JP2009095014A - Satellite signal reception converter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a satellite signal reception converter capable of switching polarization planes of reception signals and satellites whose signals are received without using any high-frequency switch. <P>SOLUTION: Probes 2a, 2b for horizontally and vertically polarized waves are arranged at each opening 43 of two primary radiators, while respective signal paths from the probes 2a, 2b to first output lines 17 of first RF transmission lines 14 via first RF amplifiers 3a, 3b are set at nearly equal path lengths. Further, respective signal lines from first RF transmission lines 14 to second output lines 27 of second RF transmission lines 26 via second RF amplifiers 6 are also set at nearly equal path lengths. A control circuit 11 selectively makes one out of four first RF amplifiers 3 and one out of two second RF amplifiers 6, respectively installed on the signal paths, active according to the control signal from an external apparatus, and thereby makes the reception signal corresponding to the satellite and the polarization plane externally designated output to a frequency converter 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a satellite receiving converter used for receiving horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves in a parabolic antenna that receives transmitted waves from a satellite.

  Conventionally, as a satellite receiving converter that receives transmission radio waves from a plurality of satellites, a waveguide that constitutes a primary radiator corresponding to each satellite is integrally provided in a case body, and a converter circuit unit is provided in the case body. A substrate containing a substrate on which a substrate is formed has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  According to this proposed converter for satellite reception, since the substrate printing probe formed so as to correspond to the opening of each primary radiator is formed on the substrate, the structure is simplified and the cost of the satellite reception converter is reduced. Downsizing and downsizing can be achieved.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in a satellite reception converter for receiving signals from two satellites, horizontal polarization formed on the substrate 23 so as to correspond to the openings of the respective primary radiators. A printed circuit board probe 2 comprising a probe 2a for vertical polarization and a probe 2b for vertical polarization is formed, and signals extracted from these probes 2a, 2b are amplified by high frequency (RF) amplifier circuits 3a, 3b, It is selected by the horizontal / vertical selector switches 4a and 4b.

The signals selected by the horizontal / vertical selector switches 4 a and 4 b are further selected by the satellite selector switch 5, amplified by the RF amplifier circuit 6, and input to the frequency converter 7. The frequency converter 7 receives the oscillation output of the local oscillator 8. The frequency converter 7 outputs a difference frequency signal between the received signal from the RF amplifier circuit 6 and the signal from the local oscillator 8 as an intermediate frequency signal. The signal output from the frequency converter 7 is amplified by the intermediate frequency signal amplifier circuit 9 and output from the terminal 10.
JP-A-10-173562

  By the way, according to the conventional satellite receiving converter, three high-frequency switches including the horizontal / vertical change-over switches 4a and 4b and the satellite change-over switch 5 are used to receive the signals of the satellites desired to be received. Is done.

  However, a high-frequency switch that can directly switch a radio signal received from a satellite (for example, a signal in the 12 GHz band) is very expensive, so it is a satellite receiver converter (and parabolic antenna) product. There was a problem of high costs.

  Further, since the high-frequency switch switches the path of the received signal, a passage loss occurs when the received signal passes through the high-frequency switch, and the C / N (carrier-to-noise ratio) of the received signal is caused by this passage loss. There was a problem of deterioration.

This problem also occurs in a satellite reception converter that receives radio waves having different polarization planes transmitted from one satellite.
In other words, even in this type of satellite reception converter, a high frequency switch (horizontal / vertical changeover switch) is used for polarization switching, so that a passing loss occurs when the received signal passes through this high frequency switch. There are cases where the passage loss cannot be ignored with respect to the deterioration of the C / N of the received signal.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a satellite reception converter that can switch the polarization plane of a received signal and the reception satellite without using a high-frequency switch. .

In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a converter circuit portion including a receiving probe is formed in a case in which a waveguide constituting a primary radiator is integrally provided. A satellite receiving converter containing a substrate,
The converter circuit portion formed on the substrate is
A horizontally polarized wave probe and a vertically polarized wave probe which are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings of the primary radiator and receive two types of radio waves whose polarization planes are orthogonal to each other;
A pair of first RF amplifier circuits respectively connected to the feeding points of the probes and amplifying the RF signals received by the probes;
When one of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits is operating, the pair of first RF amplifier circuits is operated based on an external control signal so that the other first RF amplifier circuit is inoperative. 1 RF amplification control circuit for switching the operating state of the RF amplification circuit;
The outputs from the first RF amplifier circuits are respectively connected to the output sides of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits, and the outputs from the first RF amplifier circuits are transmitted to the first interconnection point via the pair of first input lines having substantially the same line length. And a first RF transmission line that outputs from the first interconnection point via the first output line;
A filter circuit that selectively passes an RF signal amplified by each of the first RF amplifier circuits among signals output from the first output line of the first RF transmission line;
A frequency conversion circuit that converts the RF signal that has passed through the filter circuit to an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band; and
An IF amplifier circuit for amplifying the IF signal frequency-converted by the frequency converter circuit;
With
Two signal paths from the feeding point of each probe to each first RF transmission line are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal.
Furthermore, the line length of the pair of first input lines constituting each of the first RF transmission lines is such that the reactance component when the first RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the first interconnection point is substantially zero. It is set as follows.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the satellite reception converter according to the first aspect, the first interconnection point of the first RF transmission line is an RF that is in a non-operating state from the first interconnection point. A first adjustment member for adjusting the transmission characteristic of the RF signal in each of the first input lines is provided so that the reactance component when the amplifier circuit is viewed is substantially zero.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the satellite reception converter according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first adjustment member is formed of a stub whose length can be adjusted.
On the other hand, the invention according to claim 4 is the satellite receiving converter according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the cases is provided with a waveguide constituting two primary radiators,
In the substrate, as the converter circuit unit,
For each primary radiator, the horizontal polarization probe, the vertical polarization probe, the pair of first RF amplification circuits, and the first RF transmission line are provided,
A pair of second RF amplifier circuits connected to the first output lines of the first RF transmission lines corresponding to the primary radiators, respectively, for amplifying the RF signals output from the first RF transmission lines;
The outputs from the second RF amplifier circuits are respectively connected to the output sides of the pair of second RF amplifier circuits, and the outputs from the second RF amplifier circuits are transmitted to the second interconnection point via the pair of second input lines having substantially the same line length. And a second RF transmission line that outputs to the filter circuit from the second interconnection point via the second output line;
Is provided,
The RF amplification control circuit operates one of a total of four first RF amplification circuits provided for the two primary radiators based on a control signal from the outside, and performs operations of the other first RF amplification circuits. The second RF amplifier circuit that amplifies the RF signal output from the first RF amplifier circuit that is operating among the pair of second RF amplifier circuits is operated, and the operations of the other second RF amplifier circuits are stopped. Configured,
The four signal paths from the feeding point of each probe to each of the second RF transmission lines are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal.
In addition, the line length of the pair of input lines constituting the second RF transmission line is set so that the reactance component when the second RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the second interconnection point is substantially zero. It is characterized by being.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the satellite reception converter according to the fourth aspect, the two primary radiators among the printed wiring patterns provided on the substrate in order to form the converter circuit portion. The printed wiring pattern from the pair of probes corresponding to the individual to the second interconnection point is formed so as to be substantially line symmetric with respect to a center line passing through an intermediate point between the two primary radiators. Features.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the satellite reception converter according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the second interconnection point of the second RF transmission line is connected to the second interconnection point. A second adjustment member is provided for adjusting the transmission characteristics of the RF signal in each of the second input lines so that the reactance component when the RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed is substantially zero. Features.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the satellite reception converter according to the sixth aspect, the second adjustment member is formed of a stub whose length can be adjusted.

  In the satellite reception converter according to claim 1, the signal of the polarization plane commanded from the outside is selected from the signals (RF signals) received by the probe for horizontal polarization and the probe for vertical polarization. In this case, an RF amplification control circuit is used instead of the conventional high frequency switch.

  The RF amplification control circuit operates one of a pair of first RF amplification circuits that amplify a reception signal (RF signal) from each probe, and sets the other to a non-operation state, thereby converting the frequency. An RF signal to be frequency converted by the circuit is selected based on an external control signal.

For this reason, according to the satellite reception converter of the present invention, since a high-frequency switch is not used for switching the polarization plane as in the prior art, the converter circuit unit can be realized at low cost.
Further, as in the present invention, by operating one of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits and stopping the other operation, the RF signal output to the filter circuit (and thus the frequency conversion circuit) is selected. Then, it is conceivable that the RF signal output to the first output line through the first interconnection point is affected by the transmission path (first input line) on the first RF amplifier circuit side that has stopped operating. .

  However, in the satellite reception converter according to claim 1, the lengths of the transmission paths from the feeding point of each probe to the first interconnection point through the first RF amplifier circuit and the first input line are substantially the same. Moreover, the line length of the first input line through which the RF signal from each probe is transmitted is determined when the first RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed from the first interconnection point. The reactance component is set to be substantially zero.

  Therefore, when one of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits is operated and the other operation is stopped, the frequency characteristic of the RF signal output to the filter circuit (and thus the frequency conversion circuit) stops the operation. The first input line on the side of the first RF amplifier circuit is not disturbed.

  Therefore, according to the satellite reception converter of the present invention, it is possible to stably select a reception signal (RF signal) having a polarization plane commanded from the outside without deteriorating the frequency characteristics of the signal. The selected RF signal can be frequency converted into a desired IF signal by the frequency conversion circuit.

  Here, in the present invention, the length of the first input line is set so that the reactance component when the RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the first interconnection point is substantially zero. The length to make zero varies depending on variations in characteristics (particularly, output impedance) of the first RF amplifier circuit.

  For this reason, when mass-producing a satellite receiving converter, it is desirable to be able to adjust the length of the first input line (specifically, its transmission characteristics) according to this variation. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first adjustment member for adjusting the transmission characteristics of the RF signal in each first input line may be provided at the first interconnection point of the first RF transmission line.

  In other words, in this way, the RF component in the first input line is set so that the reactance component when the RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the first interconnection point through the first adjustment member becomes substantially zero. Signal transmission characteristics can be adjusted, and even if there are variations in characteristics of the first RF amplifier circuit or the like, it is possible to satisfactorily select an RF signal and perform frequency conversion.

  Further, as the first adjustment member, it is only necessary to adjust the transmission characteristics of the first input line constituting the first RF transmission line. For example, a capacitor whose capacity can be adjusted is provided between the first interconnection point and the ground line. It may be provided to adjust the capacity. However, if the first adjustment member is configured by a stub whose length can be adjusted as described in claim 3, the configuration can be extremely simplified.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stub can be configured by a wiring pattern formed on the substrate together with a pair of input lines and interconnection points, and the characteristics of the input lines can be improved. When adjusting, the length of the stub is such that the impedance when the RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed from the interconnection point changes from point A to point C shown in FIG. You can adjust it.

  Therefore, if a stub is used as the first adjusting member, not only the configuration can be simplified, but also the characteristics of the first input line can be easily adjusted, and the satellite receiving converter can be manufactured at low cost. Can be realized.

  FIG. 1C shows the impedance change caused by providing a stub at the interconnection point using a Smith chart (the figure is an impedance chart). A point on the Smith chart is shown in FIG. When the stub is not provided, the impedance when the RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed from the interconnection point is shown.

  In FIG. 1 (c), point C is provided with a stub as shown in FIG. 1 (b) and the length thereof is adjusted so that the RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state can be seen from the interconnection point. Represents an optimum state in which the impedance is only a resistance component, and a region B extending from the point A to the point C and a region D exceeding the point C represent a change in impedance that varies depending on the length of the stub.

  If the reactance component when the RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed from the interconnection point as described above is made substantially zero, the resistance is connected to the interconnection point. Even if the RF signal is attenuated when the value is small, the frequency characteristic of the RF signal is not disturbed. Therefore, the RF signal received by a specific probe can be transmitted to the subsequent frequency conversion circuit satisfactorily. become able to.

  In addition, when the RF amplifier circuit is not operating (operating power supply OFF, etc.), the input / output impedance (corresponding to the above resistance value) of the RF amplifier circuit generally shows a high value, so the attenuation of the RF signal becomes extremely small There is no problem in practical use.

  Next, in the satellite receiving converter according to claim 4, the case is provided with the waveguides constituting the two primary radiators, and the substrate is provided with the horizontal bias for each primary radiator. A wave probe, a vertical polarization probe, a pair of first RF amplifier circuits, and a first RF transmission line are provided.

  A second RF amplifier circuit is connected to the first output line of the first RF transmission line corresponding to each primary radiator, and the RF amplification control circuit is configured to receive two primary radiations based on an external control signal. One of a total of four first RF amplifier circuits provided for the device is operated to stop the operation of the other first RF amplifier circuits, and the first RF amplifier circuit in operation among the pair of second RF amplifier circuits The second RF amplifier circuit that amplifies the RF signal output from the second RF amplifier circuit is operated, and the operations of the other second RF amplifier circuits are stopped.

  In addition, a second RF transmission line configured in substantially the same manner as the first RF transmission line is connected to the output side of the second RF amplifier circuit whose operation state is selectively switched in this way, and a filter circuit (and thus a frequency conversion circuit). The circuit) receives an RF signal via the second RF transmission line.

  Therefore, according to the satellite reception converter of the present invention, one of the reception signals (RF signals) received by a total of four probes provided for the two primary radiators is obtained by the operation of the RF amplification control circuit. The signal is selectively transmitted to the frequency conversion circuit, and the desired satellite can be used without using three high-frequency switches, ie, two high-frequency switches for polarization switching and a high-frequency switch for satellite switching, as in the prior art. It is possible to select the RF signal of the desired polarization plane transmitted from the.

  In the satellite reception converter according to claim 4, the four signal paths from the feeding point of each probe to each second RF transmission line are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal, and the second RF transmission is performed. The line length of the pair of input lines constituting the line is set so that the reactance component when the second RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the second interconnection point is substantially zero.

  Therefore, even if the RF amplification control circuit stops the operation of the three first RF amplification circuits and the one second RF amplification circuit in order to select the RF signal of the satellite / polarization plane commanded from the outside, the filter circuit The frequency characteristics of the RF signal output to (and thus the frequency conversion circuit) was not disturbed by the influence of the signal path on the RF amplifier circuit side that stopped operating, and was commanded from the outside. The RF signal of the satellite / polarization plane can be stably transmitted to the frequency conversion circuit.

  In addition, in the satellite reception converter according to claim 4, in order to transmit the satellite / polarization plane RF signal commanded from the outside more stably to the frequency conversion circuit, as described in claim 5, Of the printed wiring patterns provided on the substrate for forming the converter circuit portion, the printed wiring patterns from the pair of probes corresponding to the two primary radiators to the second interconnection point are connected to the two primary radiators. It may be formed so as to be substantially line symmetric with respect to a center line passing through the intermediate point.

  Further, similar to the first interconnection point of the first RF transmission line, the second interconnection point of the second RF transmission line includes an RF amplification in a non-operating state from the second interconnection point as described in claim 6. A second adjusting member for adjusting the transmission characteristics of the RF signal in each second input line may be provided so that the reactance component when the circuit is viewed is substantially zero.

  Further, as described in claim 7, if the second adjustment member is configured with a stub whose length can be adjusted, similarly to the first adjustment member, the configuration of the second adjustment member can be simplified. The length can be adjusted very easily.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the satellite reception converter according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2A is a rear view showing the appearance of the case body of the satellite reception converter, and FIG. Is a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ ′ in FIG.

In the following description, when a direction is indicated, the right direction (direction in which the primary radiator 41 is provided) in FIG.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 40 denotes a case body constituting the satellite reception converter of the present embodiment, which is formed by molding a conductive material such as aluminum die cast. A primary radiator 41 is formed integrally with the case body 40 on the front side of the case body 40.

  The primary radiator 41 includes two circular waveguides 42 and 42 in order to support reception of radio waves from two satellites. The two circular waveguides 42 and 42 are appropriately disposed on the case body. It is integrally formed so as to be provided with a gap. Therefore, in the case main body 40, the openings 43 and 43 of the two primary radiators 41 are formed at the connection portion between the two circular waveguides 42 and 42.

  In addition, a plurality of chokes 44 (three chokes in the embodiment of the present invention) are provided on the outer circumferences of the front end portions of the circular waveguides 42 and 42 at appropriate intervals, thereby obtaining good frequency characteristics. It is supposed to be.

  Further, a space 46 is formed on the rear side of the case body 40 so as to have an opening on the back surface by providing a wall surface so as to protrude rearward from the four sides of the bottom surface 40a of the case body 40. The space 46 and the circular waveguides 42 and 42 communicate with each other through primary radiator openings 43 and 43 formed on the bottom surface 40 a of the case body 40.

  In the present embodiment, the printed circuit board 21 on which the converter circuit unit 1 is formed is accommodated in the space 46. The printed board 21 is attached with a shield member 47 for fixing the printed board 21 to the bottom surface 40a using a known screw or the like.

  This shield member 47 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum die casting, and a shield wall that shields between a terminal end 45 of the primary radiator 41, an RF amplifier circuit, a local oscillator, etc., which will be described later, is integrally formed. Yes.

  2 is an IF output terminal that is connected to the terminal 10 of the converter circuit unit 1 and takes out a received signal to the outside. The IF output terminal 48 may be formed integrally with the case main body 40 or may be configured separately.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a circuit configuration of the converter circuit unit 1 formed on the printed circuit board 21. The printed circuit board 21 on which the converter circuit portion 1 is formed is attached so as to be sandwiched between the bottom portion 30a of the space 46 by a well-known fixing means (screw or the like) and the shield member 47.

As shown in FIG. 3, the probe 2 is formed on the printed circuit board 21 at a position corresponding to the openings 43 and 43 of the two primary radiators described above by a printed wiring pattern. The probe 2 includes a pair of a horizontally polarized probe 2a and a vertically polarized probe 2b, and each set of probes 2 is provided in the openings 43 and 43 of each primary radiator. .
In this embodiment, the probe 2 is formed of a printed wiring pattern. However, the probe 2 may be formed of a metal body or the like separately from the printed wiring pattern.

  Next, on the output side of the horizontal polarization probe 2a and the vertical polarization probe 2b, first RF amplification circuits 3a and 3a for amplifying a horizontal polarization signal extracted from the probe 2a and a probe 2b, respectively. First RF amplifier circuits 3b and 3b (that is, a total of four first RF amplifier circuits in the present embodiment) are connected to amplify the vertically polarized signal extracted.

  The four first RF amplifier circuits 3a, 3b, 3a, 3b are composed of high-frequency amplifying elements such as HEMTs (High Electron Mobility Transistors) and FETs, for example. Output after amplification. In the present embodiment, each of the first RF amplifier circuits 3a, 3b, 3a, and 3b is configured by using a HEMT, and may be configured by one stone as shown in FIG. You may comprise by connecting to.

  The four first RF amplifier circuits 3a, 3b, 3a, and 3b operate either one of the first RF amplifier circuits 3 so as to correspond to signals desired to be received among the signals from the two satellites. In this case, the operation state is selectively switched so that the remaining three systems of the first RF amplifier circuits 3 are not operated.

  This switching operation is performed by an RF amplification control circuit indicated by 11 in FIG. 3 based on a control signal from a terminal device connected to the outside such as a satellite tuner not shown in the figure.

  Next, on the output side of these first RF amplifier circuits 3a, 3b, 3a, 3b, the first RF transmission is performed for each of the two first RF amplifier circuits 3a, 3b corresponding to the primary radiator openings 43, 43. The line 14 (two first RF transmission lines in this embodiment) is connected.

  The first RF transmission line 14 is formed of a printed wiring pattern, and is connected to at least the output side of the first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b and transmits the signal amplified in the first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b. The first input lines 15, 15 formed to have a length, the first interconnection point 16 connecting the output end sides of the first input lines 15, 15, and the first input line 16 connected to the first interconnection point 16 1 output line 17.

  In other words, the first RF transmission lines 14 and 14 receive the first received signals (RF signals) of horizontal polarization or vertical polarization selectively amplified in any one of the corresponding first RF amplification circuits 3a and 3b. It is configured to output to the output line 17. Each of these two systems of first RF transmission lines 14 and 14 is provided with a stub 18 connected to the first interconnection point 16 of the first input line 15.

  When one of the two first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b connected to the first interconnection point 16 via the pair of first input lines 15 and 15 stops operating, the stub 18 stops operating. This is for adjusting the transmission characteristic of the RF signal so as not to affect the frequency characteristic of the reception signal (RF signal) output from the other amplifier circuit.

  In other words, in this embodiment, when one of the two first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b connected to the first interconnection point 16 stops operating, the other amplifier circuit is always in the operation stopped state. It becomes.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the reactance component of the impedance when the RF amplifier circuit in the non-operating state is viewed from the first interconnection point 16 becomes substantially zero, which affects the frequency characteristic of the amplified RF signal. In order to prevent this, the length of each first input line 15 is set, and in order to compensate for variations in characteristics that cannot be adjusted by the length setting, a stub 18 is provided, and the RF in each first input line 15 is set. The signal transmission characteristics can be adjusted.

Next, the second RF transmission line 24 is connected to the output side of the first RF transmission lines 14, 14 via the second RF amplification circuits 6, 6 at the subsequent stage.
The two second RF amplifier circuits 6 and 6 are composed of high-frequency elements such as HEMTs as in the first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b in the previous stage, and one of them is in an operating state by the RF amplification control circuit 11, The operation state is switched so that the other is in the operation stop state.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the RF amplification control circuit 11 operates one of the four first RF amplification circuits 3 and one of the two second RF amplification circuits 6, and puts all the other RF amplification circuits into the operation stop state. As a result, a satellite / polarization plane received signal (RF signal) commanded from an external device such as a satellite tuner is selected and output to the second RF transmission path 24.

The second RF amplifier circuits 6 and 6 may have a multi-stage configuration or may be omitted as in the first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 4b in the previous stage.
Next, the second RF transmission line 24 is formed of a printed wiring pattern, and is connected to at least the output side of the first RF transmission lines 14 and 14 and transmits the reception signal output from the first RF transmission lines 14 and 14. The second input lines 25, 25 formed to have the same line length, the second interconnection point 26 connecting the output ends of the second input lines 25, 25, and the second interconnection point 26 are connected. Second output line 27.

  That is, the second RF transmission line 24 is configured to output a reception signal from a satellite desired to be received out of the two satellites to the second output line 27. The second RF transmission line 24 is provided with a stub 28 connected to the first interconnection point 26 of the second input line 25.

  As in the stub 18 described above, the stub 28 operates either one of the two second RF amplifier circuits 6 and 6 connected to the second interconnection point 26 via the pair of second input lines 25 and 25. This is for adjusting the transmission characteristic of the RF signal so as not to affect the frequency characteristic of the reception signal (RF signal) output from the other amplifier circuit when the signal is stopped.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when one of the two second RF amplifier circuits 6 and 6 connected to the second interconnection point 26 has stopped operating, the other amplifier circuit must be in an operation stopped state. It becomes.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reactance component of the impedance when the RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the second interconnection point 26 becomes substantially zero, which affects the frequency characteristics of the amplified RF signal. In order to prevent this, the length of each second input line 25 is set, and in addition, in order to compensate for variations in characteristics that cannot be adjusted by the length setting, a stub 28 is provided, and the RF in each second input line 25 is provided. The signal transmission characteristics can be adjusted.

  Next, the filter circuit 19 is connected to the output side of the second RF transmission line 24. The filter circuit 19 is for selectively passing the received signal that has passed through the second RF transmission line 24. In the present embodiment, the filter circuit 19 is configured as a band-pass filter by a printed wiring pattern.

  The frequency converter 7 is connected to the output side of the filter circuit 19, and the desired signal that has passed through the filter circuit 19 is input to the frequency converter 7. Further, a local oscillator 8 is connected to the frequency converter 7, and a local oscillation output generated by the local oscillator 8 is input to the frequency converter 7, whereby the frequency converter 7 outputs a filter circuit 19. An intermediate frequency signal (IF signal) having a frequency that is the difference between the desired signal output from the local oscillator 8 and the local oscillation output from the local oscillator 8 is output. The frequency converter 7 and the local oscillator 8 constitute the frequency conversion circuit of the present invention.

  Further, an IF amplifier circuit 9 is connected to the output side of the frequency converter 7. The IF amplifier circuit 9 is composed of a high frequency element such as a transistor or an IC, for example, and amplifies and outputs the IF signal generated in the frequency converter 7. The output side of the IF amplifier circuit 9 is connected to a terminal 10, and the IF signal is output to the outside via the terminal 10.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of the printed circuit board 21 on which the converter circuit unit 1 is formed. FIG. 5A shows the feeding point 12a of the probe 2 to the first RF transmission line 14 in FIG. FIG. 5B is a detailed explanatory view of the second RF transmission line 24 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal polarization probe 2a and the vertical polarization probe 2b provided in the two primary radiator openings 43 and the RF amplification circuits 3a and 3b are respectively connected to the probes 2a and 2b. Connected via transmission lines (printed wiring patterns) extending from the feeding points 12a and 12b, the received signals taken out from the probe feeding units 12a and 12b are amplified by the RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b.

  Capacitors 13a and 13b (see FIG. 5A) that pass the received signal and block the direct current are connected to the output sides of the RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b. The first RF transmission line 14 is connected to the first input line 15 via the capacitors 13a and 13b. The capacitors 13a and 13b can be formed of the chip type capacitor shown in FIG. 5A. However, the capacitors 13a and 13b need only be able to pass the received signal and cut off the direct current. You can also

  In this embodiment, a signal path from the probe feed point 12a to the output terminal of the capacitor 13a via the RF amplifier circuit 3a and a signal from the probe feed point 12b to the output terminal of the capacitor 13b via the RF amplifier circuit 3b. The paths are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal. Further, as described above, the pair of first input lines 15 and 15 constituting the first RF transmission line 14 are also formed so that the line lengths are substantially equal.

  For this reason, the path from the probe feed point 12a to the first interconnection point 16 of the first RF transmission line 14 is substantially equal to the signal path from the probe feed point 12b to the first interconnection point 16 of the first RF transmission line 14. .

  Further, the path from the probe feed point 12a to the first RF transmission line 14, the path from the probe feed point 12b to the first RF transmission line 14, and the first RF transmission line 14 are openings 43, 43 of two primary radiators. However, each of these portions is symmetrical with respect to a center line CL passing through the intermediate point between the openings 43 and 43 (in this embodiment, a center line connecting the center points in the horizontal direction of the printed circuit board 21) CL. Is formed.

  In the second RF transmission line 24, the printed wiring pattern that forms the second output line 27 is disposed so as to be located on the center line CL, and the printed wiring pattern that forms the second input lines 25 and 25 is , The line is symmetrical with respect to the center line CL.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the transmission path lengths of the four signal paths from each probe feed point 12 to the second interconnection point 26 of the second RF transmission line 24 are substantially equal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the stub 18 connected to the first interconnection point 16 of the first RF transmission line 14 is located substantially at the center between the pair of first input lines 15 and 15, The first output line 17 is formed so as to protrude in the opposite direction. In the vicinity of the tip of the stub 18, a fine pattern 18 a of printed wiring is formed with a slight gap.

  This minute pattern is for adjusting the length of the stub 18, and the length of the stub 18 can be adjusted by connecting the tip of the stub 18 and the minute pattern 18a by a known means such as soldering. It can be done easily.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the stub 28 connected to the second interconnection point 26 of the second RF transmission line 24 is one of the pair of second input lines 25, 25 (the second on the right side of the figure). The second output line 27 and the input terminal 19a of the filter circuit 19 are formed so as to project substantially at the center (lower right direction in the figure) between the input line) and the second output line 27. And is provided so as to be integrated with the second output line 27 in a wide manner.

  In the vicinity of the outside of the base portion and the tip portion of the stub 28, marks 28a-1 and 28a-2 are formed by resist printing as marks for adjusting the width and length of the stub 28 on the printed circuit board 21. The length of the stub 28 can be easily adjusted by connecting a conductive material to the printed wiring pattern of the stub 28 using the marks 28a-1 and 28a-2 as a guide.

  As described above, in the satellite reception converter of the present embodiment, in the converter circuit unit 1, the signal paths from the probe feed point 12a and the probe feed point 12b to the first RF transmission line 14 have substantially the same length. In addition, these signal paths are formed so as to be symmetric with respect to the center line CL passing through the intermediate points of the primary radiator openings 43 and 43 for each corresponding primary radiator. ing. The second RF transmission line 24 is disposed so that the second output line 27 is positioned on the center line CL, and the printed wiring patterns of the second input lines 25 and 25 are substantially sandwiched between the center lines CL. It is formed so as to be line symmetric. Therefore, the four signal paths from the four probe feed points 12 to the second interconnection point 26 of the second RF transmission line 24 are substantially equal in transmission path length in any signal path.

  In addition, in the first RF transmission line 14 and the second RF transmission line 24, the interconnecting portions 16 and 26 are provided with stubs 18 and 28 that can be adjusted in length, respectively, and through these stubs 18 and 28, respectively. The transmission characteristics of the input lines 15 and 25 can be adjusted so that the reactance component of the impedance when the RF amplifier circuits 3 and 6 in the operation stop state are viewed from the interconnecting parts 16 and 26 becomes substantially zero. ing.

  For this reason, according to the satellite reception converter of this embodiment, the receiving satellite and the polarization plane can be switched by selecting the RF amplification circuits 3 and 6 to be operated via the RF amplification control circuit 11. In addition, it is possible to prevent the frequency characteristics of the received signal (RF signal) selected by the switching from changing due to the influence of the transmission line on the RF amplifier circuits 3 and 6 that have stopped operating.

Therefore, according to the satellite reception converter of this embodiment, the satellite and the polarization plane can be switched without using a high-frequency switch as in the prior art, and the converter circuit unit 1 can be realized at low cost.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram of a converter circuit unit configuring the satellite reception converter according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the satellite reception converter according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the converter circuit unit 1 is configured to be able to select a polarization and a satellite from four signals transmitted from two satellites by horizontal polarization and vertical polarization. However, in this embodiment, a signal having a desired polarization plane can be selected from two signals transmitted from one satellite by horizontal polarization and vertical polarization. A satellite reception converter including the configured converter circuit unit 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the converter circuit unit 20 of the present embodiment, the horizontally polarized wave disposed on the printed circuit board 22 corresponding to the opening 43 of one primary radiator provided on the case body (not shown). A pair of probes 2 consisting of a probe 2a and a vertically polarized probe 2b, two first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b for amplifying the received signals extracted from the probes 2a and 2b, and the first RF One RF transmission line 34 provided on the output side of the amplifier circuits 3a and 3b, and the RF amplification control circuit 11 is one of the two first RF amplifier circuits 3a and 3b according to a control signal from an external device. By operating one and stopping the other, the RF signal of the polarization plane commanded from the outside is selected and output from the first RF transmission line 34 to the subsequent filter circuit 19.

  As in the first embodiment, the first RF transmission line 34 connects a pair of first input lines 35 and 35 having substantially the same line length to the outputs of the first input lines 35 and 35. It is composed of an interconnection point 36 and a third output line 37 connected to the first interconnection point 36. The two signal paths from each probe 2a, 2b to the first interconnection point 36 are either The signal paths have substantially the same path length.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the first interconnection point 36 is provided with a stub 38 whose length can be adjusted. By this stub 38, the first RF that is in an operation stop state from the first interconnection point 36 is provided. The transmission characteristics of the first input lines 35 and 35 can be set so that the reactance component of the impedance when the amplifier circuit 3 is viewed is substantially zero.

  Therefore, according to the satellite reception converter of the present embodiment, it is possible to select a received signal (RF signal) having a desired polarization plane and convert the frequency to an IF signal without using a high frequency switch as in the prior art. Thus, the configuration of the converter circuit unit 20 can be simplified and realized at low cost.

  As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various aspect can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the first input line 15 (35) is connected to the first interconnection point 16 (36) of the first RF transmission line 14 (34) or the second interconnection point 26 of the second RF transmission line 24. ) And the stubs 18 (38) and 28 for correcting the transmission characteristics of the second input line 25.

  However, only by setting the length of the first input line 15 (35) and the second input line 25, the RF amplifier circuit 3 that is in an inoperative state from the first interconnection point 16 (36) or the second interconnection point 26 or If the reactance component of the impedance when looking at 6 can be made substantially zero, the stubs 18 (38) and 28 may be deleted.

  Further, the stubs 18 (38) and 28 do not need to be formed in a printed wiring pattern as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and a conductor is provided at the interconnection point 16 (36) or 26. You may form by connecting. The shapes of the stubs 18 (38) and 28 may be set as appropriate, and the stubs 18 (38) and 28 are configured by short stubs instead of the open stubs as in the above embodiment. Also good.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the operation | movement at the time of adjusting the transmission characteristic of an input line using a stub. It is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of the satellite reception converter of 1st Embodiment. It is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit structure of the converter circuit part of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the printed circuit board in which the converter circuit part of 1st Embodiment was formed. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 1st RF transmission line 14 periphery in FIG. 4 and the 2nd RF transmission line 24 periphery in detail. It is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit structure of the converter circuit part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit structure of the converter circuit part of the conventional converter for satellite reception.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Converter circuit part, 2 ... Probe, 2a ... Horizontal polarization probe, 2b ... Vertical polarization probe, 3a, 3b ... 1st RF amplification circuit, 6a, 6b ... 2nd RF amplification circuit, 7 ... Frequency converter, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Local oscillator, 9 ... IF amplifier circuit, 10 ... Terminal, 11 ... RF amplification control circuit, 12a, 12b ... Probe feeding point, 13a, 13b ... Capacitor, 14 ... First RF transmission line, 15 ... First input line, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... 1st interconnection point, 17 ... 1st output line, 18 ... Stub, 18a ... Micro pattern, 19 ... Filter circuit, 19a ... Input terminal, 20 ... Converter circuit part 21, 22, 23 ... Printed circuit board, 24 2nd RF transmission line, 25 ... 2nd input line, 26 ... 2nd interconnection point, 27 ... 2nd output line, 28 ... Stub, 28a-1, 28a-2 ... mark, 29 ... Capacitor, 34 RF transmission line 35 ... first input line 36 ... first interconnection point 37 ... first output line 38 ... stub 40 ... case body 40a ... bottom surface 41 ... primary radiator 42 ... circular waveguide Tube, 43 ... Primary radiator opening, 44 ... Choke, 45 ... Termination, 46 ... Space, 47 ... Shield member, 48 ... IF output terminal.

Claims (7)

A satellite receiving converter in which a substrate on which a converter circuit unit including a receiving probe is formed is housed in a case in which a waveguide constituting a primary radiator is integrally provided,
The converter circuit portion formed on the substrate is
A horizontally polarized wave probe and a vertically polarized wave probe which are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings of the primary radiator and receive two types of radio waves whose polarization planes are orthogonal to each other;
A pair of first RF amplifier circuits respectively connected to the feeding points of the probes and amplifying the RF signals received by the probes;
When one of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits is operating, the pair of first RF amplifier circuits is operated based on an external control signal so that the other first RF amplifier circuit is inoperative. 1 RF amplification control circuit for switching the operating state of the RF amplification circuit;
The outputs from the first RF amplifier circuits are respectively connected to the output sides of the pair of first RF amplifier circuits, and the outputs from the first RF amplifier circuits are transmitted to the first interconnection point via the pair of first input lines having substantially the same line length. And a first RF transmission line that outputs from the first interconnection point via the first output line;
A filter circuit that selectively passes an RF signal amplified by each of the first RF amplifier circuits among signals output from the first output line of the first RF transmission line;
A frequency conversion circuit that converts the frequency of the RF signal that has passed through the filter circuit into an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band;
An IF amplifier circuit for amplifying the IF signal frequency-converted by the frequency converter circuit;
With
Two signal paths from the feeding point of each probe to each first RF transmission line are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal.
Further, the line length of the pair of first input lines constituting each of the first RF transmission lines is such that the reactance component when viewing the first RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state from the first interconnection point is substantially zero. A satellite receiving converter characterized by being set as follows.   Each first input line has a first interconnect point of the first RF transmission line such that a reactance component when the first RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state from the first interconnect point is viewed is substantially zero. The satellite receiving converter according to claim 1, further comprising a first adjusting member for adjusting a transmission characteristic of the RF signal in.   The satellite receiving converter according to claim 2, wherein the first adjusting member is configured by a stub whose length can be adjusted. Each of the cases is provided with a waveguide constituting two primary radiators,
In the substrate, as the converter circuit unit,
For each primary radiator, the horizontal polarization probe, the vertical polarization probe, the pair of first RF amplification circuits, and the first RF transmission line are provided,
A pair of second RF amplifier circuits connected to the first output lines of the first RF transmission lines corresponding to the primary radiators, respectively, for amplifying the RF signals output from the first RF transmission lines;
The outputs from the second RF amplifier circuits are respectively connected to the output sides of the pair of second RF amplifier circuits, and the outputs from the second RF amplifier circuits are transmitted to the second interconnection point via the pair of second input lines having substantially the same line length. And a second RF transmission line that outputs to the filter circuit from the second interconnection point via the second output line;
Is provided,
The RF amplification control circuit operates one of a total of four first RF amplification circuits provided for the two primary radiators based on a control signal from the outside, and performs operations of the other first RF amplification circuits. The second RF amplifier circuit that amplifies the RF signal output from the first RF amplifier circuit that is operating among the pair of second RF amplifier circuits is operated, and the operations of the other second RF amplifier circuits are stopped. Configured,
The four signal paths from the feeding point of each probe to each of the second RF transmission lines are formed so that the path lengths are substantially equal.
In addition, the line length of the pair of input lines constituting the second RF transmission line is set so that the reactance component when the second RF amplifier circuit in a non-operating state is viewed from the second interconnection point is substantially zero. The satellite receiving converter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the converter is for receiving satellites.   Of the printed wiring patterns provided on the substrate for forming the converter circuit portion, the printed wiring patterns from the pair of probes individually corresponding to the two primary radiators to the second interconnection point are 2 5. The satellite receiving converter according to claim 4, wherein the converter is formed so as to be substantially line symmetric with respect to a center line passing through an intermediate point between the two primary radiators.   Each second input line has a second interconnect point of the second RF transmission line such that a reactance component when the second RF amplifier circuit in a non-operation state from the second interconnect point is viewed is substantially zero. 6. The satellite receiving converter according to claim 4, further comprising a second adjusting member for adjusting a transmission characteristic of the RF signal.   The satellite receiving converter according to claim 6, wherein the second adjusting member includes a stub whose length can be adjusted.

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