JP6562497B2 - Double-layer short slot coupler, Butler matrix feed circuit and phased array antenna - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a two-layer short slot coupler for two-dimensional beam switching, a butler matrix feeding circuit for two-dimensional beam switching using the same, and a phased array antenna using the same.

  A phased array antenna is connected in matrix to an input port serving as a plurality of feed points, a matrix circuit for changing the beam direction corresponding to the position of the input port of the input signal, and an output port of the matrix circuit. And a plurality of antenna elements arranged. This is called a feeding point switching type phased array antenna. As a matrix circuit for changing the beam direction, there is known a Butler matrix power supply circuit that uses four hybrid circuits to switch the beam direction to one-dimensional four directions.

  Signals input from the input ports to the power supply circuit are equally distributed in the Butler matrix power supply circuit, and are output with different phase differences for each of the plurality of output ports. According to the Butler matrix power feeding circuit, the inclination of the phase output from the output port differs depending on the position of the input port for inputting a signal, and therefore the direction of the beam output corresponding to the position of the input port changes.

  In the Butler matrix power feeding circuit, even if power is input from any of the plurality of input ports, the power is equally distributed to the output ports and output. Since the slope of the phase output from the output port varies depending on the position of the input port, the radio waves output to the plurality of output ports depending on the position of the input port have slopes due to different phase differences. When the Butler matrix feeding circuit is applied to an antenna, the beam direction can be switched by an input port.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a one-layer four-distribution circuit 90 using a Butler matrix for switching one-dimensional directions includes a one-layer hybrid coupler 91, a one-layer cross-coupler 92, -45 degree phase shifter 93. When the signal Q is input to any of the four input ports 94 provided on the input side, the signals Q1 to Q4 in which power is equally distributed from each of the output ports 95 provided on the output side are given a phase difference. Is output. The phase gradient of the output signals Q1 to Q4 varies depending on the position of the input port 94. Using this phase difference, the beam output from the output side can be switched in a one-dimensional direction.

J. Butler and R. Lowe, “Beam-forming matrix simplifies design of electronically scanned antennas,” Electronic Design, vol.9, no.8, pp.170-173, April 1961.

As shown in FIG. 20, in order to switch the two-dimensional direction using the one-layer four-distribution circuit 90 for switching the one-dimensional direction, the one-layer four-distribution circuit using the Butler matrix for the vertical switching 90 is arranged vertically. In order to perform vertical switching with 4 × 4 distribution, a vertical 4 × 4 distribution circuit 98 in which four vertically arranged one-layer four distribution circuits 90 are arranged on the left and right is provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, a one-layer four-distribution circuit 89 using a Butler matrix for horizontal switching is arranged horizontally. In order to perform horizontal switching with 4 × 4 distribution, a horizontal 4 × 4 distribution circuit 99 in which four horizontally arranged one-layer four distribution circuits 89 are arranged vertically is provided. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in order to switch the two-dimensional direction, a vertical 4 × 4 distribution circuit 98 using a Butler matrix and a horizontal 4 × 4 distribution circuit 99 are separately provided. It is necessary to provide and cascade connection, and the apparatus configuration becomes complicated.
An object of the present invention is to provide a two-layer short slot coupler, a Butler matrix feed circuit, and a phased array antenna, which can simplify a device configuration for switching in a two-dimensional direction.

The two-layer short slot coupler according to the present invention includes an input unit in which four input ports for inputting an input signal are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix,
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
A coupling portion disposed between the input portion and the output portion and having a cross-sectional shape for generating a multi-mode electromagnetic field;
The coupling unit changes the output form of the signal from the output unit two-dimensionally with respect to an input signal input from any of the input ports.

  In addition, the cross-sectional shape has a cutout portion in which four corners of a rectangle are cut out into a rectangle, and a concave portion in which a central portion of an upper side and a lower side is recessed in a rectangle toward the center.

  In addition, when the coupling portion is disposed at the intersection portion of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit, the coupling portion has a length that is twice the total length of the coupling portion disposed in the hybrid coupling portion of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit. It is formed.

Further, when the coupling unit is arranged in the hybrid coupling unit, a signal input from any one of the input ports is output with power distributed equally from the four output ports,
For a first output signal output from a counter output port located at a position facing the input port, a horizontal adjacent output port adjacent to the horizontal direction of the counter output port and a vertical adjacent to the vertical direction of the counter output port The second and third output signals respectively output from the adjacent output ports are output with a phase delay of 90 degrees,
The fourth output signal output from the diagonally adjacent output port located on the diagonal line of the opposing output port is formed so that the phase is delayed by 180 degrees.

  In addition, when the coupling unit is disposed at the intersection, a signal input from one of the input ports is diagonally positioned on a diagonal line of the opposite output port at a position facing the input port. All the output signals are output from the adjacent output ports.

A Butler matrix power feeding circuit for switching a two-dimensional beam according to the present invention includes a hybrid coupling unit that gives a phase difference to an input signal and distributes and outputs the signal with equal amplitude, and a crossing unit that outputs the input signal to a crossing circuit. A Butler matrix power supply circuit comprising a phase shifter unit that outputs a phase difference to an input signal,
An input unit in which four input ports for inputting input signals are arranged in a matrix of 2 × 2 layers;
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
A coupling portion disposed between the input portion and the output portion and having a cross-sectional shape for generating a multi-mode electromagnetic field;
The coupling unit includes a two-layer short slot coupler that two-dimensionally changes an output form of a signal from the output unit with respect to an input signal input from any of the input ports,
The two-layer short slot coupler is disposed at each of the hybrid coupling part and the intersection part,
The beam direction output from the output unit is changed two-dimensionally by the output signal output from the short slot coupler.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape has a notch portion in which the four corners of the rectangular shape are recessed in a rectangular shape, and a recessed portion in which a central portion of the upper side and the lower side is recessed in a rectangular shape toward the center.

  The two-layer short slot coupler disposed at the intersection includes the coupling portion having a total length that is twice the total length of the coupling portion of the two-layer short slot coupler disposed in the hybrid coupling portion. Have.

In addition, when the two-layer short slot coupler is disposed in the hybrid coupling section, a signal input from one of the input ports is output with power distributed evenly from the four output ports. ,
For a first output signal output from a counter output port located at a position facing the input port, a horizontal adjacent output port adjacent to the horizontal direction of the counter output port and a vertical adjacent to the vertical direction of the counter output port The second and third output signals respectively output from the adjacent output ports are output with a phase delay of 90 degrees,
The fourth output signal output from the diagonally adjacent output port located on the diagonal line of the opposing output port is formed so that the phase is delayed by 180 degrees.

  Further, when the two-layer short slot coupler is arranged at the intersection, the signal input from any of the input ports is on a diagonal line of the opposite output port at a position facing the input port. All are output as output signals from the diagonally adjacent output ports located.

Further, in the hybrid coupling portion, the two-layer short slot coupler is arranged from the lower stage of the arrangement position to the first layer with respect to the arrangement position in which the one-layer feeding circuit is arranged in a matrix form for 4 × 4 layers in a cross section. And two juxtaposed at the position of the second layer, two juxtaposed from the lower stage to the position of the third layer and the fourth layer,
At the intersection, one double-layer short slot coupler is disposed at a central position between the second layer and the third layer.

  Further, in the crossing portion, a single-layer crossing device is disposed horizontally in the first layer and the fourth layer above and below the double-layer short slot coupler, respectively. In the second layer and the third layer, the single-layer crossing devices are arranged vertically.

  Further, the phase shifter unit has a -90 degree phase shifter arranged on both sides of the first layer and the fourth layer, and two -45 degree phase shifters are juxtaposed between the single layer -90 degree phase shifters. In addition, two −45 degree phase shifters are stacked in the vertical direction on both sides of the second layer and the third layer.

A phased array antenna for two-dimensional beam switching according to the present invention includes a hybrid coupling unit that gives a phase difference to an input signal and distributes and outputs the signal with equal amplitude, a crossing unit that outputs the input signal to a circuit that crosses, and A phased array antenna having a Butler matrix power feeding circuit composed of a phase shifter unit that outputs a phase difference to an input signal,
An input unit in which four input ports for inputting input signals are arranged in a matrix of 2 × 2 layers;
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
A coupling portion disposed between the input portion and the output portion and having a cross-sectional shape for generating a multi-mode electromagnetic field;
The coupling unit is a two-layer short slot coupler that two-dimensionally changes the output form of the signal from the output unit with respect to an input signal input from any of the input ports,
The two-layer short slot coupler is a Butler matrix power feeding circuit disposed at each of the hybrid coupling portion and the intersection;
A plurality of antenna elements connected to the output unit;
The direction of the beam of the output signal output from the plurality of antenna elements is changed two-dimensionally with respect to the signal input from any of the input ports.

  According to the two-layer short slot coupler, the Butler matrix power feeding circuit, and the phased array antenna according to the present invention, the apparatus configuration of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit that switches two-dimensional directions can be simplified.

It is the perspective view which showed the double layer short slot coupler. It is the perspective view which showed the double layer short slot coupler from the direction different from FIG. It is sectional drawing of the coupling | bond part of a two-layer short slot coupler. It is the figure which showed the cross-section electric field distribution of the mode of a multimode rectangular waveguide. It is the figure which showed the symmetry of the cross-section electric field distribution of the mode of a multimode rectangular waveguide. It is the graph which showed the calculation result at the time of supplying electric power to the double layer short slot coupler designed as a hybrid coupler. It is the graph which showed the calculation result at the time of supplying electric power to the double layer short slot coupler designed as a hybrid coupler. It is the graph which showed the calculation result at the time of supplying electric power to the double layer short slot coupler designed as a crossing device. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of the structure of a 4x4 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit in the cross section. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the 4x4 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of the B cross section in FIG. 10 of a hybrid coupling part. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of C cross section in FIG. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of D cross section in FIG. 10 of a phase shifter part. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of the structure of an 8x8 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit in the cross section. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the 8x8 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the 8x8 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the 8x8 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the 8x8 Butler matrix electric power feeding circuit. It is the block diagram which showed the Butler matrix for switching of a one-dimensional direction. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of the 4 * 4 distribution circuit for vertical switching in the cross section. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | positioning relationship of the 4 * 4 distribution circuit for horizontal switching in the cross section. It is the perspective view which showed the H surface coupler. It is the perspective view which showed the E surface coupler.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, known short slot couplers include an H-plane coupler 70 and an E-plane coupler 80. Since the principle of the H-plane coupler 70 and the E-plane coupler 80 is basically the same, the basic structure and operation of the H-plane coupler 70 will be described. The H-plane coupler 70 includes a metal rectangular tube 79. The H-plane coupler 70 includes input / output units 70A and 70B for supplying power and a coupling unit 70C disposed between the input / output units 70A and 70B. A first port 71 and a second port 72 having a rectangular opening formed in parallel with the input / output portion 70 </ b> A formed by a partition plate 75 standing at the center of the opening of one end 79 a of the rectangular tube 79 are juxtaposed. A third port 73 and a fourth port 74 each having a rectangular opening formed by a partition plate 76 standing at the center of the opening of the other end 79b of the rectangular tube 79 are juxtaposed in the input / output unit 70B.

  The coupling portion 70 </ b> C has a total length of a distance l between the partition plate 75 and the partition plate 76. By changing the length l of this total length, the H-plane distribution coupler 70 becomes the hybrid coupler 91 or the cross coupler 92 in the Butler matrix (see FIG. 19). The hybrid coupler 91 delays the output phase of the adjacent output port adjacent to the opposite output port by 90 degrees with respect to the output of the opposite output port located at the position opposed to the input port with respect to the input power. The two waveguides 96 are distributed evenly and output (this is called hybrid coupling). For example, the power input to the first port 71 is equally distributed from the third port 73 and the fourth port 74, and the phase of the fourth port 74 is output 90 degrees behind the third port 73. The

  The cross coupler 92 outputs all the input power to the adjacent output port adjacent to the opposite output port facing the input port (this is called cross coupling). For example, all the power input to the first port 71 is output from the fourth port 74.

で与えられる。

のとき（一層）ハイブリッド結合器９１となり、

のとき（一層）交差結合器９２となる。 The input / output units 70A and 70B are rectangular waveguides through which only the TE10 mode propagates. In the coupling unit 70C, only the TE10 mode and the TE20 mode are propagating among the electromagnetic field modes (hereinafter referred to as modes). When the phase constants of the TE10 mode and TE20 mode of the coupling part are β ₁₀ and β ₂₀ , respectively, and the length of the coupling part is l,

Given in.

(One layer) becomes a hybrid coupler 91,

(One layer) at this time.

  The two-layer short slot coupler 10 according to the present invention will be described below.

  1 and 2 show a two-layer short slot coupler 10 applied to a later-described Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 using a Butler matrix for scanning in a two-dimensional direction. The double-layer short slot coupler 10 includes a metal coupling having an input unit 10A for inputting an input signal, an output unit 10B for outputting a signal, and a coupling unit 10C disposed between the input unit 10A and the output unit 10B. It is a vessel.

  In the input unit 10A, four input ports of the first port 11, the second port 12, the third port 13, and the fourth port 14 having a rectangular opening for inputting an input signal are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix. Arranged in layers. The first port 11, the second port 12, the third port 13, and the fourth port 14 are formed by partitioning the opening of the rectangular tube 20 with a cross-shaped partition plate 20a.

  The output unit 10B has a rectangular output of the fifth port 15, the sixth port 16, the seventh port 17, and the eighth port 18 that output rectangular input signals. Is arranged. The fifth port 15, the sixth port 16, the seventh port 17, and the eighth port 18 are respectively connected to the first port 11, the second port 12, the third port 13, and the fourth port 14. Opposite. The fifth port 15, the sixth port 16, the seventh port 17, and the eighth port 18 are formed by partitioning the opening of the rectangular tube 21 with a cross-shaped partition plate 21a. The input unit 10A and the output unit 10B are rectangular waveguides in which only the TE10 mode (basic mode) propagates.

  The fifth port 15 at a position facing the first port 11 is referred to as a counter output port. The sixth port 16 adjacent to the fifth port 15 in the horizontal direction is referred to as a horizontal adjacent output port. The seventh port 17 adjacent to the fifth port 15 in the vertical direction is referred to as a vertical adjacent output port. The eighth port 18 located on the diagonal line of the fifth port 15 is called a diagonally adjacent output port. This terminology of the output port is also applied in the relationship between other input ports and output ports.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling unit 10 </ b> C is disposed between the input unit 10 </ b> A and the output unit 10 </ b> B, and the opening has a cross-sectional shape P corresponding to 2 × 2 layers of the input port and the output port. The cross-sectional shape P of the coupling portion 10C has biaxial symmetry in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The coupling portion 10C deforms the cross section of the multimode rectangular waveguide through which the multimode electromagnetic field propagates. The cross-sectional shape P has four cutout portions 25 formed so as to cut out four corners of the rectangle into a rectangle. First notches 26 are formed on both sides by the notches 25. The 1st convex part 26 is formed so that it may protrude from the both sides of the cross section of the input part 10A and the output part 10B (refer FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

  Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape P has two concave portions 27 in which the central portion of the upper side and the lower side is recessed in a rectangle toward the center. Due to the concave portion 27, two second convex portions 28 are formed one above the other. The 2nd convex part 28 is formed so that it may protrude from the upper side and lower side of the section of input part 10A and output part 10B) (refer to Drawing 1 and Drawing 2). The electromagnetic field modes to be considered in the coupling unit 10C correspond to the electromagnetic field modes generated in the multimode rectangular waveguide, respectively. This mode is eight modes of TE10, TE01, TE20, TM11, TE11, TM21, TE21, and TE30.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show the cross-sectional electric field distribution and the symmetry of the mode of the multimode rectangular waveguide, respectively. The cross-sectional shape P of the coupling portion 10C is determined so as to satisfy the following five conditions.

を満足する。
（５）結合部１０Ｃの４つのモード（ＴＥ１０対応モード，ＴＥ２０対応モード，ＴＭ（ＴＥ）１１対応モード，ＴＭ２１モード）はそれぞれ，入出力部の基本モードと同じ結合量とする。 (1) The TE01 compatible mode of the coupling unit 10C and the basic mode of the input / output unit are not coupled.
(2) The TE21 compatible mode and the TE30 compatible mode of the coupling unit 10C are attenuated.
(3) The phase constants of the coupling unit 10C in the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, and the TE11 compatible mode are the same. At this time, since the TM11 compatible mode and the TE11 compatible mode can be handled as a unit, it will be referred to as a TM (TE) 11 compatible mode.
(4) When the phase constants of the coupling unit 10C in the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode are β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ , respectively.

Satisfied.
(5) Each of the four modes (TE10 compatible mode, TE20 compatible mode, TM (TE) 11 compatible mode, TM21 mode) of the coupling unit 10C has the same coupling amount as the basic mode of the input / output unit.

  The notches 25 (see FIG. 3) formed at the four corners of the cross-sectional shape P are mainly for attenuating (suppressing) the TE21 compatible mode. The concave portions 27 (see FIG. 3) formed above and below the cross-sectional shape P are mainly for matching the phase constants of the TM11 compatible mode and the TE11 compatible mode.

を満足するように形成される。 When the total length l (see FIG. 3) of the coupling portion 10C in the tube axis L direction is arranged in the hybrid coupling portion 51 in the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 described later (see FIG. 10),

It is formed so as to satisfy.

  When the two-layer short slot coupler 10 having the coupling unit 10C functions as a Butler matrix hybrid coupler, for example, when a signal is input from the first port 11 of the input unit 10A, the first port 11 to the first port No output signal is output to the 4-port 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Then, the amplitude of the scattering matrix of the output signal is output with equal amplitude to each output port (the fifth port 15 to the eighth port 18) of the output unit 10B (the power is equally distributed and output).

  Adjacent to the fifth port 15 (opposite output port) in the horizontal direction with respect to the first output signal output from the fifth port 15 (opposite output port) in a position facing the first port 11 (input port). A second output signal and a third output signal respectively output from the seventh port 17 (vertical adjacent output port) adjacent to the sixth port 16 (horizontal adjacent output port) and the fifth port 15 (opposite output port) in the vertical direction. Is output with a phase delay of 90 degrees.

  The fourth output signal output from the eighth port 18 (diagonal adjacent output port) located on the diagonal line of the fifth port 15 (opposite output port) is output with a phase delayed by 180 degrees with respect to the first output signal. Is done. Thus, when the two-layer short slot coupler 10 functions as a hybrid coupler, it gives a phase difference to the input signal, and distributes and outputs it two-dimensionally. That is, when a signal is input from any one of the input ports (first port 11 to fourth port 14) of the input unit 10A, the same operation as described above is realized.

を満足するように形成される。即ち、結合部１０Ｃは、バトラーマトリクス給電回路５０が有する交差部５３に配置された場合に、ハイブリッド結合部５１（図１０参照）に配置された結合部１０Ｃの全長の２倍の全長になるように形成される。 On the other hand, when the total length l (see FIG. 3) of the coupling portion 10C is arranged at the intersection 53 in the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 described later (see FIG. 10),

It is formed so as to satisfy. That is, when the coupling portion 10C is disposed at the intersection portion 53 of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50, the coupling portion 10C has a total length that is twice the total length of the coupling portion 10C disposed in the hybrid coupling portion 51 (see FIG. 10). Formed.

  When the two-layer short slot coupler 10 having the coupling unit 10C is used as a Butler matrix crossing device, for example, when a signal is input from the first port 11 (input port) of the input unit 10A, the first port 11 No output signal is output to the seventh port 17 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Then, all output signals are output as output signals from the eighth port (diagonal adjacent output port) located on the diagonal line of the fifth port (opposite output port) located at the position facing the first port 11 (input port). It is formed so that.

  As described above, when the double-layer short slot coupler 10 functions as a crossing device, the input signals are two-dimensionally crossed and output. That is, when a signal is input from any one of the input ports (first port 11 to fourth port 14) of the input unit 10A, the same operation as described above is realized.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 show calculation results when power is supplied to the two-layer short slot coupler 10 designed as a hybrid coupler having a design frequency of 22.0 GHz. As shown in FIG. 6, with respect to the input from the first port 11 of the two-layer short slot coupler 10, the amplitude of the scattering matrix is substantially equally distributed to the fifth port 15 to the eighth port 18 at the design frequency. ing. The reflection from the first port 11 to the fourth port 14 is −25 dB or less.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for the power input from the first port 11 and output from the fifth port 15 of the two-layer short slot coupler 10, the outputs to the sixth port 16 and the seventh port 17 are The phase is delayed by approximately 90 degrees. The phase of the output to the eighth port 18 is delayed by approximately 180 degrees with respect to the signal output from the fifth port 15.

  FIG. 8 shows a calculation result when power is supplied to the two-layer short slot coupler 10 designed as a crossing device having a design frequency of 22.0 GHz. With respect to the input from the first port 11 of the two-layer short slot coupler 10, the scattering matrix has an amplitude of -15 dB or less at the design frequency (22.0 GHz) to the first port 11 to the seventh port 17. It has become. The output to the eighth port 18 is −0.3 dB, and almost all the power input to the first port 11 is output to the eighth port 18.

  As described above, according to the two-layer short slot coupler 10, when power is supplied from any of the plurality of input ports arranged in the two layers, the power is two-dimensionally supplied from the plurality of output ports arranged in the two layers. Can be output. That is, the two-layer short slot coupler 10 can two-dimensionally change the output form of the signal from the output unit 10B with respect to the input signal input from the input unit 10A. Further, the double-layer short slot coupler 10 can change the signal output form by changing the length of the coupling portion 10C, and can be used as a hybrid coupler or a crossing coupler.

  In the following, a case where a Butler matrix for switching two-dimensional beams using the two-layer short slot coupler 10 has a 4 × 4 input section and an output section will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 is arranged at the arrangement position of 4 × 4 layers in the cross-sectional direction from the first layer to the fourth layer from the lower level and the first to fourth layers from the left level. It consists of a feeding circuit. The butler matrix power supply circuit 50 is a butler matrix for realizing two-dimensional beam switching. In this arrangement position, the first and second layers in the vertical direction and the third and fourth layers are referred to as the outer two layers. The second layer and the third layer in the vertical direction are referred to as the inner two layers. Further, the first and second layers in the horizontal direction and the third and fourth layers are referred to as the outer two layers. The horizontal second layer and the third layer are referred to as the inner two layers.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 includes a hybrid coupling unit 51 that gives a phase difference to an input signal and distributes and outputs the signal with equal amplitude, and a crossing unit 53 that outputs the input signal to a circuit that crosses the input signal. And a phase shifter unit 56 that outputs a phase difference to the input signal. The solid line block shown in the figure shows the double layer short slot coupler 10. The broken-line block shown in the figure represents a known device (one layer). A solid line connecting the blocks indicates the waveguide W. On the left side, the configuration of the inner two layers of the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 is shown, and on the right side, the configuration of the outer two layers is shown.

  First, the configuration of the two inner layers of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 will be described. Hybrid coupling portions 51 are arranged on the inner two layers of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 from the input side. In the hybrid coupling portion 51, a two-layer hybrid coupler 52 including the two-layer short slot coupler 10 is juxtaposed. Here, the two-layer hybrid coupler 52 is configured by combining the first layer and the second layer, or the third layer and the fourth layer. A crossing portion 53 is connected to the downstream side of the hybrid coupling portion 51.

  At the intersection 53, a two-layer cross coupler 54 composed of the two-layer short slot coupler 10 is disposed at the center position. The two-layer cross coupler 54 is configured by combining the second layer and the third layer. As described above, the coupling portion 10C (see FIG. 1) of the two-layer short slot coupler 10 disposed in the intersection 53 is the same as the coupling portion 10C of the two-layer short slot coupler 10 disposed in the hybrid coupling portion 51. It is formed to be twice as long as the full length. In the second and third layers on the left and right sides of the two-layer cross-coupler 54, a known single-layer crossing device 55 that crosses the signals guided to the two waveguides W is arranged vertically (perpendicular to the paper surface). ) Is arranged.

  A phase shifter unit 56 is connected to the downstream side of the intersecting unit 53. In the phase shifter unit 56, a single-45 degree phase shifter 57 for delaying a known phase by 45 degrees is disposed on both the left and right sides of the second layer and the third layer. A hybrid coupling unit 59 is connected to the downstream side of the phase shifter unit 56. The configuration of the hybrid coupling unit 59 is the same as the configuration of the hybrid coupling unit 51. A crossing portion 60 is connected to the downstream side of the hybrid coupling portion 59. The configuration of the intersection 60 is the same as the configuration of the intersection 53. The downstream side of the intersection 60 is the output side.

  Next, the configuration of the outer two layers of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 will be described. Hybrid coupling portions 51 are arranged on the two outer layers of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 from the input side. In the hybrid coupling portion 51, a two-layer hybrid coupler 52 including the two-layer short slot coupler 10 is juxtaposed. A crossing portion 53 is connected to the downstream side of the hybrid coupling portion 51. At the intersection 53, a known single-layer crossing device 55 is disposed horizontally (parallel to the paper surface) at the center position (second layer and third layer from the left side).

  A phase shifter unit 56 is connected to the downstream side of the intersecting unit 53. On the two outer layers of the phase shifter section 56, a single-90 degree phase shifter 58 for delaying the known phase by 90 degrees is arranged on the left and right sides, respectively, in the second layer and the third layer. Between the single-layer -90 degree phase shifter 58, two single-layer -45 degree phase shifters 57 are juxtaposed. A hybrid coupling unit 59 is connected to the downstream side of the phase shifter unit 56. The configuration of the hybrid coupling unit 59 is the same as the configuration of the hybrid coupling unit 51. A crossing portion 60 is connected to the downstream side of the hybrid coupling portion 59.

  The configuration of the intersection 60 is the same as the configuration of the intersection 53. In the above description, a phase shifter that gives a phase amount (delay) of “−” is used. As a phase shifter, a phase shifter that gives a phase amount (advance) of “+” in addition to a phase amount of “−” may be used. That is, instead of the phaser that gives the phase amount of “−” described above, the phaser that gives the phase amount of “+” is arranged in the other part of the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 by removing them, and the Butler matrix is changed. Even if configured, the same operation as described above is realized.

  FIG. 11 shows an arrangement relationship of the B cross section in FIG. 10 of the hybrid coupling portion 51. Two double-layer short slot couplers 10 are juxtaposed from the lower stage of the arrangement position to the positions of the first layer and the second layer, and two juxtaposed from the lower stage to the positions of the third layer and the fourth layer. In the inner two layers (the second layer and the third layer from the bottom), the upper layer 52a and the lower layer 52b of the two-layer hybrid coupler 52 are juxtaposed. Input ports are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix on the input side of the hybrid coupling portion 51. The hybrid coupling part 59 has the same configuration as the hybrid coupling part 51.

  FIG. 12 shows the positional relationship of the cross section C in FIG. At the intersection 53, one double-layer short slot coupler 10 is disposed at the center position between the second layer and the third layer. Single-layer crossers 55 are arranged horizontally in the first layer and the fourth layer in the vertical direction of the two-layer short slot coupler 10, respectively. Single-layer crossing devices 55 are arranged vertically from the lower stage on the left and right sides of the two-layer short slot coupler 10 to the second and third layers. The other four corners are waveguides W. The intersecting portion 60 has the same configuration as the intersecting portion 53. On the downstream side of the intersection 60, the output ports are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix.

  FIG. 13 shows the positional relationship of the D section of FIG. Single-phase 90-degree phase shifters 58 are arranged on the left and right of the first and fourth layers from the bottom. Two single-45 degree phase shifters 57 are juxtaposed between the left and right single-degree phase shifters 58. Two -45 degree phase shifters 57 are stacked in the vertical direction on both sides of the second and third layers from the bottom. Four waveguides W are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix at the center position of the second layer and the third layer from the lower stage (second layer and third layer from the left side).

  According to the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50, the signal input from any of the 4 × 4 input ports on the upstream side of the hybrid coupling unit 51 is equally distributed to the four by the hybrid coupling unit 51, and the respective positions are divided. Given the phase difference, four output signals are output. Then, the output signals are guided to the waveguides intersecting at the intersecting portion 53, and each phase difference is given by the phase shifter portion 56 and outputted.

  Then, the output signal is equally distributed to 16 signals by the hybrid coupling unit 59 and output with each phase difference, and is guided to the waveguide intersecting at the intersecting unit 60. Thereby, each output signal output on the output side of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 has a two-dimensional phase gradient. Therefore, the output beam output on the output side of the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 has a two-dimensional inclination.

  In the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50, the direction of the beam output by changing the position of the 4 × 4 input port changes two-dimensionally. Thereby, the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50 can perform two-dimensional beam switching by one power feeding circuit without using the respective power feeding circuits for horizontal switching and vertical switching. As described above, according to the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 50, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and two-dimensional beam switching can be performed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the principle of the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 may be expanded to configure the 8 × 8 distribution Butler matrix power supply circuit 100 for two-dimensional switching. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 100 is arranged at 8 × 8 layer arrangement positions in the cross-sectional direction, which are the first to eighth layers from the lower stage and the first to eighth layers from the left stage. It consists of a feeding circuit. The fourth layer and the fifth layer are referred to as a two layer A. The third layer and the fourth layer or the fifth layer and the sixth layer are referred to as a second layer B. The second layer and the third layer or the sixth layer and the seventh layer are referred to as a second layer C. The first layer and the second layer or the seventh layer and the eighth layer are referred to as a two-layer D.

  FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of a two-layer A power feeding circuit 100A. The same components as those of the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50 in the power supply circuit 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The power feeding circuit 100A is further provided with a -22.5 degree phase shifter 64 for delaying the phase by 22.5 degrees.

  FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a two-layer B feeding circuit 100B. The power feeding circuit 100A is further provided with a −67.5 degree phase shifter 65 for delaying the phase by 67.5 degrees. FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a two-layer C feeding circuit 100C. FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a two-layer D feeding circuit 100D. The power feeding circuit 100D is further provided with a -135 degree phase shifter 66 for delaying the phase by 135 degrees.

  In the Butler matrix power feeding circuit 100, the direction of the beam output by changing the position of the input port arranged in 8 × 8 changes two-dimensionally. According to the Butler matrix power supply circuit 100, two-dimensional switching can be performed more finely than the switching range of the Butler matrix power supply circuit 50. In addition, a plurality of output ports arranged on the output side of the above-described Butler matrix power feeding circuits 50 and 100 are connected to antenna elements arranged in a matrix to construct a phased array antenna capable of two-dimensional switching. be able to.

The principle of the Butler matrix power supply circuits 50 and 100 described above can be further expanded. A 2 ⁿ × 2 ⁿ distribution (n is a positive integer) two-dimensional beam switching butler matrix can be constructed from a 2 ⁿ distribution one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix. A ^2n- distributed one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix placed in the horizontal direction is projected in the vertical direction, and a ^2n- distributed one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix placed in the vertical direction is projected in the horizontal direction. The hybrid unit arranges the two-layer hybrid coupler 52 (two-layer short slot coupler 10) at a position where the hybrid coupling part of the one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix overlaps by vertical projection and horizontal projection. Consists of. That, 2 ^n-1 or in the horizontal direction, 2 ^n-1 or 2-dimensional bilayer short slot coupler 10 in the vertical direction is provided.

  The intersection is formed by a two-layer cross coupler (two-layer short slot coupler) at a position where the intersection of the one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix overlaps due to the projection of the one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix in the vertical direction and the projection in the horizontal direction. 10), and a known single-layer crossing device 55 is arranged at a position where only the projection in the vertical direction or only the projection in the horizontal direction is provided. The phase shifter unit is provided with a phase shifter that is the sum of the respective phase amounts at the position where the projection in the vertical direction and the projection in the horizontal direction overlap, so that only the projection in the vertical direction or only the projection in the horizontal direction is provided. Is configured by arranging a phase shifter of the phase amount.

In addition, the two-dimensional beam switching butler matrix of horizontal ²ⁿ × vertical direction ^2m distribution (n and m are positive integers, where n> m) is a one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix of ²ⁿ distribution and ^2m distribution. Can be built from. A ^2n- distributed one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix placed in the horizontal direction is projected in the vertical direction, and a ^2m- distributed one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix placed in the vertical direction is projected in the horizontal direction. In this case, one-dimensional beam switching Butler matrix 2 ⁿ distribution and 2 ^m distributor align upstream since the number of blocks is different. Hybrid coupling unit up to 2 ^m portion having a one-dimensional beam switching Butler matrix distributing the upstream intersection phaser unit, the same treatment as 2 ⁿ × 2 ⁿ distribution above. The downstream portion is provided with 2 ^m corresponding portions of the ^2n- distributed one-dimensional beam switching butler matrix in the vertical direction.

By the above-described method, a 2 ⁿ × 2 ⁿ distribution two-dimensional beam switching butler matrix and a horizontal 2 ⁿ × vertical direction 2 ^m distribution two-dimensional beam switching butler matrix can be constructed.

L tube axis P cross-sectional shape Q signal Q1-Q4 signal W waveguide 10 double layer short slot coupler 10A input unit 10B output unit 10C coupling unit 11 first port 12 second port 13 third port 14 fourth port 15 first 5 port 16 6th port 17 7th port 18 8th port 20 Rectangular tube 20a Partition plate 21 Rectangular tube 21a Partition plate 25 Notch portion 26 First convex portion 27 Recess portion 28 Second convex portion 50 Butler matrix power feeding circuit 51 Hybrid coupling part 52 Two-layer hybrid coupler 52a Upper layer 52b Lower layer 53 Crossing part 54 Two-layer crossing coupler 55 Single-layer crossing part 56 Phaser part 57 -45 degree phase shifter 58 -90 degree phase shifter 59 Hybrid coupling part 60 Crossing part 64 -22.5 degree phase shifter 65 -67.5 degree phase shifter 66 -135 degree phase shifter 70 H-plane coupler 70A Input / output unit 70B Input / output unit 70C coupling unit 71 first port 72 second port 73 third port 74 fourth port 75 partition plate 76 partition plate 79 rectangular tube 79a one end 79b other end 80 E plane coupler 89 one layer four distribution circuit 90 one layer four distribution Circuit 91 Hybrid coupler 92 Cross coupler 93 Degree phase shifter 94 Input port 95 Output port 96 Waveguide 98 Vertical 4 × 4 distribution circuit 99 Horizontal 4 × 4 distribution circuit 100 Butler matrix power supply circuit 100A Power supply circuit 100B Power supply circuit 100C Power supply circuit 100D feeding circuit

Claims (12)

An input unit in which four input ports for inputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix and only a TE10 mode signal propagates ;
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
It is arranged between the input unit and the output unit, and when a signal of TE10 mode is input from the input unit, TE10 compatible mode, TE01 compatible mode, TE20 compatible mode, TM11 compatible mode, TE11 compatible mode, TM21 compatible A coupling portion for generating an electromagnetic field of a mode, a TE21 compatible mode, and a TE30 compatible mode,
The cross-sectional shape of the coupling part is
A first condition in which the TE10 mode and the TE01 compatible mode are not coupled;
A second condition for attenuating the TE21 compatible mode and the TE30 compatible mode;
The third condition in which the phase constants of the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, and the TE11 compatible mode are the same;
When the phase constants of the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode are respectively β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ , the fourth condition that β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ satisfy the following expressions:
TE10 corresponding mode, TE20 corresponding mode, TM11 corresponding mode, corresponding mode, and the amount of binding between each of the TE10 mode equal TM21 corresponding mode TE11, and the fifth condition,
And
When the input signal is input to the first input port, the coupling unit outputs an output signal in which the power of the input signal is evenly distributed and the phases are different from each other from the four output ports, or Causing a signal to be output from a second output port diagonally adjacent to the first output port present at a position facing the first input port, and not outputting a signal from an output port other than the second output port;
Double layer short slot coupler.

The cross-sectional shape has a notch portion in which the four corners of the rectangle are cut into a rectangle, and a concave portion in which the central portion of the upper side and the lower side is recessed in a rectangle toward the center,
The double-layer short slot coupler according to claim 1. The coupling portion is
When the coupling unit has a first length, the output signals of the input signals are equally distributed from the four output ports, and output signals having different phases from each other are output.
When the coupling portion has a second length that is twice the first length, a signal is output from the second output port diagonally adjacent to the first output port facing the first input port. And do not output a signal from an output port other than the second output port,
The two-layer short slot coupler according to claim 2. The coupling unit has a third output adjacent to the first output port in the horizontal direction with respect to the first output signal output from the first output port when the coupling unit has the first length. The second and third output signals respectively output from the mouth and the fourth output port adjacent to the first output port in the vertical direction are output with a phase delay of 90 degrees,
The fourth output signal output from the second output port is formed so that the phase is output with a delay of 180 degrees,
The double-layer short slot coupler according to claim 3. A hybrid coupling unit that gives a phase difference to an input signal and distributes and outputs the signal with an equal amplitude, a crossing unit that outputs the input signal to a circuit that crosses the input signal, and a phase shifter unit that outputs the phase difference to the input signal. A Butler matrix power supply circuit,
A first double layer short slot coupler disposed in the hybrid coupling portion;
A second double layer short slot coupler disposed at the intersection;
Have
Each of the first double layer short slot coupler and the second double layer short slot coupler is:
An input unit in which four input ports for inputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix and only a TE10 mode signal propagates ;
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
It is arranged between the input unit and the output unit, and when a signal of TE10 mode is input from the input unit, TE10 compatible mode, TE01 compatible mode, TE20 compatible mode, TM11 compatible mode, TE11 compatible mode, TM21 compatible A coupling portion for generating an electromagnetic field of a mode, a TE21 compatible mode, and a TE30 compatible mode,
The cross-sectional shape of the coupling part is
A first condition in which the TE10 mode and the TE01 compatible mode are not coupled;
A second condition for attenuating the TE21 compatible mode and the TE30 compatible mode;
The third condition in which the phase constants of the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, and the TE11 compatible mode are the same;
When the phase constants of the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode are respectively β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ , the fourth condition that β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ satisfy the following expressions:
A fifth condition in which the amount of coupling with each TE10 mode of the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, the TE11 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode is equal;
The filling,
When the input signal is input to the first input port, the coupling unit of the first two-layer short slot coupler distributes the power of the input signal evenly from the four output ports and the phases of the input signals are the same. Output different output signals,
The coupling part of the second double-layer short slot coupler is diagonally adjacent to the first output port located at a position facing the first input port when the input signal is input to the first input port. To output a signal from the second output port and not to output a signal from an output port other than the second output port,
Butler matrix power supply circuit for two-dimensional beam switching.

The cross-sectional shape has a notch portion in which the four corners of the rectangular shape are recessed in a rectangle, and a recessed portion in which the central portion of the upper side and the lower side is recessed in a rectangle toward the center,
The Butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 5. The length of the coupling portion of the second double layer short slot coupler is twice the length of the coupling portion of the first double layer short slot coupler.
The Butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 6. The coupling unit of the first two-layer short slot coupler has a third output port adjacent to the first output port in the horizontal direction and the first output signal output from the first output port. The second and third output signals output from the fourth output ports adjacent to each other in the vertical direction of the one output port are output with a phase delay of 90 degrees,
The fourth output signal output from the second output port is formed so that the phase is output with a delay of 180 degrees,
The Butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 7. In the hybrid coupling portion, the first two-layer short slot coupler is arranged from the lower stage of the arrangement position to the first layer with respect to the arrangement position in which the one-layer feeding circuit is arranged in a matrix form for 4 × 4 layers in a cross section. And two juxtaposed at the position of the second layer, two juxtaposed from the lower stage to the position of the third layer and the fourth layer,
In the intersection, one second double-layer short slot coupler is disposed at a central position between the second layer and the third layer.
The Butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 8. In the crossing portion, a single-layer crossing device is disposed horizontally in the first layer and the fourth layer above and below the second double-layer short slot coupler. The single-layer crossing devices are arranged vertically in the left and right second layers and the third layer, respectively.
The butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 9. In the phase shifter unit, a -90 degree phase shifter is arranged on both sides of the first layer and the fourth layer, and two -45 degree phase shifters are juxtaposed between the single layer -90 degree phase shifters, Two -45 degree phase shifters are vertically stacked on both sides of the second layer and the third layer, respectively.
The Butler matrix power feeding circuit according to claim 10. A hybrid coupling unit that gives a phase difference to an input signal and distributes and outputs the signal with an equal amplitude, a crossing unit that outputs the input signal to a circuit that crosses the input signal, and a phase shifter unit that outputs the phase difference to the input signal. A phased array antenna having a Butler matrix feed circuit,
A plurality of antenna elements connected to the Butler matrix feed circuit;
Have
The Butler matrix power supply circuit is
A first double layer short slot coupler disposed in the hybrid coupling portion;
A second double layer short slot coupler disposed at the intersection;
Have
Each of the first double layer short slot coupler and the second double layer short slot coupler is:
An input unit in which four input ports for inputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix and only a TE10 mode signal propagates ;
An output section in which four output ports for outputting input signals are arranged in a 2 × 2 layer in a matrix;
It is arranged between the input unit and the output unit, and when a signal of TE10 mode is input from the input unit, TE10 compatible mode, TE01 compatible mode, TE20 compatible mode, TM11 compatible mode, TE11 compatible mode, TM21 compatible A coupling portion for generating an electromagnetic field of a mode, a TE21 compatible mode, and a TE30 compatible mode,
The cross-sectional shape of the coupling part is
A first condition in which the TE10 mode and the TE01 compatible mode are not coupled;
A second condition for attenuating the TE21 compatible mode and the TE30 compatible mode;
The third condition in which the phase constants of the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, and the TE11 compatible mode are the same;
When the phase constants of the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode are respectively β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ , the fourth condition that β ₁₀ , β ₂₀ , and β ₂₁ satisfy the following expressions:
A fifth condition in which the amount of coupling with each TE10 mode of the TE10 compatible mode, the TE20 compatible mode, the TM11 compatible mode, the TE11 compatible mode, and the TM21 compatible mode is equal;
The filling,
When the input signal is input to the first input port, the coupling unit of the first two-layer short slot coupler distributes the power of the input signal evenly from the four output ports and the phases of the input signals are the same. Output different output signals,
The coupling part of the second double-layer short slot coupler is diagonally adjacent to the first output port located at a position facing the first input port when the input signal is input to the first input port. To output a signal from the second output port and not to output a signal from an output port other than the second output port,
Phased array antenna for two-dimensional beam switching.

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