JP2011012990A - Radiation immunity testing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply an intense electric field in an immunity test by a small-output amplifier, and to uniform an irradiation electric field required by an immunity test of electronic equipment.SOLUTION: A radiation immunity testing device includes: an array antenna where a plurality of element antennas 5 are disposed in a prescribed element pattern; a signal generator 1 for generating test signals of prescribed electromagnetic noise; signal distribution means (distribution circuits 2, 3) for equally distributing output test signals of the signal generator to an element pattern region of the array antenna; and a plurality of amplifiers 4 for amplifying each of output distribution signals obtained by the signal distribution means for supplying the signals to the element antennas 5, respectively.

Description

  In the present invention, an electromagnetic noise is applied to an electronic device, and a radiation immunity test (Electro Magnetic Susceptibility; EMS test) is performed to test whether the electronic device or a system in which the electronic device is mounted normally operates. Device).

A conventional radiation immunity test apparatus is composed of one signal generator, one amplifier, and one antenna, and radiates electromagnetic noise from a single antenna to the electronic device to be tested. The situation where the electronic device malfunctions is evaluated (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2). For example, the radiation immunity test apparatus disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 evaluates a situation in which an electronic device mounted on an automobile is irradiated with an electric field of 100 V / m or more as electromagnetic noise, and the electronic device malfunctions. is doing. On the other hand, in the radiation immunity test apparatus disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2, it is determined that the electric field level in the vertical plane at a specified distance from the antenna is uniform, and the test is performed in an area where the electric field level is uniform. The target electronic device is installed and the situation where the electronic device malfunctions is evaluated.
In addition, as a radiation immunity evaluation apparatus using a plurality of antennas, a high-frequency signal generator, a plurality of radiation antennas, a first distribution circuit that distributes a signal output from the high-frequency signal generator to the radiation antennas, and the plurality of radiations There is one provided with the same number of power amplifying devices as antennas (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-221436 A

International Standard ISO 11452-2 “Road Vehicle-Component Test Method for Electrical Interference Caused by Narrowband Radiated Electromagnetic Energy” International Electrotechnical Standard IEC61000-4-3 “Radiation Radio Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity Test”

In the case of the on-vehicle radiation immunity test apparatus configured as described above, there is a problem that if any one of the signal generator, the amplifier, and the antenna fails, the immunity test cannot be continued. Another problem is that the time required for the repair is prolonged and the cost is high. In particular, an amplifier capable of outputting a strong electric field of 100 V / m or more with a single amplifier is very expensive, and the introduction cost of the apparatus is also a problem.
In addition, in the case of a radiation immunity evaluation device using multiple antennas as described above, a phase shifter is used to control the electric field strength of the irradiation electric field and the electric field uniformity in consideration of individual differences of amplifiers. In this case, there is a problem that the broadband phase shifter is expensive. In addition, in the radiation immunity test determined by the standards and technical standards, it is necessary to irradiate both horizontal and vertical polarized waves, so it is necessary to create an array pattern that takes into account both polarized waves. In addition, when multiple distribution circuits are used, the input level to each element antenna will eventually change due to the loss of the distribution circuit due to individual differences in the distribution circuit and the difference in level between the test signals that are distributed and output. However, it was one of the problems that was not formed as designed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and by using an array antenna using a plurality of small output amplifiers, it is possible to irradiate a strong electric field in an immunity test, and an electronic device. An object of the present invention is to obtain a radiation immunity test apparatus that makes it possible to equalize the irradiation electric field required in the immunity test.

  A radiation immunity test apparatus according to the present invention includes an array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged in a predetermined element pattern, a signal generator that generates a test signal of predetermined electromagnetic noise, and an output test signal of the signal generator. A signal distribution unit that equally distributes to the element pattern region of the antenna, and a plurality of amplifiers that amplify each of the output distribution signals from the signal distribution unit and supply them to the element antenna, respectively.

  According to the present invention, the test signal is distributed to each element antenna of the array antenna by the distribution circuit, and at this time, the distribution signal is amplified by the amplifier provided for each element antenna so as to be uniformly distributed to the element pattern of the array antenna. I have to. Therefore, since it is possible to obtain a desired electric field strength using an inexpensive amplifier with a small output, an immunity test for irradiating a strong electric field can be performed without using an expensive amplifier with a high output as in the prior art. Further, since the electric field to be irradiated can be made uniform, it can be applied to an electronic device test. In addition, immunity testing is continued even if one of the amplifiers, element antenna alone, or element antenna unit (intermediate assembly consisting of multiple element antennas configured as part of the array antenna pattern area) fails. Let it be done. Furthermore, even when a part of the element antenna unit is replaced, the influence on the uniformity of the electric field and the intensity of the applied electric field can be reduced. Further, since repair is possible only by exchanging the element antenna or the element antenna unit, it is possible to reduce a load such as cost and time required for maintenance.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operation state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the element antenna of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure and operating state of the radiation immunity test apparatus by Embodiment 7 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In the figure, a plurality of element antennas 5 are equally arranged to constitute an array antenna. Now, assuming that the radiation plane of the array antenna viewed from the boresight direction is a coordinate plane, the plane is divided into four planes (quadrants or sections) of the same area by two straight lines orthogonal at the center. In this case, the number of element antennas 5 constituting the element pattern region in each quadrant is the same. The plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the boresight direction, and are arranged toward the boresight direction.

  A signal generator (labeled “SG”) 1 is a means for generating a test signal that is electromagnetic noise. The distribution circuit 2 is a means for evenly distributing the output test signal of the signal generator 1 to the quadrant number of the array antenna (that is, four). The distribution circuit 3 is means for evenly distributing the number of quadrant test signals distributed by the distribution circuit 2 to the number of element antennas in each quadrant. The amplifier 4 is a circuit that amplifies the test signal distributed by the distribution circuit 3 and supplies it to the corresponding element antenna 5. Each element antenna 5 radiates the test signal amplified by the corresponding amplifier 4 as a radio wave in the air.

Next, the operation will be described.
When the signal generator 1 generates a test signal that is electromagnetic noise, the signal generator 1 provides the output test signal to the first-stage distribution circuit 2. In the distribution circuit 2, the test signal input from the signal generator 1 is evenly distributed to four quadrants of the array antenna, and each output distribution signal is given to the distribution circuit 3 in the next stage. In the distribution circuit 3, the test signal in the quadrant unit distributed by the distribution circuit 2 is evenly distributed to all the element antennas 5 constituting one quadrant, and the amplifier 4 connected to the input stage of each element antenna 5. Give to each. Each amplifier 4 amplifies the test signal for each element antenna distributed by the distribution circuit 3 and applies the amplified signal to the corresponding element antenna 5. When each element antenna 5 receives the test signal amplified by the amplifier 4, it radiates the test signal into the air.

  In FIG. 1, each element antenna 5 forms a radiation pattern 6 by radio waves as test signals, and is superimposed as an array antenna to form an irradiation electric field, that is, a radiation pattern 7. In this example, the element antenna 5 is arranged so that the shape of the array antenna is a curved surface having a concave center with respect to the boresight direction, and a uniform amplitude is obtained in a desired plane at an arbitrary distance from the array antenna. An electric field distribution 8 is formed. That is, it can be applied to an immunity test of an electronic device that requires a uniform electric field to be irradiated. The electric field distribution 8 of uniform amplitude formed in a desired plane at an arbitrary distance from the array antenna has a plurality of radiating surfaces of the array antenna such that the center is a concave curved surface with respect to the boresight direction. This is possible by arranging the element antennas 5 and by distributing the distribution signal by the distribution circuit 2 so that the test signal is made uniform in each quadrant of the array antenna.

In the circuit arrangement of FIG. 1, the distribution circuit 2 has described the configuration in which the test signal is uniformly distributed to the first quadrant, the second quadrant, the third quadrant, and the fourth quadrant, but another method is illustrated in FIG. 2. Such a circuit arrangement may be adopted. That is, in the case of FIG. 2, the distribution circuit 2 distributes the test signal into four quadrants, and the distribution circuit 3 equalizes the output signal of the distribution circuit 2 to the number of element antennas constituting one quadrant. The distributed signals are transmitted to the element antennas corresponding to the respective quadrants. In this case, since the number of distribution circuits for generating signals to be given to each quadrant is increased from one to four compared to FIG. Therefore, a strong electric field can be obtained by forming the electric field distribution 8 having a uniform amplitude in a desired plane at an arbitrary distance regardless of the individual difference of the distribution circuit.
In the above example, the test signal applied to the element antenna is distributed in two stages of the distribution circuit 2 and the distribution circuit 3. However, in the case of an array antenna having a large number of element antennas in the quadrant, the number of stages of the distribution circuit is further increased. It is good also as a structure which increases and distributes.
In the above example, the number of quadrants (number of divisions) of the array antenna is four, but the present invention does not limit the number of divisions. That is, it may be divided into two parts (up and down, left and right, or inside and outside), three parts, six parts, and eight parts.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the array antenna is configured such that the plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged so that the shape of the radiation surface is a concave curved surface at the center with respect to the boresight direction. A test signal of predetermined electromagnetic noise is generated by the generator 1, and the output test signal of the signal generator 1 is evenly distributed to the element pattern region of the array antenna by the signal distribution means (distribution circuits 2 and 3). Each of the output distribution signals of the signal distribution means is amplified by a plurality of amplifiers 4 and supplied to the element antennas. Therefore, since the amplifier 4 is provided for each element antenna 5, it becomes possible to obtain a desired electric field strength using a low-priced low-priced amplifier. In addition, an immunity test for irradiating a strong electric field can be performed, and the electric field to be radiated can be made uniform, so that it can be applied to an electronic device test. Further, even when one of the amplifiers or a part of the element antenna unit fails, the immunity test can be continued. Furthermore, even when a part of the element antenna unit is replaced, the influence on the uniformity of the electric field and the intensity of the applied electric field can be reduced. Since repair is possible only by exchanging the element antenna or the element antenna alone or the element antenna unit, it is possible to reduce the load such as cost and time required for maintenance.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS.
In the case of the first embodiment, the example in which the plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged so that the center of the radiation surface of the array antenna is concave with respect to the boresight direction has been described. In this case, the plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged so that the radiation surface shape of the array antenna including the plurality of element antennas 5 is a straight line as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of element antennas 5 may be two-dimensionally arranged so that the radiation surface has a flat shape. Further, the curved shape of the array antenna may be a quadratic curved surface, an elliptical curved surface, a spherical surface, or the like, or may be a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the same parts will be omitted in principle.
In the case of the first embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the plurality of amplifiers 4 amplify the test signal distributed by the distribution circuit 3 and the plurality of element antennas 5 radiate the test signal amplified by the amplifier 4. In the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, an amplifier 41 is added in front of the distribution circuit 3, and the test signal distributed by the distribution circuit 2 at the first stage is amplified. That is, the combination of the distribution circuit and the amplifier may be connected in a tree shape in order to obtain the required electric field strength.

  Further, in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the output distribution signal of the distribution circuit 3 in the final stage is supplied to the element antenna in each quadrant. However, the distribution may be made for each quadrant in the middle of the circuit. That is, in the first embodiment, the cascade configuration of the distribution circuit 2, the distribution circuit 3, and the amplifier 4 is shown. However, for example, the connection configuration of the distribution circuit 3 and the amplifier 4 may be two or more stages. By combining the connection configuration of the distribution circuit and amplifier in multiple stages in a tree shape, it becomes possible to supply a wider range of test signals to be distributed and output, so the influence of individual differences in the characteristics of the distribution circuit and amplifier Furthermore, it is possible to form an electric field distribution having a uniform amplitude in a desired plane by dispersing the signals in all quadrants of the array antenna.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
In the first to third embodiments, the plurality of element antennas 5 constituting the array antenna are arranged toward the boresight direction. In the case of the fourth embodiment, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged with the radiation ports directed in the normal direction of the concave surface. By arranging in this way, the electric power evenly distributed to all the quadrants of the array antenna is evenly irradiated from each quadrant, so that a uniform and strong electric field distribution 8 can be formed.

In FIG. 6, the distribution circuit 2, the distribution circuit 3, and the amplifier 4 have a one-stage cascade configuration, but as shown in FIG. The distribution circuit that uniformly distributes to each quadrant does not necessarily need to be implemented by the first-stage distribution circuit. As a result, it becomes possible to distribute and distribute the influence of individual differences in the characteristics of the distribution circuit to all quadrants of the array antenna, so that the electric field distribution 8 having a uniform amplitude can be formed in a desired plane.
6 and 7 show a plurality of element antennas 5 arranged in a one-dimensional shape. However, even if the plurality of element antennas 5 are arranged linearly, they are arranged on a primary curved surface. Alternatively, a secondary curved surface or a spherical curved array antenna may be used, or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface may be used. Moreover, each element antenna 5 may face the normal direction of a quadric surface or a spherical surface.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the same parts will be omitted in principle.
In FIG. 8, a rotating mechanism 9 is means for rotating the element pattern by 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the electric field radiation direction while supporting the entire array antenna, and switching the polarization plane of the radiated electric field by 90 degrees. Here, the arrow in the element antenna 5 indicates the direction of the electric field. By rotating the entire array antenna by 90 degrees with the rotation mechanism 9, the direction of the electric field is changed by 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 8 (a) to FIG. 8 (b). It becomes possible to carry out immunity evaluation.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of an element antenna of a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
In the sixth embodiment, it is proposed to use a tapered slot antenna 10 which is a broadband antenna as shown in FIG. 9 as the element antenna 5 constituting the array antenna. The tapered slot antenna 10 has a structure surrounded by a shield case 11 except for a radio wave emission port. Since this shield case 11 can suppress electromagnetic coupling with other adjacent and adjacent antennas, the power irradiated from the taper slot antenna 10 is received by the other antennas, and the device is destroyed. Can be prevented. Further, the structure of the shield case 11 can have a function as a waveguide. Further, since the shield case 11 is provided, it is possible to work without touching the taper slot antenna 10 itself when exchanging the element antenna, and therefore, damage can be prevented.
In the sixth embodiment, a tapered slot antenna is used as a wideband antenna. However, the type of antenna in the present invention is particularly limited if a desired electric field distribution and electric field strength can be obtained over a wide band. It is not a thing.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
10 is a block diagram showing a radiation immunity test apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
In the fifth embodiment, the phase control unit 12 is provided at the output stage of the first-stage distribution circuit 2. These phase control units 12 are means for controlling the excitation phase of the test signal. Thus, by mounting the phase control unit 12, it becomes possible to control the input level and phase of the same stage. As a result, the phase of the electric field radiated from the plurality of element antennas 5 can be controlled, and the strong electric field and the electric field uniformity can be controlled.

Further, the phase control unit 12 may be provided at the input stage of the antenna as shown in FIG. In the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, since the phase control of each element antenna 5 can be performed, a stronger electric field and a more uniform electric field distribution can be formed.
As a specific example of the phase control unit 12, any phase control unit 12 may be used as long as it can control the phase of the test signal. For example, a phase shifter or a line stretcher may be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signal generator, 2, 3 distribution circuit, 4,41 amplifier, 5 antenna, 6 element antenna 5 radiation pattern, 7 array antenna radiation pattern, 8 electric field distribution, 9 rotation mechanism, 10 taper slot antenna, 11 shield case , 12 Phase control unit.

Claims (9)

An array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged in a predetermined element pattern;
A signal generator for generating a test signal of predetermined electromagnetic noise;
Signal distribution means for evenly distributing the output test signal of the signal generator to the element pattern region of the array antenna;
A radiation immunity test apparatus comprising a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying each of the output distribution signals by the signal distribution means and supplying the amplified signal to the element antenna. The signal distribution means
A first distribution circuit for evenly distributing the output test signal of the signal generator;
A second distribution circuit for each quadrant that equally distributes the output distribution signal from the first distribution circuit to all the element antennas constituting one quadrant when the radiation surface of the array antenna is divided into quadrants; The radiation immunity test apparatus according to claim 1. The signal distribution means
A first distribution circuit for evenly distributing the output test signal of the signal generator;
And a second distribution circuit for equally distributing the output distribution signal from the first distribution circuit to the element antennas corresponding to each quadrant when the radiation surface of the array antenna is divided into quadrants. The radiation immunity test apparatus according to claim 1.   2. The radiation immunity test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal distribution means and the amplifier are configured by combining a plurality of stages of connection structures of the distribution circuit and the amplifier in a tree shape.   The radiation immunity test according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the array antenna has a plurality of element antennas arranged such that a radiation port faces a normal direction of the concave surface. apparatus.   5. A rotating mechanism that supports the entire array antenna and rotates the element pattern by 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the electric field radiation direction to switch the polarization plane of the radiated electric field by 90 degrees. The radiation immunity test apparatus according to any one of the above.   7. The element antenna constituting the array antenna has a shield structure that suppresses electromagnetic coupling between adjacent and adjacent other element antennas. The radiation immunity test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.   The radiation immunity test according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a phase control unit that controls an excitation phase of an electric field radiated from each element antenna constituting the array antenna. apparatus.   9. The radiated immunity test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the array antenna is configured such that a radiation surface is a curved surface having a concave center with respect to the boresight direction. .

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