EP3747084B1 - Circuit assembly - Google Patents

Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a circuit arrangement for feeding an antenna structure and to an antenna arrangement with a corresponding circuit arrangement. Preferred embodiments relate to an extended bandwidth feed network for dual and single circularly polarizing antenna structures.

For many applications, circular polarization offers the advantage that polarization tracking can be dispensed with. For example, global navigation systems (GNSS) signals are right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP). In this context, on 6 referenced, which represents the GNSS signals in the L-band. The bands of the individual GNSS systems (GPS—marked with the reference character L, GLONASS—marked with the reference character G, Galileo—marked with the reference character E and Beidou—marked with the reference character B) are made recognizable with different hatchings.

In some interference scenarios, e.g. in the presence of strong multipath interference or when using spoofing attacks, an additional evaluation of the orthogonally polarized components can make the GNSS reception more robust and reliable. The orthogonally polarized component is, for example, left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP).

In the prior art, this is made possible, for example, by using an additional LHCP antenna. Alternatively, an additional output for the LHCP component or a dual circularly polarized antenna can be used. The latter is particularly advantageous for reasons of cost and size.

From the patent literature U.S. 7,852,279 a phasing module is known, this includes 180-degree and 90-degree hybrids. Furthermore, on the disclosure document U.S. 2007/293150 A1 , U.S. 2008/316131 A1 and U.S. 2016/020521 A1 to point out. Another release is known under the title "Hybridline and Couplerline". In addition, the publication "Polarization diversity cavity back reconfigurable array antenna for C-band application" constitutes another prior art disclosure. In addition, be on the US5784032A referred.

Numerous variants of the feed networks for single (RHCP or LHCP) circularly polarized antennas, e.g. B. known with cardioid-shaped directional characteristics. Such cardioid-shaped directional characteristics in TM11 mode, for example in Figure 7c shown. Depending on the design of the radiator (whether symmetrical or asymmetrical), the excitation takes place at one, two or four feed points.

Of particular interest are antennas with four-point feeding, as such relatively large bandwidths not only allow for impedance matching, but also for the shape of the directional characteristic, the polarization behavior (axis ratio of the polarization ellipse) and the phase center variation (essential for high-quality GNSS antennas). In Figures 7a and 7b a broadband representative of antennas with four-point feed is shown (cf. [2] and [3]), while the figs 7d-7f Show multi-band configurations (cf. [4] and [5]), which follow with reference to Fig. 7g be explained.

Fig. 7g Figure 1 illustrates a feed network architecture 1 for single circularly polarized antennas (four-point feed for an RHCP network). The feed network 1 comprises a first quadrature hybrid 12, which is arranged on the input side of the feed network 1 (cf. input 1e) and a second and a third quadrature hybrid 14 and 16, which are arranged on the output side (cf. antenna outputs 1a1, 1a2, 1a3 and 1a4). Each of these quadrature hybrids 12, 14 and 16 includes two inputs 12e1 and 12e2 or 14e1 and 14e2 or 16e1 and 16e2 and two outputs 12a1 and 12a2 or 14a1 and 14a2 or 16a1 and 16a2. Each quadrature hybrid can forward a signal received via one of the inputs 12e1 to 16e2 with a phase offset at one of the outputs 12a1 to 16a1 and without a phase offset to another of the outputs 12a2 to 16a2.

The feed network 1 has the quadrature hybrid 12 at the input 1e, which is connected via the quadrature hybrid 14 to the outputs 1a1 and 1a2. Furthermore, the quadrature hybrid 12 is connected via the hybrid 16 to the outputs 1a3 and 1a4. In detail: the first quadrature hybrid 12 is arranged on the input side and receives an RHCP signal via the output 12e1, the second output 12e2 being to be regarded as terminated (cf. terminating resistor 5). The quadrature hybrid 12 forwards the RHCP signal to the output 12a1 with a phase offset of 90 degrees and to the output 12a2 with no phase offset. The output 12a1 is connected to the input 14e1 of the second quadrature hybrid 14 via a delay line 7 (90 degree phase shift delay). The second input of the quadrature hybrid 14, namely the input 14e2, is terminated (cf. terminating resistor 5). The outputs of the second quadrature hybrid 14 are connected to the outputs 1a1 and 1a2 (14a1 to 1a1 and 14a2 to 1a2). one of the two outputs 14a1 and 14a2, namely the output 14a2 added another phase shift of 90 degrees. As a result of the phase shift of the first quadrature hybrid 12 by 90 degrees, the phase shift of the delay line 97 degrees and following the phase shift of the output 14a2 (90 degree output), the signal at the output 1a2 is phase shifted by 270 degrees, while the output signal at the 0 degree output 14a1 , which is connected to antenna output 1a1, is 180 degrees out of phase. The third quadrature hybrid 16 is coupled with its input 16e1 to the output 12a2 of the first quadrature hybrid 12, while the second input 16e2 is terminated (cf. terminating resistor 5). Outputs 14a1 (0 degree output) and 16a2 (90 degree output) are coupled to antenna outputs 1a3 and 1a4 (16a1 to 1a3 and 16a2 to 1a4). As a result of this arrangement, the RHCP signal is phase-shifted by 0 degrees at the output 1a3, while it is phase-shifted by 90 degrees at the output 1a4 (shift is effected by the third quadrature hybrid 16).

Using this four-point feed network 1 explained here, for example, the Figures 7a and 7b antenna shown can be operated if hybrid couplers are used that are suitable for operation in the entire GNSS frequency range in the L-band (cf. 6 ) are designed. Such quadrature hybrids (designed for 1200-1600 MHz) are disclosed in [6].

In contrast to the feed network topology Fig. 7g only very few topologies are known which enable the feeding of dual circularly polarized antenna structures.

Fig. 7h shows a feed network topology with RHCP and LHCP mode. A two-point supply is assumed here. The feed network 2 off Fig. 7h includes an input 2e designed for LHCP and RHCP signals and two outputs 2a1 and 2a2. A quadrature hybrid 12 is connected in between. In this quadrature hybrid 12, LHCP signals are received via the input 12e1, while RHCP signals are received via the input 12e2. The output 12a1 (90 degree output) is connected to the antenna output 2a2, while the output 12a2 (0 degree output) is connected to the antenna output 2a2. The power is divided into equal parts (each -3 dB in the ideal case) with the help of the quadrature hybrid 12 with a phase shift of ∓ 90 degrees. The quadrature hybrid from [6] can be used here. The resulting amplitude occupancy and phase occupancy is in Figure 7i shown, starting with the quadrature hybrid from [6].

Figure 7i above shows the magnitude (magnitude) plotted against frequency, while 7i below shows the transmission parameter phase plotted against frequency. The complex transmission factor argument S41 at the center frequency fo is denoted by -θ ₀ . However, the achievable bandwidth of patch antennas fed in this way with regard to the shape of the directional characteristic and cross-polarization suppression is significantly lower than a four-point fed antenna with, for example, the feed network 1 from Fig. 7g . Even in the case of multi-band stack patch antennas, the bandwidth is only a few percent.

Therefore, there is a need for feeder networks that are equally broadband and capable of RHCP and LHCP operation.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a feed network that has an improved compromise between broadband capability and flexibility.

The object is solved by a circuit arrangement according to the appended claims.

Illustrative embodiments not claimed provide circuitry for feeding an antenna structure. The circuit arrangement includes a first input for LHCP signals, a second input for RHCP signals and four antenna outputs. The circuit network has a first, a second, a third quadrature hybrid and at least two delay lines between the inputs and outputs. The first quadrature hybrid is input-coupled to the first and second inputs and output-coupled to the second and third quadrature hybrids. The second quadrature hybrid is coupled to two of the four antenna outputs on the output side, with the third quadrature hybrid being coupled to two more of the four antenna outputs on the output side. The at least two delay lines are connected to two of the four antenna outputs, e.g. B. provided on the second and third or on the first and fourth.

The illustrative, non-claimed exemplary embodiments are based on the finding that a circuit arrangement with at least three quadrature hybrids and at least two delay lines can be used to create a feed network with two predefined signal paths which (first) has an extended bandwidth and (second) is suitable for both dual (first and second path) as well as simply circularly polarizing (First or second path) antenna structures can be used. In this respect, the disadvantages discussed with regard to the prior art are avoided in their entirety. Due to the small number of components, the feed network is also easy to set up. According to the preferred embodiment, the feed network is designed to drive antennas with up to four feed points.

According to one embodiment, the second quadrature hybrid can be output-coupled directly to the first of the four antenna outputs and the quadrature hybrid can be output-coupled directly to the fourth of the four antenna outputs. Corresponding to further exemplary embodiments, delay lines are then provided for coupling the third and fourth antenna output to the second and the third quadrature hybrid.

Embodiments of the invention provide a circuit arrangement with five quadrature hybrids. This circuit arrangement is based on the basic topology explained above, with the fourth of the five quadrature hybrids and the fifth of the five quadrature hybrids being connected in series and connected on the input side to an output of the second and third quadrature hybrids in such a way that the second and third quadrature hybrids is coupled to the antenna outputs 2 and 3 via the fourth and fifth quadrature hybrid. In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the delay lines are then provided at antenna outputs 1 and 4 or alternatively also at antenna outputs 2 and 3 or at all four antenna outputs. This variant of the feed network is the multi-layer structure allows the application of the same with special types of antennas such. B. aperture-coupled antennas with an annular slot.

In all of the above exemplary embodiments, one with two inputs and two outputs can be used as the first, second, third, and also as the fourth and fifth quadrature hybrid. On the input side, the first quadrature hybrid forms the first input for LHCP signals with its first input and the second input for RHCP signals with its second input. On the output side, one input each of the second and third quadrature hybrid are coupled via the two outputs of the first quadrature hybrid. According to further exemplary embodiments, the respective other input of the second and third quadrature hybrid is terminated by means of a terminating resistor. According to one embodiment, the outputs of the quadrature hybrid or the Quadrature hybrids themselves are designed in such a way that they generate a phase shift at 0 degrees at one of the outputs and generate a phase shift at 90 degrees at another of the two outputs when the signals are forwarded from the input side to the output side. Another variant with five quadrature hybrids, for example, has the fourth quadrature hybrid coupled to the 0 degree output of the second and third quadrature hybrids.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the circuit arrangement is designed to be operated in RHCP mode and in LHCP mode. In RHCP mode, the second quadrature hybrid receives a signal 90 degrees offset by the first quadrature hybrid from the first quadrature hybrid, while the third quadrature hybrid receives a signal 0 degrees offset from the first quadrature hybrid from the first quadrature hybrid. Conversely, in LHCP mode, the third quadrature hybrid receives a signal 90 degrees offset from the first quadrature hybrid, and the second quadrature hybrid receives a signal 0 degrees offset from the first quadrature hybrid. According to further exemplary embodiments, the first input is terminated by means of a terminating resistor in RHCP mode, with the second input being terminated by means of a terminating resistor in LHCP mode.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to an antenna arrangement with, for example, four feed points and a circuit arrangement as has been explained above.

Fig. 1

ein schematisches Blockdiagramm einer Schaltungsanordnung zur Vier-Punkt-Speisung gemäß einem illustrativen, nicht beanspruchten Basisausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2a, 2b

schematische Diagramme zur Illustration mit Transmissionsparametern der Schaltungsanordnung aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3a-c

schematische Blockdiagramme von Schaltungsanordnungen gemäß verschiedenenAusführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 4a, 4b

schematische Blockdiagramme zur Illustration der unterschiedlichen Modi (RHCP und LHCP) mit der Schaltungsanordnung aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4c, 4d

schematische Diagramme zur Illustration der Transmissionsparameter der Schaltungsanordnung aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 5a, 5b

schematische Darstellungen von Antennen zum Betrieb mit einer Schaltungsanordnung nach Fig. 1a, nach Fig. 3a, 3b oder 3c gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 5c

vier schematische, normierte Richtdiagramme zur Illustration der Abstrahlcharakteristik bei Einsatz des neuen Speisenetzwerks gemäß obigen Ausführungsbeispielen;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Illustration der GNSS-Signale im L-Band; und

Fig. 7a-7i

schematische Blockdiagramme und Diagramme zur Diskussion des Stands der Technik.

Further developments are defined in the dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and show:

1

a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement for four-point feeding according to an illustrative, non-claimed basic embodiment;

Figures 2a, 2b

schematic diagrams for illustration with transmission parameters of the circuit arrangement 1 ;

Fig. 3a-c

schematic block diagrams of circuit arrangements according to various embodiments;

Figures 4a, 4b

schematic block diagrams to illustrate the different modes (RHCP and LHCP) with the circuit arrangement Figure 3a ;

Figures 4c, 4d

schematic diagrams to illustrate the transmission parameters of the circuit arrangement Figure 3a ;

Figures 5a, 5b

schematic representations of antennas for operation with a circuit arrangement according to FIG. 1a, after Figure 3a , 3b or 3c according to embodiments;

Figure 5c

four schematic, normalized directional diagrams to illustrate the radiation characteristics when using the new feed network according to the above exemplary embodiments;

6

a schematic illustration of the GNSS signals in the L-band; and

Figures 7a-7i

schematic block diagrams and diagrams for discussion of the prior art.

Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that elements and structures that have the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols, so that the description of them can be used interchangeably or with one another.

1 shows a circuit arrangement 10 with two inputs 10e1 and 10e2 and four outputs 10a1 to 10a4. The circuit arrangement 10 also has a total of three quadrature hybrids 12 to 16 . The first quadrature hybrid 12 is arranged on the input side, ie at the inputs 10e1 and 10e2, while the third and fourth quadrature hybrid 14 and 16 are arranged on the output side.

The quadrature hybrids 14 and 16 are directly coupled to the outputs 12a1 and 12a2 of the first quadrature hybrid 14 with one of their inputs (14e1 and 16e1, respectively). In detail, the second quadrature hybrid 14 connects the output 12a1 of the first quadrature hybrid to the output 10a1 and the output 10a3, while the third quadrature hybrid 16 connects the output 12a2 of the first quadrature hybrid 12 to the outputs 10a2 and 10a4 couples. The respective second input 14e2 or 16e2 is terminated via a terminating resistor (eg 50 ohm and 50 ohm system).

In this illustrative, not claimed exemplary embodiment, a delay line 7 with a specific length, on which the delay depends, is provided between the second quadrature hybrid 14 and the third antenna output 10a1 and between the third quadrature hybrid 16 and the second antenna output 10a1. The antenna outputs 2 and 3 or 10a2 and 10a3 are coupled via the quadrature hybrid output 14a2 or 16a2, which is phase-shifted by 90 degrees, with the delay line 7 connected in between. The antenna outputs 1 and 4 or 10a1 and 10a4 directly connected.

Depending on whether the input 10e1 (an LHCP signal formed via the quadrature hybrid input 12e1) or the input 10e2 (an RHCP signal formed via the quadrature hybrid input 12e1) is applied, the feed network shown here can be in the RHCP or in the LHCP mode can be operated as will be explained below. In accordance with illustrative, non-claimed exemplary embodiments, the respective other input 12e1 or 12e2 is then terminated accordingly with a terminating resistor. If, for example, an RHCP signal is present at input 10e2 or 12e2, this is phase-shifted by quadrature hybrid 12 at output 12a1 by 90 degrees, and quadrature hybrid 14 then forwards it once directly to output 10a1 via output 14a1 and to the another phase shifted by 90 degrees via the output 14a2 to the delay line 7 (90 degree delay). These carry out a further phase offset, so that as a result a signal which is phase-offset by 270 degrees is then present at the output 10a3. The second signal strand, starting from the first quadrature hybrid 12, runs via the 0-degree phase-shifted input 12a2 to the third quadrature hybrid 16, which forwards the signal completely undelayed at the 0-degree output 16a1 to the antenna output 10a4, via the 90-degree output 16a2 of the quadrature hybrid 16 the signal is forwarded to the delay element 7 (90 degree delay). This delays again, so that a signal delayed by 180 degrees is then present at the second antenna output 10a2. In LHCP mode (a signal is present at input 10e1 or 12e1), the phase shifts at outputs 12a1 and 12a2 are swapped, namely so that output 12a1 forms the 0 degree output and output 12a2 forms the 90 degree output. As a result, there is then a 90 degree phase-shifted signal (phase shift due to the first quadrature hybrid 12) at the output 10a4 at the output 10a3 a 180 degree phase offset signal (phase offset by the second quadrature hybrid 14 and the delay line 7), at the output 10a2 a 270 degree phase offset signal (90 degree phase offset by the delay line 7, 90 degree phase offset by the third quadrature hybrid 16 and 90 degrees Phase offset by the first quadrature hybrid 12) and an output 10a1 a 0 degree phase-shifted signal (transmission via 0 degree output at 12 and 14). Overall, the arrangement 10 and the interconnection of its components 7, 12, 14 and 16 and 10a1-10a4 can be considered symmetrical. It should be noted here that, of course, it would also be possible to apply RHCP to 10e1 and LHCP to 10e2 in reverse.

Because of its symmetry, the architecture 10 is also suitable for feeding dual circularly polarized antennas. If one assumes that broadband hybrids 12, 14 and 16 are used, correspondingly large bandwidths can also be achieved, above all with regard to the shape of the directional characteristic and cross-polarization suppression. For example, look at the diagrams Figures 2a and 2b referred.

Figure 2a shows the absolute value or the magnitude plotted against the frequency while Figure 2b shows the phase plotted against the frequency. As can be seen, the magnitude of the antenna outputs, which is identified by the reference symbol S31-S61, is constant, which enables broadband in comparison to diagram 7i explained above. S21 illustrates the coupling between the inputs 10e1 and 10e2 (between -25 and -38 dB, ie isolation between +25 and +28 dB).

Figure 3a shows a further circuit arrangement 10 'with the inputs 10e1, 10e2 and the outputs 10a1 to 10a4. The circuit arrangement 10' has the two quadrature hybrids 12, 14 and 16 and two additional quadrature hybrids 18 and 20 which are coupled to the outputs 14a1 and 16a1 (respectively zero phase outputs) with the inputs 18e1 and 18e2 of the fourth quadrature hybrid 18. The fifth quadrature hybrid 20 has its inputs 20e1 and 20e2 coupled to the outputs 18a1 and 18a2. With regard to the connection between the second and first quadrature hybrids 14, 12 and the third and first quadrature hybrids 16 and 12, refer to the statements made in connection with the illustrative, non-claimed embodiment 1 referred. Analogous to the illustrative, non-claimed embodiment 1 the inputs 14e2 and 16e2 are terminated using terminating resistors 5. On the output side, the quadrature couplers 14 are each connected to the outputs via a delay line 7', here, for example, a 180-degree delay line (in the ideal case, when θ ₀ =0). 10a1 and 10a4 coupled. Conversely, the outputs 10a2 and 10a3 are directly connected to the outputs 20a1, 20a2. The circuit arrangement 10' is off in comparison to the circuit arrangement 10 1 supplemented with a cross coupler consisting of two cascaded hybrids. This variant also offers how the four-point feed network 1 the possibility of supplying a broadband GNSS antenna in RHCP and LHCP mode via four feed points. This more complex circuit 10' is preferably used when the circuit variant 10 cannot be used without further ado, e.g. B. in the case of an aperture-coupled antenna with an annular slot. In this respect, the somewhat more complex feed network arrangement 10' is the better choice for some applications.

Figure 3b shows a feed network 10" (intermediate step, narrow-band design), which is essentially comparable to the feed network 10', in particular with regard to the quadrature hybrids 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. The difference lies in the fact that the delay elements 7' are not arranged at the outputs 10a1 and 10a4, but at the outputs 10a2 and 10a3 At this point it should be noted that here again 180 degree delay elements (representing the ideal case when θ ₀ =0) are used.

3c shows another feed network topology 10‴, which is comparable to the feed network topology 10‴, although delay lines 7‴, here 360 degree delay lines, are provided at the outputs 10a1 and 10a4. These are used for additional transit time compensation, which is particularly important for the broadband operation of such cross-coupled , cascaded hybrids The feed network topology 10‴ is equivalent to 10', with all four delay lines shortened by (180°-2θ ₀ ) each.

In the Figure 4a and 4b is based on the circuit topology 10' Figure 3a the RHCP mode as well as the LHCP mode are illustrated. In RHCP mode (cf. Figure 4a ) the signal is received via the input 12e2, while the input 12e1 is terminated by means of the terminating resistor 5. The RHCP signal is then phase-shifted by 90 degrees at the output 12a1 and at the output 14a1, and phase-shifted by 180 degrees at the delay element 7', in order to then be output as a 63-degree signal at the output 10a1. It is available as a 90-degree phase-shifted signal at the output 14a2 and is then output as a 180-degree signal at the output 10a3, starting from the double displacement by the hybrids 18 and 20. The signal provided as 0 degrees at the output 12a2 is supplied as a 0 degree signal to the hybrids 18 and 20 and, after a single phase shift, is output as a 90 degree signal at the output 10a2. This 0 degree signal of the output 12a2 is provided phase-shifted by the hybrid 16 at the output 16a2 as a 90 degree phase-shifted signal and, after phase shift by the element 7', at the output 10a4 as a 270-degree signal. This results in a right-turning signal, as illustrated by the arrows.

Figure 4b illustrated the LHCP mode, in which the LHCP signal is retained at the input 12e1. Here the input 12E2 is terminated with the terminating resistor 5. Based on this signal, there is a phase shift of 0 degrees at the output 12a1, a phase shift of 90 degrees at the output 14a1, and a further phase shift of 180 degrees through the delay element 7', so that the signal then appears as a 270-degree signal at the Output 10a1 is provided. The signal from output 12a1 is forwarded to input 14a2 as a 0 degree signal and then, after a single phase shift, is sent to output 10a3 as a 90 degree signal for guidance. The hybrid 12 forwards the signal as a 90 degree signal to the output 12a2, which is then also made available to the hybrids 18 and 20 as a 90 degree signal at the output 16a1. This results in a further 90 degree phase shift, so that a 180 degree signal is then present at the output 10a2. A 360-degree signal is present at the output 10a4, which is made up of the fact that the signal at the output 12a2 undergoes a 90-degree phase shift and a further 90-degree phase shift at the output 16a2. The delay element 7' at the output 10a4 results in an additional shift of 180 degrees. As illustrated by the case, as a result of this interconnection, it is a left-handed control.

In the Figures 4c and 4d are the resulting transmission characteristics for the RHCP mode (cf. Figure 4a ) of the circuit arrangement Figure 3a illustrated. How based on Figure 4c can be seen, the amplitude at the outputs 10a1-10a4 is almost constant over the frequency range under consideration. The phases at the outputs also decrease linearly, with a phase shift of 360 degrees at the frequency of 1.35 GHz being recorded at the output 10a2.

The switching networks 10, 10', 10'', 10' explained above can all be decorated inside or outside of a ring slot and are, for example, on two-sided printed circuit boards feasible. Figures 5a and 5b show two representations in an active dual circularly polarized GNSS antenna with a feed network 10' on the underside (cf. Figure 5b ). The antenna comprises a ground disk 100, a centrally arranged surface radiator 102, which is fastened opposite the ground plate 100 via four folded corners 102e. In addition, the ground plane 100 also has parasitic elements 104 surrounding the surface radiator 102 . Firstly, the antenna system shown here has an extended bandwidth in terms of impedance matching, and also enables better decoupling of the ports, shape of the directional characteristic, cross-polarization suppression and phase center stability. The four-point feed network is also compact, as shown in particular Figure 5b becomes evident. Due to the good HF properties, simple, mechanically stable radiator configurations that can be produced inexpensively are possible (e.g. broadband sheet metal radiators, as described here in Figure 5a are shown (without complex balun networks).

every inside Figure 5a The antenna shown is fully polarimetric. As in particular when comparing the Figure 5c , which shows the normalized directional diagrams of the GNSS antenna with a switching network according to an embodiment (RHCP path) for a feed network according to embodiments, with the diagrams from FIG Figure 5c becomes clear, the feed network variant has somewhat better polarization properties according to exemplary embodiments.

Areas of application for the feed networks explained above are two-port GNSS antennas for positioning, for measurements and navigation, e.g. B. the radiator concept according to [2]. In general, however, all GNSS signals in the L-band (cf. 6 ) supports. Possible versions are dual transmitter/receiver (combined RHCP and LHCP operation), but also transmitter/receiver for individual operation of only RHCP. In this case the LHCP output is terminated with a matched load. Likewise, only LHCP operation is conceivable, in which case the RHCP input is terminated by means of a load.

At this point it should be noted with regard to the above exemplary embodiments that the delay elements 7, 7', 7' explained above or the delay lines 7, 7', 7' have different delays depending on the argument θ ₀ , such as, for example, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees or some other delay. In this case, according to exemplary embodiments, the delay is determined by the length of the delay line.

In the above exemplary embodiments, it was discussed with regard to the arrangement of the delay lines that these can be arranged either at the outputs 10a1 and 10a4 or 10a2 and 10a3 or also at all four outputs 10a1-10a4. Other pairings would also be conceivable.

According to exemplary embodiments, the switching networks explained above are designed symmetrically, with each switching network having a first path for RHCP signals and a second path for LHCP signals, and each path drives the outputs either to the left (LHCP) with a 90 degree phase offset or to the right around (RHCP) with a phase shift of 90 degrees. In this respect, a further exemplary embodiment of operating methods is created accordingly. This includes the central step of using at least one of the two possible paths of the feed network.

Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it is understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also constitute a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by hardware apparatus (or using a hardware Apparatus), such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some illustrative, non-claimed embodiments, some or more of the major process steps may be performed by such an apparatus.

Illustrative non-claimed embodiments may be implemented in hardware or in software depending on particular implementation requirements. Implementation can be performed using a digital storage medium such as a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or FLASH memory, hard disk or other magnetic or optical memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored, which can interact or interact with a programmable computer system in such a way that the respective method is carried out. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer-readable.

Thus, some illustrative non-claimed embodiments include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system to perform any of the methods described herein.

In general, illustrative non-claimed embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product having program code, where the program code is operable to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer.

The program code can also be stored on a machine-readable medium, for example.

Other illustrative non-claimed embodiments include the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, the computer program being stored on a machine-readable medium.

In other words, an illustrative non-claimed embodiment is thus a computer program having program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

A further illustrative embodiment not claimed is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

Thus, another illustrative embodiment not claimed is a data stream or sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals can be configured, for example, via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet to be transferred.

Another illustrative, non-claimed embodiment includes a processing device, such as a computer or programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

Another illustrative embodiment not claimed includes a computer on which the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein is installed.

Another illustrative, non-claimed embodiment includes an apparatus or system configured to transmit to a recipient a computer program for performing at least one of the methods described herein. The transmission can take place electronically or optically, for example. For example, the recipient may be a computer, mobile device, storage device, or similar device. The device or the system can, for example, comprise a file server for transmission of the computer program to the recipient.

In some illustrative non-claimed embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array, an FPGA) may be used to perform some or all of the functionality of the methods described herein. In some illustrative, unclaimed embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, in some illustrative non-claimed embodiments, the methods are performed by any hardware device. This can be hardware that can be used universally, such as a computer processor (CPU), or hardware that is specific to the method, such as an ASIC.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations to the arrangements and details described herein will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

At this point it should be noted that the above exemplary embodiments only describe the functionality by way of illustration and the scope of protection is determined by the subsequent patent claims.

credentials

1. [1] K. Fletcher (ed.), "GNSS Data Processing, Vol. I: Fundamentals and Algorithms", ESA Communications, ESA TM-23/1, May 2013
2. [2] DE 10 2007 004 612 B4
3. [3] A. Popugaev, L. Weisgerber "An Efficient Design Technique for Direction-Finding Antenna Arrays", in Proceedings of IEEE-APS Topical Conference on Antennas and Propagation in Wireless Communications (APWC), Aruba, 2014
4. [4] EP 2 702 634 B1
5. [5] US 9,520,651 B2
6. [6] Datasheet XC1400P-03S, Anaren
7. [7] US 2007/0254587 A1
8. [8th] A. Popugaev, "Miniaturized micro-stripline circuits consisting of compound quadrant rings", N&H Verlag, Erlangen, 2014 (doctoral thesis, TU Ilmenau ).

Claims (13)

1. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) for feeding an antenna structure, comprising:

   a first input (10e1) for LHCP signals, a second input (10e2) for RHCP signals;

   four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4);

   a first quadrature hybrid (12);

   second and third quadrature hybrids (14, 16), and

   at least two delay lines (7, 7');

   wherein the first quadrature hybrid (12) is coupled, on the input side, to the first and second inputs (10e1, 10e2) and is coupled, on the output side, to the second and third quadrature hybrids (14, 16),

   wherein the second quadrature hybrid (14) is coupled, on the output side, to two of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4), and wherein the third quadrature hybrid (16) is coupled, on the output side, to two further ones of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4);

   wherein the at least two delay lines (7, 7') are arranged at at least two of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4),

   wherein the circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) comprises fourth and fifth quadrature hybrids (18, 20) connected in series, the fourth quadrature hybrid (18) being connected, on the input side, to the second quadrature hybrid (14) and to the third quadrature hybrid (16).
2. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second quadrature hybrid (14) is coupled, on the output side, to the first of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4), and the third quadrature hybrid (16) is coupled, on the output side, to the fourth of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4).
3. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the first, second and third quadrature hybrids (12, 14, 16) each comprise two inputs.
4. Circuitry (10, 10', 10", 10‴) as claimed in claim 3, including a first termination resistor (5) and a second termination resistor (5), wherein one of the two inputs (10e1, 10e2) of the second quadrature hybrid (14) is coupled to the first termination resistor (5), and wherein one of the two inputs (10e1, 10e2) of the third quadrature hybrid (16) is coupled to the second termination resistor (5).
5. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein each quadrature hybrid (12,14,16,18,20) comprises two outputs (10e1, 10e2), the second quadrature hybrid (14) being configured to generate a phase offset of 0 degrees at one of the two outputs (10e1, 10e2) and to generate a phase offset of 90 degrees at the other of the two outputs (10e1, 10e2).
6. Circuitry (10, 10', 10", 10‴) as claimed in claim 5, wherein one of the at least two delay lines (7, 7′) connects the output (12a1, 12a2, 14a1, 14a2, 16a1, 16a2), offset by 90 degrees, of the second quadrature hybrid (14) to one of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4), whereas another one of the at least two delay lines (7, 7') connects the output (12a1, 12a2, 14a1, 14a2, 16a1, 16a2), offset by 90 degrees, of the third quadrature hybrid (16) to a further one of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4).
7. Circuitry (10, 10', 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth quadrature hybrid (18) is connected to outputs (10e1, 10e2), offset by 0 degrees in each case, of the second and third quadrature hybrids (14, 16).
8. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10", 10‴) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fifth quadrature hybrid (20) is connected, on the output side, to the second and third of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4).
9. Circuitry (10, 10', 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in claim 8, the circuitry (10, 10′, 10", 10‴) including two further delay lines (7, 7') arranged between the fifth quadrature hybrid (20) and the second of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4) and between the fifth quadrature hybrid (20) and the third of the four antenna outputs (10a1, 10a2, 10a3, 10a4), respectively.
10. Circuitry (10,10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in any of the previous claims, the circuitry (10, 10', 10", 10‴) being configured to be operated in the RHCP mode and in the LHCP mode.
11. Circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in claim 11, wherein in the RHCP mode, the second quadrature hybrid (14) is configured to obtain, from the first quadrature hybrid (12), a signal offset by 90 degrees by the first quadrature hybrid (12), and the third quadrature hybrid (16) is configured to obtain, from the first quadrature hybrid (12), a signal offset by 0 degrees by the first quadrature hybrid (12);
    wherein in the LHCP mode, the third quadrature hybrid (16) is configured to obtain, from the first quadrature hybrid (12), a signal offset by 90 degrees by the first quadrature hybrid (12), and the second quadrature hybrid (14) is configured to obtain, from the first quadrature hybrid (12), a signal offset by 0 degrees by the first quadrature hybrid (12).
12. Circuitry (10,10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in claims 10 or 11, including a third termination resistor (5) and a fourth termination resistor (5), wherein in the RHCP mode, the first input (10e1) is terminated by means of the third termination resistor (5), and wherein in the LHCP mode, the second input (10e2) is terminated by means of the fourth termination resistor (5).
13. Antenna arrangement comprising:

    an antenna structure comprising four feeding points;

    a circuitry (10, 10′, 10ʺ, 10‴) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, the four outputs (12a1, 12a2, 14a1, 14a2, 16a1, 16a2) being connected to the four feeding points of the antenna structure.

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