Antenna device and method for controlling antenna device

Abstract

The present invention provides an antenna device that reduces the noise figure of antenna output. This antenna device comprises: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a prescribed interval from the first antenna; a combiner unit that supplies power to the first antenna and combines signals received by the first antenna; and an amplification unit, connected between the first antenna and the synthesis unit, that amplifies the signals.

Description

Antenna device and method for controlling antenna device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device and a method for controlling the antenna device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a GPS antenna device that combines the outputs of a plurality of dipole antenna sets.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-072598

[0004] However, in the GPS antenna device described in Patent Document 1, the noise figure of the antenna output increases as the distance from the power feeder that supplies power to the dipole antenna increases.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an antenna device that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an antenna device comprising: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna; a combiner unit that supplies power to the first antenna and combines signals received by the first antenna; and an amplifier unit connected between the first antenna and the combiner unit and that amplifies the signals.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method for an antenna device comprising an antenna pole, a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole, and a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna, the control method comprising a combining step of supplying power to the first antenna and combining signals received by the first antenna, and an amplifying step of amplifying the signals.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an antenna device that reduces the noise figure of the antenna output.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a parasitic element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna device 1 is a receiving device that receives signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The antenna device 1 is used, for example, in aircraft landing guidance systems such as the Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS). The antenna device 1 includes a multipath rejection antenna 2, a distributor / synthesizer 5, and a control device 7.

[0012] The multipath elimination antenna 2 (MLA: Multi-path Limiting Antenna) is an antenna having a substantially hemispherical directional characteristic with respect to the installation surface (X-Y plane in FIG. 1 ). The multipath elimination antenna 2 includes a plurality of feed elements 21, a plurality of parasitic elements 22, and an antenna mast 23. The multipath elimination antenna 2 may further include a radome. The multipath elimination antenna 2 may include, for example, an odd number of feed elements 21 and an even number of parasitic elements 22. The number of feed elements 21 and parasitic elements 22 is not limited to the above. In this disclosure, the configuration of the multipath elimination antenna 2 will be described using an example in which the multipath elimination antenna 2 includes eleven feed elements 21A-21K and ten parasitic elements 22B-22K. The antenna mast 23 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction) with respect to the installation surface. The antenna mast 23 is a cylindrical or rectangular prism-shaped structure made of, for example, resin, etc. In the antenna mast 23, a plurality of feed elements 21 and a plurality of parasitic elements 22 are installed at predetermined intervals in the Z direction.

[0013] Feed element 21 is a Linden-Blad antenna and includes multiple dipole antennas, a circuit board, etc. Feed element 21 is supplied with power from divider / synthesizer 5 via feed line 3. Like feed element 21, parasitic element 22 is a Linden-Blad antenna and includes multiple dipole antennas, but parasitic element 22 is not connected to divider / synthesizer 5.

[0014] Of the multiple feed elements 21, feed element 21A is installed at approximately the middle of antenna mast 23 in the Z direction so that the circuit board surface of feed element 21 is approximately parallel to the installation surface.

[0015] Feed element 21B is installed below feed element 21A at a predetermined distance D1 from feed element 21A so that the surface of the circuit board of feed element 21B is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Parasitic element 22B is installed below feed element 21B at a predetermined distance D2 from feed element 21B so that the surface of the circuit board of parasitic element 22B is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Feed element 21C (not shown) is installed below parasitic element 22B at a predetermined distance D2 from parasitic element 22B so that the surface of the circuit board of feed element 21C is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Parasitic element 22C (not shown) is installed below feed element 21C at a predetermined distance D2 from feed element 21C so that the surface of the circuit board of parasitic element 22C is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Similarly, feed elements 21D, 21E, and 21F and parasitic elements 22D, 22E, and 22F are alternately placed at a predetermined distance D2. That is, feed elements 21B-21F and parasitic elements 22B-22F are alternately placed below feed element 21A at a predetermined distance D2 with their circuit board surfaces substantially parallel to each other.

[0016] Feed element 21G is installed above feed element 21A at a predetermined distance D1 from feed element 21A so that the surface of the circuit board of feed element 21G is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Parasitic element 22G is installed above feed element 21G at a predetermined distance D2 from feed element 21G so that the surface of the circuit board of parasitic element 22G is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Feed element 21H (not shown) is installed above parasitic element 22G at a predetermined distance D2 from parasitic element 22G so that the surface of the circuit board of feed element 21H is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Parasitic element 22H (not shown) is installed above feed element 21H at a predetermined distance D2 from feed element 21H so that the surface of the circuit board of parasitic element 22H is approximately parallel to the installation surface. Similarly, feed elements 21I, 21J, and 21K and parasitic elements 22I, 22J, and 22K are alternately placed at a predetermined distance D2. That is, feed elements 21G-21K and parasitic elements 22G-22K are alternately placed above feed element 21A at a predetermined distance D2, with their circuit board surfaces approximately parallel to each other.

[0017] The predetermined distances D1 and D2 provided between the feed element 21 and the parasitic element 22 may be determined according to the wavelength of the signal received by the multipath rejection antenna 2, etc. For example, the predetermined distance D2 may be less than half the wavelength of the signal received by the multipath rejection antenna 2. Furthermore, the predetermined distance D1 may be half the predetermined distance D2, or the predetermined distances D1 and D2 may be the same length. In this disclosure, the configuration disclosed in this disclosure will be described for the case where the predetermined distances D1 and D2 are the same length.

[0018] The multipath rejection antenna 2 is connected to the divider / combiner 5 via a plurality of feed lines 3. The plurality of feed lines 3 electrically connect the feed elements 21A-21K to the divider / combiner 5, respectively. It is desirable that the lengths of the feed lines 3 from the feed elements 21A-21K to the divider / combiner 5 are approximately the same. The divider / combiner 5 supplies power to the feed elements 21A-21K, receives signals from the feed elements 21A-21K, and combines the signals in a predetermined combination. The divider / combiner 5 supplies power to the feed elements 21A-21K and combines the antenna patterns so that the characteristics of the multipath rejection antenna 2 are a hemispherical antenna pattern with low elevation angle sharp cutoff characteristics. The divider / combiner 5 transmits the combined signal to the GPS receiver. The control device 7 controls the divider / combiner 5. The control device 7 may also control the configuration of the electrical circuits of the feed elements 21A-21K.

[0019] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a top view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. Feed element 21A is a Linden-Blad antenna and includes dipole antennas 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d, an installation fixture 212, and a circuit board 213. Feed elements 21B-21K have the same configuration as feed element 21A. Below, an overview of feed element 21 will be described, with feed elements 21A-21K being referred to as feed elements 21.

[0020] Dipole antenna 211a has two approximately triangular antenna elements and is electrically connected to circuit board 213 via installation fixture 212. The two antenna elements are connected to installation fixture 212 at one corner of the triangle. The two antenna elements are arranged to be approximately linearly symmetrical with respect to installation fixture 212. In a side view, one antenna element forms a predetermined angle with respect to one surface of circuit board 213. In a top view, at least a portion of one antenna element is arranged on the upper side of circuit board 213. In a side view, the other antenna element forms a predetermined angle with respect to the other surface of circuit board 213. In a top view, at least a portion of the other antenna element is arranged on the lower side of circuit board 213. The predetermined angle may be, for example, 30 degrees. That is, in a top view, at least a portion of dipole antenna 211a is located on the upper side of circuit board 213, and at least a portion of dipole antenna 211a is located on the lower side of circuit board 213. The dipole antennas 211b, 211c, and 211d have the same configuration as the dipole antenna 211a.

[0021] A portion of one antenna element of the dipole antenna 211a is disposed above the other antenna element of the dipole antenna 211b. A portion of one antenna element of the dipole antenna 211b is disposed above the other antenna element of the dipole antenna 211c. A portion of one antenna element of the dipole antenna 211c is disposed above the other antenna element of the dipole antenna 211d. A portion of one antenna element of the dipole antenna 211d is disposed above the other antenna element of the dipole antenna 211a.

[0022] The circuit board 213 includes connecting lines, a termination resistor, a coupler, an amplifier, etc., and is electrically connected to the distributor / combiner 5 via the feeder line 3. The circuit board 213 has a through-hole in the center, allowing it to pass through the antenna mast 23. Note that the circuit board 213 may have a notch or the like instead of a through-hole, as long as it is configured so that the circuit board 213 can be attached to the antenna mast 23.

[0023] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a parasitic element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a top view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. Parasitic element 22B is a Lindenblad antenna and includes dipole antennas 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d, installation fixture 222, and circuit board 223. Parasitic elements 22C-22K have the same configuration as parasitic element 22B. Below, an overview of parasitic elements 22 will be described, with parasitic elements 22B-22K being referred to as parasitic elements 22.

[0024] The dipole antenna 221a has two approximately triangular antenna elements and is electrically connected to the circuit board 223 via the installation fixture 222. The two antenna elements are connected to the installation fixture 222 at one corner of the triangle. The two antenna elements are arranged to be approximately symmetrical with respect to the installation fixture 222. In a side view, one of the antenna elements forms a predetermined angle with respect to one surface of the circuit board 223. In a top view, at least a portion of one of the antenna elements is arranged on the upper side of the circuit board 223. In a side view, the other antenna element forms a predetermined angle with respect to the other surface of the circuit board 223. In a top view, at least a portion of the other antenna element is arranged on the lower side of the circuit board 223. The predetermined angle may be, for example, 30 degrees. That is, in a top view, at least a portion of the dipole antenna 221a is located on the upper side of the circuit board 223, and at least a portion of the dipole antenna 221a is located on the lower side of the circuit board 223. The dipole antennas 221b, 221c, and 221d have the same configuration as the dipole antenna 221a.

[0025] A portion of one antenna element of dipole antenna 221a is disposed above the other antenna element of dipole antenna 221b. A portion of one antenna element of dipole antenna 221b is disposed above the other antenna element of dipole antenna 221c. A portion of one antenna element of dipole antenna 221c is disposed above the other antenna element of dipole antenna 221d. A portion of one antenna element of dipole antenna 221d is disposed above the other antenna element of dipole antenna 221a.

[0026] Unlike the circuit board 213, the circuit board 223 does not include a coupler, an amplifier, etc., and is not electrically connected to the distributor / synthesizer 5. In other words, the dipole antennas 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d are not electrically connected to the distributor / synthesizer 5, but are terminated using a termination resistor or the like. The circuit board 223 has a through-hole in the center, allowing it to pass through the antenna mast 23. Note that, as long as the circuit board 223 can be configured to be attached to the antenna mast 23, the circuit board 223 may have a notch or the like instead of a through-hole.

[0027] 1-3, for example, dipole antenna 211a of feed element 21B and dipole antenna 221a of parasitic element 22B are generally parallel to each other in the Z direction. Dipole antenna 211b of feed element 21B and dipole antenna 221b of parasitic element 22B, dipole antenna 211c of feed element 21B and dipole antenna 221c of parasitic element 22B, and dipole antenna 211d of feed element 21B and dipole antenna 221d of parasitic element 22B are also generally parallel to each other in the Z direction. Similarly, the dipole antennas of feed elements 21C-21K and parasitic elements 22C-22K are also generally parallel to each other in the Z direction.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The feed element 21 includes couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c, and a low-noise amplifier 216. The coupler 215a is a 180-degree hybrid coupler mounted on a circuit board 213. The coupler 215a includes an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 180-degree output terminal. The couplers 215b and 215c are 90-degree hybrid couplers mounted on the circuit board 213. The couplers 215b and 215c include an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 90-degree output terminal. The couplers 215a-215c are couplers that provide a rotation phase in the forward direction of the rotation of the feed phase. Coupler 215b is connected to the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a, and coupler 215c is connected to the 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 0 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 90 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 180 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 270 degrees. With this configuration, dipole antennas 211a-211d can be provided with feed phase differences of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. The low-noise amplifier 216 is an amplifier that amplifies weak signals with low noise, and is provided on the circuit board 213. The low-noise amplifier 216 amplifies signals received by the dipole antennas 211a-211d with a predetermined gain or a variable gain. The gain of the low-noise amplifier 216 can be controlled by the control device 7.

[0029] The input terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to distributor / synthesizer 5 via feeder line 3. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215b. The 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215c. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211a via low-noise amplifier 216. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211b via low-noise amplifier 216. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211c via low-noise amplifier 216. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211d via low-noise amplifier 216. With the configuration of FIG. 4, dipole antennas 211a-211d are fed with power at phases of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. The configuration of the couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c and the connecting wiring is not limited to the above. Any configuration is acceptable as long as the dipole antennas 211a-211d are combined to have phase delays of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. For example, the feed phases of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by changing the line length between the dipole antennas and the couplers. Alternatively, the feed phases of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by reversing the polarity of the dipole antennas (reversing the positive and negative terminals). The configuration of the feed elements 21A-21K may be the same as that shown in FIG. 4. With the configuration shown in FIG. 4, signals received by the dipole antennas 211a-211d are transmitted to the distributor / combiner 5 via the feed line 3.

[0030] By providing low-noise amplifiers 216 between the dipole antennas 211a and 211b and the coupler 215b, and between the dipole antennas 211c and 211d and the coupler 215c, it is possible to reduce the noise figure of the signals received at the dipole antennas 211a to 211d in the signal path from the dipole antennas 211a to 211d to the distributor / synthesizer 5.

[0031] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The feed element 21 includes couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c, and a low-noise amplifier 216. The coupler 215a is a 180-degree hybrid coupler mounted on a circuit board 213. The coupler 215a includes an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 180-degree output terminal. The couplers 215b and 215c are 90-degree hybrid couplers mounted on the circuit board 213. The couplers 215b and 215c include an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 90-degree output terminal. The couplers 215a-215c are couplers that provide a rotation phase in the forward direction of the rotation of the feed phase. Coupler 215b is connected to the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a, and coupler 215c is connected to the 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 0 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 90 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 180 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 270 degrees. With this configuration, dipole antennas 211a-211d can be provided with feed phase differences of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. Low-noise amplifier 216 is an amplifier that amplifies weak signals with low noise, and is provided on circuit board 213. It amplifies signals received by dipole antennas 211a-211d with a predetermined gain or a variable gain. In the configuration of Fig. 5, low-noise amplifier 216 amplifies the combined signal of dipole antennas 211a and 211b and the combined signal of dipole antennas 211c and 211d.

[0032] The input terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to distributor / synthesizer 5 via feeder line 3. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215b via low-noise amplifier 216. The 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215c via low-noise amplifier 216. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211a. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211b. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211c. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211d. With the configuration of FIG. 5, dipole antennas 211a-211d are fed with power at phases of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. The configuration of the couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c and the connecting wiring is not limited to the above. Any configuration is acceptable as long as the dipole antennas 211a-211d are combined so as to have a phase delay of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. For example, the feed phase of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by changing the line length between the dipole antennas and the couplers. Alternatively, the feed phase of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by reversing the polarity of the dipole antennas (reversing the positive and negative polarities). The configuration of the feed elements 21A-21K may be the same as that shown in FIG. 5. With the configuration shown in FIG. 5, signals received by the dipole antennas 211a-211d are transmitted to the distributor / combiner 5 via the feed line 3.

[0033] By providing low-noise amplifiers 216 between couplers 215a and 215b and between couplers 215a and 215c, it is possible to reduce the noise figure of the signals received at dipole antennas 211a-211d in the signal path from dipole antennas 211a-211d to distributor / synthesizer 5. Comparing the configuration of Fig. 4 with the configuration of Fig. 5, the configuration of Fig. 5 can reduce the number of low-noise amplifiers 216. As a result, the circuit scale of the configuration of Fig. 5 can be smaller than that of the configuration of Fig. 4.

[0034] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a feed element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The feed element 21 includes couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c, and a low-noise amplifier 216. The coupler 215a is a 180-degree hybrid coupler mounted on a circuit board 213. The coupler 215a includes an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 180-degree output terminal. The couplers 215b and 215c are 90-degree hybrid couplers mounted on the circuit board 213. The couplers 215b and 215c include an input terminal, a 0-degree output terminal, and a 90-degree output terminal. The couplers 215a-215c are couplers that provide a rotation phase in the forward direction of the rotation of the feed phase. Coupler 215b is connected to the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a, and coupler 215c is connected to the 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 0 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 90 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 180 degrees. The feed phase difference between the 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c and the input terminal of coupler 215a is 270 degrees. With this configuration, dipole antennas 211a-211d can be provided with feed phase differences of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. Low-noise amplifier 216 is an amplifier that amplifies weak signals with low noise, and is provided on circuit board 213. It amplifies the signals received by dipole antennas 211a-211d with a predetermined gain or a variable gain. In the configuration of Fig. 6, low-noise amplifier 216 amplifies the combined signal of dipole antennas 211a-211d.

[0035] The input terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to distributor / synthesizer 5 via low-noise amplifier 216 and feeder line 3. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215b. The 180-degree output terminal of coupler 215a is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 215c. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211a. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215b is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211b. The 90-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211c. The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 215c is electrically connected to dipole antenna 211d. With the configuration of FIG. 6, dipole antennas 211a-211d are fed with power at phases of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. The configuration of the couplers 215a, 215b, and 215c and the connecting wiring is not limited to the above. Any configuration is acceptable as long as the dipole antennas 211a-211d are combined to have phase delays of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, respectively. For example, the feed phases of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by changing the line length between the dipole antennas and the couplers. Alternatively, the feed phases of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by reversing the polarity of the dipole antennas (reversing the positive and negative polarities). The configuration of the feed elements 21A-21K may be similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. With the configuration shown in FIG. 6, signals received by the dipole antennas 211a-211d are transmitted to the distributor / combiner 5 via the low-noise amplifier 216 and the feed line 3.

[0036] By providing a low-noise amplifier 216 between the coupler 215a and the distributor / synthesizer 5, it is possible to reduce the noise figure of the signals received at the dipole antennas 211a-211d in the signal path from the dipole antennas 211a-211d to the distributor / synthesizer 5. Comparing the configurations of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the configuration of FIG. 6, the configuration of FIG. 6 can further reduce the number of low-noise amplifiers 216 compared to the configuration of FIG. 5. This allows the circuit scale of the configuration of FIG. 6 to be smaller than that of the configuration of FIG. 5. Note that the configurations for shifting the phases of the dipole antennas 211a-211d and combining the received signals are not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 4-6. As described above, the feed phase of the dipole antennas 211a-211d may be controlled by varying the line lengths between the dipole antennas 211a-211d and the coupler, or by varying the polarity of the attachment of the dipole antennas 211a-211d.

[0037] 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control device 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control device 7 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a storage device 74, a display device 75, an input / output IF 76, and a communication IF 77. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, the storage device 74, the display device 75, the input / output IF 76, and the communication IF 77 are connected to each other via a bus 79 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0038] The CPU 71 is a central processing unit. The CPU 71 controls each part of the control device 7 using an application program. The ROM 72 is a read-only memory. The ROM 72 is made up of non-volatile memory and stores application programs for controlling each part of the control device 7. The RAM 73 is a random access memory. The RAM 73 provides a memory area necessary for the operation of the CPU 71. The storage device 74 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive.

[0039] The display device 75 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like. The input / output IF 76 is an input / output interface (I / F) for connecting a mouse, a trackball, a keyboard, a speaker, or the like. An operator may operate the control device 7 via the input / output IF 76. The input / output IF 76 may also be connected to a sensor, for example. For example, the frequency characteristics, etc., of the circuit configuration between the feed elements 21A-21K and the splitter / synthesizer 5 may be acquired. The communication IF 77 performs mutual data communication between the control device 7 and the splitter / synthesizer 5 via wired communication and / or wireless communication. The control device 7 may also control the low-noise amplifiers 216 of the feed elements 21A-21K via the communication IF 77. The gain of the low-noise amplifiers 216 may be controlled based on the frequency characteristics, etc., between the feed elements 21A-21K and the splitter / synthesizer 5. This makes it possible to correct manufacturing errors in the circuit configuration of the divider / combiner 5 corresponding to each of the feed elements 21A-21K and reduce distortion of the antenna pattern of the multipath rejection antenna 2. Note that it is also possible to measure manufacturing errors in the circuit configuration of the divider / combiner 5 in advance and control the gain of the low-noise amplifier 216 based on the measurement results.

[0040] 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The received signals transmitted from the feed elements 21A-21K are input to a divider / combiner 5 via a feed line 3. The divider / combiner 5 includes couplers 51a, 51b, 51d, 51f, and 51h, and divider / combiner circuits 51c, 51e, 51g, 51i, and 51j. The couplers 51a, 51b, 51d, 51f, and 51h may be 180-degree hybrid couplers. The divider / combiner circuits 51c, 51e, 51g, 51i, and 51j include two output terminals and an input terminal. The divider / combiner circuits 51c, 51e, 51g, 51i, and 51j combine the received signals from the feed elements 21A-21K and output the combined signals.

[0041] The 0-degree output terminal of the coupler 51a is electrically connected to the feed element 21F via the feed line 3. The 180-degree output terminal of the coupler 51a is electrically connected to the feed element 21K via the feed line 3. The coupler 51a transmits a composite signal of the received signal at the feed element 21F and the received signal at the feed element 21K.

[0042] The 0-degree output terminal of the coupler 51b is electrically connected to the feed element 21E via the feed line 3. The 180-degree output terminal of the coupler 51b is electrically connected to the feed element 21J via the feed line 3. The coupler 51b transmits a composite signal of the received signal at the feed element 21E and the received signal at the feed element 21J.

[0043] One output terminal of the distribution / combining circuit 51c is electrically connected to the input terminal of the coupler 51a. The other output terminal of the distribution / combining circuit 51c is electrically connected to the input terminal of the coupler 51b. The distribution / combining circuit 51c transmits a combined signal of the combined signals of the couplers 51a and 51b.

[0044] The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 51d is electrically connected to feed element 21D via the feed line 3. The 180-degree output terminal of coupler 51d is electrically connected to feed element 21I via the feed line 3. Coupler 51d transmits a combined signal of the received signals at feed element 21D and feed element 21I. One output terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51e is electrically connected to the input terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51c. The other output terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51e is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 51d. Divider / combiner circuit 51e transmits a combined signal of the combined signals from divider / combiner circuit 51c and coupler 51d.

[0045] The 0-degree output terminal of coupler 51f is electrically connected to feed element 21C via the feed line 3. The 180-degree output terminal of coupler 51f is electrically connected to feed element 21H via the feed line 3. Coupler 51f transmits a combined signal of the received signals at feed element 21C and feed element 21H. One output terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51g is electrically connected to the input terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51e. The other output terminal of divider / combiner circuit 51g is electrically connected to the input terminal of coupler 51f. Divider / combiner circuit 51g transmits a combined signal of the combined signals from divider / combiner circuit 51e and coupler 51f.

[0046] The 0-degree output terminal of the coupler 51h is electrically connected to the feed element 21B via the feed line 3. The 180-degree output terminal of the coupler 51h is electrically connected to the feed element 21G via the feed line 3. The coupler 51h transmits a combined signal of the received signals at the feed elements 21B and 21G. One output terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51i is electrically connected to the input terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51g. The other output terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51i is electrically connected to the input terminal of the coupler 51h. The divider / combiner circuit 51i transmits a combined signal of the combined signals from the divider / combiner circuit 51g and the coupler 51h.

[0047] One output terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51j is electrically connected to the input terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51i. The other output terminal of the divider / combiner circuit 51j is electrically connected to the feed element 21A via the feed line 3. The divider / combiner circuit 51j transmits a combined signal of the divider / combiner circuit 51i and the received signal of the feed element 21A to a GPS receiver or the like.

[0048] By providing a low-noise amplifier between the feed element and the divider / combiner, the gain of the received signal at the feed element can be adjusted, thereby reducing the noise figure of the received signal along the signal path from the feed element to the divider / combiner.

[0049] For example, in the case of the GPS L1 frequency (1575.42 MHz), the predetermined intervals D1 and D2 in the multipath rejection antenna disclosed herein are half the signal wavelength (λ / 2 ≈ 9.5 cm). The length of the feed line from the feed element of the multipath rejection antenna to the divider / combiner can be approximately 200 cm (20 intervals × 9.5 cm + 10.0 cm routing length). When the feed line connecting the feed element to the divider / combiner is long, providing a low-noise amplifier in the feed element as in the embodiment disclosed herein can significantly improve the carrier-to-noise density ratio (C / N0).

[0050] Furthermore, by having the control device 7 control the gain of the low-noise amplifier 216 for each circuit configuration of the divider / synthesizer 5 corresponding to each of the feed elements 21A-21K, it is possible to correct the difference in characteristics of the circuit configuration of the divider / synthesizer 5 in accordance with manufacturing errors of the divider / synthesizer 5, and reduce distortion of the antenna pattern of the multipath rejection antenna 2.

[0051] 9 is a block diagram showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna device 9 includes an antenna 91, an amplifier 92, and a combiner 93. The antenna 91 receives a signal. The amplifier 92 amplifies the signal received by the antenna 91 and transmits the signal to the combiner 93. The combiner 93 combines the signals received from the amplifier 92 and transmits the combined signal to the GPS receiver.

[0052] Furthermore, the scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method in which a program that operates the configuration of each embodiment to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded on a recording medium, the program recorded on the recording medium is read as code, and the program is executed on a computer. In other words, a computer-readable recording medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, each embodiment includes not only a recording medium on which the above-described computer program is recorded, but also the computer program itself.

[0053] Examples of the recording medium that can be used include a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, and a ROM. In addition, the scope of each embodiment is not limited to programs that execute processing by themselves, but also includes programs that execute processing by operating on an OS (Operating System) in cooperation with other software and functions of an expansion board.

[0054] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and detailed description of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0055] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an antenna device that reduces the noise figure of the antenna output.

[0056] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0057] (Supplementary Note 1) An antenna device comprising: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna; a combiner that supplies power to the first antenna and combines signals received by the first antenna; and an amplifier that is connected between the first antenna and the combiner and amplifies the signals.

[0058] (Supplementary Note 2) The antenna device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; and a connection portion that connects a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the plurality of dipole antennas and the connection portion.

[0059] (Supplementary Note 3) The antenna device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the first connection portion and the combining portion and between the second connection portion and the combining portion.

[0060] (Supplementary Note 4) The antenna device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and a third connection portion connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion; and the amplifier portion is provided between the third connection portion and the combiner portion.

[0061] (Supplementary Note 5) The antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the second antenna includes a plurality of dipole antennas, and the plurality of dipole antennas in the second antenna are not supplied with the power from the combining unit.

[0062] (Supplementary Note 6) The antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined interval is less than half the wavelength of the signal.

[0063] (Supplementary Note 7) The antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of the first antennas are arranged on the antenna pole, and a plurality of feeder lines connecting the plurality of first antennas and the combining unit have the same length.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 8) The antenna device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the first connection portion connects adjacent dipole antennas to each other.

[0065] (Supplementary Note 9) The antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 7, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion connect adjacent dipole antennas to each other.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 10) A control method for an antenna device comprising: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; and a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna, the control method comprising: a combining step of supplying power to the first antenna and combining signals received by the first antenna; and an amplifying step of amplifying the signals.

[0067] (Supplementary Note 11) The method for controlling an antenna device according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; and a connection portion that connects a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the plurality of dipole antennas and the connection portion.

[0068] (Supplementary Note 12) The method for controlling an antenna device described in Supplementary Note 10, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the first connection portion and the combining portion and between the second connection portion and the combining portion.

[0069] (Supplementary Note 13) The method for controlling an antenna device described in Supplementary Note 10, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and a third connection portion connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion; and the amplifier portion is provided between the third connection portion and the combiner portion.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 14) The method for controlling an antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 13, wherein the second antenna includes a plurality of dipole antennas, and the plurality of dipole antennas in the second antenna are not supplied with the power from the combining unit.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 15) The method for controlling an antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 14, wherein the predetermined interval is less than half the wavelength of the signal.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 16) The method for controlling an antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 15, wherein a plurality of the first antennas are arranged on the antenna pole, and a plurality of feeder lines connecting the plurality of first antennas and the combining unit have the same length.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 17) The method for controlling an antenna device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the first connection unit connects adjacent dipole antennas to each other.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 18) The method for controlling the antenna device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 12 to 16, wherein the first connection unit and the second connection unit connect adjacent dipole antennas to each other.

[0075] 1: Antenna device 2: Multipath removal antenna 21: Feed element 22: Parasitic element 211: Dipole antenna 212: Installation fixture 213: Circuit board 215: Coupler 216: Low noise amplifier 217: Feed element output 23: Antenna mast 3: Feed line 5: Splitter / combiner 7: Control device 71: CPU 72: ROM 73: RAM 74: Storage device 75: Display device 76: Input / output IF 77: Communication IF 79: Bus 9: Antenna device 91: Antenna 92: Amplification section 93: Combination section

Claims

1. An antenna device comprising: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna; a combining unit that supplies power to the first antenna and combines signals received by the first antenna; and an amplifier unit connected between the first antenna and the combining unit and that amplifies the signal.

2. The antenna device as described in claim 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; and a connection portion that connects a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the plurality of dipole antennas and the connection portion.

3. The antenna device as described in claim 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; and a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and the amplifier portion is provided between the first connection portion and the combining portion and between the second connection portion and the combining portion.

4. The antenna device described in claim 1, wherein the first antenna comprises: a plurality of dipole antennas; a first connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas; a second connection portion connecting a pair of dipole antennas among the plurality of dipole antennas different from the pair of dipole antennas; and a third connection portion connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion; and the amplifier portion is provided between the third connection portion and the combining portion.

5. An antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second antenna comprises a plurality of dipole antennas, and the plurality of dipole antennas in the second antenna are not supplied with the power from the combining section.

6. An antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the first antennas are arranged on the antenna pole, and a plurality of feed lines connecting the plurality of the first antennas and the combining section are of the same length.

7. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the first connection portion connects adjacent dipole antennas.

8. The antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion connect adjacent dipole antennas to each other.

9. A method for controlling an antenna device comprising: an antenna pole; a first antenna disposed on the antenna pole; and a second antenna disposed on the antenna pole at a predetermined distance from the first antenna, the method comprising the steps of: supplying power to the first antenna, combining signals received by the first antennas, and amplifying the signals.

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