JP3547978B2

JP3547978B2 - Antenna equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3547978B2
Application number: JP06715998A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 三朗茅原
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 1998-03-17
Filing date: 1998-03-17
Publication date: 2004-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-17
Also published as: JPH11266111A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、広い周波数帯域に対して送受信可能な空中線装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
周知のように、シミュレータや多目的用途のレーダ等の空中線装置においては、単独で広帯域な周波数に対応した送受信機能を有する装置が要求されている。この広帯域送受信機能を得るためには、一般的にそれぞれの周波数に対応したアンテナ素子及び送受信装置を備える必要がある。
【０００３】
図５は、従来の一例である３つの周波数帯域に対応可能な空中線装置の構成を示している。
図５において、空中線装置は、例えばアレイ状に配置された複数のアンテナ素子部１１，周波数変換部１２，Ａ／Ｄ（Ａｎａｌｏｇ／Ｄｉｇｉｔａｌ）変換部（Ａ／Ｄ）１３，Ｉ／Ｑ検波部（Ｉ／Ｑ）１４及び例えばＤＢＦ（ＤｉｇｉｔａｌＢｅａｍＦｏｒｍｉｎｇ）基板で構成される電力分配／合成器（ＤＢＦ）１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃにより構成されている。このうち、アンテナ素子部１１には、送受信を行ないたい周波数範囲で、高い周波数から順にＦ１，Ｆ２，Ｆ３として、Ｆ１用アンテナ素子１１ａ，Ｆ２用アンテナ素子１１ｂ及びＦ３用アンテナ素子１１ｃがあり、周波数変換部１２には、Ｆ１用周波数変換器１２ａ，Ｆ２用周波数変換器１２ｂ及びＦ３用周波数変換器１２ｃがある。なお、各アンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃ及び各周波数変換器１２ａ，１２ｂ，１２ｃは、この空中線に要求されている３つの周波数帯域Ｆ１，Ｆ２，Ｆ３のうちのいずれか１つの帯域のみに対応可能である。
【０００４】
一方、目標から反射された搬送波のＲＦ（ＲａｄｉｏＦｒｅｑｕｅｎｃｙ）信号は、アンテナ素子部１１を通過して周波数変換部１２にて一定帯域のＩＦ（中間周波数）信号に変換され、Ａ／Ｄ変換部１３よりデジタル変換され、以後Ｉ／Ｑ変換部１４にてＩ／Ｑ検波され、電力分配／合成器１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃにそれぞれ供給される。電力分配／合成器１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃは、入力された受信信号に対してウエイトをかけ合わせて、さらにアンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃの個数分の受信信号を加算することにより、ビーム形成を行なって図示しない受信装置へ出力する。
【０００５】
ところで、上記空中線装置では、周波数帯域に応じて各々独立したアンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃを使用するため、図６に示すような素子配列を組むことになる。一般的に素子配列は、半波長毎に配列する必要がある。しかしながら、各種の周波数帯域に使用される各アンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃを同一平面状に配列させる場合に、各アンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃは、各々専用の周波数変換器１２ａ，１２ｂ，１２ｃに接続されるため、対応可能周波数帯域が高い周波数帯域になるほど、Ｆ１用のアンテナ素子１１ａ相互間にＦ２用もしくはＦ３用のアンテナ素子１１ｂ，１１ｃを配列することが困難になる。また、各アンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃのアンテナ面における配置が各周波数帯域毎に別々に構成されており、周波数帯域毎に素子配列の位置を考慮した補正を行なう必要があるため、電力分配／合成器１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃのビーム形成の制御が複雑化することになる。また、アンテナ素子１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃの総数、電力分配／合成器１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃの個数も通常のアンテナよりも多くなり、構成が大型化することになる。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
以上のように、従来の空中線装置では、各周波数帯域毎に別個に送受信系統を設けているため、各周波数帯域毎のアンテナ素子を同一平面状に配列することが困難であり、さらにアンテナ素子の配列の位置を考慮した補正を行なう際に、ビーム形成の制御の複雑化及び装置の大型化を招くという問題を有している。
【０００７】
この発明の目的は、使用周波数帯域に応じた柔軟かつ容易なビーム制御が可能で、小型軽量化を図るとともに、多ビーム形成に必要な処理時間を短縮可能な空中線装置を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る空中線装置は、複数の搬送波の周波数の信号を受信可能で、複数の搬送波の周波数の中で最高周波数の信号の半波長間隔でアレイ状に配置された複数のアンテナ素子と、各々のアンテナ素子の給電経路中に介在され、アンテナ素子で得られる最高周波数の信号を一定帯域の信号に変換する第１の周波数変換手段と、半波長間隔を２以上の整数倍に広げた間隔を単位間隔とし、複数のアンテナ素子のうち、単位間隔に相当するアンテナ素子の給電経路中に介在されるものであって、最高周波数に比して低い搬送波の周波数に対応し、該第１の周波数変換手段と同一の一定帯域の信号に変換する第２の周波数変換手段と、複数のアンテナ素子の給電経路中に介在され、周波数の信号の使用周波数に応じてアンテナ素子を第１の周波数変換手段と第２の周波数変換手段とに選択的に接続する切換手段と、複数の第１の周波数変換手段または複数の第２の周波数変換手段それぞれの出力を合成して、ビームを形成するビーム形成手段とを備えた装置に着目している。
【０００９】
そして、ビーム形成手段は、一方をビーム形成のための主たる動作を実行する主系統として機能し、他方をビーム形成のための該主系統に対する補助として用いられる補助系統として機能する少なくとも２つの処理系統と、主系統における使用周波数に応じて、複数のアンテナ素子の給電経路を、主系統及び補助系統に選択的に切換接続する系統切換接続手段とを備えるようにしている。
【００１０】
この構成によれば、複数のアンテナ素子を全周波数帯域において共通に使用し、切換手段による第１及び第２の周波数変換手段の選択及びビーム形成手段によってビーム形成制御を行なうことにより、広帯域に対応したビーム幅及び走査角を柔軟に設定することができる。また、ビーム形成手段におけるビーム形成を主系統と補助系統とに分けて行なうので、１系統から多ビーム形成を行なう場合に比べ、多ビーム形成に必要なビーム形成の処理時間を短縮することができる。
【００１１】
この発明に係る空中線装置は、複数の搬送波の周波数の信号を送信可能で、複数の搬送波の周波数の中で最高周波数の信号の半波長間隔でアレイ状に配置された複数のアンテナ素子と、送信源から信号を取り入れ、この信号から複数の送信信号を形成して複数のアンテナ素子へ与える送信信号形成手段と、送信信号形成手段から複数のアンテナ素子に至る給電経路中に介在され、送信信号形成手段から形成された複数の送信信号を複数の搬送波の周波数の信号に変換する第１の周波数変換手段と、半波長間隔を２以上の整数倍に広げた間隔を単位間隔とし、複数のアンテナ素子のうち、単位間隔に相当するアンテナ素子の給電経路中に介在されるものであって、最高周波数に比して低い搬送波の周波数に対応し、該第１の周波数変換手段と同一の一定帯域の信号に変換する第２の周波数変換手段と、複数のアンテナ素子の給電経路中に介在され、周波数の信号の使用周波数に応じてアンテナ素子を第１の周波数変換手段と第２の周波数変換手段とに選択的に接続する切換手段とを備えた装置に着目している。
【００１２】
そして、送信信号形成手段は、一方を複数の送信信号を形成するための主たる動作を実行する主系統として機能し、他方を複数の送信信号を形成するための該主系統に対する補助として用いられる補助系統として機能する少なくとも２つの処理系統と、主系統における使用周波数に応じて、複数のアンテナ素子の給電経路を、主系統及び補助系統に選択的に切換接続する系統切換接続手段とを備えるようにしている。
【００１３】
この構成によれば、送信系統においても、受信系統と同様に、複数のアンテナ素子を全周波数帯域において共通に使用し、１つの送信信号形成手段によって送信源からの信号を複数の送信信号に形成して複数のアンテナ素子に与えるようにし、第１及び第２の周波数変換手段を切換手段にて選択的に複数のアンテナ素子に切換接続するようにしている。このため、広帯域に対応したビーム幅及び走査角を柔軟に設定することができる。また、送信信号形成手段における複数の送信信号の生成を主系統と補助系統とに分けて行なうので、複数の送信信号を形成するのに必要な処理時間を短縮することができる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
図１は、この発明の一実施の形態である空中線装置の受信系統の構成を示している。
図１において、図５と同一部分には同一符号を付して説明する。図５と異なる点は、アンテナ素子部１１に代えて広帯域用（広い周波数に対応可能な）のアンテナ素子部２１を用いている点である。このアンテナ素子部２１は、ｎ（ｎは自然数）個のアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎにより構成されており、これらアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎを搬送波の周波数の中で最高周波数のＲＦ信号の半波長間隔でアレイ状に配列している。また、アンテナ素子部２１と周波数変換部１２との間に、異なるフィルタ特性を有して使用周波数に対応し、対応周波数範囲の高いものから順にＦ１，Ｆ２，Ｆ３とする周波数変換器１２ａ，１２ｂ，１２ｃを選択し、切換えを行なうスイッチング部２２を介挿接続し、周波数変換部１２とＡ／Ｄ変換部１３との間に、スイッチング部２２に同期して切換え動作を行なうスイッチング部２３を介挿接続した点も異なる。これらスイッチング部２２，２３は、それぞれｎ個づつスイッチング回路２２１〜２２ｎ，２３１〜２３ｎを備えている。同様にＡ／Ｄ変換部１３及びＩ／Ｑ検波部１４も、それぞれｎ個のＡ／Ｄ変換器１３１〜１３ｎ，Ｉ／Ｑ検波器１４１〜１４ｎを備えている。さらに、Ｆ１用の電力分配／合成器１５ａ，Ｆ２用の電力分配／合成器１５ｂ及びＦ３用の電力分配／合成器１５ｃを１つの電力分配／合成器２４に共用化させた点も従来と異なる。
【００１５】
また、Ｆ１用の周波数変換器１２ａは各アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎの給電経路毎に配置されており、Ｆ２用の周波数変換器１２ｂもしくはＦ３用の周波数変換器１２ｃは最高周波数のＲＦ信号の半波長の整数倍の間隔に相当するアンテナ素子２１１，２１３，２１４等の給電経路に配置されている。なお、Ｆ３用の周波数変換器１２ｃは、Ｆ２用の周波数変換器１２ｂより大きい間隔で配置されている。
【００１６】
また、上記アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎのうち、一部が主系統用に属し、他が補助系統用に属している。上記説明では、主系統用について説明しているが、補助系統についても、同様にＦ２用もしくはＦ３用の周波数に対応するアンテナ素子が最高周波数のＲＦ信号の半波長の整数倍の間隔で配置されている。なお、補助系統用に属するＦ２用もしくはＦ３用のアンテナ素子が主系統用に属するＦ２用もしくはＦ３用のアンテナ素子の隣の給電経路に配置されるようにしてもよい。
【００１７】
電力分配／合成器２４は、図２に示すように、Ｉ／Ｑ検波器１４１〜１４ｎからのＩ／Ｑデータを積和演算処理することで合成し、ビームを形成する２つの処理系統２４ａ，２４ｂを備えている。このうち、一方を常にビーム形成処理を行なう主系統２４ａとし、他方を主系統２４ａに対する補助として用いられる補助系統２４ｂとしている。また、電力分配／合成器２４において、これら主系統２４ａ及び補助系統２４ｂと各アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎの給電経路との間には、スイッチング部２４ｃが介在されている。スイッチング部２４ｃは、Ｉ／Ｑ検波器１４１〜１４ｎの出力であるＩ／Ｑデータを主系統２４ａもしくは補助系統２４ｂへ選択的に導出する。
【００１８】
次に、上記構成による動作について説明する。
まず、ユーザがこの空中線装置の各パラメータ（ビーム幅，周波数，走査角）の設定を行なうことにより、アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎは、使用される個数が限定され、その各広帯域のアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎにおいてＲＦ信号の受信を行なう。そして、スイッチング部２２，２３では、設定パラメータに応じて、一定配列されたアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎの中から適切な素子間隔で周波数変換部１２への接続を行なう。
【００１９】
以後、従来と同様に、アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎにて受信された搬送波のＲＦ信号は、周波数変換部１２で一定帯域のＩＦ信号に変換され、Ａ／Ｄ変換部１３でデジタル変換、Ｉ／Ｑ検波部１４でＩ／Ｑ検波されて、電力分配／合成器２４に供給される。電力分配／合成器２４は、入力された受信信号に対して主系統２４ａにて複数のウエイトをかけ合わせて、さらにアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎの個数分の受信信号を加算することにより、ビーム形成を行ない図示しない受信装置へ出力する。
【００２０】
また、電力分配／合成器２４において、ユーザが対応周波数のうち比較的低い周波数を選択した場合、最初に選択されていないアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎを設定周波数に応じて適切な素子間隔で選択する。この選択された複数のアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎからの信号は、周波数変換部１２，Ａ／Ｄ変換部１３及びＩ／Ｑ検波部１４の処理を経て電力分配／合成器２４の補助系統２４ｂに接続される。補助系統２４ｂは、独立した新たな系統として主系統２４ａと同様ビームを形成する。
【００２１】
図３は、上記アンテナ素子部２１の配置例を示している。
図３において、全てのアンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎは、搬送波の周波数の中で最高周波数のＲＦ信号の半波長間隔でアレイ状に配置されており、使用する周波数帯域に応じて、各アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎが選択的に選択される。ここで、対応周波数範囲中で、高い周波数帯域を使用する場合、アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎは、全て使用される。このとき、スイッチング部２２，２３は、Ｆ１用の周波数変換器１２ａ側に切り換えられることになる。
【００２２】
また、対応周波数範囲中で中間付近の周波数帯域を使用する場合、アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎのうち、例えばＦ２用の周波数変換器１２ｂを給電経路中に介在するアンテナ素子２１１，２１４等が選択される。このとき、スイッチング部２２のうちスイッチング回路２２１，２２４等は、Ｆ２用の周波数変換器１２ｂ側に切り換えられ、その他は接地側に切り換えられる。このとき、スイッチング部２３もスイッチング部２２に同期して切り換えられる。
【００２３】
さらに、対応周波数範囲中で低い周波数帯域を使用する場合、アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎのうち、例えばＦ３用の周波数変換器１２ｃを給電経路中に介在するアンテナ素子２１３等が選択される。このとき、スイッチング回路２２１〜２２ｎのうちスイッチング回路２２３等は、Ｆ３用の周波数変換器１２ｃ側に切り換えられ、その他は接地側に切り換えられる。スイッチング部２３もスイッチング部２２に同期して切り換えられる。
【００２４】
すなわち、アンテナ素子部２１は、図３に示す如く、電力分配／合成器２４の主系統２４ａの処理の場合、対応周波数範囲中における中間付近の周波数帯域でアンテナ素子２１ａが選択され、対応周波数範囲中における低い周波数帯域でアンテナ素子２１ｂが選択されることになる。また、電力分配／合成器２４の補助系統２４ｂの処理の場合、対応周波数範囲中における中間付近の周波数帯域でアンテナ素子２１ｃが選択され、対応周波数範囲中における低い周波数帯域でアンテナ素子２１ｄが選択されることになる。
【００２５】
次に、図４は、この発明の第２の実施の形態である送信系統を示している。
図４において、図１と同一部分には同一符号を付して説明する。図１と異なる点は、Ａ／Ｄ変換部１３及びＩ／Ｑ検波部１４に代えて、Ｄ／Ａ変換部（Ｄ／Ａ）２５及びＩ／Ｑ変調部２６をスイッチング部２３と電力分配／合成器２４との間に介挿接続した点である。なお、Ｄ／Ａ変換部２５は、ｎ個のＤ／Ａ変換器２５１〜２５ｎにより構成され、Ｉ／Ｑ変調部２６は、ｎ個のＩ／Ｑ変調器２６１〜２６ｎにより構成されている。また、アンテナ素子部２１においても、上記受信系統と同様に一部が主系統用に属し、他が補助系統用に属している。
【００２６】
すなわち、図示しない送信装置にて発生された信号は、電力分配／合成器２４の主系統２４ａもしくは補助系統２４ｂに取り込まれる。主系統２４ａ及び補助系統２４ｂは、入力された信号を分配して複数の送信信号を生成し、スイッチング部２４ｃを介して、各Ｉ／Ｑ変調器２６１〜２６ｎに出力する。各Ｉ／Ｑ変調器２６１〜２６ｎは、入力された送信信号に対してＩ／Ｑ変調処理を施して各Ｄ／Ａ変換器２５１〜２５ｎにそれぞれ供給している。Ｄ／Ａ変換器２５１〜２５ｎに供給された送信信号は、アナログ信号に変換された後、スイッチング回路２３１〜２３ｎを介してＦ１用の周波数変換器１２ａ，Ｆ２用の周波数変換器１２ｂ及びＦ３用の周波数変換器１２ｃにて選択的に周波数変換される。以後、各使用周波数に応じて周波数変換された送信信号は、スイッチング回路２２１〜２２ｎを介して各アンテナ素子２１１〜２１ｎより送信される。
【００２７】
なお、各周波数帯域におけるスイッチング部２２，２３の切換動作は、先の実施の形態である受信系統の切換動作と同様である。
したがって、上記各実施の形態によれば、広帯域用のアンテナ素子部２１を全周波数帯域において共通に使用し、スイッチング部２２，２３による周波数変換器１２ａ，１２ｂ，１２ｃの選択、及び電力分配／合成器２４によってビーム形成もしくは送信信号の形成の制御を行なうことにより、広帯域に対応したビーム幅及び走査角を柔軟に設定することができる。また、電力分配／合成器２４において、受信系統におけるビーム形成もしくは送信系統における送信信号の形成を主系統２４ａと補助系統２４ｂと分けて行なうので、１系統から多ビーム形成もしくは送信信号の形成を行なう場合に比べ、必要なビーム形成もしくは送信信号の形成の処理時間を短縮することができる。
【００２８】
また、アンテナ素子部２１の素子配列がどの周波数帯域においても同一であることから、ビーム形成もしくは送信信号の形成の制御を容易に実現できる。さらに、アンテナ素子部２１及び電力分配／合成器２４を全周波数帯域において共通に使用できるので、各周波数帯域毎に送受信系統を別々に設ける必要がなく、従来と比較して素子総数の削減を図ることができ、装置の小型軽量化を図ることができる。
【００２９】
なお、電力分配／合成器２４は、デジタルビームを形成しているが、アナログ信号によりビームを形成するようにしてもよい。
また、この発明は、上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、この他、この発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形して実施できることはもちろんのことである。
【００３０】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したようにこの発明によれば、使用周波数帯域に応じた柔軟かつ容易なビーム制御もしくは送信信号制御が可能で、小型軽量化を図るとともに、多ビーム形成もしくは送信信号の形成に必要な処理時間を短縮可能な空中線装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明に係る空中線装置の一実施の形態を示すブロック構成図。
【図２】同実施の形態における電力分配／合成器の詳細を示すブロック構成図。
【図３】同実施の形態におけるアンテナ素子の配置例を説明するために示す図。
【図４】この発明の第２の実施の形態を示すブロック構成図。
【図５】従来の空中線装置を示すブロック構成図。
【図６】同従来装置におけるアンテナ素子の配置例を説明するために示す図。
【符号の説明】
１１，２１…アンテナ素子部、
２２，２３…スイッチング部、
１２…周波数変換部、
１３…Ａ／Ｄ変換部、
１４…Ｉ／Ｑ検波部、
１５ａ，１５ｂ，１５ｃ，２４…電力分配／合成器、
２４ａ…主系統、
２４ｂ…補助系統、
２４ｃ…スイッチング部、
２５…Ｄ／Ａ変換部、
２６…Ｉ／Ｑ変調部。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an antenna device capable of transmitting and receiving over a wide frequency band.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, antenna devices such as simulators and multipurpose radars are required to have a single device having a transmission / reception function corresponding to a broadband frequency. In order to obtain this broadband transmission / reception function, it is generally necessary to provide an antenna element and a transmission / reception device corresponding to each frequency.
[0003]
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an antenna device capable of handling three frequency bands, which is an example of the related art.
In FIG. 5, the antenna device includes a plurality of antenna element units 11, a frequency conversion unit 12, an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion unit (A / D) 13, and an I / Q detection unit (for example, arranged in an array). I / Q) 14 and power distribution / combiners (DBFs) 15a, 15b, and 15c, each of which is composed of, for example, a DBF (Digital Beam Forming) substrate. Among these, the antenna element section 11 includes F1 antenna elements 11a, F2 antenna elements 11b, and F3 antenna elements 11c as F1, F2, and F3 in order from the highest frequency in the frequency range in which transmission and reception are desired. The converter 12 includes an F1 frequency converter 12a, an F2 frequency converter 12b, and an F3 frequency converter 12c. Each of the antenna elements 11a, 11b, 11c and each of the frequency converters 12a, 12b, 12c can support only one of the three frequency bands F1, F2, F3 required for the antenna. It is.
[0004]
On the other hand, the RF (Radio Frequency) signal of the carrier reflected from the target passes through the antenna element unit 11 and is converted into an IF (intermediate frequency) signal of a fixed band by the frequency conversion unit 12, and the A / D conversion unit 13 After that, the digital signal is subjected to I / Q detection by the I / Q converter 14 and supplied to the power distribution / combiners 15a, 15b, and 15c. The power distributors / combiners 15a, 15b and 15c perform beam forming by multiplying the received signals by weight and adding the received signals for the number of antenna elements 11a, 11b and 11c. To a receiving device (not shown).
[0005]
By the way, in the above-mentioned antenna apparatus, since the independent antenna elements 11a, 11b, and 11c are used according to the frequency band, an element arrangement as shown in FIG. 6 is formed. Generally, it is necessary to arrange the element arrangement every half wavelength. However, when the antenna elements 11a, 11b, and 11c used for various frequency bands are arranged on the same plane, the antenna elements 11a, 11b, and 11c are respectively provided to dedicated frequency converters 12a, 12b, and 12c. Because of the connection, as the applicable frequency band becomes higher, it becomes more difficult to arrange the F2 or F3 antenna elements 11b and 11c between the F1 antenna elements 11a. Also, the arrangement of the antenna elements 11a, 11b, and 11c on the antenna surface is separately configured for each frequency band, and it is necessary to perform correction in consideration of the position of the element array for each frequency band. The control of the beam forming of the combiners 15a, 15b and 15c becomes complicated. In addition, the total number of antenna elements 11a, 11b, and 11c and the number of power distributors / combiners 15a, 15b, and 15c are larger than those of a normal antenna, and the configuration becomes large.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional antenna apparatus, since the transmission / reception system is separately provided for each frequency band, it is difficult to arrange the antenna elements for each frequency band on the same plane, When performing correction in consideration of the arrangement position, there is a problem that control of beam forming becomes complicated and the apparatus becomes large.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna apparatus capable of performing flexible and easy beam control according to a used frequency band, reducing the size and weight, and shortening the processing time required for forming multiple beams.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The antenna device according to the present invention is capable of receiving signals of a plurality of carrier frequencies, a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array at half-wavelength intervals of the highest frequency signal among the plurality of carrier frequencies, A first frequency conversion means interposed in the feed path of the antenna element for converting a signal of the highest frequency obtained by the antenna element into a signal of a certain band ; A unit interval, which is interposed in a feed path of an antenna element corresponding to the unit interval among a plurality of antenna elements, and corresponds to a carrier frequency lower than the highest frequency, and the first frequency A second frequency converting means for converting the signal into a signal of the same fixed band as the converting means; A switching means for selectively connecting to the converting means and the second frequency converting means, by combining each of the plurality of first frequency conversion means or a plurality of second frequency conversion means output beam to form a beam attention is paid to the device example Bei and formation means.
[0009]
The beam forming means has at least two processing systems, one of which functions as a main system for executing a main operation for beam forming and the other functions as an auxiliary system used as an auxiliary to the main system for beam forming. And system switching connection means for selectively switching and connecting the power supply paths of the plurality of antenna elements to the main system and the auxiliary system in accordance with the frequency used in the main system.
[0010]
According to this configuration, a plurality of antenna elements are commonly used in all frequency bands, and the selection of the first and second frequency conversion units by the switching unit and the beam forming control by the beam forming unit perform a wide band operation. The beam width and the scanning angle can be set flexibly. Further, since the beam forming in the beam forming means is performed separately for the main system and the auxiliary system, the processing time of the beam forming required for the multi-beam forming can be reduced as compared with the case where the multi-beam forming is performed from one system. .
[0011]
The antenna device according to the present invention is capable of transmitting signals of a plurality of carrier frequencies, a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array at half-wavelength intervals of the highest frequency signal among the plurality of carrier frequencies, and A transmission signal forming unit that takes in a signal from a source, forms a plurality of transmission signals from the signal, and supplies the transmission signal to a plurality of antenna elements; and a transmission signal formation unit that is interposed in a feed path from the transmission signal formation unit to the plurality of antenna elements. First frequency conversion means for converting a plurality of transmission signals formed by the means into signals having a plurality of carrier wave frequencies, and a plurality of antenna elements, each having a unit interval obtained by extending a half-wavelength interval to an integer multiple of two or more. of, there is interposed in the power supply path of the antenna element corresponding to the unit interval, corresponding to the frequency of a lower carrier than the maximum frequency, the frequency converting means of said first A second frequency converting means for converting the antenna element into a signal of a certain band, and a first frequency converting means and a second attention is paid to an apparatus example Bei and switching means for selectively connecting to the frequency converter.
[0012]
The transmission signal forming means functions as one of the main systems for performing a main operation for forming a plurality of transmission signals, and the other as an auxiliary for the main system for forming the plurality of transmission signals. The system includes at least two processing systems functioning as a system, and system switching connection means for selectively switching and connecting the power supply paths of the plurality of antenna elements to the main system and the auxiliary system according to the frequency used in the main system. ing.
[0013]
According to this configuration, also in the transmission system, similarly to the reception system, a plurality of antenna elements are commonly used in all frequency bands, and one transmission signal forming unit forms a signal from a transmission source into a plurality of transmission signals. Then, the first and second frequency conversion means are selectively switched to the plurality of antenna elements by the switching means. Therefore, the beam width and the scanning angle corresponding to a wide band can be set flexibly. Further, since the generation of the plurality of transmission signals in the transmission signal forming means is performed separately for the main system and the auxiliary system, the processing time required for forming the plurality of transmission signals can be reduced.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a receiving system of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the same parts as those in FIG. The difference from FIG. 5 is that an antenna element section 21 for a wide band (capable of supporting a wide range of frequencies) is used instead of the antenna element section 11. The antenna element section 21 is composed of n (n is a natural number) antenna elements 211 to 21n. These antenna elements 211 to 21n are arrayed at a half wavelength interval of the highest frequency RF signal among carrier frequencies. It is arranged in a shape. Further, the frequency converters 12a and 12b having different filter characteristics between the antenna element unit 21 and the frequency conversion unit 12 and corresponding to use frequencies and setting F1, F2, and F3 in descending order of the corresponding frequency range. , 12c, and a switching unit 22 for switching is inserted and connected. A switching unit 23 for performing a switching operation in synchronization with the switching unit 22 is provided between the frequency conversion unit 12 and the A / D conversion unit 13. The point of insertion and connection is also different. The switching units 22 and 23 include n switching circuits 221 to 22n and 231 to 23n, respectively. Similarly, the A / D converter 13 and the I / Q detector 14 also include n A / D converters 131 to 13n and I / Q detectors 141 to 14n, respectively. Furthermore, the power distribution / combiner 15a for F1, the power distribution / combiner 15b for F2, and the power distribution / combiner 15c for F3 are shared by one power distribution / combiner 24, which is different from the related art. .
[0015]
Further, the frequency converter 12a for F1 is arranged for each feeding path of each of the antenna elements 211 to 21n, and the frequency converter 12b for F2 or the frequency converter 12c for F3 is a half-wavelength of the highest frequency RF signal. Are arranged on the power supply paths of the antenna elements 211, 213, 214, etc., which correspond to the interval of an integral multiple of. Note that the frequency converters 12c for F3 are arranged at intervals larger than the frequency converters 12b for F2.
[0016]
Some of the antenna elements 211 to 21n belong to the main system, and others belong to the auxiliary system. In the above description, the main system is described. However, also in the auxiliary system, the antenna elements corresponding to the frequency for F2 or F3 are similarly arranged at intervals of an integral multiple of half the wavelength of the highest frequency RF signal. ing. The F2 or F3 antenna element belonging to the auxiliary system may be arranged in the power supply path adjacent to the F2 or F3 antenna element belonging to the main system.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the power distribution / combiner 24 combines two I / Q data from the I / Q detectors 141 to 14n by performing a product-sum operation to combine the I / Q data to form a beam. 24b. Of these, one is a main system 24a that always performs beam forming processing, and the other is an auxiliary system 24b that is used as an auxiliary to the main system 24a. In the power distribution / combiner 24, a switching unit 24c is interposed between the main system 24a and the auxiliary system 24b and the power supply paths of the antenna elements 211 to 21n. The switching unit 24c selectively derives I / Q data output from the I / Q detectors 141 to 14n to the main system 24a or the auxiliary system 24b.
[0018]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, the user sets each parameter (beam width, frequency, scanning angle) of the antenna device, so that the number of used antenna elements 211 to 21n is limited, and the wideband antenna elements 211 to 21n are used. Receives an RF signal. Then, the switching units 22 and 23 connect to the frequency conversion unit 12 at an appropriate element interval from among the antenna elements 211 to 21n arranged in a fixed manner according to the setting parameters.
[0019]
Thereafter, as in the conventional case, the RF signal of the carrier received by the antenna elements 211 to 21n is converted into an IF signal of a fixed band by the frequency conversion unit 12, and is digitally converted by the A / D conversion unit 13, and the I / Q The signal is subjected to I / Q detection by the detector 14 and supplied to the power distributor / combiner 24. The power distribution / combiner 24 performs beamforming by multiplying the input received signal by a plurality of weights in the main system 24a and further adding the received signals of the number of the antenna elements 211 to 21n. And outputs it to a receiving device (not shown).
[0020]
When the user selects a relatively low frequency among the corresponding frequencies in the power distribution / combiner 24, the antenna elements 211 to 21n that are not selected first are selected at an appropriate element interval according to the set frequency. The signals from the selected plurality of antenna elements 211 to 21n are connected to the auxiliary system 24b of the power distributor / combiner 24 through the processing of the frequency converter 12, the A / D converter 13 and the I / Q detector 14. Is done. The auxiliary system 24b forms a beam similarly to the main system 24a as an independent new system.
[0021]
FIG. 3 shows an example of arrangement of the antenna element unit 21.
In FIG. 3, all the antenna elements 211 to 21n are arranged in an array at a half wavelength interval of the RF signal having the highest frequency among the frequencies of the carrier waves, and each of the antenna elements 211 to 21n is arranged in accordance with the frequency band to be used. 21n is selectively selected. Here, when a high frequency band is used in the corresponding frequency range, the antenna elements 211 to 21n are all used. At this time, the switching units 22 and 23 are switched to the frequency converter 12a for F1.
[0022]
When a frequency band near the middle of the corresponding frequency range is used, among the antenna elements 211 to 21n, for example, the antenna elements 211 and 214 that interpose the frequency converter 12b for F2 in the power supply path are selected. . At this time, the switching circuits 221 and 224 of the switching unit 22 are switched to the frequency converter 12b for F2, and the others are switched to the ground side. At this time, the switching unit 23 is also switched in synchronization with the switching unit 22.
[0023]
Further, when a low frequency band is used in the corresponding frequency range, among the antenna elements 211 to 21n, for example, the antenna element 213 that interposes the F3 frequency converter 12c in the power supply path is selected. At this time, among the switching circuits 221 to 22n, the switching circuit 223 and the like are switched to the frequency converter 12c for F3, and the others are switched to the ground side. The switching unit 23 is also switched in synchronization with the switching unit 22.
[0024]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the processing of the main system 24a of the power distribution / combiner 24, the antenna element unit 21 selects the antenna element 21a in a frequency band near the middle of the corresponding frequency range, and The antenna element 21b is selected in the lower middle frequency band. Further, in the case of processing of the auxiliary system 24b of the power distribution / combiner 24, the antenna element 21c is selected in a frequency band near the middle in the corresponding frequency range, and the antenna element 21d is selected in a lower frequency band in the corresponding frequency range. Will be.
[0025]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a transmission system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, the same portions as those in FIG. The difference from FIG. 1 is that instead of the A / D conversion unit 13 and the I / Q detection unit 14, a D / A conversion unit (D / A) 25 and an I / Q modulation unit 26 are provided. This is a point where the connection with the synthesizer 24 is established. Note that the D / A converter 25 is configured by n D / A converters 251 to 25n, and the I / Q modulator 26 is configured by n I / Q modulators 261 to 26n. Also, as with the reception system, a part of the antenna element unit 21 belongs to the main system, and the other belongs to the auxiliary system.
[0026]
That is, the signal generated by the transmitting device (not shown) is taken into the main system 24a or the auxiliary system 24b of the power distribution / combiner 24. The main system 24a and the auxiliary system 24b distribute the input signal to generate a plurality of transmission signals, and output the transmission signals to the I / Q modulators 261 to 26n via the switching unit 24c. Each of the I / Q modulators 261 to 26n performs an I / Q modulation process on the input transmission signal and supplies it to each of the D / A converters 251 to 25n. The transmission signals supplied to the D / A converters 251 to 25n are converted into analog signals, and then, via the switching circuits 231 to 23n, the frequency converters 12a for F1, the frequency converters 12b for F2 and the frequency converters for F3. Is selectively frequency-converted by the frequency converter 12c. Thereafter, the transmission signals that have been frequency-converted according to the respective use frequencies are transmitted from the antenna elements 211 to 21n via the switching circuits 221 to 22n.
[0027]
The switching operation of the switching units 22 and 23 in each frequency band is the same as the switching operation of the receiving system according to the above embodiment.
Therefore, according to each of the above embodiments, the antenna element section 21 for the wide band is commonly used in all the frequency bands, the switching sections 22 and 23 select the frequency converters 12a, 12b and 12c, and the power distribution / combination. By controlling the beam formation or the formation of the transmission signal by the detector 24, the beam width and the scanning angle corresponding to a wide band can be flexibly set. Further, in the power distribution / combiner 24, the beam forming in the receiving system or the forming of the transmission signal in the transmitting system is performed separately from the main system 24a and the auxiliary system 24b, so that multi-beam forming or forming of the transmitting signal is performed from one system. Compared to the case, the processing time for the necessary beam formation or transmission signal formation can be reduced.
[0028]
Further, since the element arrangement of the antenna element unit 21 is the same in any frequency band, control of beam formation or transmission signal formation can be easily realized. Further, since the antenna element unit 21 and the power distributor / combiner 24 can be used in common in all frequency bands, it is not necessary to provide a transmission / reception system separately for each frequency band, and the total number of elements can be reduced as compared with the related art. Therefore, the size and weight of the device can be reduced.
[0029]
Although the power distributor / combiner 24 forms a digital beam, the power distributor / combiner 24 may form a beam using an analog signal.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform flexible and easy beam control or transmission signal control in accordance with a used frequency band, to reduce the size and weight, and to perform multi-beam formation or transmission signal formation. An antenna device capable of reducing the processing time can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an antenna device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of a power distributor / combiner in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of antenna elements according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conventional antenna device.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of arrangement of antenna elements in the conventional device.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 21 ... antenna element part,
22, 23 ... switching unit,
12 ... frequency conversion unit,
13 ... A / D converter,
14 ... I / Q detector,
15a, 15b, 15c, 24 ... power distribution / combiner,
24a ... main system,
24b: auxiliary system,
24c: switching unit,
25 ... D / A converter,
26 ... I / Q modulator.

Claims

A plurality of antenna elements that can receive signals of a plurality of carrier frequencies, and are arranged in an array at half-wavelength intervals of the highest frequency signal among the plurality of carrier frequencies,
First frequency conversion means interposed in a feed path of each of the antenna elements and converting a signal of the highest frequency obtained by the antenna element into a signal of a certain band;
An interval obtained by extending the half-wavelength interval to an integer multiple of 2 or more is defined as a unit interval, and among the plurality of antenna elements, an antenna element that is interposed in a feed path of an antenna element corresponding to the unit interval, and A second frequency conversion unit corresponding to a carrier frequency lower than the frequency and converting the signal into a signal of the same fixed band as the first frequency conversion unit;
A switch that is interposed in a feed path of the plurality of antenna elements and selectively connects the antenna element to the first frequency conversion unit and the second frequency conversion unit in accordance with a used frequency of the signal of the frequency; Means,
And combining the outputs of each of the plurality of first frequency conversion means or the plurality of second frequency conversion means, e Bei and beam forming means for forming a beam,
The beam forming means,
At least two processing systems, one of which functions as a main system for performing a main operation for beam forming, and the other functions as an auxiliary system used as an auxiliary to the main system for beam forming;
An antenna apparatus comprising: system switching connection means for selectively switching and connecting a feed path of the plurality of antenna elements to a main system and an auxiliary system according to a frequency used in the main system.

The system switching connection means of the beam forming means includes a feed path for the plurality of antenna elements such that a part of the plurality of antenna elements belongs to the group of the main system, and another belongs to the group of the auxiliary system. 2. The antenna apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for connecting the two processing systems independently of each other.

The beam forming means converts the output of the first or second frequency converting means into a digital signal and combines the output of each of the digital converting means with digital converting means for performing I / Q detection, Having combining means for forming a digital beam,
2. The antenna apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said two processing systems and said system switching connection means are built in said combining means.

It is possible to transmit a signal of a plurality of carrier frequencies, and a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array at a half wavelength interval of the highest frequency signal among the plurality of carrier frequencies,
A transmission signal forming unit that takes in a signal from a transmission source, forms a plurality of transmission signals from the signal, and provides the plurality of transmission signals to the plurality of antenna elements;
A first frequency converter that is interposed in a feed path from the transmission signal forming unit to the plurality of antenna elements and converts the plurality of transmission signals formed by the transmission signal forming unit into signals of the plurality of carrier frequencies; Means,
An interval obtained by extending the half-wavelength interval to an integer multiple of 2 or more is defined as a unit interval, and among the plurality of antenna elements, an antenna element that is interposed in a feed path of an antenna element corresponding to the unit interval, and A second frequency conversion unit corresponding to a carrier frequency lower than the frequency and converting the signal into a signal of the same fixed band as the first frequency conversion unit;
A switch that is interposed in a feed path of the plurality of antenna elements and selectively connects the antenna element to the first frequency conversion unit and the second frequency conversion unit in accordance with a used frequency of the signal of the frequency; for example Preparations and means,
The transmission signal forming means,
At least two of which function as a main system for executing a main operation for forming the plurality of transmission signals, and the other function as an auxiliary system used as an auxiliary to the main system for forming the plurality of transmission signals. One processing system,
An antenna apparatus comprising: system switching connection means for selectively switching and connecting a feed path of the plurality of antenna elements to a main system and an auxiliary system according to a frequency used in the main system.

The system switching connection unit of the transmission signal forming unit is configured to supply power to the plurality of antenna elements such that a part of the plurality of antenna elements belongs to the group of the main system and another belongs to the group of the auxiliary system. 5. The antenna apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for connecting paths to the two processing systems independently of each other.

The transmission signal forming means includes a distribution means for distributing a signal from the transmission source, and an I / Q modulation means interposed in each power supply path and performing I / Q modulation on the signal distributed by the distribution means. And analog conversion means for converting the output of the I / Q modulation means to an analog signal.
5. The antenna apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said two processing systems and said system switching connection means are built in said distribution means.