A multi-beam circular array antenna

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of multi-beam ring array antennas, comprising: three electric bridges, three power dividers are fed network and six omnidirectional antennas are formed ring array;Wherein, the six branch ends of first, second and third electric bridge are connected with six omnidirectional antennas respectively;The six branch ends of first, second and third electric bridge are connected with the six branch ends of first, second and third power divider respectively;Three combining ends of first, second and third power divider are three beam ports respectively.Three input ports of fed network can provide specific phase excitation to specific four adjacent omnidirectional antennas in ring array, so that three directional beams pointing to adjacent about 120 ° can be obtained in azimuth plane, and each directional beam obtains high gain due to using the maximum radiation aperture of ring array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beamforming technology, and in particular to a multi-beam ring array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Omnidirectional antennas have wide beamwidths and large coverage areas, but low gain; directional antennas have high gain, but narrow beamwidths, resulting in smaller coverage areas. In engineering, feed networks are often used to generate multiple phase distributions to feed all or some of the array elements, thereby obtaining multiple beams pointing in different directions, resulting in high antenna gain and large coverage areas.

[0003] In related technologies, the patent document "Triangular Prism Eight-Port PHS Base Station Antenna" (application number 200420085995.8) utilizes some array elements in three sectors to synthesize an omnidirectional beam and uses some array elements to form sector beams, enabling the antenna to simultaneously possess multi-polarization and multi-port capabilities. The patent document "A Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna and Its Phased Array" (application number 201711248743.0) achieves antenna structure and pattern reconstruction by selecting four feed points through a microwave switch, obtaining four beams pointing in different directions, and enabling one-dimensional scanning of linear array beams within a certain range and two-dimensional scanning of planar array beams within a certain range. The patent document "Two-dimensional electronic scanning antenna" (application number 201410677780.3) describes how, in a planar array of rows and columns, tapping different positions on the transmission lines connecting the array elements on both sides creates different feed phase differences between the array elements on both sides, which is equivalent to implementing multiple phase shifters. A microwave switch is then used to select and use the taps (phase shifters), thereby forming a certain regular phase for all array elements and realizing the scanning of the antenna beam.

[0004] Therefore, how to further improve the gain of multiple beams in an array antenna is a problem that professionals in the field urgently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-beam ring array antenna that at least partially solves the above-mentioned technical problems. This multi-beam ring array antenna has three directional beams, each of which achieves high gain due to the use of the maximum radiating aperture of the ring array.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] This invention provides a multi-beam ring array antenna, comprising: a feed network consisting of three bridges and three power dividers, and a ring array consisting of six omnidirectional antennas;

[0008] The six branch terminals of the first, second, and third bridges are connected to the six omnidirectional antennas respectively; the six combiner terminals of the first, second, and third bridges are connected to the six branch terminals of the first, second, and third power dividers respectively; and the three combiner terminals of the first, second, and third power dividers are the three beam ports respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the first branch terminal of the first bridge is connected to the first omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch terminal of the first bridge is connected to the second omnidirectional antenna;

[0010] The first branch of the second bridge is connected to the third omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch of the second bridge is connected to the fourth omnidirectional antenna.

[0011] The first branch terminal of the third bridge is connected to the fifth omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch terminal of the third bridge is connected to the sixth omnidirectional antenna.

[0012] Among them, the six connecting lines between the branch end and the omnidirectional antenna are in phase.

[0013] Furthermore, the six omnidirectional antennas have the same structural parameters and performance; the first to sixth omnidirectional antennas are arranged in a circular array by rotating counterclockwise in sequence, with a 60° interval between adjacent omnidirectional antennas.

[0014] Furthermore, the three bridges have the same structural parameters and performance; each bridge includes two combining terminals and two shunting terminals; the two combining terminals are the first combining terminal and the second combining terminal; the two shunting terminals are the first shunting terminal and the second shunting terminal.

[0015] In each bridge:

[0016] When the first combiner input is used, the output power of the two branch terminals is equal, and the phase of the first branch terminal is 90° ahead of the phase of the second branch terminal; when the second combiner input is used, the output power of the two branch terminals is equal, and the phase of the second branch terminal is 90° ahead of the phase of the first branch terminal.

[0017] Furthermore, the three power dividers have the same structural parameters and performance;

[0018] In each power divider, when the input is at the combiner terminal, the output power and phase of the two branch terminals are equal;

[0019] in:

[0020] The first branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the first bridge, and the second branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the second bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase.

[0021] The first branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the second bridge, and the second branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the third bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase.

[0022] The first branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the third bridge, and the second branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the first bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The present invention provides a multi-beam ring array antenna comprising a feed network consisting of three 3dB bridges and three power dividers, and a ring array consisting of six omnidirectional antennas. The three input ports of the feed network can provide specific phase excitation to four specific adjacent omnidirectional antennas in the ring array, thereby obtaining three directional beams pointing approximately 120° apart in the azimuth plane. Each directional beam obtains high gain due to the use of the maximum radiation aperture of the ring array. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-beam ring array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 The three beam azimuth plane patterns of the multi-beam ring array antenna provided in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Reference Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a multi-beam ring array antenna, comprising: a feed network consisting of three 3dB bridges and three power dividers, and a ring array consisting of six omnidirectional antennas; wherein, the six branch terminals of the first to third bridges are respectively connected to the six omnidirectional antennas, the six branch terminals of the first to third power dividers are respectively connected to the six combining terminals of the first to third bridges, and the three combining terminals of the first to third power dividers are three beam ports. Each of the three beam ports can provide specific phase excitation to four specific adjacent omnidirectional antennas in the ring array, thereby obtaining three directional beams pointing approximately 120° apart in the azimuth plane. Each directional beam achieves high gain due to the use of the maximum aperture cross-section of the ring array.

[0031] The above six omnidirectional antennas have the same structural parameters and performance. The first to sixth omnidirectional antennas are arranged in a circular array by rotating counterclockwise in sequence, with a spacing of 60°.

[0032] The three bridges mentioned above have the same structural parameters and performance. Each bridge contains two combiner terminals and two branch terminals. The two combiner terminals are the first combiner terminal and the second combiner terminal. The two branch terminals are the first branch terminal and the second branch terminal.

[0033] In each bridge: when the first combiner is input, the output power of the two branches is equal, and the first branch is 90° ahead of the second branch; when the second combiner is input, the output power of the two branches is equal, and the second branch is 90° ahead of the first branch.

[0034] Specifically, the first branch of the first bridge is connected to the first omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch is connected to the second omnidirectional antenna; the first branch of the second bridge is connected to the third omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch is connected to the fourth omnidirectional antenna; the first branch of the third bridge is connected to the fifth omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch is connected to the sixth omnidirectional antenna; the six connecting lines are in phase.

[0035] The three power dividers described above have the same structural parameters and performance. In each power divider, when the input is at the combiner terminal, the output power and phase of the two branch terminals are equal. The first branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the first bridge, and the second branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the second bridge. The phase of the two connecting lines is equal. The first branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the second bridge, and the second branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the third bridge. The phase of the two connecting lines is equal. The first branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the third bridge, and the second branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the first bridge. The phase of the two connecting lines is equal.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, when beam 1 is working, the combining terminal of the first power divider simultaneously feeds the first to fourth omnidirectional antennas, with the feeding phases being (90°, 0°, 0°, 90°) in sequence. The beam direction is approximately the radial direction of the ring array between the second and third omnidirectional antennas.

[0037] When beam 2 is working, the combining terminal of the second power divider simultaneously feeds the third to sixth omnidirectional antennas, with the feeding phases being (90°, 0°, 0°, 90°) in sequence. The beam direction is approximately the radial direction of the ring array between the fourth and fifth omnidirectional antennas.

[0038] When beam 3 is working, the combining terminal of the third power divider simultaneously feeds the fifth, sixth, first, and second omnidirectional antennas, with the feeding phases being (90°, 0°, 0°, 90°) in sequence. The beam direction is approximately the radial direction of the ring array between the sixth and first omnidirectional antennas.

[0039] A specific embodiment: For example, the operating frequency is 2.7 GHz, the diameter of the ring array is 40 mm, the six omnidirectional antennas are vertically polarized two-element cascaded arrays, and the gain of the isolated omnidirectional antenna is 4.3 dBi. The obtained azimuth polar coordinate pattern of the three beams is as follows. Figure 2 As shown, radial direction represents gain in dBi, and polar angle represents azimuth angle φ in °.

[0040] The gain of beam 1 is 10.6 dBi, the beam pointing is φ = 90°, and the 3 dB beamwidth is 72°.

[0041] Beam 2 has a gain of 10.6 dBi, a beam pointing angle of φ = 210°, and a 3 dB beamwidth of 72°.

[0042] The gain of beam 3 is 10.6 dBi, the beam pointing is φ = 330°, and the 3 dB beamwidth is 72°.

[0043] As can be seen, the gain of the three obtained beams is improved, by approximately 6.3 dB compared to the isolated omnidirectional antenna. Each of the three beam ports can provide specific phase excitation to four specific adjacent omnidirectional antennas in the ring array, thereby obtaining three directional beams pointing approximately 120° apart in the azimuth plane. Each directional beam achieves high gain due to the use of the maximum radiating aperture of the ring array.

[0044] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A multi-beam ring array antenna, characterized in that, include: A feed network consisting of three bridges and three power dividers, and a ring array consisting of six omnidirectional antennas; The six branch terminals of the first, second, and third bridges are connected to six omnidirectional antennas respectively; the six combiner terminals of the first, second, and third bridges are connected to the six branch terminals of the first, second, and third power dividers respectively; and the three combiner terminals of the first, second, and third power dividers are three beam ports respectively. The three power dividers have the same structural parameters and performance. In each power divider, when the input is at the combiner terminal, the output power and phase of the two branch terminals are equal; in: The first branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the first bridge, and the second branch terminal of the first power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the second bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase. The first branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the second bridge, and the second branch terminal of the second power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the third bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase. The first branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the first combiner terminal of the third bridge, and the second branch terminal of the third power divider is connected to the second combiner terminal of the first bridge. The two connecting lines are in phase.

2. The multi-beam ring array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first branch terminal of the first bridge is connected to the first omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch terminal of the first bridge is connected to the second omnidirectional antenna; The first branch of the second bridge is connected to the third omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch of the second bridge is connected to the fourth omnidirectional antenna. The first branch terminal of the third bridge is connected to the fifth omnidirectional antenna, and the second branch terminal of the third bridge is connected to the sixth omnidirectional antenna. Among them, the six connecting lines between the branch end and the omnidirectional antenna are in phase.

3. A multi-beam ring array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The six omnidirectional antennas have the same structural parameters and performance; the first to sixth omnidirectional antennas are arranged in a circular array by rotating counterclockwise in sequence, with a 60° interval between adjacent omnidirectional antennas.

4. A multi-beam ring array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three bridges have the same structural parameters and performance; each bridge contains two combining terminals and two sliding terminals; the two combining terminals are the first combining terminal and the second combining terminal; the two sliding terminals are the first sliding terminal and the second sliding terminal. In each bridge: When the first combiner input is used, the output power of the two branch terminals is equal, and the phase of the first branch terminal is 90° ahead of the phase of the second branch terminal; when the second combiner input is used, the output power of the two branch terminals is equal, and the phase of the second branch terminal is 90° ahead of the phase of the first branch terminal.

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