JP6474634B2 - Planar array antenna - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a planar array antenna.

  A planar array antenna in which a plurality of radiating elements are arranged in a planar shape is known. Such an antenna is used as an antenna for generating a narrow beam width, such as an airport radar, a weather radar, and an aircraft radar. These radars are generally used in a frequency band of 4 GHz or higher, and are often used particularly in a high frequency band of 10 GHz or higher.

  When the number of transceivers is smaller than the number of radiating elements, a planar array antenna including a large number of radiating elements (hereinafter referred to as a multi-element planar array antenna) is an antenna, a distribution circuit, a filter, a power amplifier, a receiving amplifier, etc. Consists of. The distribution circuit is a circuit that distributes a signal from a transceiver to a plurality of radiating elements. In the case of use in the millimeter wave band, the distribution circuit is often composed of a waveguide from the viewpoint of reducing insertion loss. As a filter configuration, a configuration using a cavity resonator or a configuration using a metal waveguide is often employed. For these reasons, multi-element planar array antennas are difficult to manufacture, large in scale, and expensive.

  Since the conventional multi-element planar array antenna is used for radar, it requires a distribution circuit and a filter that can withstand high output power (several hundred watts or more). Such a multi-element planar array antenna technology in the radar field has been established. For this reason, even when a multi-element planar array antenna is used for a mobile communication radio of about 10 W at most, the multi-element planar array antenna uses a distributor and a filter made of a metal waveguide.

Robert C. Hansen, “Phased Array Antennas,” John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.

  Conventional multi-element planar array antennas have thicknesses that depend on the dimensions of the distribution circuit and the filter. For this reason, in order to reduce the thickness of the multi-element planar array antenna assuming that a multi-element planar array antenna is used for a mobile communication radio, the thickness of each of the distribution circuit and the filter is reduced. There is a need to. Here, the thickness dimension is the length in the normal direction with respect to the plane on which the radiating elements are arranged. The external dimensions of the metal distribution circuit and the filter are directly connected to the operation mode, and the thickness dimensions of the distribution circuit and the filter cannot be simply reduced.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a planar array antenna in which the thickness dimension can be easily reduced.

  The planar array antenna of the present invention corresponds to a first dielectric plate, a plurality of radiating elements disposed on one surface of the first dielectric plate, and a plurality of radiating elements on the other surface of the first dielectric plate. A planar array antenna including a first conductor formed with a plurality of slots, wherein a plurality of post wall waveguides corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are installed on the first conductor, Each post-wall waveguide can be fed to a corresponding radiating element via a corresponding slot.

  According to the present invention, since the post wall waveguide capable of feeding the radiating element is disposed on the first conductor, the thickness dimension can be easily reduced.

The front view of the planar array antenna of 1st Embodiment. A-A 'line sectional view of the plane array antenna of a 1st embodiment. The perspective view of the planar array antenna of 1st Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the planar array antenna of 1st Embodiment. The rear view of the planar array antenna of 1st Embodiment. The figure explaining the post-wall waveguide in the planar array antenna of 1st Embodiment. The front view of the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. B-B 'line sectional drawing of the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view of the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. The rear view of the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. The figure explaining the post wall waveguide and stripline structure in the planar array antenna of 2nd Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the planar array antenna of 3rd Embodiment. The figure explaining a part of post wall waveguide of one division and a conductive partition in a plane array antenna of a 3rd embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, only a part of a plurality of the same constituent elements is given a reference in consideration of easy viewing.

<First Embodiment>
1 to 6 show a first embodiment according to the present invention. The planar array antenna 100 according to the first embodiment includes N radiating elements 101 each having a rectangular flat plate shape (where N is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 2) and a first dielectric plate having a rectangular flat plate shape. 103, a rectangular flat plate-like first conductor 105, a rectangular flat plate-like second dielectric plate 107, and a rectangular flat plate-like second conductor 109. Each radiating element 101, the first conductor 105, and the second conductor 109 are, for example, copper foils. Each of the radiation elements 101, the first dielectric plate 103, the first conductor 105, the second dielectric plate 107, and the second conductor 109 may have a flat plate shape. Preferably, it is not limited to a rectangle, for example, each may be a circle. The thickness of each of the radiating elements 101, the first dielectric plate 103, the first conductor 105, the second dielectric plate 107, and the second conductor 109 depends on the desired antenna. Designed to obtain characteristics.

  The N radiating elements 101 are arranged on one surface of the first dielectric plate 103. In the first embodiment, the N radiating elements 101 are arranged in an m × n matrix (that is, a square array). In the example shown in FIG. 1, m = n = 6 and N = 36. The arrangement of the N radiating elements 101 is not limited to a matrix, and may be a triangular arrangement, a linear arrangement, a circular arrangement, or the like. The distance between adjacent radiating elements 101 is designed so as to obtain desired antenna characteristics.

  The second conductor 109 is disposed on one surface of the second dielectric plate 107, and the first conductor 105 is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate 103 and the second dielectric plate 103. It is disposed on the other surface of the dielectric plate 107. As described above, the planar array antenna 100 includes the second conductor 109, the second dielectric plate 107, the first conductor 105, the first dielectric plate 103, and the N radiating elements 101. However, it has a structure laminated in this order.

  The second dielectric plate 107 is placed perpendicular to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 103 at each position corresponding to each of the N radiating elements 101. A group of conductor posts that penetrate and electrically connect the first conductor 105 and the second conductor 109 (hereinafter, “group of conductor posts” is referred to as a conductor post set 111) are arranged. . Since one radiating element 101 and one conductor post set 111 are in a one-to-one relationship, N conductor post sets 111 are arranged on the second dielectric plate 107. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the planar array antenna 100 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 101 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 103. In some cases, N conductor post sets 111 are arranged on the second dielectric plate 107 so that one radiating element 101 and one conductor post set 111 overlap each other. Each of the plurality of conductor posts 111a composing one conductor post set 111 (for convenience, FIG. 6 shows 15 conductor posts 111a) is a conductive material, for example, a metal such as copper. is there. Each conductor post 111 a penetrates through the second dielectric plate 107 and electrically connects the first conductor 105 and the second conductor 109.

  Each of N portions of the second dielectric plate 107 surrounded by the N conductor post sets 111, the first conductor 105, and the second conductor 109 functions as a waveguide. Such waveguides are called Post Wall Waveguide, SIW (Substrate Integrated Waveguide), Laminated Waveguide, etc., and their principles are well known. Is omitted. The number of conductor posts 111a included in one conductor post set 111, the interval between any two conductor posts 111a adjacent to each other in the transmission direction, and post-wall waveguide when cut along a plane orthogonal to the transmission direction. The length of the long side in the cross section of the tube (that is, the widest portion of the row of conductor posts 111a arranged in the transmission direction), the arrangement shape of the conductor posts 111a, and the like are designed so as to obtain desired transmission characteristics. The

  At least one slot 113 is formed in each of N portions of the first conductor 105 corresponding to N post-wall waveguides (in other words, N conductor post sets 111). In the first embodiment, since one radiating element 101 (or one conductor post set 111) and one slot 113 are in a one-to-one relationship, the slot 113 formed in the first conductor 105 is used. Is N. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the planar array antenna 100 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 101 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 103. Sometimes, one slot 113 is surrounded by one conductor post set 111 (in other words, one post wall waveguide and one slot 113 overlap), so that N slots 113 are It is formed on the first conductor 105. Each slot 113 is an area formed by removing a part of the first conductor 105 by etching, for example, and is an opening of the first conductor 105.

  Each post wall waveguide can be electromagnetically coupled to a corresponding radiating element 101 among the N radiating elements 101 via a corresponding one slot 113. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, when the planar array antenna 100 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiation elements 101 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 103, N slots 113 are arranged in the first conductor 105 so that one radiating element 101 and one slot 113 overlap. For this reason, as in the so-called slot coupling power feeding method, one slot is arranged. These post wall waveguides can be electromagnetically coupled to one radiating element 101 via one slot 113.

  At least one of a transmitter (not shown) and a receiver (not shown) is electrically connected to each post wall waveguide. For example, if there is sufficient space around the conductor post set 111, a transmitter and a receiver (hereinafter collectively referred to as a transceiver) may be disposed in the vicinity of the input unit 105a. The place where the transceiver is arranged is a gap formed by removing a part of the first conductor 105 by, for example, etching. One transceiver and one input unit 105a are connected by, for example, a microstrip line. In addition, at least one of the transmitter and the receiver is preferably composed of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit from the viewpoint of reducing the thickness dimension.

  When the planar array antenna 100 is used in a time division duplex system, the input unit 105a and the transceiver are connected via a high frequency switch (not shown). An example of such a high frequency switch is an FET (Field Effect Transistor) switch. In addition, when the planar array antenna 100 is used in the frequency division duplex system, the input unit 105a and the transceiver are connected via a duplexer (not shown). Such a duplexer can be realized by using, for example, a plurality of post wall waveguides.

  If there is not enough space around the conductor post set 111, for example, one end of the high frequency switch and the input unit 105a may be connected by a dielectric line, and the other end of the high frequency switch may be connected to the transceiver. . In this case, there is no particular limitation on the configuration and location of the transceiver.

  The thickness of such a planar array antenna 100 is mainly that the first radiating element 101, the first conductor 105, and the second conductor 109 are each formed of copper foil. It depends on the thickness of each of the dielectric plate 103 and the second dielectric plate 107. Like the well-known conventional planar antenna, the thickness of each of the first dielectric plate 103 and the second dielectric plate 107 is about 1 mm to 2 mm. It can be seen that a planar array antenna that is sufficiently thinner than the conventional planar array antenna used, that is, having a small thickness dimension, can be realized.

Second Embodiment
7 to 12 show a second embodiment according to the present invention. In the first embodiment, if the connection to the input unit 105a is realized with a microstrip line structure, the possibility that electromagnetic coupling occurs between adjacent post wall waveguides cannot be denied. In the second embodiment, a planar array antenna 200 having a structure for preventing such electromagnetic coupling will be described.

  The planar array antenna 200 of the second embodiment includes N radiating elements 201 each having a rectangular flat plate shape (where N is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 2), and a first dielectric plate having a rectangular flat plate shape. 203, a rectangular flat plate-like first conductor 205, a rectangular flat plate-like second dielectric plate 207, a rectangular flat plate-like second conductor 209, and a plurality of third plates each having a flat plate shape. And a conductor 221. Each radiating element 201, the first conductor 205, the second conductor 209, and each third conductor 221 are, for example, copper foils. Each of the radiation elements 201, the first dielectric plate 203, the first conductor 205, the second dielectric plate 207, and the second conductor 209 may have a flat plate shape. Preferably, it is not limited to a rectangle, for example, each may be a circle. In addition, each of the radiating elements 201, the first dielectric plate 203, the first conductor 205, the second dielectric plate 207, the second conductor 209, and each of the third conductors 221 Each thickness is designed to obtain desired antenna characteristics. In the second embodiment, since one radiating element 101 and one third conductor 221 are in a one-to-one relationship, the number of third conductors 221 is the same as the number of radiating elements 201 N. It is a piece.

  N radiating elements 201 are arranged on one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. In the second embodiment, the N radiating elements 201 are arranged in an m × n matrix (that is, a square array). In the example shown in FIG. 7, m = n = 4 and N = 16. The arrangement of the N radiating elements 201 is not limited to a matrix, and may be a triangular arrangement, a linear arrangement, a circular arrangement, or the like. Further, the distance between adjacent radiating elements 201 is designed so as to obtain desired antenna characteristics.

  The second conductor 209 is disposed on one surface of the second dielectric plate 207, and the first conductor 205 is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate 203 and the second dielectric plate 203. It is disposed on the other surface of the dielectric plate 207. As described above, the planar array antenna 200 includes the second conductor 209, the second dielectric plate 207, the first conductor 205, the first dielectric plate 203, and the N radiating elements 201. However, it has a structure laminated in this order. Note that, in the N third conductors 221, the plate surfaces of the third conductors 221 are parallel to the plate surface of the second dielectric plate 207 at positions corresponding to the N radiation elements 201. So as to be embedded in the second dielectric plate 207. As shown in FIG. 7, when the planar array antenna 200 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203, N third conductors 221 are embedded in the second dielectric plate 207 such that the radiating element 201 and one third conductor 221 overlap each other.

The second dielectric plate 207 has a position corresponding to each of the N radiating elements 201, and is located inside the second dielectric plate 207 with respect to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. A group of conductor posts (hereinafter referred to as a group of conductor posts) that vertically enter and electrically connect the first conductor 205 and the corresponding third conductor 221 among the N third conductors 221. The “conductor post” is referred to as the first conductor post set 211). Since one radiating element 201 and one first conductor post set 211 are in a one-to-one relationship, N first conductor post sets 211 are arranged on the second dielectric plate 207. Yes. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the planar array antenna 200 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. In some cases, N first conductor post sets 211 are arranged on the second dielectric plate 207 so that one radiating element 201 and one first conductor post set 211 overlap each other. Each of the plurality of conductor posts 211a composing one first conductor post set 211 (for convenience, FIG. 12 shows 16 conductor posts 211a) is a conductive material, such as copper. The metal. Each conductor post 211a is enters the inside of the second dielectric plate 207, electrical and first conductor 205, and third conductor 221 corresponding one of the N third conductor 221, the Connected.

  Each of the N portions of the second dielectric plate 207 surrounded by the N first conductor post sets 211, the first conductor 205, and the N third conductors 221 is As described above, it functions as a post-wall waveguide. The number of conductor posts 211a included in one first conductor post set 211, the interval between any two conductor posts 211a adjacent to each other in the transmission direction, and the post when cut along a plane orthogonal to the transmission direction. The length of the long side in the cross section of the wall waveguide (that is, the interval between the widest portions of the row of conductor posts 211a arranged in the transmission direction), the arrangement shape of the conductor posts 211a, and the like can obtain desired transmission characteristics. Designed to.

  Each of the N third conductors 221 includes a conductor part 221c constituting a corresponding post wall waveguide, and two line conductor parts extending from the conductor part 221c in the transmission direction, that is, a first line conductor part. 221a and the 2nd line conductor part 221b are included.

  The second dielectric plate 207 penetrates through the second dielectric plate 207 perpendicularly to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203, and any of the N third conductors 221. A group of conductor posts that electrically connect the first conductor 205 and the second conductor 209 without contact with each other (hereinafter, this “group of conductor posts” will be referred to as a second conductor post set 223). ) Are arranged so as to form a section corresponding to each of the N first conductor post sets 211. In the second embodiment, the shape of each section is a rectangle. Each section is surrounded by a plurality of conductor posts 223a constituting the second conductor post set 223, so that one corresponding first conductor post set among the N first conductor post sets 211 is included. 211 is arranged. From another point of view, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the plane in which N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, in the normal direction to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. When the planar array antenna 200 is viewed, the first section includes one first conductor post set 211, one third conductor 221, and one radiating element 201. Two conductor post sets 223 are arranged on the second dielectric plate 207. Each of the plurality of conductor posts 223a constituting the second conductor post set 223 is a conductive material, for example, a metal such as copper. Each conductor post 223 a penetrates the second dielectric plate 207 and electrically connects the first conductor 205 and the second conductor 209.

  At least one first slot 213 is formed in each of N portions of the first conductor 205 corresponding to the N first line conductor portions 221a. In the second embodiment, since one radiating element 201 and one first slot 213 are in a one-to-one relationship, the number of first slots 213 formed in the first conductor 205 is N. It is a piece. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the planar array antenna 200 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. Sometimes one first slot 213 is not surrounded by one first conductor post set 211 (in other words, one post wall waveguide and one first slot 213 are N first slots 213 are formed in the first conductor 205 so that one first slot 213 and one first line conductor portion 221a overlap each other (so as not to overlap). Is formed. Each first slot 213 is an area formed by removing a part of the first conductor 205 by, for example, etching, and is an opening of the first conductor 205.

  Each of the N third conductors 221 is connected to the corresponding radiating element 201 among the N radiating elements 201 via the corresponding first slot 213 at the first line conductor portion 221a. Electromagnetic coupling is possible. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7, when the planar array antenna 200 is viewed in the normal direction with respect to the plane on which the N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203, The N first slots 213 are arranged in the first conductor 205 so that one radiating element 201 and one first slot 213 overlap each other. Similarly, one post-wall waveguide can be electromagnetically coupled to one radiating element 201 through one first slot 213.

  Further, at least one second slot 215 is formed in each of N portions of the second conductor 209 corresponding to the N second line conductor portions 221b. In the second embodiment, since one post wall waveguide and one second slot 215 are in a one-to-one relationship, the number of second slots 215 formed in the second conductor 209 is as follows. N. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the planar array antenna 200 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 201 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 203. Sometimes one second slot 215 is not surrounded by one first conductor post set 211 (in other words, one post wall waveguide and one second slot 215 N second slots 215 are connected to the second conductor 209 so that one second slot 215 and one second line conductor portion 221b overlap each other. Is formed. Each second slot 215 is a region formed by removing a part of the second conductor 209 by, for example, etching, and is an opening of the second conductor 209. Each second line conductor portion 221b is electromagnetically coupled to a transceiver (not shown) through a corresponding second slot 215.

  The thickness of such a planar array antenna 200 is usually that each of the radiating elements 201, the first conductor 205, the second conductor 209, and the third conductor 221 is formed of a copper foil. Therefore, it mainly depends on the thickness of each of the first dielectric plate 203 and the second dielectric plate 207. As in a well-known conventional planar antenna, the thickness of the first dielectric plate 203 is about 1 mm to 2 mm, and the thickness of the second dielectric plate 207 is a stripline structure. Even if it is about 2 mm to 4 mm, it can be seen that a planar array antenna that is sufficiently thin, that is, has a small thickness can be realized as compared with a conventional planar array antenna using a metal distribution circuit and a filter. Further, transmission to the post wall waveguide is realized by a stripline structure, and electromagnetic coupling between adjacent post wall waveguides is prevented by the second conductor post set 223.

<Third Embodiment>
13 and 14 show a third embodiment according to the present invention. In the second embodiment, electromagnetic coupling between adjacent post wall waveguides is prevented by the second conductor post set 223. In the third embodiment, a planar array antenna 300 having another configuration for preventing electromagnetic coupling will be described. The planar array antenna 300 has a conductive partition wall instead of the second conductor post set 223 in order to prevent electromagnetic coupling, and the first conductive antenna corresponding to the section described in the second embodiment. The same as the planar array antenna 200 of the second embodiment, except that the portions of the body 205, the second dielectric plate 207, and the second conductor 209 are separated by a conductive partition. .

  The planar array antenna 300 of the third embodiment includes N radiating elements 301 each having a rectangular flat plate shape (where N is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 2), and a rectangular flat plate-like first dielectric plate. 303, a plurality of sub-layers 350, and a conductive partition wall 360 having the same number as that of the radiating elements 301, that is, N partitions. In the third embodiment, since one sublayer 350 and one section have a one-to-one relationship, the number of sublayers 350 is N.

  The N radiating elements 301 are arranged on one surface of the first dielectric plate 303 as in the second embodiment. In addition, the conductive partition wall 360 generally formed of metal (for example, copper) is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate 303. In the example of FIG. 13, the conductive partition wall 360 extends along a direction parallel to the long side of the first dielectric plate 303, and the method of the other surface of the first dielectric plate 303 is used. Five thin metal walls standing in the line direction, extending along a direction parallel to the short side of the first dielectric plate 303, and the other surface of the first dielectric plate 303 It has a structure in which five thin metal walls standing in the normal direction are combined so as to form 16 rectangular sections having the same area. The positions where the six metal walls excluding the four metal walls outside the conductive partition wall 360 are provided are the positions of the rows of the conductor posts 223a constituting the second conductor post set 223 of the second embodiment. It matches. For this reason, the N sections of the conductive partition wall 360 correspond to the arrangement of the N radiating elements 301.

  Each of the N sub-layers 350 has the same structure in which a first conductor 305, a second dielectric plate 307, and a second conductor 309 are stacked in this order. In each of the N partitions of the conductive partition wall 360, the first conductive body 305 is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate 303, and the conductive partition wall body. One sublayer 350 is fitted so that there is no gap between 360 and the sublayer 350. The height of the metal wall constituting the conductive partition wall 360 (the length in the normal direction relative to the other surface of the first dielectric plate 303) is substantially the same as the height of the sublayer 350.

The structure of each sublayer 350 will be described.
One third conductor 321 is embedded in the second dielectric plate 307. The plate surface of the third conductor 321 is parallel to the plate surface of the second dielectric plate 307. Specifically, when the planar array antenna 300 is viewed in the direction normal to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 303, one radiating element 301 and one third conductor 321 are included. One third conductor 321 is embedded in the second dielectric plate 307 so as to overlap.

  In addition, the second dielectric plate 307 enters the second dielectric plate 307 perpendicularly to the one surface of the first dielectric plate 303 and enters the first conductor 305 and the third dielectric plate 307. A group of conductor posts that are electrically connected to the conductors 321 are arranged. This “group of conductor posts” (hereinafter referred to as a first conductor post set 311) is the same as the first conductor post set 211 of the second embodiment.

  In the second dielectric plate 307, the portion of the second dielectric plate 307 surrounded by the first conductor post set 311, the first conductor 305, and the third conductor 321 is the second dielectric plate 307. Similar to the embodiment, it functions as a post wall waveguide.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the third conductor 321 includes a conductor portion 321c constituting a post wall waveguide and two line conductor portions extending from the conductor portion 321c in the transmission direction, that is, a first line conductor portion. 321a and a second line conductor portion 321b.

  At least one first slot 313 is formed in a portion of the first conductor 305 corresponding to the first line conductor portion 321a. In the third embodiment, since one radiating element 301 (or one first conductor post set 311) and one slot 313 are in a one-to-one relationship, they are formed in the first conductor 305. The number of slots 113 is one. In the third embodiment, when the planar array antenna 300 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 301 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 303, one first One slot 313 is not surrounded by one first conductor post set 311 (in other words, one post wall waveguide and one first slot 313 do not overlap). One first slot 313 is formed in the first conductor 305 so that the first slot 313 and the first line conductor portion 321a overlap each other. The first slot 313 is a region formed by removing a part of the first conductor 305 by, for example, etching, and is an opening of the first conductor 305.

  The third conductor 321 can be electromagnetically coupled to the corresponding radiating element 301 among the N radiating elements 301 via the first slot 313 at the first line conductor portion 321a. In other words, when the planar array antenna 300 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 301 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 303, The first slot 313 is arranged in the first conductor 305 so that one first slot 313 overlaps. For this reason, as in the so-called slot coupling feeding method, the post-wall waveguide is the first slot 313. One radiating element 301 can be electromagnetically coupled through one slot 313.

  In addition, at least one second slot 315 is formed in a portion of the second conductor 309 corresponding to the second line conductor portion 321b. In the third embodiment, when the planar array antenna 300 is viewed in the normal direction to the plane on which the N radiating elements 301 are arranged, that is, the one surface of the first dielectric plate 303, one first The second slot 315 is not surrounded by the first conductor post set 311 (in other words, the post wall waveguide and the second slot 315 do not overlap), and the second slot 315 and the second slot 315 A second slot 315 is formed in the second conductor 309 so as to overlap the two line conductor portions 321b. The second slot 315 is a region formed by removing a part of the second conductor 309 by, for example, etching, and is an opening of the second conductor 309. The second line conductor portion 321b is electromagnetically coupled to a transceiver (not shown) via the second slot 315.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the thickness of the planar array antenna 300 is generally such that each of the radiating elements 301, the first conductor 305, the second conductor 309, and the third conductor 321 is made of copper foil. Since it is formed, it mainly depends on the thicknesses of the first dielectric plate 303 and the second dielectric plate 307. As in a well-known conventional planar antenna, the thickness of the first dielectric plate 303 is about 1 mm to 2 mm, and the thickness of the second dielectric plate 307 is a stripline structure. Even if it is about 2 mm to 4 mm, it can be seen that a planar array antenna that is sufficiently thin, that is, has a small thickness can be realized as compared with a conventional planar array antenna using a metal distribution circuit and a filter. In addition, transmission to the post wall waveguide is realized by a stripline structure, and electromagnetic coupling between adjacent post wall waveguides is prevented by the conductive partition wall 360.

  From each of the above-described embodiments, the planar array antenna according to the present invention includes a dielectric plate, a plurality of radiating elements arranged on one surface of the dielectric plate, and a plurality of radiating elements on the other surface of the dielectric plate. In the planar microstrip array antenna including a ground conductor in which a plurality of slots corresponding one to one are formed, a plurality of post wall waveguides corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of radiating elements (each of the post wall waveguides is a plurality of Are mounted on the ground conductor, and each post wall waveguide has a corresponding radiation through a corresponding slot. It can also be understood as a “planar microstrip array antenna characterized in that it can feed power to the element”. Thus, since the power is fed using the post wall waveguide without using the distribution circuit and the filter, the thickness of the planar array antenna can be easily reduced. In addition, since the post wall waveguide is formed on a dielectric plate, it can be manufactured in comparison with a metal waveguide, and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims (5)

A plurality of radiating elements;
A first dielectric plate;
A first conductor;
A second dielectric plate;
A second conductor,
The plurality of radiating elements are disposed on one surface of the first dielectric plate,
The second conductor is disposed on one surface of the second dielectric plate,
The first conductor is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate and on the other surface of the second dielectric plate;
In the second dielectric plate, the first conductor and the second conductor are passed through the second dielectric plate at each position corresponding to each of the plurality of radiating elements. A group of conductor posts (hereinafter referred to as conductor post sets) to be electrically connected are arranged,
Each portion of the second dielectric plate surrounded by each conductor post set, the first conductor, and the second conductor functions as a waveguide,
At least one slot is formed in each part of the first conductor corresponding to each waveguide,
Each of the waveguides is electromagnetically coupled to a corresponding radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements via the corresponding at least one slot,
A planar array antenna in which at least one of a transmitter and a receiver is electrically connected to each of the waveguides. The planar array antenna according to claim 1, wherein
A planar array antenna, wherein at least one of a transmitter and a receiver connected to each of the waveguides is configured by a monolithic microwave integrated circuit. The planar array antenna according to claim 2,
A planar array antenna, wherein at least one of a transmitter and a receiver connected to each of the waveguides is disposed in a gap portion formed in the first conductor. A plurality of radiating elements;
A first dielectric plate;
A first conductor;
A second dielectric plate;
A second conductor;
A plurality of third conductors,
The plurality of radiating elements are disposed on one surface of the first dielectric plate,
The second conductor is disposed on one surface of the second dielectric plate,
The first conductor is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate and on the other surface of the second dielectric plate;
The plurality of third conductors are embedded in the second dielectric plate at positions corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements,
The second dielectric plate enters the inside of the second dielectric plate at each position corresponding to each of the plurality of radiating elements, and includes the first conductor and the plurality of third third plates. A group of conductor posts (hereinafter referred to as a first conductor post set) that electrically connect the corresponding third conductors among the conductors of
Each of the second dielectric plates surrounded by each of the first conductor post sets, the first conductor, and a corresponding third conductor among the plurality of third conductors. Part functions as a waveguide,
Each of the plurality of third conductors includes a corresponding conductor portion constituting the waveguide, and two line conductor portions (hereinafter referred to as a first line conductor portion, A line conductor portion),
The second dielectric plate penetrates the second dielectric plate and does not contact any of the plurality of third conductors, and the first conductor and the second conductor. A group of conductor posts (hereinafter referred to as second conductor post sets) that are electrically connected to each other are arranged so as to form a section corresponding to each of the plurality of third conductors. ,
In each of the sections formed by the second conductor post set, a corresponding third conductor among the plurality of third conductors is disposed,
At least one first slot is formed in each portion of the first conductor corresponding to each first line conductor portion;
Each of the plurality of third conductors is electromagnetically coupled to a corresponding radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements through the corresponding at least one first slot at the first line conductor portion. ,
A planar array antenna in which at least one second slot is formed in each part of the second conductor corresponding to each second line conductor. A plurality of radiating elements;
A first dielectric plate;
A plurality of sub-layers and a conductive partition having the same number of partitions as the plurality of radiating elements;
Including
The plurality of radiating elements are disposed on one surface of the first dielectric plate,
The conductive partition is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate,
Each of the plurality of sublayers has a structure in which a first conductor, a second dielectric plate, and a second conductor are stacked in this order,
The section of the conductive partition body is determined corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of radiating elements,
One sublayer of the plurality of sublayers is fitted in each section of the conductive partition so that the first conductor is disposed on the other surface of the first dielectric plate. And
In each of the multiple sublayers:
A third conductor is embedded in the second dielectric plate;
The second dielectric plate includes a group of conductor posts (hereinafter referred to as conductors) that enter the inside of the second dielectric plate and electrically connect the first conductor and the third conductor. Are called post sets),
In the second dielectric plate, a portion of the second dielectric plate surrounded by the conductor post set, the first conductor, and the third conductor functions as a waveguide. ,
The third conductor includes a conductor part constituting the waveguide and two line conductor parts extending from the conductor part (hereinafter referred to as a first line conductor part and a second line conductor part). Including)
At least one first slot is formed in a portion of the first conductor corresponding to the first line conductor portion,
The third conductor is electromagnetically coupled to a corresponding radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements through the at least one first slot in the first line conductor portion.
A planar array antenna in which at least one second slot is formed in a portion of the second conductor corresponding to the second line conductor.