KR100468947B1 - Apparatus for Tracking Satellite Signal and Method Thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a satellite signal tracking device and a method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for realizing the method, comprising: a satellite signal tracking device comprising: a first signal receiving a satellite signal in a high frequency band; A second array antenna; A first active module performing low noise amplification, filtering, phase shifting, and combining on signals received from the first array antenna; A second active module for performing low noise amplification, filtering, signal attenuation, and combining on signals received from the second array antenna; Power combining means for combining signals received from the first and second active modules; Frequency converting means for converting the signal received from the power combining means into a band substantially lower than the high frequency band; Signal distributing and detecting means for distributing the signal received from the frequency converting means, and detecting the signal strength of the channel according to the control signal received from the satellite tracking control means; The satellite tracking control means for supplying a control signal to the first active module, the signal distribution and detection means and the power transmission means; And the power transmission means for transmitting power for tracking satellite signals in the azimuth direction, wherein the elevation angle is electronically and the azimuth direction is mechanically tracked, wherein the electronic control of the elevation beam is connected to the first array antenna. The phase shifter inside the first active module is controlled based on the elevation angle phase array to direct the satellite during movement by electronic scan, and the mechanical control of the azimuth beam is performed while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. By controlling the phase shifter inside the first active module connected to the first array antenna to control the motor to generate the left and right beams instantaneously based on the azimuthal phase phase array to determine the rotation direction of the motor and the rotation direction If this is determined, the motor is rotated in a desired direction.

Description

Apparatus for Tracking Satellite Signal and Method Thereof}

The present invention relates to a satellite signal tracking device and a method and a computer readable recording medium recording a program for realizing the method, in particular mounted on a moving object, a satellite signal tracking device for receiving a satellite signal during the movement and A method and a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing the method.

Generally, a tracking device that receives a satellite signal during a conventional movement. First, a mechanical drive using a motor in an azimuth angle direction is performed without first widening a beam width of an antenna in an elevation angle direction. There is a mechanical tracking device which tracks in a manner by means of which a parabolic reflector antenna or a flat antenna may be used.

There are also various methods for detecting the directional error for the mechanical tracking. First, there is a step tracking method for driving a stepping motor using the angular velocity sensor information and the signal detected from the satellite. However, this method has a problem of slow tracking speed and poor accuracy.

In addition, there is a device that adopts monopulse tracking by dividing the antenna from side to side in order to increase the accuracy of satellite tracking in mechanical tracking, but the method has a complicated structure.

In order to avoid the complexity of the monopulse mechanical tracking device as described above, after dividing the antenna to the left and right, the signal is divided, the main signal and the tracking signal are separated, and a frequency converter using an RF stage or the same local oscillator is provided in the tracking signal channel. There is a tracking method that utilizes an electron beam that passes and compares and traces the size of the left and right tracking beams electronically by a 1-bit phase shifter.

The method has a good tracking performance but is still complicated because the main signal and the tracking signal have to be produced, and since the servo motor or the stepping motor is used in the driving structure, the tracking is complicated and the mechanical structure has a complicated problem.

In addition, the method of using a wide beam width in the elevation direction has a problem in that an antenna gain is increased when the system margin or satellite signal is applied in a weak environment. In order to overcome this limitation, in the tracking of the elevation angle, there is a method of using the motor as in the azimuth and tracking the satellite in the same way as in the azimuth, but as in the above description, the structure is complicated and bulky. There is a problem that is difficult to mount.

According to the development of the technology, the electronic beam control method using the phased array structure with respect to the elevation direction is used to electronically track the elevation angle, and mechanically tracking the azimuth direction, and the detection of the directional error for tracking is described above. In order to extend the azimuth direction to the elevation angle, the antenna is divided into 4 parts, and then the main signal and the tracking signal are separated, and the upper, lower, left, and right beams are made on the time axis. There is a way. However, the method also has a problem in that the structure is complicated and the compatibility is poor.

In conclusion, the conventional satellite signal tracking antenna has a method of tracking only the azimuth angle, electronically tracking the elevation angle, and mechanically tracking the azimuth angle. In use, the mechanical structure is complicated and there are many noise problems.

The present invention has been proposed to solve various problems of the prior art as described above. In the method of tracking the elevation angle electronically and the azimuth direction mechanically, the antenna gain is increased by an array antenna structure having high antenna efficiency. A satellite signal tracking device and method for minimizing the tracking antenna, simplifying the structure of error detection for power transmission and tracking, and using a low noise power transmission device and a DC motor to speed up the tracking speed; It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing the method.

1 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

Figure 2a is a plan view of one embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

Figure 2b is a side view of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

3A is a side view of an embodiment of the array antenna of FIG.

3B is a plan view of an embodiment of the dielectric film of FIG. 3A.

3C is a top plan view of one embodiment of the dielectric layer of FIG. 3A.

4A is a second exemplary view of the array antenna of FIG.

FIG. 4B is a layout view of one embodiment of a patch when the FIG. 4A is arranged;

FIG. 4C is a layout view of one embodiment of a cross slot when FIG. 4A is arranged;

4D is a layout view of one embodiment of a power supply circuit in the case where FIG. 4A is arranged.

5A is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the active module 1 of FIG.

5B is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the active module 2 of FIG.

6 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the signal distribution and detection unit of FIG.

7 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the power transmission unit of FIG.

8 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the satellite tracking control unit of FIG.

9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking method according to the present invention;

10 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the initial tracking method of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the automatic tracking method of FIG. 9. FIG.

12 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an iterative tracking method of FIG. 9.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

100,110: array antenna 120,130: active module

140: power coupling unit 150: frequency conversion unit

160: signal distribution and detection unit 170 satellite tracking control unit

180: power transmission unit

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a satellite signal tracking apparatus, comprising: first and second array antennas for receiving a high frequency band satellite signal; A first active module performing low noise amplification, filtering, phase shifting, and combining on signals received from the first array antenna; A second active module for performing low noise amplification, filtering, signal attenuation, and combining on signals received from the second array antenna; Power combining means for combining signals received from the first and second active modules; Frequency converting means for converting the signal received from the power combining means into a band substantially lower than the high frequency band; Signal distributing and detecting means for distributing the signal received from the frequency converting means, and detecting the signal strength of the channel according to the control signal received from the satellite tracking control means; The satellite tracking control means for supplying a control signal to the first active module, the signal distribution and detection means and the power transmission means; And the power transmission means for transmitting power for tracking satellite signals in the azimuth direction, wherein the elevation angle is electronically and the azimuth direction is mechanically tracked, wherein the electronic control of the elevation beam is connected to the first array antenna. The phase shifter inside the first active module is controlled based on the elevation angle phase array to direct the satellite during movement by electronic scan, and the mechanical control of the azimuth beam is performed while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. By controlling the phase shifter inside the first active module connected to the first array antenna to control the motor to generate the left and right beams instantaneously based on the azimuthal phase phase array to determine the rotation direction of the motor and the rotation direction If this is determined, the motor is rotated in a desired direction.

In addition, the present invention is a satellite signal tracking method applied to a satellite signal tracking device, the electronic tracking using the phase shift data in the elevation direction, and mechanical tracking to drive the motor in the azimuth direction to capture the satellite A first step of making; And a second step of tracking the satellites using signal levels of the upper, lower, left and right beams to continuously track the satellites captured above, wherein the elevation angle is electronically and the azimuth direction is mechanically tracked. In order to control the elevation beam, the phase shifter in the active module connected to the array antenna is controlled based on the elevation phase array to direct the satellite while moving, and the mechanical control of the azimuth beam is performed. While the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation angle, the phase shifter is controlled to generate the left and right beams instantaneously based on the azimuth phase phase array to determine the rotation direction of the motor. It is characterized by rotating the motor in a desired direction.

On the other hand, in the present invention, in order to track the elevation angle electronically, the azimuth direction mechanically, the satellite signal tracking device having a processor performs the electronic tracking using the phase shift data in the elevation direction, and the motor in the azimuth direction A first function of performing a driven mechanical tracking to capture a satellite; And a second function of tracking the satellites using signal levels of the upper, lower, left and right beams to continuously track the satellites captured above, wherein the electronic control of the elevation beam is connected to the array antenna. The phase shifter inside the active module is controlled based on the elevation angle phase array to direct the satellite during movement by the electronic scan, and the mechanical control of the azimuth beam is performed while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. Control to generate the left and right beams instantaneously on the basis of the azimuth direction phase array to determine the rotational direction of the motor and record the program for realizing the function of rotating the motor in the desired direction when the rotational direction is determined. Provided are computer readable recording media. First and second embodiments of the present invention. Column antenna can be a direct bond or by combining a number of technologies, such as electromagnetic coupling feeding structure techniques and corner cutting structures described using the appropriate foam layer to a technique for generating a circularly polarized wave to increase the bandwidth and increasing the gain. In addition, by combining various techniques, such as slot-coupled feed structure technology and cross-slot circularly polarized wave generation technology, a structure technology using an appropriate foam layer can increase bandwidth and increase gain. In the present invention, in connecting the first and second active modules and the first and second array antennas, the first and second array antennas and the first and second active modules are directly connected to each other by being located on the same substrate. Feed loss can be reduced.

The above objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, after the satellite tracking device of the present invention is schematically described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a detailed description of each functional block of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

In addition, in the present invention, the DC power supplied will be indicated by a dotted line.

1 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the satellite tracking device of the present invention, array antenna 1 (100), array antenna 2 (110), active module 1 (120), active module 2 (130), power coupling unit (140), The frequency converter 150, the signal distribution and detection unit 160, the satellite tracking control unit 170, the power transmission unit 180, the rotary joint 190, and the driving mechanisms 191 and 192 are included.

The array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110) receive a satellite signal of a high frequency band (e.g., Ku band) for a satellite signal, and receive an active module 1 (120) and an active module through two output terminals, respectively. It is responsible for the function of supplying 2 (130).

The active module 1 120 performs low noise amplification, filtering, and phase shift on two input signals received from the array antenna 1 100, and combines the two signals to supply the power combiner 140. In charge.

The active module 2 130 performs low noise amplification, filtering, and signal attenuation on two input signals received from the array antenna 2 110, and combines the two signals to supply the power combiner 140. In charge.

The power combiner 140 is responsible for combining the signals received from the active module 1 (120) and the active module 2 (130) to supply the frequency converter (150).

The frequency converter 150 receives a bias from the signal distribution and detection unit 160 and is responsible for converting a satellite signal of a high frequency band into a satellite signal of a lower band (for example, L band).

The signal distribution and detection unit 160 distributes the satellite signal received from the frequency converter 150, supplies it to the rotary joint 190, and also selects the tracking signal from the satellite tracking control unit 170 to detect the tracking signal. It is responsible for receiving a signal and detecting signal strength of a desired channel.

In addition, the signal distribution and detection unit 160 supplies a satellite signal to the rotary joint 190, at the same time receives the power from the rotary joint 190, separates it and supplies it to the frequency converter 150 and the satellite tracking control unit 170. In charge of the function.

The satellite tracking control unit 170 performs a satellite tracking algorithm to supply a control signal for phase shifting to the active module 1 120, and is also responsible for supplying a motor control signal to the power transmission unit 180. In addition, the satellite tracking control unit 170 is responsible for supplying power to the active module 1 (120) and the active module 2 (130), and is responsible for supplying a selection signal to the signal distribution and detection unit (160).

Figure 2a is a plan view of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the satellite signal tracking device of the present invention, the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110) on the rotary mechanism 200 are arranged in the y-axis direction, respectively, active module 1 (120) And it can be connected directly or via a cable to the active module 2 (130). The active module 1 120 and the active module 2 130 may be connected to the power coupling unit 140 directly or through a cable on the same plane.

In the center of the rotating mechanism 200, a rotary joint 190 connecting the rotating part and the fixing part of the satellite signal tracking device may be positioned.

Figure 2b is a side view of an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking device according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the satellite signal tracking device of the present invention is provided with a radome 210 to protect while minimizing the transmission loss of radio waves, the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110) and the active module It can be seen that 1 120 and active module 2 130 are located on top of the rotating mechanism 200.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110) are inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees) in the z-axis direction in the y-axis plane, the angle in the receiving area The reception direction of the antenna may be determined as an angle for directing the elevation direction of the satellite to increase the efficiency of the antenna.

The method of connecting the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110) to the active module 1 (120) and the active module 2 (130) in the form of tilting, respectively, is the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110). The power supply circuit and the active module 1 (120) and the active module 2 (130) circuits are implemented on the same substrate, respectively, the best way to bend without cutting, can be separated from each other and directly connected by soldering.

In addition, the active module 1 (120) and the active module 2 (130) may be positioned behind the array antenna 1 (100) and the array antenna 2 (110), respectively, and connected by pins or via holes, and a connector and a cable. You can also use

One portion of the rotary joint 190 is fixed to the rotating structure 200 and the other part is fixed to the fixture support 220, even if the rotating structure 200 rotates can transmit satellite signals and power without interruption.

The drive mechanism 191 includes a bearing and a pulley, and the power transmission unit 180 transmits power between a rotating body such as a motor and a belt and a stationary body, and is connected to the drive mechanism 191 by a belt.

In the structure of FIG. 2 as described above, when only the azimuth direction is tracked without tracking the elevation angle, the array antenna 2 110, the active module 2 130, and the power combiner 140 may be simplified.

FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of the array antenna of FIG. 1, and is an exemplary embodiment implemented with a wideband microstrip patch array antenna. FIG.

As shown in the figure, the array antenna of the present invention, the ground conductor layer 310 is formed on the entire lower surface of the dielectric layer 320, the feed line 340 and the circle made of metal on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 320 The first patch 330 with the cut edge is formed to generate the polarization. The feed line 340 and the first patch 330 are electrically connected directly.

The first foam layer 350 is formed on the feed line 340 and the first patch 330, and the dielectric film 360 is formed on the upper surface of the first foam layer 350. A second patch 370 is formed on the dielectric film 360. The second patch 370 is formed of a metal whose edges are electrically fed from the first patch 330. The second foam layer 380 is formed on the second patch 370. The array antenna of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3A, is circularly polarized by cutting edges and power supply structure techniques of the conventional direct coupling (between 330 and 340) or electromagnetic coupling (between 330 and 370). By combining a structure technology using a suitable foam layer with a technique for producing a, it is possible to increase the bandwidth and increase the efficiency to increase the gain. Figure 3b is a plan view of an embodiment of the dielectric film of Figure 3a, Figure 3c 3A is a plan view of an example of the dielectric layer of FIG. 3A.

As shown in the figure, the present invention is an array antenna of 1 × 2 units are continuously coupled to form one circular polarization microstrip patch array antenna. 'A' shown in FIG. 3C is a space between two patches directly connected to apply a sequential rotational feeding method. As much as the path difference is formed.

The two patches that are directly connected are arranged so that the two cut edges are opposite each other. The array antenna of the present invention can select the excellent circular polarization and the left circular polarization according to the positions of the two cut edges, and as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, it is possible to generate the left circular polarization. It shows the performance of a quad array antenna, with an impedance bandwidth of 15% from 10.8GHz to 12.55GHz for VSWR <2, a 3dB axial bandwidth of 25% from 9.8GHz to 12.6GHz, and a maximum gain of 19.5dBi at 12GHz. 3E shows the measured radiation pattern, wherein the 3dB beamwidth in the azimuth direction is 14.5 degrees and the 3dB beamwidth in the elevation direction is 18.5 degrees. This performance is very good compared to conventional microstrip antennas.

FIG. 4A is a second exemplary diagram of the array antenna of FIG. 1 and illustrates a structure capable of generating circular polarization.

As shown in the figure, in the array antenna of the present invention, a power supply circuit 410 is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 420, a ground conductor layer 430 is formed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 420, and the ground A cross slot 440 is formed at a position crossing the power feeding circuit 410 of the conductor layer 430. Circular polarization is generated by the 90 degree phase difference of the current excited in each axis of the cross slot 440.

A first foam layer 450 is formed on the cross slot 440, a dielectric film 460 is formed on the upper layer of the first foam layer 450, and a patch 470 is formed on the dielectric film 460. . In addition, a second foam layer 480 is formed on the upper surface of the patch 470. The array antenna of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4A has a conventional slot-coupled feeding structure technology and a cross-slot. By combining the circular polarization generating technique with the structural technique using the appropriate foam layer, the gain can be increased by increasing the bandwidth and efficiency.

FIG. 4B is a layout view of one embodiment of a patch when the FIG. 4A is arranged, and FIG. 4C is a layout view of an embodiment of the cross slots when the FIG. 4A is arranged, and FIG. 4D is an arrangement of the FIG. 4A. One embodiment layout view of a power supply circuit in one case.

Similar to FIG. 3C, 'A' shown in FIG. 4D is between two patches that are directly connected to apply the sequential rotation feeding method. 4E shows the performance of a 2 x 8 subarray antenna, with 10dB impedance bandwidth of 10.3GHz to 13.5GHz, 26.9%, and 3dB axial bandwidth of 10.6GHz to 13.1GHz, 21.1%. The maximum gain is 20.7dBi at 12GHz. 4F shows the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction, with a 3dB beamwidth of 7 degrees. 4G shows the radiation pattern in the elevation angle, and the 3dB beamwidth is 31 degrees. This performance is very good compared to conventional microstrip antennas.

FIG. 5A is a detailed structural diagram of an active module 1 of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, the active module 1 120 of the present invention includes low noise amplifiers 510 and 511, band pass filters 520 and 521, phase shifters 530 and 531 and a power combiner 540. Doing.

The input of the active module 1 (120) of the present invention is connected to the array antenna 1 (100) through two terminals, as described above can be directly connected without bending the substrate on the same substrate as the array antenna 1 (100) After disconnection, it may be connected by soldering, may be connected by via holes, and connectors and cables may also be used. As described above, by using the method of directly connecting the array antenna 1 (100) and the active module 1 (120) on the same substrate, power supply loss can be reduced, thereby improving system performance.

The low noise amplifiers 510 and 511 are responsible for low noise amplification by three or four stages of the satellite signal received from the array antenna 1 100 through two terminals.

The band pass filters 520 and 521 are responsible for filtering only a desired band with respect to the signal received from the low noise amplifiers 510 and 511.

The phase shifters 530 and 531 shift the phase of the input signal at intervals of 11.25 or 22.5 degrees in a range of 0 to 360 degrees according to a control signal supplied from the phase tracking controller 170 to control the beam direction of the antenna. In charge of the function. In this case, each of the phase shifters 530 and 531 may be in the same phase shift state or different phase shift states according to the control signal.

The power combiner 540 is responsible for coupling the respective outputs of the phase shifters 530 and 531.

FIG. 5B is a detailed structural diagram of an active module 2 of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, active module 2 130 of the present invention includes low noise amplifiers 550 and 551, band pass filters 560 and 561, attenuators 570 and 571 and power combiner 590. have.

The input of the active module 2 130 of the present invention is also connected to the array antenna 2 110 through two terminals, and as described above, the substrate can be bent directly on the same substrate as the array antenna 2 110 without disconnection. After disconnection, it may be connected by soldering, may be connected by via holes, and connectors and cables may also be used. As described above, by using a method of directly connecting the array antenna 2 110 and the active module 2 130 on the same substrate, power supply loss may be reduced, thereby improving system performance.

The low noise amplifiers 550 and 551 are responsible for low noise amplification by three or four stages of the satellite signal received from the array antenna 2 110 through two terminals.

The band pass filters 560 and 561 are responsible for filtering only a desired band with respect to the signal received from the low noise amplifiers 550 and 551.

The attenuators 570 and 571 are responsible for attenuating the signals input from the band pass filters 560 and 561 by the pass loss of the phase shifters 540 and 541 of FIG. 5A.

The power combiner 580 is responsible for coupling the respective outputs of the attenuators 570, 571.

6 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the signal distribution and detection unit of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, the signal distribution and detection unit of the present invention includes a multiplexer 610, a power divider 620, a tracking signal selection tuner 630, a detector 640 and a separator 650.

The multiplexer 601 supplies a frequency-converted satellite signal (eg, an L band signal) received from the frequency converter 150 to the power divider 620, and converts power and frequency received from the separator 650. It is responsible for multiplexing the satellite signal received from the unit 150 and transmitting it to the frequency converter 150 again.

The power divider 620 is responsible for distributing the power of the signal received from the multiplexer 610 to supply the tracking signal selection tuner 630 and the separator 650.

The tracking signal selection tuner 630 is responsible for selecting a desired satellite signal according to the selection signal received from the satellite tracking control unit 170 and supplying the desired satellite signal to the detector 640.

The detector 640 is responsible for detecting the strength of the satellite signal received from the detector 640 by a log amplification detection method and supplying the voltage of the tracking signal to the satellite tracking control unit 170. It is in charge of supplying power. Since the detector 640 detects the voltage of the satellite signal by logarithmic amplification, the detector 640 has a high dynamic range and a fast detection response speed.

The separator 650 is responsible for supplying the satellite signal received from the power divider 620 to the rotary joint 190. In addition, the power received from the rotary joint 190 is responsible for the function of supplying to the multiplexer 610 and the satellite tracking control unit 170.

7 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the power transmission unit of FIG.

As shown in the figure, the power transmission unit of the present invention, the rotary mechanism 200, the fixed support 220, the motor 710, the tension means 720, the belt 730, the ring 740 and the pulley 750 ) Is included.

The motor 710 is mounted on the rotary mechanism 200, and the tension means 720 is disposed between the motor 710 and the rotary mechanism 200.

The motor 710 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise according to the motor control signal received from the satellite tracking control unit 170. Ring 730 is disposed on the rotation axis of the motor 710, the ring 730 is characterized in that the rubber ring or urethane belt ring.

The pulley 750 located in the fixed support 220 has a groove formed to fit the shape of the V-shape or belt so that the belt 730 can be mounted, and the belt 740 is positioned above the groove. In the present invention, the belt 740 is characterized in that the urethane belt.

Power is transmitted by the friction force between the belt 740 and the ring 730 generated by the rotation of the motor 710.

At this time, the motor 710 is characterized in that a small direct current (DC) motor is used, other types of motor may be used if necessary.

The tension means 720 is responsible for adjusting the friction force between the ring 730 and the belt 740.

8 is a detailed structural diagram of an embodiment of the satellite tracking control unit of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, the satellite tracking control unit 170 of the present invention is a main controller 810, analog / digital (hereinafter referred to as 'AD') converter 820, power supply 830, data latch 840 ), A monitor 850, a motor controller 860, a motor drive 870, and a switch (S / W) 880.

The power supply 830 receives power from the signal distribution and detection unit 160 and supplies power to the data latch 840, the monitor 850, the motor controller 860, the motor drive 870, and the switch 880, respectively. In charge of supplying the function.

The AD converter 820 is responsible for converting the analog satellite signal received from the signal distribution and detection unit 160 into a digital signal.

The main controller 810 performs a satellite tracking algorithm for tracking satellites by determining whether a satellite signal is acquired from the signal received from the AD converter 820.

The master controller 810 captures satellites through electronic beam control and mechanical control using a motor during satellite tracking. When the main controller 810 transmits a control signal for phase shifting to the data latcher 840, the data latcher 640 transmits a control signal to the phase shifters 530 and 531 of FIG. 5A.

The phase shifters 530 and 531 generate an elevation tracking beam for electronic tracking in the elevation direction and an azimuth tracking beam for mechanical tracking in the azimuth direction.

The mechanical tracking uses an electron beam and at the same time a mechanical driving method using a motor. When the main controller 810 sends flag FLAG data to the motor controller 860, the motor controller 860 is connected to the motor drive 870. The motor control signal is transmitted to the motor drive 87, and the motor drive 87 transmits the motor control signal to the motor 710 of FIG. 7 to perform mechanical tracking.

The main controller 810 transmits the satellite signal level value detected during the satellite tracking to the monitor 850 through electronic tracking and mechanical tracking, and the monitor 850 is connected in parallel and serial communication with an external monitoring unit (not shown). The external monitoring unit allows the satellite signal level to be monitored at all times.

The switch 880 is responsible for switching the low noise amplifiers 510 and 511 of FIG. 5A according to the control signal of the main controller 810.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a satellite signal tracking method according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the satellite tracking method of the present invention, the system is initialized when the power is applied (S901), the tracking signal selection tuner 630 receives the channel data from the main controller 810, the channel of the satellite signal Select.

Then, the satellite tracking method of the present invention performs the initial tracking (S903). The initial tracking of the satellite receives the initial tracking flag FLAG from the main controller 810 and uses the beam generated by the phase shifter 301 to drive the electronic tracking in the elevation angle and the motor 710 in the azimuth direction. The machine tracks the satellite through mechanical tracking, and the initial tracking ends when the satellite is captured.

When the initial tracking is finished, the satellite tracking method of the present invention performs automatic tracking (S905), which receives the automatic tracking flag FLAG from the main controller 810, so that the four beams do not miss the satellite signal already captured. The signal level of the upper beam, lower beam, left beam, and right beam is used, the electronic signal is tracked in the elevation direction, and the received signal levels of the left and right beams are compared in the azimuth direction to drive the motor 710 so as to drive the satellite signal. Can be captured continuously.

Blocking of satellite signals by trees or external objects during the automatic tracking can cause a momentary loss of the signal.At this point, the repeating flag FLAG from the main controller 810 at the point where the satellite signal is lost. ), The electronic tracking in the elevation direction and driving the motor 710 in the azimuth direction to repeat the tracking to capture the satellite (S907).

10 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the initial tracking method of FIG. 9.

As shown in the figure, the initial tracking of the present invention reads the elevation angle phase shift data (S1001) stored at the time of system initialization (S901), and gives a delay before the initial tracking to stabilize the system, thereby stopping the system for a predetermined time. (S1003).

The main controller 810 transmits the stored elevation direction phase shift data to the phase shifters 530 and 531 to generate an electron beam, and drives the motor 710 at a constant speed in a clockwise direction (S1005). .

When the satellite reception signal level is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined whether the satellite signal is acquired (S1007). If the satellite signal is captured, the phase shift data of the elevation angle is stored (S509) when the signal is captured, and the rotating motor is stopped. And, the initial tracking is finished while performing the automatic tracking algorithm (S905).

If the satellite signal is not acquired, the elevation angle phase shift data is increased by one step (S1101), a beam is generated for the phase shift data, and a motor is driven (S1105) to capture the satellite signal.

FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the automatic tracking method of FIG. 9.

As shown in the figure, the automatic tracking of the present invention reads the phase shift state data in the elevation angle stored at the end of the initial tracking, and sets the initial phase shift data for automatic tracking (S1101).

The main controller 810 reads the initial phase shift state data, and increases and decreases the state data by one step in the elevation direction to generate an upper beam and a lower beam (S1103). Thereafter, the two satellite reception signal levels of the upper beam and the lower beam are compared (S1105). When the satellite signal level received by the upper beam is high, the phase shift data of the upper beam is stored as the next phase shift data (S1107). When the satellite signal level received by the lower beam is high, the phase shift data of the lower beam is stored as the next phase shift data (S1109).

On the other hand, for the electronic tracking and the motor tracking control, the main controller 810 reads the initial phase shift state data, and increases and decreases one step in the azimuth direction to generate the right beam and the left beam (S1109). Thereafter, the satellite reception signal levels of the left and right beams are compared (S1111). When the satellite signal levels received by the left beam are high, the motor is rotated at the maximum rated speed in the counter (Count ClockWise) direction (S1113). If the satellite signal level received by the right beam is high, the motor is rotated at the maximum rated speed in the clockwise direction (S1115).

At this time, if the satellite signal is captured (S1117), the automatic tracking is repeatedly performed, and if the satellite signal is missed while performing the automatic tracking, the automatic tracking is terminated and the repeated tracking is performed.

12 is a detailed flowchart illustrating an iterative tracking method of FIG. 9.

As shown in the figure, iterative tracking of the present invention is performed to recapture the missed signal when the satellite signal is missed during the automatic tracking (S1201).

In order to prevent the repetitive tracking from repeating at the beginning of the repetitive tracking, a time for performing the repetitive tracking is set, and a delay is fixed to fix the satellite tracking device (S1203). This can facilitate satellite tracking during rotation.

The main controller 810 transmits the stored elevation angle phase shift data to the phase shifters 530 and 531 to generate an electron beam, and drives the motor 710 at a constant speed in the clockwise direction (S1205).

When the received satellite signal level is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined whether the signal is captured (S1207). When the satellite signal is acquired, the phase shift data of the elevation angle at the moment of the signal acquisition is stored (S1209), and the rotating motor It stops and finishes iterative estimation for automatic tracking.

If the satellite signal is not captured, it is checked whether the set repeat tracking time is not exceeded (S1211). If the time is not exceeded, the initial elevation direction phase shift data is increased (S1213). A beam is generated for the transition data, and a motor is driven (S1205) to capture satellite signals.

If the setting time is exceeded, it is determined that the satellite signal is missed, and after the repetitive tracking, the initial tracking is performed.

The method of the present invention as described above may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.) implemented as a program.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible in the technical field of the present invention without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It will be clear to those of ordinary knowledge.

As described above, the present invention provides an antenna gain obtained by an array antenna structure having a high antenna efficiency when the elevation angle is electronically tracked and the azimuth direction is mechanically tracked by an antenna mounted on a moving object to receive satellite broadcasting during movement. By increasing the size of the tracking antenna and minimizing the tracking error detection structure and the power transmission structure for satellite tracking, the satellite tracking device can be simplified.

In addition, the present invention has the effect that by using a DC motor, it is possible to increase the tracking speed and lower the overall price of the system.

Claims (23)

In the satellite signal tracking device, First and second array antennas for receiving a high frequency band satellite signal; A first active module performing low noise amplification, filtering, phase shifting, and combining on signals received from the first array antenna; A second active module for performing low noise amplification, filtering, signal attenuation, and combining on signals received from the second array antenna; Power combining means for combining signals received from the first and second active modules; Frequency converting means for converting the signal received from the power combining means into a band substantially lower than the high frequency band; Signal distributing and detecting means for distributing the signal received from the frequency converting means, and detecting the signal strength of the channel according to the control signal received from the satellite tracking control means; The satellite tracking control means for supplying a control signal to the first active module, the signal distribution and detection means and the power transmission means; And A power transmission means for transmitting power for tracking satellite signals in the azimuth direction, To track the elevation angle electronically, the azimuth direction mechanically, Electronic control of the elevation beam is directed to the satellite during the movement by the electronic scan by controlling the phase shifter inside the first active module connected to the first array antenna based on the elevation angle phase array, Mechanical control of the azimuth beam is instantaneously left relative to the azimuth phase array by controlling the phase shifter inside the first active module connected to the first array antenna while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. And generating a beam and a right beam to determine a rotation direction of the motor, and when the rotation direction is determined, rotating the motor in a desired direction. The method of claim 1, The first and second array antennas, A first patch antenna layer comprising a dielectric layer and a ground conductor layer, wherein the first patch antenna layer radiates energy by exciting current by a power supply means electrically coupled to a plurality of first patches arranged in a 1 × 2 unit on one surface of the dielectric layer; A second patch comprising a dielectric film, the second patch radiating energy by exciting current by the plurality of first patches electromagnetically coupled with a plurality of second patches arranged in 1 × 2 units on one surface of the dielectric film An antenna layer; A first foam layer disposed between the first and second patch antenna layers to space the first patch antenna layer and the second patch antenna layer; And A second foam layer disposed on one surface of the second patch antenna layer to protect the second patch antenna layer; Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. The method of claim 2, The plurality of first and second patches, Satellite signal tracking device characterized in that the two diagonally facing corners are cut out square. The method of claim 3, wherein The plurality of first and second patches, Satellite signal tracking device, characterized in that the position of the two corners cut out. The method of claim 1, The first and second array antennas, A first antenna layer comprising a dielectric layer and a ground conductor layer, wherein the first antenna layer radiates energy by exciting current by a feeding means electromagnetically coupled to a plurality of cross slots arranged in a 1 × 2 unit located on one surface of the ground conductor layer ; A second antenna layer comprising a dielectric film and radiating energy by exciting a current by the plurality of cross slots electromagnetically coupled with a plurality of patches arranged in 1 × 2 units on one surface of the dielectric film; A first foam layer disposed between the first and second antenna layers to space the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer; And A second foam layer disposed on one surface of the second antenna layer to protect the second antenna layer; Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein The power supply means, And a satellite signal tracking device arranged to intersect with the cross slot. The method according to claim 2 or 5, The power supply means, And a plurality of first patches sequentially rotated in phase with 0 ° and 90 °. The method of claim 1, The first active module, A connecting means located on the same substrate as the first array antenna and connected directly or via a via hole located at the rear of the first array antenna; First and second low noise amplifying means for performing low noise amplification on at least two signals received from the first array antenna; First and second band pass filters for performing band pass filtering on the signals received from the first and second low noise amplifying means, respectively; First and second phase shifting means for shifting a phase with respect to a signal received from said first and second band pass filters in accordance with a control signal received from said satellite tracking control means; And First combining means for combining signals received from the first and second phase shifting means Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. The method of claim 8, The second active module, A connecting means located on the same substrate as the second array antenna for direct connection or via a via hole in the rear of the second array antenna; Third and fourth low noise amplifying means for performing low noise amplification on at least two signals received from the second array antenna; Third and fourth band pass filters for performing band pass filtering on the signals received from the third and fourth low noise amplifying means, respectively; First and second attenuation means for attenuating the signal received from the third and fourth band pass filters equally to the pass loss of the first and second phase shifting means, respectively; And Second combining means for combining signals received from the first and second attenuation means; Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. The method of claim 1, The signal distribution and detection means, Multiplexing means for providing a signal received from said frequency converting means to a distribution means, and multiplexing the signal received from said signal and separating means; Distribution means for distributing a signal received from the multiplexing means; Tuning means for selecting a satellite signal according to a control signal received from the satellite tracking control means with respect to the signal received from the distribution means; And Detection means for detecting the strength of the signal received from the tuning means Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. The method of claim 10, The detection means, Satellite signal tracking device for detecting the strength of the signal by a log amplification detection method. The method of claim 1, The power transmission means, Including rotational mechanisms, fixed supports, motors, tensioning means, belts, rings and pulleys, The motor is mounted on an upper portion of the rotating mechanism, the tension means is disposed between the motor and the rotating mechanism, and the pulley located on the fixed support is provided with a groove suitable for the shape of the belt to mount the belt. And the belt is positioned at a portion where the groove is formed. The method of claim 12, The motor, A direct current (DC) motor, the satellite signal tracking device, characterized in that for rotating according to the motor control signal received from the satellite tracking control unit. The method according to claim 1, or 8 or 9, The satellite tracking control means, Conversion means for converting the satellite signal received from the signal distribution and detection means into a digital signal; Control means for controlling a motor control means, a data latch means, and a switching means to determine a satellite signal with respect to the signal received from the conversion means to track the satellite; The data latch means for providing a control signal to the first and second phase shifting means according to the control of the control means; The motor control means for providing a control signal to the motor according to the control of the control means; And Switching means for switching the first to fourth low noise amplifying means according to the control of the control means; Satellite signal tracking device comprising a. In the satellite signal tracking method applied to the satellite signal tracking device, A first step of capturing satellites by performing electronic tracking using phase shift data in the elevation angle and mechanical tracking driving a motor in the azimuth direction; And In order to continuously track the satellites captured above, a second step of tracking the satellites using the signal levels of the upper, lower, left and right beams, To track the elevation angle electronically, the azimuth direction mechanically, Electronic control of the elevation beam controls the phase shifter in the active module connected to the array antenna based on the elevation angle phase to direct the satellite in motion by electronic scanning. The mechanical control of the azimuth beam determines the rotational direction of the motor by controlling the phase shifter to generate the left and right beams instantaneously based on the azimuth phase array while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. And if the rotation direction is determined, rotating the motor in a desired direction. The method of claim 15, When the satellite tracking obtained above is completed, the electronic tracking is performed using the phase shift data in the elevation direction within a predetermined time period, and mechanical tracking to drive the motor in the azimuth direction is performed to capture the satellite again. 3 steps Satellite signal tracking method further comprising. The method of claim 16, Selecting a channel of the satellite signal to generate the elevation phase shift data to initialize the system Satellite signal tracking method further comprising. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, The first step is, A fifth step of reading the elevation angle phase shift data; A sixth step of generating an electron beam using the elevation angle phase shift data to perform electronic tracking, and driving a motor to perform mechanical tracking; A seventh step of checking whether a satellite signal is acquired; An eighth step of storing elevation angle phase shift data of the captured moment when the satellite signal is acquired as a result of the seventh step; And As a result of the seventh step, when the satellite signal is not captured, the ninth step of increasing the phase shift data in the elevation angle by one step and repeating from the sixth step Satellite signal tracking method comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, The second step, A fifth step of setting phase shift data of the captured satellites; A sixth step of increasing and decreasing the phase shift data by one step in an elevation angle to generate an upper beam and a lower beam; A seventh step of increasing and decreasing the phase shift data by one step in the azimuth direction to generate a left beam and a right beam; An eighth step of comparing the received signal level of the upper beam with the received signal level of the lower beam and setting phase shift data to be replaced according to the result; A ninth step of comparing the received signal level of the left beam with the received signal level of the right beam, and determining a rotation direction of the motor according to the result; And A tenth step of repeating the fifth to ninth steps when the satellite signal is acquired; Satellite signal tracking method comprising a. The method of claim 19, The eighth step, Comparing the phase shift data of the upper beam with the phase shift data of the fifth step if the received signal level of the upper beam is greater than the received signal level of the lower beam; And As a result of comparison, when the received signal level of the lower beam is greater than the received signal level of the upper beam, the twelfth step of replacing the phase shift data of the lower beam with the phase shift data of the fifth step Satellite signal tracking method comprising a. The method of claim 19, The ninth step, As a result of the comparison, when the received signal level of the left beam is greater than the received signal level of the right beam, an eleventh step of rotating and driving the motor in a reverse direction; And As a result of the comparison, when the received signal level of the right beam is greater than the received signal level of the left beam, a twelfth step of driving the motor by rotating the motor in a forward direction Satellite signal tracking method comprising a. The method according to claim 16 or 17, The third step, A fifth step of setting a tracking time; A sixth step of performing electronic tracking using the phase shift data in the elevation angle, and performing mechanical tracking to drive the motor in the azimuth direction; A seventh step of storing elevation phase shift data of the captured moment when the satellite signal is acquired as a result of the sixth step; And The result of the sixth step. If the satellite signal is not acquired, the eighth step of repeating the sixth step by increasing the elevation phase shift data when the time is not exceeded Satellite signal tracking method comprising a. In order to track the elevation direction electronically and the azimuth direction mechanically, a satellite signal tracking device having a processor, A first function of capturing satellites by performing electronic tracking using phase shift data in the elevation angle and performing mechanical tracking to drive the motor in the azimuth direction; And In order to continuously track the captured satellites, the second function of tracking the satellites using signal levels of the upper, lower, left and right beams, Electronic control of the elevation beam controls the phase shifter in the active module connected to the array antenna based on the elevation angle phase to direct the satellite in motion by electronic scanning. The mechanical control of the azimuth beam determines the rotational direction of the motor by controlling the phase shifter to generate the left and right beams instantaneously based on the azimuth phase array while the beam is directed to the satellite in the elevation direction. And rotate the motor in a desired direction when the rotation direction is determined. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing this.