Antenna device and aircraft / spacecraft

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna device (1) for transmitting and receiving microwaves with controllable multi-beam directivity, comprising: a base body (2) comprising at least one plate-like module (3) of a first type and at least one further plate-like module (4) of a second type, the first module (3) and the second module (4) being stacked one by one on top of one another, each module (3, 4) comprises at least one transmitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of the end face (5-8) thereof, each transmitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of each module (3, 4) comprises a plurality of antenna elements (13), and the antenna elements (13) are arranged on the side surfaces (10-12) of the base body (2) and the end faces (5-8) of the modules (3, 4) together define the side surfaces (10-12) of the base body (2). The first module (3) and the second module (4) are arranged such that one emission-side surface (14, 43) of the first module (3) is part of a first side surface (9) of the base body (2) and one emission-side surface (16, 43) of the second module (4) is part of a second side surface (10) of the base body (2), the first side surface (9) and the second side surface (10) of the base body (2) being different, and each transmitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of each module (3, 4) defines an antenna array via its antenna element (13). The invention also relates to an aircraft or spacecraft, in particular a satellite (100), comprising the antenna device (1).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device for transmitting and receiving microwaves with controllable multi-beam directivity. In addition, the present invention relates to an aircraft or spacecraft comprising said antenna device.

[0002] In particular in aircraft or spacecraft, an antenna device is used that can controllably receive and / or transmit in multiple directions ("multi-directional antenna"), in particular simultaneously ("multi-beam"), so as to receive and / or transmit signals from / to, for example, a fixed base station, even when being transmitted by an opposing transmitter / receiver (i.e., for example, a fixed base station). Conventionally, such a multi-beam directional antenna device is known, for example, from US8604989B1. Such an antenna device is known to include an array of antenna elements as an integrated phased array, with which the power and / or directivity of the beam emission can be controlled. In the aforementioned example, the phased array antenna device includes an array of antenna elements, a plurality of waveguides, a beam forming network and an RF switch. By adjusting the phase angle of the signals received / transmitted from the antenna elements in the array, the device effectively guides the antenna beam.

[0003] However, the proposed solutions are bulky and heavy. Furthermore, their directivity range of transmittable / receivable beams is very limited, especially facing the relative transmitter / receiver of the antenna element array. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device that is able to overcome these drawbacks. In particular, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an antenna device that is compact, lightweight and has a large range of transmittable / receivable beam axes and is therefore particularly suitable for use in aircraft and / or spacecraft, such as satellites. Another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device that has advantageous thermal properties, in particular an advantageous heat distribution throughout the device. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an aircraft or spacecraft, in particular a satellite, which comprises the antenna device and is therefore compact, lightweight and able to transmit / receive signals within a wide angular range.

[0005] These objects are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0006] In particular, these objects are solved by an antenna device according to the following, which is used to transmit and receive microwaves with controllable multi-beam directivity. The antenna device includes a substrate. The substrate includes at least one plate-shaped module of the first type and at least one other plate-shaped module of the second type. The first module and the second module (i.e., the modules of the first type and the second type) are stacked on each other. Their end faces together define the side surface of the substrate. Among them, each module includes at least one transmitting side surface as its end face. Each transmitting side surface of each module includes a plurality of antenna elements. The first module and the second module are arranged so that one transmitting side surface of the first module is part of the first side surface of the substrate, and one transmitting side surface of the second module is part of the second side surface of the substrate, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate are different. In addition, each transmitting side surface of each module defines an antenna array via its antenna element. In the above and the following, for simplicity, it is referred to as "transmitting side surface". As understood by those skilled in the art, the antenna element or array can mainly transmit and receive, so that the "transmitting side surface" can also refer to the "receiving side surface". Therefore, in the following, for simplicity, it can be referred to as transmitting only, without excluding receiving, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, the antenna device is not limited to including modules of the first type and the second type. The antenna device may also include modules of the third type, the fourth type, etc. These other types may share the side surface of the substrate with other module types as the corresponding emitting side surface, or each may be part of a different side surface of the substrate, as in the case of the first module and the second module.

[0007] Therefore, the invention of claim 1 provides an antenna device that provides controllable multi-beam directivity via an antenna array of each module. In addition, by providing multiple (i.e., at least two) module types, whose transmitting side surfaces define different side surfaces (at least the first side surface and the second side surface) of the substrate, the range of transmission / reception of the device is enhanced. In this regard, the term "the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate are different" means that the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate face different directions. Therefore, one (e.g., the first) side surface can transmit or receive at an angle range different from that of another (e.g., the second) side surface of the substrate, thereby greatly enhancing the range of transmittable / receivable angles. In addition, because the modules are stacked on top of each other, enhanced heat distribution is achieved between them, thereby reducing signal noise.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first module includes one emitting side surface as its end face, in particular only one emitting side surface as its end face. In addition, the second module preferably includes one emitting side surface as its end face, in particular only one emitting side surface as its end face. This may also be the case for modules of the third type or more types. In other words, each module preferably includes only one emitting side surface. As further explained below and throughout the embodiments, in some embodiments, one or more or all modules (one or more types) respectively include more than one emitting side surface. For example, one or more or all modules respectively include two emitting side surfaces. As described above, the advantage of providing only one emitting side surface is that each module is easy to manufacture and requires low control complexity. As described above, the advantage of providing more than one (especially two) emitting side surfaces is that the range of possible angles for transmission / reception can be improved.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first module and the second module are arranged so that their emitting side surfaces provide beam ranges that do not overlap each other, that is, the beam range provided by the first module does not overlap the beam range provided by the second module. For example, in some embodiments, the first module and the second module are arranged so that the first side surface of the substrate is substantially opposite to the second side surface of the substrate.

[0010] As an alternative to the non-overlapping emission side surfaces of the above-mentioned modules, in addition to the emission side surfaces defining different side surfaces of the substrate, the modules may also include a common emission side surface. For example, the first module type may include two emission side surfaces (a first emission side surface and a second emission side surface), and the second module type may include two emission side surfaces, wherein these are different end surfaces of each module, respectively. Wherein, as described above, the first emission side surface of the first module type defines a substrate side surface (i.e., the aforementioned first side surface of the substrate) that is different from the first emission side surface of the second module type (i.e., the aforementioned second side surface of the substrate). In addition to this, the second emission side surface of the first module type and the second emission side surface of the second module type may jointly define (i.e., be part of) the same side surface of the substrate, such as the third side surface of the substrate.

[0011] In some advantageous embodiments, a plurality of antenna elements of each module are arranged in a row. Thus, these antenna elements are defined or arranged in a row of antenna elements. In the exemplary case of providing at least two of at least one single type of modules, the columns of antenna elements thus formed provide an antenna matrix array. For example, in the exemplary case of providing a first module and two second modules, the antenna elements of the first module (forming a first side surface of the substrate) define a row of antenna elements, i.e. a linear array of antenna elements. In addition, the antenna elements of the two second modules (forming a second side surface of the substrate different from the first side surface of the substrate) define two rows of antenna elements, which together form a matrix array (two columns, the number of rows corresponding to the number of antenna elements in the linear array). This can also be extended to multiple first modules and / or other types of modules. In the example where each module includes more than one emitting side surface, the above explanation will be understood for each individual emitting side surface.

[0012] Advantageously, each module further comprises a coupling side surface as its other end surface. Each coupling side surface of each module comprises a plurality of coupling ports. In other words, each module comprises a coupling side surface different from its transmitting side surface. The coupling ports of the coupling side surface provide coupling of a signal to be transmitted or received from the module to the module / coupling of a signal to be transmitted or received from the module to the module.

[0013] Preferably, the modules are arranged so that the coupling side surfaces of all modules are part of the same third side surface of the substrate. In other words, the module types (i.e. at least the first type and the second type) are arranged so that their transmitting side surfaces define different side surfaces of the substrate, and so that their coupling side surfaces define the same side surface of the substrate. For example, in the case where each module has one transmitting side surface, the transmitting side surface of the first module is part of the first side surface of the substrate, the transmitting side surface of the second module is part of the second side surface of the substrate, and the coupling side surfaces of the first module and the second module together are part of the third side surface of the substrate. In particular, the coupling side surface is different from the side surface of the substrate defined by the transmitting side surfaces of the modules. By providing a common coupling side surface between different module types, the configuration of the antenna device can be made more compact and the feeding of signals to / from the coupling port can be simplified, because the signal can be provided to / from a single side surface of the substrate.

[0014] In some examples, end surface(s) of one type of module that does not include any antenna elements (i.e., non-emitting side surfaces thereof) and end surface(s) of a different type of module that includes antenna elements (i.e., emitting side surfaces thereof) together form a common side surface of the substrate.

[0015] Preferably, the end faces of the modules define a flat side surface of the base body. In other words, the modules preferably have the same size and are aligned to form a flat planar side surface of the base body (except for the antenna elements and / or hollow waveguides explained below).

[0016] In some advantageous embodiments, each module includes a plurality of hollow waveguides. The hollow waveguides connect the coupling side surface with the emitting side surface, in particular the coupling port with the antenna element. The hollow waveguides are formed in the corresponding modules. Due to the provision of the hollow waveguides, the configuration of the antenna device can be more compact.

[0017] The antenna element may be formed as an open end of a hollow waveguide, or in addition to the open end of a hollow waveguide as shown, may be formed to cover a circuit board.

[0018] In particular, the module comprises or consists essentially of a material that is opaque to the microwaves transmitted / received thereby. Preferably, the material comprises or consists of a metal, such as aluminum. This has the advantage that the heat distribution within and between the individual modules is increased, which further improves efficiency and reduces the negative influence of temperature on wavelength or wave direction. The hollow waveguide is preferably formed as a hollow elongated portion of the module, connecting the antenna element and the coupling port, i.e. connecting the transmitting side surface and the coupling side surface. More preferably, each module is formed as a composite plate from two plates, wherein each plate respectively includes grooves formed therein, which provide half of the hollow waveguide (in thickness perpendicular to the beam propagation direction). More preferably, two modules are formed as a composite plate from three plates, wherein two outer plates sandwich an inner plate, the inner plate includes half of the hollow portion on both sides (facing the outer plates), and each outer plate includes the other half of the hollow portion.

[0019] In some advantageous embodiments, each module includes a beamforming network connected to the hollow waveguide. Wherein the beamforming network of each module includes at least one of a Ruze lens, a Ritman lens, a Luneberg lens, and a Butler matrix. In other words, the beamforming network of each module includes one or more of the above elements. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the beamforming network of each module includes a Rotman lens.

[0020] Preferably, in the case where one or more modules include two or more emitting side surfaces, the corresponding beam forming network includes a corresponding plurality of Luzer lenses, Rotman lenses, Lemberg lenses or Butler matrices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more modules having two or more emitting side surfaces include one of the above elements and at least one hollow waveguide directly connected to an antenna element of a second emitting side surface, which is different from the emitting side surface to which the above element is connected.

[0021] More preferably, the beamforming network is formed as a hollowed-out portion of the module, in particular similar to a hollow waveguide. For example, the module is formed from a composite plate, each plate may include a respective half or shared groove forming the beamforming network. For example, the Rotman lens may be formed from two opposing elliptical hollowed-out portions of the composite plate.

[0022] Advantageously, the electrical path lengths of at least two hollow waveguides between the coupling side surface and the transmitting side surface differ from each other. Thereby, a phase difference or path length difference introduced by the curvature of an element of the beamforming network, in particular a Rotman lens, is corrected between two hollow waveguides of different electrical path lengths. In the example of a Rotman lens, such hollow waveguides with different electrical path lengths are also often referred to as "phase correction lines". Thereby, a beam can be scanned along a wide range of transmit / receive angles via the beamforming network.

[0023] In some examples, the antenna device further includes a signal distribution network, wherein the signal distribution network includes a plurality of network ports. Each network port is connected to a coupling port. In other words, the network port couples the signal distribution network to the coupling side surface of each module, i.e., its coupling port, so as to feed / receive signals to / from the module.

[0024] Preferably, the signal distribution network comprises at least one switching element, which is respectively configured to switch at least one, in particular only one, network port. Thus, the signal distribution network is selectively coupled to the coupling port of each module via its network port and at least one switch. In the case of a switch switching multiple network ports, different coupling ports of one or different modules can be switched simultaneously.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the signal distribution network comprises a bidirectional front end connected to the network ports and configured to phase shift, in particular variable phase shift, the signals between the network ports to control the beam directivity, in particular beam segmentation, of the transmitted / received (receivable) microwaves.

[0026] In particular, a bidirectional front end (hereinafter referred to as "front end") is commonly connected to all coupling ports of a single module via a single front end line and via a network port of a signal distribution network. Each coupling port is connected to the front end via a corresponding switch connected to the front end line, so that the number of switches per module corresponds to the number of coupling ports / network ports. Therefore, the signal distribution network includes a number of front end lines corresponding to the total number of modules (of all types), each front end line being connected to one module. By introducing a phase shift between different modules (i.e., between different front end lines), the modules can be controlled to form beams separated from each other, or the modules can be controlled to form a common beam together via interference.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the number of coupling ports and the number of antenna elements are not equal. In other words, the number of coupling ports does not correspond to the number of antenna elements. For example, in the case where each module includes a Rotman lens, the number of coupling ports can be higher than the number of antenna elements.

[0028] Advantageously, in order to prevent coupling, the shortest distance between two antenna elements of a module and / or between two antenna elements of multiple modules of the same type is substantially not less than λ / 2, and in order to prevent grating lobes, the maximum distance between two antenna elements of a module and / or between two antenna elements of multiple modules of the same type is substantially not greater than λ / 2. Preferably, the above distance is ideally 0.5λ. In some cases, the above distance is between 0.4λ and 0.8λ, preferably in increments of 0.1λ. Wherein, λ refers to the wavelength of the transmitted / received signal. In particular, when considering the wavelength range for the transmission / reception of signals, for example, the Ka band (26.5GHz-40GHz), the λ relative to the shortest distance is predetermined as the median or arithmetic mean of the range. Preferably, the term "substantially" refers to an exact distance with an additional manufacturing tolerance, for example 10% or 5%. For example, two adjacent antenna elements in a row of a module (for example, a module of the first type) are spaced apart from each other by λ / 2. Furthermore, for example, one antenna element of one module of the first type is spaced apart from a corresponding antenna element (of the same row) of a second module of the first type (both on the same side surface) by λ / 2. Thus, antenna elements of the same and / or separate modules may interfere with each other, thereby allowing a common beam to be formed from different antenna elements of different or the same modules of the same type.

[0029] In some advantageous embodiments, the antenna device further comprises at least one further plate-shaped module of a third or more types. Each type of module comprises a respective emitting side surface. Furthermore, all types of modules are arranged so that their emitting side surfaces are part of different side surfaces of the substrate. In other words, the substrate comprises a plurality of side surfaces, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of module types. In combination with its coupling side surfaces defining the same side surface, such a substrate comprises a plurality of side surfaces, the number of which corresponds to the number of module types plus one. For example, three module types are comprised, in such a combination example, the substrate would comprise four side surfaces, namely three side surfaces corresponding to the different emitting side surfaces of the three module types and one side surface corresponding (commonly) to the coupling side surfaces of all three module types.

[0030] Advantageously, modules of all types are arranged alternately in a periodic manner according to their type. For example, along the stacking direction: one first module, one second module, one third module, one first module, one second module, one third module, etc. Optionally, within this periodic arrangement, multiple modules of the same type can be stacked directly on top of each other, for example: two first modules, two second modules, two third modules, etc. The advantage of the alternating arrangement is that the overall height or volume of the antenna device can be reduced, especially because a module of the first type can be sandwiched between two modules of the second or third type, while maintaining the wavelength requirement of the distance between the antenna elements of each module (first module to first module or first module to other modules).

[0031] Preferably, the antenna device further comprises or is connected to a processing device for processing transmitted and / or received signals, such as a CPU, a GPU, a FPGA, an ASIC, etc.

[0032] The antenna device, in particular the front end thereof, preferably further comprises signal processing means, such as one or more bandpass filters, phase shift circuits and / or converter circuits.

[0033] Preferably, the signal distribution network is at least partially printed on a circuit board.Preferably, the signal distribution network, in particular its printed circuit board, is arranged on a substrate supporting a base body of the antenna device.

[0034] The present invention also relates to an aircraft or spacecraft, in particular a satellite, comprising at least one antenna device according to the aforementioned embodiments and examples. For example, if the antenna device of the exemplary satellite comprises two module types, and their transmitting side surfaces define a first side surface and a second side surface of a base body that are opposite to each other in the flight direction, then one transmitting side surface can communicate with a fixed base station when traveling toward the station, while the other transmitting side surface can communicate with the station when traveling away from the station. Of course, this can be done simultaneously, especially in the case of multiple base stations. If the antenna device, for example, comprises a third module type, the satellite can also communicate with the base station when traveling directly above the base station.

[0035] The invention thus provides a compact, lightweight antenna device having a high range of transmittable / receivable beams and a favourable heat distribution, and an aircraft or spacecraft having these advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Further details, advantages and features of preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view showing a module included in an antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2shows a perspective exploded view of a module included in an antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A perspective view showing a module included in an antenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4a shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a module included in the antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b A detailed cross-sectional view showing a module included in the antenna device according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4c A detailed cross-sectional view showing an alternative example of one module included in the antenna device according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4d A detailed cross-sectional view showing another alternative example of a plurality of modules included in the antenna device according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram showing components of an antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 a perspective view showing details of an antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A detailed view of a portion of an antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in; and Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing an antenna device according to a second embodiment or a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of modules 3, 4 included in an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] The antenna device 1 is used to transmit and receive microwaves having controllable multi-beam directivity. Hereinafter, before explaining the function of the antenna device 1, the arrangement and configuration of the modules 3, 4 and the base 2 of the antenna device 1 will be explained first.

[0039] In particular, Figure 1 A base body 2 of an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0040] The base body 2 is formed by a plurality of modules 3, 4. In particular, the base body 2 is defined as the whole of all modules 3, 4. Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the base body 2 of this example has a blunt pyramid shape. The modules 3 and 4 are in the form of plates in the shape of blunt pyramids and are stacked on each other to form the base body 2 .

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the base body 2 includes a first type of module 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "first module") and a second type of module 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "second module"). The two types of modules 3 and 4 each include four end surfaces, namely ( Figure 1 (in the clockwise direction) the first end face 5, the second end face 6, the third end face 7 and the fourth end face 8.

[0042] Each of the modules 3, 4 comprises antenna elements 13. In each module 3, 4, these antenna elements 13 are arranged in a row on one of the end faces 5, 7. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing only the antenna element 13 of the first module 3. For the first module 3, the antenna element 13 is arranged on one end face, namely, the first end face 5 thereof. The end face 5 defines the emitting side surface 14 of the first module 3 via the antenna element 13. For reference, in the present embodiment, the other visible end face (i.e., the second end face 6 of the first module 3) does not include the antenna element 13, and thus can be defined as forming the non-emitting side surface 15 of the first module 3.

[0043] Although not visible, the second modules 4 further comprise antenna elements 13 in a row, in particular in the same manner as the first modules 3. Thus, each of the second modules 4 further comprises an emitting side surface 16. The emitting side surfaces 16 of the second modules 4 are formed on their third end faces 7. For example, the second modules 4 may be essentially the first modules 3 turned over. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second end faces 6 of the second modules 4 are also defined as non-emitting side surfaces 15 of the second modules 4.

[0044] Here, the first module 3 and the second module 4 are arranged so that the emission side surface 14 of the first module 3 is part of the first side surface 9 of the base 2. In addition, the emission side surface 16 of the second module 4 is part of the second side surface 10 of the base 2. The first side surface 9 and the second side surface 10 of the base 2 are different side surfaces 9, 10 of the base 2. In particular, the first side surface 9 and the second side surface 10 are opposite to each other.

[0045] Each emitting side surface 14, 16 thus defines an antenna array via its antenna elements 13. Here, each module 3, 4, in particular each emitting side surface 14, 16 of each module 3, 4, defines a linear antenna array.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, a plurality of first modules 3 and a plurality of second modules 4 are alternately stacked along the stacking direction 20, i.e., first modules 3, second modules 4, first modules 3, etc. In summary, all first modules 3 thus define an antenna matrix array (a plurality of stacked linear arrays), and all second modules 4 thus define another antenna matrix array. In particular, the shortest distance 35 between two adjacent antenna elements 13 of a single module 3 is substantially λ / 2, λ being the wavelength of the transmitted / received signal or the median or arithmetic mean of the wavelength range transmitted / received by the antenna device 1. Preferably, the shortest distance 36 between two adjacent antenna elements 13 of two different modules 3 of the same type (e.g., two first modules 3) is also substantially λ / 2.

[0047] Typically, the antenna device 1 may include more than the first module type 3 and the second module type 4. For example, although Figure 1 Not shown (compare Figure 4d and Figure 8 ; Reference numeral 46), but the antenna device 1 may in particular include a third module type. The third module type preferably has its emitting side surface 43 (such as Figure 8 In addition, the first to third modules 3 and 4 are preferably stacked alternately periodically, for example: the first module 3, the second module 4, the third module, the first module 3, the second module 4, the third module, etc.

[0048] As will be explained in more detail below, in this embodiment each of the modules 3,4 comprises a composite plate 17,18 preferably formed of metal, in particular aluminium. The antenna element 13 is for example the end of a hollow waveguide (explained below) which leads to the outside of each module 3,4.

[0049] By providing the first module 3 and the second module 4 of the antenna device 1 with such a configuration having a plurality of different transmitting side surfaces 14, 16, the antenna device 1 has the advantage of a wider range of transmittable and / or receivable beams. Furthermore, stacking of the modules 3, 4 allows for an advantageous heat distribution between the modules 3, 4.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , a second embodiment of modules 3 and 4 will be explained. Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a module 3 included in an antenna device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, for simplicity, Figure 2 Only two of one type of modules 3 are shown, i.e. Figure 1 The first module 3 of the first embodiment shown is modified. Here, similar to Figure 1 The base body 2 includes a plurality of first modules 3 and a plurality of second modules 4, wherein, for the sake of simplicity, only the first modules 3 are shown.

[0051] Each first module 3 includes antenna elements 13 on two end faces, namely the first end face 5 and the second end face 6. Although not shown, the second module 4 includes an antenna element 13 on its third end face 7 (as described above with respect to Figure 1 ), and also includes an antenna element 13 on its second end face 6 (see also Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 4d ).

[0052] Thus, each module 3 comprises two emitting side surfaces 14, 43, wherein one of the emitting side surfaces 43 from all modules 3, 4 (the second module 4 is not shown) is part of the same side surface 11 of the base body 2, namely the fourth side surface 11 of the base body 2. The first side surface 9 of the base body 2 comprises only the emitting side surface 14 of the first module 3, and the second side surface 10 of the base body 2 comprises only the emitting side surface 16 of the second module 4 (see Figure 1 ), and the fourth side surface 11 of the base 2 includes the emitting side surfaces 43 of the first module 3 and the second module 4.

[0053] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, each of the modules 3 and 4 comprises two plates 17, 18. Each of the plates 17, 18 defines half of the antenna element 13 in the thickness direction 20 (or stacking direction 20 of the modules 3, 4), ie the end of the hollow waveguide, as will be explained below.

[0054] Now, refer to Figure 3 , another third embodiment of modules 3 and 4 will be explained. Figure 3 A perspective view showing a module 3 included in an antenna device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0055] about Figure 1 , explaining that modules 3 and 4 can be stacked alternately and periodically (first module 3, second module 4, first module 3, etc., or first module 3, second module 4, third module, first module, second module, third module, etc.). Usually, as Figure 3 As shown, multiple modules 3 of a single type (in this case, first modules 3) can be stacked together. Figure 3 As shown, two first modules 3 are stacked on top of each other.

[0056] In this regard, combined with Figure 1 or Figure 2 (See also Figure 8), multiple stacked first modules 3 are further periodically stacked with other modules, that is: two or more first modules 3, two or more second modules 4, two or more first modules 3, etc., or two or more first modules 3, two or more second modules 4, two or more third modules, two or more first modules 3, etc.

[0057] In this embodiment, the two first modules 3 are formed together by three composite panels 17, 18, 19. Therein, two outer panels 17, 18 sandwich an inner panel 19. Each side of the inner panel 19 facing the outer panels 17, 18 defines via a hollow portion a half of the module with its antenna element 13. The other half of the module and its antenna element 13 are defined by one of the outer panels 17, 18, respectively.

[0058] The same realization technique can be applied to other embodiments of the invention. This enables easy production in particular by processing the metal sheet surface.

[0059] Thereby, the configuration of the antenna device 1 can be made more compact. This is because other boards containing another group of modules 4 can be inserted within the required λ / 2 distance between adjacent antenna elements 13 of the same group of modules 3. In this way, modules 3 and 4 of different groups share the same board, so more modules can be placed along the thickness / stacking direction 20.

[0060] Now, refer to Figure 4a , will give Figure 1 A detailed description of the configuration of one of the aforementioned modules 3 and 4 of the first embodiment shown. Figure 4a A detailed cross-sectional view of one module 4 included in the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Although reference will be made to the second module 4 hereinafter, the following explanation may also be applied to the first type or third type modules and the like.

[0061] from Figure 4a From the cross section of the module 4 in the middle entrance a), it can be seen that each module 4 includes a plurality of hollow waveguides 21. The waveguides 21 connect the antenna elements 13 with the coupling ports 22 of the module 3. The coupling ports 22 are arranged on a coupling side surface 23 of each module 3. The coupling side surface 23 is arranged on an end surface 8, which is different from the end surface 7 on which the antenna elements 13 are arranged (i.e., different from the transmitting side surface 16). The coupling side surface 23, in particular the coupling port 22, is used to couple in / out the signal to be transmitted / received by the antenna element 13.

[0062] Furthermore, module 4 comprises a Rotman lens 24. The Rotman lens 24 is an example of a beamforming network comprised by modules 3, 4. Instead of the Rotman lens 24, one or more modules may additionally or alternatively comprise a Luzer lens, a Lemberg lens or a Butler matrix for beamforming.

[0063] The Rotman lens 24 is connected to the coupling port 22 via the hollow waveguide 21. Furthermore, the Rotman lens 24 is connected to the antenna element 13 via the hollow waveguide 21, wherein the antenna element 13 is substantially an open end of the hollow waveguide 21.

[0064] The antenna element 13 may be formed as the open end of the hollow waveguide 21 shown, or in addition to the open end of the hollow waveguide 21 shown, may also be formed as a cover circuit board 45 (see Figure 8 ).

[0065] like Figure 4a As shown in the inlets b), c) and d), the hollow waveguide 21 and the Rotman lens 24 are formed as hollowed-out parts of the aforementioned plates 17, 18. In particular, each plate 17, 18 includes half or a portion of each waveguide 21 and the Rotman lens 24 via its hollowed-out part, so that the stacking of the aforementioned plates forms a complete waveguide 21 and the Rotman lens 24.

[0066] like Figure 4a As shown in entry b), the hollow waveguide 21 between the Rotman lens 24 and the antenna element 13 is formed, for example, as a double-ridged hollow waveguide 21, in particular as a pair. In an alternative modification, the hollow waveguide 21 may be formed as a single ridge or without a ridge.

[0067] In this example of a double ridge hollow waveguide 21, particularly for carrying Ka-band (26.5 GHz - 40 GHz) waves, the height 25 is 3 mm, the overall width 26 is 6.5 mm, the ridge height 27 is 1.3 mm, and the ridge width 28 is 1.7 mm.

[0068] The hollow waveguide 21 between the Rotman lens 24 and the coupling port 22 is formed as a rectangular waveguide 21, and as Figure 4a As shown in the inlet d), it is preferably formed in a single plate 17, 18.

[0069] like Figure 4a As shown in Figure 1, the electrical lengths of the hollow waveguides 21 are different from each other. In particular, the electrical lengths of the hollow waveguides 21 are configured to cancel the curvature of the Rotman lens 24 relative to the phase shift of the signal. Thus, by controlling, for example, which coupling port 22 receives (inputs) a signal, the wave propagates to different hollow waveguides 21 with different time delays (different propagation lengths, i.e., phases) due to the curvature of the Rotman lens 24, so that the direction of the wave can be controlled.

[0070] Figure 4b A detailed cross-sectional view of a module 4 included in the antenna device 1 according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention is shown (see also Figure 2 ). As mentioned above Figure 2As explained, each module 3, 4 may comprise two emitting side surfaces 14, 43. Reference will now be made in particular to Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 4d Explain this.

[0071] In this example of module 4, module 4 includes the above-mentioned Rotman lens 24 for one emitting side surface 14. In addition, for the other emitting side surface 43, module 4 includes an additional coupling port 22 and an additional hollow waveguide 21, which is connected to the antenna element 13 of the second end face 6. Thus, module 4 also transmits / receives via the other emitting side surface 43. This is particularly advantageous for the case where the antenna device 1 is directly above the base station. In addition, the input / output signals of the two emitting side surfaces 14, 43 can be combined to achieve more beam directions.

[0072] Figure 4b and Figure 4c The example preferably also applies to the first module 3. However, it should be noted that not all modules need to include another transmitting side surface 43. For example, only some (or all) of the first modules 3 and only some (or all) of the second modules 4 may include another transmitting side surface 43. Providing all modules 3, 4 with another transmitting side surface 43 has the additional benefit of easy manufacturing, because these modules can be manufactured at least similarly or identically, and flipped or turned when stacked. Since the other transmitting side surface 43 is particularly suitable for the case where the antenna device 1 is located directly above the base station, the signal strength (or receiving sensitivity) required for the transmitting side surface 43 can be reduced, so that not all modules 3, 4 need them, thereby saving weight, cost, and simplifying the control and manufacture of the antenna device 1.

[0073] Figure 4c A detailed cross-sectional view showing an alternative example of one module 4 included in the antenna device 1 according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The module 4 includes two Rotman lenses 24. The additional Rotman lens 24 for the other emitting side surface 43 is connected to the hollow waveguide 21 connected to the other coupling port 22 and to the hollow waveguide 21 of the antenna element 13 of the second end face 6.

[0075] Thereby, the beam directivity can be further enhanced.

[0076] Figure 4d A detailed cross-sectional view showing another alternative example of the plurality of modules 3, 4, 46 included in the antenna device according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0077] It can be seen that in this example, the antenna device 1 includes a first module 3, a second module 4 and a third module 46. In this example, each of these modules 3, 4, 46 includes a Rotman lens 24. Each of these modules 3, 4, 46 includes an emitting side surface 14, 16, 43, respectively.

[0078] Here, the other emitting side surface 43 of the third module 46 is formed via the antenna element 13 connected to the rotating lens 24 .

[0079] Furthermore, in this example, the antenna element 13 is formed as a half in each module 3, 4, 46. Figure 4d In the embodiment, the two top modules 4, 46 each include half of the antenna elements 13 on their second end face 6, i.e. half of the hollowed-out portion forming these antenna elements. In this case, the thickness of each of the modules 3, 4, 46 is set so that the distance between the antenna elements 13 is preferably λ / 2 at least in the thickness direction 20.

[0080] If we now refer to Figure 5 Explained, Figure 1 The first module 3 and the second module 4 of the first embodiment shown in are arranged such that their coupling side surfaces 23 are both formed on the fourth end face 8 and are therefore both part of the same side surface 12 , ie the third side surface 12 of the base body 2 .

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing components of an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Shows that different from Figure 1 , so that the emission side surface 16 of the second module 4 is visible. In addition, Figure 5 The first module 3 and the second module 4 are shown in a detailed view, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4 .

[0082] The antenna device 1 comprises a signal distribution network 30. In the present embodiment, the signal distribution network 30 is formed as a circuit board. The signal distribution network 30 (hereinafter referred to as "network") comprises a plurality of network ports 31. Each of the network ports 31 is connected to one coupling port 22 of all modules 3,4.

[0083] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, the network 30 includes nine columns of network ports 31 for the nine coupling ports 22 of each module 3, 4, and four rows corresponding to the four first modules 3 and four rows corresponding to the four second modules 4 (a total of eight modules 3, 4). Therefore, the network 30 includes a total of seventy-two network ports 31, seventy-two coupling ports 22 for all modules 3, 4.

[0084] Thereby, the antenna device 1 can simultaneously transmit / receive one or more signal beams 29. In addition, the directivity (and power) of the signal beam 29 can be controlled according to the feeding / receiving to / from the network port 31 (ie, the coupling port 22).

[0085] refer to Figure 6 , further details about the network 30 will be explained. Figure 6 A perspective view showing a detail of an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In FIG. 4 , a substrate 40 is shown on which the base 2 is mounted. The network 30 is mounted on the substrate 40 but is shown separately herein for the sake of clarity.

[0087] also, Figure 6 More details about the network 30 are shown. The network 30 includes a bidirectional front end 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "front end"). In this example, two groups of five first modules 3 (two times five antenna elements on one transmit side surface 16) and two groups of five second modules 4 (two times five antenna elements on the other transmit side surface 14, not visible) are shown. In this example, the number of coupling ports 22 (indicated by network ports 31) is equal to the number of antenna elements 13. However, as Figure 5 As shown, their numbers are not necessarily equal. For example, Figure 5 Nine coupling ports 22 and eight antenna elements 13 per module 3 , 4 are shown.

[0088] In addition, the network 30 includes a converter 34 configured to convert the transmitted / received signals. For example, in the present case, the converter 34 converts between 2 GHz provided / received and processed by other electronic devices ("TX", "RX") to a frequency for transmission / reception, such as Ka band.

[0089] The front end 32 is bidirectionally connected (i.e., for transmitting and receiving) to the network port 31. Thus, the front end 32 of this embodiment has ten channels, as indicated by arrows 33. In the case of multiple transmitting side surfaces 14, 16, 43, the front end 32 can have a multiple of ten channels (e.g., with multiple Rotman lenses 24), or each additional coupling port 22 has an additional channel (see Figure 4b ).

[0090] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, by spacing the antenna elements 13, in particular by arranging the modules 3, 4, a plurality of matrix arrays of the antenna elements 13 are formed. In addition, two groups of five modules 3, 4 can be separated from each other, such as Figure 6As shown by their spacing in . Thus, multiple beams 29 can be transmitted / received and their respective directions can be controlled. In addition, by providing two transmitting side surfaces 14, 16, the antenna device 1 is able to receive / transmit in two opposite directions at the same time, as indicated by the beams 29 shown.

[0091] The network 30 also includes a control element 42 that controls the switches 38 (described below).

[0092] refer to Figure 7 , further details of the network 30 and beam steering will be explained. Among them, Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 Detailed view of a portion of an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, Figure 7 A second module 4 is shown, which is a cross-sectional view in Figure 4, wherein the Rotman lens 24 and the hollow waveguide 21 are visible. Furthermore, the dotted lines within the Rotman lens 24 indicate that waves propagate therein. Figure 7 In particular, the details of the network 30 of one module 4 are shown, wherein for ease of explanation, Figure 7 The other modules 3 and 4 of the front end 32 are omitted (see Figure 6 ) and channel 33.

[0093] For each module 3, 4, i.e. for each channel 33, the network 30 comprises a front end line 37. The front end 32 is commonly connected to all coupling ports 22 of a single module 4 via a front end line 37 and via the network ports 31 of the signal distribution network 30. Each coupling port 22 is connected to the front end 32 via a respective switch 38 connected to the front end line 37, so that the number of switches 38 per module 4 corresponds to the number of coupling ports 22 / network ports 31. The signal distribution network 30 thus comprises a number of front end lines 37 corresponding to the total number of modules 4 (of all types), each front end line 37 being connected to one module 4. The switch 38 is in particular a microwave switch.

[0094] Furthermore, the network 30, in particular the front end 32, comprises a variable phase shift circuit 39, which is configured to phase shift the signal between the network ports 31 of the different modules 4 to control the beam directivity and to control the beam splitting of the transmit / receive beams. By introducing a phase shift between the different modules 3, 4 (i.e. between the different front end lines 37), the modules 3, 4 can be controlled to form beams 29 that are separated from each other (i.e., segmented), or to form one or more common beams 29 together via interference. Furthermore, the above-mentioned phase shift between the different modules 3, 4 allows the beam directivity to be preferably controlled at an elevation angle 47 (i.e., vertically).

[0095] Furthermore, by controlling the switches 38, the appropriate coupling port 22 is selected to appropriately select the beam directivity. Switching different switches 38 to ON causes the beam 29 to rotate or translate relative to the surface normal 44. In other words, the directivity of the beam 29 is thereby controlled relative to the azimuth angle 48 of the beam 29 (i.e., horizontally).

[0096] By combining the control of the elevation angle 46 via the phase shift circuit 39 and the control of the azimuth angle 48 via the switch 38, each beam 29 or a sub-portion of a beam 29 can be directionally controlled in three dimensions.

[0097] Furthermore, the aforementioned beam splitting essentially generates (or respectively receives) individual beams 29. For example, if N is the total number of modules 3, 4 of all types, and each such beam portion (or individual beam 29) is formed by two modules 3, 4, the antenna device 1 can split the beam 29 into N / 2 individual beam portions or beams 29. The elevation angle 47 and / or azimuth angle 48 of each of these beam portions can then be further controlled.

[0098] Thereby, communication with multiple receivers / transmitters (such as multiple base stations) is also possible.

[0099] Although only one switch 38 is closed in the illustrated example, multiple switches 38 may be open simultaneously.

[0100] The front end 32 further comprises a mixer 41 with which the TX / RX signal is modulated from baseband to a carrier frequency.

[0101] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an antenna device 1 according to a second embodiment or a third embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 8 An antenna device 1 is shown having a base body 2 which comprises a module 3 , 4 having three emitting side surfaces 14 , 16 , 43 .

[0102] The third emitting side surface 43 is formed between the first module 3 and the second module 4 on the second end surface 6 thereof. Figure 2 and Figure 3 described.

[0103] Furthermore, the antenna device 1 may include a cover circuit board 45. The cover circuit board 45 forms the antenna element 13 in addition to the end of the hollow waveguide 21. Therefore, the antenna element 13 of the aforementioned embodiment may be formed only as the open end of the hollow waveguide 21, or may be formed as a combination of the open end of the hollow waveguide 21 and the cover circuit board 45.

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, the third emitting side surface 43 may be defined by a third module, as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure mark 100, the substrate 40 of the antenna device 1 can be attached to the outer surface of an aircraft or spacecraft, or can be a part of the outer surface of an aircraft or spacecraft, especially a part of the outer surface of a satellite 100 of the present invention including the antenna device 1.

[0106] In addition to the foregoing written instructions, it is expressly referred to Figures 1 to 8 , wherein these figures show configuration examples of the present invention in detail.

[0107] Reference numerals 1 Antenna equipment 2 Matrix 3 Module 1 4 Module 2 5 First end face 6 Second end face 7 Third end face 8 Fourth end face 9 First side surface 10 Second side surface 11 Fourth side surface 12 Third side surface 13 Antenna elements 14 Emitting side surface 15 Non-emitting side surface 16 Emitting side surface 17 Plate 18 Plate 19 Plate 20 Thickness direction (stacking direction) 21 Hollow waveguide 22 coupling ports 23 Coupling side surface 24 Rotman lens 25 Height of double-ridge hollow waveguide 26 Total width of the double-ridge hollow waveguide 27 Ridge height of double-ridge hollow waveguide 28 Ridge width of double-ridge hollow waveguide 29 Signal Beam 30 Signal Distribution Network 31 Network Port 32 Bidirectional front end 33 Arrow 34 Converter 35 The shortest distance between two adjacent antenna elements of a single module 36 The shortest distance between two adjacent antenna elements of two different modules of the same type 37 Front Line 38 Switch 39 Variable Phase Shift Circuit 40 substrate 41 Mixer 42 Control elements 43 Emitting side surface 44 Surface Normal 45 Covering circuit board 46 Module 3 47 Elevation 48 Azimuth 100 satellites

Claims

1. An antenna device (1) for transmitting and receiving microwaves with controllable multi-beam directivity, comprising: • a base body (2), said base body (2) comprising at least one plate-shaped module (3) of a first type and at least one further plate-shaped module (4) of a second type, said first module (3) and said second module (4) being stacked on one another and having their end faces (5-8) jointly defining a side surface (10-12) of said base body (2), wherein • Each module (3, 4) comprises at least one emitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of its end face (5-8), • Each emitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of each module (3, 4) comprises a plurality of antenna elements (13), • the first module (3) and the second module (4) are arranged such that an emitting side surface (14) of the first module (3) is part of a first side surface (9) of the substrate (2), and an emitting side surface (16) of the second module (4) is part of a second side surface (10) of the substrate (2), the first side surface (9) and the second side surface (10) of the substrate (2) being different, and • Each emitting side surface (14, 16, 43) of each module (3, 4) defines an antenna array via its antenna elements (13).

2. The antenna device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of said antenna elements (13) of each module (3, 4) are arranged in a line to define a row of antenna elements (13) and, in particular in the case of at least two of at least one single type of modules (3, 4), a plurality of columns of antenna elements (13) to define an antenna matrix array.

3. The antenna device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each module (3, 4) further comprises a coupling side surface (23) of the other end surface (5-8) thereof, and each coupling side surface (23) of each module (3, 4) comprises a plurality of coupling ports (22).

4. The antenna device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The modules (3, 4) are arranged such that the coupling side surfaces (23) of all modules (3, 4) are part of the same third side surface (12) of the base body.

5. The antenna device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each module (3, 4) comprises a plurality of hollow waveguides (21), which connect the coupling side surface (23) with the transmitting side surface (14, 16, 43), in particular, connect the coupling port (22) with the antenna element (13).

6. The antenna device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: Each module (3, 4) comprises a beam forming network connected to the hollow waveguide (21), the beam forming network comprising at least one of a Luzer lens, a Rotman lens (24), a Lemberg lens and a Butler matrix.

7. The antenna device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The electrical path lengths of at least two hollow waveguides (21) between the coupling side surface (23) and the emitting side surfaces (14, 16) are different from each other.

8. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a signal distribution network (30), the signal distribution network (30) comprising a plurality of network ports (31), each network port (31) being connected to one coupling port (22).

9. The antenna device (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The signal distribution network (30) comprises at least one switching element (38), each of which is configured to switch at least one, in particular only one, network port (31).

10. The antenna device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The signal distribution network (30) comprises a bidirectional front end (32) connected to the network ports (31) and configured to phase shift, in particular variable phase shift, the signals between the network ports (31) to control the beam directivity and in particular beam segmentation of the transmitted or received microwaves (29).

11. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein: The number of the coupling ports (22) and the number of the antenna elements (13) are not equal.

12. The antenna device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shortest distance (35) between two antenna elements (13) of a module (3) and / or the shortest distance (36) between two antenna elements (13) of a plurality of modules (3) of the same type is substantially λ / 2.

13. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one further plate-shaped module of a third type or more, wherein: Each type of module comprises a respective emitting side surface (43), and all types of modules (3, 4) are arranged so that their emitting side surfaces (14, 16, 43) are part of different side surfaces (9, 10, 11) of the base body (2).

14. An aircraft or spacecraft, in particular a satellite (100), comprising at least one antenna device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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