US3707719A - Scanning aerial systems and associated arrangements therefor - Google Patents

Scanning aerial systems and associated arrangements therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
US3707719A
US3707719A US132765A US3707719DA US3707719A US 3707719 A US3707719 A US 3707719A US 132765 A US132765 A US 132765A US 3707719D A US3707719D A US 3707719DA US 3707719 A US3707719 A US 3707719A
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Prior art keywords
elements
aerial
units
arrangement
binary branching
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US132765A
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English (en)
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John Richard Mark
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BAE Systems Electronics Ltd
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Marconi Co Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S13/42—Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates
    • G01S13/44—Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
    • G01S13/4409—HF sub-systems particularly adapted therefor, e.g. circuits for signal combination
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/24—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
    • H01Q3/242—Circumferential scanning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means

Definitions

  • Elements of the array are divided into sets and units, each set comprising the same number of adjacent equally spaced elements and each unit comprising a number of different corresponding aerial elements, at least one in each set.
  • a power dividing system provides power to different combinations of aerial elements, the combinations depending upon the general direction of radiation.
  • the power dividing system includes a four port coupler, the ports remote from the aerial units being connected to two binary branching arrangements whereby sum signals are produced at one of the binary branching arrangements and difference radiation pattern signals at the other binary branching arrangement.
  • an array comprising aerial elements lying on the circumference of a circle, is fed through a controllable feeder arrangement which is such that the aerial can scan space in azimuth without being, mechanically moved.
  • Such scanning which is usually called and is herein called electronic scanning may 'simply be scanning in azimuth or there may be scanning in elevation as well.
  • FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings is a schematic diagram of a known electronic scanning aerial system and associated feeder arrangement therefor, similar to one of the embodiments of the invention disclosed in our US. Pat. No. 1,171,626, whilst FIG. 2 of the drawings is a representation of a plan view of the aerial array of FIG. 1 and incorporates a radiation diagram.
  • a plurality of aerial elements in three sets, a to a(n/3), b to b(n/3) and c to c(n/3, are arranged around the circumference of a circle, each directed to radiate radially outward.
  • the sets of aerials are represented, in FIG. 1, as though they were in a straight line, it is to be understood that they are not so in face and that the elements in the set a, to a(n/3) are disposed along a first 120 arc of a circle, the elements in the set 12, to b(n/3) along the following 120 arc of the circle and the elements in the set to c(n/3) along the remaining 120 arc of the circle.
  • the subscripts used relate to the position of the element in its set along the arc of the circle.
  • the total number of elements provided is normally a multiple of six.
  • the aerial elements are arranged to be fed in pairs, in dependence upon the directivity required.
  • elements a, and a(n/6) may be fed together, elements a, and a(n/6 i) would be fed together and so
  • the feeding arrangements for the elements shown in FIG. 1 show, on the left as viewed, the arrangement for feeding in pairs any one of elements a,, b, and 0, forming a unit, with any one of elements a(n/6), b(n/6) and c(n/6 forming a unit.
  • the aerial elements are fed from a common source CS (which may be a transmitter or a receiver) via a binary divider B having as many output paths OP as there are elements in a set, i.e. (II/3).
  • the output paths OP are applied in pairs to the two input ports ofa different 3db coupler C,-, of which there are (n/6).
  • One of each pair of output paths OP is connected to its associated 3 db coupler through a different phase shifter tb' which, of course, again there are (rt/6), one for each 3db coupler.
  • the two output ports of the coupler C are connected via respective phase shifters d); and (i (71/6) to the input terminal ofa respective switch S, and S(i (11/6).
  • Switch S connects the phase shifter 05, to the elements a I), or c, of a unit at will, whilst switch S(i (n/6)), corresponding connects phase shifter (b(i (rt/6)) to elements a(i+ (rt/6)), b(i+ (rt/6)) or c(i (n/6)) ofa unit.
  • phase shifters 45 are adjusted to give the required power division between the switches S, and S(i (rt/6)) appropriate to the illumination taper required, whilst the phase shifters d), and (i (rt/6)) are adjusted to produce in-phase signals at a reference plane in space which is perpendicular to the a(n/6 radial.
  • the phase shifters 4), and (b(i (rt/6)) may be adjusted.
  • the switches S have to be re-operated. For example, if the beam direction is moved from the a(n/6) radial to the a((nl6) 1) radial, the switch S in the case must be switched from element a, to element 17,, and the phase shifters re-adjusted.
  • switches S and the phase shifters to obtain a beam sweep of 360 are well known and will not be described in further detail herein.
  • the switches S are normally controlled by a computer.
  • the present invention seeks to provide improved space scanning aerial systems and associated feeder arrangements therefor of the kind referred to in which sum and difference radiation patterns may be obtained.
  • the aerial and associated feeder system described above is suitable for transmission, in which case signals applied to the single path of the first binary branching arrangement are transmitted in accordance with a sum radiation pattern whilst signals applied to thesingle path of the second binary branching arrangement are transmitted in accordance with a difference radiation pattern.
  • the aerial and associated feeder system described above is equally suitable for reception, in which case sum radiation pattern signals appear on the single path of the first binary branching arrangement and difference radiation pattern signals appear on the single path of the second binary branching arrangement.
  • each of the adjustable phase shifter means leading to said second binary branching arrangement is a two-bit phase shifter adapted to provide aphase delay of either zero or 21r radians.
  • phase shifter means provide zero phase delay when corresponding elements in the units are selected and a phase delay of 21:- radians when elements which do not correspond in the units are selected.
  • corresponding elements in adjacent sets are spaced arcuately by 120.
  • each unit feeder arrange'ment'ineludes between said 3db coupler and the two units fed thereby, and prior to said phase shifter means are provided to adjust said general direction of radiation, a hybrid unit whereby equal power is fed to each of the two units.
  • the last mentioned hybrid'unit is a further 3db coupler.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrate one example, in this case a modification of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, of a space scanning aerial system and associated feeder arrangement therefor in accordance with the present invention.
  • the arrangement of the aerial elements a, to a(n/6), b, to b(n/6) and c, to C(n/6) in sets and units, the switches S,, phase shifters d), and d), and -3db couplers C, is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and like references are used for like parts.
  • the feeding arrangements for the elements shown in FIG. 3 show, on the left as viewed, the arrangement for feeding in pairs any one of elements a,, b, and c, with any one of elements a(n/6), b(n/6) and c(rz/6, whilst to the right of the figure as viewed is shown the general case of feeding in pairs any one of the elements a,, b, and 0,; with any one of elements a(i t/ (i (n/6)) and c(i+ (rt/6)).
  • two binary dividers BI and B2 are provided, each having (rt/,6) output paths.
  • One output path of the binary divider B1 and one output path of the binary divider B2 are connected in pairs to the two input ports of a different further 3db coupler D,- of which there are (rt/6).
  • a two-bit phase shifter P is provided between each output path of the binary divider B2 and the input port of the respective coupler D, and the input port of the respective coupler D.
  • the two output paths of each further coupler D,- are connected, as the pairs of output paths of binary divider B in FIG.
  • Each two-bit phase shift P is such as to produce a phase change of either zero or 11' radians.
  • each of the further -3db couplers D provide (assuming reception) the sum Z, of the signals received through switches S, and S(i (rt/6)) at the port connected to binary divider B1 and the difference W, at the port connected to binary divider B2.
  • the sum signals Z will all be in-phase and add in the binary divider B1 to provide a sum signal Z.
  • the difference signals W, whilst in phase with each other, will be either in phase or in antiphase with the sum signals in dependence uponv the settings of the switches S,.
  • phase shifter P is adjusted to provide a radian phase shift of difference component W,.
  • phase shifter P In general terms, if S, and S(i (rt/6)) are switched to the same element type (a, h or c) then phase shifter P, is set to give zero phase change. In other cases the phase shifter P, is set to give a 11- radian phase shift.
  • An aerial and associated feeder system adapted to provide electronic scanning of space said system comprising an aerial system consisting of a plurality of aerial elements spaced along a circular arc, said elements being divided into sets and units each set consisting of the same plurality of adjacent equally spaced elements and each unit consisting of a plurality of different corresponding aerial elements, at least one in each set; and a power dividing feed system divided into unit feeder arrangements each leading to the aerial elements of two different units through switch means whereby different predetermined combinations of aerial elements may be selected for connection to the unit feeder arrangement therefor to determine the general direction of radiation, there also being provided, in the path to at least one of the two units fed by each unit feeder arrangement,adjustable phase shifter means for adjusting said general direction of radiation and wherein each unit feeder arrangement includes a four port -3db coupler, the first of the two ports remote from the aerial units of each of the said couplers being connected to a first binary branching arrangement and the second of the two ports remote from the aerial units of each of said couplers being connected via adjustable phase shift
  • each of the adjustable phase shifter means leading to said second binary branching arrangement is a two-bit phase shifter adapted to provide a phase delay of either zero or 271' radians.
  • phase shifter means provide zero phase delay when corresponding elements in the units are selected and a phase delay of 211' radians when elements which do not correspond in the units are selected.
  • each unit feeder arrangement includes between said -3db coupler and the two units fed thereby, and prior to said phase shifter means provided to adjust said general direction of radiation, a hybrid unit whereby equal power is fed to each of the two units.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
US132765A 1970-04-18 1971-04-09 Scanning aerial systems and associated arrangements therefor Expired - Lifetime US3707719A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08642/70A GB1278891A (en) 1970-04-18 1970-04-18 Improvements in or relating to scanning aerial systems and associated feeder arrangements therefor

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US3707719A true US3707719A (en) 1972-12-26

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US132765A Expired - Lifetime US3707719A (en) 1970-04-18 1971-04-09 Scanning aerial systems and associated arrangements therefor

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US (1) US3707719A (show.php)
DE (1) DE2118550B2 (show.php)
FR (1) FR2086168B1 (show.php)
GB (1) GB1278891A (show.php)
NL (1) NL7105113A (show.php)
SE (1) SE374231B (show.php)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3806932A (en) * 1972-06-15 1974-04-23 Nat Aeronautic And Space Admin Amplitude steered array
US3964066A (en) * 1975-01-02 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Electronic scanned cylindrical-array antenna using network approach for reduced system complexity
DE2602006A1 (de) * 1975-02-06 1976-08-26 Bendix Corp Elektronisch bewegte, linear in phase gesetzte antennenanordnung und verfahren zur erzeugung der abtastbewegung fuer den von der antenne ausgesendeten strahl
US4021813A (en) * 1974-07-01 1977-05-03 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Geometrically derived beam circular antenna array
US4318104A (en) * 1978-06-15 1982-03-02 Plessey Handel Und Investments Ag Directional arrays
US4799065A (en) * 1983-03-17 1989-01-17 Hughes Aircraft Company Reconfigurable beam antenna

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3176297A (en) * 1962-11-08 1965-03-30 Sperry Rand Corp Antenna systems
US3380053A (en) * 1966-12-22 1968-04-23 Gen Electric Duplexing means for microwave systems utilizing phased array antennas
US3530485A (en) * 1966-08-31 1970-09-22 Marconi Co Ltd Scanning aerial systems and associated feeder arrangements therefor

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3176297A (en) * 1962-11-08 1965-03-30 Sperry Rand Corp Antenna systems
US3530485A (en) * 1966-08-31 1970-09-22 Marconi Co Ltd Scanning aerial systems and associated feeder arrangements therefor
US3380053A (en) * 1966-12-22 1968-04-23 Gen Electric Duplexing means for microwave systems utilizing phased array antennas

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3806932A (en) * 1972-06-15 1974-04-23 Nat Aeronautic And Space Admin Amplitude steered array
US4021813A (en) * 1974-07-01 1977-05-03 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Geometrically derived beam circular antenna array
US3964066A (en) * 1975-01-02 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Electronic scanned cylindrical-array antenna using network approach for reduced system complexity
DE2602006A1 (de) * 1975-02-06 1976-08-26 Bendix Corp Elektronisch bewegte, linear in phase gesetzte antennenanordnung und verfahren zur erzeugung der abtastbewegung fuer den von der antenne ausgesendeten strahl
US4318104A (en) * 1978-06-15 1982-03-02 Plessey Handel Und Investments Ag Directional arrays
US4799065A (en) * 1983-03-17 1989-01-17 Hughes Aircraft Company Reconfigurable beam antenna

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2086168A1 (show.php) 1971-12-31
SE374231B (show.php) 1975-02-24
DE2118550A1 (de) 1971-12-09
DE2118550C3 (show.php) 1974-10-17
NL7105113A (show.php) 1971-10-20
GB1278891A (en) 1972-06-21
FR2086168B1 (show.php) 1975-01-17
DE2118550B2 (de) 1974-02-21

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