Phased array antenna evaluation device

Abstract

This phased array antenna evaluation device is provided with: a first support body that supports a phased array antenna in which a plurality of radiation elements are formed in an array; a second support body that supports a reference antenna disposed so as to face a first main surface of the phased array antenna; and a guide frame that allows the first support body to move toward or away from the second support body, allows the second support body to move toward or away from the first support body, or allows the first support body to move toward or away from the second support body and allows the second support body to move toward or away from the first support body.

Description

Phased array antenna evaluation equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a phased array antenna evaluation device. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-192744, filed on November 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The transmitting and receiving antennas are evaluated (inspected) by an evaluation device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The evaluation device described in Patent Document 1 arranges a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna facing each other inside a box. The box is divided into a transmitting cell where the transmitting antenna is arranged and a receiving cell where the receiving antenna is arranged.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 2722313

[0004] In the evaluation device, when the transmitting cell and the receiving cell are connected, it is difficult to adjust the distance between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, which can make it difficult to evaluate the antenna with high accuracy.When the transmitting cell and the receiving cell are separated, it is necessary to align the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, which takes time for setup.As a result, antenna evaluation is time-consuming.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a phased array antenna evaluation device that can accurately and easily evaluate an antenna.

[0006] A phased array antenna evaluation device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first support that supports a phased array antenna in which a plurality of radiating elements are formed in an array; a second support that supports a reference antenna arranged opposite a first main surface of the phased array antenna; and a guide frame that is configured to be able to move the first support in a direction toward and away from the second support, to be able to move the second support in a direction toward and away from the first support, or to be able to move the first support in a direction toward and away from the second support and to be able to move the second support in a direction toward and away from the first support.

[0007] This configuration makes it easy to align the centers of the phased array antenna and the reference antenna when adjusting their positions. This improves the accuracy of antenna position adjustment. This reduces the amount of work required to correct the antenna position, improving work efficiency. As a result, this evaluation device allows for accurate and easy evaluation of phased array antennas.

[0008] A second aspect of the phased array antenna evaluation device of the present invention may be the phased array antenna evaluation device of the first aspect, wherein the guide frame is formed with a positioning portion that engages with at least one of the first support and the second support by a concave-convex shape.

[0009] A third aspect of the phased array antenna evaluation device of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of the first or second aspect, wherein the first support includes a first rotation mechanism that enables the phased array antenna to rotate, and the first rotation mechanism may rotate the phased array antenna around a first axis that is parallel to the first main surface and passes through a center of the phased array antenna and the guide frame.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the phased array antenna evaluation device of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first support includes a second rotation mechanism that enables the phased array antenna to rotate, and the second rotation mechanism may rotate the phased array antenna around a second axis that is orthogonal to the first main surface and passes through a center of the phased array antenna.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the phased array antenna evaluation device of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second support may be capable of supporting a second phased array antenna instead of the reference antenna.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a housing section that houses the first support, the second support, and the guide frame, wherein a plurality of radio wave absorbers having tapered three-dimensional shapes are formed on an inner surface of the housing section, and an insertion hole is formed in the housing section for leading out a cable connected to the phased array antenna, and the height position of the insertion hole may be different from the height position of the phased array antenna.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of the sixth aspect, wherein the accommodating section has a bottom plate, and the insertion hole is formed in the bottom plate.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the phased array antenna evaluation device of the present invention is the phased array antenna evaluation device of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the first support includes a mounting unit that supports the phased array antenna, and the mounting unit has a support plate and a plurality of extension portions that extend from different positions on one side of the support plate, and supports the phased array antenna at tips of the extension portions that are opposite to the tips connected to the support plate.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a phased array antenna evaluation device that can accurately and easily evaluate an antenna.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a phased array antenna and a reference antenna. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a guide frame. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a guide frame and a portion of a support. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a phased array antenna. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a phased array antenna. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a guide frame and a portion of a support.

[0017] A phased array antenna evaluation device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Phased array antenna evaluation device] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna evaluation device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a phased array antenna 10 and a reference antenna 20. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a guide frame 3. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a guide frame 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the phased array antenna evaluation device 100. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the phased array antenna evaluation device 100. The "phased array antenna evaluation device" may also be simply referred to as an "evaluation device."

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the evaluation device 100 includes a first support 1, a second support 2, a guide frame 3, and a housing portion 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0020] The evaluation device 100 is a device that evaluates a phased array antenna 10 using a reference antenna 20. The phased array antenna 10 is supported by a first support 1. The reference antenna 20 is supported by a second support 2.

[0021] The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows: The X direction is the direction in which the first support 1 and the second support 2 are aligned. The Z direction is the up-down direction (vertical direction). The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. +X is the direction from the first support 1 to the second support 2. -X is the direction opposite to +X. The XY plane is a plane that includes the X direction and the Y direction. The YZ plane is a plane that includes the Y direction and the Z direction. Planar view is viewing from the Z direction.

[0022] The first support 1 includes a base 13, a support column 14, and a mounting unit 19. The base 13 is configured in a plate shape along the XY plane. The base 13 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The support column 14 extends upward from the top surface of the base 13.

[0023] The mounting unit 19 includes a support plate 15 and a plurality of extensions 16. The support plate 15 is attached to the upper part of the support column 14. The support plate 15 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The support plate 15 is disposed, for example, perpendicular to the X direction.

[0024] The extension portion 16 extends to the +X side from the +X side surface (one surface) of the support plate 15. The extension portion 16 detachably supports the phased array antenna 10 via the substrate 12 at its +X side tip (the tip opposite to the tip connected to the support plate 15). The multiple extension portions 16 extend from different positions on the +X side surface of the support plate 15. The multiple extension portions 16 are formed, for example, at positions close to four corners of the rectangular substrate 12 when viewed from the X direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , a phased array antenna 10 is an example of a phased array antenna to be evaluated. The phased array antenna 10 has a plurality of antennas 11. Each antenna 11 transmits and receives a first polarized wave and a second polarized wave whose vibration directions are orthogonal to each other. The antenna 11 is an example of a "radiating element." The phased array antenna 10 is oriented perpendicular to the X direction. The plurality of antennas 11 are formed on the +X side surface of a substrate 12.

[0026] The direction in which the first polarization vibrates is referred to as the first direction. The direction in which the second polarization vibrates is referred to as the second direction. The first polarization is horizontally polarized. The second polarization is vertically polarized. In the example shown in the figure, the first direction is horizontal and is represented by the symbol H. The second direction is vertical and is represented by the symbol V.

[0027] The multiple antennas 11 are arranged in an array. In the illustrated example, the phased array antenna 10 includes eight antennas 11 arranged in each of the Y and Z directions. The phased array antenna 10 has a total of 64 antennas 11 arranged two-dimensionally. The phased array antenna 10 has an overall square shape. O1 is the center of the phased array antenna 10. The surface on the +X side of the phased array antenna 10 is the first main surface 10a.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the second support 2 includes a base 23, a support column 24, a support plate 25, and a plurality of extension portions 26. The base 23 is configured in a plate shape along the XY plane. The base 23 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The support column 24 extends upward from the upper surface of the base 23. The support plate 25 is attached to the upper portion of the support column 24. The support plate 25 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The support plate 25 is disposed, for example, perpendicular to the X direction. The extension portion 26 extends from the support plate 25 to the −X side. The extension portion 26 supports the reference antenna 20.

[0029] The second support 2 is located on the +X side relative to the first support 1. The second support 2 supports the reference antenna 20 at a position spaced apart on the +X side relative to the phased array antenna 10.

[0030] The reference antenna 20 can transmit and receive radio waves to and from the phased array antenna 10. "Transmitting and receiving" means, for example, at least one of transmitting and receiving.

[0031] 2 , the reference antenna 20 is oriented such that, for example, the reference direction E is aligned with the horizontal direction. The reference antenna 20 can transmit or receive radio waves that oscillate in the reference direction E. The reference direction E is a direction determined by the design of the reference antenna 20.

[0032] For example, a horn antenna can be used as the reference antenna 20. In the illustrated example, the reference antenna 20 is a horn antenna that is rectangular when viewed from the front (X direction). The reference direction E is a direction parallel to the short side of the reference antenna 20.

[0033] The reference antenna 20 is formed so as to overlap with the phased array antenna 10 when viewed from the X direction. The center O2 of the reference antenna 20 is at the same height as the center O1 of the phased array antenna 10. It is desirable that the reference antenna 20 is disposed so that the center O2 of the reference antenna 20 coincides with the center O1 of the phased array antenna 10 when viewed from the X direction.

[0034] 1, the reference antenna 20 is disposed so as to face the first main surface 10a of the phased array antenna 10. The reference antenna 20 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the phased array antenna 10.

[0035] The guide frame 3 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage section 4 (the upper surface of the bottom plate 41 (see FIG. 5 )). The guide frame 3 extends linearly along the X direction. The guide frame 3 supports the first support 1 and the second support 2. The guide frame 3 allows the first support 1 and the second support 2 to move toward and away from each other. The guide frame is also referred to as a guide rail or a movement mechanism.

[0036] 3 and 4 , the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide frame 3 is, for example, rectangular. A guide groove 31 is formed on the outer surface (e.g., the top surface) of the guide frame 3. The guide groove 31 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the guide frame 3. The maximum width of the internal space 31a of the guide groove 31 is greater than the opening width of the guide groove 31.

[0037] A rectangular plate-shaped slider 32 is attached to the underside of the base 13 of the first support 1 via a fixture 33. The slider 32 is housed in the internal space 31a of the guide groove 31 and is movable along the guide groove 31. Therefore, the first support 1 is movable in the X direction along the guide frame 3 while its movement in the Y direction on the guide frame 3 is restricted.

[0038] The width of the slider 32 is larger than the opening width of the guide groove 31, which prevents the slider 32 from falling off the guide groove 31. This makes it difficult for the base 13 to fall off the guide frame 3. An insertion hole 32a is formed in the center of the slider 32.

[0039] The fixture 33 has, for example, a head 34 and a screw shaft 35 extending from the head 34. The screw shaft 35 is inserted into the insertion hole 32a and screwed to the slider 32. In this way, the slider 32 is attached to the base 13 via the fixture 33.

[0040] Similar to the first support 1, a rectangular plate-shaped slider 32 is also attached to the underside of the base 23 (see FIG. 1 ) of the second support 2 via a fixture 33. The slider 32 is housed in the internal space 31 a of the guide groove 31 and is movable along the guide groove 31. Therefore, the second support 2 is movable in the X direction along the guide frame 3 while its movement in the Y direction on the guide frame 3 is restricted.

[0041] 5 and 6 , the housing 4 houses the first support 1, the second support 2, and the guide frame 3. The housing 4 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box. The housing 4 includes a bottom plate 41, two side plates 42, two end plates 43, a top plate 44, and a frame 45. The housing 4 may be, for example, an anechoic box or an anechoic chamber.

[0042] The bottom plate 41 is rectangular in shape with long sides extending along the X direction. The side plates 42 are erected on the long side edges of the bottom plate 41. The end plates 43 are erected on the short side edges of the bottom plate 41. The top plate 44 is provided on the upper edges of the side plates 42 and end plates 43. The frame 45 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The bottom plate 41, side plates 42, end plates 43, and top plate 44 are configured to be detachable from the frame 45.

[0043] [Phased Array Antenna Evaluation Method] An example of a method for evaluating a phased array antenna 10 using an evaluation device 100 as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0044] (Step 1: Aligning the Phased Array Antenna and the Reference Antenna) If necessary, the distance between the phased array antenna 10 and the reference antenna 20 is adjusted by moving at least one of the first support 1 and the second support 2 along the guide frame 3. When adjusting the positions of the antennas 10 and 20, both the first support 1 and the second support 2 may be moved, or only one of them may be moved. The distance between the phased array antenna 10 and the reference antenna 20 may be, for example, 0.1 m or more and 10 m or less.

[0045] Since the first support 1 and the second support 2 move along the guide frame 3, it is possible to reduce the change in the relative positions of the antennas 10 and 20 when adjusting the positions of the antennas 10 and 20. For example, it is possible to reduce the deviation in the center positions of the antennas 10 and 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0046] (Second Step: Transmission and Reception of Radio Waves) The phased array antenna 10 transmits radio waves including an RF signal generated by, for example, a signal generator (SG) (not shown). The frequency band of the RF signal is, for example, 24 GHz to 30 GHz. The reference antenna 20 receives the radio waves transmitted from the phased array antenna 10.

[0047] The reference antenna 20 outputs a signal based on the received radio wave to a measuring instrument (not shown). The measuring instrument may be, for example, a signal analyzer (SA), a power sensor (PS), etc. The measuring instrument can detect the signal to check the characteristics of the radio wave, such as its strength and frequency.

[0048] The first support 1 can use a plurality of mounting units 19 of different sizes, which makes it possible to accommodate phased array antennas of a plurality of sizes. For example, a phased array antenna in which a plurality of phased array antennas 10 (see FIG. 2 ) are arranged in a first direction and a second direction (i.e., tiled) can be supported by a large mounting unit 19.

[0049] [Effects of the Evaluation Device of the First Embodiment] The evaluation device 100 of this embodiment includes a guide frame 3 that supports the first support 1 and the second support 2. The guide frame 3 is configured to be movable in directions that move the first support 1 and the second support 2 toward and away from each other. This makes it possible to easily adjust the distance between the phased array antenna 10 and the reference antenna 20.

[0050] Because the first support 1 and the second support 2 move along the guide frame 3, it is easy to align the centers O1 and O2 of the antennas 10 and 20 when adjusting the positions of the antennas 10 and 20 (see FIG. 2 ). This improves the accuracy of adjusting the positions of the antennas 10 and 20. This reduces the amount of work required to correct the positions of the antennas 10 and 20, improving work efficiency. This allows the evaluation device 100 to accurately and easily evaluate the phased array antenna 10.

[0051] The housing unit 4 is configured so that the bottom plate 41, side plates 42, end plates 43, and top plate 44 are detachable from the frame body 45. Therefore, for example, the top surface of the housing unit 4 can be opened by removing the top plate 44. This allows the supports 1 and 2 and the antennas 10 and 20 to be easily set up through the opening on the top surface of the housing unit 4.

[0052] [Phased array antenna evaluation device] (Second embodiment) Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram of an evaluation device 200 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a guide frame 203 and a part of a first support 201 as viewed from the Z direction. Components common to other embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0053] 7 and 8, in the evaluation device 200, an engagement recess 213a (engagement portion) is formed on the lower surface of the base 213 of the first support 201. An engagement recess 223a (engagement portion) is formed on the lower surface of the base 223 of the second support 202. The engagement recesses 213a, 223a are configured to have, for example, a circular shape in a plan view.

[0054] A plurality of positioning portions 36 are formed on the guide frame 203. The positioning portion 36 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape having a central axis along the up-down direction. The positioning portion 36 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the guide frame 203. The plurality of positioning portions 36 are formed at different positions in the length direction of the guide frame 203. For example, the plurality of positioning portions 36 are formed at equal intervals in the length direction of the guide frame 203. The number of positioning portions 36 may be one. In other words, the number of positioning portions 36 may be one or more.

[0055] A portion including the upper end of the positioning portion 36 can fit into and engage with the engagement recesses 213a, 223a of the first support body 1 and the second support body 2. In other words, the positioning portion 36 can engage with the engagement recesses 213a, 223a in a concave-convex manner.

[0056] [Effects of the Evaluation Apparatus of the Second Embodiment] The evaluation apparatus 200 has the following effects in addition to the effects of the evaluation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0057] In the evaluation device 200, a positioning portion 36 is formed on the guide frame 203. In the evaluation device 200, the separation distance between the antennas 10 and 20 when the supports 201 and 202 are positioned by the positioning portion 36 can be measured and grasped in advance. This makes it possible to accurately adjust the distance between the antennas 10 and 20 without having to measure the distance between the antennas 10 and 20 every time the installation positions of the supports 201 and 202 are changed. This facilitates the work of evaluating the phased array antenna 10.

[0058] In the evaluation device 200, the positioning portion 36 is formed on the guide frame 203, which improves the reproducibility of the installation positions of the first support 201 and the second support 202 relative to the guide frame 203. This allows the distance between the antennas 10 and 20 to be adjusted with high precision.

[0059] [Phased Array Antenna Evaluation Apparatus] (Third Embodiment) Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram of an evaluation apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a plan view of a phased array antenna 10. Components common to other embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] 9, the evaluation device 300 includes a first support 301 instead of the first support 1 (see FIG. 1). The evaluation device 300 includes a second support 302 instead of the second support 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0061] The first support 301 includes a first rotation mechanism 17. The first rotation mechanism 17 is provided between the base 13 and the guide frame 3.

[0062] The first rotation mechanism 17 rotates the base 13, the support 14, and the mounting unit 19 around a first axis A1. The first axis A1 is parallel to the first main surface 10a of the phased array antenna 10. The first axis A1 passes through the center O1 (see FIG. 10 ) in a plane including the first main surface 10a. The first axis A1 passes through the center O1 and the guide frame 3. The first axis A1 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0063] The first rotation mechanism 17 includes a first attachment 171, a rotation portion 172, and a second attachment 173. The first attachment 171 is attached to the base 13. The second attachment 173 is attached to the guide frame 3.

[0064] The rotating unit 172 is provided between the first attachment 171 and the second attachment 173. The rotating unit 172 supports the first attachment 171 so that it can rotate about a first axis A1 relative to the second attachment 173. The rotating unit 172 can rotate the first attachment 171 relative to the second attachment 173 using a driving source such as a motor, for example. The first rotating mechanism 17 can rotate the phased array antenna 10 about the first axis A1 by using the rotating unit 172.

[0065] The rotation angle of the phased array antenna 10 may be −180 degrees or more and +180 degrees or less based on the attitude in which the first main surface 10 a is perpendicular to the X direction. The rotation angle may be −90 degrees or more and +90 degrees or less depending on the measurement purpose.

[0066] The second support 302 differs from the second support 2 (see FIG. 1 ) in that height adjustment members 327 and 328 are provided between the base 23 and the guide frame 3. The height adjustment members 327 and 328 adjust the height of the reference antenna 20. The reference antenna 20 is disposed at a height opposite to the phased array antenna 10.

[0067] [Advantages of the Evaluation Apparatus of the Third Embodiment] The evaluation apparatus 300 has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the evaluation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0068] The evaluation device 300 can rotate the phased array antenna 10 around the first axis A1 because the first support 301 is equipped with the first rotation mechanism 17. The tilt angle of the phased array antenna 10 with respect to the reference antenna 20 changes as the phased array antenna 10 rotates. This allows the evaluation device 300 to measure changes in transmission and reception characteristics (for example, changes in the beam pattern) caused by tilting the phased array antenna 10.

[0069] The first rotation mechanism 17 may be configured to rotate the phased array antenna 10 using a drive source such as a motor. This configuration makes it possible to automate the work of adjusting the tilt angle of the phased array antenna 10, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0070] [Phased Array Antenna Evaluation Apparatus] (Fourth Embodiment) Fig. 11 is a configuration diagram of an evaluation apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view of a phased array antenna 10. Components common to other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0071] 11 , in the evaluation device 400, the first support 401 includes not only the first rotation mechanism 17 but also the second rotation mechanism 18. The first support 401 differs from the first support 1 (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes the first rotation mechanism 17 and the second rotation mechanism 18.

[0072] The second rotation mechanism 18 rotates the mounting unit 19 around a second axis A2. The second axis A2 is perpendicular to the first main surface 10a of the phased array antenna 10. The second axis A2 passes through the center O1 of the phased array antenna 10 (see FIG. 12). The second axis A2 is parallel to the X direction.

[0073] The second rotation mechanism 18 includes a first attachment 181, a rotation portion 182, and a second attachment 183. The first attachment 181 is attached to the support plate 15. The second attachment 183 is attached to the support column 14.

[0074] The rotating unit 182 is provided between the first attachment 181 and the second attachment 183. The rotating unit 182 enables the first attachment 181 to rotate about the second axis A2 relative to the second attachment 183. The rotating unit 182 can rotate the first attachment 181 relative to the second attachment 183 using a driving source such as a motor, for example. The second rotating mechanism 18 can rotate the phased array antenna 10 about the second axis A2 by means of the rotating unit 182.

[0075] [Effects of the Evaluation Apparatus of the Fourth Embodiment] The evaluation apparatus 400 has the following effects in addition to the effects of the evaluation apparatus 300 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 9).

[0076] The evaluation device 400 can rotate the phased array antenna 10 around the second axis A2 because the first support 401 is equipped with the second rotation mechanism 18. The evaluation device 400 can rotate the phased array antenna 10 by 90°, and therefore can measure the transmission and reception characteristics of the electric field plane (E-plane) or the magnetic field plane (H-plane) for each of the first polarization (horizontal polarization) and the second polarization (vertical polarization).

[0077] The second rotation mechanism 18 may be configured to rotate the phased array antenna 10 using a drive source such as a motor. This configuration makes it possible to automate the task of changing the polarization, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0078] [Phased Array Antenna Evaluation Apparatus] (Fifth Embodiment) Fig. 13 is a configuration diagram of an evaluation apparatus 500 according to a fifth embodiment. Components common to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13, in the evaluation device 500, a second support 502 can support a second phased array antenna 510 instead of the reference antenna 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0080] The second support 502 includes a height adjustment member 527, a base 23, a support column 24, a support plate 25, and an extension 26. The extension 26 can detachably support the second phased array antenna 510. The second phased array antenna 510 is oriented with its first main surface 510a facing the phased array antenna 10.

[0081] [Effects of the Evaluation Apparatus of the Fifth Embodiment] The evaluation apparatus 500 has the following effects in addition to the effects of the evaluation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0082] In the evaluation device 500, the second phased array antenna 510 can be supported on the second support 502, and therefore, it is possible to evaluate the second phased array antenna 510. In the evaluation device 500, it is possible to reduce the deviation in the central positions of the phased array antenna 10 and the second phased array antenna 510. Since the work of aligning the centers of the antennas 10 and 510 can be reduced, work efficiency can be improved.

[0083] 14 is a configuration diagram of an evaluation device 600 according to a sixth embodiment. Components common to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] 14 , in the evaluation device 600, a plurality of radio wave absorbers 46 are formed on the inner surfaces of the bottom plate 41, side plates 42, end plates 43, and top plate 44 (see FIG. 6 ). The radio wave absorbers 46 have a tapered three-dimensional shape (e.g., a pyramidal shape). The radio wave absorbers 46 protrude in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing portion 4.

[0085] A plurality of insertion holes 47, 48 are formed in the bottom plate 41 of the housing portion 4. Since the insertion holes 47, 48 are formed in the bottom plate 41, they are located lower than the antennas 10, 20.

[0086] The first insertion hole 47 is located on the rear side of the phased array antenna 10 (opposite the second support 302, i.e., on the -X side). The second insertion hole 48 is located on the rear side of the reference antenna 20 (opposite the first support 401, i.e., on the +X side). The "front side" is the side where the antennas 10 and 20 face each other. The "rear side" is the side opposite the front side.

[0087] The phased array antenna 10 is connected to a signal generator 52 (SG) via a cable 51. The reference antenna 20 is connected to a signal analyzer 54 (SA) via a cable 53. The signal generator 52 and the signal analyzer 54 are installed outside the housing 4.

[0088] A cable 51 connected to the phased array antenna 10 is drawn out of the housing 4 through an insertion hole 47 in the bottom plate 41. A cable 53 connected to the reference antenna 20 is drawn out of the housing 4 through an insertion hole 48 in the bottom plate 41. The cables 51 and 53 are, for example, coaxial cables.

[0089] [Effects of the Evaluation Apparatus of the Sixth Embodiment] The evaluation apparatus 600 has the following effects in addition to the effects of the evaluation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0090] In the evaluation device 600, the radio wave absorber 46 is formed in the housing portion 4, so that the strength of radio waves leaking to the outside can be reduced.

[0091] In the evaluation device 600, insertion holes 47, 48 for pulling out the cables 51, 53 to the outside of the housing portion 4 are formed in the bottom plate 41. The height positions of the insertion holes 47, 48 are different from the height positions of the antennas 10, 20 (more specifically, positions lower than the antennas 10, 20 in the Z direction). When the positions (heights) of the insertion holes 47, 48 in the Z direction are different from the positions (heights) of the antennas 10, 20 in the Z direction, the radio wave strength tends to be lower. Therefore, the radio wave strength leaking to the outside from the insertion holes 47, 48 can be reduced.

[0092] The insertion holes 47, 48 are formed in the bottom plate 41 of the housing portion 4. This allows for a large difference in height between the insertion holes 47, 48 and the antennas 10, 20. This reduces the intensity of radio waves leaking to the outside from the insertion holes 47, 48.

[0093] The insertion holes 47 and 48 are located behind the antennas 10 and 20, respectively. The radio wave intensity tends to be lower behind the antennas 10 and 20. Therefore, the radio wave intensity leaking to the outside can be reduced.

[0094] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] 1 is configured so that both the first support 1 and the second support 2 are movable by the guide frame 3 (the first support 1 can be moved in a direction approaching or moving away from the second support 2, or the second support 2 can be moved in a direction approaching or moving away from the first support 1), but only one of the first support and the second support may be movable by the guide frame. Therefore, it is sufficient that the guide frame is capable of moving at least one of the first support and the second support in a direction approaching or moving away from the other.

[0096] In the evaluation device 200 (see FIG. 7 ), the positioning portion 36 is configured to be capable of engaging with both the first support 201 and the second support 202 via a concave-convex shape, but the positioning portion may be capable of engaging with only one of the first support and the second support via a concave-convex shape. Therefore, the positioning portion may be capable of engaging with at least one of the first support and the second support via a concave-convex shape.

[0097] In the evaluation device 200 (see FIG. 7), the positioning portions 36 formed on the guide frame 203 engage with the engaging recesses 213a and 223a in a concave-convex manner, but the structure of the positioning portions is not limited to this. For example, the positioning portions may be recesses that engage with convex portions (engaging portions) formed on the support body.

[0098] In the evaluation device 400 (see FIG. 11 ), the first support 401 is equipped with both the first rotation mechanism 17 and the second rotation mechanism 18, but the first support may be equipped with only the second rotation mechanism out of the first and second rotation mechanisms.

[0099] The reference antenna 20 is not limited to a horn antenna, and any other type of antenna may be used as the reference antenna as long as it is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the phased array antenna 10.

[0100] The positioning portion 36 and the engagement recess 213a shown in FIG. 8 are formed at the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the guide frame 203 and the base 213 in a plan view, but the formation positions of the positioning portion and the engagement recess are not particularly limited. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the guide frame 203 and a portion of the first support 201. As shown in FIG. 15, the positioning portion 536 and the engagement recess 513a are formed at a position offset in the Y direction from the center of the width direction (Y direction) in a plan view. The positioning portion 536 is formed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the guide frame 203 at a position outside the guide groove 31. This configuration can increase the mechanical strength of the positioning portion 536.

[0101] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a phased array antenna evaluation device that can accurately and easily evaluate an antenna.

[0103] 1,201,301,401...First support, 2,202,302,502...Second support, 3,203...Guide frame, 4...Housing section, 10...Phased array antenna, 10a...First main surface, 11...Antenna (radiating element), 15...Support plate, 16...Extension section, 17...First rotation mechanism, 18...Second rotation mechanism, 19...Mounting unit, 20...Reference antenna, 36,536...Positioning section, 41...Bottom plate, 46...Radio wave absorber, 47...First insertion hole (insertion hole), 100,200,300,400,500,600...Evaluation device (phased array antenna evaluation device), 510...Second phased array antenna, A1...First axis, A2...Second axis, O1...Center (center of phased array antenna)

Claims

1. A first support supporting a phased array antenna in which multiple radiating elements are formed in an array, A second support that supports a reference antenna positioned opposite the first main surface of the phased array antenna, A guide frame configured such that the first support is movable in a direction toward and toward the second support, the second support is movable in a direction toward and toward the first support, or the first support is movable in a direction toward and toward the second support and the second support is movable in a direction toward and toward the first support, Equipped with, Phased array antenna evaluation device.

2. The guide frame has a positioning portion formed thereon that engages with at least one of the first support and the second support in an uneven manner. The phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first support includes a first rotation mechanism that allows the phased array antenna to rotate, The first rotation mechanism rotates the phased array antenna about a first axis that is parallel to the first main plane and passes through the center of the phased array antenna and the guide frame. A phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first support is equipped with a second rotation mechanism that allows the phased array antenna to rotate, The second rotation mechanism rotates the phased array antenna around a second axis that is perpendicular to the first main plane and passes through the center of the phased array antenna. A phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The second support is capable of supporting a second phased array antenna in place of the reference antenna. A phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. It comprises a housing section that houses the first support, the second support, and the guide frame, Multiple radio wave absorbers having a tapered three-dimensional shape are formed on the inner surface of the housing portion. The housing section has an insertion hole for pulling out the cable connected to the phased array antenna. The height position of the insertion hole is different from the height position of the phased array antenna. A phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The aforementioned storage section has a bottom plate, The aforementioned insertion hole is formed in the bottom plate. The phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The first support comprises a mounting unit that supports the phased array antenna, The mounting unit comprises a support plate and a plurality of extensions extending from different positions on one side of the support plate, with the extensions supporting the phased array antenna at the ends opposite to the ends connected to the support plate. A phased array antenna evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.