Two-dimensional antenna array

0001The invention relates to a two-dimensional antenna array according to the preamble of claim 1.

0002A generic antenna array usually comprises a plurality of radiators or radiator groups, but at least two adjacent radiators and two radiator groups arranged one above the other so that a two-dimensional array arrangement results. For example, such a two-dimensional antenna array can have four vertically extending columns arranged horizontally next to each other, in which, for example, six to ten radiators or beam groups arranged offset one above the other in the vertical direction are arranged. Such antennas are then sometimes referred to as "smart antennas", which can also be used, for example, in the military field for tracking targets (radar), depending on the application. In these applications, "phased array" Antennas. However, these antennas have recently also been used in mobile radio, particularly in the frequency ranges 800 MHz to 1000 MHz and 1700 MHz to 2200 MHz, respectively.

0003The development of new primary beam systems has now also made possible the construction of dual-polarized antenna arrays, in particular with a polarization orientation of +450 or -450, respectively, relative to the horizontal or vertical.

0004Such antenna arrays, whether they are basically dual-polarized or consist only of simply polarized emitters, can be used to determine the direction of the incoming signal. At the same time, however, the radiation direction can also be changed by correspondingly adjusting the phase position of the transmission signals fed into the individual columns, ie, selective beam shaping is performed.

0005This orientation of the radiation direction of the antenna array in different horizontal directions can be effected by means of an electronic beam sweep, that is to say that the phase positions of the individual signals can be adjusted by appropriate signal processing. Also suitable are suitable dimensioned passive beam shaping networks. The use of active phase shifters, which can be activated or controlled by means of control signals, in these food networks for changing the radiation direction is also known. Such a beam-shaping network can, for example, consist of a so-called butler matrix, which has, for example, four inputs and four outputs. Depending on the connected input, the network produces a different but firm phase relationship between the radiators in the individual dipole series.<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US6351243B"><text>US 6,351,243</text></patcit> known.

0006Likewise, the electronic tilting of the horizontal diagram can be performed by using fixed-set phases or by using phase shifters between the columns. Likewise, an increase or decrease of the vertical radiation diagram is possible (downtilt) by fixed-setting phases or by using phase shifters.

0007In addition, the antenna array can, of course, also be used in such a way that the individual radiators or beam groups in the individual columns are operated independently of each other in order to be used independently of one another in a desired transmitting or receiving mode.

0008Antenna arrays of this type have a radiation diagram with respect to the radiators or radiator groups arranged individually in a column, the half-width of which extends in the horizontal direction is approximately between 80 ° and 100 °.

0009However, applications have become known in which, for example, a half-width of about 60 ° to about 65 ° is desirable.

0010It has already been attempted to arrange the radiators or radiator groups in the individual columns in different horizontal positions, as exemplified in FIG <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO0205383A1"><text>WO 02/05383 A1</text></patcit> Is shown. This can, in a sense, influence the half-width of the individual radiators or radiator groups of a column. Half-widths between 75 ° and 100 ° can be realized. However, a further reduction of the half-value width is no longer possible in this way.

0011A multi-band antenna array is constructed from the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US6211841B1"><text>US 6 211 841 B1</text></patcit> known. This multi-band antenna array comprises, for example, a two-column antenna array for a high frequency band and additionally a further two-column antenna array for a low frequency band. The radiator arrangement for the high-frequency band and the radiator arrangement for the low-frequency band are offset in each case in the vertical and horizontal directions. All radiating devices for the antenna array radiating in a higher frequency band as well as all the radiation devices for the lower frequency band radiating array are fed together.

0012A dual-mode antenna is basically from the <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US20020021246A1"><text>US 2002/0021246 A1</text></patcit> known. In this prior publication, antenna constructions are described which can likewise radiate in a higher frequency band and in a lower frequency band.

0013In this case, the radiation devices for the higher frequency band are each offset in the vertical direction, namely in several columns provided with horizontal offset to one another. A plurality of radiators with a vertical offset are arranged horizontally offset for this purpose in a plurality of columns which are offset in the horizontal direction and which radiate in a lower frequency band.

0014The radiation device for the higher frequency band as well as the radiation device for the lower frequency band are each fed together.

0015It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an antenna array which, at least in one column and preferably in several or all columns, provides the possibility of lowering the horizontal half-width of the radiators or beam groups in the individual columns to values ​​below 75 ° To be able to.

0016The object is achieved according to the invention in accordance with the features indicated in claim 1. Advantageous refinements of the inventions are given in the subclaims.

0017Without the overall antenna design becoming larger, it is possible according to the invention to reduce the half-width of the column radiators by providing at least an additional radiator or, at least, an additional radiator group with respect to the radiators or radiator groups arranged vertically one above the other horizontally offset In an adjacent column. The latter is fed at least an additional radiator or at least an additional radiator group but not with the radiators or radiator groups in the respective column in which they are arranged but together with the radiators or radiator groups of the adjacent column. As a result, the half-value width can be significantly reduced, the optimum, Desired half-width can preferably be adjusted in such a way that the number of radiators or radiator groups assigned to a particular column but displaced therefrom is appropriately selected. In practice, it has been shown that, for example, the use of two additional radiators or radiator groups in an antenna array with six to twelve superimposed radiators or radiator groups is sufficient to realize a half-width of approximately 60 ° to 65 °.

0018The solution according to the invention can be used if the radiators used in the individual columns consist of linearly polarized radiators, or else of dual-polarized or circularly polarized radiators. All suitable radiators can be considered, for example, dipolar emitters in the form of conventional dipolar emitters (in particular in the case of linearly polarized antennas) or, for example, in the manner of a dipole square, but in the manner of a dipole cross radiating dipole arrangement<patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="WO0039894A"><text>WO 00/39894</text></patcit> Are generally known as known. However, it is also possible to use dipole squares, or else to use patch emitters, etc. In the case of cross-shaped radiator arrangements, these can preferably be oriented in an + / - 45 ° orientation in the horizontal or vertical.

0019The column spacing, ie, the distance between the radiators or radiator groups between two adjacent columns, is preferably approximately λ / 2 of the average operating wavelength. However, this column spacing can basically be in a range of 0.25 λ to 1.0 λ of the operating wavelength, preferably the average operating wavelength. Preferably, the vertical spacing of the radiators in a column is 0.7 λ to 1.2 λ. If an additional radiator or an additional radiator group (which is fed together with the radiators in an adjacent column together) is integrated in between, the free distance to an upper or lower radiator or lower radiator group is preferably reduced to half the distance.

0020The antenna according to the invention can be operated, as explained, in such a way that the radiators or radiator groups, which are fundamentally provided in a column, are fed and operated independently from those in an adjacent column (with the exception of the additional radiators or radiator groups integrated in accordance with the invention, An adjacent column). Preferably, the radiators or radiator groups provided in a column from home can be controlled by means of phase shifters, whereby a different lowering angle, a so-called different down-tilt angle, can be set opposite a horizontal plane.

0021As is also the case in the prior art, in the case of an antenna array of this type, a remote-controllable phase change can be carried out with respect to the radiators or beam groups assigned to the individual columns by means of integrated or retrofitable, in particular electromechanical control devices, in such a way that a respective desired one is down-tilted in the individual columns Setting can be made.

0022Finally, however, beam shaping can be carried out in an arbitrary manner with an antenna array of the type described, in particular if a so-called butler matrix or similar beam-shaping networks are connected upstream of the individual columns and the radiators or beam groups provided there. Alternatively, hybrids can also be connected in the individual columns.

0023The columns are preferably provided with a uniform spacing next to one another, but antenna arrays with uneven spacings can also be realized side by side.

0024Finally, the individual radiators or radiator groups can be arranged in the individual columns in each case on the same level, or they can be arranged offset to one another in the vertical direction. In this case, the center position of a radiator or of a radiator group can be arranged in a column in any desired vertical vertical position relative to the respective position of the radiators or radiator groups provided there. However, the vertical offset can also exactly correspond to half the vertical spacing of two radiators or beam groups arranged one above the other.

0025If the radiators or radiator groups are arranged offset to one another in two adjacent columns in the vertical direction, this offers the advantage that the radiator or radiator groups, which are additionally provided, which are assigned to a particular column but are arranged in an adjacent column, can be arranged In such a way that they lie on an equal height line adjacent to a radiator or radiator group in the associated column. As a result, an optimized antenna can ultimately be realized without increasing its size.

0026The additionally provided radiators or radiator groups for reducing the half-width can here be arranged both centrally and at the upper and / or lower end of a column. They can also be arranged in any position therebetween. Fine-tuning can be performed by means of these positioning measures.

0027In order to achieve the desired minimization of the half-width, as mentioned, at least an additional radiator or an additional radiator group is provided for a column which is integrated horizontally or offset with horizontal or vertical components in an adjacent column. The maximum number of these additional radiators or radiator groups corresponds to the number N-1, where N corresponds to the number of radiators or radiator groups provided in the home in one column.

0028In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that all radiators or radiator groups are arranged offset in the same direction in a vertical direction, at least one radiator or one radiator group, if appropriate also several, being fed in each case with the radiators or radiator groups in an adjacent column. This makes it possible, for example, for the radiators or radiator groups to be arranged in two adjacent columns in the same height line, that is to say in pairs on the same height line, such a pair of radiators or radiator groups being then alternately supplied with the radiators or radiator groups located in the other column .

0029The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. In this context,<dl id="dl0001"><dt>FIG. 1:</dt><dd>A schematic front view of a two-column antenna array according to the invention;</dd><dt>FIG. 1a:</dt><dd>FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a so-called dipole radiator as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> is used;</dd><dt>FIG. 2:</dt><dd>A detailed representation of the <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Reproduced antenna arrays with radiators or radiator groups in only one column and the horizontally displaced additional radiators or radiator groups provided in accordance with the invention in an adjacent column;</dd><dt>FIG. 3:</dt><dd>A corresponding preferred representation from the antenna array according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>, But with regard to the emitters or beam groups provided in the second column from house and the horizontally displaced additional emitters or beam groups provided for this purpose in accordance with the invention;</dd><dt>FIG. 4:</dt><dd>11 shows a modified exemplary embodiment of the antenna array according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt>FIG. 5:</dt><dd>A further modified embodiment;</dd><dt>FIG. 6:</dt><dd>A modified embodiment example;</dd><dt>FIG. 7:</dt><dd>Another one too <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Modified embodiment consisting of a plurality of cross-shaped dipole beam groups (cross-beam radiators);</dd><dt>FIG. 8:</dt><dd>A further exemplary embodiment using dipole squares composed of dipoles for the individual beam groups;</dd><dt>FIG. 9:</dt><dd>Another one too <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Modified exemplary embodiment for a two-column antenna array using patch radiators;</dd><dt>FIG. 10:</dt><dd>A further modified exemplary embodiment using simple polarized emitters, preferably linearly polarized dipolar emitters, which are oriented in the vertical direction according to this exemplary embodiment;</dd><dt>FIG. 11:</dt><dd>5 shows a further modified embodiment; </dd><dt>FIG. 12:</dt><dd>A further exemplary embodiment for a two-column antenna array;</dd><dt>FIG. 13:</dt><dd>A to <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Slightly modified embodiment; and</dd><dt>FIG. 14:</dt><dd>An exemplary embodiment for a four-column antenna array.</dd></dl>

0030In <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> An antenna array 1 according to the invention is shown in schematic plan view, which usually has a rear reflector 3 which extends vertically when the antenna array is vertical. The reflector 3 may, for example, consist of an electrically conductive plate or a plate provided with an electrically conductive surface, wherein angled or even perpendicular to the reflector plane and extending over a certain height to the reflector plane may be provided on the vertical external boundaries.

0031In the embodiment shown, the antenna array 1 comprises two columns 5. In each of the columns 5, a plurality of, ie, at least two primary or first, ie, basically provided radiators 9, are offset offset in the vertical direction 11a, namely, for each polarization via an input. In a simple, eg vertically polarized antenna, only one input 11a would be provided. That is, all in<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Darkly arranged and arranged at regular vertical distances one above the other are fed via an input 11a with the same phase position. If, instead of a dual-polarized antenna array arrangement, only one antenna array with a simple, for example vertical, polarization is used, the single-polarized radiators or radiation groups arranged one above the other are fed only via a single input 11. If it is desired that the antenna array is also to be adjustable in electrical terms with different down-tilt angles (that is to say at different radiation angles opposite the horizontal plane), various phase shifters may also be integrated in the antenna array, Whereby the radiators or groups arranged one above the other vertically arranged one above the other could be fed in with different phase positions arranged one above the other. For each polarization, two inputs 11a for a column are again provided, wherein the phase position for the vertically arranged radiators or groups of radiators can be set differently via the non-shown food network with, for example, several phase shifters. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to the previously published Wherein the phase position for the radiators or groups of radiators arranged vertically one above the other can be set differently via the non-illustrated food network with, for example, a plurality of phase shifters. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to the previously published Wherein the phase position for the radiators or groups of radiators arranged vertically one above the other can be set differently via the non-shown food network with, for example, a plurality of phase shifters. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to the previously published<patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="WO0113459A"><text>WO 01/13459</text></patcit> Respectively.

0032The eight radiators or radiator groups 9, which are also arranged in the same phase position or are arranged in the right-hand column 5b and are arranged one above the other at regular vertical distances, are fed via two second inputs 11b .

0033In the exemplary embodiment shown, the radiators or beam groups 9 consist of so-called cross-vector dipoles, which are aligned in their beam direction at + 45 ° and -45 °, respectively, with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Structure and mode of operation of the latter in the schematic representation according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Which are polarized in two planes but polarized in two planes perpendicular to one another in the manner of cross-dipoles, are basically constituted by the <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="WO0039894A"><text>WO 00/39894</text></patcit> known. . Instead of these so-called cross-vector dipoles, however, it is also possible to use conventional cross dipoles or dipole squares or patch emitters, etc., if the individual radiators or groups of radiators are to radiate in two polarization planes which are perpendicular to one another. This will be discussed later with reference to further schematic figures.

0034Since in each case the radiators in each of the two columns 5a and 5b have basically a half-width which is not less than 75 °, it is now provided according to the invention that additional radiators or radiator groups are provided.

0035For a better understanding, reference is made, therefore, to FIG. 2 in which, in the case of the same in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Also reproduced antenna array, however, only the radiators and radiator groups 9 are shown which, in the case of the antenna array in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Are provided in the left column 5a (as already explained by <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> ). In other words, the data belonging to the second column and contained in<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Light-emitting radiators or beam groups 9 in the example according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> Has been omitted. In order to reduce the half-width of the radiators in the first column 5a, two additional radiators or radiator groups 109, 109a, which are arranged offset to the first column 5a, are now provided in this exemplary embodiment, preferably in the exemplary embodiment in the second column 5b. These are fed together with those emitters or radiation groups 9 provided in the first column from home. The half-width can now be reduced by means of these additional horizontally offset radiators and radiator groups 109a. In this case, the dimension of the half-value width is, for example, bundled to 45 ° with respect to the two central radiator groups or beam groups 9 '. In the far field, however, only one half-width is perceived,

0036Correspondingly, additional radiators or radiator groups 109, 109b are also provided for the radiators or radiator groups 9 for the second column 5b, which - as shown in particular in FIG <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> Can also be arranged offset in the middle in the direction of the first column 5a. These additional radiators or radiator groups 109, 109b are also fed together with the radiators or radiator groups 9 in the second column 5b. The additional radiators 109b in the column 5a are arranged in the same height line to the adjacent radiators or radiator groups 9 "in the second column 5b.

0037In the <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Reproduced antenna is ultimately composed of the two antenna parts according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> Together.

0038Since, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1 to 3</figref> It is also provided that the radiators or radiator groups are arranged offset in the first column 5a by half the vertical spacing of two radiators or radiator groups 9 arranged in the adjacent column, this opens up the possibility that in each case the additional radiators or radiator groups 109, 109a or 109 , 109b for the reduction of the respective half-value width in the respective other column to lie at the same level, namely between two vertically adjacent radiators or radiator groups provided there.

0039As already stated, the two-column antenna array can be provided without a down-tilt device. The feeders 9 are then fed uniformly via the supply inputs 11a and 11b for both polarizations. For this reason, the additional radiators 109a and 109b, which are additionally provided to the respective main group 5a or 5b, can then be supplied with the same phase position as the radiators belonging to the respective main column. If, however, an integrated food network is used, for example, in order to feed the vertically superimposed radiators each with a different phase position (or, for example, to feed two groups of lamps arranged one above the other with different phase positions) In order to be able to set a differently strong down-tilt angle, then the additional radiators or beam groups 109a, 109b, which are respectively assigned to the radiators provided in a main column and are arranged in an adjacent column, are recommended if possible with the same phase position or a next phase position , With which the radiator, which is also adjacent in the respective main column, is fed. If the radiation diagram with a certain down-tilt angle is correspondingly lowered, the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 109b as far as possible with the same phase position or a next phase position with which the radiator, which is also adjacent to the respective main column, is fed. If the radiation diagram with a certain down-tilt angle is correspondingly lowered, the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 109b as far as possible with the same phase position or a next phase position with which the radiator, which is also adjacent to the respective main column, is fed. If the radiation diagram with a certain down-tilt angle is correspondingly lowered, the exemplary embodiment according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Of the radiators 9 'arranged in the left column 5a are fed with the same phase position as the additional radiators 109'a arranged in the auxiliary column. The further radiator 9 "located underneath can, for example, be fed in a further shifted phase position, but together with the radiator arrangement 109" seated in the auxiliary column. The same shall apply mutatis mutandis<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Bright auxiliary beam 109b, which are fed with the corresponding same phase position (also separately for each polarization), as the radiators to the right of column 5b.

0040In addition, <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 1a</figref> In which an enlarged detailed view of the antenna according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> In a perspective representation. It can also be seen from this that an edge limiter 3 ', which extends substantially perpendicularly or at least substantially transversely to the reflector plane 3, can be provided on the outside of the vertical edge of the reflector. The individual columns 5a and 5b can also be separated or divided over another further limiting wall or limiting web which preferably extends perpendicularly to the reflector plane and which may also have a different height than the outer reflector boundaries 3 '.

0041This can be done with the help of the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1 to 3</figref> The antenna array according to the invention explained so far in its simplest form can be constructed in such a way that it comprises only two vertically extending columns 5a and 5b. In this case, a radiator arrangement is provided in each of the at least two vertically extending columns 5a and 5b, which is fed in. The radiator arrangement provided in the two columns 5a and 5b comprises in each case at least one radiator or at least one radiator group 9. According to the invention,

0042The exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0005">FIG</figref> Differs from the former <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> In two respects, namely, that, on the one hand, only one additional radiator or an additional radiator group 109a or 109b is provided for each column 5, which on the other hand is not arranged here in the middle region of the antenna array but rather to the upper The radiator element, which is arranged at the lowest position, is laterally offset. This also reduces the half-width with respect to all radiators or radiator arrangements in a respective column.

0043In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> In turn, two additional radiators or radiator arrays 109a and 109b are provided per column, namely at the upper and lower end or end region of the antenna array.

0044In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> The radiators or radiator groups 9 provided at home in each column 5 are arranged in the same horizontal elevation position, ie, in pairs. In this case, the additionally provided radiators or radiator groups 109, which are mounted alternately in the adjacent column, must be provided at an intermediate height to the radiators or radiator groups provided in the respective main column, as shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> .

0045In this case, in particular if, in turn, a food network is provided for setting a different down-tilt angle, the additional radiators 109a and / or 5a, which are provided to a respective main column 5a or 5b and are arranged in the respectively arranged secondary columns 5b or 5a, 109b are fed with a phase position which corresponds either to the optimum phase position according to its horizontal arrangement or to a phase position which, for example, coincides with the radiator arranged immediately above or immediately below in the associated main column 5a or 5b. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> The upper additional radiator 109'a could, for example, have a phase position which corresponds either to the phase position of the radiator 9 'or radiator 9 "in the associated main column 5a The additional radiator 109" a provided in column 5b could again be a phase , Which corresponds to the phase position of the radiator 9 "or 9" 'provided in the main column 5a. The same applies, of course, to the additional radiators 109b provided in column 5a, which are operated together with the corresponding radiators arranged in the associated main group 5b.

0046Based on <figref idrefs="f0008">FIG</figref> It is shown that a similar antenna arrangement as in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> For example, using conventional cross-beam emitters.

0047Based on <figref idrefs="f0009">FIG</figref> It is shown here that, for example, dipole squares can also be used instead of the cross-beam radiators.

0048<figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> 10 shows a corresponding exemplary embodiment using patch lamps.

0049With appropriate alignment, all antenna arrays mentioned above are designed to radiate or receive in two mutually perpendicular polarization planes which are aligned by + 45 ° and -45 °, respectively, with respect to the horizontal or vertical.

0050In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0011">FIG</figref> An antenna array with two columns 5 with only vertically polarized dipoles is shown. This example shows that the radiators or radiator groups can not necessarily consist of dual-polarized radiators (or, for example, of circularly polarized radiators) but also of linearly polarized radiators or radiator groups.

0051In all examples, the half-widths of the radiation diagrams for the individual columns 5 are reduced by the same technical measures.

0052Finally, even on <figref idrefs="f0012">FIG</figref> Which describes a further variant. The two-column antenna array 1 according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0012">FIG</figref> Is basically similar to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1 to 3</figref> built up. The peculiarities are, on the one hand, the fact that, in each column, only an odd number of main radiators 9 are arranged in the first column, namely in the same vertical section, nine radiators 9, as in column 5b, one above the other in this embodiment. Due to the odd number of main radiators in each column, a radiator 9 'is located in the center of the antenna array.

0053In this exemplary embodiment, two additional radiators 109a, 109 'a and 109 "a are provided for the radiators provided in column 5a, which are now arranged half a vertical distance corresponding to the vertical spacing grid dimension between radiators 9. If the antenna Is also operated again at a specific down-tilt angle, ie the radiators 9 arranged vertically one above the other in a column are fed with different phase positions, the additionally provided radiators 109'a and 109 "a are preferably provided with the same phase position in this exemplary embodiment As is the centrally arranged radiator 9 'provided in the associated main column, ie, here in the column 5a. The same shall apply mutatis mutandis<figref idrefs="f0012">FIG</figref> Brightly drawn spotlights. There, the middle radiator is fed in the column 5b with the same phase position as the two additional radiators 109b provided in the column 5a. It would, of course, also be conceivable that, for example, the additional radiators 109'a are fed with the phase position of the radiator 9 "Further additional radiators 109" a could be fed with the phase position of the lower radiator 9 " become.

0054In addition, it is also noted that the radiators or radiator groups 9 in a column 5 to the respective radiators or radiator groups 9 in the adjacent column 5b have, for example, a spacing between 0.25 λ and 1 λ, preferably λ / 2. Λ represents a wavelength of the operating wavelength, preferably the average operating wavelength in a frequency band to be transmitted.

0055The vertical spacing of the individual radiators in the individual columns preferably differs between 0.7 λ and 1.3 λ.

0056Arranging arrays with three, four or even more columns can also be provided, differing from the shown exemplary embodiments, the columns preferably having an even distance from one another in the horizontal direction. But also columns with uneven distances are possible.

0057On the basis of the exemplary embodiments, it was shown that the number of additional radiators, which are additionally integrated in the respective other column, consist of at least one radiator or at least one radiator group 109, 109a or 109b. Preferably, the number of these additionally provided radiators 109a, 109b is limited in a maximum respect to a number which is one lower than the radiators or radiator groups "provided in the associated main column".

0058The additionally provided radiators or radiator groups 109, 109 'need not be provided exactly in the vertical line in which the radiators or radiator groups of the respectively adjacent column are arranged. In other words, an additional offset in the horizontal direction can be provided here.

0059Half-widths of, for example, preferably 45 °, 50 °, 55 °, 60 ° or even 65 ° or 70 ° or arbitrary intermediate sizes can be realized by means of the additional radiators or radiator groups according to the invention. In this case, it is also possible to provide one or more columns with the additionally described integrated radiators so that conventional half-widths can be realized for this column of, for example, 75 °, 80 ° or 85 °.

0060Based on the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the individual columns 5, 5a, 5b, etc. can be set electrically independently, preferably via their own phase shifters. Likewise, the columns are also electrically adjustable together, preferably via coupled phase shifters. If the illustrated examples of the antenna arrays are provided with an integrated electromechanical unit, an electrical lowering of the main beam (main beam) of the respective radiator arranged in a column can be performed by remote control. If appropriate, retrofitting can also be carried out here for carrying out a remote controlled lowering.

0061Finally, however, the columns can also be operated jointly, for example, with a butler matrix or other upstream beam shaping networks in order to realize so-called beam shaping.

0062However, the columns can also be switched with hybrids in order to realize beam shaping.

0063Finally, the antennas can also be provided with a calibration device in order to determine the phase positions of the individual columns.

0064In all the exemplary embodiments shown, it is assumed that the additional radiators provided with the radiators actually provided in an adjacent column are always fed together with the same phase position. In principle, however, it would also be possible to feed the additional radiators or radiator groups, which are arranged laterally to this column, to a different electrical phase to the allocated column, as a result of which the "tracking method" can still be changed.

0065In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> An antenna array is provided with two columns 5, ie a column 5a and a column 5b, in which a plurality of dual-polarized radiators 9 are arranged one above the other at a regular vertical distance.

0066In this case, the <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> In brightly illuminated radiator 9 in the left column 5a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it can be seen that, in the case of the radiators, a radiator 109b, which is dark, is shown in the left column 5a - as in the case of this embodiment, but this is not necessarily necessary. In a conventional antenna array according to the prior art, this radiator 109b, which is reproduced in the middle in the left column 5a and is shown dark in the center, would also be fed with the other radiators in this column 5a. In this case, the vertical distance between all the shown radiators 9 of the left column 5a would be arranged vertically one above the other or to a large extent at the same pitch spacing. In contrast to the prior art, however, That the radiator 9 provided in the center itself and provided with the radiators 9 which are fed together in the left-hand column 5a and are drawn lightly thereinto is arranged not in the left column, but offset therefrom, now in the right-hand column 5b, where it is marked with the reference symbol 109a and is seated in the right-hand column in the middle. All the light-emitting elements, which are drawn in the left-hand column 5a, are now fed together with the radiator 109a, which is also shown in light and is arranged in the right-hand column 5b. The vertical raster sequence, ie, the vertical distance, generally speaking, therefore, the vertical component of the spatial distance between in each case two adjacent, jointly fed emitters 9, 109, has remained the same. For a radiator 109 has just been taken out of a conventional antenna array according to the prior art and positioned in an adjacent column 5b. However,<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Light source.

0067The same applies to the embodiments shown in the exemplary embodiment <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Which are reproduced for the right-hand column 5b and are shown there as dark in principle. Finally, the exemplary embodiment according to the invention results <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Only in that the radiators 109a and 109b positioned in a vertical line are not arranged in the gaps in which they are fed together with the remaining radiators 109 but that these two radiators 109a, 109b are interchanged in their position, so that the radiator 109a, which is fed together with the radiators 9 located in the column 5a, now sits in a different column which is offset therefrom, generally in an adjacent column 5b, and that, conversely, Which are commonly fed in the right-hand column 5b, are now positioned in the left-hand column. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Can also be interpreted in such a way that a pair of radiators 109a, 109b, which are not fed together with the radiators located in the same column, are fed together only on a common vertical line, but are each fed together in the same way with the radiators in an adjacent group .

0068Deviating from the exemplary embodiment <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> A further pair of radiators could, of course, also be taken on other vertical lines in which the relevant radiator is not fed together with the additional radiators located in the same column but with the radiators arranged in an adjacent column.

0069Deviating from the exemplary embodiment <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> The number of radiators or radiator groups provided overall in each column can, of course, be greater or lower than in the exemplary embodiment shown. Likewise, the number of radiators in the individual columns may differ. Even the type of the radiating element used can be selected differently, for example in the form of a dipole cross, dipole square, a so-called vector dipole as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Is explained <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Radiators 109a, 109b located in a different column could also be arranged offset outwards, so that the overall width of the antenna array would thereby become twice as wide. However, this would only require an unnecessary installation space, which is why the much more efficient, space - saving way is that of<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Is explained. This is because the lateral displacement of the radiators 109a and 109b can be performed there without the need for an additional installation space.

0070Equipped with an antenna array <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> (But in principle also with respect to the following discussion <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> or <figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref>), It is possible to use the respectively jointly fed radiators as an antenna, which is operated separately from the emitters arranged mainly in another column and fed together. This is also possible because usually the commonly fed radiators are sufficiently decoupled from the other radiators, although they can usually be operated or used in a same frequency band or frequency range. In transmitting mode, however, usually only one antenna is used, ie, for example, the antenna shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Which are located in the left-hand column 5a and are shown lightly thereon, together with the radiators 109a, which are arranged centrally in the right-hand column and are also shown in a light-colored manner. By this at least one additional beam unit 109a, the beam width in the horizontal direction is thereby changed and can thereby be preferably reduced. Without this additional beam unit 9a arranged in the other column, the half-width of such a column-shaped antenna structure would otherwise necessarily be between 80 to 100 °, in particular by 90 °, which half-width could practically not be changed or reduced. Since the antenna arrays in question can also be used as so-called smart antennas, This is also possible by the solution according to the invention with the arrangement of one or more radiators or radiator groups in an adjacent column. In particular, in the case of reception, the antenna array can also be operated again separately or can be connected together in several columns with regard to the radiation of individual columns.

0071<figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> differs from <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> On the one hand, in that only eleven radiators are arranged in a column, not just eleven radiators, but only nine radiators. However, this is relatively insignificant inasmuch as the number of radiators arranged one above the other can deviate in any way in the individual columns.

0072Based on <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> It has merely been shown that the horizontal offset of the two central radiators 109a and 109b, which are each fed alternately with the radiators 9 in the other column, is greater than the horizontal spacing of the remaining radiators arranged in each case on a vertical line in the adjacent columns. This also allows the horizontal beam spectrum to be influenced and changed again. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the distance between the centers of the radiators arranged in the left and right columns is approximately λ / 2 or lies in this range. This means that the distance between the radiators of the left and right column can be, for example, less than λ / 2 ± 20% or preferably less than λ / 2 ± 10% Wherein the distance between the centers of the two radiators 109 a, 109 b arranged in the center is now, for example, in a range between λ / 2 and λ. However, the distance can also be selected to be significantly greater in this case in order to realize different beam shaping widths.

0073Based on <figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> An example of a four-column antenna array with the columns 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d is shown. In each column, a total of 9 radiators are arranged in this exemplary embodiment.

0074Usually, all radiators are fed together in one column. In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, the power supply has been interchanged in pairs in such a way that the radiators 9 which are commonly fed in the left column 5a are not connected to the center radiator 109b located in the left column 5a, Second column 5b in the same vertical line 109a.

0075Conversely, the darkened radiators 9, which are located in the second column, are fed together, but not with the central radiator. Here the common supply is effected with the radiator 109b arranged in the first column 5a.

0076Likewise, the feed is made in the third and fourth columns 5c, 5d. Here too, the radiators 9, which are lightly shown in the column 5d, are not fed together with the radiator 109c arranged in the same column in the center, but with the radiator 109d arranged centrally in the third column 5c in the center. The darkened radiators arranged in the third column 5c are then fed together with the beam unit 109c located in the center of the antenna array in column 5d.

0077In this exemplary embodiment as well, again, further pairs of radiators can also be fed interchanged on other vertical lines. In addition, all in<figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> Brightly emitted radiators are fed together and, for example, all the emitted radiators are fed together.

0078In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> The distance between two horizontally adjacent radiators, which are arranged in two different columns, is preferably approximately λ / 2. That is, the distance between the horizontally adjacent radiators λ / 2 ± is generally less than 20% and ± less than 10% deviation thereof, respectively.

0079Through all these measures, beam shaping within a column can be preset differently using the simplest means. This is because, depending on whether only a part of the radiators provided there is fed together in a column, and if and when, and if so, how many other collectively emitted radiators are arranged in another column, a differently wide horizontal diagram with respect to a column of such an antenna- Arrays.