Antenna equipment and wireless equipment

Abstract

To provide an antenna device capable of improving a characteristic, and provide a radio device.SOLUTION: An antenna device comprises a first antenna part, a first power distribution device, and a first control circuit. The first antenna part comprises a plurality of first antenna elements, a plurality of first left-handed phase shifters, and a plurality of first right-handed phase shifters. One direction of the plurality of first antenna elements is different from another one direction of the plurality of first antenna elements. The first control circuit can control a phase amount of the plurality of first left-handed phase shifters in a transmission direction of a transmission electromagnetic wave containing a transmission left-handed circular polarization and a transmission right-handed circular polarization so that the plurality of left-handed circular polarizations corresponded to the plurality of first antenna elements are actually the same. The first control circuit can control the phase amount of a plurality of first right-transmission phase shifters in a transmission direction so that the plurality of transmission right-handed circular polarizations corresponded to the plurality of first antenna elements are actually the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an antenna device and a wireless device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in an antenna device and a wireless device, improvement in characteristics is desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​According to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna device includes a first antenna section, a first power distributor, and a first control circuit. The first antenna section includes a plurality of first antenna elements, a plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters, and a plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters. The plurality of first antenna elements are capable of performing a first transmission operation for transmitting left-hand circular polarization and a second transmission operation for transmitting right-hand circular polarization. One of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters is variable in phase of the transmitted left-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of first antenna elements. One of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters is variable in phase of the transmitted right-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of first antenna elements. The first power distributor is capable of coupling with the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters and the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters. The orientation of one of the plurality of first antenna elements is different from the orientation of another of the plurality of first antenna elements. The first control circuit can control the phase shift amount of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the transmission direction of the transmitted electromagnetic wave including the transmitted left-hand circular polarization and the transmitted right-hand circular polarization, the plurality of transmitted left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements are substantially in phase. The first control circuit can control the phase shift amount of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the transmission direction, the plurality of transmitted right-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements are substantially in phase. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the coordinate system for the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating polarization in an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 17] Figures 17(a) and 17(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23]Figure 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an antenna device according to an embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of different parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may be depicted differently in different drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals with respect to previously shown figures, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the antenna device 110 according to this embodiment includes a first antenna unit 11D, a first power distributor 61, and a first control circuit 71.

[0009] The first antenna section 11D includes a plurality of first antenna elements 11, a plurality of first left-hand phase shifters 21A, and a plurality of first right-hand phase shifters 21B.

[0010] The multiple first antenna elements 11 include, for example, antenna element 11a, antenna element 11b, antenna element 11c, and antenna element 11d. The number of multiple first antenna elements 11 is arbitrary.

[0011] Multiple first antenna elements 11 are capable of performing a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation. These operations may be performed separately by the multiple first antenna elements 11. These operations may also be performed simultaneously by the multiple first antenna elements 11.

[0012] In the first transmission operation, the multiple first antenna elements 11 transmit left-hand circularly polarized waves. In the second transmission operation, the multiple first antenna elements 11 transmit right-hand circularly polarized waves.

[0013] The multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A include, for example, shifters 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ac, and 21Ad. The number of the multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A is arbitrary. One of the multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A can vary the phase of the transmitted left-hand circular polarization of one of the multiple first antenna elements 11. For example, each of the multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A can vary the phase of the transmitted left-hand circular polarization of the multiple first antenna elements 11.

[0014] The multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B include, for example, phase shifter 21Ba, phase shifter 21Bb, phase shifter 21Bc, and phase shifter 21Bd. The number of the multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B is arbitrary. One of the multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B can vary the phase of the transmitted right-hand circular polarization of one of the multiple first antenna elements 11. For example, each of the multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B can vary the phase of the transmitted right-hand circular polarization of the multiple first antenna elements 11.

[0015] The first power distributor 61 can be coupled with a plurality of first left-hand polarized phase shifters 21A and a plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters 21B. For example, the first power distributor 61 is electrically connected to a plurality of first left-hand polarized phase shifters 21A and a plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters 21B.

[0016] As will be described later, the orientation (e.g., angle) of one of the multiple first antenna elements 11 is different from the orientation (e.g., angle) of another of the multiple first antenna elements 11.

[0017] The first control circuit 71 can control the phase shift amount of the multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A so that, in the transmission direction of the transmitted electromagnetic wave, including the transmitted left-hand circular polarization and the transmitted right-hand circular polarization, the multiple transmitted left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the multiple first antenna elements 11 are substantially in phase.

[0018] The first control circuit 71 can control the phase shift amount of the multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B so that the multiple transmission right-hand circular polarization waves corresponding to the multiple first antenna elements 11 are substantially in phase in the above transmission direction.

[0019] For example, each of the multiple first antenna elements 11 is positioned rotated in a different orientation from the others. This results in, for example, a broadband axial ratio during circular polarization radiation.

[0020] In this embodiment, the phase shifter is controlled so that the circularly polarized components radiated by the multiple first antenna elements 11 are in phase. This ensures that good circularly polarized radiation characteristics can be obtained even when there are manufacturing errors in the antenna elements, mutual coupling between multiple antenna elements, or variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter.

[0021] In the first reference example, there is a phased array in which multiple linearly polarized antenna elements are rotated and arranged. For the phased array, beam scanning of right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization is performed by changing the feeding phase of each antenna element using a phase shifter. The change in the feeding phase is performed based on the position of each antenna element, the rotation angle of each antenna element, and the beam scanning direction of each antenna element.

[0022] In this first example, linearly polarized antenna elements are used, resulting in a narrower frequency bandwidth of the axial ratio compared to the case where circularly polarized antenna elements are used. It is not possible to radiate right-hand and left-hand circular polarization simultaneously. In the first example, the excitation phase of each antenna element is controlled based on the position, rotation angle, and beam scanning direction of each antenna element. Therefore, if the position and rotation angle of each antenna element change due to manufacturing errors, the radiation field of each antenna element is likely to change. When the radiation field of each antenna element changes, the axial ratio during circular polarization radiation is likely to deteriorate due to variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter, etc.

[0023] In the second reference example, there is a phased array using multiple antenna elements that share circular polarization. In the second reference example, each antenna element is capable of radiating both right-hand and left-hand circular polarization. In the second reference example, each antenna element is arranged in the same orientation without being rotated.

[0024] In the second reference example, since the multiple antenna elements are not rotated, the frequency bandwidth of the axial ratio during circular polarization radiation is narrow. Because the excitation phases of the right-hand circular polarization elements and the left-hand circular polarization elements of each antenna element are equal, rotating the elements to improve the axial ratio degrades the radiation characteristics.

[0025] In contrast, in this embodiment, good circular polarization radiation characteristics can be obtained even when there are manufacturing errors, inter-element coupling, and variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter. The embodiment can be applied, for example, to a phased array in which circular polarization shared antenna elements are rotated and arranged. According to this embodiment, an antenna device capable of improving characteristics can be provided.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, antenna element 11a includes feed point 11aA and feed point 11aB. Antenna element 11b includes feed point 11bA and feed point 11bB. Antenna element 11c includes feed point 11cA and feed point 11cB. Antenna element 11d includes feed point 11dA and feed point 11dB.

[0027] For example, phase shifter 21Aa is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11aA. Phase shifter 21Ab is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11bA. Phase shifter 21Ac is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11cA. Phase shifter 21Ad is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11dA. When high-frequency signals are supplied to these feed points, left-hand circularly polarized waves are radiated.

[0028] For example, phase shifter 21Ba is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11aB. Phase shifter 21Bb is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11bB. Phase shifter 21Bc is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11cB. Phase shifter 21Bd is coupled (connected) to the feed point 11dB. When a high-frequency signal is supplied to these feed points, right-hand circular polarization is radiated.

[0029] For example, the multiple first antenna elements 11 can be patch antennas, horn antennas, tapered slot antennas, or dielectric resonator antennas.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 1, antenna element 11b is rotated 90° counterclockwise relative to antenna element 11a. Antenna element 11c is rotated 90° counterclockwise relative to antenna element 11b. Antenna element 11d is rotated 90° relative to antenna element 11c.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates one of the multiple first antenna elements 11 (antenna element 11a). As shown in Figure 2, a 90° hybrid coupler 11C is connected to the orthogonal linear polarization shared antenna 11A. This allows for the radiation of left-hand and right-hand circular polarization.

[0032] The configuration of one of the multiple first antenna elements 11 may be the same as that of another. The configuration of one of the multiple first antenna elements 11 may be different from that of another. The multiple first antenna elements 11 may be provided on, for example, a single plane. The multiple first antenna elements 11 may be provided on, for example, a single curved surface. The multiple first antenna elements 11 may be provided rotated in different directions from each other.

[0033] Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3(a), the multiple first antenna elements 11 are arranged rotated clockwise. In the example shown in Figure 3(b), the feed point is located between the multiple first antenna elements 11. In the example shown in Figure 3(c), the orientation (e.g., angle) of the multiple first antenna elements 11 is inclined, not 90°.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 3(d), the positions of the multiple first antenna elements 11 are shifted. The arrangement of the multiple first antenna elements 11 is a triangular arrangement. The triangular arrangement allows for wider spacing between elements. For example, gain is improved. For example, fewer elements are needed to obtain the same aperture area. Cost reduction is possible.

[0035] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a part of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(a), the number of multiple first antenna elements 11 may be 2. As shown in Figure 4(b), the number of multiple first antenna elements 11 may be 3. By increasing the number of multiple first antenna elements 11, a good axial ratio can be obtained over a wider frequency band range.

[0036] For example, the number of first antenna elements 11 can be "N", where "N" is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The multiple first antenna elements 11 include the nth first antenna element, where "n" is an integer between 1 and "N". In this case, the rotation angle of the nth first antenna element can be 180° × i × n / N, where "i" is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, axial symmetry in the multiple first antenna elements 11 can lead to better circular polarization radiation characteristics. For example, equally spaced rotation angles can be applied to the multiple first antenna elements 11.

[0037] If the number of multiple first antenna elements 11 is "N", then the number of multiple first left-hand polarized phase shifters 21A may also be "N". If the number of multiple first antenna elements 11 is "N", then the number of multiple first right-hand polarized phase shifters 21B may also be "N".

[0038] The following describes an example where the number of first antenna elements 11 is 4.

[0039] For example, phase shifter 21Aa changes the phase of the left-hand circularly polarized waves radiated by antenna element 11a. Phase shifter 21Ba changes the phase of the right-hand circularly polarized waves radiated by antenna element 11a. The operation of the other phase shifters is similar.

[0040] The multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A and the multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B may include, for example, switched-line phase shifters, reflective phase shifters, or loaded-line phase shifters. The multiple first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A continuously or discretely change the phase of the left-hand circular polarization. The multiple first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B continuously or discretely change the phase of the right-hand circular polarization.

[0041] A high-frequency signal is input to the first power distributor 61. The first power distributor 61 distributes the input high-frequency signal as a left-hand circularly polarized signal to a plurality of first left-hand phase shifters 21A. The first power distributor 61 also distributes the input high-frequency signal as a right-hand circularly polarized signal to a plurality of first right-hand phase shifters 21B. Any one of these distributions may be performed.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in the antenna device 111, the first power divider 61 includes a divider 61a and a divider 61b. The divider 61a distributes the input high-frequency signal as a left-handed circularly polarized wave signal to a plurality of first left-handed phase shifters 21A. The divider 61b distributes the input high-frequency signal as a right-handed circularly polarized wave signal to a plurality of first right-handed phase shifters 21B.

[0043] At least any one of the first power divider 61, the divider 61a, and the divider 61b may include, for example, a T-branch, a Wilkinson divider, or a hybrid coupler, etc.

[0044] The first control circuit 71 determines the phase shift amounts of the plurality of first left-handed phase shifters 21A and the plurality of first right-handed phase shifters 21B based on the beam scanning direction or the like. The first control circuit 71 may include, for example, a microcomputer, an FPGA, or a computer, etc.

[0045] Hereinafter, an example of the operation in the antenna device 110 (or the antenna device 111) will be described. Hereinafter, an example of the excitation coefficients of the plurality of first antenna elements 11 when radiating a left-handed circularly polarized wave will be described.

[0046] The plurality of first antenna elements 11 includes an antenna element 1la, an antenna element 11b, an antenna element 11c, and an antenna element 11d. At the feeding point 11aA, the excitation coefficient c L1 = 1 is fed. At the feeding point 11bA, the excitation coefficient c L2 = 1 is fed. At the feeding point 11cA, the excitation coefficient c L3 = 1 is fed. At the feeding point 11dA, the excitation coefficient c L4 = 1 is fed. In this case, the radiation fields E L1 、E L2 、E L3 、and E L4 at the desired beam scanning direction (θ, φ) = (θ0, φ0) are set.

[0047] The radiation field E Li(i=1,…,4) can be obtained, for example, by measuring the electromagnetic field radiated by the antenna device 110 in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0) when four feed points are excited. Radiation field E Li (i=1,…,4) may be obtained, for example, based on electromagnetic field analysis or analytical solutions.

[0048] For example, the antenna device 110 is simultaneously supplied with power from multiple feed points, and the state of four phase shifters is changed to measure the electromagnetic field radiated by the antenna device 110 in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0). The radiation field E corresponding to the four feed points is then processed. Li It is also acceptable to obtain (i=1,…,4).

[0049] For example, the element field vector rotation method can be applied to signal processing to obtain the radiation field. For example, by simultaneously feeding from multiple feed points and changing the state of the phase shifter, the radiation field E including the variation in the phase shifter's characteristics or the characteristics of the power distributor can be obtained. Li (i=1,…,4) can be obtained.

[0050] Radiation field E Li Left-hand circular polarization component E of (i=1,…,4) Li,L This can be obtained by the following equation 1.

[0051]

number

[0052] In the first equation, "a θ " and "a φ These are unit vectors in the θ direction and the φ direction, respectively.

[0053] In left-hand circular polarization radiation, the phase arg(c) of the feed points 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA respectively L2 ), arg(c L3 ) and arg(c L4 ) is set based on the following equations 2, 3, and 4.

[0054]

number

[0055]

number

[0056]

number

[0057] Excitation coefficient c L1 This can be set to any value.

[0058] Excitation coefficient c L1 , c L2 , c L3 , and c L4 The amplitudes of each of these excitation coefficients may be set to be the same. The amplitudes of these excitation coefficients may be different from each other.

[0059] Power is supplied to the antenna device 110 based on excitation coefficients derived from equations 2, 3, and 4. This allows the left-hand circular polarization components of the radiation field of each antenna element to be combined in phase in the desired beam scanning direction. A good axial ratio is obtained. Because the excitation coefficient is obtained based on the radiation field, a good axial ratio can be obtained even if there are manufacturing errors of the antenna elements, mutual coupling, and variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter.

[0060] The following describes examples of excitation coefficients for multiple first antenna elements 11 when radiating right-hand circular polarization.

[0061] At the power supply point 11aB, the excitation coefficient c R1 Power is supplied at =1. At the power supply point 11bB, the excitation coefficient c R2 Power is supplied at =1. At the power supply point 11cB, the excitation coefficient c R3 Power is supplied at =1. At the power supply point of 11dB, the excitation coefficient c R4 Power is supplied at =1. In this case, the radiation field in the desired beam scanning direction (θ,φ)=(θ0,φ0) is E R1 , ER2 , E R3 , and E R4 Let's assume that.

[0062] Radiation field E Ri (i=1,…,4) may also be obtained by measuring the electromagnetic field radiated by the antenna device 110 in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0) when each of the four feed points is excited. Radiation field E Ri (i=1,…,4) may be obtained based on electromagnetic field analysis or analytical solutions.

[0063] For example, the antenna device 110 is simultaneously powered from multiple feed points, the state of four phase shifters is changed to measure the electromagnetic field radiated by the antenna device 110 in the (θ0, φ0) direction, and the radiation field E corresponding to each feed point is calculated through signal processing. Ri (i=1,…,4) may also be obtained. For example, by simultaneously supplying power from multiple feed points and changing the state of the phase shifter, the radiation field E including the variation in the characteristics of the phase shifter or the characteristics of the power distributor can be obtained. Ri It is also acceptable to obtain (i=1,…,4).

[0064] Radiation field E Ri Right-hand circular polarization component E of (i=1,…,4) Ri,R This can be obtained by the following fifth equation.

[0065]

number

[0066] In equation 5, "a θ " and "a φ These are the unit vectors in the θ and φ directions, respectively. In right-hand circular polarization radiation, the phases arg(c) of the feed points 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB are respectively. R2 ), arg(c R3 ) and arg(c R4 ) is determined based on the following equations 6, 7, and 8.

[0067]

number

[0068]

number

[0069]

number

[0070] Excitation coefficient c R1 This can be set to any value.

[0071] Excitation coefficient c R1 , c R2 , c R3 , and c R4 The amplitudes of each of these excitation coefficients may be set to be the same. The amplitudes of these excitation coefficients may be different from each other.

[0072] Power is supplied to the antenna device 110 based on excitation coefficients derived from equations 6, 7, and 8. This allows the right-hand circular polarization components of the radiation field of each antenna element to be combined in phase in the desired beam scanning direction. A good axial ratio is obtained. Because the excitation coefficient is obtained based on the radiation field, a good axial ratio can be obtained even if there are manufacturing errors of the antenna elements, mutual coupling, and variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter.

[0073] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. These diagrams illustrate a part of the antenna device 110. In these diagrams, power is supplied to four rectangular patch antenna elements using a 90° hybrid coupler 11C.

[0074] In this example, a square array is applied. Four square patch antennas with a length of 0.3λ0 are set up at intervals of 0.5λ0, rotated by 90° each. "λ0" is the free-space wavelength at the center frequency.

[0075] To simulate the effects of manufacturing tolerances in the antenna device 110, a phase is applied to the analytical field of the radiation field of the rectangular patch antenna. The phase error includes a standard deviation of 1 dB and a standard deviation of 5°. In this example, the desired beam scanning angle (θ0, φ0) is (30°, 45°). L1 |, |c L2 |, |c L3 |, and |c L4 | is set to 1. c L1 The phase arg(c L1 ) is set to 0°.

[0076] The following describes examples of characteristics in the first configuration CF1 and the second configuration CF2. In the first configuration, the phases of the excitation coefficients at feed points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA are determined by equations 2 to 5. In the second configuration CF2, the excitation coefficients of these feed points are determined as in the first reference example. In the first reference example, the phase of the excitation coefficient is determined based on the position of the antenna element, the rotation angle of the antenna element, and the beam scanning direction.

[0077] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 8(a) corresponds to the first configuration CF1. Figure 8(b) corresponds to the second configuration CF2. These figures illustrate four excitation coefficients. The horizontal axis of these figures represents the real part of the excitation coefficient. The vertical axis of these figures represents the imaginary part of the excitation coefficient.

[0078] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 9 illustrates the directional gain of the radiation field of an antenna element, taking into account manufacturing tolerances of the antenna device 110. The horizontal axis in Figure 9 represents the angle θ, and the vertical axis represents the directional gain DG1. In Figure 9, the solid line corresponds to the first configuration CF1, and the dashed line corresponds to the second configuration CF2. In the first configuration CF1, four excitation coefficients are set so that the left-hand circular polarization components of the radiation field of the four antenna elements in the (θ0,φ0)=(30°,45°) direction are in phase. Figure 9 illustrates the left-hand circular polarization component CLP and the right-hand circular polarization component CRP.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, by setting the excitation coefficient based on the radiation field (first configuration CF1), the left-hand circular polarization component CLP of the directivity gain DG1 approaches the direction of the main beam (θ=30°). By setting the excitation coefficient based on the radiation field, the right-hand circular polarization component CRP in the θ0=30° direction decreases.

[0080] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 10 shows the frequency characteristics of the axial ratio in the direction (θ0,φ0)=(30°,45°). The horizontal axis is the normalized frequency fs1, and the vertical axis is the axial ratio Ra1. Figure 10 illustrates the characteristics of the first configuration CF1 and the second configuration CF2.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, by setting the excitation coefficient so that the radiation field is in phase (first configuration CF1), a low axial ratio Ra1 can be obtained over a wide frequency band.

[0082] For example, phase shifters 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ac, and 21Ad may be digital phase shifters. In this case, the phase shift amount is discrete. In this case, the excitation phase obtained from equations 2 to 4 may not be applicable. For example, in a 6-bit phase shifter, the step of the phase shift amount is 5.625°. For example, in a 4-bit phase shifter, the step of the phase shift amount is 22.5°. In this case, quantization error occurs.

[0083] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 11 illustrates the directional gain DG1 under the first condition CD1, the second condition CD2, and the third condition CD3. Under the first condition CD1, there is no quantization error in the excitation phase. Under the second condition CD2, the excitation phase is set by quantizing with 6 bits. Under the third condition CD3, the excitation phase is set by quantizing with 4 bits.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, even if the excitation phase is quantized, there is no significant change in the main beam direction or radiation directivity characteristics.

[0085] Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 12 illustrates the axial ratio Ra1 under the first condition CD1, the second condition CD2, and the third condition CD3. As shown in Figure 12, under these conditions, the axial ratio Ra1 in the (θ0,φ0)=(30°,45°) direction is low over a wide frequency range, even when the excitation coefficient is quantized.

[0086] Therefore, a good configuration can be obtained even if the excitation phase is not strictly based on equations 2 to 4. For example, the excitation phase may be discretized using 6 bits or 4 bits, and quantization errors may exist. Even in this case, the left-hand circular polarization component of the radiation field is combined in substantially in phase in the desired beam scanning direction. This results in a good axial ratio Ra1 over a wide frequency range.

[0087] The same applies to right-hand circular polarization radiation as to left-hand circular polarization radiation. A good configuration can be obtained even without using excitation phases strictly based on equations 6 to 8. Even if the excitation phases are discretized, the right-hand circular polarization components of the radiation field of each antenna element may be combined in substantially the same phase in the desired beam scanning direction. This allows for a good axial ratio Ra1 over a wide frequency range.

[0088] Thus, for example, errors may exist due to the quantization of the phase shift amount in a digital phase shifter. For example, the excitation phase may change due to changes in the phase shift amount of the phase shifter based on measurement errors for each antenna element. The excitation phase may also change due to changes in the phase shift amount of the phase shifter caused by temperature changes of each antenna element, etc.

[0089] Thus, if the excitation phase is approximately equal to the value based on equations 2 to 4, a good axial ratio Ra1 can be obtained over a wide frequency range. If the excitation phase is approximately equal to the value based on equations 6 to 8, a good axial ratio Ra1 can be obtained over a wide frequency range.

[0090] The radiation field in the direction surrounding the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0) may be interpolated to obtain the radiation field in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0). The excitation coefficient may be obtained based on the radiation field obtained by interpolation. The excitation coefficient in the direction surrounding the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0) may be interpolated to obtain the excitation coefficient for radiating circularly polarized waves in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0,φ0).

[0091] In this embodiment, for example, when power is supplied to eight power supply points simultaneously, left-hand circularly polarized waves and right-hand circularly polarized waves are combined to generate linearly polarized waves. By relatively changing the phases of the left-hand circularly polarized waves and the right-hand circularly polarized waves, the polarization plane of the linearly polarized waves can be rotated. For example, by relatively changing the phases of the left-hand circularly polarized waves and the right-hand circularly polarized waves by 90°, the polarization plane rotates by 45°.

[0092] Thus, each of the multiple first antenna elements 11 may be capable of simultaneously radiating a transmitted left-hand circular polarization and a transmitted right-hand circular polarization to generate a transmitted linear polarization. The first control circuit may be capable of changing the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the multiple first left-hand phase shifters 21A and at least one of the multiple first right-hand phase shifters 21B based on the transmitted linear polarization radiated by the multiple first antenna elements 11. The polarization angle of the linear polarization can be effectively controlled.

[0093] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the coordinate system for the antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the angle of the polarization plane PP1 in the beam scanning direction (θ, φ) is defined as the polarization angle τ. r "a θ ", and "a φ These are the unit vectors in the r, θ, and φ directions in the spherical coordinate system, respectively.

[0094] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating polarization in an antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the radiation field of the antenna device 110 is set to elliptical polarization EP1. The desired polarization plane PP1 has the principal wavefront MP1. The cross-polarization CP1 intersects the direction of the elliptical polarization EP1. The polarization angle τ is the major axis of the elliptical polarization EP1 when the radiation field is considered to be elliptical polarization EP1, and "a θ This corresponds to the angle between " and ".

[0095] For example, variations may exist in the radiation field. For example, variations occur when the cross-polarization of multiple antenna elements is large. For example, variations in the radiation field occur due to manufacturing errors. For example, variations in the characteristics of multiple phase shifters occur in the radiation field. In such cases, for example, even if the phases of left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization are changed relatively by 90°, the polarization angle τ will not rotate by 45°. The difference between the desired polarization angle τ0 and the polarization angle τ becomes large. Cross-polarization with respect to the desired polarization plane increases. For example, cross-polarization also increases when the minor axis of elliptic polarization EP1 becomes longer.

[0096] An example of an excitation coefficient that reduces cross-polarization for the desired polarization plane PP1 while performing beam scanning is described below.

[0097] The power supply points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA have an excitation coefficient c L1 , c L2 , c L3 and c L4 Each is excited accordingly. The radiation field in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0) at this time is given by the following equation 9.

[0098]

number

[0099] The power supply points 11aB, 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB have an excitation coefficient c R1 , c R2 , c R3 and c R4 Each is excited accordingly. The radiation field in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0) is given by the following equation 10.

[0100]

number

[0101] In equation 10, "E R,θ ", and "E R,φ " are, respectively, "E R These are the θ component and the φ component of ''.

[0102] When the above excitations for feed points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA, and the above excitations for feed points 11aB, 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB are performed simultaneously, the radiation field in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0) is given by the following equation 11.

[0103]

number

[0104] The cross-polarization component Ecrs of "E" is expressed by the following equation 12.

[0105]

number

[0106] The cross-polarization component Ecrs is set to 0. This results in an excitation coefficient c that makes the cross-polarization component Ecrs zero. R This is given by the following equation 13.

[0107]

number

[0108] As described above, by simultaneously performing the above-mentioned excitations for feed points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA, and the above-mentioned excitations for feed points 11aB, 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB, it is possible to reduce the cross-polarization CP1 with respect to the polarization plane PP1 at the desired polarization angle τ0 while scanning the beam in the desired main beam direction (θ0, φ0).

[0109] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the antenna device 112 according to this embodiment includes a first amplitude adjustment circuit 31. The configuration of the antenna device 112, excluding this circuit, may be the same as that of the antenna device 110 or the antenna device 111.

[0110] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 can be coupled to at least one of the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters 21A and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters 21B. For example, the first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may be electrically connected to the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters 21A and the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters 21B. The first control circuit 71 can control the first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 based on the transmitting electromagnetic field radiated along the transmission direction.

[0111] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 can adjust the amplitude of at least one of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters 21A and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters 21B. For example, the antenna device 112 transmits linear polarization by combining left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. In this case, the first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 controls the amplitude of the excitation coefficient of the antenna element. This makes it possible to reduce cross-polarization CP1 with respect to the desired polarization plane PP1.

[0112] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 includes, for example, adjustment circuits 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, 31Ad, 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, and 31Bd.

[0113] The adjustment circuits 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, and 31Ad are coupled to the phase shifters 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ac, and 21Ad, respectively. The adjustment circuits 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, and 31Ad change the amplitude of the left-hand circularly polarized signal. The left-hand circularly polarized signal with changed amplitude is supplied to the feed points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA, respectively.

[0114] The adjustment circuits 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, and 31Bd are coupled to the phase shifters 21Ba, 21Bb, 21Bc, and 21Bd, respectively. The adjustment circuits 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, and 31Bd change the amplitude of the right-hand circularly polarized signal. The right-hand circularly polarized signal with altered amplitude is supplied to the feed points 11aB, 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB, respectively.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may be connected between a plurality of phase shifters and the first power distributor 61.

[0116] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may include, for example, a variable attenuator or a variable gain amplifier. The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may continuously or discretely change the amplitude of the high-frequency signal. The configurations of the multiple adjustment circuits included in the first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may be the same or different from each other. The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 may also include a power amplifier.

[0117] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 allows control of the amplitude of the excitation coefficient. For example, when performing linearly polarized beam scanning by combining left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization, the cross-polarization CP1 relative to the desired polarization plane PP1 can be reduced.

[0118] Figure 16 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 16 shows the configuration illustrated in Figure 6, where the power supply points 11aA, 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA are the excitation coefficient c L1 , c L2 , c L3 and c L4 The motor is excited at the feed points 11aB, 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB, with an excitation coefficient c R1 , c R2 , c R3 and c R4 This example illustrates the frequency characteristics of cross-polarized CP1 in the desired main beam direction (θ0, φ0) when excited by [a specific method]. In this example, (θ0, φ0) is (30°, 45°). The polarization angle τ0 is 60°. In this example, the excitation coefficient is set based on equations 2 to 4 and equations 6 to 8.

[0119] Figure 16 illustrates the characteristics under the fourth condition CD4 and the fifth condition CD5. Under the fourth condition CD4, the excitation coefficient c is used to make the cross-polarization component Ecrs zero. R This is based on equation 13. Based on equation 13, the amplitude of the excitation coefficient is changed. In condition 5, CD5, |c R With | set to 1, the excitation coefficient c is set such that the cross-polarization CP1 is minimized. R The phase is determined.

[0120] Figures 17(a) and 17(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the characteristics of an antenna device. Figure 17(a) corresponds to the fourth condition, CD4. Figure 17(b) corresponds to the fifth condition, CD5. In these figures, the excitation coefficient is normalized so that its maximum value is 1.

[0121] As shown in Figure 17(b), under the fifth condition CD5, all eight feed points of the four antenna elements are excited with the same amplitude.

[0122] In Figure 17(a), under condition 4 CD4, to which equation 13 applies, the cross-polarization CP1 at the center frequency is -80 dB or less. In contrast, under condition 5 CD5, the cross-polarization at the center frequency is large at -8.7 dB.

[0123] The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 allows the amplitude of the excitation coefficient to be controlled. This makes it possible to reduce cross-polarization CP1.

[0124] In this embodiment, the excitation coefficient c that makes the cross-polarization component Ecrs zero. R The excitation coefficient c does not have to be exactly equal to the value based on Equation 13. R This can be substantially equal to the value based on equation 13. This allows for sufficient reduction of cross-polarization CP1.

[0125] In the embodiment, the excitation coefficient c for radiating linear polarization in the direction surrounding the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0) is used. R However, it may also be obtained by interpolation. Based on the interpolated value, an excitation coefficient c is obtained for radiating linear polarization in the desired beam scanning direction (θ0, φ0). R It would be fine if that were decided.

[0126] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the antenna device 113 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of first antenna sections 11D. The configuration of the antenna device 113, excluding these sections, may be the same as that of the antenna devices 110 to 112. For example, the gain can be improved by arranging the antenna elements. For example, the antenna device 113 can be used for long-distance wireless communication.

[0127] (Second Embodiment) Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 19, the antenna device 120 according to this embodiment includes a second antenna unit 12D, a second power distributor 62, and a second control circuit 72.

[0128] The second antenna section 12D includes a plurality of second antenna elements 12, a plurality of second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A, and a plurality of second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B.

[0129] The multiple second antenna elements 12 include, for example, antenna element 12a, antenna element 12b, antenna element 12c, and antenna element 12d. The number of multiple second antenna elements 12 is arbitrary.

[0130] Multiple second antenna elements 12 are capable of performing a first receiving operation and a second receiving operation. These operations may be performed separately by the multiple second antenna elements 12. These operations may also be performed simultaneously by the multiple second antenna elements 12.

[0131] In the first receiving operation, multiple second antenna elements 12 receive the received left-hand circularly polarized wave. In the second receiving operation, multiple second antenna elements 12 receive the received right-hand circularly polarized wave.

[0132] The multiple second left-hand circular polarization shifters 22A include, for example, shifters 22Aa, 22Ab, 22Ac, and 22Ad. The number of the multiple second left-hand circular polarization shifters 22A is arbitrary. One of the multiple second left-hand circular polarization shifters 22A can vary the phase of the received left-hand circular polarization of one of the multiple second antenna elements 12. For example, each of the multiple second left-hand circular polarization shifters 22A can vary the phase of the received left-hand circular polarization of the multiple second antenna elements 12.

[0133] The multiple second right-hand circular polarization shifters 22B include, for example, phase shifter 22Ba, phase shifter 22Bb, phase shifter 22Bc, and phase shifter 22Bd. The number of the multiple second right-hand circular polarization shifters 22B is arbitrary. One of the multiple second right-hand circular polarization shifters 22B can vary the phase of the received right-hand circular polarization of one of the multiple second antenna elements 12. For example, each of the multiple second right-hand circular polarization shifters 22B can vary the phase of the received right-hand circular polarization of the multiple second antenna elements 12.

[0134] The second power distributor 62 can be coupled with multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A and multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B. For example, the second power distributor 62 is electrically connected to multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A and multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B.

[0135] The orientation (e.g., angle) of one of the multiple second antenna elements 12 is different from the orientation (e.g., angle) of another of the multiple second antenna elements 12. For example, each of the multiple second antenna elements 12 is mounted rotated in a different orientation from the others.

[0136] The second control circuit 72 can control the phase shift amount of multiple second left-hand circular polarization shifters 22A so that multiple received left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to multiple second antenna elements 12 are combined in substantially the same phase in the receiving direction of the received electromagnetic wave, including received left-hand circular polarization and received right-hand circular polarization.

[0137] The second control circuit 72 can control the phase shift amount of the multiple second right-hand circular polarization shifters 22B so that, in the above-mentioned receiving direction, multiple received right-hand circular polarization waves corresponding to multiple second antenna elements 12 are combined in substantially the same phase.

[0138] Thus, in this embodiment, the phase shifter is controlled so that the circularly polarized waves received by the multiple second antenna elements 12 are combined in phase. As a result, good circularly polarized characteristics can be obtained even if there are manufacturing errors in the multiple second antenna elements 12, inter-element coupling of the multiple second antenna elements 12, and variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter. According to this embodiment, an antenna device capable of improving characteristics can be provided.

[0139] The configuration described above for the multiple first antenna elements 11 can be applied to the multiple second antenna elements 12.

[0140] As shown in Figure 19, antenna element 12a includes feed point 12aA and feed point 12aB. Antenna element 12b includes feed point 12bA and feed point 12bB. Antenna element 12c includes feed point 12cA and feed point 12cB. Antenna element 12d includes feed point 12dA and feed point 12dB.

[0141] For example, phase shifter 22Aa is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12aA. Phase shifter 22Ab is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12bA. Phase shifter 22Ac is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12cA. Phase shifter 22Ad is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12dA.

[0142] For example, phase shifter 22Ba is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12aB. Phase shifter 22Bb is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12bB. Phase shifter 22Bc is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12cB. Phase shifter 22Bd is coupled (connected) to the feed point 12dB.

[0143] For example, the number of multiple second antenna elements 12 is "M," where "M" is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The multiple second antenna elements 12 include the m-th second antenna element, where "m" is an integer between 1 and "M." The rotation angle of the m-th second antenna element is, for example, 180° × k × m / M, where "k" is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the axial symmetry of the antenna elements improves the reception characteristics of circular polarization.

[0144] If the number of multiple second antenna elements 12 is "M", then the number of multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A may also be "M". If the number of multiple second antenna elements 12 is "M", then the number of multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B may also be "M".

[0145] In this embodiment, multiple second antenna elements 12 are capable of receiving linearly polarized waves. The second control circuit 72 can, for example, change the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A and at least one of the multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B based on the linearly polarized waves received by the multiple second antenna elements 12. This enables the antenna device 120 to receive linearly polarized waves at any polarization angle.

[0146] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, the antenna device 121 according to this embodiment further includes a second amplitude adjustment circuit 32. The configuration of the antenna device 121, excluding this, may be the same as that of the antenna device 120.

[0147] The second amplitude adjustment circuit 32 can be coupled to at least one of the multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A and at least one of the multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B. The second amplitude adjustment circuit 32 may be electrically connected to the multiple second left-hand polarized phase shifters 22A and the multiple second right-hand polarized phase shifters 22B.

[0148] The second control circuit 72 can control the second amplitude adjustment circuit 32 based on the received electromagnetic wave.

[0149] For example, the antenna device 121 receives linearly polarized waves. In this case, the second control circuit 72 controls the second amplitude adjustment circuit 32 to control the amplitude of the excitation coefficients of the multiple second antenna elements 12. This improves, for example, the received signal strength.

[0150] The second amplitude adjustment circuit 32 includes, for example, adjustment circuits 32Aa, 32Ab, 32Ac, 32Ad, 32Ba, 32Bb, 32Bc, and 32Bd.

[0151] The adjustment circuits 32Aa, 32Ab, 32Ac, and 32Ad are coupled to the phase shifters 22Aa, 22Ab, 22Ac, and 22Ad, respectively. The adjustment circuits 32Aa, 32Ab, 32Ac, and 32Ad change the amplitude of the left-hand circularly polarized signal. The left-hand circularly polarized signal with altered amplitude is supplied to the second power distributor 62.

[0152] The adjustment circuits 32Ba, 32Bb, 32Bc, and 32Bd are coupled to the phase shifters 22Ba, 22Bb, 22Bc, and 22Bd, respectively. The adjustment circuits 32Ba, 32Bb, 32Bc, and 32Bd change the amplitude of the right-hand circularly polarized signal. The right-hand circularly polarized signal with altered amplitude is supplied to the second power distributor 62.

[0153] For example, the amplitude and phase of left-hand circularly polarized signals and right-hand circularly polarized signals can be changed. This allows for higher received signal strength when using linear polarization for wireless communication, improving communication quality. The antenna device 121 may be provided with a distributor for left-hand circularly polarized signals and a distributor for right-hand circularly polarized signals.

[0154] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, the antenna device 122 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of second antenna sections 12D. The configuration of the antenna device 122, excluding these sections, may be the same as that of the antenna device 120 or the antenna device 121. For example, the gain is improved by arranging the receiving antennas. For example, the antenna device 122 can be used for long-distance wireless communication.

[0155] (Third embodiment) Figure 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the antenna device 130 according to this embodiment includes a first antenna unit 11D, a first power distributor 61, and a first control circuit 71. The first antenna unit 11D is capable of transmitting and receiving. The first power distributor 61 is capable of transmitting (first embodiment) and receiving (second embodiment). The first control circuit 71 is capable of transmitting (first embodiment) and receiving (second embodiment).

[0156] In this example, the antenna device 130 includes a first amplitude adjustment circuit 31. The first amplitude adjustment circuit 31 is capable of transmitting (first embodiment) and receiving (second embodiment). For example, these operations can be switched using a switch circuit. Switching may also be performed by a circulator. Because the first antenna unit 11D is capable of both transmitting and receiving, for example, the device can be miniaturized.

[0157] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 23, in the antenna device 131 according to this embodiment, the first power distributor 61 includes distributors 61a and 61b. Distributor 61a performs distribution for left-hand circularly polarized signals. Distributor 61b performs distribution for right-hand circularly polarized signals.

[0158] Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an antenna device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 24(a), the multiple first antenna sections 11D may be arranged in a rotatable manner. As shown in Figure 24(b), the multiple second antenna sections 12D may be arranged in a rotatable manner. Better circular polarization radiation characteristics can be obtained.

[0159] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 25, the wireless device 210 according to the embodiment includes an antenna device (e.g., antenna device 110) according to any of the first to third embodiments and an electrical circuit 201. The electrical circuit 201 is connectable to the antenna device (e.g., antenna device 110). For example, the electrical circuit 201 may be connectable to antenna device 110 and antenna device 120. For example, the electrical circuit 201 may be connectable to antenna device 130. Wireless communication becomes possible when the electrical circuit 201 is provided.

[0160] The electrical circuit 201 may be, for example, a wireless circuit. The electrical circuit 201 may, for example, generate a high-frequency signal and supply it to an antenna device to cause it to radiate circularly polarized or linearly polarized waves. When the antenna device receives circularly polarized or linearly polarized waves, the electrical circuit 201 demodulates the high-frequency signal output by the antenna device. The wireless device 210 may be, for example, a wireless communication device or a radar.

[0161] For example, the embodiment can be applied to wireless communication equipment or radar using a phased array. For example, the embodiment can be applied to a sequential array in which circularly polarized shared antenna elements are rotated sequentially. For example, the circularly polarized radiation characteristics are improved. For example, the excitation phase is controlled so that the radiation fields of multiple antenna elements are in phase in the desired beam scanning direction. This allows for good circularly polarized radiation characteristics even in the case of manufacturing errors or variations in the characteristics of the phase shifter.

[0162] By simultaneously radiating left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized waves, it is possible to generate linearly polarized waves at any polarization angle while performing beam scanning. For example, the polarization angle is controlled primarily based on the relative phase between the left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized waves. This allows for higher transmission power compared to controlling the polarization angle by changing the amplitude ratio of two orthogonal linearly polarized waves. Cross-polarization can be reduced by controlling the amplitude and phase of the excitation coefficient based on the radiation fields of multiple antenna elements.

[0163] The embodiment may include the following configuration (e.g., proposed technical details). (Composition 1) Multiple first antenna elements capable of performing a first transmission operation that transmits left-hand circularly polarized waves and a second transmission operation that transmits right-hand circularly polarized waves, A plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters is variable in phase of the transmitted left-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of first antenna elements, A plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters, one of which is variable in phase of one of the plurality of first antenna elements, The first antenna section includes, The plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters, and a first power distributor that can be coupled with them, First control circuit and Equipped with, The orientation of one of the plurality of first antenna elements is different from the orientation of another of the plurality of first antenna elements. The first control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the transmission direction of the transmitted electromagnetic wave including the transmitted left-hand circular polarization and the transmitted right-hand circular polarization, the plurality of transmitted left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements become substantially in phase. Antenna device wherein the first control circuit can control the phase shift amount of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters such that the plurality of transmitted right-hand circular polarization waves corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements are substantially in phase in the transmission direction.

[0164] (Configuration 2) The number of the aforementioned plurality of first antenna elements is N, The above N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, The plurality of first antenna elements include an nth first antenna element, The aforementioned n is an integer between 1 and N, The rotation angle of the n-th first antenna element is 180° × i × n / N, The antenna device according to configuration 1, wherein i is an integer of 1 or more.

[0165] (Composition 3) Each of the plurality of first antenna elements is capable of simultaneously radiating the transmitted left-hand circularly polarized wave and the transmitted right-hand circularly polarized wave to generate a transmitted linearly polarized wave. The antenna device according to configuration 1, wherein the first control circuit is capable of changing the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the plurality of first left-hand polarized phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters based on the transmitted linear polarization radiated by the plurality of first antenna elements.

[0166] (Composition 4) Further equipped with a first amplitude adjustment circuit, The first amplitude adjustment circuit is connectable to at least one of the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters. The antenna device according to configuration 1, wherein the first control circuit is capable of controlling the first amplitude adjustment circuit based on a transmitting electromagnetic field radiated along the transmission direction.

[0167] (Composition 5) The antenna device according to configuration 1, comprising a plurality of the first antenna sections.

[0168] (Composition 6) The antenna device according to configuration 1, wherein each of the plurality of first antenna elements is arranged to rotate in a different direction from one another.

[0169] (Composition 7) The number of the plurality of first left-hand rotary phase shifters is N, The antenna device according to configuration 2, wherein the number of the plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters is N.

[0170] (Composition 8) Multiple second antenna elements capable of performing a first receiving operation to receive left-hand circularly polarized waves and a second receiving operation to receive right-hand circularly polarized waves, A plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of the received left-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of second antenna elements, A plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of one of the received right-hand circular polarizations of the plurality of second antenna elements, The second antenna section includes, The plurality of second left-hand phase shifters and the plurality of second right-hand phase shifters, and a second power distributor that can be coupled with them, The second control circuit and Equipped with, The orientation of one of the plurality of second antenna elements is different from the orientation of another of the plurality of second antenna elements. The second control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters so that, in the receiving direction of the received electromagnetic wave including the received left-hand circular polarization and the received right-hand circular polarization, the plurality of received left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of second antenna elements are combined in substantially the same phase. Antenna device wherein the second control circuit can control the phase shift amount of the plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the receiving direction, the plurality of received right-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of second antenna elements are combined in substantially the same phase.

[0171] (Composition 9) The number of the aforementioned plurality of second antenna elements is M, USM is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The plurality of second antenna elements include the m-th second antenna element, The aforementioned m is an integer between 1 and M, The rotation angle of the aforementioned second antenna element m is 180° × k × m / M. The antenna device according to configuration 8, wherein k is an integer of 1 or more.

[0172] (Composition 10) The aforementioned plurality of second antenna elements are capable of receiving linearly polarized waves. The antenna device according to configuration 8, wherein the second control circuit is capable of changing the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the plurality of second left-hand polarized phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of second right-hand polarized phase shifters based on the linear polarization received by the plurality of second antenna elements.

[0173] (Composition 11) It is further equipped with a second amplitude adjustment circuit, The second amplitude adjustment circuit is coupleable with at least one of the plurality of second left-hand phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of second right-hand phase shifters. The antenna device according to configuration 8, wherein the second control circuit is capable of controlling the second amplitude adjustment circuit based on the received electromagnetic wave.

[0174] (Composition 12) The antenna device according to configuration 8, comprising a plurality of the second antenna sections.

[0175] (Composition 13) The antenna device according to configuration 8, wherein each of the plurality of second antenna elements is arranged to rotate in a different direction from one another.

[0176] (Composition 14) The number of the plurality of second left-hand phase shifters is M, The antenna device according to configuration 9, wherein the number of the plurality of second right-hand polarized phase shifters is M.

[0177] (Composition 15) The antenna device described in configuration 5, and at least one of the antenna devices described in configuration 12, Electrical circuits and, Equipped with, The electrical circuit is a wireless device that can be coupled with the antenna device described in configuration 5 and at least one of the antenna devices described in configuration 12.

[0178] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an antenna device and a wireless device that can improve their characteristics.

[0179] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the specific configuration of each element included in the antenna device, such as the antenna element, power distributor, and control circuit, is included within the scope of the present invention as long as it can be implemented in the same way and similar effects can be obtained by appropriately selecting from the range known to those skilled in the art.

[0180] Combinations of two or more elements from each example, to the extent technically feasible, are also included within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the invention.

[0181] All semiconductor devices that a person skilled in the art can implement by appropriately modifying the design based on the semiconductor device described above as an embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention.

[0182] Within the scope of the concept of this invention, a person skilled in the art would be able to conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of this invention.

[0183] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 11, 12: First and second antenna elements, 11A: Orthogonal linear polarization shared antenna, 11D, 12D: First and second antenna sections, 11a~11d, 12a~12d: Antenna elements, 11aA, 11aB, 11bA, 11bB, 11cA, 11cB, 11dA, 11dB, 12aA, 12aB, 12bA, 12bB, 12cA, 12cB, 12dA, 12dB: Feed point, 21A, 22A: First and second left-hand polarized phase shifters, 21B, 22B: First and second right-hand polarized phase shifters, 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ac, 21Ad, 21Ba, 21Bb, 21Bc, 21Bd, 22Aa, 22Ab, 22Ac, 22Ad, 22Ba, 22Bb, 22Bc, 22Bd: Phase shifter, 31, 32: 1st, 2nd amplitude adjustment circuit, 31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac, 31Ad, 31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc, 31Bd, 32Aa, 32Ab, 32Ac, 32Ad, 32Ba, 32Bb, 32Bc, 32Bd: Adjustment circuit, 61, 62: 1st, 2nd power divider, 61a, 61b: Distributor, 71, 72: 1st, 2nd control circuit, 110~113, 120, 121, 130, 131: Antenna device, 201: Electrical circuit, 210: Wireless device, CD1~CD5: First to fifth conditions, CF1, CF2: First and second configurations, CLP: Left-hand circular polarization component, CP1: Cross-polarization, CRP: Right-hand circular polarization component, DG1: Directivity gain, EP1: Elliptic polarization, MP1: Main wavefront, PP1: Polarization plane, Ra1: Axial ratio, fs1: Normalized frequency

Claims

1. Multiple first antenna elements capable of performing a first transmission operation that transmits left-hand circularly polarized waves and a second transmission operation that transmits right-hand circularly polarized waves, A plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of the transmitted left-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of first antenna elements, A plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of one of the plurality of first antenna elements, The first antenna section includes, The plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters, and a first power distributor that can be coupled with them, First control circuit and Equipped with, The orientation of one of the plurality of first antenna elements is different from the orientation of another of the plurality of first antenna elements. The first control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of first left-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the transmission direction of the transmitted electromagnetic wave including the transmitted left-hand circular polarization and the transmitted right-hand circular polarization, the plurality of transmitted left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements become substantially in phase. The first control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of first right-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the transmission direction, the plurality of transmission right-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of first antenna elements are substantially in phase. The first control circuit is, [Math 1] [Math 2] [Math 3] [Math 4] [Math 5] [Math 6] [Number 7] [Number 8] Based on equations 1 to 8, the phase shift amount of the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and the phase shift amount of the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters are controlled. Radiation field E Ｌｉ Left-hand circular polarization component E for (i=1, ..., 4) Ｌｉ，Ｌ This is obtained from the first equation, In the first equation, "a θ " and "a φ These are unit vectors in the θ direction and the φ direction, respectively. In left-hand circular polarization radiation, the phase arg(c) of the feed points 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA respectively Ｌ２ ), arg(c Ｌ３ ) and arg(c Ｌ４ ) is set based on the second, third, and fourth equations. c Ｌ１ 、c Ｌ２ 、c Ｌ３ 、and c Ｌ４ is the excitation coefficient, The right-hand circular polarization component ERi,R of the radiation field ERi (i=1, ..., 4) is obtained by the fifth equation above. In the fifth equation above, "a θ " and "a φ These are unit vectors in the θ direction and the φ direction, respectively. During right-hand circular polarization radiation, the phase arg(c) of the feed points 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB respectively is arg(c Ｒ２ ), arg(c Ｒ３ ) and arg(c Ｒ４ ) is determined based on the above formulas 6, 7 and 8, c Ｒ１ , c Ｒ２ , c Ｒ３ , and c Ｒ４ This is the excitation coefficient of the antenna device.

2. The number of the aforementioned plurality of first antenna elements is N. The aforementioned N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, The plurality of first antenna elements include an nth first antenna element, The aforementioned n is an integer between 1 and N, The rotation angle of the n-th first antenna element is 180° × i × n / N, The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein i is an integer of 1 or more.

3. Each of the plurality of first antenna elements is capable of simultaneously radiating the transmitted left-hand circularly polarized wave and the transmitted right-hand circularly polarized wave to generate a transmitted linearly polarized wave. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first control circuit is capable of changing the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the plurality of first left-hand polarized phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters based on the transmitted linear polarization radiated by the plurality of first antenna elements.

4. Further equipped with a first amplitude adjustment circuit, The first amplitude adjustment circuit is connectable to at least one of the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first control circuit is capable of controlling the first amplitude adjustment circuit based on a transmitting electromagnetic field radiated along the transmission direction.

5. The antenna device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the first antenna sections.

6. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first antenna elements is provided rotated in a different direction from one another.

7. The number of the plurality of first left-hand rotary phase shifters is N. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the number of the plurality of first right-hand polarized phase shifters is N.

8. Multiple second antenna elements capable of performing a first receiving operation to receive left-hand circularly polarized waves and a second receiving operation to receive right-hand circularly polarized waves, A plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of the received left-hand circular polarization of one of the plurality of second antenna elements, A plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters, wherein one of the plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters is capable of varying the phase of one of the received right-hand circular polarizations of the plurality of second antenna elements, The second antenna section includes, The plurality of second left-hand phase shifters and the plurality of second right-hand phase shifters, and a second power distributor that can be coupled with them, The second control circuit and Equipped with, The orientation of one of the plurality of second antenna elements is different from the orientation of another of the plurality of second antenna elements. The second control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of second left-hand circular polarization shifters so that, in the receiving direction of the received electromagnetic wave including the received left-hand circular polarization and the received right-hand circular polarization, the plurality of received left-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of second antenna elements are combined in substantially the same phase. The second control circuit is capable of controlling the phase shift amount of the plurality of second right-hand circular polarization shifters such that, in the receiving direction, the plurality of received right-hand circular polarizations corresponding to the plurality of second antenna elements are combined in substantially the same phase. The second control circuit is, [Math 1] [Math 2] [Math 3] [Math 4] [Math 5] [Math 6] [Number 7] [Number 8] Based on equations 1 to 8, the phase shift amount of the plurality of first left-hand phase shifters and the phase shift amount of the plurality of first right-hand phase shifters are controlled. Radiation field E Ｌｉ Left-hand circular polarization component E for (i=1, ..., 4) Ｌｉ，Ｌ This is obtained from the first equation, In the first equation, "a θ " and "a φ These are unit vectors in the θ direction and the φ direction, respectively. In left-hand circular polarization radiation, the phase arg(c) of the feed points 11bA, 11cA, and 11dA respectively Ｌ２ ), arg(c Ｌ３ ) and arg(c Ｌ４ ) is set based on the second, third, and fourth equations. c Ｌ１ , c Ｌ２ , c Ｌ３ , and c Ｌ４ This is the excitation coefficient, The right-hand circular polarization component ERi,R of the radiation field ERi (i=1, ..., 4) is obtained by the fifth equation above. In the fifth equation above, "a θ " and "a φ These are unit vectors in the θ direction and the φ direction, respectively. During right-hand circular polarization radiation, the phase arg(c) of the feed points 11bB, 11cB, and 11dB respectively is arg(c Ｒ２ ), arg(c Ｒ３ ) and arg(c Ｒ４ ) is determined based on the above formulas 6, 7 and 8, c Ｒ１ , c Ｒ２ , c Ｒ３ , and c Ｒ４ This is the excitation coefficient of the antenna device.

9. The number of the aforementioned plurality of second antenna elements is M. The aforementioned M is an integer of 2 or more, The plurality of second antenna elements include the m-th second antenna element, The aforementioned m is an integer between 1 and M, The rotation angle of the aforementioned second antenna element m is 180° × k × m / M. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein k is an integer of 1 or more.

10. The aforementioned plurality of second antenna elements are capable of receiving linearly polarized waves. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein the second control circuit is capable of changing the relative phase shift amount of at least one of the plurality of second left-hand polarized phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of second right-hand polarized phase shifters based on the linear polarization received by the plurality of second antenna elements.

11. Further equipped with a second amplitude adjustment circuit, The second amplitude adjustment circuit is coupleable with at least one of the plurality of second left-hand phase shifters and at least one of the plurality of second right-hand phase shifters. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein the second control circuit is capable of controlling the second amplitude adjustment circuit based on the received electromagnetic wave.

12. The antenna device according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of the second antenna sections.

13. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of second antenna elements is provided rotated in a different direction from one another.

14. The number of the plurality of second left-hand phase shifters is M, The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein the number of the plurality of second right-hand polarized phase shifters is M.

15. The antenna device according to claim 5, and at least one of the antenna devices according to claim 12, Electrical circuits and, Equipped with, A wireless device wherein the electrical circuit is connectable to at least one of the antenna device described in claim 5 and the antenna device described in claim 12.

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