Control device and method for controlling an electronically pivotable antenna array

Abstract

A control device (50) for an electronically swiveling antenna array (100) is disclosed. The antenna array (100) comprises several adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120, ...) each with a plurality of antenna elements (111, 112, 121, 122, ...). Each sub-aperture (110, 120, ...) is configured to generate a swiveling antenna cone (210, 220, ...). The control device (50) is configured to selectively control the following modes: a first mode (M1) in which at least two antenna cones (210, 220) from at least two sub-apertures (110, 120) overlap; a second mode (M2) in which two antenna cones (210, 220) of at least two sub-apertures (110, 120) are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones (110, 120); and a third mode (M3) in which at least one of the antenna cones (110, 120) is pivoted, while another of the antenna cones (110, 120) remains directionally fixed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a method for controlling an electronically swiveling antenna array and in particular to a radar ESM AESA (ESM, Electronic Support Measure; AESA, Active Electronically Scanned Array-Antenna). BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional antenna systems include rotating antennas (so-called spinning antennas), linear interferometers, circular interferometers (e.g., arranged as circle groups), sector antennas with amplitude diagram analysis, and others. The latter are mechanically rigid and can only be used for their intended purpose. In particular, it is not possible to reprogram conventional antenna systems for other purposes. For example, an interferometer cannot be reprogrammed to become a high-gain antenna. Similarly, a high-gain mechanical antenna, such as a parabolic dish or a horn antenna, cannot be modified or reconfigured to become a wide-field antenna.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for antenna systems that can be used flexibly for different applications, in order to adapt them flexibly to the needs of the users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] At least some of the aforementioned problems are solved by a control device according to claim 1 and a method for controlling an electronically swiveling antenna array according to claim 12. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0005] The present invention relates to a control device for an electronically swiveling antenna array. The antenna array comprises several adjacent sub-apertures, each with a plurality of antenna elements. Each sub-aperture is configured to generate a swiveling antenna cone. The control device is configured to selectively control the following modes: a first mode in which at least two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures overlap; a second mode in which two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones; and a third mode in which at least one of the antenna cones is pivoted while another of the antenna cones remains directionally fixed.

[0006] The superposition of at least two sub-apertures can be fully developed and offers the advantage of enabling high antenna gain. The sub-apertures can be spread out in azimuth and / or elevation. It is understood that multiple or all modes cannot be controlled simultaneously (but they can). At any given time, the antenna array only needs to be configured for one of the modes.

[0007] A sub-aperture can be defined, for example, by comprising a multitude of antenna elements (so-called radiators) that can be controlled together to generate an antenna cone (beam). The antenna cone can be steered via the control system. This steering of the antenna cone can be achieved by adjusting the individual phase shifts or delays of the antenna signal from each antenna element. The antenna elements are typically all arranged at a predetermined distance from one another, which can be chosen to suppress side lobes or sidelobes in the antenna characteristic. According to exemplary embodiments, the multitude of antenna elements of the antenna array can be flexibly divided into sub-apertures, with each sub-aperture generating a single main beam and capable of independently steering it.

[0008] Optionally, in the first mode, all antenna cones (of all sub-apertures) are arranged in an overlapping configuration and can be steered together (e.g., in azimuth and elevation). This overlap is achieved by aligning all antenna cones in the same direction in both azimuth and elevation. For example, they are all pointed at a single position within the observation area.

[0009] Optionally, in the second mode, all antenna cones (of all sub-apertures) are arranged side by side in a fan shape. In this case, the antenna cones are oriented in different directions, i.e., they are directed towards different positions in the observation area.

[0010] Optionally, in the second mode, antenna cones are arranged side by side in a fan shape, with the fan-shaped arrangement being rotatable. The rotatability can be achieved in elevation (if the fan was initially set up in azimuth) or in azimuth (if the fan was initially set up in elevation).

[0011] At least two of the adjacent sub-apertures can be capable of performing a bearing using the amplitude monopulse method. Optionally, the control device is then configured to perform a bearing using the amplitude monopulse method in the second mode, using the at least two adjacent sub-apertures.

[0012] It is clear to an expert that the amplitude monopulse method compares the amplitude values ​​of a pulse (e.g., from a transmitter or emitter in the observation area) from different sub-apertures. If the antenna cones of the sub-apertures are oriented in different directions, the amplitude values ​​from one and the same source will differ considerably due to the antenna characteristics. Therefore, adjacent sub-apertures are particularly well-suited for a fanned array (second mode) for bearing in the direction of the fanning.

[0013] At least two of the adjacent sub-apertures can still be capable of performing bearing in phase monopulse mode. Optionally, the control device is then configured to perform bearing in phase monopulse mode in the first mode using the overlapping sub-apertures.

[0014] For an expert, it is clear that the phase monopulse method compares the phase angles of a pulse (e.g., from a transmitter or emitter in the observation area) from different sub-apertures. If the antenna cones of the sub-apertures are aligned in the same direction, the amplitude values ​​differ little or not at all. However, the phase angle changes significantly due to the different distances of the spaced sub-apertures from the transmitter. Therefore, spaced sub-apertures with overlapping antenna cones (first mode) are particularly well-suited for bearing direction in the direction of the spacing.

[0015] Optionally, the antenna array includes configurable phase shifters and / or configurable real-time delays to adaptively adjust the phase angles of antenna signals from the multitude of antenna elements.

[0016] Optionally, the control device can be configured to widen one or more of the swiveling antenna cones through phase spoiling. For example, phase shifters and / or real-time delays can be assigned to each antenna element to change the phase of each element, thereby swiveling or focusing the beam. Phase spoiling deliberately eliminates or attenuates the focus, thus increasing the detection area. This can be useful for fast-moving objects.

[0017] However, it is not mandatory for each antenna element to have a corresponding real-time delay / phase shifter as an actuator. For example, the real-time delays / phase shifters can be assigned only to the columns (or rows), so that the signals of the antenna elements in a row (or column) are added without an actuator. This would then mean that panning in the column direction (elevation) or row direction would no longer be possible, and panning would only be possible in directions perpendicular to the rows / columns that share a common phase shifter / real-time delay. This limitation could be overcome, for example, by spreading the elements out as shown in the examples. This would save on hardware components and speed up the control process.

[0018] Optionally, the antenna elements are designed to receive (or transmit) radar signals of different polarizations, with associated switches allowing selection between these polarizations. Optionally, the control device is configured to switch between the different polarizations. This allows the polarization of a transmitter to be determined, which is usually unknown in reconnaissance operations. To ensure sensitivity to all polarizations, circular polarization can be used for reception (and losses can be limited to, for example, 3 dB). If the polarization position needs to be determined, horizontally and vertically polarized signals are received simultaneously, and the strongest signal is then identified.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments also relate to an electronically swiveling antenna array with several adjacent sub-apertures, each comprising a plurality of antenna elements, and featuring a previously described control device. Each sub-aperture is configured to generate (only) a swiveling antenna cone. The antenna array is, for example, a phased array or a timed array and is primarily operated as a receiving antenna (e.g., for detecting unknown objects / emitters).

[0020] Optionally, all adjacent antenna elements are arranged at one or more predetermined distances from each other. These predetermined distances also apply to antenna elements belonging to different sub-apertures. The predetermined azimuth spacing can differ from the predetermined elevation spacing and is intended to ensure specific slew ranges, which can differ in elevation and azimuth. For example, a slew range of ±60° in azimuth and ±20° or ±20° in elevation might be desirable. The predetermined distances can be chosen to be smaller than half a wavelength of the operating frequency. For example, the predetermined distance could be 8.5 mm or 11 mm for an 18 GHz operating frequency to achieve desired slew ranges of ±60° or ±20°.

[0021] Optionally, the antenna array includes, at least for some antenna elements, one or more of the following associated components: real-time delay, phase shifter, polarization switch. As mentioned previously, the antenna elements in each column or each row can have one of these components.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments also relate to a method for controlling an electronically swiveling antenna array as previously defined. The control is performed by a previously defined control device. The method therefore comprises selecting an operating mode from a plurality of modes by controlling the antenna array. The plurality of modes includes at least two of the following: a first mode in which at least two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures overlap; a second mode in which two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones; and a third mode in which at least one of the antenna cones is pivoted while another of the antenna cones remains directionally fixed.

[0023] Optionally, the procedure includes the following steps: generating bearing values ​​using an amplitude monopulse method and, switchably, a phase monopulse method. The bearing or bearing values ​​include azimuth angle and / or elevation angle.

[0024] This method, or at least parts thereof, can also be implemented or stored in the form of instructions in software or on a computer program product (e.g., on a computer-readable storage medium), wherein the stored instructions are capable of executing the steps of the method when the method is running on a processor. Therefore, the present invention also relates to a computer program product with software code (software instructions) stored on it, configured to execute one of the methods described above when the software code is executed by a processing unit. The processing unit can be any type of computer or control unit that includes a suitable microprocessor capable of executing software code. This also applies to implementations in programmable hardware such as FPGAs or dedicated ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

[0025] Examples of this technology overcome the problems of conventional antenna systems by using phased arrays or timed arrays for reconnaissance and direction finding of signal sources. These signal sources include, for example, civilian or military objects (e.g., an aircraft, a ground station, a mobile phone antenna) that can emit electromagnetic signals at different frequencies and whose direction and / or position needs to be determined for reconnaissance purposes.

[0026] According to the exemplary embodiments, the antenna array is adaptively adjusted for its intended use. Thus, the antenna array can be configured differently for flying objects than for a stationary ground station (e.g., a missile launch site). The adaptive adjustment includes at least one of the following modes: Mode 1: To achieve high spatial coverage (e.g. in azimuth), the beam directions of the sub-apertures are arranged in a fan beam. Mode 2: For example, to achieve a high antenna gain, A high beam focusing in one spatial direction is achieved (e.g. by summing the individual signal contributions of the sub-apertures). Mode 3: To achieve high room coverage in the elevation, the beam directions in the elevation are arranged accordingly (e.g. as a fan). Mode 4: a combination of high azimuth coverage and high elevation coverage.

[0027] The bearing of the emitters (signal sources) can be determined by evaluating the amplitude ratios and phases, depending on the arrangement of the sub-apertures. For example, the sub-apertures can be arranged in a row. However, examples are not limited to this arrangement. In principle, the sub-apertures can be distributed spatially in any desired way. With a row-shaped arrangement using a fan beam (Mode 1), elevation bearing can be determined by evaluating the amplitude ratios (e.g., using an amplitude monopulse method). In Mode 2 ("high beam focusing"), azimuth bearing can be determined using a phase monopulse method.

[0028] Advantageously, exemplary embodiments can widen the directional effect of the electronic antenna by means of the so-called phase-spoiling technique, so that the antenna beam (the antenna lobe or antenna cone) is less focused, but covers a wider area.

[0029] Further advantages of exemplary embodiments result from actuators that can be designed as phase shifters or as a real-time delay (True Time Delay) and can also be adaptively adjusted.

[0030] The adaptive adjustment of the antenna array can be implemented particularly through software and allows control according to the needs of a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are better understood with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings of the different embodiments, which, however, should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but merely serve for explanation and understanding. Fig. 1 shows an electronically steerable antenna array, which, according to exemplary embodiments, is controlled by a control device in various operating modes. Figs. 2A and 2B show an antenna array with several adjacent sub-apertures and illustrate their operating modes. Fig. 3 shows an antenna gain as a function of frequency for exemplary embodiments. Fig. 4 shows a simplified block diagram for circuit electronics according to exemplary embodiments. Figs. 5A and 5B show performance analyses of exemplary embodiments. Fig. 6 shows a schematic flowchart for a method for controlling an antenna array according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an electronically swiveling antenna array 100, which, according to exemplary embodiments, is controlled in various operating modes by a control device 50. The antenna array 100 comprises several adjacent sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140, each with a plurality of antenna elements (not shown). Each sub-aperture 110, 120, 130, 140 is configured to generate only one swiveling antenna cone 210, 220, 230, 240. The control device 50 is configured to selectively control the following modes for the antenna array 100: a first mode M1 in which at least two antenna cones 210, 220 of at least two sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140 overlap (e.g. completely); a second mode M2 ​​in which at least two antenna cones 210, 220, 230, 240 of at least two sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140 are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones 210, 220, 230, 240; a third mode M3 in which at least one of the antenna cones 210, 220, 230, 240 is pivotable, while another of the antenna cones 210, 220, 230, 240 remains directionally fixed.

[0033] The antenna cones 210, 220, ... can again be the main lobes of the antenna characteristic, which are generated by the sub-apertures 110, 120, ... with their multitude of antenna elements. The three modes M1, M2, M3 can be used at different times, but they can also be implemented in parallel. The antenna array 100 shown has, as an example, four sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140, of which any two sub-apertures can be operated in any one of the three modes, while the remaining two can be operated in a different mode (e.g., from the three modes). It is understood that the antenna array can also be formed by more than four sub-apertures or an array (with rows and columns) of sub-apertures.

[0034] Fig. 2AFigure 1 shows an example of an electronically swiveling array with several adjacent sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140, each comprising a plurality of antenna elements 111, 121, 131, 141 (radiators), wherein each sub-aperture 110, 120, 130, 140 is capable of generating a swiveling antenna cone 210, 220, 230, 240 with a desired opening angle (beam width) based on a control signal from the control device 50 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 ).

[0035] Four subapertures, a first subaperture 110, a second subaperture 120, a third subaperture 130, and a fourth subaperture 140, are shown in a row as an example. The subapertures 110, 120, ... themselves form an array of active antenna elements 111, 112, ..., around which neutral antenna elements 150 are arranged. Thus, according to the exemplary embodiments, each active antenna element 111, 112, ... has at least one neighboring antenna element on each side. In this way, the active antenna elements 111, 112, ... behave identically, and the antenna characteristics are improved (more homogeneous).

[0036] It is understood that the number of antenna elements 111, 112, ... and the distribution of the sub-apertures 110, 120, ... can be chosen arbitrarily and adapted to the specific requirements. For example, each sub-aperture 110, 120, ... can have an array of 32 (active) antenna elements 111, 112, ... so that a total of 128 (active) antenna elements 111, 112, ... can be present, and this number can be changed as desired.

[0037] The spacing of the antenna elements 111, 121, ... can also be selected according to the requirements. For example, to achieve a wide sweep range of the antenna cone 210, 220, ... in azimuth of + / - 60° and at an upper operating frequency of 18 GHz, the spacing of the antenna elements (grid spacing) in azimuth can be approximately 8.5 mm. This ensures that corresponding sidelobes of the antenna characteristic are efficiently suppressed across the entire sweep range. For a sweep range in elevation of at least 20°, the elevation spacing of the antenna elements 111, 121, ... can be selected to be approximately 11 mm. According to the exemplary embodiments, the elevation angle is not too small and should, for example, be at least 25°.

[0038] The azimuth angle can, for example, be set in the direction of the row-like arrangement of the array from the Fig. 2AThe elevation angle can be measured in the plane perpendicular to the array. This means the elevation angle can be measured in the plane perpendicular to the array. However, it is understood that the antenna array can be oriented in any direction.

[0039] The control device 50 with the associated electronics for the antenna array 100 can be located on a rear side of the antenna array 100.

[0040] Fig. 2B illustrates exemplary implementations for the different modes into which the antenna array 100 from the Fig. 2A can be operated based on control by the control device 50.

[0041] Mode (a) includes maximum beam focusing in one viewing direction, i.e., all four antenna cones 210, 220, ... are aligned in the same direction and can be slewed together. In this mode (a), azimuth bearing can be performed inherently, for example, via phase monopowder tracking.

[0042] In mode (b), at least two antenna cones 210, 220 are independently aligned in different directions. For example, the first sub-aperture 110 and the second sub-aperture 120 can overlap to form a first antenna cone 210, which can be swiveled (scan mode). Similarly, the third sub-aperture 130 and the fourth sub-aperture 140 can overlap to form a third antenna cone 230, which can be permanently aligned with an observation object. In this mode, azimuth bearing is inherently possible, since each antenna cone 210, 230 is formed by two adjacent sub-apertures 110, 120 or 130, 140, respectively. For direction finding, the phase monopulse method can be used independently for the first antenna cone 210 or for the second antenna cone (overlapping with the first antenna cone 210).

[0043] According to further embodiments, the scanning and detection of a fixed position can also be reversed, i.e. the third antenna cone 230 can also perform a scan and the fixed position can also be detected by the first antenna cone 210.

[0044] In mode (c), all four antenna cones 210, 220, 230, 240 are spread out as a fan, such that each sub-aperture 110, 120, 130, 140 covers a different angular range of the observation area in this mode. The fan shown can, for example, be spread out in azimuth (in a horizontal plane) and pivoted in elevation (e.g., vertical direction) to enable bearing in azimuth, thereby allowing for large instantaneous spatial coverage with respect to the azimuth in which the fan is exemplarily spread. An amplitude monopulse method can again be used for bearing in azimuth.

[0045] In mode (d) two antenna cones 210, 230 are independently aligned in different viewing directions, wherein, as in mode (b), the first sub-aperture 110 and the second sub-aperture 120 overlap to form the first antenna cone 210 and the third sub-aperture 130 and the fourth sub-aperture 140 overlap to form the third antenna cone 230 (as also in mode (b) above).

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, in addition to bearing, the polarization of the received signals can also be measured.

[0047] In summary, it can therefore be stated that the antenna array 100, according to the exemplary embodiments, can replace both an interferometer and rotating antennas by means of appropriate control devices.

[0048] Fig. 3This illustrates antenna gain as a function of frequency for exemplary implementations compared to conventional antenna arrangements. Specifically, a first graph 310 shows the antenna gain of the exemplary antenna array 100 with four sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140. A second graph 320 shows the antenna gain of a conventional antenna with only one (sub)-aperture. A third graph 330 shows the antenna gain of a conventional spiral antenna.

[0049] It is evident that the antenna gain of the antenna array 100 with four sub-apertures 110, 120, ..., as implemented according to the exemplary embodiments, is significantly higher than the antenna gains achievable with a spiral antenna (see third graph 330) or with an antenna array with only one sub-aperture (see second graph 320). For the gain analysis in this representation, the 2 dB loss due to impedance matching and scan offset has already been taken into account.

[0050] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram for RF circuitry, as it can be used according to the exemplary embodiments to drive the antenna array 100. The block diagram of the Fig. 4The antenna comprises four sub-apertures 110 (here Q1), 120 (here Q2), 130 (here Q3), and 140 (here Q4), each sub-aperture having a plurality of antenna elements 111, which are subdivided per antenna cell according to vertical and horizontal polarization. The control electronics include a switch 410, which can switch between the polarizations or select a polarization during reception. An amplifier 420 is provided downstream of this, which amplifies the incoming signals. These circuit elements can be implemented on a first circuit carrier PCA1. A second circuit carrier PCA2 can accordingly contain further circuit elements. These include a correction amplifier 430 (e.g., to compensate for a drop in antenna gain) and a real-time delay 440, which can be used to adaptively adjust the phase shifts for the antenna elements 111.The viewing direction is set via the real-time delays 440, which occurs independently of the frequency. These circuit elements can be configured for each of the existing antenna elements (e.g., 32-fold). The signal contributions of the antenna elements 111 are summed via analog combiners 450 to form a sub-aperture. A further amplifier 460 amplifies the summed signal values ​​again before they are output as output values ​​OutQ1, OutQ2, OutQ3, and OutQ4 after another combiner 470.

[0051] The amplifier chain determines the noise figure, compensates for the frequency response, and refreshes the level.

[0052] The four quadrants Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 (subapertures 110, 120, 130, 140) are independently adjustable, guaranteeing multi-mode capability. The two circuit carriers PCA1 and PCA2 can be stacked on top of each other. Metal layers can be placed between them, providing, for example, cooling for the electronics. This allows for a very flat design through a planar arrangement.

[0053] It goes without saying that the block diagram is taken from the Fig. 4 This is only a basic, very simple design. The actual circuit can be significantly more complex.

[0054] Fig. 5A and 5B show performance analyses. Fig. 5AGraph 510 shows the dependence of the electrical gain on the frequency, and Graph 520 shows the dependence of the noise figure on the frequency. The antenna elements 111 were not considered here. Thus, it is evident that the signal-to-noise ratio is very good over a wide frequency range. A large gain slope of the real-time delay 440 can be partially compensated.

[0055] Fig. 5B This shows the signal gain with one antenna element. The gain curve 530 of the single radiator shows an almost uniform curve, as indicated by line 540 (+ / - 3dB in the range between 3 and 18 GHz).

[0056] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart for a method for controlling an electronically steerable antenna array 100 as previously described. The method includes: Select S110 of a first mode in which at least two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures overlap; or select S120 of a second mode in which two antenna cones from at least two sub-apertures are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones; or select S130 of a third mode in which at least one of the antenna cones is pivoted while another of the antenna cones remains directionally fixed.

[0057] It is understood that the antenna array 100 is capable of implementing several or all modes, but for a given situation, a suitable mode is selected from the multitude of available modes.

[0058] Optionally, the procedure also includes: S115 generates bearing values ​​using a phase monopulse method for the first mode M1, S125 generates bearing values ​​using an amplitude monopulse method for the second mode M2, and S135 generates bearing values ​​using a (also combined) amplitude and phase monopulse method for the third mode M3. where the bearing values ​​include azimuth angle and / or elevation angle.

[0059] The method can also be computer-implemented, i.e., it can be implemented by instructions stored on a storage medium that are capable of executing the steps of the method when running on a processor. The instructions typically comprise one or more instructions that may be stored in various ways on different media in or peripherally to the control device 50 with a processor. When read and executed by the control device 50, these instructions cause the control device 50 to perform functions, functionalities, and operations necessary to execute a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0060] It is understood that all previously described functions of the control device or antenna array can be implemented as further optional process steps. Furthermore, it is understood that the order in which steps are listed does not necessarily reflect the order in which they are executed. The steps can be executed in a different order, or only a subset of the process steps may be carried out.

[0061] The features of the invention disclosed in the description, claims and figures may be essential for the realization of the invention, either individually or in any combination. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0062] 50 Control device 100 Electronically swiveling antenna array 110, 120 Sub-apertures 111, 112, 121 Antenna elements (radiators) 210, 220 Swiveling antenna cones 410 Switches 420, 460 Amplifiers 430 Correction amplifiers 440 Real-time delay 450, 470 Combiner Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 Quadrants Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 (Sub-apertures 110, 120, 130, 140) PCA1, PCA2 Circuit carriers M1, M2, M3 Operating modes

Claims

1. Control device (50) for an electronically swiveling antenna array (100), the antenna array (100) comprising several adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120, ...) each with a plurality of antenna elements (111, 112, 121, 122, ...), wherein each sub-aperture (110, 120, ...) is configured to generate a swiveling antenna cone (210, 220, ...), and the control device (50) is configured to selectively control the following modes: a first mode (M1) in which at least two antenna cones (210, 220) of at least two sub-apertures (110, 120) overlap; a second mode (M2) in which two antenna cones (210, 220) of at least two sub-apertures (110, 120) are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones (210, 220); and a third mode (M3) in which at least one of the antenna cones (210, 220) is pivoted, while another of the antenna cones (210, 220) remains directionally fixed.

2. Control device (50) according to claim 1, wherein in the first mode all antenna cones (210, 220) overlap and are jointly pivotable.

3. Control device (50) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the second mode (M2) all antenna cones (210, 220) are arranged in a fan shape next to each other.

4. Control device (50) according to claim 3, wherein in the second mode (M2) all antenna cones (210, 220) are arranged in a fan shape next to each other and the fan-shaped arrangement is pivotable as a fan.

5. Control device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least two of the adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120) are provided to carry out a bearing in the amplitude monopulse method, and wherein the control device (50) is configured to carry out a bearing in the amplitude monopulse method in the second mode (M2) by means of the at least two adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120).

6. Control device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two of the adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120) are able to perform bearing in phase monopulse mode, and wherein the control device (50) is configured to perform bearing in phase monopulse mode in the first mode (M1) by means of the overlapping antenna cones (210, 220).

7. Control device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna array (100) has configurable phase shifters and / or configurable real-time delays (440) to adjust phase positions of antenna signals from the plurality of antenna elements (111), and wherein the control device (50) is configured to widen one or more of the pivotable antenna cones (210, 220) by phase spoiling.

8. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the antenna elements (111, 121) are configured to receive radar signals of different polarizations, wherein associated switches (410) enable a selection from the different polarizations, and wherein the control device (50) is configured to switch between the different polarizations.

9. Electronically swiveling antenna array (100) comprising: several adjacent sub-apertures (110, 120, 130, 140), each comprising a plurality of antenna elements (111, 121), each sub-aperture (110, 120) being configured to generate a swiveling antenna cone (210, 220); and a control device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Antenna array (100) according to claim 9, wherein all adjacent antenna elements (111, 121) have a predetermined distance.

11. Antenna array (100) according to claim 9 or claim 10, which has at least for some antenna elements (111, 121) one or more of the following associated components: - real-time delay (440), - phase shifter, - switch (410) for different polarizations.

12. Method for controlling an electronically pivotable antenna array (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 by means of a control device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising selecting an operating mode from a plurality of modes (M1, M2, M3) by controlling the antenna array (100) and the plurality of modes (M1, M2, M3) comprising: a first mode (M1) in which at least two antenna cones (210, 220) of at least two sub-apertures (110, 20) overlap; a second mode (M2) in which two antenna cones (210, 220) of at least two sub-apertures (110, 120) are arranged adjacent to each other to form a fan of antenna cones (210, 220); and a third mode (M3) in which at least one of the antenna cones (210, 220) is swiveled, while another of the antenna cones (210, 220) remains directionally fixed.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: forming (S115) bearing values ​​by an amplitude monopulse method, or forming (S125) bearing values ​​by a phase monopulse method, wherein the bearing values ​​comprise azimuth angle and / or elevation angle.

14. Computer-readable storage medium with instructions stored thereon configured to execute the method of claim 12 or claim 13 when the instructions are executed on a data processing unit.

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