JP5785479B2 - Amplitude and phase detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field formed by an element of an array antenna to form a desired antenna directivity.

  Conventionally, an element electric field vector rotation method (hereinafter referred to as a REV (Rotating element electric field vector method)) is widely used as a representative method for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field formed by elements used in an array antenna. (See Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The combined electric field vector of the array antenna is obtained by combining the electric fields formed in each element constituting the array antenna (used in the array antenna), and when the phase of one element is changed using a phase shifter The electric field vector of the element rotates, and the combined electric field vector changes. In the REV method, the change in the amplitude of the combined electric field vector is measured by changing the phase of one element, and the amplitude and phase of the electric field formed by the element are detected based on the measurement result.

Specifically, the amplitude and phase detection device using the REV method detects the amplitude and phase of the electric field of each element constituting the array antenna by the following procedures (a) to (e).
(A) An unmodulated carrier wave (unmodulated wave) is input as a transmission signal, and the output power radiated from the array antenna is measured.
(B) The phase of the electric field vector is changed with respect to a predetermined one element (detection target element) among all elements constituting the array antenna, and is rotated 360 degrees discretely. During this time, the elements other than the detection target element are fixed without changing both the amplitude and the phase.
(C) The output power radiated from the array antenna constituted by all elements is measured.
(D) From the discrete measurement points obtained by rotating the phase of the electric field vector of the detection target element by 360 degrees, an approximate curve of the sine characteristic or cosine characteristic of the output power is calculated, and the relative amplitude and relative phase of the detection target element are detected. To do.
(E) The process of (a) to (d) is repeated for every element, and the relative amplitude and the relative phase of all the elements are detected.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of amplitude and phase detection by the REV method. When the output power approximate curve obtained from the discrete measurement points obtained by rotating the phase of the electric field vector of the detection target element by 360 degrees is the curve shown in FIG. 8, the detection target element has a combined output of other elements. On the other hand, it is detected that the relative output is 1/4 (−6 dB) and the relative phase in phase is 60 degrees.

  As described above, when the phase of the electric field vector in one predetermined detection target element is changed, the change in the output power of the array antenna is measured, the phase giving the maximum value or the minimum value of the output power, and the output power By obtaining the maximum value and the minimum value, the relative amplitude and the relative phase of the detection target element can be detected.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a broadcast / communication (broadcast or communication) satellite system having an amplitude and phase detection function according to a conventional REV method. The broadcast / communication satellite system 101 includes an uplink station 102, a satellite repeater 103 installed on a broadcast satellite (or communication satellite), and a downlink station 104.

  The uplink station 102 uses a satellite broadcast wave having a predetermined frequency during normal operation, and uplinks a modulated wave signal (a modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed) that is a broadcast wave signal toward the broadcast satellite. I do. Further, when detecting the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of each element constituting the array antenna (when detecting the amplitude and phase), the uplink station 102 transmits an unmodulated wave signal for detecting the amplitude and phase to the broadcasting satellite. Send to.

  The satellite repeater 103 receives the modulated wave signal from the uplink station 102 during normal operation, performs processing such as power amplification, and transmits the modulated wave signal to the downlink station 104. Further, the satellite repeater 103 receives an unmodulated wave signal from the uplink station 102 at the time of amplitude and phase detection, and applies the electric field vector to a predetermined one detection target element among all elements constituting the array antenna. The phase is changed discretely and rotated 360 degrees, and the other elements are fixed without changing the amplitude and phase. Then, the satellite repeater 103 transmits an unmodulated wave signal toward the downlink station 104.

  The satellite repeater 103 includes a receiving antenna 111, a frequency converter 112, a distributor 113, a predetermined number of attenuators 114, a predetermined number of phase shifters 115, a predetermined number of amplifiers 116, a predetermined number of output filters 117, a predetermined number. A number of radiating elements 118 and reflecting mirrors 119 are provided. The predetermined number in the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 115, the amplifier 116, the output filter 117, and the radiating element 118 is the number of components in the transmitting array antenna.

  The frequency converter 112 converts the frequency of a signal (modulated wave signal or unmodulated wave signal) received via the antenna 111 into a predetermined frequency. The distributor 113 distributes the signal whose frequency has been converted by the frequency converter 112 to the system in the transmitting array antenna. The attenuator 114 attenuates the power so that the level of the signal distributed by the distributor 113 becomes a predetermined level.

  The phase shifter 115 receives the modulated wave signal whose level is attenuated by the attenuator 114 during normal operation, and adjusts the amplitude and phase of the input modulated wave signal to match the design value for obtaining a desired antenna directivity. Adjust. On the other hand, at the time of amplitude and phase detection, among the predetermined number of phase shifters 115, the phase shifter 115 of the detection target element system is specified according to the command signal transmitted from the uplink station 102, for example. The identified phase shifter 115 changes the phase of the input unmodulated wave signal and rotates it 360 degrees discretely. During this time, the phase shifter 115 of the system in the other elements is fixed without changing both the amplitude and the phase with respect to the input unmodulated wave signal. Such processing is sequentially performed on the phase shifters 115 of all systems.

  The amplifier 116 receives the modulated wave signal from the phase shifter 115 during normal operation and amplifies the input modulated wave signal. In addition, the amplifier 116 inputs an unmodulated wave signal whose phase is discretely changed from one identified phase shifter 115 (of the detection target element system) at the time of amplitude and phase detection. While amplifying the wave signal, an unmodulated wave signal having a fixed amplitude and phase is input from the other phase shifter 115, and the inputted unmodulated wave signal is amplified. Here, at the time of amplitude and phase detection, since the upper limit value of the transmission power per unit band is determined, it is necessary to reduce the output level of the unmodulated wave signal to be transmitted. In the non-linear characteristic, the output is limited to a low level (for example, around a relative output of −30 dB), so that the same amplification process as in normal operation is not performed and the phase also changes. Details will be described later.

  The output filter 117 allows only a predetermined modulated wave signal to pass during normal operation, and allows only an unmodulated wave signal to pass during amplitude and phase detection. The radiating element 118 radiates an electric field vector electric field based on a modulated wave signal during normal operation, and radiates an electric field vector electric wave based on an unmodulated wave signal when detecting the amplitude and phase. In this manner, the modulated wave signal is transmitted from the satellite repeater 103 toward the downlink station 104 during normal operation, and the unmodulated wave signal is transmitted toward the downlink station 104 during amplitude and phase detection. .

  The downlink station 104 receives a modulated wave signal from the satellite repeater 103 during normal operation. Further, the downlink station 104 receives a non-modulated wave signal from the satellite repeater 103 at the time of amplitude and phase detection, and performs discrete measurement by rotating the phase 360 degrees with respect to the detection target elements constituting the array antenna for transmission. The output power is measured from the point, an approximate curve of the sine characteristic or cosine characteristic of the output power is calculated, and the relative amplitude and the relative phase of the detection target element are detected. The above processing is performed for every element constituting all the array antennas for transmission, and the relative amplitudes and relative phases of all the elements are detected. In this way, the amplitude and phase of all elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are detected by the REV method.

Tanaka, Matsumoto, et al., “Measurement of phased array on satellite orbit by element electric field vector rotation method”, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Journal of IEICE, B-II, Vol. J80-B-II, no. 1, pp. 63-72, January 1997 Orikasa, Sato, et al., "Electrical Performance Evaluation Experiment of Large Antenna Mounted on Technical Test Satellite VIII by REV Method", IEICE, IEICE Technical Report, IEICE Technical Report, A / P2010-55, SAT2010-16 ( 2010-07)

  However, when the amplitude and phase are detected by the conventional REV method, it is necessary to transmit an unmodulated wave signal, which causes the following problems (1) and (2).

  (1) At the time of detecting the amplitude and phase, it is impossible to transmit a modulated wave signal that superimposes broadcast or communication information used during normal operation, so the broadcast or communication service must be suspended. In particular, terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting basically require operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so the service cannot be suspended, which is a major limitation.

  (2) From the viewpoint of effective use of frequencies in a radio transmission system, the output level is limited in order to appropriately suppress unnecessary emission to other radio systems that use adjacent and adjacent frequencies. An upper limit of transmission power or power bundle density per unit band is determined. When an unmodulated wave signal is transmitted during amplitude and phase detection, transmission power is concentrated in a narrow band. On the other hand, the modulated wave signal used during normal operation has a bandwidth corresponding to the application. For this reason, when transmitting an unmodulated wave signal, the output level must be significantly reduced compared to the case of transmitting a modulated wave signal in order to maintain the limit of the transmission power or power flux density per unit band. I must.

  However, since the amplifier of the transmission apparatus provided with the array antenna has nonlinear characteristics, the phase also changes according to the output level. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of characteristics of a traveling wave tube amplifier generally used for a broadcasting satellite or a communication satellite. As shown in FIG. 9, the traveling wave tube amplifier has nonlinear characteristics. In the conventional REV method, when the amplitude and phase are detected, the output must be limited to a low level (for example, a relative output of −30 dB). Therefore, under the same situation as during normal operation that operates at a level of 0 dB relative output. The amplitude and phase in consideration of the nonlinear characteristics of the traveling wave tube amplifier cannot be detected.

  Further, in the conventional REV method, since the output power radiated from the array antenna is measured, the following problems (3) and (4) occur.

  (3) When detecting the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of an element with a low output level, the level of the relative output with respect to the combined output of other elements is significantly reduced, so that the change in measurement point is reduced and the output power is reduced. It becomes difficult to specify an approximate curve of a sine characteristic or a cosine characteristic (see the left column on page 35 of Non-Patent Document 2 and FIG. 14). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of amplitude and phase detection by the REV method for an element with a low output level. As shown by the approximate curve in FIG. 10, when detecting the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector for an element having a relative output of 1/100 (−20 dB) with respect to the combined output of other elements, the change in the measurement point is small. Depending on the measurement accuracy, measurement errors may be included.

  (4) Since the measurement result of the output power is affected by the propagation environment, a measurement environment in which no propagation loss occurs is necessary. For example, in the case of the broadcast / communication satellite system 101 shown in FIG. 7, a measurement error occurs during propagation loss due to rainfall or the like in the downlink, which leads to a limitation that the amplitude and phase cannot be detected. .

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object thereof is to accurately determine the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of each element constituting the array antenna without suspending services such as broadcasting. The object is to provide a detectable amplitude and phase detector.

In order to solve the above problems, an amplitude and phase detection device according to the present invention receives a modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed, and adjusts the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal by an attenuator and a phase shifter. And amplifying the modulated wave signal adjusted by the attenuator and the phase shifter with an amplifier to transmit the modulated wave signal from the array antenna having a desired antenna directivity to the array antenna. A non-modulated wave signal generator for generating a non-modulated wave signal in the amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field vector formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the non-modulated wave signal generator the continuous wave signal generated by synthesizing the modulated wave signal by a first combiner for generating a composite signal, the first composite signal generated by the synthesizer is, the array A system-by-system synthesis that is distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of a plurality of elements constituting the antenna and is generated by processing for each system including adjustment processing by the attenuator and phase shifter and amplification processing by the amplifier. A switch for inputting a signal, selecting and switching two predetermined synthesized signals among the synthesized signals for each system, and setting one synthesized signal of the selected two synthesized signals as a signal to be detected; A filter for cutting off the modulated wave signal and extracting an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch; and the switching of the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter And a detection phase shifter for discretely rotating the phase of the unmodulated wave signal corresponding to the signal to be detected set by the detector by 360 degrees, and the two non-modulated signals extracted by the filter. A continuous wave signal corresponding to the signal not the detection target of the harmonic signal, a second combiner for combining by adding the non-modulated wave signal whose phase is rotated by the detecting phase shifter, the first An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the synthesizer of 2, and generated by the first synthesizer An output filter that cuts off the unmodulated wave signal from the combined signal and extracts the modulated wave signal transmitted from the array antenna .

The amplitude and phase detection device according to the present invention receives a modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed , adjusts the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal with an attenuator and a phase shifter, and And by amplifying the modulated wave signal adjusted by the phase shifter with an amplifier, a plurality of devices constituting the array antenna are configured to transmit a modulated wave signal from the array antenna having a desired antenna directivity. In an amplitude and phase detection device for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field vector formed by each element, a non-modulated wave signal generator for generating a non-modulated wave signal and a non-modulated wave signal generator for generating a non-modulated wave signal the modulated wave signal synthesized the modulated wave signal, configure a first combiner for generating a composite signal, the composite signal generated by the first combiner is, the array antenna When distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of a plurality of elements, the amplitude of the combined signal to be detected among the combined signals of all the systems is adjusted and the phase is discretely rotated 360 degrees. And an attenuator and phase adjuster for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the combined signal that is not to be detected, and processing for each system including rotation and adjustment processing by the attenuator and phase shifter, and amplification processing by the amplifier. The generated synthesized signal for each system is input, and two predetermined synthesized signals among the synthesized signals for each system are selected and switched, and one of the selected two synthesized signals is selected as the detection target. A switch for setting the signal to the signal, a filter for cutting off the modulated wave signal and extracting an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch, and the filter A second combiner for combining by adding the two continuous wave signals more extracted, based on the power of the continuous wave signal synthesized by the second combiner, corresponding to the detection target signal An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element to be cut off, and the unmodulated wave signal is cut off from the combined signal generated by the first combiner, and the modulated wave signal transmitted from the array antenna is And an output filter for extraction .

  In the amplitude and phase detection device according to the present invention, the switch selects two synthesized signals including the reference signal by using a predetermined one synthesized signal among the inputted synthesized signals for each system as a reference signal. In addition, another synthesized signal that is not a reference signal among the two selected synthesized signals is set as a detection target signal.

The amplitude and phase detection device according to the present invention adjusts the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal on which the broadcast or communication information is superimposed with the attenuator and the phase shifter, and is adjusted with the attenuator and the phase shifter. An electric field formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna with respect to a transmission apparatus that transmits the modulated wave signal from an array antenna having a desired antenna directivity by amplifying the modulated wave signal with an amplifier. In an amplitude and phase detection device for detecting the amplitude and phase of a vector, an unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal, and an unmodulated wave signal generated by the unmodulated wave signal generator as the modulated wave signal The first synthesizer that generates a combined signal and the combined signal generated by the first synthesizer correspond to the number of elements that constitute the array antenna. A composite signal for each system that is distributed to a plurality of systems and is generated by processing for each system including adjustment processing by the attenuator and phase shifter and amplification processing by the amplifier is input. A switch for selecting and switching two predetermined synthesized signals, and setting one synthesized signal of the selected two synthesized signals as a signal to be detected, and two synthesized signals selected by the switch Corresponding to a signal to be detected set by the switch among the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter, and a filter that blocks the modulated wave signal and extracts the unmodulated wave signal A detection phase shifter that discretely rotates the phase of an unmodulated wave signal by 360 degrees, and a signal that is not the detection target among the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter. And a second synthesizer that adds and synthesizes the unmodulated wave signal whose phase is rotated by the detection phase shifter, and the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the second synthesizer. An amplitude and phase detector that detects the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the detection target, and the switch includes the input combined signal for each of the systems The two synthesized signals having the closest signal levels are selected, and one of the two synthesized signals is set as a detection target signal.

The amplitude and phase detection device according to the present invention adjusts the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal on which the broadcast or communication information is superimposed with the attenuator and the phase shifter, and is adjusted with the attenuator and the phase shifter. An electric field formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna with respect to a transmission apparatus that transmits the modulated wave signal from an array antenna having a desired antenna directivity by amplifying the modulated wave signal with an amplifier. In an amplitude and phase detection device for detecting the amplitude and phase of a vector, an unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal, and an unmodulated wave signal generated by the unmodulated wave signal generator as the modulated wave signal The first synthesizer that generates a combined signal and the combined signal generated by the first synthesizer correspond to the number of elements that constitute the array antenna. When distributed to a plurality of systems, the amplitude of the composite signal to be detected among the composite signals of all the systems is adjusted and the phase is discretely rotated 360 degrees, and the composite signal that is not the detection target In contrast, an attenuator and a phase adjuster for adjusting the amplitude and phase, and a combined signal for each system generated by the process for each system including the rotation and adjustment process by the attenuator and the phaser and the amplification process by the amplifier A switch that selects and switches between two predetermined synthesized signals among the synthesized signals for each system, and sets one synthesized signal of the selected two synthesized signals as the signal to be detected; A filter that cuts off the modulated wave signal and extracts an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch, and two non-modulated signals extracted by the filter. A second combiner for adding and combining harmonic signals; and the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal combined by the second combiner And an amplitude and phase detector for detecting the selected signal, and the switch selects the two combined signals having the closest signal levels of the combined signal among the input combined signals for each of the systems. One of the two synthesized signals is set as a detection target signal.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of each element constituting the array antenna without suspending services such as broadcasting. In addition, the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of each element can be detected with high accuracy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the broadcast / communication satellite system by the 1st Embodiment (Example 1) of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of amplitude and phase detection processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of the table which the switch provided with the satellite repeater uses. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the broadcast / communication satellite system by the 2nd Embodiment (Example 2) of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of amplitude and phase detection processing according to the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the signal transmitted in a prior art and Example 1, 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the broadcasting / communication satellite system which has the amplitude and phase detection function by the conventional REV method. It is a figure explaining the example of a detection of the amplitude and phase by REV method. It is a figure which shows the example of a characteristic of the traveling wave tube amplifier generally used for the broadcast satellite or the communication satellite. It is a figure explaining the example of a detection of the amplitude and phase by REV method with respect to the element with a low output level.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an unmodulated wave signal used for detecting amplitude and phase is synthesized with a modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed, and a system of two elements among all elements constituting the array antenna. , The unmodulated wave signals are respectively extracted from the two synthesized signals, and the phase of the unmodulated wave signal in the system of the detection target element is discretely rotated 360 degrees in the detection phase shifter, By combining two unmodulated wave signals and applying the REV method, the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed in each element constituting the array antenna are detected. In the second embodiment, the phase of the combined signal is discretely rotated 360 degrees using one of the plurality of phase shifters used during normal operation without using a detection phase shifter. By selecting two synthesized signals including the synthesized signal with the phase rotated, extracting unmodulated wave signals from the two synthesized signals, synthesizing the two unmodulated wave signals, and applying the REV method, The amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed in each element constituting the antenna are detected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining signals transmitted in the related art and the first and second embodiments. In the prior art, an unmodulated wave signal used to detect the amplitude and phase is transmitted from the uplink station 102 to the satellite repeater 103 and transmitted from the satellite repeater 103 to the downlink station 104 when detecting the amplitude and phase. The Further, during normal operation, a modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed is transmitted from the uplink station 102 to the satellite repeater 103 and transmitted from the satellite repeater 103 to the downlink station 104. On the other hand, in the first and second embodiments, the unmodulated wave signal is not transmitted from the uplink station to the satellite repeater and from the satellite repeater to the downlink station even when the amplitude and phase are detected. During normal operation and amplitude and phase detection, a modulated wave signal is transmitted from the uplink station to the satellite repeater and from the satellite repeater to the downlink station. That is, the amplitude and phase are detected during normal operation. At the time of amplitude and phase detection, the satellite repeater synthesizes an unmodulated wave signal with the modulated wave signal, blocks the unmodulated wave signal from the synthesized signal and extracts only the modulated wave signal, and sends the modulated wave signal to the downlink station. Sent. Further, the modulated wave signal is cut off from the combined signal and only the unmodulated wave signal is extracted, and the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed in each element constituting the array antenna are detected.

  As a result, the detection of the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of each element constituting the array antenna is performed during normal operation without transmitting / receiving an unmodulated wave signal, so there is no need to suspend services such as broadcasting. . Also, since the unmodulated wave signal is synthesized with the modulated wave signal inside the satellite repeater, the synthesized signal for the two elements is selected, the power is calculated, and the amplitude and phase are detected. Therefore, the measurement error can be reduced and the propagation environment is not affected. Therefore, it is possible to detect the amplitude and phase with high accuracy.

[Example 1]
First, Example 1 will be described. In the first embodiment, as described above, an unmodulated wave signal is synthesized with a modulated wave signal, two synthesized signals in a system of two elements are selected from all the elements constituting the array antenna, and two synthesized signals are selected. Unmodulated wave signals are extracted, and the phase of the unmodulated wave signal in the system of the detection target element is discretely rotated 360 degrees in the detection phase shifter to synthesize the two unmodulated wave signals and apply the REV method Thus, the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed in each element constituting the array antenna are detected.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a broadcast / communication satellite system having an amplitude and phase detection function according to the first embodiment. The broadcasting / communication satellite system 1-1 includes an uplink station 2, a satellite repeater (transmission device) 3-1 installed on a broadcasting satellite (or communication satellite), and a downlink station 4.

  During normal operation, the uplink station 2 performs uplink of a modulated wave signal, which is a broadcast wave signal, toward a broadcasting satellite using a satellite broadcast wave of a predetermined frequency, and similarly, when the amplitude and phase are detected, the modulated wave Send a signal. When the conventional uplink station 102 shown in FIG. 7 is compared with the uplink station 2 of FIG. 1, the conventional uplink station 102 transmits an unmodulated wave signal at the time of amplitude and phase detection. The uplink station 2 is different in that it transmits the same modulated wave signal as in normal operation without transmitting an unmodulated wave signal.

  Further, the downlink station 4 downlinks the modulated wave signal, which is a broadcast wave signal, from the satellite repeater 3-1 during normal operation, and similarly receives the modulated wave signal when detecting the amplitude and phase. When the conventional downlink station 104 shown in FIG. 7 is compared with the downlink station 4 of FIG. 1, the conventional downlink station 104 receives an unmodulated wave signal at the time of amplitude and phase detection. The downlink station 4 is different in that it receives the same modulated wave signal as in normal operation without receiving an unmodulated wave signal. This is because the amplitude and phase are detected during normal operation.

  The satellite repeater 3-1 includes a receiving antenna 111, a frequency converter 112, an unmodulated wave signal generator 11, a combiner 12, a distributor 113, a predetermined number of attenuators 114, a predetermined number of phase shifters 115, A predetermined number of amplifiers 116, a predetermined number of directional couplers 13, a predetermined number of output filters 117, a predetermined number of radiating elements 118, reflectors 119, a switch 14, a filter 15, a detection phase shifter 16, and a combiner 17 And an amplitude and phase detector 18. The amplitude and phase detection device according to the first embodiment is a component having a function of detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field vector in all elements constituting the array antenna for transmission among the components of the satellite repeater 3-1. Specifically, an unmodulated wave signal generator 11, a synthesizer 12, a directional coupler 13, a switch 14, a filter 15, a detection phase shifter 16, a synthesizer 17, and an amplitude and phase detector 18. Equivalent to. The predetermined number in the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 115, the amplifier 116, the directional coupler 13, the output filter 117, and the radiating element 118 is the number of components in the transmission array antenna. In the configuration of the satellite repeater 3-1 shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7 are assigned to the same parts as those in the configuration of the conventional satellite repeater 103 shown in FIG.

  When the conventional satellite repeater 103 shown in FIG. 7 and the satellite repeater 3-1 shown in FIG. 1 are compared, both the satellite repeaters 103 and 3-1 include an antenna 111, a frequency converter 112, a distributor 113, This is the same in that a predetermined number of attenuators 114, a predetermined number of phase shifters 115, a predetermined number of amplifiers 116, a predetermined number of output filters 117, a predetermined number of radiating elements 118 and reflecting mirrors 119 are provided. On the other hand, the satellite repeater 3-1 has an unmodulated wave signal generator 11, a combiner 12, a predetermined number of directional couplers 13, a switch 14 and a filter 15 in addition to the configuration of the conventional satellite repeater 103. , And a phase shifter 16 for detection, a synthesizer 17, and an amplitude and phase detector 18.

  Hereinafter, processing at the time of amplitude and phase detection will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of amplitude and phase detection processing according to the first embodiment. The unmodulated wave signal generator 11 is a command transmitted from, for example, the uplink station 2 in order to detect the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed by each element (radiating element 118) constituting the array antenna for transmission. An unmodulated wave signal is generated according to the signal, and the generated unmodulated wave signal is output to the synthesizer 12.

  The synthesizer 12 receives the modulated wave signal whose frequency is converted from the frequency converter 112 and also receives the unmodulated wave signal from the unmodulated wave signal generator 11 to synthesize the unmodulated wave signal with the modulated wave signal. (Step S201). Thereby, an unmodulated wave signal is generated outside the band of the modulated wave signal. A signal (combined signal) obtained by synthesizing a non-modulated wave signal with a modulated wave signal by the combiner 12 is distributed by the distributor 113 for each system according to the number of elements constituting the array antenna for transmission. Are input to the directional coupler 13 via the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 115 and the amplifier 116.

  Here, the amplitude and phase of the synthesized signal are adjusted by the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 115 to match the design value for obtaining the desired antenna directivity. The synthesized signal is amplified by the amplifier 116 having nonlinear characteristics within a range not exceeding the upper limit value of transmission power per unit band, and the output is increased. In general, as the amplifier 116, an amplifier 116 having a flat electric characteristic in a band wider than that of the modulated wave signal is used. Therefore, an unmodulated wave signal generated outside the band of the modulated wave signal is also used as the modulated wave signal. Is output with the same nonlinear characteristics.

  During normal operation, the unmodulated wave signal generator 11 does not output an unmodulated wave signal, and the synthesizer 12 outputs the modulated wave signal input from the frequency converter 112 to the distributor 113 as it is.

  The directional coupler 13 receives the combined signal amplified by the amplifier 116, extracts a predetermined low level signal from the combined signal, and outputs the low level combined signal to the switch 14 (step S202). As a result, low-level combined signals corresponding to all elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are extracted and output to the switch 14. The directional coupler 13 outputs the combined signal input from the amplifier 116 to the output filter 117 with almost no attenuation.

  Note that the switcher 14, the filter 15, the detection phase shifter 16, the synthesizer 17, and the amplitude and phase detector 18, which will be described later, do not operate during normal operation, and are transmitted from, for example, the uplink station 2 when detecting the amplitude and phase. In order to detect the amplitude and phase according to the command signal to be operated. Further, the combined signal output from the amplifier 116 is taken out by the directional coupler 13 and the amplitude and phase are detected using this combined signal. The amplifier 116 has dynamic characteristics, and the characteristics depend on various factors. This is because the components such as the output filter 117 subsequent to the amplifier 116 have static characteristics, and basically the characteristics do not vary. That is, by using the combined signal extracted by the directional coupler 13, the amplitude and phase corresponding to the characteristic change of the component having dynamic characteristics can be detected.

  The switcher 14 receives the combined signals for the total number of elements (all systems) from the directional coupler 13 and uses, for example, a table (not shown) to set two combined signals set in advance among all the combined signals. Is selected and switched, and the two switched signals are output to the filter 15 (step S203). In addition, the switcher 14 sets one of the selected two combined signals as a detection target signal (step S204). Note that the switcher 14 may select and switch two synthesized signals having the closest signal level (power or amplitude) among all the synthesized signals.

  Here, of the two combined signals, an element corresponding to a combined signal (an unmodulated wave signal whose phase is changed by the detection phase shifter 16) output to the detection phase shifter 16 via the filter 15 described later. However, the amplitude and phase are to be detected.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used by the switcher 14. (A) shows an example of a table based on a reference number for selecting two synthesized signals based on a predetermined element, and (b) is a table based on a signal level for selecting an element having a close signal level. An example of In the tables (a) and (b), two selection numbers and one detection target number are stored every time the amplitude and phase are detected for one detection target element. The selection number is an element number for selecting two synthesized signals among all synthesized signals by the switch 14. The detection target number is an element number for setting one composite signal to be detected for amplitude and phase among the two composite signals selected by the selection number. n indicates the number of elements, that is, the number of systems of all elements constituting the array antenna for transmission.

  In the table of FIG. 3A, element number 1 is used as the element number of the reference composite signal, and element numbers 1 to n excluding element number 1 are used as the detection target element numbers. First, the combined signal of element numbers 1 and 2 is selected by (1), the combined signal of element number 2 becomes the detection target signal, and then the combined signal of element numbers 1 and 3 is selected by (2). The combined signal of element number 3 is the signal to be detected. Similarly, the combined signal of element numbers 1 and n is selected by (n−1), and the combined signal of element number n becomes the detection target signal.

  In the table of FIG. 3B, when the element numbers in the order from the lowest signal level of each composite signal are “2, 20, 11, 13,... One element number is a selection number, and one of the element numbers (the one with the higher signal level) is a detection target number. First, the combined signal of the element numbers 2 and 20 of the combination having the lowest signal level is selected by (1), the combined signal of the element number 20 becomes the detection target signal, and then the signal level is changed to the element by (2). The combined signal of the element numbers 20 and 11 having a combination lower than the numbers 2 and 20 is selected, and the combined signal of the element number 11 becomes the detection target signal. Similarly, by (n−1), the combined signal of the element numbers 4 and 25 having the highest signal level is selected, and the combined signal of the element number 25 becomes the detection target signal. Here, the signal level of each synthesized signal is uniquely determined according to the amplitude and phase adjusted by the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 115. Therefore, the table of FIG. 3B is set in advance according to the signal level of each synthesized signal determined at the design time.

  The switcher 14 reads the selection number and the detection target number from the table shown in FIG. 3A or 3B, selects and switches two composite signals among all the composite signals according to the selection number, and detects the detection target. According to the number, one of the two synthesized signals selected is set as a signal to be detected, and the two selected synthesized signals are output to the filter 15. For example, the switch 14 reads the selection numbers 1 and 2 and the detection target number 2 of (1) from the table of FIG. 3A, and the amplitude with respect to the element of the detection target number 2 by the amplitude and phase detector 18 described later. Then, after the detection of the phase is completed, the selection numbers 1 and 3 and the detection target number 3 of (2) are read from the table, and the amplitude and phase detection for the element of the detection target number 3 is performed by the amplitude and phase detector 18 described later. Is completed, the selection numbers 1 and 4 and the detection target number 4 in (3) are read from the table. As described above, the switch 14 sequentially reads the selection numbers (1) to (n-1) and the detection target number from the table, and the amplitude and phase detector 18 described later determines the amplitude and the element of the detection target number. By detecting the phase, the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector in all elements are detected.

  3A and 3B are examples of the table. In FIG. 3A, the element number of the reference synthesized signal may be other than 1. In FIG. 3B, in FIG. The element number (n-1) may be set. In (b), the element number with the lower signal level of the two selection numbers (element numbers) may be set as the detection target number. These tables may be stored in advance in the storage means of the satellite repeater 3-1. For example, the table is transmitted to the satellite repeater 3-1 by a command signal from the uplink station 2, and stored. You may make it store in a means. Further, the selection number and the detection target number in the table stored in the storage unit of the satellite repeater 3-1 may be set and changed by a command signal from the uplink station 2, for example.

  Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter 15 receives two synthesized signals from the switch 14, performs a filtering process for blocking the modulated wave signal, extracts only the unmodulated wave signal, and synthesizes the detection target. The unmodulated wave signal extracted from the signal (the unmodulated wave signal in the detection target element system) is output to the detection phase shifter 16 and the other unmodulated wave signal (the unmodulated wave signal in the system other than the detection target element). ) Is output to the synthesizer 17 (step S205).

  The detection phase shifter 16 receives one unmodulated wave signal (unmodulated wave signal in the detection target element system) from the filter 15 and discretely rotates the phase by 360 degrees while the phase is discretely distributed. The changing unmodulated wave signal is output to the synthesizer 17 (step S206).

  A synthesizer 17 receives an unmodulated wave signal whose phase is discretely changed from the detection phase shifter 16 and an unmodulated wave signal whose amplitude and phase are fixed from the filter 15 and receives two unmodulated waves. The signals are added and combined, and the combined unmodulated wave signal is output to the amplitude and phase detector 18 (step S207).

  The amplitude and phase detector 18 receives the unmodulated wave signal synthesized from the synthesizer 17 and applies the REV method. That is, the amplitude and phase detector 18 calculates an approximate curve of a sine characteristic or a cosine characteristic based on the power of the input unmodulated wave signal, and detects the relative amplitude and the relative phase of the detection target element (step S208). .

  In this way, by changing the combination of the combined signals selected by the switch 14 (step S209), the relative amplitudes and phases of the electric field vectors in all the elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are detected. . For example, the uplink station 2 transmits a command signal to the satellite repeater 3-1, and receives the relative amplitude and phase of the electric field vector in all elements from the amplitude and phase detector 18 as a response. Based on the received amplitude and phase, an error of each element is specified, and a command signal is transmitted to the satellite repeater 3-1 to control the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 115 so as to absorb this error. As a result, the antenna directivity can be improved to be closer to the desired directivity. The amplitude and phase detector 18 specifies an error of each element based on the detected amplitude and phase, and directly controls the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 115 so as to absorb this error. Also good.

  On the other hand, the unmodulated wave signal is cut off in the output filter 117 and the modulated wave signal only passes through the output signal 117 of the combined signal output by the directional coupler 13 with almost no attenuation. The modulated wave signal is wirelessly transmitted to the downlink station 4 via the radiating element 118 and the reflecting mirror 119.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the combiner 12 of the satellite repeater 3-1 generates a combined signal by combining the modulated wave signal with the unmodulated wave signal, and the distributor 113 is used for transmission. The composite signal is distributed to each system according to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, and the directional coupler 13 has a predetermined low level from the composite signal processed by the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 115, and the amplifier 116. The signal was taken out. Then, the switcher 14 selects and switches two synthesized signals among the synthesized signals extracted by the directional coupler 13 using the table shown in FIG. One of the two synthesized signals is set as a detection target signal. The filter 15 cuts off the modulated wave signal from the two combined signals and extracts only the unmodulated wave signal. The detection phase shifter 16 extracts the non-modulated signal extracted from the combined signal to be detected by the filter 15. The phase of the modulated wave signal is discretely rotated 360 degrees, and the synthesizer 17 detects the unmodulated wave signal whose phase is discretely changed by the detection phase shifter 16 and the detection target signal extracted by the filter 15. The amplitude and phase detector 18 applies the REV method based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the synthesizer 17 and adds the sine characteristic or cosine of the power. An approximate curve of characteristics was calculated, and the relative amplitude and relative phase of the detection target element were detected. Then, the relative amplitude and phase of the electric field vector in all the elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are detected by changing the combination of the two combined signals selected in the switch 14.

  That is, in the intermediate stage of generating a transmission signal in the satellite repeater 3-1, the combiner 12 generates an unmodulated wave signal outside the band of the modulated wave signal, and combines the unmodulated wave signal with the modulated wave signal. . And in order to detect an amplitude and a phase with respect to a synthetic | combination signal, the filter 15 interrupts | blocks a modulated wave signal and passes only an unmodulated wave signal. On the other hand, in order to wirelessly transmit by the array antenna, the output filter 117 cuts off the unmodulated wave signal and allows only the modulated wave signal to pass. As a result, the amplitude and phase can be detected while transmitting the modulated wave signal during normal operation, so there is no need to suspend services such as broadcasting when detecting the amplitude and phase. Therefore, (1) shown in the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved.

  Further, in the conventional technique, it is necessary to reduce the output level of the unmodulated wave signal at the time of detecting the amplitude and phase, and the output of the amplifier 116 is limited to a low level. Therefore, the phase changes compared with that during normal operation. Resulting in. On the other hand, in the satellite repeater 3-1, since it is not necessary to reduce the output level, the output of the amplifier 116 is not limited and is the same as the phase during normal operation, and the phase does not change. Thereby, the amplitude and phase in consideration of the non-linear characteristic in the amplifier 116 can be detected under the same situation as in normal operation. Therefore, (2) shown in the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved.

  In the conventional technique, among the plurality of elements constituting the array antenna, the unmodulated wave signal in the system of one detection target element and the unmodulated wave signals in the system of all other elements are synthesized. On the other hand, the satellite repeater 3-1 synthesizes an unmodulated wave signal in the system of one detection target element and an unmodulated wave signal in the system of another one element. As a result, the relative output level of the detection target element with respect to other elements does not decrease, and the change in the measurement point does not become small. Therefore, an approximate curve of the sine characteristic or cosine characteristic of the output power can be accurately specified. The amplitude and phase can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, (3) shown in the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved.

  In the prior art, the output power radiated from the array antenna is measured when detecting the amplitude and phase. On the other hand, the satellite repeater 3-1 measures power by combining two unmodulated wave signals inside the satellite repeater 3-1, without measuring the output power radiated from the array antenna. As a result, the amplitude and phase can be detected without being affected by the propagation environment in which the propagation loss occurs due to rainfall or the like. Therefore, (4) shown in the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the switch 14 has the closest signal level (power or amplitude) among the combined signals extracted by the directional coupler 13 using the table shown in FIG. When two synthesized signals are selected and switched, the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the synthesizer 17 becomes the maximum value when the two unmodulated wave signals have the same phase, and the phases are opposite. Close to 0. As a result, the power when the two combined signals having the closest signal levels are selected is the case where the two combined signals are selected regardless of the signal level (for example, the table shown in FIG. 3A is used). In this case, the change in the measurement point is larger than the power in the case), so that the amplitude and phase can be detected with higher accuracy.

[Example 2]
Next, Example 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, as described above, the phase of the combined signal is discretely 360 using one of the plurality of phase shifters used during normal operation without using a detection phase shifter. The two synthesized signals including the synthesized signal rotated by degrees and the phase rotated are selected, the unmodulated wave signals are extracted from the two synthesized signals, the two unmodulated wave signals are synthesized, and the REV method is applied. As a result, the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector formed in each element constituting the array antenna are detected.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a broadcast / communication satellite system having an amplitude and phase detection function according to the second embodiment. The broadcasting / communication satellite system 1-2 includes an uplink station 2, a satellite repeater (transmission device) 3-2 installed in a broadcasting satellite (or communication satellite), and a downlink station 4.

  When the broadcast / communication satellite system 1-1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is compared with the broadcast / communication satellite system 1-2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, both broadcast / communication satellite systems 1-1, 1 are compared. 2 includes an uplink station 2 that transmits only a modulated wave signal without transmitting an unmodulated wave signal, and a downlink station 4 that receives only a modulated wave signal without receiving an unmodulated wave signal. Are the same. On the other hand, the broadcast / communication satellite system 1-2 of the second embodiment includes a satellite repeater 3-2 that is different from the satellite repeater 3-1 in the broadcast / communication satellite system 1-1 of the first embodiment. Is different. Since the uplink station 2 and the downlink station 4 have already been described in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  The satellite repeater 3-2 includes a receiving antenna 111, a frequency converter 112, an unmodulated wave signal generator 11, a combiner 12, a distributor 113, a predetermined number of attenuators 114, a predetermined number of phase shifters 19, A predetermined number of amplifiers 116, a predetermined number of directional couplers 13, a predetermined number of output filters 117, a predetermined number of radiating elements 118, reflectors 119, a switch 14, a filter 15, a combiner 17, and an amplitude and phase detector 18. It has. The amplitude and phase detection device according to the second embodiment includes a component having a function of detecting the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector in all elements constituting the array antenna for transmission among the components of the satellite repeater 3-2. Specifically, it corresponds to the unmodulated wave signal generator 11, the combiner 12, the phase shifter 19, the directional coupler 13, the switch 14, the filter 15, the combiner 17, and the amplitude and phase detector 18. . The predetermined number in the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 19, the amplifier 116, the directional coupler 13, the output filter 117, and the radiating element 118 is the number of components in the transmission array antenna. In the configuration of the satellite repeater 3-2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are attached to the parts common to the configuration of the satellite repeater 3-1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Comparing the satellite repeater 3-1 of the first embodiment and the satellite repeater 3-2 of the second embodiment, both the satellite repeaters 3-1 and 3-2 include the antenna 111, the frequency converter 112, and the distributor 113. , Attenuator 114, amplifier 116, output filter 117, radiating element 118, reflector 119, unmodulated wave signal generator 11, combiner 12, directional coupler 13, switch 14, filter 15, combiner 17, and amplitude And the phase detector 18 is the same. On the other hand, the satellite repeater 3-1 discretely determines the phase of the unmodulated wave signal in the system of the detection target element system and a predetermined number of phase shifters 115 that adjust the amplitude and phase during normal operation and amplitude and phase determination. In contrast, the satellite repeater 3-2 includes a predetermined number of phase shifters 19 that adjust the amplitude and phase during normal operation. One difference among the predetermined number of phase shifters 19 at the time of detection is that the phase of the synthesized signal is discretely rotated 360 degrees.

  In the satellite repeater 3-1 of the first embodiment, the detection phase shifter 16 used for amplitude and phase detection is provided separately from the phase shifter 115 used during normal operation. While the phase of the modulated wave signal is discretely rotated 360 degrees to detect the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of the detection target element, the satellite repeater 3-2 of the second embodiment uses the phase shift used during normal operation. The detector 19 is also used for amplitude and phase detection, whereby the phase of the combined signal in the system of the detection target element is discretely rotated 360 degrees to detect the amplitude and phase of the electric field vector of the detection target element. In the satellite repeater 3-2 of the second embodiment, for example, in an array antenna using hundreds to thousands of elements, there is an application where the ratio of one element contributing to the formation of antenna directivity is small. The detection phase shifter 16 provided in the satellite repeater 3-1 of the first embodiment can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, processing at the time of amplitude and phase detection will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the amplitude and phase detection processing according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the unmodulated wave signal generator 11 generates an unmodulated wave signal, for example, according to a command signal transmitted from the uplink station 2 and outputs the unmodulated wave signal to the combiner 12. A modulated wave signal whose frequency is converted is input from the converter 112, and an unmodulated wave signal is input from the unmodulated wave signal generator 11, and the unmodulated wave signal is synthesized with the modulated wave signal to generate a synthesized signal. (Step S501). This is the same as step S201 in the flowchart of the amplitude and phase detection process of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, during the normal operation, the unmodulated wave signal generator 11 does not output the unmodulated wave signal, and the synthesizer 12 receives the modulated wave signal input from the frequency converter 112 as it is. Output to.

  For example, the switch 14 reads the detection target number from the table shown in FIG. 3A or 3B, and the phase shifter indicated by the detection target number among the predetermined number of phase shifters 19 is combined with the detection target. It is specified as a phase shifter for processing a signal (step S502). Then, the switcher 14 outputs a phase rotation command to the specified phase shifter, and the specified phase shifter receives the phase rotation command from the switcher 14 and outputs the combined signal input from the attenuator 114. While the phase is discretely rotated 360 degrees, a combined signal whose phase is changed is output to the amplifier 116 of the same system (step S503). In the other phase shifters 19, the amplitude and phase of the input composite signal are adjusted so as to match the design value that provides the desired antenna directivity during normal operation. Further, the synthesized signal is increased in output by the amplifier 116.

  Note that the switcher 14, the filter 15, the synthesizer 17, and the amplitude and phase detector 18 do not operate during normal operation. When the amplitude and phase are detected, for example, the amplitude and phase are changed according to the command signal transmitted from the uplink station 2. Operate to detect.

  As in step S202 of FIG. 2, the directional coupler 13 receives the combined signal amplified by the amplifier 116, extracts a predetermined low level signal from the combined signal, and sends the low level combined signal to the switch 14. Output (step S504). As a result, low-level combined signals corresponding to all elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are extracted and output to the switch 14. The directional coupler 13 outputs the combined signal input from the amplifier 116 to the output filter 117 with almost no attenuation.

  As in step S203 of FIG. 2, the switcher 14 receives the combined signals for the total number of elements from the directional coupler 13, and reads out the selection numbers from the table of FIG. 3 (a) or (b), for example, Two synthesized signals indicated by the selection numbers among all synthesized signals are selected and switched, and the two selected signals are output to the filter 15 (step S505). Similarly to step S204 in FIG. 2, the switcher 14 reads the detection target number from the table, and sets one combined signal indicated by the detection target number of the two selected combined signals as a detection target signal. (Step S506).

  Similarly to step S205 in FIG. 2, the filter 15 receives two synthesized signals from the switch 14, performs filter processing for cutting off the modulated wave signal, and extracts only the unmodulated wave signal, thereby extracting the two unmodulated signals. A wave signal (a non-modulated wave signal whose phase in the system of detection target elements changes discretely and a non-modulated wave signal whose amplitude and phase in the system of elements other than the detection target element are fixed) is output to the synthesizer 17 ( Step S507).

  The synthesizer 17 receives two unmodulated wave signals from the filter 15 and adds and synthesizes the two unmodulated wave signals from the filter 15 as in step S207 in FIG. Step S508).

  As in step S208 of FIG. 2, the amplitude and phase detector 18 applies an REV method based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the synthesizer 17 and approximates a sine characteristic or cosine characteristic of the power. And the relative amplitude and phase of the detection target element are detected (step S509).

  In this manner, similarly to step S209 in FIG. 2, by changing the combination of the combined signals selected by the switch 14 (step S510), the relative electric field vectors in all the elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are changed. Amplitude and phase are detected. As in the first embodiment, the downlink station 4 receives the relative amplitudes and phases of the electric field vectors in all the elements as a response to the command signal. Based on the received amplitudes and phases, Identify the error. In order to absorb this error, the uplink station 2 transmits a command signal to the satellite repeater 3-2 to control the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 19. As a result, the antenna directivity can be improved to be closer to the desired directivity. The amplitude and phase detector 18 specifies the error of each element based on the detected amplitude and phase, and directly controls the attenuator 114 and the phase shifter 19 so as to absorb this error. Also good.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the synthesizer 12 of the satellite repeater 3-2 generates a synthesized signal by synthesizing the non-modulated wave signal with the modulated wave signal, and the distributor 113 is used for transmission. A composite signal is distributed to each system according to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, and among the predetermined number of phase shifters 19, it is specified using the table shown in FIG. 3 (a) or (b). One phase shifter in the system of detection target elements discretely rotates the phase of the combined signal by 360 degrees, and the directional coupler 13 is a combined signal processed by the attenuator 114, the phase shifter 19 and the amplifier 116. A predetermined low level signal is taken out of the signal. Then, the switcher 14 selects and switches two synthesized signals among the synthesized signals extracted by the directional coupler 13 using the table shown in FIG. One of the two synthesized signals is set as a detection target signal. The filter 15 cuts off the modulated wave signal from the two synthesized signals, extracts only the unmodulated wave signal, and the synthesizer 17 adds and synthesizes the two unmodulated wave signals, and the amplitude and phase. The detector 18 applies the REV method based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the synthesizer 17, calculates an approximate curve of the sine characteristic or cosine characteristic of the power, and calculates the relative amplitude and relative of the detection target element. The phase was detected. Then, the relative amplitude and phase of the electric field vector in all the elements constituting the transmitting array antenna are detected by changing the combination of the two combined signals selected in the switch 14. Thereby, there exists an effect similar to Example 1. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a detection phase shifter for detecting the amplitude and phase separately from the phase shifter 19 used during normal operation, a simple configuration can be realized as compared with the first embodiment. .

  In recent years, a system utilizing an array antenna has been researched and developed from the viewpoint of effective use of electric power and effective use of frequency resources. For example, the engineering test satellite “ETS-VIII (KIKU No. 8)” launched in 2006 and the ultra-high-speed Internet satellite “WINDS” launched in 2008 are equipped with array antennas and are being tested. It has been broken. In addition, the broadcasting satellite using the 21 GHz band, which is being studied by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, the applicant of the present application, is equipped with an array antenna for adaptively changing the antenna directivity according to the radio wave attenuation due to rain. It is carried out.

  In the future, when deploying information transmission services in broadcasting satellites or communication satellites equipped with array antennas, it will improve antenna directivity and detect amplitude and phase based on highly reliable amplitude and phase detection. The avoidance of the service interruption period is an important issue. Such problems can be solved by the first and second embodiments.

  The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea thereof. For example, the phase shifters 115 and 19 adjust the amplitude and phase of the input signal in order to match a predetermined design value capable of obtaining a desired antenna directivity. In addition, the present invention is not limited to adjusting the amplitude and phase by controlling the phase and the phase, but also applicable to adjusting the amplitude and phase by controlling only the amplitude or controlling only the phase. In the first and second embodiments, the examples of the satellite repeaters 3-1 and 3-2 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the satellite repeater 3- installed on a broadcast satellite as a target of the transmission apparatus. The transmission device is not limited to 1, 3-2, and may be any transmission device including an array antenna. For example, it can be applied to a transmission apparatus installed on the ground.

1-1, 1-2 101 Broadcast / communication satellite system 2,102 Uplink stations 3-1, 3-2, 103 Satellite repeaters 4, 104 Downlink stations 11 Unmodulated wave signal generator 12 Synthesizer 13 Directionality Coupler 14 Switch 15 Filter 16 Detection phase shifter 17 Synthesizer 18 Amplitude and phase detectors 19, 115 Phase shifter 111 Antenna 112 Frequency converter 113 Divider 114 Attenuator 116 Amplifier 117 Output filter 118 Radiation element 119 Reflection mirror

Claims (5)

A modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed is received, the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal are adjusted by an attenuator and a phase shifter, and the modulated wave signal adjusted by the attenuator and the phase shifter is The amplitude of the electric field vector formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna and the transmission device transmitting the modulated wave signal from the array antenna having the desired antenna directivity by amplifying with an amplifier, and In the amplitude and phase detector for detecting the phase,
An unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal;
A first combiner to said unmodulated wave signal generated by the continuous wave signal generator synthesizes the modulated wave signal to generate a composite signal,
The synthesized signal generated by the first synthesizer is distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, adjusted by the attenuator and phase shifter, and amplified by the amplifier. A composite signal for each system generated in the process for each system including the process is input, and two predetermined composite signals are selected and switched among the composite signals for each system, and the two combined signals selected A switch for setting one of the combined signals as a signal to be detected;
A filter that cuts off the modulated wave signal and extracts an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch;
A detection phase shifter that discretely rotates the phase of an unmodulated wave signal corresponding to a signal to be detected set by the switch among the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter. When,
Of the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter, the unmodulated wave signal corresponding to the signal not to be detected and the unmodulated wave signal whose phase is rotated by the detection phase shifter are added and synthesized. A second synthesizer;
An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the second synthesizer;
An output filter that blocks the unmodulated wave signal from the synthesized signal generated by the first combiner and extracts the modulated wave signal transmitted from the array antenna;
An amplitude and phase detection device comprising: A modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed is received, the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal are adjusted by an attenuator and a phase shifter, and the modulated wave signal adjusted by the attenuator and the phase shifter is The amplitude of the electric field vector formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna and the transmission device transmitting the modulated wave signal from the array antenna having the desired antenna directivity by amplifying with an amplifier, and In the amplitude and phase detector for detecting the phase,
An unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal;
A first combiner to said unmodulated wave signal generated by the continuous wave signal generator synthesizes the modulated wave signal to generate a composite signal,
When the combined signal generated by the first combiner is distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, among the combined signals of all the systems, the detection target An attenuator and a phase shifter that adjusts the amplitude and phase of the combined signal discretely by rotating 360 degrees, and adjusts the amplitude and phase of the combined signal that is not the detection target;
A combined signal for each system generated by processing for each system including rotation and adjustment processing by the attenuator and phase shifter and amplification processing by the amplifier is input, and two predetermined composites of the combined signals for each system are input A switch for selecting and switching a signal, and setting one of the selected two combined signals as the signal to be detected;
A filter that cuts off the modulated wave signal and extracts an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch;
A second combiner for combining by adding the two continuous wave signal extracted by said filter,
An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the second synthesizer;
An output filter that blocks the unmodulated wave signal from the synthesized signal generated by the first combiner and extracts the modulated wave signal transmitted from the array antenna;
An amplitude and phase detection device comprising: In the amplitude and phase detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The switch uses a predetermined one of the input combined signals for each system as a reference signal, selects two combined signals including the reference signal, and among the selected two combined signals, An amplitude and phase detection device characterized in that another synthesized signal that is not a reference signal is set as a signal to be detected. By adjusting the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed with an attenuator and phase shifter, and amplifying the modulated wave signal adjusted by the attenuator and phase shifter with an amplifier, Amplitude and phase detection for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field vector formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna for a transmission device that transmits a modulated wave signal from an array antenna having a desired antenna directivity. In the device
An unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal;
A first combiner that combines the unmodulated wave signal generated by the unmodulated wave signal generator with the modulated wave signal, and generates a combined signal;
The synthesized signal generated by the first synthesizer is distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, adjusted by the attenuator and phase shifter, and amplified by the amplifier. A composite signal for each system generated in the process for each system including the process is input, and two predetermined composite signals are selected and switched among the composite signals for each system, and the two combined signals selected A switch for setting one of the combined signals as a signal to be detected;
A filter that cuts off the modulated wave signal and extracts an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch;
A detection phase shifter that discretely rotates the phase of an unmodulated wave signal corresponding to a signal to be detected set by the switch among the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter. When,
Of the two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter, the unmodulated wave signal corresponding to the signal not to be detected and the unmodulated wave signal whose phase is rotated by the detection phase shifter are added and synthesized. A second synthesizer;
An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the second synthesizer;
The switch selects two synthesized signals having the closest signal level of the synthesized signal among the inputted synthesized signals for each system, and detects one synthesized signal of the selected two synthesized signals. An amplitude and phase detection device characterized by being set to By adjusting the amplitude and phase of the modulated wave signal on which broadcast or communication information is superimposed with an attenuator and phase shifter, and amplifying the modulated wave signal adjusted by the attenuator and phase shifter with an amplifier, Amplitude and phase detection for detecting the amplitude and phase of an electric field vector formed by each of a plurality of elements constituting the array antenna for a transmission device that transmits a modulated wave signal from an array antenna having a desired antenna directivity. In the device
An unmodulated wave signal generator for generating an unmodulated wave signal;
A first combiner that combines the unmodulated wave signal generated by the unmodulated wave signal generator with the modulated wave signal, and generates a combined signal;
When the combined signal generated by the first combiner is distributed to a plurality of systems corresponding to the number of elements constituting the array antenna, among the combined signals of all the systems, the detection target An attenuator and a phase shifter that adjusts the amplitude and phase of the combined signal discretely by rotating 360 degrees, and adjusts the amplitude and phase of the combined signal that is not the detection target;
A combined signal for each system generated by processing for each system including rotation and adjustment processing by the attenuator and phase shifter and amplification processing by the amplifier is input, and two predetermined composites of the combined signals for each system are input A switch for selecting and switching a signal, and setting one of the selected two combined signals as the signal to be detected;
A filter that cuts off the modulated wave signal and extracts an unmodulated wave signal from each of the two synthesized signals selected by the switch;
A second synthesizer for adding and synthesizing two unmodulated wave signals extracted by the filter;
An amplitude and phase detector for detecting the amplitude and phase of the element corresponding to the signal to be detected based on the power of the unmodulated wave signal synthesized by the second synthesizer;
  The switch selects two synthesized signals having the closest signal level of the synthesized signal among the inputted synthesized signals for each system, and detects one synthesized signal of the selected two synthesized signals. An amplitude and phase detection device characterized by being set to

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