JP2007243697A - Waveguide forming apparatus, pin structure, and high frequency circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waveguide forming apparatus, a pin structure, and a high frequency circuit which can optimize a circuit part and has high versatility. <P>SOLUTION: The waveguide is formed by first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 in cooperation with a plurality of control pins 2, and freely and easily changes a variable high frequency circuit forming part by displacing the waveguide from a down state that the respective pins 2 are transcribed in (Z1) to an upper state that they are transcribed in (Z2). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waveguide forming device, a pin structure, and a high-frequency circuit, and more particularly to a technique suitably applied to high-frequency circuit components such as an antenna and a filter circuit.

  In recent years, research on software defined radio has been actively conducted (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). For example, by changing the configuration by replacing the existing software of the portable terminal, the portable terminal can be changed to a multi-mode such as a car navigation device or a terrestrial television receiving terminal. To realize this software radio technology, field programmable gate array (abbreviated as FPGA) is scaled up, digital signal processor (abbreviated as DSP) is speeded up, reconfigurable processor (abbreviated as RCP) is put into practical use, A / Advances in speeding up of D (analog / digital) / D / A (digital / analog) converters and speeding up of data transfer interfaces have greatly contributed (for example, see Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  With regard to the practical application of software defined radio, the FPGA contributes greatly and has become the core technology. However, the FPGA is designed to support various modulation / demodulation processes by freely changing the process itself of the digitized signal using a procrambling circuit. It is requested.

  However, since it is difficult to make the broadband antenna necessary for this and the center frequency and passband of the filter programmable, it is necessary to prepare a filter bank and switch a plurality of filters as necessary. A direct conversion method has also been studied (see Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3686736 Japanese Patent No. 3439973 Japanese Patent No. 3517097 JP 11-284409 A Japanese Patent No. 3420474 Oki Technical Review October 2005 / No.204 Vol.72 No.4 P80-85 IEICE Technical Report ED2005-116, OME2005-42 (2005-09) P45-50

  In the prior art, the radio band, that is, high-frequency circuit components such as an antenna and a filter, are limited in pass band or are selectively used by mounting several types. For a radio unit with a limited pass band, software radio that can be changed to multi-mode cannot be realized. A radio unit that is selectively used with several types of high-frequency circuit components mounted thereon lacks versatility because the structure of the high-frequency circuit components is increased in size and complexity.

  The technology using the direct conversion method has the following problems. On the transmission side, it is necessary to have a function of converting a digital signal sent from the signal processing unit into an analog signal and up-converting the signal to a desired radio frequency over a wide band. On the receiving side, when a plurality of high level signals are inputted in a desired band in the frequency conversion unit, there are problems that the dynamic range is lowered and nonlinear distortion of the mixer occurs.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a waveguide forming apparatus, a pin structure, and a high-frequency circuit that can optimize a circuit unit and have high versatility.

The present invention includes a circuit forming unit capable of changing a waveguide shape for forming a waveguide;
And a control unit that controls the shape of the waveguide of the circuit forming unit to be changed based on initial information.

Further, in the present invention, the circuit forming unit includes a pair of conductor layers disposed apart from each other, and a plurality of movable bodies that can form a waveguide in cooperation with the conductor layers,
Each of the movable bodies is configured to be displaceable between a wall portion forming state forming a part of the wall portion of the waveguide and a wall portion non-forming state.

  The present invention further includes a drive source that drives the movable bodies to move in a wall portion formation state and a wall portion non-formation state, and the control means drives and controls the drive source.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the control unit controls the circuit forming unit to change to a waveguide shape of at least one of a power divider, a filter circuit, and a coupler.

  Further, the present invention provides a pin structure capable of forming a wall portion of a waveguide in cooperation with a plurality of conductor layers arranged apart from each other, wherein the wall portion forming state forming the wall portion and the non-wall portion are formed. The pin structure is configured to be displaceable over a formed state.

The present invention also includes a pair of conductor layers disposed apart from each other,
A plurality of control pins made of a conductor and disposed so as to be displaceable in the thickness direction of the conductor layer through a hole formed in at least one of the pair of conductor layers;
Control means for controlling the displacement position of the control pin in the thickness direction,
Two slots are formed in one of the pair of conductor layers, and one of the two slots is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of one slot and the longitudinal direction of the other slot are orthogonal to each other. The high-frequency circuit is controlled to be switchable between a state in which vertical polarization is radiated from the one slot and a state in which horizontal polarization is radiated from the other slot.

  According to the present invention, since the control unit changes the waveguide shape of the circuit forming unit based on the intended information, the circuit forming unit can be changed freely and easily. Compared with the prior art that selectively uses a plurality of types of high-frequency circuit components, it is possible to simplify the structure and optimize the circuit forming portion. Therefore, a highly versatile waveguide forming apparatus can be realized.

  Further, according to the present invention, a waveguide can be formed in cooperation with a pair of conductor layers and a plurality of movable bodies. By displacing each movable body over the wall part formation state and the wall part non-formation state, it becomes possible to change the circuit formation part freely and easily.

  Further, according to the present invention, the control means drives and drives each of the movable bodies in the wall forming state and the wall non-forming state by controlling the driving source. In this way, the waveguide shape can be changed.

  According to the invention, the circuit forming portion is changed to a waveguide shape of at least one of a power divider, a filter circuit, and a coupler. Thus, the versatility of the waveguide forming apparatus can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the pin structure can form the wall portion of the waveguide in cooperation with a plurality of electrically conductive layers spaced apart from each other. That is, by displacing the pin structure into the wall formation state, the pin structure can be used as the wall portion of the waveguide. A pin structure that enables optimization of the circuit forming portion can be realized.

  Further, according to the present invention, the control means controls the displacement position of the control pin to switch between a state in which vertical polarization is radiated from one slot and a state in which horizontal polarization is radiated from the other slot. Can do. That is, the vertical polarization antenna and the horizontal polarization antenna can be freely switched by the pair of conductor layers and the plurality of control pins. Thus, a highly versatile high frequency circuit can be realized.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Portions corresponding to the matters described in the preceding forms in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described, the other parts of the configuration are the same as those described in the preceding section. Not only the combination of the parts specifically described in each embodiment, but also the embodiments can be partially combined as long as the combination does not hinder. The variable high-frequency circuit according to this embodiment is applied to a plurality of high-frequency circuit components such as an antenna, a waveguide, a power divider, a coupler, and a filter circuit. The following description also includes a description of the control method of the variable high-frequency circuit and a description of the pin structure of the control pin.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drive portion of the control pin 2 cut along a virtual plane including the pin retracting direction. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the variable high-frequency circuit 1 according to the first embodiment. The variable high-frequency circuit 1 according to the first embodiment is referred to as “first high-frequency circuit 1”. The first high-frequency circuit 1 includes a variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 as a circuit forming unit and a high-frequency circuit control unit 4 as control means. The variable high frequency circuit forming unit 3 is a circuit forming unit capable of changing a waveguide shape for forming a waveguide. The high-frequency circuit control unit 4 performs control so as to change the waveguide shape of the circuit forming unit based on desired information. First, the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 will be described.

  The variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 includes a variable high-frequency circuit unit 5 and a plurality of control pins 2 (corresponding to a movable body). The variable high-frequency circuit unit 5 includes first and second conductor layers 6 and 7. The first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 are a pair of conductor layers forming a so-called H-plane of the waveguide, and are arranged in parallel at a predetermined small distance δ1. These conductor layers 6 and 7 are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in plan view. The thickness direction of the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 is defined as the Z direction, and the direction parallel to one side of the first conductor layer 6 is defined as the X direction. A direction parallel to the other side of the first conductor layer 6 orthogonal to the X and Z directions is defined as a Y direction. In FIG. 1, the X, Y, and Z directions are represented by arrows X, Y, and Z, respectively. A virtual plane including the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as an “XY plane”. Viewing the first high-frequency circuit 1 or a part thereof in the Z direction is referred to as “plan view”.

  A plurality of through holes 7 a for displacing the control pin 2 are formed in the second conductor layer 7, and the plurality of through holes 7 a are constant in the X direction along the XY plane of the second conductor layer 7. They are arranged at regular intervals and at regular intervals in the Y direction. The control pins 2 and the through holes 7a are configured to correspond one to one. Each through hole 7a of the second conductor layer 7 is formed in a rectangular hole shape so as to correspond to the shape of the control pin 2 described later. However, each through-hole 7a is loosely formed with respect to each control pin 2 so that the control pin 2 can be smoothly displaced.

  The plurality of control pins 2 can form a waveguide in cooperation with the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7. Each control pin 2 is configured to be displaceable over a down state and a up state forming a part of a so-called E-plane of the waveguide. The down state (see FIG. 2, Z1) is synonymous with the wall forming state that descends in one of the Z directions forming a part of the waveguide wall, and the up state (see FIG. 2, Z2) It is synonymous with the state in which the wall portion is not formed, which is raised in the other Z direction, which does not form the wall portion of the waveguide. Each control pin 2 is made of a conductor and is formed in a quadrangular prism extending in the Z direction. The length of each control pin 2 in the Z direction is formed to be longer by a predetermined distance than the distance δ1 between the first conductor layer 6 and the second conductor layer 7. In the down state, one end portion 2 a in the longitudinal direction of each control pin 2 abuts on the first conductor layer 6, and the other end portion 2 b in the longitudinal direction of the control pin 2 extends from one surface portion of the second conductor layer 7. Slightly protruding. In the up state, one end 2a in the longitudinal direction of each control pin 2 is separated from the first conductor layer 6 and is flush with, for example, one surface of the second conductor layer 7. However, it is not necessarily limited to a flat surface.

  By the way, in the waveguide, even if a hole having a wavelength less than ½ of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave propagating through the waveguide is opened in the metal wall, the electromagnetic wave does not leak through the hole and propagate. In other words, by defining the distance δ2 between the control pins 2 adjacent in the X or Y direction and the center-to-center distance δ2 of the cross section of the adjacent control pins 2 to be less than ½ of the wavelength, Alternatively, the interval between the control pins 2 adjacent in the Y direction is a value obtained by subtracting the distance in the X or Y direction of each control pin 2 from the center distance δ2. That is, the interval between the adjacent control pins 2 is naturally less than ½ of the wavelength. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the electromagnetic wave from leaking and propagating from the waveguide. Utilizing this property, a waveguide can be formed in a region surrounded by the first conductor layer 6, the second conductor layer 7, and the plurality of control pins 2 in the down state. In addition, the waveguide structure to be formed can be freely formed or deformed depending on whether the control pin 2 is in the up state or the down state (described later).

  In the present embodiment, each control pin 2 is formed in a quadrangular prism, but is not limited to a quadrangular prism, and is formed in a polygonal column other than a cylinder or a quadrangular column, specifically, a triangular column, a pentagonal column, or the like. It is also possible. In the variable high-frequency circuit, the plurality of control pins 2 can be configured by a plurality of types of polygonal columns, and may be configured by a cylinder and a polygonal column. When the control pin is formed of a cylinder, it is easier to form a waveguide curve than when the control pin is formed of a prism, and a variety of structures can be handled. In the up state of each control pin 2, the longitudinal end portion 2a of each control pin 2 is flush with one surface of the second conductor layer 7, in other words, the longitudinal end portion 2a of each control pin 2. However, since the closed state can be realized by covering the through hole 7a of the second conductor layer 7, the transmission loss in the conductor portion can be minimized.

  In the present embodiment, air is interposed inside the waveguide surrounded by the first conductor layer 6, the second conductor layer 7, and the plurality of control pins 2 in the down state. It is not limited to. A dielectric not shown may be inserted between the first conductor layer 6 and the second conductor layer 7. The dielectric is formed with a plurality of holes corresponding to the arrangement positions of the control pins 2 so as not to hinder the displacement of the control pins 2. When this dielectric is inserted, the first conductor layer 6 and the second conductor layer 7 are held by the dielectric, and the cutoff frequency is small and the cutoff wavelength can be increased. If the cut-off frequency is the same as the cut-off frequency at the time of forming, the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 can be miniaturized. By holding the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 with a dielectric, it is possible to increase the rigidity strength of the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 as compared with a mode in which air is interposed inside the waveguide. By increasing the rigidity strength, the control pin 2 can be displaced smoothly. Since the distance between the control pins 2 is less than ½ of the wavelength, it is possible to reliably prevent the electromagnetic wave from leaking and propagating from the waveguide.

  The high frequency circuit control unit 4 will be described. The high frequency circuit control unit 4 includes a circuit pattern information storage unit 8 and a control pin drive unit 9, which are electrically connected. The circuit pattern information storage unit 8 stores waveguide shape information for forming a waveguide, that is, pattern information. The pattern information PD sent to the first high-frequency circuit 1 through wire or wireless is temporarily stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. The circuit pattern information storage unit 8 sends a signal to the control pin drive unit 9 so as to reproduce the information. The control pin drive unit 9 includes a pump motor as a drive source, a fluid pressure cylinder 10, a pipe 11, and a control valve (not shown) (not shown) that are connected by pipes. A cylinder body 10 </ b> A of the fluid pressure cylinder 10 is fixed to the second conductor layer 7.

  The fluid pressure cylinder 10 includes the cylinder body 10A and a piston 12 that is integrally fixed to the other end 2b in the longitudinal direction of the control pin 2. As the working fluid of the fluid pressure cylinder 10, for example, gas or oil is applied. When gas is applied as the working fluid, the weight of the first high-frequency circuit 1 can be reduced compared to the case where oil is applied, and the portability of the device including the first high-frequency circuit 1 can be improved. it can. Based on a signal sent from the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 to the control pin drive unit 9, a positive pressure is applied to the cylinder body 10A by injecting a working fluid from the drive source into the cylinder body 10 via a pipe or the like. Then, the piston 12, that is, the control pin 2 is pushed out from the up state.

On the contrary, by sucking the working fluid in the cylinder body 10A based on the signal, a negative pressure is applied to the cylinder body 10A to displace the control pin 2 from the down state to the up state. As a result, each control pin 2 is in an up state or a down state, and a modified high frequency circuit is formed. A high-frequency signal (abbreviated as RF signal: input to this high-frequency circuit)
Radio Frequency signal) is output after being subjected to, for example, filter processing in the variable high-frequency circuit unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to the filtering process.

  In the present embodiment, negative pressure is applied to the cylinder body 10A to displace the control pin 2 in the up state, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, when the pressure of the working fluid applied to the cylinder body 10A is released, an urging means including a coil spring that displaces the control pin 2 from the down state to the up state may be provided. However, the coil spring needs to be formed of a nonmetal such as a synthetic resin. In this case, the control pin 2 can be displaced more quickly than in the present embodiment in which a negative pressure is applied to the cylinder body 10A. Even if the working fluid leaks in the middle of the piping, the control pin 2 can be reliably and quickly displaced.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the driving unit cut along a virtual plane including a pin extending / retracting direction according to a modification in which the driving unit structure of the control pin 2 is partially changed. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, each control pin 2 is controlled to the up state or the down state by using the fluid pressure cylinder 10, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each control pin can be electromagnetically controlled. It is. That is, the control pin drive unit includes a battery 13 as a drive source, switching means 14, a coil body 15 wound around an axis in the Z direction, and each control pin 2A formed of a magnetic body. A coil body 15 is fixed to the second conductor layer 7, and a battery 13 and switching means 14 are electrically connected to the coil body 15.

Each control pin 2A is made of a magnetic material having electrical conductivity such as nickel metal and is magnetized. The control pin 2A is configured to be displaceable in one or the other in the Z direction with a coil body 15 that generates magnetism as a guide. Based on a signal sent to the control pin drive unit, for example, a central processing unit (abbreviated as CPU: Central) of the high-frequency circuit control unit 4.
Processing Unit) controls on / off of the switching means 14. For example, by switching the switching means 14 corresponding to a certain control pin 2A from on to off, the control pin 2A is displaced from the up state to the down state. On the contrary, the control pin 2A can be displaced from the down state to the up state by controlling the switching means 14 from off to on based on the signal.

  According to this modified embodiment, the control pin 2A can be electromagnetically controlled. Therefore, the time required for changing the structure of the high-frequency circuit can be reduced compared to the above-described embodiment in which the control pin 2 is controlled using the fluid pressure cylinder 10. Can be planned. That is, since the control pin 2A can be electromagnetically controlled, the structure can be easily changed based on the existing high-frequency circuit. Since the battery 13 can be applied instead of the pump motor as the drive source, the portability and the maintainability are superior to those of the present embodiment. Other effects similar to those of the present embodiment are obtained. Each control pin 2 can be controlled to be displaceable between the up state and the down state using a motor, a cam fixed to the motor shaft, the above-described urging means, and the like. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the modified embodiment is obtained.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which power is equally distributed to the second port Pt2 and the third port Pt3, and FIG. FIG. 5C is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which a plurality of rows of control pins forming the E plane of the waveguide are provided. FIG. 5C is a circuit pattern in which the power distribution ratio to the second port Pt2 and the third port Pt3 is shifted. It is a top view showing.

  The control pins 2 (2A) are arranged at regular intervals in the X and Y directions, the white squares are the control pins 2 (2A) in the up state where the E plane is not formed, and the black squares are the waveguides. The control pin 2 (2A) of the down state which forms the E surface of FIG. In FIG. 5A, the control pin 2 (2A) is arranged so as to perform the equal branching process. The circuit pattern having the waveguide shape shown in FIG. 5A is defined by default, for example. The high frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 is equally distributed in power to the second and third ports Pt2 and Pt3. Pattern information for performing the equi-branching process shown in FIG. 5A is stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. In response to an operator's operation command, the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 sends a signal to the control pin drive unit 9, and the control pin drive unit 9 controls the drive source. As a result, positive pressure or negative pressure is applied to the cylinder body 10A, and the control pin 2 (2A) is displaced to the up state or the down state to obtain the circuit pattern shown in FIG.

  In the case of such a waveguide, in order to reduce the transmission loss, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control pin 2 (2A) group forming the E surface of the waveguide is arranged in the X and Y directions. It is possible to provide a plurality of rows instead of one row. The pattern information for low transmission loss is also stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. That is, the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 sends a signal to the control pin drive unit 9 according to an operation command from the operator, and the control pin drive unit 9 controls the drive source based on the low transmission loss pattern information. As a result, a circuit pattern shown in FIG. 5B is obtained in which a plurality of control pins 2 forming the E plane of the waveguide are provided in a plurality of rows in the X and Y directions. Thus, by increasing the thickness of the E-plane, that is, the wall portion of the waveguide, the transmission loss can be minimized.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, it is possible to make a structure in which the portion of the coupling window KM is shifted in the X direction from the circuit pattern shown in FIG. By shifting the coupling window KM in this way, the power distribution ratio is shifted, and a so-called power divider can be formed. Power divider pattern information for realizing the power divider is also stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. In response to an operator's operation command, the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 sends a signal to the control pin drive unit 9, and the control pin drive unit 9 drives and controls the drive source based on the power divider pattern information. As a result, the power divider shown in FIG. 5C is obtained.

  In the example of FIG. 5, there is only one branch structure. However, the variable high-frequency circuit is enlarged in the X and Y directions to form a multiplicity of branch structures to form an antenna feeding circuit. Since the power supply ratio can be freely changed, the radiation pattern can be freely changed. In the case of such a waveguide structure, since the guide wavelength can be changed by changing the waveguide width, the phase output from the port can be changed even with the same waveguide length. As a result, an electronic beam scan antenna can be formed.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern of a straight waveguide structure, and FIG. 6B is a circuit pattern having a filter function. It is a top view showing. In the present embodiment, for example, the circuit pattern shown in FIG. 6A stored by default can be changed to a circuit pattern (filter circuit) having a filter function according to an operation command from the operator. For example, the width in the Y direction near the first port Pt1 on the upstream side of the waveguide is narrowed, and the width in the Y direction near the second port Pt2 on the downstream side of the waveguide is narrowed. At the same time, the width in the Y direction near the middle in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide is further narrowed. By displacing the predetermined control pin 2 (2A) to the up state or the down state, the filter circuit can be realized easily and quickly. Since the circuit pattern can be freely changed by displacing the predetermined control pin 2 (2A) to the up state or the down state, the center frequency characteristic and the pass band of the filter function can be freely changed. Can do.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern having a structure in which two linear waveguide structures are in contact, and FIG. It is a top view showing the circuit pattern of the structure where a part of high frequency signal input from 1st port Pt1 and output from 2nd port Pt2 couples, and is also output to 4th port Pt4. The waveguide pattern information in FIG. 7A is stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8, and the coupler pattern information in FIG. 7B is also stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. A part of the plurality of control pins 2 (2A), which also serve as wall portions, is displaced to an up state or a down state in response to an operator's operation command, so that the circuit pattern shown in FIG. The circuit pattern shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which a high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 is radiated from the slot 16, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which a high-frequency signal input from a first port Pt1 is radiated from a slot 17. FIG. It is also possible to apply the first high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment to an antenna.

  The first conductor layer 6 is formed with a first slot 16 for realizing a vertically polarized antenna and a second slot 17 for realizing a horizontally polarized antenna. These first and second slots 16 and 17 are formed in the same size in advance. The first slot 16 is disposed along the X direction, the second slot 17 is disposed along the Y direction, and the longitudinal direction of the first slot 16 and the longitudinal direction of the second slot 17 are orthogonal to each other. It is installed. However, one end in the longitudinal direction of the first slot 16 and one side in the width direction of the second slot 17 are arranged at a predetermined small distance apart.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, only the first slots 16 arranged along the X direction are connected to the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 and the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) in the down state. It is in the form of being surrounded. The pattern information for realizing the form is stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 in advance. The circuit pattern is obtained by displacing the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) to an up state or a down state in accordance with an operation command from the operator. The high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 is guided in one direction in the X direction and one direction in the Y direction and is radiated from the first slot 16. At this time, electromagnetic waves in the Z direction are radiated from the antenna. This polarization is an electric field (vertical polarization) in the vertical direction of the drawing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8B, only the second slots 17 arranged along the Y direction are connected to the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 and the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) in the down state. It is in the form of being surrounded. The pattern information for realizing the form is stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 in advance. The circuit pattern is obtained by setting the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) to the up state or the down state in accordance with an operation command from the operator. The high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 is guided to the other side in the X direction and one side in the Y direction and is radiated from the second slot 17. At this time, the electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna does not change in frequency as compared with the case of FIG. 8A, but the polarization becomes an electric field (horizontal polarization) in the horizontal direction of the drawing.

  Thus, by forming slots 16 and 17 serving as radiating elements in the first conductor layer 6 in advance, the polarization radiated from the antenna can be selectively switched. In this example, the first and second slots 16 and 17 have the same size, but are not necessarily limited to the same size. Since the radiated frequency characteristic depends on the size of the slot, the frequency to be radiated (received) can be selectively switched by setting the slot size to match the desired frequency in advance. Such a versatile high-frequency circuit can be realized.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern. FIG. 9A shows a high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 resonates in a region S1 surrounded by a circle and radiates from the antenna opening Ah. FIG. 9B is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which the frequency characteristic is changed to the low frequency side. In this example, an antenna opening Ah having a circular shape in plan view is formed in advance in the first conductor layer 6.

  The circuit pattern shown in FIG. 9A is a form for realizing a resonator antenna. The high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 resonates in a region S1 surrounded by a circular shape by the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) and is radiated from the antenna opening Ah. The resonance frequency at this time depends on the area of the opening of the antenna and the portion surrounded by a plurality of control pins 2 (2A) in a circular or polygonal shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the area of the region S2 surrounded by the circular or polygonal shape by the control pin 2 (2A) in the down state is larger than the area of the region S1 shown in FIG. By doing so, the frequency characteristic radiated | emitted from the antenna opening part Ah shifts to the low frequency side. Conversely, the frequency characteristics radiated from the antenna opening Ah can be shifted from the low frequency side to the high frequency side. As described above, the frequency characteristic can be changed by changing the control state of the control pin 2 (2A) in the down state or the up state.

  According to the first high-frequency circuit 1 described above, the high-frequency circuit control unit 4 changes the waveguide shape of the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 based on the pattern information (corresponding to the initial information). The part 3 can be changed freely and easily. Compared to the prior art that selectively uses a plurality of types of high-frequency circuit components, the structure can be simplified and the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 can be optimized. Therefore, a highly versatile high frequency circuit can be realized.

  According to the first high-frequency circuit 1, the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 and the plurality of control pins 2 (2A) can cooperate to form a waveguide. By displacing each control pin 2 (2A) between the down state and the up state, the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 can be freely and easily changed. The variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3 is changed to a waveguide shape of at least one of a power divider, a filter circuit, and a coupler. Thus, the versatility of the first high-frequency circuit 1 can be improved.

  The high-frequency circuit control unit 4 controls the displacement position of the control pin 2 (2A), thereby radiating vertical polarization from one slot 16 and radiating horizontal polarization from the other slot 17. Can be switched. That is, the vertical and horizontal polarization antennas can be freely switched by the first and second conductor layers 6 and 7 and the plurality of control pins 2 (2A).

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the variable high-frequency circuit 1A according to the second embodiment. The variable high-frequency circuit 1A according to the second embodiment is referred to as a “second high-frequency circuit 1A”. The second high-frequency circuit 1A includes a second variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3A as a circuit forming unit and a second high-frequency circuit control unit 4A as a control means. The second variable high-frequency circuit forming unit 3A includes a second variable high-frequency circuit unit 5A and a plurality of control pins 2 (2A). The second variable high frequency circuit unit 5A is formed with a characteristic detection port 18 for detecting a high frequency signal processed by the second variable high frequency circuit unit 5A. Part of the high-frequency signal output from the characteristic detection port 18 is input to an RF characteristic measurement unit 19 (RF: Radio Frequency) described later.

  The second high-frequency circuit control unit 4A includes an RF characteristic measurement unit 19, a circuit pattern generation unit 20, a circuit pattern information storage unit 8, and a control pin drive unit 9, which are electrically connected. A high-frequency signal output from the characteristic detection port 18 (finally output) is input to the RF characteristic measurement unit 19. Here, measurement is performed to determine whether or not a desired RF signal is being output. Information representing the measurement result is sent to the circuit pattern generation unit 20, and the circuit pattern generation unit 20 determines whether or not the high-frequency signal processed by the second variable high-frequency circuit unit 5A is processed so as to obtain desired characteristics. It has a function to determine whether or not to correct it.

  The circuit pattern generation unit 20 includes a memory 21 as a storage unit, and the memory 21 stores reference data serving as a determination reference for determining whether or not processing is performed so as to obtain a desired characteristic. Information representing the measurement result is temporarily stored in the memory 21, and this information and reference data are used for comparison. The information is temporarily stored in the circuit pattern information storage unit 8. The circuit pattern information storage unit 8 sends a signal to the control pin drive unit 9 so as to reproduce the information. As described above, the high-frequency signal to be processed by the second variable high-frequency circuit unit 5A can be easily and reliably corrected. By repeatedly executing the feedback control, the second variable high-frequency circuit unit 5A can output a desired high-frequency signal.

  For example, the coupler structure shown in FIG. 7B can be formed in the vicinity of the output signal of the functional block to be measured, and the main signal can be demultiplexed to the extent that it is not greatly disturbed and output to the characteristic detection port 18. is there. As a result, only necessary functional blocks can be measured. Therefore, the processing load on the CPU or the like can be reduced as compared with the case where all the functional blocks are measured. Other operations and effects similar to those of the first high-frequency circuit 1 are obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the circuit pattern generation unit 20. This will be described with reference to FIG. Unless otherwise specified, the control subject of this processing is the circuit pattern generation unit 20. For example, this processing flow starts under the condition that the main power supply (not shown) of the second high-frequency circuit 1A is turned on. After the start, the process proceeds to step a1, and an initial pattern having an initial waveguide shape is set. Next, the process proceeds to step a2 where a characteristic detection pattern is set. Next, the process proceeds to step a3, and it is determined whether or not the characteristic detection of the first port Pt1, the second port Pt2, and the third port Pt3 has been completed in order to compare the reference data with the detected data. If the determination is “NO”, the process returns to step a2.

  If it is determined that the characteristic detection is completed, the process proceeds to step a4. In step a4, the center frequency of the measurement result is compared with the reference data stored in the memory 21, and it is determined whether or not the center frequency is acceptable. If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step a5, and based on the comparison result in step a4, a signal is sent to the control pin drive unit 9 via the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 to adjust the waveguide width. Thereafter, the process returns to step a2. If it is determined in step a4 that the center frequency is acceptable, the process proceeds to step a6.

  Here, the distribution ratio of the measurement result is compared with the reference data stored in the memory 21, and it is determined whether or not the distribution ratio is acceptable. If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step a7, and based on the comparison result in step a6, a signal is sent to the control pin driver 9 via the circuit pattern information storage unit 8 to adjust the coupling window KM (FIG. 5). reference). Thereafter, the process returns to step a2. If it is determined in step a6 that the distribution ratio is acceptable, the process proceeds to step a8. In step a8, the reflection of the measurement result is compared with the reference data stored in the memory 21, and it is determined whether or not the reflection is acceptable. If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step a9, and based on the comparison result in step a8, a signal is sent to the control pin drive unit 9 via the circuit pattern information storage unit 8, and the two-dot chain line in FIG. Adjustment is performed by changing the number of the down states of the reflection control pins 2H in the area covered with. Thereafter, the process returns to step a2. If it is determined in step a8 that the reflection is acceptable, this flow is terminated.

  As described above, in each of steps a4, a6, and a8, information that is a measurement result is compared with reference data. If it is determined that the measurement result does not satisfy the condition of the circuit pattern, that is, it is NG, adjustment is made in each of steps a5, a7, and a9, and then the process returns to step a2. By repeatedly executing such feedback control, the desired high-frequency signal can be output with high accuracy by the second variable high-frequency circuit unit 5A.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of control pins 2 (2A) are disposed on the entire XY plane of the second conductor layer 7, but a plurality of control pins are provided only on the main part of the XY plane of the second conductor layer 7. It is also possible to arrange the pin 2 (2A). In this case, the structure of the variable high-frequency circuit forming unit can be simplified, and the control system for displacing the control pin can be simplified. A through hole for displacing the control pin may be formed in the first and second conductor layers. In this case, the first and second conductor layers can be held by a part of the cylinder body, and the rigidity strength of the high-frequency circuit can be increased. When the first and second conductive layers are held by a part of the cylinder body, the cylinder body needs to be a dielectric, and the cylinder body and oil or gas are partially contained in the formed waveguide. Therefore, a dielectric waveguide can be realized. Since the plurality of through holes are formed in the first conductor layer, it is possible to reduce the weight of the first conductor layer.

  The waveguide forming apparatus can also be applied to high-frequency circuit components other than the above-described high-frequency circuit components such as an antenna and a filter circuit. In this embodiment, the waveguide forming apparatus is applied to a high frequency circuit, but can also be applied to a low frequency circuit. In this case, the structure can be simplified and the variable low-frequency circuit forming unit can be optimized. Therefore, a versatile low frequency circuit can be realized. As another embodiment of the present invention, for example, a desired high frequency circuit is provided in which a plurality of control pins are controlled to be in an up state or a down state in accordance with a user's request, and thereafter all the control pins are fixed so as not to be displaceable. In some cases. In this case, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of high-frequency circuit components, and therefore the versatility of the high-frequency circuit can be improved. In addition, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a perspective view showing the variable high frequency circuit formation part 3 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the principal part of the drive part of the control pin 2 by the virtual one plane containing a pin withdrawal / retreat direction. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a variable high-frequency circuit 1 according to a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the principal part of the drive part by the virtual plane containing a pin withdrawal / retraction direction in connection with the modification which changed the drive part structure of the control pin 2 partially. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which power is equally distributed to the second port Pt2 and the third port Pt3, and FIG. FIG. 5C is a plan view illustrating a circuit pattern in which the distribution ratio of power to the second port Pt2 and the third port Pt3 is shifted. It is. FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern of a linear waveguide structure, and FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a circuit pattern having a filter function. It is. FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern of a structure in which two linear waveguide structures are in contact, and FIG. 7B is a first port Pt1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern of a structure in which a part of a high-frequency signal input from is coupled and output to a fourth port Pt4. FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern, FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which a high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 is radiated from the slot 16, and FIG. 8B is a first port. 7 is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which a high-frequency signal input from Pt1 is radiated from a slot 17. FIG. FIG. 9A is a plan view showing a circuit pattern. FIG. 9A shows a circuit pattern in which a high-frequency signal input from the first port Pt1 resonates in a region S1 surrounded by a circle and is radiated from the antenna opening Ah. FIG. 9B is a plan view showing a circuit pattern in which the frequency characteristic is changed to the low frequency side. It is a block diagram showing the electric constitution of variable high frequency circuit 1A concerning a 2nd embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a circuit pattern generation unit 20.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A 1st high frequency circuit, 2nd high frequency circuit 2,2A Control pin 3 Variable high frequency circuit formation part 4 High frequency circuit control part 5 Variable high frequency circuit part 6 1st conductor layer 7 2nd conductor layer 8 Circuit pattern information storage Part 9 Control pin drive part 16 First slot 17 Second slot

Claims (6)

A circuit forming section capable of changing a waveguide shape for forming the waveguide;
And a control means for controlling the shape of the waveguide of the circuit forming portion so as to change based on the desired information. The circuit forming unit includes a pair of conductor layers disposed apart from each other, and a plurality of movable bodies capable of forming a waveguide in cooperation with the conductor layers,
2. The waveguide forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each movable body is configured to be displaceable over a wall portion forming state forming a part of a wall portion of the waveguide and a wall portion non-forming state.   The waveguide formation according to claim 2, further comprising a drive source that drives each movable body to move in a wall portion formation state and a wall portion non-formation state, and the control unit drives and controls the drive source. apparatus.   4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the circuit forming unit to change to a waveguide shape of at least one of a power divider, a filter circuit, and a coupler. 5. Waveguide forming apparatus.   A pin structure capable of forming a wall portion of a waveguide in cooperation with a plurality of spaced apart conductor layers, and is displaced over a wall portion forming state and a wall portion non-forming state forming the wall portion. Pin structure characterized by being configured to be possible. A pair of conductor layers disposed apart from each other;
A plurality of control pins made of a conductor and disposed so as to be displaceable in the thickness direction of the conductor layer through a hole formed in at least one of the pair of conductor layers;
Control means for controlling the displacement position of the control pin in the thickness direction,
Two slots are formed in one of the pair of conductor layers, and one of the two slots is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of one slot and the longitudinal direction of the other slot are orthogonal to each other. A high-frequency circuit controlled to be switchable between a state in which vertical polarization is radiated from the one slot and a state in which horizontal polarization is radiated from the other slot.

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