Dynamically allocated broadband multi-tap antenna

0001The present invention generally relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically to dynamically allocated broadband multi-tap antennas.

0002Antennas are used in many different systems and applications, including communications, global positioning, radar, transponders, and other systems and applications. For example, antennas are used to perform various functions in aircraft and other transporters. In many cases, the physical space in the transporter is limited, so it is desirable that the antenna be as small as possible.

0003In the present specification, the size of the antenna is defined in units of wavelength. Also, a small antenna is defined as one that is a fraction of a wavelength. One way to miniaturize an antenna is to sacrifice bandwidth.

0004Many small antennas are either narrow or inefficient. For example, a small wideband antenna has a large dissipative loss that reduces the gain. Due to this divergence loss, even a small antenna can operate in a wide band, but the efficiency is reduced. Nevertheless, wideband antennas allow a single antenna to replace multiple antennas operating at different frequencies.

0005Therefore, there is a need for a small antenna structure that can operate in a wide band while reducing loss in order to maximize efficiency. The present invention satisfies the needs.

0006To overcome the constraints in the prior art described above and other constraints revealed by reference and understanding herein, dynamically assigned wideband multitap antennas are disclosed. Further, a method of using the antenna and a method of manufacturing the antenna are disclosed.

0007Dynamically assigned wideband multi-tap antennas include multiple sub-wavelength conductors used to transmit and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals, and multiple antenna taps, each connected to one or more conductors. , Includes multiple RF switches, each connected to one of the antenna taps, and multiple mixers (also distributors), each connected to one or more of the RF switches.

0008One or more of the RF switches interconnect the one or more of the antenna taps with a selected one of the mixers to connect the one or more antenna taps to the selected mixer. The RF signal is transmitted between the conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps and the selected mixer, controlled to be dynamically assigned to. Thus, the RF signal received by the conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps is mixed with the output signal at the port of the selected mixer. Also, the input signal at the port of the selected mixer is distributed for transmission as an RF signal from a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps.

0009The features, functions, and effects described above can be achieved individually by various embodiments, or may be combined with other embodiments, the further details of which may be by reference to the description and drawings below. It will be clearer.

0010In the accompanying drawings to be referenced, the corresponding members are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

0011<figref num="1">It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the wide band multi-tap antenna which is dynamically assigned.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the antenna tap connected to two conductors and one radio frequency (RF) switch.</figref>

0012In the preferred embodiments described below, the accompanying drawings are referred to, which are part of the description and exemplify specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments are also available and structural modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. &lt;Overview&gt;

0013Dynamically assigned wideband multi-tap antennas are relatively small, with multiple sub-wavelength conductors used to transmit and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals, each of which is one of the conductors. Multiple antenna taps connected to one or more, multiple RF switches each connected to one of the antenna taps, and multiple mixers, each connected to one or more of the RF switches. (This can also be a splitter: splitter), and. One or more of the RF switches dynamically attach one or more antenna taps to the selected mixer by interconnecting one or more of the antenna taps with a selected one of the mixers. The RF signal is transmitted between a conductor connected to one or more antenna taps and one selected mixer, controlled to be assigned to. The RF signal received by the conductor connected to the antenna tap is mixed with the output signal at the port of one selected mixer. Alternatively, the input signal at the port of the selected mixer is distributed for transmission as an RF signal from a conductor connected to the antenna tap.

0014Thus, the dynamically allocated wideband multi-tap antenna described above provides maximum functionality and maximum bandwidth. Sub-wavelength conductors and associated antenna taps allow wideband gain and pattern formation and are therefore particularly useful in the low frequency range where the size of the antenna is a limiting factor in overall wideband performance.

0015Usually, each function at a low frequency is provided with a separate antenna element, and these antenna elements are physically separated from other functions and corresponding antenna elements. The RF switch makes it possible to utilize the dynamically assigned wideband multi-tap antenna for a plurality of functions, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to provide a separate antenna for each function, and spatially. It can be installed in a restricted environment. &lt;Technical description&gt;

0016FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a dynamically assigned wideband multi-tap antenna 100. The dynamically assignable wideband multitap antenna 100 described herein is a compact or compact antenna that meets the requirements of limited physical space, yet is wideband and highly efficient.

0017In this embodiment, the antenna 100 includes a plurality of conductors 102, a plurality of antenna taps 104, a plurality of RF switches 106, a plurality of transmission lines 108, and a plurality of mixers 110 (which also function as distributors). , Consists of. The conductor 102 is a sub-wavelength conductor 102 arranged in a linear array, and is used for transmitting and / or receiving an RF signal. Each antenna tap 104 is connected to one or more conductors 102. Each RF switch 106 is connected to one antenna tap 104. Each mixer 110 is connected to one or more RF switches 106 via a transmission line 108. One or more RF switches 106 are controlled by the mixer 110 or a separate controller (not shown) to interconnect one or more antenna taps 104 with a selected one of the mixer 110. By doing so, the one or more antenna taps 104 are dynamically assigned to the selected mixer 110. As a result, the RF signal is transmitted between the conductor 102 connected to the one or more antenna taps 104 and the selected one or more mixers 110. Specifically, the RF signal received by the conductor 102 connected to one or more antenna taps 104 is mixed with the output signal at port 112 of the selected mixer 110. Also, the input signal to port 112 of the selected mixer 110 is distributed for transmission as an RF signal from conductors 102 connected to one or more antenna taps 104. These aspects, and other aspects, will be described in more detail.

0018In one embodiment, the conductor 102 is composed of a metal patch, which can be made of any suitable type of conductive material that acts as a transducer that transmits and receives RF signals. In the example of FIG. 1, 18 conductors 102 are shown, but any number of conductors 102 can be used.

0019The typical dimensions of the conductor 102 are about 1/10 (1 foot at 100 MHz) of the lowest frequency wavelength in the operable radio frequency band, and the load (tap 104) is about 1/100 wavelength. They are arranged at intervals. In the example of FIG. 1, the size of each conductor 102 is approximately 1/2 inch in length and 1 inch in width. However, a conductor 102 of any size can be used.

0020The antenna tap 104 is a part of the structure of the antenna 100 that collects, dissipates, and distributes electric power. The conductor 102 is selected to maximize the power delivered to the antenna tap 104 at the widest possible angle and at the desired frequency.

0021The antenna tap 104 connects the conductors 102 in series with each other. The antenna tap 104 contains a resistant material that extends the bandwidth in which the antenna 100 functions. In such an example, the antenna tap 104 functions to give a loss and increase the gain of the antenna 100.

0022By having a plurality of taps 104, it is possible to collect or divert power from various parts of the antenna 100 structure to one load or port. By using the plurality of taps 104, a remarkable effect on the miniaturization and bandwidth of the antenna 100 can be obtained without being restricted by the method of the prior art.

0023As shown in FIG. 2, each of the antenna taps 104 is connected to two of the conductors 102. In this example, a pair of two conductors 102a and 102b of the conductors is illustrated with the corresponding antenna tap 104, RF switch 106, and transmission line 108.

0024The antenna tap 104 can have various forms. For example, but not limited to, the antenna tap 104 may consist of balanced transmission lines and / or unbalanced transmission lines. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the antenna tap 104 is composed of a coaxial double conductor having a balanced transmission line, the first transmission line is electrically connected to the first conductor 102a, and the second transmission line is , Electrically connected to the second conductor 102b. In another embodiment, the antenna tap 104 consists of a ribbon cable having two or more unbalanced transmission lines.

0025With reference to FIG. 1 again, the bandwidth of the antenna 100 can be increased by using the RF switch 106 together with the antenna tap 104 and the conductor 102. In addition, λ'_NIs the RF band Δf_NIs assumed to be the shortest wavelength in. In the example of FIG. 1, the following functions are performed, as described in the annotation above conductor 102. -By controlling the RF switch 106, the first three antenna taps 104 and the first four conductors 102 are selected and the frequency band Δf₁Half wavelength λ'₁It constitutes an element with a length of / 2 or less. As a result, the signal is combined with the output signal at the Tx / Rx port 112a of the element 1 of the mixer 110a. -By controlling the RF switch 106, the first 6 antenna taps 104 and the first 7 conductors 102 are selected and the frequency band Δf₂Half wavelength λ'₂It constitutes an element with a length of / 2 or less. As a result, the signal is combined with the output signal at the Tx / Rx port 112b of the element 2 of the mixer 110b. -By controlling the RF switch 106, the first 10 antenna taps 104 and the first 11 conductors 102 are selected and the frequency band Δf₃Half wavelength λ'₃It constitutes an element with a length of / 2 or less. As a result, the signal is combined with the output signal at the Tx / Rx port 112c of the element 3 of the mixer 110c.

0026A similar function is performed when distributing the signal from the mixer 110 to the conductor 102.

0027In addition, the power received by the antenna tap 104 is recovered by the mixer 110 so that the effect of reduced efficiency on the antenna 100 is reduced. The mixer 110 mixes the power received by the antenna tap 104 at the output port 112. In this way, the power received by the antenna tap 104 is captured and utilized to improve the gain of the antenna 100.

0028Since each port 112 of the mixer 110 can be connected to various elements, the electric signals received by the antenna 100 can be processed by these elements, and the signals generated by these elements can be transmitted from the antenna 100. These devices are, for example, any electrical or electronic device or system that processes RF signals. In one embodiment, such equipment or system is mounted on an aircraft, eg, a radio communication system, a satellite communication (SATCOM) system, a global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation system, a transponder system, a radar system, an aircraft collision. Used in specific applications such as collision avoidance systems (TCAS), electron beam systems, and instrument landing systems.

0029Also, in this example, the antenna 100 is attached to the structure 114. This structure 114 is, for example, an aircraft skin panel, but other structures 114 are also available. In this type of embodiment, the antenna 100 may be configured to fit the surface shape of the structure 114. Other members of the multi-tap antenna 100 may be located on the structure 114 or may be located elsewhere. &lt;Alternative example&gt;

0030The various embodiments described above are presented for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to embodiments of the disclosed content. Many modifications or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

0031For example, the antenna 100 shown in FIG. 1 does not imply physical or structural limitations on the embodiments in which the various embodiments are realized. For example, the antenna 100 can be implemented in different dimensions using any number of different members.

0032Each of the above embodiments relates to aircraft and other transporters, but other embodiments applicable to other uses and structures are also possible. For example, embodiments are also available for mobile platforms, fixed platforms, ground, sea, air, space-mounted structures, and / or other suitable structures.

0033Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes embodiments according to the following appendices.

0034Appendix 1. Multiple conductors, which are sub-wavelength conductors used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, With multiple antenna taps, each connected to one or more of the conductors, Multiple radio frequency (RF) switches, each connected to one of the antenna taps, Each includes a plurality of mixers, each connected to one or more of the RF switches. One or more of the RF switches interconnect the one or more of the antenna taps with a selected one of the mixers to connect the one or more antenna taps to the selected mixer. An antenna that is controlled to be dynamically assigned to transmit the RF signal between a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps and the selected mixer.

0035Appendix 2. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the RF signal received by the conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps is mixed with the output signal at the port of the selected mixer.

0036Appendix 3. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the input signal at the port of the selected one mixer is distributed for transmission as an RF signal from a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps.

0037Appendix 4. The antenna is a wideband antenna that can be used for multiple functions, so that the need to provide a separate antenna for each function can be reduced or eliminated, and the antenna can be installed in a space-constrained environment. Is possible, the antenna described in Appendix 1.

0038Appendix 5. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of conductors are arranged in a linear array.

0039Appendix 6. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the antenna tap contains a resistive material that widens the bandwidth in which the antenna functions.

0040Appendix 7. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of antenna taps connect the plurality of conductors in series with each other.

0041Appendix 8. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein each of the two adjacent conductors is connected to one of the antenna taps.

0042Appendix 9. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the antenna tap includes a balanced transmission line or an unbalanced transmission line.

0043Appendix 10. The antenna according to Appendix 1, wherein the conductor forms an element of a desired frequency to maximize the power transmitted to the antenna tap at the desired frequency.

0044Appendix 11. A method of transmitting or receiving radio frequency signals. One or more radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted or received by an antenna, at which time the antenna Multiple conductors, which are sub-wavelength conductors used to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, With multiple antenna taps, each connected to one or more of the conductors, Multiple radio frequency (RF) switches, each connected to one of the antenna taps, Each includes a plurality of mixers connected to one or more of the RF switches. The RF switch of the RF switch to dynamically assign the one or more antenna taps to the selected mixer by interconnecting one or more of the antenna taps with a selected one of the mixers. A method of controlling one or more to transmit the RF signal between a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps and the selected mixer.

0045Appendix 12. The method of Appendix 11, wherein the RF signal received by the conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps is mixed with the output signal at the port of the selected mixer.

0046Appendix 13. The method of Appendix 11, wherein the input signal at the port of the selected one mixer is distributed for transmission as an RF signal from a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps.

0047Appendix 14. The antenna is a wideband antenna that can be used for multiple functions, and thus the need to provide a separate antenna for each function can be reduced or eliminated, and the antenna can be installed in a space-constrained environment. Is possible, as described in Appendix 11.

0048Appendix 15. The method according to Appendix 11, wherein the plurality of conductors are arranged in a linear array.

0049Appendix 16. The method according to Appendix 11, wherein the antenna tap functions as a resistant material.

0050Appendix 17. The method according to Appendix 11, wherein the plurality of antenna taps connect the plurality of conductors in series with each other.

0051Appendix 18. The method according to Appendix 11, wherein each of the two adjacent conductors is connected to one of the antenna taps.

0052Appendix 19. The method according to Appendix 11, wherein the antenna tap includes a balanced or unbalanced transmission line.

0053Appendix 20. The method of Appendix 11, wherein the conductor forms an element at a desired frequency to maximize the power transmitted to the antenna tap at the desired frequency.

0054Appendix 21. How to make an antenna Prepare multiple conductors, which are sub-wavelength conductors used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. A plurality of antenna taps are connected to the conductor, and at that time, each antenna tap is connected to one or more of the conductors. A plurality of radio frequency (RF) switches are connected to the antenna tap, and each RF switch is connected to one of the antenna taps at that time. A plurality of mixers are connected to the RF switch, and at that time, each mixer is connected to one or more of the RF switches. This allows one or more of the antenna taps to be interconnected with a selected one of the mixers so that the one or more antenna taps are dynamically assigned to the selected mixer. A method in which controlling one or more of the RF switches transmits the RF signal between a conductor connected to the one or more antenna taps and the selected mixer.

0055The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the detailed description described above, but only by the appended claims.