaps in the upper level to form a quadrant structure, each of the four elements having a feed point in a central angular range, via which each element is connected to a corresponding feed point of the feed network.

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an antenna device and to a GNSS antenna. Preferred exemplary embodiments relate to a broadband antenna device with limited dimensions.

Global satellite navigation systems (GNSS), such as the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS, the Chinese BeiDou or the European Galileo, have become an elementary part of navigation applications, which constantly increasing requirements for an accurate, reliable and always available position, speed and have time information.

However, the greater the dependency on GNSS, the greater the risk of interference and deception. Various security mechanisms have been and are being developed for authorized users in order to enable the most tamper-proof operation of GNSS.

In the case of GPS, in addition to the civil C / A code (coarse / acquisition) in the L1 band (see Fig. 1 ) the not publicly known (military) P / Y code (Precision / encrypted) is used in the bands L1 and L2. Military GPS receivers and antennas are therefore mostly designed for these two frequency bands.

The Galileo system offers the Public Regulated Service (PRS) for sovereign purposes. The bandwidth of the crypted PRS signals E1 and E6 is specified with at least 40 MHz (slightly larger than in Fig. 1 shown). It is planned to equip military and BOS vehicles (authorities and organizations with security tasks) of the participating EU member states with PRS receiver modules in the near future.

Already in the state of the art there are already some approaches as to how one or more bands of the L band explained above can be received on the basis of limited space.

The basis for robust position determination is the highest possible signal-to-noise power density ratio (C / N0), which is proportional to the passive antenna gain.

One of the most common military GPS antennas is the in Fig. 2 shown S67-1575-86 from Sensor Systems. Fig. 3 shows a compatible antenna from AntCom. To prevent static charges, the antenna elements are galvanically connected to the ground (DC grounded). Like most compact L1 / L2 antennas, these are very resonant, so that relatively high gain values are only possible within the L1 and L2 bands.

Such behavior is characterized, for example, by ceramic antennas with two planar antenna elements (resonators) arranged one above the other (cf. Fig. 4 ).

One way known from the literature to achieve high efficiency with an electrically small antenna size is the use of planar antenna structures with a cross slot (cf. Fig. 5 ).

Each of the four metal radiator parts is fed at one of the outer corners and galvanically connected to the ground surface in the center. The relative impedance bandwidth (dimension: standing wave ratio VSWR≤2: 1) of the antennas shown here is approx. 20%. The axis ratio bandwidth (Axial Ratio AR≤3 dB or cross polarization suppression XPD≥15.5 dB) is limited to approx. 10% by the narrow-band concept of the serial feed network used.

A larger bandwidth (approx. 30%) with regard to all antenna parameters can be achieved using a parallel four-point feed network. In Fig. 6 the structure and miniaturization of the parallel four-point feed network of a circularly polarized antenna is illustrated. Each feed point of the miniaturized variant is adapted to broadband using a line transformer and an empty stub.

None of the prior art variants explained above offers sufficient broadband antenna gain with, as it were, small dimensions. In this respect, there is a need for an improved approach for a broadband antenna solution, especially for similar ones Form factors such as commercially available L1 / L2 solutions (diameter <90 mm, height <30 mm), which enables robust reception of all GNSS signals in the L band. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an antenna concept which creates an improved compromise between the space required, antenna gain and broadband capability.

The task is solved by the independent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna device with a radiator arrangement and a feed network. The radiator arrangement is arranged in an upper level in the direction of radiation, while the feed network is arranged in a corresponding lower level. For example, the feed network can be provided on a single or multi-layer carrier. The radiator arrangement comprises at least four elements (four radiating elements) which are arranged at a distance from one another (insulated) in the upper level. The arrangement is such that four quadrants are formed. Each of the four elements is connected in a central angular range via a respective feed point to a corresponding feed point of the feed network. For this purpose, a foot element (e.g. folded attachment or attached via) is provided for each element from the upper level towards the lower level.

According to embodiments, each of the four elements is separated by an arc segment, e.g. B. Shaped a 90 ° arc segment. The four circular arc segments in the quadrature arrangement thus form a kind of full circle, the elements being each spaced apart from the next element by a gap. As a result of this quadrature arrangement, the column forms a kind of cross slot. This shape advantageously makes it possible for a maximum area to be taken up, in particular under the constraint of a limited diameter (e.g. 100 or 90 mm). Advantageously, the above design also enables a flat shape to be achieved (e.g. <30mm), which enables installation flush with the vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention are based on the knowledge that the layered arrangement of the feed network and antenna radiator enables an optimal use of space by a housing, the radiation pattern being good due to the quadrature arrangement or cross recess arrangement. Since each of the four elements has a single feed that is connected to the partial feed network directly underneath, the beam arrangement can be operated very efficiently. This promotes the resulting antenna gain. The fact that each radiator element is centered over the foot element that the Feeding point is excited, there is a symmetrical excitation, which is particularly important for broadband operation.

As a result, the arrangement outlined above achieves an antenna device with a high bandwidth and good antenna gain over the entire bandwidth, with boundary conditions such as the small installation space being achieved.

According to further exemplary embodiments, a dielectric element, such as, for example, is located between the feed network and the individual antenna elements. B. a Teflon body is provided. On the one hand, this enables a sufficient distance to be formed between the feed network and the radiating elements, this distance being filled in in order to achieve increased mechanical stability (kick protection) here.

According to exemplary embodiments, the four elements are identical or essentially identical and can comprise, for example, circular elements, 90 ° circular segments, triangles or polygons. In the case of the construction with 90 ° circular segments in particular, it becomes clear that the arrangement is at least two mirror-symmetrical and also point-symmetrical in some areas.

With regard to the central coupling, it should be noted that this is realized in that the coupling takes place in a central sub-circle segment. This middle pitch circle segment is achieved if the individual circular arc segment is subdivided into three equally large pitch circle segments (e.g. 33 ° pitch circle segments) and here the coupling is made in the middle element (if possible far outwards or in the outer third. A correspondingly further one Embodiments of optimal coupling are achieved if the coupling point is present exactly along the center line with respect to the angle of the circle segment, which would then be a 45 ° angle for a 90 ° circle segment, with a coupling here again as far as possible outside, ie in the area of the outer third would be desirable.

With regard to the production, it should be noted that each of the elements of the radiation elements can be formed by metal sheets or foils, for example because the foil is applied to the dielectric body as a carrier. Even if any conductive elements are suitable, the base element with the feed point can be realized at the same time by an unfolded nose in the production of sheets and foils. This nose extends, for example, on the outer edge of the main plane in the direction of the feed network (for example, angles in the range from 35 to 80 °).

• Speisenetzwerkslage
• dazwischenliegende Masselage oder dazwischenliegende Doppelmasselage
• RF-Frontend-Lage.

With regard to the dining network, as already noted above, it should be pointed out that this is arranged on a single-layer or multi-layer carrier. If one starts from a multi-layer carrier, this can be implemented as follows according to exemplary embodiments:

• Network location
• intermediate layer of mass or intermediate double mass layer
• RF front-end location.

According to exemplary embodiments, each feed network has a section for the individual of the at least four elements of the radiator arrangement. For broadband adaptation, a spur line or spur line short-circuited to ground can be provided for each feed point (per radiating element) according to exemplary embodiments. According to exemplary embodiments, the feed network can also comprise at least one of the following elements: power transformer, Wilkinson coupler and / or delay line.

Another embodiment provides a GNSS antenna with a housing and a corresponding antenna device. According to exemplary embodiments, this GNSS antenna is round and has a maximum diameter of 90 mm.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung der GNSS-Signale im L-Band;

Fig. 2 und 3

schematische Darstellungen von Stand der Technik-Sensoren;

Fig. 4

schematische Darstellung eines typischen Antennenelements für dualbandige GPS-Antennen in Form einer zirkularpolarisierten Stacked Patch-Antenne (vgl. [4]);

Fig. 5a und 5b

eine quadratische und eine runde zirkularpolarisierte Patch-Antenne (vgl. [5], [6] und [7]) mit Kreuzschlitz und seriellem Speisenetzwerk;

Fig. 6a bis 6c

schematische Darstellungen einer typischen Topologie eines Speisenetzwerks einer breitbandigen zirkularpolarisierten Antenne (vgl. [8]) zur Illustration der Miniaturisierbarkeit gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 7a

eine schematische Darstellung einer Antennenvorrichtung gemäß einem Basisausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 7b

eine schematische Darstellung einer Antennenvorrichtung gemäß erweiterten Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 7c und 7d

eine schematische Darstellung einer Antennenvorrichtung in einem Gehäuse (GNSS-Antenne) in der Seitenansicht und in einer Schnittdarstellung gemäß erweiterten Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 7e und 7f

schematische Darstellungen zur Illustration des Speisenetzwerks zur Illustration von optionalen Aspekten gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 7g

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Antennenvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Fig. 8A und 8b

schematische Diagramme zur Illustration des passiven Antennengewinns in dBic für einen ersten Frequenzbereich in Fig. 8a und einen zweiten Frequenzbereich in Fig. 8b zur Illustration der Effizienz der GNSS-Antenne aus Fig. 7c,d.

Further training is defined in the subclaims. Embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the GNSS signals in the L-band;

2 and 3

schematic representations of prior art sensors;

Fig. 4

schematic representation of a typical antenna element for dual-band GPS antennas in the form of a circularly polarized stacked patch antenna (cf. [4]);

5a and 5b

a square and a circular circular-polarized patch antenna (cf. [5], [6] and [7]) with a cross slot and serial feed network;

6a to 6c

schematic representations of a typical topology of a feed network of a broadband circularly polarized antenna (cf. [8]) to illustrate the miniaturizability according to exemplary embodiments;

Fig. 7a

a schematic representation of an antenna device according to a basic embodiment;

Fig. 7b

a schematic representation of an antenna device according to extended embodiments;

7c and 7d

a schematic representation of an antenna device in a housing (GNSS antenna) in side view and in a sectional view according to extended embodiments;

7e and 7f

schematic representations to illustrate the dining network to illustrate optional aspects according to embodiments;

Fig. 7g

a schematic representation of a further antenna device according to a further embodiment; and

8A and 8b

schematic diagrams to illustrate the passive antenna gain in dBic for a first frequency range in Fig. 8a and a second frequency range in Fig. 8b to illustrate the efficiency of the GNSS antenna Fig. 7c , d.

Before the following embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying Explained in the drawing, it should be pointed out that elements and structures having the same effect are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of which can be used or is interchangeable.

In the discussion that follows, the basic embodiment is illustrated using Fig. 7a explained while optional aspects related to the Fig. 7b , 7c and 7d to be discussed. 7e and 7f show optional aspects of the dining network according to extended embodiments.

Referring to Fig. 7a it should be noted that all basic elements are shown here, although additional elements may also be included in the figure representation, but which are not absolutely necessary for the antenna device. Referring to 8a and 8b the efficiency is then explained using diagrams to illustrate the radiation characteristics. After discussing these diagrams, possible variations for the individual features, in particular the features of the basic exemplary embodiment, are then discussed.

Fig. 7a shows an antenna device 10 with the two basic features radiator arrangement 12 and feed network 14. The feed network is for example applied to a single-layer or multi-layer circuit board and is located in a lower level, for. B. at the bottom of the antenna device, while the radiator arrangement is in an upper level. Both levels can be essentially parallel to one another, with the feed network 14 and the radiator arrangement optionally being in alignment with one another. According to an optional aspect, as shown here, these are spaced apart from one another in the radiation direction 12r. The radiation direction 12r of the antenna device 10 is identified by an arrow.

In this exemplary embodiment, the radiator arrangement 12 comprises four individual elements 12a to 12d (12d being covered by an optional component). The four elements 12a to 12c are each, for example, semicircular elements which are arranged in a quadrant. In this exemplary embodiment, the individual elements 12a to 12d are formed by 90 ° circle segments, so that a two-way mirror-symmetrical and one-dimensional point-symmetrical structure is obtained. All elements 12a to 12d are arranged in a common plane, namely the upper plane. All radiator elements 12a to 12d arranged in the four quadrants are separated by gaps 12s. Starting from the 90 ° circular segments, these can have a constant thickness of 1 to 3 mm, but of course also any other shape with a variable cross section would be conceivable.

Each radiator element 12a to 12c is connected to the associated feed point of the feed network 14 via its own feed point. The feed points associated with the radiators 12a to 12d are identified by the reference symbols 12as, 12bs, 12cs and 12ds. In this exemplary embodiment, these feed points 12as to 12ds are formed by foot elements or noses or folded noses which are arranged on the circular line. These tabs are folded down (that is, they extend out of the upper level towards the lower level and thus enable a connection to the associated feed points 14as to 14ds. With regard to the feed points, it is important to mention that this is a so-called acts as a central feed, which, when you look at the respective segment of the circle, attacks in the middle with respect to the angle. In general, the respective nose 12as to 14ds is arranged in a middle angle range. This middle angle range is identified here by the reference symbol β and corresponds essentially to the middle segment of the circle if the individual circle segment is divided into three circle segments of the same size. Within this area the feed point can be arranged as desired. At this point, however, it should also be pointed out that a preferred attachment is as central as possible, ie on the bisector of the 90 ° circle segment (or another circle segments) must be provided, while also arranging in the area of the edge line if possible (cf. Circular line) would be preferable.

Fig. 7b shows a further antenna device 10 '. The device 10 ′ essentially corresponds to the antenna device 10, the space between the radiator arrangement 12 comprising the four radiating quadrants 12a, 12b and 12c and the feed network 14 being filled with a material, here a dielectric body 16. The dielectric carrier can be formed, for example, from a plastic volume or a polyimide film. This film can be coated with an additional metallization (flexible printed circuit board), which then forms the radiating elements 12. Assuming a round body 16, the four circular segments are applied to the surface with a kind of cross-slit shape in order to form the four radiator elements 12a to 12d. According to exemplary embodiments, a recess can be provided both centrally at the cross recess and at the end of the slots 12s, in order to create the necessary installation space for screws or other fastening means, for example. Furthermore, the body 16 can also have a cutout in the region of the lugs 12as to 12ds, so that they can be bent toward the feed network 14 corresponding to the printed circuit board.

In the variant shown here Fig. 7b the antenna device 10 is also in one Embedded housing, which consists of the base plate 18g and the cover 18d. The floor has a receptacle for the single or multi-layer circuit board that houses the dining network. The dielectric body 16 with the radiating elements 12a to 12d is then applied to the feed network before the housing is then closed from above with the cover 18d. A seal can optionally be provided between the housing base 18g and the housing cover 18d. The individual components can be connected to each other using the screws. For example, it is possible for the central block screw to secure the dielectric block with the radiating elements together with the printed circuit board 14 on the base plate 18g, while the cover 18d and thus the housing can be closed by the four decentralized screws. With these screws, the entire antenna is on another component, such as. B. applicable to a vehicle. The locked position is in Fig. 7c shown while Fig. 7d shows the decentralized bores in the sectional view (cf. reference symbol 18s).

Another optional feature, namely electrical connection for the entire antenna device, is also provided in these figures. This is provided with the reference numeral 20 and protrudes on the underside of the bottom 18g. The plug 20 protrudes through the bottom 18g and contacts the circuit board, which houses the feed network 14, from below. Due to the fact that the plug 20 protrudes on the underside, the antenna device can be contacted from below and at the same time the cable can be sunk when the antenna device is attached. The connector shown here can be, for example, an F connector or a similar connector.

At this point it should also be noted that the thickness of the base plate 18g enables components, such as. B. filters or the like can be provided on the circuit board.

The embedding of the printed circuit board that houses the feed network 14 is shown in FIG 7e and 7f shown. Both figures show the embedding of the printed circuit board 14l in the housing base 18g, the bores 18s again being recognizable here. Optionally, the printed circuit board 14l can be left free in the area of these bores.

The printed circuit board 14l with the switching network 14 is round and can be roughly divided into four sectors / circle segments, as shown by the dashed lines. Each sector comprises a part of the dining network that is assigned to one of the four elements.

Consequently, a feed point 14as to 14ad is provided in each sector. As with Fig. 7f each nose 12as to 12ds is connected to the respective feed point 14as to 14ds, e.g. B. by a pure clamping force or by a mechanical-electrical connection, such as. B. based on a solder. A corresponding feed network section is arranged around each feed point, which serves to feed the individual element. According to exemplary embodiments, each section can comprise a short-circuited stub line 15sd, the short-circuit point being identified by the reference symbol 15sdk. This short-circuit point is realized, for example, by a via which connects the stub line to a ground position arranged in a lower level. Another possibility of short-circuiting can of course also be given. According to further exemplary embodiments, a line transformer can be provided for each feed point. This line transformer is provided with the reference symbol 15lt. The individual feed points 14as to 14ds are connected to one another by so-called delay lines 15vl (e.g. two pairs, each with a 90 ° (quarter wavelength) length difference at the center frequency), which in total then make it possible to operate the antenna as a RHCP antenna.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the feed network 14, in particular in the central section 14z, also comprises further components which are implemented here in the feed network position, such as a 180 ° hybrid, one or more Wilkinson couplers and / or line transformers.

The feed network 14 shown here can be used as a conventional feed network (cf. Fig. 6a ) or as a miniaturized dining network, e.g. based on meandering shapes (cf. 6b and 6c ) be implemented, the basic idea of which is based on the fact that ring lines make it possible to miniaturize a topology well (cf. [8]).

In addition, a free area is provided in a further central area 14n, in which the position of the feed network can be connected to the antenna connection. This antenna connection is, as in 7c and 7d visible, provided from the rear for contacting.

According to exemplary embodiments, the feed network 14 shown here is implemented on a multi-layer circuit board which, for. B. in a top layer (layer facing the radiating elements 12) houses the dining network, while in a lower layer the RF front end implemented with filters, LNAs or other electronic components. As already explained above, the use of this lowermost layer is advantageous because these components can be accommodated in the housing base 18g and can thus be shielded. According to additional exemplary embodiments, an additional ground position is provided between this RF front-end position and the feed network position, against which, for example, the short circuit of the stub line 15sd (cf. 15sdk) can be bound. According to an additional exemplary embodiment, two ground layers can also be provided, which are easy to implement in terms of production technology, if one starts from two stacked printed circuit boards. In addition, this double ground layer between the RF front-end layer and the feed network layer also offers shielding advantages.

In the exemplary embodiments, it was assumed that the feed point per radiator element is arranged centrally, for. B. at the outer end of the circle segment. It would of course also be a central arrangement, e.g. B. in the pitch circle segment β possible, which can be realized in terms of production technology by an attached via or a differently soldered leg.

8a and 8b illustrate the antenna gain for two different bands. Here shows Fig. 8a the antenna gain in dBic for 1.16 to 1.30 GHz, while 8b shows the antenna gain in dBic in the range of 1.52 to 1.61 GHz. The RHCP component is illustrated by solid lines, while the LHCP component is illustrated by dashed lines. Good antenna efficiency is achieved if, among other things, there is a sufficient distance between the RHCP and LHCP components.

In both relevant bands or areas of the L-band, a symmetrical reception gain is formed which, depending on the angle, is generally between 0 and +5 dBiC, at least between -60 and + 60 °. In detail, the antenna gain in free space (without ground plane) in the lower frequency range is -3.5 dBic at 10 ° elevation and +2.5 dBic in the zenith; in the upper frequency range the values are between -3.5 and +5 dBic. The cross polarization suppression is better than 15.5 dB (AR≤3 dB) in the entire frequency range.

The relationship is also shown again in the following table: Execution example StdT: Sensor Systems S67-575-86 StdT: AntCom G5Ant-3A4T1-SS Dimensions (without TNC socket), mm Ø89, H25 Ø89, H18 Ø89, H22 Passive antenna gain in dBic @ elevation 10 ... 90 ° L5 & E5 ≥-3.5 k. A. ≥-9.0 L2 ≥-3.5 ≥-2.5 ≥-3.5 E6 ≥-3.5 (50 MHz BB) k. A. ≥-6.5 (20 MHz BB) L1 & E1 ≥-3.5 (50 MHz BB) ≥-2.5 (20 MHz BB) ≥-2.7 (20 MHz BB)

As can be seen from the table above, such antennas are particularly limited in terms of their diameter (<100 or <90 mm).

Fig. 7g shows an implementation of the referential Fig. 7a explained antenna device 10 ". Here, the radiating elements 12a" -12d "are formed by printed circuit boards. Each radiating elements 12a" -12d "has essentially a triangular shape or a triangular shape with flattened corners, so that through the radiator arrangement 12" Rectangle or octagon is formed. The foot elements 12af "-12df" are positioned vertically (generally: angled) along the hypotenuses. These foot elements 12af "-12df" extend over the entire side and are triangular, so that in the central angular region (here at 45 ° between the two cathets) the feeding point is formed by the tip of the dirt / triangular foot element 12af "-12df" that is then connected to the feed point of the feed network 14 ".

Even if it was assumed in the above exemplary embodiments that the antenna arrangement essentially forms a circular segment with four 90 ° segments, it should be noted at this point that the segments are also <(for example 75 °) or generally in the range from 30 to 90 ° can be, in which case either additional elements are provided or the columns 12s are dimensioned larger. It should also be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, it is also not necessary for each element to describe a semicircle, so that the circular line can also be formed by a simple rectilinear boundary line, so that each of the four elements is thus formed by a triangle. An angular boundary line in the sense of a polygon would also be conceivable. In general, it should be noted that any free form would be possible.

With regard to the three-dimensional training, it should be noted that, as in particular with the aid of Fig. 7d it can be seen that each individual element can be bent at the edge area, so that the antenna arrangement as a whole forms a mushroom-shaped structure, for example. On the one hand, this has the purpose that good reception properties can also be made possible on the sides and, on the other hand, is also due to the fact that the desired housing shape causes such a bending of the radiating elements. It should therefore be noted at this point that, according to exemplary embodiments, the elements of the radiator arrangement can be shaped / bent as desired.

As already explained above, the feed network 14 can be implemented on a single-layer or multi-layer printed circuit board or a discrete structure (cf. Fig. 6a ) exhibit.

Even if it was assumed in the above examples that the dielectric body 16k is present as an element to which, for example, the radiating elements 12a to 12d are applied as foils, it should be noted at this point that this can of course also be formed by a plastic cage or the like to achieve the desired dielectric properties. Perforation of the body would also be conceivable. Alternatively, the entire housing could be encapsulated when closing, so that the body is formed later. Possible materials for this carrier are ceramic, PTFE or other non-conductive polymers or generally non-conductive elements.

With regard to the materials for the radiation elements, it should be noted that any sheet metal, such as. B. tinplate (preferably solderable) or metal foils.

Antenna devices explained above are suitable for possible use in military and BOS vehicles (possibly slightly modified), which are to be equipped with PRS modules in the near future.

In addition, the technical field of application of the invention includes positioning and surveying in agriculture and forestry, cadastral surveying, vehicle and machine controls in construction and agriculture, GNSS monitoring systems, aerospace applications.

Further aspects are explained below. One aspect relates to an antenna device with a centrally placed radiator, which according to a further embodiment on a dielectric carrier, such as. B. a polyimide film can be applied. According to exemplary embodiments, its metallization is divided into four equal elements, e.g. B. by a cross-shaped prism. According to an additional exemplary embodiment, each metallization has its own feed point, which is broadband-adapted using a line transformer and at least one short-circuited stub line. The short-circuited stub line in particular forms an integrated protection against static charge. According to further exemplary embodiments, however, instead of this short-circuited stub line or in addition to this short-circuited stub line, a line transformer and at least the current stub line with at least one parallel inductor can be provided, which also enables integrated protection.

As already explained above, the dielectric carrier is optional, with this dielectric filling between the radiator and a circuit board arranged under the radiator serving for increased mechanical stability (kick protection). According to one aspect, the printed circuit board is made of multiple layers, for example a feed network on the top and an RF front end (e.g. comprising filters, LNAs, etc.) on the bottom. One or more inner layers can be provided between these two layers, forming the mass.

These features advantageously enable a broadband GNSS antenna to be implemented starting from the limited installation space, for example 89 x 25 mm or generally <90 mm in diameter and <30 mm in height.

According to exemplary embodiments, a GNSS antenna with the above antenna device and a corresponding housing is thus created.

referenced documents

1. [1] K. Fletcher (ed.), "GNSS Data Processing, Vol. I: Fundamentals and Algorithms", ESA Communications, ESA TM-23/1, May 2013
2. [2] Sensor Systems: Data sheet S67-1575-86
3. [3] AntCom: Data sheet G5Ant-3A4T1-SS
4. [4] B. Rama Rao et al "Compact Co-Planar Dual-Band Microstrip Patch Antennas for Modernized GPS", https://www.mitre.org/publications/technical-papers/compact-coplanardualband-microstrip-patch-antennas-for- modernized-gps
5. [5] Xi Chen et al "High-Efficiency Compact Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna With Wide Beamwidth for Airborne Communication", IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propag. Letters, vol. 15, 2016
6. [6] Xi Chen et al "Low-cost 3D Printed Compact Circularly Polarized Antenna with High Efficiency and Wide Beamwidth", In Proceedings of the International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications (ICEAA) 2016
7. [7] CN 105811099 A (EN: Small satellite navigation antenna and anti-multipath interference cavity thereof)
8. [8th] A. Popugaev "Miniaturized microstrip circuits consisting of composite quarter-circle rings" PhD thesis, N&H Verlag, Erlangen, 2014

Claims (15)

Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") with the following features
a radiator arrangement (12, 12 ") in an upper plane in the radiation / reception direction (12r); and
a feed network (14, 14 ") arranged in a lower plane in the radiation / reception direction (12r);
the radiator arrangement (12, 12 ") comprising at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which are arranged at a distance from one another by columns (12s) in the upper plane to form a quadrant structure, each of the four elements (12a, 12b , 12c, 12d) comprises, at least in a central angular range (β), a foot element which extends from the upper level in the direction of the lower level and forms a feed point (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds) over which each element has a corresponding feed point of the feed network (14as, 14bs, 14cs, 14ds) is connected. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to claim 1, wherein the radiator arrangement (12, 12") and the feed network (14, 14 ") are arranged in alignment with one another and / or wherein the radiator arrangement (12, 12") and that Feed network (14, 14 ") have a round shape. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are identical elements. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprise circular segments, 90 ° circular segments, triangles and / or polygons. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radiator arrangement (12, 12") is symmetrical, rotationally symmetrical, point-symmetrically single or twice mirror-symmetrical. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are formed by circular segments which can each be subdivided into three equal circular segment segments, the middle of the three Partial circle segments includes the central angular range (β); or
wherein each of the at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is formed by circular segments and the base element or the feed point (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds) is arranged along half the angle of the circular segment. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a dielectric carrier (16) is arranged between the plane of the radiator arrangement (12, 12") and the plane of the feed network (14, 14 "). Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least four elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) each by sheet metal, printed circuit boards, bent sheets, a film, a metallized dielectric film or a combination thereof are shaped. The antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to claim 8, wherein each of the at least four base elements is formed by a nose (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds) or unfolded nose on an outside of the respective element or arcuate line of the respective element, wherein the nose or unfolded nose forms the respective feed point (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds), which is connected to the corresponding feed point of the feed network (14as, 14bs, 14cs, 14ds). Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed network (14, 14 ") is formed on a single-layer or multi-layer printed circuit board arrangement. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to claim 10, wherein the multi-layer circuit board arrangement comprises a feed network layer and an RF front end layer with an intermediate ground layer, or
the multilayer arrangement comprising a feed network layer and an RF front-end layer with an intermediate double mass layer. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed network (14, 14") per feed point (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds) comprises a stub line (15sd) short-circuited to ground. Antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed network (14, 14") comprises at least one of the elements from the group comprising a line transformer (15lt), a Wilkinson coupler and a delay line, or
the feed network (14, 14 ") per feed point (12as, 12bs, 12cs, 12ds) comprising at least one of the elements from the group comprising a line transformer (15lt), a Wilkinson coupler and a delay line. GNSS antenna with: a housing (18g, 18d); and an antenna device (10, 10 ', 10 ") embedded in the housing. GNSS antenna, the GNSS antenna being round and / or the GNSS antenna having a maximum diameter of 100 mm.

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