WO2005015690A1

WO2005015690A1 - Antenna array and method, particularly for operating the same

Info

Publication number: WO2005015690A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/008800
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Gabriel; Maximilian GÖTTL; Jörg LANGENBERG; Jürgen RUMOLD
Original assignee: Kathrein-Werke Kg
Priority date: 2003-08-06
Filing date: 2004-08-05
Publication date: 2005-02-17
Also published as: DE10336071B3; EP1652271A1; CN2692852Y; TW200507347A

Abstract

An improved antenna array comprises the following features: a network (17) is provided by means of which at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided with a signal (Ain1, Ain2) having an amplitude that can be adjusted relative each other. The network (17) comprises a phase adjustment device (21, 121) by means of which a supplied input signal (PSin) having the same intensity but different phase position can be divided up relative each other into two output signals (PSout1; PSout2). The array is further provided with a hybrid circuit (19, 119) by means of which the output signals (PSout1, PSout2) can be converted into hybrid output signals (Hout1, Hout2) which have a predefined phase position relative each other and whose amplitudes differ depending on the different phase positions in the phase adjustment device (21,121).

Description

Antenna arrangement and method, in particular for their operation

The invention relates to an antenna arrangement and a method, in particular for its operation.

In particular, the mobile radio antennas provided for a base station usually comprise an antenna arrangement with a reflector, in front of which a multiplicity of radiating elements are provided lying offset in the vertical direction from one another. These can, for example, radiate and receive in one or two mutually perpendicular polarizations. The radiator elements can only be designed for reception in one frequency band. However, the antenna arrangement can also be designed as a multiband antenna, for example for transmitting and receiving two frequency bands which are offset from one another. So-called triband antennas are also known in principle.

As is known, the mobile radio network is designed in the form of a cell, with each cell having a corresponding base station is assigned to at least one mobile radio antenna for sending and receiving. The antennas are constructed in such a way that, as a rule, they radiate at a certain angle with respect to the horizontal with the component pointing downwards, as a result of which a specific cell size is defined. As is known, this lowering angle is also referred to as down tilt angle.

A phase shifter arrangement has therefore already been proposed from WO 01/13459 A1, in which the down-tilt angle can be set continuously differently in the case of a single-column antenna array with a plurality of radiators arranged one above the other. According to this prior publication, differential phase shifters are used for this purpose, which, with different settings, have the effect that the runtime length and thus the phase shift at the two outputs of a respective phase shifter are adjusted in different directions, as a result of which the setback angle can be set.

The phase shifter angle can be set and adjusted manually or by means of a remotely controllable retrofit unit, as is known, for example, from DE 101 04 564 C1.

If the so-called traffic density changes or, for example, another base station for the antenna is added adjacent to a cell, then a preferably remote-controllable lowering of a down-tilt angle and a reduction in the size of the cell can be subsequently adapted to changed conditions. Such a change in a downtilt angle is not the only or sufficient solution for all cases.

For example, mobile radio antennas have a fixed horizontal diagram, for example with a half-value width of 45 °, 65 °, 90 ° etc. Here it is not possible to adapt to site-specific conditions, since a subsequent change of the diagram in the horizontal direction cannot be implemented.

However, there are fundamentally also mobile radio base station antennas with changeable diagrams by intelligent algorithms in the base station itself. This requires, for example, the use of a so-called Butler matrix (via which, for example, an antenna array with several individual radiators can be controlled, for example in four columns one above the other with vertical offset are arranged). However, such antenna arrangements involve an enormously large amount of antenna feed lines between the base station on the one hand and the antenna or the antenna elements on the other, with a separate feed cable for each column and so-called dual-polarized antennas polarized at + 45 ° and - 45 ° degrees in X. - Two high-quality antenna cables are required for each column. This leads to a high basic price and an expensive assembly. Finally, very complex algorithm circuits of the base station are required, which further increases the total costs.

An antenna arrangement in which the network consists of a phase shifter device and a Butler matrix has also become known, for example, from US Pat. No. 4,063,243. That is known from this prior publication withdrawing feed network serves to pivot the main beam direction of a radar antenna. The known antenna arrangement uses highly focused single radiators which can be controlled individually via a combination consisting of phase shifters and a Butler matrix.

A power supply circuit for a basic mobile radio antenna can be found in the prior publication JP 2 000 101 326 A. This is an antenna arrangement with 4 columns, with the associated dining network consisting of two butler matrices connected in series in the form of hybrids. Amplifiers are provided between the Butler matrices. The Butler matrix itself is not a phase shifter, but a control unit with four outputs. An antenna arrangement consisting of four omnidirectional radiators arranged on a circle is ultimately to be fed via this feed network.

An antenna arrangement with an unchangeable beam shape can also be found in principle in WO 02/19 470 AI.

A generic antenna arrangement with possibilities for power distribution and for setting different phase positions of the signals that can be supplied to the individual radiators has also become known in principle from WO 02/05383 AI. The antenna comprises a two-dimensional antenna array with radiator elements and a feed network. The feed network comprises a down-tilt phase adjustment device and an azimuth phase adjustment device with a device for adjusting the beam width (lobe width). To change the beam width, there is a correspondingly different power consumption. division on radiator elements that are offset from each other in the horizontal direction. Phase shifter devices are provided for setting a different azimuth beam direction in order to set the radiation direction accordingly.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna arrangement and a method for its operation which enables diagram formation, in particular in the horizontal direction, especially also in the form of a diagram change which can subsequently be carried out. This should preferably be possible with little effort on the supply cables required.

The object is achieved according to the invention with respect to the antenna arrangement according to the features specified in claims 1 and 2 and with respect to the method according to the features specified in claims 23 and 24. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subordinate claims.

The solution according to the invention is therefore based on the idea that the antenna comprises at least two radiator groups, each with at least one antenna radiator, ie, for example, at least one antenna element each, with the total transmission energy either being supplied to only one of the two radiator groups or a power split now can be set differently, up to a 50:50 distribution of the power energy between the two radiator groups. Depending on the different proportions of the energy supplied, the diagram formation can be changed, especially in the horizontal direction, and the half-value width on an antenna can be changed for example, change 30 ° to 100 °. In addition, the phase position of the signals can be changed by means of provided phase shifters in order to achieve a special diagram formation.

If, for example, the at least two antenna elements with horizontal offset are preferably arranged next to one another on a common reflector, that is to say radiate in a common polarization plane, the horizontal diagram of the antenna can thereby be set. If, for example, the signals are fed to an antenna array with at least two columns and a plurality of radiator elements arranged one above the other, depending on the intensity and phase division, different horizontal diagrams can be achieved for this antenna array.

However, it is completely surprising that the antenna arrangement according to the invention or the method according to the invention for operating such an antenna arrangement makes it possible, for example, to generate asymmetrical horizontal diagrams, even when looking at the far field! Furthermore, it is possible to generate horizontal diagrams which are indeed symmetrical, that is to say are arranged symmetrically to a plane running vertically to the reflector plane, but in which the transmission signals are only located with comparatively low energy lying in this vertical plane of symmetry. It is also possible, for example, to generate two, four etc. main lobes that are symmetrical to this plane and that radiate more to the left and more to the right in an angular alignment position and, in between, preferably in the plane that is vertical to the reflector plane, which in itself is the main emission plane in the normal case would correspond, the antenna arrangement emits with significantly lower energy!

However, horizontal diagrams can also be generated in the same way, which have an odd number of main lobes, for example, and are optionally arranged symmetrically to a plane running perpendicular to the reflector plane. A main lobe direction can preferably lie in the vertical plane of symmetry or plane perpendicular to the reflector plane. At least one further main lobe lies on the left and the right side of the plane perpendicular to the reflector plane. The intensity minima in between can drop, for example, by less than 10 db, in particular 6 db and less than 3 db. The antenna arrangement according to the invention and its operation make it possible, depending on the particularities on site, to illuminate certain zones with a higher transmission intensity and rather to “mask out” other areas and to irradiate them only with a lower intensity. This offers advantages, for example, if the horizontal diagram is adjusted in areas in which schools, kindergartens, etc. are located, so that these areas are only illuminated with much less light.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is even provided that a different diagram configuration of an antenna is generated once for the transmission case and differently for the reception case. In other words, the horizontal diagrams are designed differently for the send and receive cases. For example, a horizontal diagram that is optimally adapted to the environment in transmission can take into account that Sensitive facilities such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals etc. located in the broadcasting area are located in an area or area that is supplied by a cellular antenna with only a lower intensity, whereas the horizontal diagram for the reception case is designed so that a corresponding cellular antenna is located in the entire catchment area the incoming signals can be received in a cell with appropriately optimally designed horizontal diagrams.

The intensity and phase division according to the invention is preferred by using a phase shifter arrangement, i.e. at least one phase shifter, preferably a differential phase shifter, and a subsequent hybrid circuit, in particular a 90 ° hybrid. The result of this is that, for example, a signal of a predetermined intensity fed to a phase shifter is divided at the two outputs of the differential phase shifter so that the intensities of the signals are the same at both outputs, but the phase is different. If these two signals are fed to the two inputs of a downstream 90 ° hybrid, this has the consequence at the output of the hybrid that the phases are now the same again, but the intensities or amplitudes of the signals are different. As a result, the energy supplied to the at least two phase shifters can be divided from, for example, 1: 0 to 1: 1 by different phase settings on the phase shifter. A further optional phase shifter can be used to influence the phase position and change the direction of the diagram.

In summary, with the invention System, for example, realize the following advantages:

With the radiator group according to the invention, site-specific antenna diagrams can be generated on site. If necessary, the antenna pattern can be changed at any time ^'again, for example, then when a new network planning is envisaged that .without the antenna itself must be replaced. - During commissioning, the antenna pattern can be easily adjusted, for example by remote control in the base station. No manual changes to the antenna on the mast, such as alignment of the antenna etc. are necessary, which drastically reduces the costs. Easily preset diagrams can be implemented using predeterminable fixed parameters in the control. - It is also possible to set chronologically different diagrams using automatic control (e.g. depending on the differences in the supply of the respective location depending on other times of the day, such as in the morning and in the evening, etc.). The base stations can also be used when the system according to the invention is retrofitted. It is only necessary to simply replace the antenna at the base station. - Different diagrams can be implemented for the send and receive case. Above all, sensitive areas with rather less energy and other areas with higher ones Supply energy. Unsymmetrical horizontal diagrams can be generated. Symmetrical horizontal diagrams can be generated which are overlaid with several main lobes in such a way that the energy output of the first, second and, for example, third lobes in three different azimuth directions in the. Horizontal diagram differ from their energy output by less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, 30% or even less than 20% or even 10%.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. The following show in detail:

1 shows a schematic view of an antenna assembly of the invention with an upstream network Horizontaldia- program shaping, ^•

Figure 2: Diagram to explain the amplitude value of the two output signals - at the outputs of the phase shifter shown in Figure 1;

FIG. 3: a diagram to illustrate the different phase position of the two output signals at the two outputs of the phase shifter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4: a diagram to illustrate the respective amplitude value at the two outputs started the hybrid circuit in Figure 1;

Figure 5: A diagram to illustrate the phase relationship of the output signals at the two outputs of the hybrid circuit in Figure 1;

FIG. 6: various horizontal diagrams that can be achieved according to the device according to the invention according to FIG. 1, with the phase shifter positions designated by numerals in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7: further horizontal diagrams which can be achieved with the antenna arrangement according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1, with the phase shifter positions designated by letters in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8: an exemplary embodiment modified from FIG. 1 with an additional phase setting element between the hybrid circuit and the antenna array;

FIG. 9: a diagram to clarify the amplitudes of the two output signals at the output of the hybrid circuit in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10: a diagram to illustrate the phase position of the two output signals at the output of the hybrid circuit in FIG. 8;

Figure 11: various horizontal diagrams according to the inventive device FIG. 8 can be achieved with the phase shifter positions designated by numerals in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12: an exemplary embodiment of the invention modified again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8;

FIG. 13: a diagram to show the amplitude values of the input signals on the Butler matrix in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14: a diagram to clarify the phase position of the input signals on the Butler matrix;

FIG. 15: a diagram to illustrate the output signals at the output of the Butler-Matxix in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 16: a diagram to illustrate the phase position of the output signals on the hybrid circuit in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 17: six horizontal diagrams which can be achieved with an antenna arrangement according to FIG. 12, with the phase shifter positions designated by numerals in FIG. 15;

Figure 18: a different compared to Figure 12 deltes embodiment with a double phase shifter assembly;

FIG. 19: a further exemplary embodiment to illustrate how beam shaping can be carried out which differs in the reception and transmission mode; and

FIG. 20: three diagrams to illustrate beam shaping for the transmission case, the reception case and with respect to a superimposed representation to clarify the differences for the transmission and reception case.

A first exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic view in FIG.

The antenna arrangement according to FIG. 1 comprises a reflector 1, in front of which two radiator groups 3.1, 3.2 are constructed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the antenna arrangement comprises two columns 5, ie a column 5.1 and a column 5.2, in which radiators 13.1 and 13.2 are respectively arranged, some of which are described below. also be referred to as radiator elements. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these radiators 13.1 and 13.2 can consist, for example, of five superposed and vertically oriented dipole radiators, which in the exemplary embodiment shown are arranged in both columns at the same height and with a preselectable side distance d. This describes an antenna arrangement that radiates and receives, for example, in a frequency band in a polarization plane. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the antenna arrangement is fed via a network 17, which in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises a hybrid circuit 19, ie specifically a 90 ° hybrid 19a and an upstream phase shifter or phase adjustment arrangement 21, which in the exemplary embodiment shown also comprises a differential phase shifter 21a consists.

A signal PS _{in is} fed to the network input 23, for example. If the phase shifter is in its neutral central position, the signals PS _0Utl and PS _{out2 are present} in the same phase position and with the same intensity at its two outputs 21 'and 21 ".

The two phase shifter outputs 21 'and 21 "are connected via lines 25' and 25" to the inputs 19 'and 19 "of the hybrid circuit 19. The outputs 19' a and 19" a of the hybrid circuit 19 are then connected to the two antenna inputs 3 .. 1 'and 3.2' connected.

Function and mode of operation is such that now by adjusting the phase shifter the two radiator groups 3.1 and 3.2, i.e. the emitters 13.1 and 13.2, the signals can be supplied in the same intensity or in different intensity components, in an extreme situation the entire energy being supplied only to the emitters in one column, whereas the other column is completely switched off.

If the phase shifter 21 is in its neutral starting position, ie the middle position shown in FIG. 1, the signals at the output of the phase shifter are of course in phase with the same intensity, so that the output _signals H _outl and H _{out2 are} also present in phase with the same intensity.

However, if the phase shifter is now adjusted in one direction or the other according to arrow 27, for example, this has the consequence that the output signals PS _outl and PS _0Ut2 at the output of the phase shifter are now present in different phase positions but with the same intensity. This in turn has the consequence, by the hybrid coupler 19, that at its output 19 'a and 19 "a and thus at the inputs 3.1' and 3.2 'of the radiator group, the signals now again with the same .. phase position but with different ( In other words, a different phase setting on the phase shifter 21 is converted into a different intensity distribution at the input of the two columns of the two radiator groups 3.1, 3.2.

The possibilities that open up are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. ^{■ ■}

2 shows for the different settings of the phase shifter that the relative intensity distribution (ie the relative amplitude A) of the two output signals on the phase shifter remains the same for all settings, that is, PS _outl and PS _{out2 are} always the same. This means that the signal fed in at the input of the phase shifter 23 is divided 1: 1 between the two outputs of the phase shifter 21 'and 21 ", but has a different phase position depending on the position of the phase shifter 21. Corresponding to the different setting on the phase shifter, however, the phase position of the signals PS _outl and PS _{out2 changes} as shown in FIG. 3.

This different phase position ultimately leads to the conditions at the output of the hybrid circuit 19, as are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. If the phase shifter is in its neutral central position (in which the output signals are in the same phase position), the situation identified by the number 10 is shown in FIG. 4. That the output signals at the hybrid circuit 19 are again in the same intensity and in the same phase position.

If, however, an adjustment is now made on the phase shifter from its neutral center position, the intensity of the output signal H _outl at one output 19 ′ a of the hybrid circuit 19 decreases, whereas the other output signal H _out2 at the other output of the hybrid circuit 19 increases. The intensity changes and courses shown in FIG. 4 lie on a section of a sine or a cosine curve. Through continuous further adjustment, the signal can be adjusted, for example, from the position marked with the position 10 via the position marked with the number 7, then the position marked with the number 4 to the position marked with the number 1, at which the signal H _{out2 has} the value 0 and at the other output the signal H _{outl has} the maximum or 100% value. It is always ensured during the adjustment from the position with the number 10 to the position with the number 1 that the output signals on the hybrid circuit and thus the input signals on the antenna array are in phase.

The steps mentioned can be used, for example, to implement the horizontal diagrams shown in FIGS. 6.1, 6.4, 6.7 and 6.10 on the antenna setting. Only the relative changes in the horizontal width of the diagrams are shown in the drawings. Any other intermediate positions are also possible due to the other setting options of the phase shifter and are not shown in detail for the sake of simplicity.

Now, however, the phase shifter setting can be changed further, namely in FIG. 4 to the setting values on the left half of the diagram, with the result that a phase jump of 180 ° occurs here (FIG. 5). In other words, the output signals at the output of the hybrid circuit 19 are no longer in phase, but have a 180 ° phase shift with respect to one another. If the phase shifter is now moved, for example, to position F, position D or position A, the setting values result as shown in FIGS. 7.A, 7.D and 7.F. This also shows that extreme variability means that the horizontal diagram can be shaped to suit local conditions.

For the sake of completeness, it is mentioned additionally that the antenna can be constructed in such a way that the radiator elements 13.1 and, for example, 13.2 arranged in a column 5 are adjusted such that their main lobes are aligned parallel to one another. This is especially true for a planar antenna arrangement with a planar reflector. In principle, however, it is also advantageous to set up an antenna, for example, in such a way that it comprises a plurality of radiators in front of a cylindrical reflector, so that the main beam direction of the individual columns is aligned in different azimuth directions. The advantage here is compared to a radiator arrangement in front of a planar reflector in a larger azimuth coverage of the radiation diagram generated. Therefore, the antenna arrangement can not only be arranged with one or more columns in front of a planar reflector, but the reflector can also be partially or fully cylindrical. In cross-section (in particular horizontal cross-section) it can also have an n-polygonal shape, in other words it can be formed in such a way that a plurality of primarily vertically aligned columns are oriented at an angle to one another (at an angle to an adjacent column). As a result, the main beam direction of the radiators located in the individual columns is oriented in different azimuth directions.

However, the system can also be provided with further change and setting options.

FIG. 8 shows an antenna arrangement with a comparable network 17 which is basically the same in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. In this case, the network 17 also includes a phase adjustment device 31, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is arranged between the one output 19 ′ a of the hybrid coupler 19 and the assigned input 3.1 ′ of the radiator group 3.1. From the explanation of the previous _exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the output _{signals Houtl} and _{Hout2 are} basically in phase or with a phase shift of 180 ° and that the signal intensities can ultimately be set differently by setting the phase shifters differently. The circuit according to FIG. 8 now provides the possibility that an additional relative phase shift can be carried out between the signals H _out1 and H _out2 supplied to the two antenna _columns 5. By means of this phase shifter element 31, for example, a phase delay can be generated, with the result that then, for example, according to the output _signals H _outl and H _out2 on the hybrid coupler 19, corresponding to the diagrams according to _FIGS. 9 and 10 (which correspond in principle to the diagrams according to _FIGS . 4 and 5) ) Horizontal diagrams can be generated as they can be generated with the help of FIGS. 11.1 to 11.6 corresponding to the different phase shifter settings, as they are represented with the numbers "1" to "7" in FIG. 9. The horizontal diagrams according to FIGS. 11.1 to 11.6 can be achieved if the additional phase shift in the phase setting element 31 is 90 °. If other setting values for the phase shift are set in the phase setting element 31, a further horizontal diagram formation can be carried out. In the simplest case, this phase adjustment element 31 can consist of an additional line piece.

A further expansion of an antenna 3 with a four-column antenna array is now described with reference to FIG. Here too, the horizontal diagram is formed using only a single phase Slider 21, the signals PS _outl and PS _{0Ut2 present at the outputs} 21 'and 21 "now being divided into a total of four signals H _in via a branching or summing point 35' or. 35", so that the first two inputs A, B the signal coming from one phase shifter output with the same phase position and correspondingly equally divided power and the two other inputs C and D the signals coming from the other phase shifter output with correspondingly the same phase position and correspondingly divided equal energy are supplied. In this embodiment, the four inputs A to D represent the inputs of a Butler matrix 119, which in principle consists of four hybrid circuits 19, namely two hybrid circuits each in two successively arranged stages, in each of which an output of an upstream hybrid circuit with the On - • Gang of a subsequent hybrid circuit in the same column and the respective other output of an upstream hybrid circuit is connected to the input of the second hybrid circuit in the second downstream stage.

The four exits I, II, III and IV of the. the hybrid circuit comprising Butler matrix 119 are then connected to the four corresponding inputs of the radiator group 3, which lead to the radiators 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 and 13.4 in the four columns 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and feed these radiator elements.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, it has again been assumed, for simplification, that all radiator elements 13 radiate in a vertical polarization plane.

By setting the phase shifter 21 differently 14, the in-phase signals H _inA and H _inB and the two signals H _inC and H _inD , which differ in phase from one another, can _{now be} generated at the inputs of the Butler matrix 119. All four signals have the same intensity, as shown in Figure 13.

Corresponding to the phase settings then can again be in total in-phase signals H _out at the outputs I to IV, and thus to the corresponding column inputs of the antenna array produce that are in phase or having a different phase, -vorzugs- meadow a 180 ° ^~ phase shift or 180 ° Have a phase jump, but the signals mentioned again have different intensities to one another, as is now illustrated with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

In FIG. 15 the different intensity distribution of the output signals ^H _out is shown for the different phase shifter settings between 90 ° to 180 ° of the input signals H _inA and H _inB , namely the signals ^H _outιr H _out2 , H _out3 and H _out4 as they are to the four outputs I to IV of the Butler matrix and thus to the inputs of the antenna columns. The phase positions of the signals are shown in FIG. The ^{horizontal diagrams} according to FIGS. 17.1 to 17.6 can then be realized in accordance with the positions as they are identified as numerals ^ΛΛ 1 to 6 "in FIG. 15.

This also results in the fact that with extreme variability, the most varied of horizontal diagrams can be set, which allow multiple adjustment options ^" . In the last-mentioned exemplary embodiment, too, an additional phase adjustment or phase adjustment can be provided at the different antenna inputs I to IV in order to be able to carry out a further diagram change or diagram formation.

A further exemplary embodiment of the diagram formation is shown on the basis of FIG. 18, in which, in deviation from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, instead of the differential phase shifter 21 shown in FIG. 12 with subsequent power division, a multiple difference phase shifter 121 is used, as is basically the case from WO 01 / 13459 AI is known. Such a phase shifter, also referred to as a double-phase shifter 121, then has four outputs, a different phase position being able to be generated on the first pair of outputs, in contrast to the second pair of outputs. In addition, such a multi-phase shifter can also include an integrated power distribution, as is also known in principle from WO 01/13459 AI. Thus, the input signals of the hybrid network can accordingly be set differently due to the different power distribution and / or the different volume length of the different phase shift using such a multi-phase shifter.

Instead of such a explained multiple-phase shifter, a plurality of single-phase shifters can also be used, which are connected to one another, for example, via a transmission gear. In this way, for example, a 1: 2 or, for example, a 1: 3 translation can be generated as desired, so that only one setting has to be made in order to work at the outputs of the plurality Phase shifters then generate different phase positions from home. - -

A further large number of different diagrams can be achieved by exchanging the connection between the outputs of the network I to IV and the inputs 3.1 'to 3.4' of the antenna 3.

Reference is made below to FIG. 19. Figure 19 describes a further embodiment in which two different diagram configurations with an antenna e.g. be generated for the transmission case and the reception case.

In this exemplary embodiment, the network 17 upstream of the antenna 3 comprises a duplex filter 41, the input 41a of which is connected to the input 23 of the network. The duplex filter also has two outputs 41b and 41c, each of which is connected to a reception network 43 (RX Network) and a transmission network 45 (TX Network) via one line each. A transmission amplifier 46 can be arranged between the output 41c of the duplex filter 41 and the input 45c of the transmission network 45.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transmission network 45 has four outputs 45.1 to 45.4, which are connected to four inputs of a duplex filter 47. In the other branch, the duplex filter 47 is also connected via four outputs to corresponding four inputs 43.1 to 43.4 of the transmission network 43, a receiving amplifier 48 in turn being connected between the output 43a of the transmission network 43 and the corresponding input 41b of the duplex filter 41 can. The four antenna inputs 3.1 'to 3.4' are connected to the input / output connections 47.1 to 47.4 via four lines.

This arrangement therefore enables a different horizontal diagram to be generated for the receiving and transmitting operations, as is shown with reference to FIGS. 20.1 to 20.3.

In the case of transmission (TX case), e.g. with an azimuth angle of 0 ° (0 ° direction) produces a reduction in the power density. This would lead to an increase in the transmission power in the case of a cell phone located in this direction, since the base station would also receive a weaker signal in this direction with the same reception diagram (RX diagram) and informs the cell phone that Regulate transmission power high.

However, this can be avoided by the circuit according to the invention explained in that a second diagram for the reception case (also RX case) is used, which has a high sensitivity. For example, the horizontal diagram in transmit mode (TX pattern) is shown in FIG. 20.1, with the reduced transmit power at the azimuth angle 0 °. A diagram representation symmetrical to the 0 ° plane is generated here, which has two main lobes that run outward to the common vertical center plane (= 0 ° azimuth angle). For example, the reception diagram is shown in FIG. 20.2. Finally, the overlapped diagram shown in FIGS. 20.1 and 20.2 is drawn in together in FIG. 20.3, from which it follows that both diagrams overlap in the main directions but as desired, in a potentially critical zone, which is shown in FIG. 20.1, the transmission power is set lower while the reception power is optimal.

Claims

claims:

1. Antenna arrangement with the following features: at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided, each comprising at least one radiator element (13; 13.1, 13.2), which are arranged at least horizontally offset from one another, the at least two radiator groups ( 3.1, 3.2) radiate at least in a common polarization plane, a network (17) is provided, _via which the at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) can be _supplied with a signal (A _inl , A _in2 ) with an amplitude adjustable relative to one another, characterized by the The following further features: the network (17) comprises a phase _{adjustment device} (21, 121), via which a supplied input signal (p _S i _n ) with the same intensity but different phase position relative to one another can be divided into two output _signals (PS _outl ; PS _out2 ) , and that a hybrid circuit (19, 119) is also provided, _via which the output _signals (PS _outl , PS _out2 ) in hybrid output Signals (H _outl , H _out2 ) are convertible, which have a fixed predetermined phase relationship to one another and whose amplitude as a function of the different Differ phase positions in the phase adjustment device (21, 121) from each other.

2. Antenna arrangement with the following features: at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided, each comprising at least one radiator element (13; 13.1, 13.2), which are arranged at least horizontally offset from one another, the at least two radiator groups. (3.1, 3.2) radiate at least in a common polarization plane, a network (17) is provided, _via which the at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) can be _supplied with a signal (A _inl , A _in2 ) with an amplitude adjustable relative to one another, characterized by the following further features: by means of the at least one network (17), when signals for the at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are received, an amplitude and phase distribution and thus a directional characteristic of the antenna arrangement are generated, which is different from the amplitude and phase ver - Division and thus the directional characteristic when sending signals via the at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2).

3. Antenna _arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hybrid output _signals (H _outl , H _out2 ) have the same phase position or a phase jump of 180 °.

4. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that between at least one output (19 'a) of the hybrid circuit (19) and at least one input (I) of the radiator group (3) an additional, the phase position changing phase setting element (31 ) is provided.

5. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the phase setting element (21) consists of a differential phase shifter (21 ').

6. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least two radiator groups (radiator group, 3.2) comprise radiator elements (l-radiator group, 13.2) which are arranged with a horizontal lateral offset to the corresponding radiator group.

7. Antenna arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that at least two antenna columns (5.1, 5.2) are provided, the radiator elements (13.1) of one radiator group (3.1) in one column and the radiator elements (5.2) in the other column (5.2). 13.2) of the further radiator group (3.2) are provided.

8. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hybrid circuit (19) consists of a 90 ° hybrid (19 ').

9. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least four hybrid circuits (19) are provided, which are combined to form a Butler matrix (119), via which a four-column antenna array can be fed, one of which is the input of the Phase shifter setting device (21) feedable feed signal (Ps _in ) can be divided into two phase _{output signals} (PS _outl , PS _0Ut2 ), and that each output (21 ', 21 ") of each via a downstream branching or summing point (35', 35") Phase adjustment device (21) with two inputs (A, B, C, D) of the Butler matrix (119) is connected.

10. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least four hybrid circuits (19) are provided, which are combined to form a Butler matrix (119), which is a four-column

Antenna array can be fed, - wherein a double or multiple phase shifter arrangement is provided, so that the feed (23) of the network (17) and thus the phase shifter setting device (121) feedable feed signal (PS _in ) in four phase shifter output signals Is divisible, which can be fed to the four inputs (A, B, C, D) of the Butler matrix (119).

11. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the radiator elements (13; 13.1, 13.2) arranged in a column (5) are adjusted such that their main lobes are aligned parallel to one another, preferably in front of a planar reflector or a partially or fully cylindrical reflector or a n-polygonal reflector in cross section, the columns of which are thereby formed are oriented at an angle to one another in the horizontal direction, as a result of which the main beam direction of the individual columns is oriented in different azimuth directions.

12. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are preferably arranged in front of a common reflector arrangement (1).

13. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a plurality of radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided which radiate partly in one polarization and partly in a second polarization plane perpendicular to the first polarization.

14. Antenna arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the ^' dual-polarized radiator elements (13.1, 13.2) are aligned in + 45 ° or -45 ° orientation with respect to the horizontal.

15. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided which radiate only in one frequency band.

16. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a plurality of radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are provided which radiate in at least two frequency bands, preferably in at least two polarization planes.

17. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connecting lines between the outputs (I, II, III, IV) of the hybrid circuit (119) and the inputs (3.1 ', 3.2', 3.3 ', 3.4') the antenna arrangement are interchangeable to achieve different horizontal diagrams.

18. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the connecting line between the outputs (I, II, III, IV) of the network (119) preferably in the form of a hybrid circuit and the inputs (3.1 ', 3.2' , 3.3 ', 3.4') of the antenna arrangement are at least partially of different lengths.

19. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the network (17) comprises a receiving and a transmitting branch with at least one receiving network (43) and one transmitting network (45), wherein in the receiving network (43) an amplitude and phase distribution - and thus ultimately a directional characteristic of the antenna arrangement is realized, which is different from the amplitude and phase distribution and thus from the directional characteristic of the antenna arrangement, which is implemented in the transmission network (45).

20. Antenna arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the beam shaping is variably adjustable.

21. A method for operating an antenna arrangement, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by the following features: a transmission signal is changed via a phase adjustment device (21, 121) and a subsequent network (17) such that the transmission signal at the output of the network (17) and thus at the at least two inputs (3.1 ', 3.2') with the same phase and adjustable amplitudes or with a different phase, preferably with a 180 ° phase shift. development diagrams. can be generated as a function of the different realized phase / amplitude distribution, (a) which are asymmetrical, and / or (b) which are symmetrical and comprise at least two main lobes, which are preferably symmetrical to a vertical plane perpendicular to the reflector plane, and / or ( c) which have at least three main lobes or an odd number of main lobes whose maximum intensity differ from one another by less than 50%.

22. A method for operating an antenna arrangement, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by the following features: an antenna arrangement with at least two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) is used, each of which has at least one radiator element. (13.1, 13.2), two radiator groups (3.1, 3.2) are used, which comprise radiator elements (13.1, 13.2) that radiate at least in a common polarization plane, and when signals are received, at least two radiator groups (3.1 , 3.2) generates an amplitude and phase distribution and thus a directional characteristic of the antenna arrangement, which is different from the amplitude and phase distribution and thus from the directional characteristic when transmitting signals via the at least two. .Lighting groups (3.1, 3.2).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that a horizontal chart is in the transmit mode generated which overlaps with the ^'generated for the receive mode horizontal chart, the horizontal chart generated for the transmit mode has a surface region with a lower power density.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that a network (17) with a reception network (43) and a transmission network (45) is used, by means of which a horizontal diagram can be set, which shows the transmission and reception mode is different.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the signal supplied to the antenna is subjected to an additional phase shift at least before an input (3.1 'to 3.4').

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that at least four hybrid circuits (19) are used and a four-column antenna array is fed via this.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that two phase shifter _{output signals} (PS _outl , PS _out2 ) are tapped at the two outputs of a phase shifter _{setting device} (21), and that the four signals generated in this way are sent to the four inputs (A, B, C, D) a Butler matrix (119) are supplied.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized characterized in that a double-phase shifter arrangement (121) is used, at whose four outputs four output signals can be generated, which are fed to the four inputs (A, B, C, D) of a Butler matrix (119).