Radio frequency system for the transmission and reception of pulsed signals under modulated carrier.

Abstract

Radio Frequency System for the Transmission and Reception of Pulsed Signals on a Modulated Carrier. The invention relates to a radio frequency system (400) comprising a transmission device (110) for a train of pulsed signals on a modulated carrier. The transmission device comprises a plurality of transmission channels including: - a voltage-controlled oscillation module (18) having a frequency-locked band and configured to deliver the train of pulsed signals via the injection of a control pulsed signal having a frequency spectrum including a frequency line in the frequency-locked band; and - a generation device (120) configured to generate the control pulsed signal.For each transmission channel, the respective transmission generation device is configured to generate a pulse of the transmission control pulse signal: - a pulse delay being a function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the transmission channel; and - a pulse amplitude being a function of the amplitude of the weighting factor. ABBREVIATED FIGURE: [Fig.4].

Description

Title of the invention: Radio frequency system for the transmission and reception of pulsed signals under modulated carrier. Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention lies in the field of the generation of ultra-wideband pulsed signals under phase- and amplitude-modulated carrier.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to an electronic generator of pulsed signals under modulated carrier and to a radio frequency system configured to transmit and receive such signals.

[0003] The invention thus has applications, in particular, but not exclusively, in the field of low power pulse radars, in the field of object localization, in the field of self-powered sensors, in the field of radio frequency sensors, but also in the field of high-speed telecommunications, low power telecommunications. Prior art and its drawbacks

[0004] In the prior art, pulsed ultra-wideband (UWB) modulation systems are known. Such systems can be implemented, e.g., for the construction of a radar or for information transmission.

[0005] More specifically, information transmission can be done via pulse position modulation or PPM (for "Push Position Modulation" in English) of pulses, on / off amplitude modulation OOK (for "On Off Keying" in English), vector modulations QAM (for "quadrature amplitude modulation") or a combination of these modulations.

[0006] Conversely, the implementation of the RADAR function classically involves the emission of a train of identical pulses emitted with a predetermined repetition frequency in order to easily analyze the received echo. This is the case, for example, when the received echo is processed according to a technique called sequential sampling as described in the article by M. Vossiek, N. Haberberger, L. Krabbe, M. Hehn, C. Carlowitz, and M. Stelzig: “A Tutorial on the Sequential Sampling Impulse Radar Concept and Selected Applications”, IEEE Journal of Microwaves, vol. 3, no. 1, p. 523-539, Jan. 2023.

[0007] Thus, the RADAR and data transmission functions preferentially implement pulse trains with distinct properties: modulated pulses on one side and identical pulse trains emitted with a predetermined repetition frequency on the other.

[0008] Furthermore, most direct generators of ultra-wideband pulsed signals synthesize the carrier frequency using a phase-locked loop (PLL) block, which is an electronic device that locks the output phase or frequency to the phase or frequency of a reference input signal. This synthesized signal requires complex modulation blocks to ensure the generation of a pulsed envelope signal with vector modulation. To synthesize high carrier frequencies, on the order of tens of GHz, it is necessary to develop complex PLLs with significant power consumption and size. Moreover, one of the objectives is to reduce the phase noise of the output signals.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a technique enabling the efficient implementation of pulsed ultra-wideband modulation systems. There is a need for such a technique to allow the implementation of a RADAR function and, preferably, to combine RADAR and data transmission functions, particularly in a beamforming context through networking of transmit and / or receive channels. Description of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, a radio frequency system is proposed comprising a device for transmitting a train of pulsed signals under a modulated carrier. The transmission device comprises a plurality of transmission channels, each comprising:

[0011] - an oscillation module, called an emission oscillation module, with locking voltage-controlled frequency, having a frequency-locked band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage. The oscillation module is configured to deliver the modulated carrier-controlled pulse signal train by injecting, onto the transmit oscillation module, a transmit control pulse signal having a frequency spectrum containing at least one frequency line within the frequency-locked band. At least one phase of a carrier pulse signal is a function of a delay of the respective pulse of the transmit control pulse signal. At least one amplitude of a carrier pulse signal is a function of the amplitude of the respective pulse of the transmit control pulse signal; and

[0012] - a generation device, called an emission generation device, configured for generate the impulse signal for transmission control.

[0013] For each transmission channel, the respective transmission generation device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective transmission channel:

[0014] - a delay, relative to a given time reference, of the impulse being function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective emission path for a beamforming in emission; and

[0015] - an amplitude, relative to a reference amplitude, of the pulse being function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective emission path for beam formation in emission.

[0016] Thus, the invention proposes a novel and inventive solution for efficiently implementing an ultra-wideband pulse modulation system.

[0017] More specifically, the implementation of the proposed oscillation module and the corresponding generation device enables the efficient direct generation of pulsed signals under a modulated carrier, notably without the use of a phase-locked loop. Furthermore, the modulation of the control pulsed signal on the different emission channels allows beamforming at the emission, e.g., within the framework of a RADAR function implementation.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the pulsed signal train under a modulated carrier carries at least one modulation symbol. For at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and transmission devices of the different transmission channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective transmission channel according to the given modulation symbol:

[0019] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given impulse being function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective emission channel for beamforming in emission; and

[0020] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse given being a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective emission path for beam formation in emission.

[0021] Thus, different modulation symbols can be transmitted sequentially while having beam formation at emission, e.g. within the framework of the combination of RADAR and data transmission functions.

[0022] In certain embodiments, said at least one transmission channel comprises at least a plurality of first transmission channels and a plurality of second transmission channels. Said at least one modulation symbol comprises at least a first modulation symbol and at least a second modulation symbol. For at minus a given first modulation symbol, the generation and transmission devices of the various first transmission channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective first transmission channel according to the given first modulation symbol:

[0023] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the first pulse given being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for a first beam formation in emission; and

[0024] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for the first beam formation in emission.

[0025] For at least one given second modulation symbol, the transmission generation devices of the various second transmission channels are each configured to generate a given second pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective second transmission channel as a function of the given second modulation symbol:

[0026] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second pulse given being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for a second beamforming in emission; and

[0027] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given impulse being a function of an amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for the second beam formation in emission.

[0028] Thus, different modulation symbols can be transmitted in different spatial directions via the two beam formations at emission, e.g. within the framework of the combination of RADAR and data transmission functions.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the radio frequency system includes a signal receiving device, referred to as the received signal, representative of the train of pulsed signals under modulated carrier, the receiving device comprising a plurality of receiving channels, each comprising:

[0030] - an oscillation module, called a lock-on receiving oscillation module Voltage-controlled frequency, having a frequency-locked band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage. The oscillation module is configured to deliver a train of pulsed signals under a modulated carrier, called a transposition signal, via injection, onto the module of oscillation reception, of a receiving control impulse signal having a frequency spectrum containing at least one frequency line in the frequency-locked band. At least one phase of a subcarrier impulse signal is a function of a delay of a respective pulse of the receiving control impulse signal. At least one amplitude of a subcarrier impulse signal is a function of an amplitude of a respective pulse of the receiving control impulse signal;

[0031] - a generation device, called a generation-receiver device, configured for generate the receiving command impulse signal; and

[0032] - a frequency transposition module for the received signal, the transposition module frequency being fed by the transposition signal for frequency transposition of the received signal.

[0033] For each receiving channel, the respective receiving generation device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the receiving control pulse signal of the respective receiving channel:

[0034] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the impulse being function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for a receiving beamforming; and

[0035] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse being function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception.

[0036] Thus, a beam formation in reception is obtained, e.g. in the context of the implementation of a RADAR function.

[0037] In certain embodiments, for said at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the different channels are configured to each generate a given pulse of the control signal for receiving the respective receiving channel as a function of the given modulation symbol:

[0038] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given impulse being function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for a received beamforming; and

[0039] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse given being a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception.

[0040] Thus, the RADAR function can be combined with the data transmission function within the framework of a beamforming in reception.

[0041] In certain aforementioned embodiments in which said at least one transmission channel comprises at least a plurality of first transmission channels and a plurality of second transmission channels, the plurality of reception channels comprises a plurality of first reception channels and a plurality of second reception channels.

[0042] For said at least one given first modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the various first reception channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the control pulse signal for receiving the respective first reception channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol:

[0043] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the first pulse given being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first receive channel for a first received beamforming; and

[0044] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for the first receiving beam formation.

[0045] For said at least one second given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the various second reception channels are each configured to generate a second given pulse of the control reception pulse signal of the respective second reception channel as a function of the second given modulation symbol:

[0046] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second pulse given being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second receive channel for a second received beamforming; and

[0047] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for the second receiving beam formation.

[0048] Thus, the RADAR function can be combined with the function of simultaneous data transmission in different directions.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the radio frequency system includes a signal receiving device, called the received signal, which is representative of the train of pulsed signals under a modulated carrier. The receiving device comprises a plurality of receiving channels, each comprising:

[0050] - an oscillation module, called a receiving oscillation module, with locking A voltage-controlled frequency, having a frequency-locked band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage. The oscillation module is configured to deliver a train of modulated carrier pulse signals, called the sampling signal, via the injection, onto the receiving oscillation module, of a receive control pulse signal having a frequency spectrum containing at least one frequency line within said frequency-locked band. At least one phase of a carrier pulse signal is a function of a delay of a respective pulse of the receive control pulse signal. At least one amplitude of a carrier pulse signal is a function of an amplitude of a respective pulse of the receive control pulse signal.

[0051] - a generation device, called a generation-receiver device, configured for generate the receiving command impulse signal; and

[0052] - a sequential sampling module for the received signal, the module sampling being timed by the sampling signal generated by the generation / reception device.

[0053] For each receiving channel, the respective receiving generation device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the receiving control pulse signal for the respective receiving channel:

[0054] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the impulse being function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the receiving channel for beamforming in reception; and

[0055] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse being function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the receiving channel for beamforming in reception.

[0056] Thus, a beam formation in reception is obtained, e.g. in the context of the implementation of a RADAR function.

[0057] In certain embodiments, for each receiving channel, the delay of the pulse relative to the given time reference is a function of:

[0058] - of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the reception pathway for a beamforming in reception; and

[0059] - of a predetermined delay associated with the method of reception.

[0060] Thus, complex synchronization functions for the received signal can be implemented. For example, predetermined delays allow the received signal to be sampled according to different time-shifted sampling combs, e.g., according to a predefined time-shift scheme.

[0061] In certain embodiments, for said at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the different channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the control signal for receiving the respective receiving channel as a function of the given modulation symbol:

[0062] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given impulse being function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for a received beamforming; and

[0063] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse given being a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception.

[0064] Thus, the RADAR function can be combined with the data transmission function in a multibeam context in reception as well as in transmission where appropriate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the delay relative to the given time reference is further a function of a predetermined delay associated with the respective reception channel.

[0066] Thus, complex synchronization functions of the received signal can be implemented e.g. when the RADAR function is combined with the data transmission function in a multibeam context in reception as well as in transmission where appropriate.

[0067] In certain aforementioned embodiments in which said at least one transmission channel comprises at least a plurality of first transmission channels and a plurality of second transmission channels, said at least one reception channel comprises a plurality of first reception channels and a plurality of second reception channels.

[0068] For said at least one given first modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the various first reception channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the control pulse signal for receiving the respective first reception channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol:

[0069] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the first pulse given being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first receive channel for a first received beamforming; and

[0070] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the first modulation symbol given and the magnitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for the first receiving beamforming.

[0071] For said at least one second given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the various second reception channels are each configured to generate a second given pulse of the control reception pulse signal of the respective second reception channel according to the second given modulation symbol:

[0072] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second pulse given being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second receive channel for a second received beamforming; and

[0073] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for the second receiving beam formation.

[0074] Thus, the RADAR function can be combined with the function of simultaneous data transmission in different directions.

[0075] In some embodiments, the delay relative to the given time reference is further a function of a predetermined delay associated with the respective reception channel.

[0076] Thus, complex synchronization functions of the received signal can be implemented e.g. when the RADAR function is combined with the data transmission function simultaneously in different directions. List of figures

[0077] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of simple illustrative, and not limiting, example, in relation to the figures, among which:

[0078] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] represents a radio frequency signal emission device comprising an emission channel, the emission channel comprising an electronic pulsed signal generator under modulated carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0079] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically represents a signal waveform pulsed under carrier generated by the generator of the [Fig.l];

[0080] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents one embodiment of the generator of [Fig.1];

[0081] [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] represents a radio frequency system comprising a device radio frequency signal emission comprising a plurality of emission channels according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0082] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] represents a radio frequency system comprising a radio frequency signal transmission device comprising a plurality of transmission channels and a reception device comprising a plurality of reception channels according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0083] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a radio frequency system comprising a radio frequency signal transmission device comprising a plurality of transmission channels and a reception device comprising a plurality of reception channels according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0084] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0085] Figure 1 represents a radio frequency signal transmission device 110 2 comprising a transmission channel. Such a transmission channel comprises an electronic pulse signal generator 4 under modulated carrier, the input of which is connected to a pulse generator 6 and the output of which is connected to a power amplifier 8 and a transmitting antenna 10.

[0086] The power amplifier 8 is optional; it may not be present in some embodiments.

[0087] According to one variant, the pulse generator 6 is integrated into the electronic generator 4 of pulse signals under modulated carrier.

[0088] The pulse generator 6 provides a periodic input signal Si consisting of periodically repeated pulse trains, with a pulse repetition period PRP=1 / PRF where PRF is the pulse repetition frequency.

[0089] The electronic generator 4 of pulsed signals under modulated carrier, hereinafter referred to as generator 4, comprises a generation device 120 including:

[0090] - a 15-module modulation module for a pulse train forming a signal switching S3, whose position and amplitude are controllable; module 15 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a delay module 12 configured to introduce programmable delays Tm(t) on the input signal Sb, generating at output a position-modulated signal S2, and a switching signal generation module 14, with amplitude controlled by a voltage signal VAm, receiving at input the position-modulated signal S2; and

[0091] - a switching module 16, connected to the output of module 15, comprising minus one transistor, whose switching is controlled by the switching signal S3, the switching module 16 allowing the injection, into the input of an oscillator 18, of a signal composed of the modulated control pulse signal S4.

[0092] Generator 4 further comprises:

[0093] - an oscillation module 18 (or oscillator), having a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage VT, connected to the output of the switching module 16. Such an oscillator is also known as a VCO (for "Voltage-Controlled Oscillator"). The oscillator 18 has a frequency-locked band around its free oscillation frequency.

[0094] The S4 control impulse signal has a frequency spectrum comprising at least one frequency line in the frequency-locked band of the oscillator 18.

[0095] Thus, advantageously, the switching times in the switching module 16, controlled by the module 14, ensure the shortest possible transitions in order to generate a line spectrum of which at least one of the lines is present with enough energy to ensure locking in the frequency locking band of the oscillator 18.

[0096] Pulsed signals under carrier S5 are obtained at the output of the oscillator 18, having the following characteristics:

[0097] - a relative phase controlled by the delay signal T of module 12;

[0098] - an amplitude controlled by the VAm signal of module 14;

[0099] - a latching frequency and a phase controlled by the VT signal of the oscillator; and

[0100] - a pulse width controlled by the impulse signal of the input signal Sp

[0101] The arrangement of said modules makes it possible to obtain pulse signals under a modulated carrier, controlled in frequency, position (or phase), width, and amplitude. More particularly, the phase of a pulse signal under the carrier is a function of a delay of a respective pulse of the control pulse signal S4, and the amplitude of the pulse signal under the carrier in question is a function of the amplitude of the respective pulse in question of the control pulse signal S4.

[0102] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an S5 carrier impulse signal as a function of time. In other words, Figure 2 illustrates an example of a generated waveform.

[0103] The S5 pulse signal under modulated carrier is characterized by:

[0104] - its power Pout, or indirectly its amplitude;

[0105] - its center frequency Foqui is an integer submultiple of the repetition frequency pulses of the Si signal;

[0106] - the phase relative to the previous impulse;

[0107] - the full width at half height of the envelope Tw; and

[0108] - the PRP repetition period.

[0109] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a generator 6, in which modules 12, 14, 16, 18 are implemented with electronic components according to CMOS technology (for "Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor").

[0110] Module 12 is adapted to introduce programmable delays on the input signal Si.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, module 12 is implemented by a delay circuit which performs a voltage-time conversion, from the voltage signal Vin, for example implemented using a shunt capacitor circuit.

[0112] Of course, any other controllable delay circuit can be used, for example a current starved delay circuit, or a variable resistance circuit.

[0113] The delay signals act as control signals allowing the start-up time of the oscillator 18 to be defined with a high degree of granularity.

[0114] In one embodiment, the delay module 12 is controlled by three delay signals r (or control signals), corresponding respectively to phase shifts of 45°, 90° and 180° for a sinusoidal reference signal, for example of a frequency of 60 GHz.

[0115] At the output of the delay module 12 is obtained a position-modulated (PPM) signal S2, which results in a phase modulation in the pulse signal under modulated carrier S5.

[0116] The signal S2 is transmitted as input to the switching signal generation module S3 14, the amplitude of the output signal of this module being controlled by a voltage VAm-

[0117] In one embodiment, module 14 is implemented by a number N of inverters connected in series, N being equal to 3 in the example. Module 14 comprises N=3 transistor inverters 14b 142 and 143, which have the advantage of short switching times, for example less than 10 picoseconds in 65nm SOI CMOS technology.

[0118] The transistors of the inverters 14b, 142, and 143 are sized according to the frequency-locking band of the oscillator 18 and the free oscillation frequency of the oscillator 18, in order to allow the rising-edge switching of the module 16 with the shortest possible switching time. By way of example, the switching time of the module 16 is less than 10 picoseconds for a free oscillation frequency of 60 GHz in 65nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS technology.

[0119] Indeed, the use of a number N of inverters in series asymptotically allows obtaining the shortest possible transition times, and more particularly rise times.

[0120] If the number N of inverters is even, the pulse signal S5 at the output of generator 6 starts on a rising edge of the input signal Si. If the number N of inverters is odd, the pulse signal S5 at the output of generator 6 starts on a falling edge of the input signal Si.

[0121] The switching signal S3 obtained at the output of module 14 is provided at the input of the switching module 16, which performs a switch between a blocked mode (“off”) and a passing mode (“on”).

[0122] When the switching signal S3 is low (0 V by convention), no current flows through module 16. When the switching signal S3 goes high (voltage equal to VAm by convention), module 16 becomes conducting, and a current flows to the oscillation module 18. This current includes the amplitude-controlled pulse current, denoted S4, which is rich in harmonics of the input signal Sl

[0123] In the embodiment of [Fig.3], the switching module 16 consists of a transistor 22. More generally, the switching module 16 comprises at least one transistor.

[0124] The control voltage on the gate of transistor 22 allows control of the current injected into the main branch of oscillator 18, and thus control of the output power of this oscillator and promote injection locking.

[0125] The supply voltage VAm of module 14 allows control of the control voltage on the gate of transistor 22. Thus, the supply voltage VAm allows control of the output power of this oscillator 18.

[0126] The oscillator 18 includes variable capacitance diodes 24, 26, also called varactor or varcap diodes, driven by the control voltage VT, a field-effect transistor 28 and a capacitor 30.

[0127] The free oscillation frequency Fo of the oscillator 18 is a function of the control voltage VT applied to the variable capacitance diodes 24, 26. Modulating the applied voltage around the control voltage modifies the instantaneous phase of the center output frequency. For example, in one implementation example, the average center frequency is between 55 and 65 GHz.

[0128] The pulse signal S4 and the control voltage VT enable the output frequency of the oscillator 18 to be locked to an integer multiple of the frequency of the input signal Si. This phenomenon is known as oscillator injection locking.

[0129]

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[0141] An oscillator of this type starts from a low energy from a harmonic component present in its frequency locking band AF, close to its free oscillation frequency Fo. The locking phenomenon is transient and depends strongly on the external quality coefficient of the oscillator Qext, the power of the oscillator Posc and the power of the injected signal S4, denoted Pinj. The locking band is defined by Adler's formula: During ignition, in transient regime, the two powers Posc(t) and Pinj(t) are a function of time. Initially, the power of the oscillator Posc(t) is much less than the power of the injected signal, Pinj(t), and the locking band is large. In steady state, the oscillator power Posc(t) is greater than the injected signal power Pinj(t), and the latching band decreases. To ensure that the oscillator is latched, in other words, to ensure radio frequency phase coherence between consecutive pulses, the control voltage VT is applied to modulate the frequency Fo. Advantageously, the electrical power consumption of an electronic pulsed signal generator with a modulated carrier, as described, is low. When the oscillator is not operating, only a small leakage current flows. When CMOS technology is used, the generator's power consumption is a function of the pulse repetition rate and the oscillator's power consumption. For example, for a peak emission power of Pout=10 mW (1OdBm) and an energy efficiency 7=20% (i.e. a static consumption of the oscillator of 50 mW), if the RF pulse is on for TON=500 ps (i.e. 30 periods for a carrier at 60 GHz and an occupied bandwidth of 4 GHz), the energy consumed per RF pulse is 50 mWx300 ps=15 pJ. Advantageously, the invention allows for rapid and time-controlled ignition of an oscillation module using pulses with short transition times. Advantageously, the programmable delay introduced allows the oscillator's start time to be determined. Advantageously, in the described electronic pulsed-carrier signal generator, the initial oscillator start-up conditions, in particular the start-up time, are determined before frequency synthesis.

[0142] Advantageously, the applied control voltage VT allows the phase to be controlled during the start-up of the oscillator.

[0143] Advantageously, the electronic pulse signal generator under modulated carrier allows for n-PSK phase modulation, n-AM amplitude modulation and / or n-QAM joint phase and amplitude modulation, with a number of phase states for example between 2 and 16.

[0144] Fig. 4 represents a radio frequency system 400 comprising a radio frequency signal emission device 110 2 comprising a plurality of emission channels according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0145] More particularly, each transmission channel implements an electronic pulse signal generator 4 under modulated carrier (according to any one of the embodiments described above), e.g. receiving as input a train of periodic pulses Si.

[0146] For each transmission channel, the respective generation device 120 is configured to generate at least one pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the respective transmission channel:

[0147] - a delay, relative to a given time reference, of the impulse being function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the emission channel considered for beam formation in emission. Such a delay is driven e.g. via the delay signal T of module 12; and

[0148] - an amplitude, relative to a reference amplitude, of the pulse being function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the emission channel considered for beamforming in emission. Such an amplitude is driven e.g. via the VAm signal of module 14.

[0149] Thus, the modulation of the control pulse signal on the different emission channels enables beam formation at the emission, e.g., within the framework of a RADAR function implementation. Furthermore, the implementation of the proposed oscillation module 18 and the corresponding generation device 120 makes it possible to achieve direct generation of pulse signals under a modulated carrier efficiently, in particular without using a phase-locked loop.

[0150] In certain embodiments, in order to transmit one (or more) modulation symbol, the radio frequency system 400 comprising the transmitting device 110 is configured to deliver a train of pulsed signals S5 under modulated carrier carrying the modulation symbol(s).

[0151] To this end, for at least one given modulation symbol, the generation devices 120 of the different transmission channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the S4 control pulse signal of the respective transmission channel depending further on the given modulation symbol:

[0152] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given pulse being function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the emission channel considered for beamforming in emission; and

[0153] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse given being a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the emission channel considered for beam formation in emission.

[0154] Thus, different modulation symbols can be transmitted sequentially while having beam formation at emission, e.g. within the framework of the combination of RADAR and data transmission functions.

[0155] More specifically, such beam formation is controlled via weighting factors associated with the different emission paths. The weighting factors can be either static weighting factors (e.g., corresponding to an apodization of the radiation pattern and / or a pointing of the radiation pattern in one (or more) predetermined direction), or weighting factors whose values ​​are changed dynamically (e.g., to form emission zeros in the direction of mobile terminals in order to minimize interference).

[0156] Advantageously, the weighting coefficients also allow control of the shape of the radiation pattern, such as side lobes, in addition to the pointing of the radiation pattern.

[0157] In the case where both modulation symbol transmission and beamforming weighting are considered, the delay, relative to the given time reference, of the pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the transmission channel considered is taken proportionally to the sum of the phase of the given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the transmission channel considered. Similarly, the amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the transmission channel considered is taken proportionally to the product of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the transmission channel considered.

[0158] In some embodiments, the modulation symbols are transmitted sequentially in time. Thus, a given modulation symbol can be transmitted in a given direction, or in several directions depending on the beam formation considered via the weighting factors associated with the different transmission paths.

[0159] In some embodiments, different modulation symbols are transmitted simultaneously, each in a given direction.

[0160] For example, the emission device 110 comprises a plurality of first emission paths and a plurality of second emission paths.

[0161] In some embodiments, the output frequency of all or part of the generators 4 is different. To achieve this, the voltage VT applied to each of the oscillators 18 is different.

[0162] For at least one given first modulation symbol, the generation devices 120 of the various first transmission channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the respective first transmission channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol:

[0163] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the first pulse given being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and a phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for a first beam formation in emission; and

[0164] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for the first formation of emission beams.

[0165] Similarly, for at least one given second modulation symbol, the generation devices 120 of the various second transmission channels are each configured to generate a given second pulse of the control pulse signal S4 the respective second transmission channel according to the given second modulation symbol:

[0166] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second pulse given being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and a phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for a second beamforming in emission; and

[0167] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for the second beam formation in emission.

[0168] Thus, two different modulation symbols can be transmitted simultaneously in different spatial directions via the two beam formations at emission.

[0169] However, in some embodiments, the weighting factors associated with the first emission paths are identical to the weighting factors associated to the second emission paths. Thus, the first beam formation in emission is identical to the second beam formation in emission.

[0170] In certain embodiments, the simultaneous transmission of more than N, where N is an integer strictly greater than 2, modulation symbols is considered. In such cases, N pluralities of transmission channels are considered with N corresponding beamformings (the beamformings may be identical or different).

[0171] Fig. 5 represents a radio frequency system 400 comprising a radio frequency signal transmission device 110 2 comprising a plurality of transmission channels (according to any one of the embodiments described above) and a reception device 510 comprising a plurality of reception channels according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0172] More specifically, each receiving channel comprises:

[0173] - an oscillation module 18 delivering a transposition signal S5 as a function of a corresponding S4 control impulse signal;

[0174] - a 120 generation device configured to generate the pulse signal of command S4 corresponding to the question; and

[0175] - a 530 frequency transposition module (e.g., a quadrature mixer) of the signal received by the receiving channel in question. The 530 frequency transposition module is powered by the S5 transposition signal for frequency transposition of the received signal. Depending on the carrier frequency of the S5 transposition signal (identical to the carrier frequency of the received signal or not), the received signal is transposed to baseband, e.g., the two signals I and Q in quadrature, or to a lower frequency to allow demodulation of the received signal.

[0176] The received signal is delivered to the frequency transposition module 530 by an amplifier 520 (e.g., an LNA (for "Low noise amplifier") connected to the antenna. Such an amplifier 520 is optional for the implementation of the invention.

[0177] Returning to [Fig.5], for each receiving channel, the respective generation device 120 is configured to generate at least one pulse of the respective S4 control pulse signal:

[0178] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the impulse being function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the receiving channel considered for a beamforming in reception; and

[0179] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse being function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the receiving channel considered for beamforming in reception.

[0180] Thus, a beam formation in reception is obtained, e.g. in the context of the implementation of a RADAR function.

[0181] In certain embodiments described above, the transmitting device 110 is configured to deliver a train of pulsed signals S5 under a modulated carrier carrying one (or more) modulation symbol(s). In some of these embodiments, the receiving device 510 processes a received signal representative of the train of pulsed signals S5 under a modulated carrier emitted by the transmitting device 110, i.e. carrying the modulation symbol(s) in question (e.g., in the context of the combination of RADAR and data transmission functions where the received signal is an echo of the signal emitted by the transmitting device 110).

[0182] In this case, for at least one given modulation symbol as emitted by the transmitting device 110, the generating devices 120 of the different receiving channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the respective receiving channel according to the given modulation symbol:

[0183] a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given pulse being a function of the phase of the given modulation symbol and of the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception; and an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the given pulse being a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception.

[0184] Thus, the effect of modulation (in position and amplitude) related to the transmission of modulation symbols is compensated on the frequency-transposed received signal. This allows, e.g., the application of known processing techniques to the frequency-transposed received signal within the framework of implementing a RADAR function combined with the data transmission function.

[0185] Furthermore, by applying weighting factors, the RADAR function can be combined with the data transmission function within the framework of beamforming in reception.

[0186] Furthermore, as discussed above, in certain embodiments in which the transmitting device 110 comprises a plurality of transmitting channels, different modulation symbols are transmitted, each in a respective given direction. In some of these embodiments, the receiving device 510 comprises a plurality of first receiving channels and a plurality of second receiving channels.

[0187] For said at least one given first modulation symbol, the generation devices 120 of the various first receiving channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the respective first receiving channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol:

[0188] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the first pulse given being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first reception channel for a first received beamforming; and

[0189] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first the given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for the first receiving beam formation.

[0190] Similarly, for at least one given second modulation symbol, the generation devices 120 of the various second receiving channels are each configured to generate a given second pulse of the control pulse signal S4 of the respective second receiving channel as a function of the given second modulation symbol:

[0191] - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second pulse given being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for a second receiving beamforming; and

[0192] - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second the given impulse being a function of the amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for the second receiving beam formation.

[0193] Thus, the effect of modulation (in position and amplitude) related to the simultaneous transmission of modulation symbols in different directions is compensated on the frequency-transposed received signal. The RADAR function can be combined with the function of simultaneous data transmission in different directions.

[0194] In some embodiments, the weighting factors associated with the first receive channels are identical to the weighting factors associated with the first transmit channels. Thus, the first beamforming in reception is identical to the first beamforming in transmission. However, in other embodiments, the weighting factors associated with the first receive channels are different from the weighting factors associated with the first transmit channels, e.g., if different sidelobe levels are desired. transmission and reception, or if a different adaptive beam formation is desired in reception (e.g., to deal with jammers) and in transmission.

[0195] In some embodiments, the weighting factors associated with the second receive channels are identical to the weighting factors associated with the second transmit channels. Thus, the second beamforming in reception is identical to the second beamforming in transmission. However, in other embodiments, the weighting factors associated with the second receive channels are different from the weighting factors associated with the second transmit channels, e.g., if different sidelobe levels are desired in transmission and reception, or if different adaptive beamforming is desired in reception (e.g., to counter jammers) and transmission.

[0196] In certain embodiments, the receiving device 510 comprises a single receiving channel. In this case, for at least one given modulation symbol as transmitted by the transmitting device 110, the generating device 120 of the receiving channel in question is configured to generate the control pulse signal S4, a pulse of the control pulse signal S4 being a function of the given modulation symbol. More specifically:

[0197] - a delay, relative to a given time reference, of the signal pulse The S4 control pulse is a function of the phase of the given modulation symbol; and

[0198] - an amplitude, relative to a given reference amplitude, of the impulse of the The corresponding S4 control impulse signal is a function of the amplitude of the given modulation symbol.

[0199] Thus, the effect of the modulation (in position and in amplitude) linked to the sequential transmission of the modulation symbols is compensated on the received signal transposed in frequency.

[0200] Fig. 6 represents a radio frequency system 400 comprising a radio frequency signal transmission device 110 2 comprising a plurality of transmission channels (according to any one of the embodiments described above) and a reception device 510 comprising a plurality of reception channels according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0201] More specifically, whereas in the embodiments described above in relation to [Fig. 5], module 530 is a frequency transposition module, in the present case, all other things being equal, module 630 implements a sequential sampling function eg as described in the aforementioned article by M. Vossiek, N. Haberberger, L. Krabbe, M. Hehn, C. Carlowitz, and M. Stelzig. In this case, for each receiving channel, the sampling instant as well as the amplitude The sample as sampled by module 630 is driven by signal S5, known as the sampling signal, delivered by the oscillation module 18 of the channel in question. Thus, the effect of the modulation (in position and amplitude) related to the transmission of the modulation symbols is compensated.

[0202] In this way, the same embodiments as those described above in relation to [Fig.5] are obtained by substituting a 630 sequential sampling module for the 530 frequency transposition module.

[0203] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments obtained via such a substitution, according to one variant, the delay, relative to the given time reference, of a given pulse generated by a generation device 120 of a given reception channel is further a function of a predetermined delay associated with the reception channel considered.

[0204] For example, for the same modulation symbol phase value and / or weighting factor phase value used for different receive channels, implementing different predetermined delays for the different receive channels in question makes it possible to sample the received signal according to different time-shifted sampling combs from one receive channel to another, e.g., according to a predefined time-shift scheme. Thus, complex synchronization functions of the received signal can be implemented, e.g., as described in the article by N. Deparis, A. Boe, C. Loyez, N. Rolland, and P. Rolland: “Receiver and Synchronization for UWB impulse radio signals,” in 2006 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, June 2006, pp. 1414–1417.

Claims

1. Demands Radio frequency system (400) comprising a transmission device (110) for a train of pulsed signals (S5) under a modulated carrier, characterized in that the transmission device comprises a plurality of transmission channels, each comprising: - a voltage-controlled frequency-locked oscillation module (18), referred to as the transmission oscillation module, having a frequency-locked band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage, the oscillation module being configured to deliver the pulsed signal train (S5) under a modulated carrier via the injection, onto the transmission oscillation module, of a control pulsed transmission signal (S4) having a frequency spectrum comprising at least one frequency line in said frequency-locked band, at least one phase of a subcarrier pulsed signal being a function of a respective pulse delay of the control pulsed transmission signal, at least one amplitude of a subcarrier pulsed signal being a function of a respective pulse amplitude of the control pulsed transmission signal; and - a generation device (120), called the transmission generation device, configured to generate the transmission control pulse signal, and in that, for each transmission channel, the respective transmission generation device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective transmission channel: - a delay, relative to a given time reference, of the pulse being a function of a phase and a weighting factor associated with the respective emission channel for a beamforming in emission; and - an amplitude, relative to a reference amplitude, of the pulse being a function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective emission path for beam formation in emission.

2. Radio frequency system according to claim 1, wherein said pulsed signal train (S5) under modulated carrier carries at least one modulation symbol, wherein, for at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and transmission devices of the different transmission channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective transmission channel as a function of the given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given pulse being a function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and of the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective transmission channel for beamforming in transmission;and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective emission channel for beam formation in emission.;

3. Radio frequency system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one transmission channel comprises at least a plurality of first transmission channels and a plurality of second transmission channels, wherein said at least one modulation symbol comprises at least a first modulation symbol and at least a second modulation symbol, wherein, for at least one given first modulation symbol, the transmission generation devices of the various first transmission channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the transmission control pulse signal of the respective first transmission channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference,of the first given pulse being a function of the phase of the first given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for a first beam formation in emission; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the,

4. first given modulation symbol and the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first emission channel for the first beam formation in emission, wherein, for at least one second given modulation symbol, the emission generation devices of the various second emission channels are each configured to generate a given second pulse of the emission control pulse signal of the respective second emission channel as a function of the second given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second given pulse being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of the weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for a second beamforming in emission; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second emission channel for the second beam formation in emission. A radio frequency system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a signal receiving device, referred to as the received signal, representative of said pulsed signal train (S5) under modulated carrier, the receiving device comprising a plurality of receiving channels, each comprising: - an oscillation module (18), referred to as a voltage-controlled frequency-locked receiving oscillation module, having a frequency-locked band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage, the oscillation module being configured to deliver a train of pulse signals (S5) under a modulated carrier, referred to as a transposition signal, via the injection, onto the receiving oscillation module, of a receiving control pulse signal (S4) having a frequency spectrum comprising at least one frequency line in said frequency-locked band, at least one phase of a subcarrier pulse signal being a function of a respective pulse delay of the receiving control pulse signal, at least one amplitude of a subcarrier pulse signal being a function of an amplitude of a respective pulse of the receive control pulse signal; - a generation device (120), called the receive generation device, configured to generate the receive control pulse signal; and - a frequency transposition module (530) of the received signal, the frequency transposition module being powered by the transposition signal for frequency transposition of the received signal, and in which, for each receive channel, the respective receive generation device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the receive control pulse signal of the respective receive channel: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the pulse being a function of a phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for a receive beamforming;and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse being a function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receiving channel for beamforming in reception.;

5. Radio frequency system according to claim 4 in that it depends on claim 2, wherein, for said at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the different channels are configured to each generate a given pulse of the control receive pulse signal of the respective receive channel as a function of the given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given pulse being a function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and of the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for beamforming in reception; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for beamforming in reception.

6. Radio frequency system according to claim 4 in that it depends on claim 3, wherein the plurality of receiving channels comprises a plurality of first receiving channels and a plurality of second receiving channels, wherein, for said at least one given first modulation symbol, the receiving generation devices of the various first receiving channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the receiving control pulse signal of the respective first receiving channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given first pulse being a function of a phase of the given first modulation symbol and of the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for a first receiving beam formation;and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for the first receiving beamform, wherein, for said at least one second given modulation symbol, the receiving generation devices of the various second receiving channels are each configured to generate a second given pulse of the receiving control pulse signal of the respective second receiving channel as a function of the second given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second given pulse being a function of a phase of the second given modulation symbol and of the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for a second receiving beamform;and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for the second beamforming in reception.;

7. A radio frequency system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a signal receiving device, referred to as signal received, representative of said pulsed signal train (S5) under modulated carrier, the receiving device comprising a plurality of receiving channels each comprising: - an oscillation module (18), called the receiving oscillation module, with voltage-controlled frequency locking, having a frequency-locking band around a free oscillation frequency controlled by a control voltage, the oscillation module being configured to deliver a train of pulse signals (S5) under modulated carrier, called sampling signal, via the injection, on the receiving oscillation module, of a receiving control pulse signal (S4) having a frequency spectrum comprising at least one frequency line in said frequency-locking band, at least one phase of a pulse signal under carrier being a function of a delay of a respective pulse of the receiving control pulse signal, at least one amplitude of a pulse signal under carrier being a function of an amplitude of a respective pulse of the receiving control pulse signal; - a generation device (120), called the generation / receiver device, configured to generate the receive control pulse signal; and - a sequential sampling module (630) for the received signal, the sampling module being clocked by the sampling signal generated by the generation-receiver device, and in which, for each reception channel, the respective generation-receiver device is configured to generate at least one pulse of the reception control pulse signal of the respective reception channel: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the pulse being a function of a phase and a weighting factor associated with the receiving channel for beamforming in reception; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the pulse being a function of an amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the receiving channel for beam formation in reception.

8. Radio frequency system according to claim 7, wherein, for each receiving channel, the delay, relative to the given time reference, of the pulse is a function of: - a phase of a weighting factor associated with the receiving channel for beam formation in reception; and - a predetermined delay associated with the receiving channel.

9. Radio frequency system according to claim 7 in that it depends on claim 2, wherein, for said at least one given modulation symbol, the generation and reception devices of the different channels are each configured to generate a given pulse of the control receive pulse signal of the respective receive channel as a function of the given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given pulse being a function of a phase of the given modulation symbol and of the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for beamforming in reception; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective receive channel for beamforming in reception.

10. Radio frequency system according to claim 7, in that it depends on claim 3, wherein said at least one receive channel comprises a plurality of first receive channels and a plurality of second receive channels, wherein, for said at least one given first modulation symbol, the receive generation devices of the various first receive channels are each configured to generate a given first pulse of the receive control pulse signal of the respective first receive channel as a function of the given first modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the given first pulse being a function of a phase of the given first modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective first receive channel for a first receive beamforming; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the first given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the first given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective first receiving channel for the first receiving beamform, wherein, for said at least one second given modulation symbol, the receiving generation devices of the various second receiving channels are each configured to generate a second given pulse of the receiving control pulse signal of the respective second receiving channel as a function of the second given modulation symbol: - a delay, relative to the given time reference, of the second given pulse being a function of the phase of the second given modulation symbol and the phase of a weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for a second beamforming in reception; and - an amplitude, relative to the given reference amplitude, of the second given pulse being a function of an amplitude of the second given modulation symbol and of the amplitude of the weighting factor associated with the respective second receiving channel for the second receiving beam formation.