CN104505594B

CN104505594B - There is the communication system of broad-band antenna

Info

Publication number: CN104505594B
Application number: CN201410478564.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·J·布兰达; M·J·巴雷特; M·N·兰德尔; M·A·弗莱赖; M·J·乔奥尼瑞; W·麦克纳瑞; R·B·安德森
Original assignee: AeroSat Corp
Current assignee: AeroSat Corp
Priority date: 2007-09-13
Filing date: 2008-09-12
Publication date: 2018-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-12
Also published as: JP2014082786A; EP2188870A1; JP5735144B2; WO2009036305A1; JP5453269B2; CN101842938B; CN104505594A; HK1206871A1; CN101842938A; JP2010539812A

Abstract

A kind of includes the communication system that may be mounted at antenna array and electronic building brick on delivery vehicle among.The communication system usually may include the external component on the outer surface of delivery vehicle and the internal part within delivery vehicle, and external component and internal part are coupled to each other by liaison.External component may include antenna array and installation equipment and transfer by azimuth, the elevation angle and polarization portable antenna battle array (for example, tracking artificial satellite or other signals source).Internal part may include most of electronic equipment associated with the communication system.

Description

There is the communication system of broad-band antenna

The application be September in 2008 submit within 12nd application No. is 200880113615.8, it is entitled " to have broadband day The divisional application of the communication system of line ".

Related application

This application requests are to herein by being cited the Septembers in 2007 being all incorporated into 13 with " Communication System with Broadband Antenna " are the U.S. Provisional Patent Application the 60/971st, No. 958,2007 years of topic application September 17 days is interim with the United States Patent (USP) that " Communication System with Broadband Antenna " is topic application Apply No. 60/973,112 and September in 2008 8 days with " Communication System with Broadband Antenna " is the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application the 61/095,167th of topic application.

Invention field

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically, be related to the antenna that can be used on passenger's delivery vehicle and Communication subsystem.

Background technology

Many communication systems are related to receiving the data-signal from artificial satellite.Traditional system has used many types Antenna receive the signal from artificial satellite, for example, Rotman lens, Luneberg lens, disk antenna or phased array.So And these systems may limit the ability that they receive satellite signals because of limited view or efficiency is low sustains damage.Specifically Ground says, these traditional systems may lack performance necessary to receive satellite signal or be that signal strength is low or be Noise is high, for example, the signal from low elevation angle artificial satellite.

In addition to this, many traditional systems do not include polarization correction that is any or filling part, and the therefore letter of alternant polarization Number noise may interfere with required signal, and the system is prevented suitably to receive desired signal.In addition, making such system in aircraft Fuselage on positioning propose several the problem of capable of submitting to such system to emit or receive signal.

It is therefore desirable to the communication system of improvement, including the weak signal that can be received in adverse environment of improvement or logical Letter signal and the antenna system that can be at least partially situated on airframe.

Invention content

It includes the antenna array and electronics that may be mounted on delivery vehicle among that some aspects and embodiment, which are directed toward, The communication system of component.The communication system usually may include the external component on the outer surface of delivery vehicle and be located at Internal part in delivery vehicle, external component and internal part are coupled to each other by liaison.It is external according to following discussion Component may include antenna array and (for example, track artificial satellite or other by orientation, the elevation angle and polarization portable antenna battle array Signal source) installation equipment and transfer.Internal part may include that most of electronics associated with communication system is set It is standby.Make internal part be located inside delivery vehicle to be advantageously possible for close to electronic equipment and electronic equipment can be protected to be allowed to exempt from It is influenced by delivery vehicle external environment, will be discussed in further detail below.The embodiment of the communication system provides many super The more interests of prior art systems, including size and weight are relatively small that (this may be special to installing system aboard It is advantageous), and have excellent wide band radio-frequency performance, it is discussed further below.

According to an embodiment, antenna array includes numerous electromagnetic horn elements, numerous corresponding dielectric lens, numerous Each dielectric lens among dielectric lens respectively with corresponding electromagnetic horn element coupling among numerous electromagnetic horn elements It closes, and the waveguide feed network that numerous electromagnetic horn elements and shared feed point are tied, wherein numerous electromagnetic horns Element and numerous corresponding dielectric lens have a shape and dimensions that so that antenna array antenna array either end by Gradual change is small.

In one embodiment, numerous electromagnetic horn elements are arranged to two parallel rows, and that two parallel row edge The length for antenna array offsets one from another a half width of one of numerous electromagnetic horn elements.In another embodiment, numerous loudspeakers Antenna element includes inside loudspeaker antenna element, third electromagnetic horn element, the second electromagnetic horn element and end loudspeaker day Thread elements, wherein third electromagnetic horn element are smaller than inside loudspeaker antenna element and position is more leaned on than inside loudspeaker antenna element The end of nearly antenna array, the second electromagnetic horn element is smaller than third electromagnetic horn element and position is than third electromagnetic horn element Closer to the end of antenna array, end electromagnetic horn element is smaller than the second electromagnetic horn element and is located at the end of antenna array. In another embodiment, numerous dielectric lens elements include interior dielectric lens, third dielectric lens, second electricity Jie Matter lens and end dielectric lens, wherein interior dielectric lens are coupled with inside loudspeaker antenna element, and third dielectric is saturating Mirror is smaller than interior dielectric lens and is coupled with third electromagnetic horn element, and the second dielectric lens is than third dielectric lens It is small and coupled with the second electromagnetic horn element, and end dielectric lens it is smaller than the second dielectric lens and with end loudspeaker Antenna element couples.The antenna array may further comprise numerous tubaeform inserts, every among numerous tubaeform inserts A tubaeform insert is located among numerous electromagnetic horn elements within electromagnetic horn element accordingly.In one embodiment In, the tubaeform insert in end electromagnetic horn element and the second electromagnetic horn element is to absorb material with radar electromagnetic wave Made of material.In another embodiment, each dielectric lens glass fibre pin fastener to respective electromagnetic horn member On part.

The method that other side orientation-correcting is mounted on the antenna array on delivery vehicle.In one embodiment, should Method includes the radio frequency center of the location determination antenna beam pattern relative to the position coder on antenna array, meter Calculate first pitching offset and first rolling offset of the antenna array relative to the position of position coder, and the of calculating In one pitching offset and the first locally stored memory device of rolling offset.In another embodiment, this method Further comprise the data for receiving to represent the delivery vehicle pitching and delivery vehicle rolling of the main delivery vehicle of installation antenna array, uses Position coder predicts antenna pitching and antenna rolling, calculates the second pitching offset between delivery vehicle pitching and antenna pitching Amount calculates the second rolling offset between delivery vehicle rolling and antenna rolling, and the second pitching offset calculating In the second locally stored memory device of rolling offset.In one embodiment, this method further comprises calculating The second pitching offset and the second rolling offset be stored in remote memory device.In another embodiment, the party Method further comprises correcting the second pitching and rolling offset based on the first pitching offset and the first rolling offset, with And in the second pitching offset and the second locally stored memory device of rolling offset after correction.This method may be into One step include after correction the second pitching offset and the second rolling offset be stored in remote memory device.At one In embodiment, this method further comprises the data for receiving to represent the delivery vehicle course of main delivery vehicle, and antenna array is aimed at Selected satellite signal source determines antenna course based on the signal for locking selected satellite signal source, The course offset amount between delivery vehicle course and antenna course is calculated, and the locally stored memory device of course offset amount In setting.This method may further comprise course offset amount to be stored in remote memory device.In one embodiment, it connects Data by the delivery vehicle pitching and the delivery vehicle rolling that represent main delivery vehicle include receiving leading for autonomous delivery vehicle The date of boat system.

According to another embodiment, communication system includes by being configured to receive and emit the antenna array of signal, be configured to Antenna array is attached on main platform and by the cardan universal joint component of orientation and elevation angle portable antenna battle array, first memory device and extremely First subsystem of the few one position coder composition being mounted on antenna array, and by liaison and the first subsystem coupling Merge and include the second of second memory device and the control unit for the movement for being configured to control antenna array by orientation and the elevation angle Subsystem, wherein at least one position coder are configured to detect relative to the antenna array position of the factory calibration level antenna The pitching and rolling of battle array and the first antenna data-signal for representing pitching and the rolling of the antenna array that detect is provided, first and the Two memory devices rest against liaison and are bound up and are configured to receive and stored antenna data-signal.Implement at one In example, the first and second memory devices are further configured to store the identification information about the first and second subsystems.

According to another embodiment, the communication system on delivery vehicle includes the appearance mounted on delivery vehicle External subsystems on face, the external subsystems include being configured to receive and emit the antenna array of signal, being configured to an antenna array It is installed on delivery vehicle and by the cardan universal joint component of orientation and elevation angle portable antenna battle array, local memory arrangement and at least One position coder being mounted on antenna array, and by liaison and the first subsystems couple and include control storage The internal subsystems of device device and the control unit for the movement for being configured to control antenna array by orientation and the elevation angle, wherein control unit It is configured to receive to represent the data of pitching and the rolling of the delivery vehicle for being mounted with antenna array, position coder is configured to survey Know that the pitching and rolling of antenna array, control unit are configured to calculate the pitching in the twinkling of an eye of the pitching and antenna of delivery vehicle Rolling offset between the rolling of offset and delivery vehicle and the rolling of antenna, and control memory device is configured to store up Deposit the pitching offset and rolling offset of calculating.

In one embodiment, local memory arrangement is configured to the pitching offset and rolling offset that storage calculates Amount.In another embodiment, local and control memory device is further configured to storage about inside and outside subsystem The identification information of system.

It is directed toward the communication system for including antenna array, including numerous antenna elements on the other hand, each antenna element is suitable Splice grafting receives the data-signal from signal source, and the polarization converter unit coupled with shared feed point, the polarization conversion Device unit is configured to compensate for the distortion of the polarization between antenna array and signal source (polarization skew).In a reality It applies in scheme, polarization converter unit includes being configured to receive two orthogonally polarized component signals of composition data signal and providing The rotary-type orthomode transducer of output signal through polarization correction and rotary-type orthomode transducer coupled configuration The transmission system of the control signal of expected rotary-type orthomode transducer degree of rotation is represented at receiving and is configured to Power is supplied to the motor that transmission system makes rotary-type orthomode transducer rotate to expected degree of rotation.

In one embodiment, polarization conversion unit is mounted on antenna array.In another embodiment, numerous antenna elements Part and feed network are arranged to provide cavity between feed network and numerous antenna elements, wherein polarization converter unit quilt It is at least partially installed inside cavity.In another embodiment, numerous antenna elements are electromagnetic horn elements, and feed net Network is waveguide feed network.

According to an embodiment, antenna array includes numerous electromagnetic horn elements, numerous corresponding dielectric lens, numerous Each dielectric lens electromagnetic horn element coupling corresponding among numerous electromagnetic horn elements among dielectric lens, and Numerous electromagnetic horn elements are coupled by waveguide feed network with shared feed point, wherein each dielectric lens be have flat edge and The planoconvex spotlight of the middle chimb on opposite, each dielectric lens include the numerous impedance matchings formed close to the inner surface of middle chimb Feature, and the outer surface of middle chimb is smooth.

In one embodiment, numerous impedance matching characteristics include numerous hollow pipes.In another embodiment, Mei Ge electricity Di-lens further comprises extending to numerous impedance matching grooves inside dielectric lens from the surface of flat edge.Numerous electricity Di-lens may include, for example, crosslinked polystyrene material or, for example, Rexolite^TM。

In another embodiment, antenna array includes the numerous electromagnetic horn elements for being configured to receive data-signal；It is many Mostly corresponding orthomode transducer, each corresponding orthomode transducer and corresponding electromagnetic horn element couple and And data-signal is configured to be divided into the first component signal and second component signal, the first and second component signals are cross polarizations 's；And the waveguide feed network for being tied numerous orthomode transducers and shared feed point, the waveguide feed net Network is configured to calculate the summation of the component signal from each orthomode transducer in E- planes and H- planes.

In one embodiment, waveguide feed network includes second point of first path and guiding for guiding the first component signal The second path of signal is measured, wherein first path calculates first point received from each orthomode transducer in E- planes The summation of signal is measured, the second path calculates the second component signal received from each orthomode transducer in H- planes Summation, waveguide feed network are configured to provide the first total component signal and the second total component signal in shared feed point. In another embodiment, numerous orthomode transducers include that the first direct-type coupled with the first electromagnetic horn element is received Hair converter and the orthomode transducer coupled with the second electromagnetic horn element, wherein waveguide feed network include configuration Second is come from receiving the first input of the first component signal from the first orthomode transducer, being configured to receive directly Second input of the first component signal of formula anti T-R device and the weighted sum phase that offer and two the first component signals are provided The T-shaped engaging portion of waveguide of the output of corresponding output signal, the T-shaped engaging portion of the waveguide include being configured to make waveguide T words The biasing of shape engaging portion generates the tuned cell of two the first component signal weighted sums.

It is directed toward the communication system that can be mounted on delivery vehicle on the other hand.In one embodiment, the communication system Include being configured to receive the antenna array with transmitted data signal and being configured to a day including that can be mounted on the outer surface of delivery vehicle Linear array is mounted on the outer surface of delivery vehicle and is moved by orientation and the elevation angle the external son of the cardan universal joint component of the antenna array System and can be mounted in delivery vehicle inside and include control unit and the internal subsystems of wireless set, the inside subsystem System is coupled and configured to power with external subsystems by liaison and control signal is supplied to external subsystems, wherein Control unit is configured to provide control signals to the movement that cardan universal joint component is controlled antenna array by orientation and the elevation angle, wherein ten thousand Include being configured to the mounting bracket that external subsystems are attached on delivery vehicle outer surface and being configured to an antenna array to section component The antenna installation stent being installed on cardan universal joint component.

In one embodiment of the communication system, mounting bracket includes center portion and by four corresponding support arms Four feet that part is connect with center portion；And the revolution that four feet are placed at antenna array is scanned except range.Another In one embodiment, external subsystems further comprise the rotary joint being placed on inside the center portion of mounting bracket, the rotation Adapter makes external subsystems be coupled with internal subsystems.In another embodiment, antenna installation stent is along antenna array Length firmly grasps antenna array two positions, and two points are not in the end of antenna array.In another embodiment, cardan universal joint component The elevation angle including being configured to receive the control signal from control unit and by elevation angle rotation to the control sensitive antenna array of signal Control assembly.Elevation angle control assembly may include push-pull type pulley system.In another embodiment, cardan universal joint component is further Include on antenna array and being configured to the polarization converter unit by the mobile antenna array to polarization sensitive of polarization.

Other aspect, embodiment and the interests of these aspects and embodiment exemplary will in detail below It discusses.In addition, it is understood that the information of front and following detailed description are all only a variety of different aspects and embodiment party The illustrative embodiment of case, it is therefore an objective to provide and be used for understanding the comprehensive of the aspect for requirement of having the right and the characteristic of embodiment and feature It states or framework.Any embodiment disclosed herein all may with the object disclosed herein, target and need consistent any Mode and any other combination of embodiment, and about " embodiment ", " some embodiments ", " alternate embodiment ", It is that " a variety of different embodiments ", " embodiment " or similar saying need not exclude each other and be intended to point out It is likely to be included among at least one embodiment in conjunction with specific feature, the structure or characteristic of embodiment description.This The appearance of the word of sample may not all refer to same embodiment herein.In order to provide illustration and further understand a variety of different Aspect and embodiment, attached drawing are included, and are incorporated into this part of specification, constitute this part of part of specification.It is attached Figure is used for explaining described and proposes the aspect of claim and the original of embodiment together with the rest part of specification Then and operate.

Description of the drawings

A variety of different aspects of at least one embodiment will be begged for below in reference to the attached drawing being not intended to be drawn to scale By.There are the occasion of reference mark, these reference marks behind technical characteristic in attached drawing, detailed description or any claim Be included, it is only for increase attached drawing, detailed description and claim comprehensibility.Therefore, no matter whether there is or not ginsengs Symbol is examined all to be not inclined to any range generation any restrictions for requiring element.In the drawings, a variety of different attached Same or almost same composition each of is illustrated to be indicated with like numeral.It for the sake of clarity, may be simultaneously It is non-to mark out by each composition in every attached drawing.These attached drawings are to exemplify and explain offer, be not inclined to It is defined in the extreme as the present invention.In the drawings：

Fig. 1 is the functional-block diagram according to one embodiment of the communication system of certain aspects of the invention；

Fig. 2 is the functional-block diagram of one embodiment that external subsystems are illustrated according to certain aspects of the invention；

Fig. 3 is the aircraft for showing the Communications System Segment being mounted on according to certain aspects of the invention on the neutralization of aircraft Illustration；

Fig. 4 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the external subsystems of certain aspects of the invention；

Fig. 5 is the plan view according to one embodiment of the antenna house of certain aspects of the invention；

Fig. 6 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the external subsystems of the not lid of certain aspects of the invention；

Fig. 7 is the exploded view of the external subsystems of Fig. 6；

Fig. 8 is the one of the mounting bracket for being used for being fixed to external subsystems on main platform according to certain aspects of the invention The plan view of a embodiment；

Fig. 9 is the partial exploded view according to one embodiment of the elevation actuator of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 10 is the reality that may be used for the pulley system by elevation angle portable antenna battle array according to certain aspects of the invention Apply the functional diagram of example；

Figure 11 is to illustrate to shake using spring-loaded cam adjustment antenna array according to certain aspects of the invention Schematic diagram；

Figure 12 is the front view according to one embodiment of the antenna array of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 13 is the partial exploded view of the antenna array of Figure 12；

Figure 14 is the sectional view of one embodiment of electromagnetic horn；

Figure 15 is the side view according to one embodiment of the inside loudspeaker antenna element of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 16 is the side view according to one embodiment of the third electromagnetic horn element of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 17 is the side view according to one embodiment of the second electromagnetic horn element of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 18 is the side view according to one embodiment of the end electromagnetic horn element of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 19 is the side view according to one embodiment of the interior dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 20 is the perspective view of the interior dielectric lens of Figure 19；

Figure 21 is the plan view of the plane surface of the dielectric lens of Figure 19；

Figure 22 A are the side views according to one embodiment of the third dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 22 B are the plan views of the plane surface of the third dielectric lens of Figure 22 A；

Figure 23 A are the side views according to one embodiment of the second dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 23 B are the plan views of the plane surface of the second dielectric lens of Figure 23 A；

Figure 24 A are the side views according to one embodiment of the end dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 24 B are the plan views of the plane surface of the end dielectric lens of Figure 24 A；

Figure 25 is the side view according to another embodiment of the dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 26 is the side view according to another embodiment of the dielectric lens of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 27 A are the pins that can be used for being fastened to dielectric lens on antenna element according to certain aspects of the invention The side view of one embodiment；

Figure 27 B are the longitudinal section views of the pin of Figure 27 A；

Figure 28 A-C are the fixations that can be used for being fastened to dielectric lens on antenna element according to certain aspects of the invention The perspective view of folder；

Figure 29 is one of the dielectric lens for the slit for being used for accommodating geometrical clamp according to certain aspects of the invention displaying The perspective view of embodiment；

Figure 30 is according to certain aspects of the invention to be used for that some dielectric lens are at least fixed on consolidating in antenna array The side view of another embodiment of clamp；

Figure 31 A are the isometric views according to one embodiment of the tubaeform insert of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 31 B are the end views of the tubaeform insert of Figure 31 A；

Figure 32 A-C are regarded according to the isogonism of the further embodiment of the tubaeform insert of certain aspects of the invention Figure；

Figure 33 A are the zero degree rollings according to the beam pattern of an antenna array embodiment of certain aspects of the invention Illustration, the array have the element spacing of about 1/2 wavelength；

Figure 33 B are 15 degree of rolling illustrations of the beam pattern of linear array embodiment on the same day；

Figure 34 is the chart for another embodiment that antenna array is illustrated according to certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 35 be have according to certain aspects of the invention integrated orthomode transducer electromagnetic horn element one The illustration of a embodiment；

Figure 36 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the orthomode transducer of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 37 is the perspective view according to another embodiment of the orthomode transducer of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 38 is another view of the orthomode transducer of Figure 37；

Figure 39 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the waveguide feed network of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 40 A are the illustrations according to the part of one embodiment of the feed network of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 40 B are the feed networks of Figure 40 A along the sectional view of the parts intercepted the line A-A in Figure 40 A；

Figure 41 is the chart according to another embodiment of the feed network part of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 42 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the T-shaped engaging portion of waveguide of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 43 is the chart according to a part for another embodiment of the feed network of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 44 is according to certain aspects of the invention include polarization converter unit antenna array one embodiment office Portion's exploded view；

Figure 45 is the partial exploded view according to one embodiment of the polarization converter unit of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 46 is the perspective view according to one embodiment of the low-noise amplifier of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 47 is the functional-block diagram according to one embodiment of the internal subsystems of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 48 is the functional-block diagram according to one embodiment of the down converter unit of certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 49 is the perspective view for one embodiment of the shell of internal subsystem according to certain aspects of the invention；

Figure 50 is the flow chart of one embodiment that calibration procedure is illustrated according to certain aspects of the invention.

Specific implementation mode

At least some aspects and embodiment be directed toward include may be mounted on delivery vehicle and among antenna array and electricity The communication system of sub- part of appliance.The communication system usually may include be mounted on delivery vehicle outer surface on external component and Internal part in delivery vehicle, external component and internal part intercouple by liaison.According to following discussion, External component may include antenna array and by orientation, the elevation angle and polarization portable antenna battle array (for example, track artificial satellite or Other signals source) installation equipment and transfer.Internal part may include most of electricity associated with communication system Sub- equipment.Make internal part be located inside delivery vehicle to be advantageously possible for close to electronic equipment, and electronic equipment can be protected It is allowed to the external environment influence from delivery vehicle, will be discussed in further detail below.The embodiment of the communication system provides Many surmounts the interests of prior art systems, including size and weight are relatively smaller that (this is for installing system aboard May be particularly advantageous), and have excellent wide band radio-frequency performance, it is discussed further below.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of method and apparatus discussed herein is not limited in application aspect following The details of the construction and arrangement of parts combination that is being stated in description or illustrating in the accompanying drawings.These method and apparatus energy It is enough to implement and be practiced or carried out in a variety of ways in other embodiments.The embodiment of particular implementation exists It is that this is provided solely for the purpose of illustration and be not intended to limit.Specifically, in conjunction with any one or more implementations Behavior, element and the feature of scheme discussion be all not inclined to be excluded in any other embodiment similar function it Outside.In addition, wording as used herein and term are for purposes of description, should not be regarded as limiting.It is referred to herein with odd number System and method embodiment or element or behavior may also include these numerous elements embodiment, and herein Any embodiment or element that are referred to plural number or behavior may also include the embodiment for only including single element.About just The face and back side, the left side and the right, top and bottom and upper part and lower sections of any benchmark are for convenience Intentionally and be not inclined to by the present invention system and method or its component part is confined to any one position or space takes To.

Referring to Fig.1, an implementation of the communication system for including external subsystems 102 and internal subsystems 104 is illustrated The block diagram of example.External subsystems 102 include antenna array 106 and cardan universal joint component 108, will be discussed in detail one by one below.It Linear array 106 receives signal of communication from signal source 110 and signal is transmitted to one or more destinations, below will be into One step discussion.Internal subsystems 102 may be via cable and delivering power, the data and other transmission medias for controlling signal (such as waveguide) is coupled with external subsystems 104.Internal subsystems 104 may include that most of electronics of the communication system is set Standby, processing will be emitted by antenna array 106 and received signal.In one embodiment, internal subsystems 104 include and universal joint The antenna control unit 112 of 108 communication control antenna array 106 of component.For example, antenna control unit 112 may be control Signal is supplied to cardan universal joint component 108 to be correctly directed to antenna array to receive the expection signal from signal source 110 Orientation and the elevation angle.Antenna control unit 112 may also be communicated with a variety of different other parts of internal subsystems 104, under Face will be further discussed.High-power wireless electricity transceiver 114 receives and handles signal that antenna array 106 receives and may be via Modem 116 exports these signals.Modem 116 may known to the person familiar with the technology in a manner of operate. High-power wireless electricity transceiver 114 also handles the signal to be emitted of antenna array 106.

According to an embodiment, internal subsystems 104 further include to a variety of different components of internal subsystems 104 And external subsystems 102 provide the power supply 118 of power.It will be appreciated that power supply 118 may include being used as internal subsystems A part power source special, or may including any required component come autonomous delivery vehicle power supply power convert It is supplied to the component for the internal subsystems for needing power afterwards.Internal subsystems may further comprise network management server 120.It may may be carried as a part for internal subsystems 104 or navigational reference system 122 that is separated and communicating with For the navigation data from the delivery vehicle for being wherein mounted with the communication system, it is discussed further below.

With reference to Fig. 2, in one embodiment, cardan universal joint component 108 includes low-noise amplifier 124, and the latter is in order to examine Considering signal-to-noise ratio should be placed on as close to the position of antenna array, therefore be included among external subsystems 102, rather than wrap It includes among internal subsystems 104.In one embodiment, cardan universal joint component 108 further comprises the antenna aiming group of machinery Part 126, the component may include the inclination sensor of the Angle Position for predicting external component (not being illustrated) and be used for The polarization converter unit 128 for adjusting the polarization distortion between antenna array 106 and signal source 110, is discussed further below. Cardan universal joint component 108 may further comprise can include the distinctive data for external subsystems 102 memory device 130, it is discussed further below.

According to an embodiment, the communication system may be mounted on delivery vehicle (for example, aircraft or automobile) and Among.With reference to Fig. 3, the one embodiment for the aircraft 132 that communication system is equipped with according to certain aspects of the invention is illustrated. It will be appreciated that although the discussion below with reference to some aspects and embodiment of communication system may refer primarily to be mounted on System on aircraft, but the present invention is not so limited, and the embodiment of the communication system may be installed in it is more On the different delivery vehicle of kind, including ship, train, automobile and aircraft, and on static platform, for example, business Or residential building.External subsystems 102 may be installed to any position appropriate on aircraft 132.In aircraft (or other fortune Load tool) on the installation site of external component may be by considering a variety of different factors (for example, aerodynamic examine Worry, weight balancing, the easy degree of the installation of the system and/or maintenance, the requirement of FAA, to the interference of other component parts and The visual field of antenna array) it is selected.According to the discussion of front, external subsystems 102 include that sense of the reception from signal source 110 is emerging The antenna array 106 of the data-signal 134 of interest (see Fig. 1).Signal source 110 may be another delivery vehicle, artificial satellite, consolidate The data-signal source of fixed or static platform (for example, base station, tower or broadcasting station) or any other type.Data-signal 134 may be any signal of communication, including but not limited to TV signal, with safeguarding information, location information or other information, voice Or the signal, etc. of voice transmission (digitally or otherwise) coding.In one embodiment, system composition can be used for The information of the component part about system itself or about aircraft 132 (for example, operation information, it is necessary to maintenance information, etc. Deng) it is sent to the communication network for the remote monitoring that remote server or control/maintenance prevention are the system and/or aircraft provides Component part.

As known to those of the operation of being familiar with artificial satellite in many regions in world, existing causes A variety of artificial satellite working frequencies of broadband frequency operation.For example, live streaming artificial satellite may be with about 14.0GHz- The frequency reception signal of 14.5GHz, and the artificial satellite may be sent in the frequency range of about 10.7GHz-12.75GHz Signal.Following table 1 illustrates connecing for the live signal that just antenna module of the present invention and system adapt to other than frequency Some existing parameters for receipts.It signal source 110 may be including anyone among these or other types of artificial satellite Make satellite.

Table 1

Referring still to Fig. 3, which may include or may connect numerous passenger interfaces, for example, multiplying for every Visitor provides an other channel selection, the seat back display unit 136 of internet access ability, associated earphone and selection Panel, etc..Alternatively, for example, live video may also be by being periodically placed on the passenger area of aircraft In numerous fluorescent screens distribute to all passengers and share viewing for them.Signal is between internal subsystems 104 and passenger interface May be to be provided by radio or using cable.In addition, the communication system may also include system control/display station 138, lift For example, which is likely located at the machine for being used for controlling whole system for the flight service crew in trade route In the region of cabin, so that being not required to the direct interaction of very important person and external component in addition to maintenance and other than repairing.In one embodiment, should Communication system probably as artificial satellite Video Reception System front end in mobile delivery vehicle (for example, aircraft of Fig. 3) On use.Artificial satellite Video Reception System can be used for live program (for example, news, weather, sports, net Network program, film, etc.) it is supplied to some passengers inside delivery vehicle.

With reference to Fig. 4, an embodiment of external subsystems 102 is illustrated with perspective view.According to the discussion of front, outside Portion's subsystem 102 includes the antenna array 106 for being suitble to receive signal and transmitting signal from information source (110 in Fig. 1).According to It is further discussed according to following, antenna array 106 may include the numerous antenna element (not shown) coupled with feed network 202. In one embodiment, these antenna element is electromagnetic horn, and feed network 202 is waveguide feed network.Per antenna element It may couple, be discussed further below with the corresponding lens 204 for being configured to improve the gain of corresponding antenna element.It is fixed Folder 206a, 206b and 206c may be used for lens 204 to be fastened on corresponding antenna element, will be discussed below.According to One embodiment, due to the construction and arrangement of feed network 202 and antenna element and lens 204, antenna array 106 forms essence Upper rigid structure, the intrinsic frequency of only basic modal structure.From the aspect of structural vibration, therefore antenna array 106 may be Serve as single unit, rather than the array of multiple Individual cells.The interests of this substantial rigid structure of antenna array 106 It may include the vibration minimum of antenna array, otherwise the performance of antenna array and the accuracy of aiming may be had adverse effect on. In one embodiment, the basic modal structure intrinsic frequency of antenna array 106 is about 20 hertz (Hz).

Antenna array 106 may use antenna installation stent 208 to be mounted on cardan universal joint component 108.As shown in figure 4, one In a embodiment, antenna installation stent 208 is not in the end of antenna array 106 but in several points close to antenna array center Promptly antenna array.Antenna installation stent these promptly point may be with the length direction center substantial symmetry of antenna array 106 It separates.Along its length in internal point rather than end firmly grasp antenna array 106 may further promote to reduce it is unwelcome Antenna array structural vibration.

Referring still to Fig. 4, at least some embodiments, the substantial portions of external subsystems 102 may be by lid 210 are covered with.Some component parts that lid 210 may be at least external component 102 provide environmental protection.Cable 212a, 212b and 212c may be used for transmitting data, power and control signal between internal subsystems 104 and external subsystems 102. It will be appreciated that the communication system is not limited to using three groups of cables 212a, 212b shown in Fig. 4 and such as 212c, but may Use any an appropriate number of cable.External subsystems 102 can use the ontology that can be fastened to delivery vehicle (for example, aircraft Fuselage 132) on mounting bracket 214 be installed on delivery vehicle.

According to an embodiment, external subsystems may may be used for reducing external component and be moved in delivery vehicle 132 The antenna house of the head resistance generated when dynamic covers.The embodiment displaying of antenna house 270 is in Figure 5.In one embodiment, day Irdome has about 9.5 inches of maximum height and about 64.4 inches of length 272；However, it is to be appreciated that being given any The size of antenna house 270 is likely to be dependent on the antenna array 106 of external subsystems 106 and other component parts in fixed embodiment Size.According to one embodiment, radio frequency (RF) signal that antenna house 270 emits antenna array 106 and/or receives is to transmit 's.Antenna house 270 may be made of the material known to person familiar with the technology, including but not limited to fiber (for example, Quartz or glass) and resin (for example, epoxy resin, polyester, cyanate or bismaleamide) laminate.These are other Material may be used for being formed transmittance height, light-weight antenna cover arrangement with honeycomb or foam combination.

With reference to Fig. 6, the embodiment for the external subsystems 102 for taking away the displaying of lid 210 is illustrated.External subsystems it is each The different component part of kind will discuss in more detail with continued reference to Fig. 6 below.

With reference to Fig. 7, the optical cable of the embodiment of external subsystems 102 shown in Fig. 6 is illustrated.In one embodiment In, lid 210 include several parts, for example, upper part 210a, aft section 210b and two lateral parts 210c and 210d, these parts may be secured together to form lid 210.However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not by such limit System, lid 210, which may include more than or less than four parts and lid various pieces, may have different from Fig. 7 illustrations Configuration.In one embodiment, the various pieces of lid are only to be fixed on one using only fastener (for example, screw or bolt) It rises.The number of fastener may be the minimal amount that fixed lid needs, so as to must be close to 102 (example of external subsystems Such as, in order to upgrade or repair component part) when avoid removing unnecessary delay and complication when lid.In another reality It applies in example, cover part 210a-d may be fixed together individually or together with fastener using bonding agent.However, at some In, for example, in the case where external subsystems 102 are installed on aircraft 132, using bonding agent may be not by It welcomes, because this may be such that dismounting lid 210 further complicates.

According to the discussion of front, external subsystems 102 may be using mounting bracket 214 be installed to delivery vehicle (or its Its platform) on.The embodiment displaying of mounting bracket 214 is in fig. 8.In the embodiment enumerated, mounting bracket includes center Part 216 and in four feet 218 from the end of 216 outwardly extending portion 220 of center portion.Mounting bracket 214 may be worn The fastener (for example, screw or bolt) for crossing foot 218 is fixed on delivery vehicle.It is similar using the configuration having with Fig. 8 illustrates It may be advantageous in some applications for the mounting bracket 214 of configuration, because only may need four fasteners can be installation Therefore holder is simultaneously fixedly secured to external subsystems 102 on delivery vehicle, to make external subsystems on delivery vehicle Installation become easier to.In one embodiment, foot 218 is likely to be positioned at the rotation of antenna array 106 and scans except range, So that no matter the position of antenna array at any time can be close to fastener.This configuration is advantageously possible for mounting bracket 214 and outside Installation and dismounting of the system 102 under a variety of conditions and the orientation of antenna array 106.Cable may pass through center portion 216 and exist Delivering power, data and/or control signal between external subsystems 102 and internal subsystems 104.Gasket or other sealing devices May be used for seal mounting bracket 214 (or the cable carriage extended therethrough) center portion 216 and delivery vehicle itself it Between connection because must be provided on delivery vehicle ontology allows cable to pass through the holes of internal subsystems 104

According to an embodiment, in order to promote a plurality of locations and orientation from delivery vehicle to be communicated with signal source 110, Certain parts (for example, some parts of antenna array 106 and at least cardan universal joint component 108) of at least external subsystems 102 are can According among the elevation angle, orientation and polarization any one or all move.Therefore, cardan universal joint component 108 may be designed to Adapt to such movement.In one embodiment, the center portion 216 of mounting bracket 214 can adapt to define orientation rotation The orientation assembly 222 at center.Orientation assembly 222 may include, for example, may penetrate delivery vehicle shell (for example, aircraft 132 shell) allow the rotation of delivery vehicle shell of the cable across internal subsystems 104 and external subsystems 102 to connect Head.In one embodiment, orientation assembly may include rotary joint and slip ring, as discrete part or as integrated package, Allow radio frequency (RF) communicate, power and control signal via cable 212a-c external subsystems 102 movable part and aircraft It is transmitted between 132 static main platform.Other devices known to rotary joint and slip-ring combination or person familiar with the technology, May enable antenna array 106 relative to main aircraft 132 in either direction continuously by orientation rotation, make installable son whereby System provides continuous hemispheric or bigger coverage area when being used with orientation motor combination.Rotation is not used to connect Head or similar device, antenna array 106 will must go to its halt, then again toward back rotation to prevent cable each other Winding.Referring again to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, in one embodiment, cardan universal joint component 108 includes moving day by orientation and the elevation angle The motor and transmission component of linear array 106.In order to press orientation portable antenna battle array 106, cardan universal joint component 108 may include and orientation hub The Amimuth Transmission component 224 of 226 couplings.In one embodiment, orientation hub 226 via pull strings 228 be fitted around holder 214 Center portion 216 orientation pulley 230 couple.Amimuth Transmission component 224 may include control circuit and be housed in orientation horse Up to the orientation motor within shell 232.The orientation transmission component may receive the control from antenna control unit 112 (see Fig. 1) Signal processed and starting orientation motor makes antenna array 106 by orientation rotation.

According to an embodiment, cardan universal joint component 108 includes being coupled with elevation angle motor 238 via flexible coupling 236 Elevation angle control assembly 234.Elevation angle motor 238 is mounted on elevation angle motor supporter 240 and may be housed in shell 242 The inside.In the embodiment enumerated, elevation drive 244a and 244b is coupled with antenna installation stent 208 and the side of being installed in On the hub 226 of position, antenna array 106 is tied with Amimuth Transmission system mechanics whereby.As shown in fig. 7, in an embodiment party In case, antenna installation stent 208 has the shape of part-cylindrical, and elevation drive 244a, 244b include support bending Antenna installation stent 208 arcuate flanks supporter.With reference to Fig. 9, the part of the elevation drive 244a on the right is illustrated Exploded view.It will be appreciated that the elevation drive 244b on the left side may be the true mirror of the elevation drive 244a on the right Picture.Allow antenna installation stent 208 as shown in figure 9, elevation drive 244a includes band and therefore allow antenna array 106 along curved The arcuate flanks supporter 246 of the roller 248 of bent track movement, allows antenna array 106 to be rotated by the elevation angle whereby.

In one embodiment, using the flexible coupling as flexible coupling 236 a variety of different parts The inclination and/or angle tolerance being interconnected in being connected by absorption increase with connected strain is removed or reduced Manufacture the easy degree of external subsystems 102.

According to an embodiment, elevation drive system may use pulley system to press elevation angle portable antenna battle array 106.Push-and-pull The embodiment of formula pulley system is schematically illustrated with Figure 10.Plug-type pulley system includes being led via continuous annular The transmission chain gear 250 and idle pulley 252 that line 254 is coupled with antenna array 106.With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, illustration includes that the elevation angle passes The plug-type pulley system of the transmission chain gear 250 and the idle pulley 252 coupled with elevation drive 244 of dynamic component 234 (see Fig. 7) Embodiment.As shown in figure 9, idle pulley 252 may include axis 256, roller 258 and holder 260.Elevation angle motor in shell 232 Power drive pulley system, which may be provided, makes antenna installation stent 208 be formed by arc track roller along lateral support 246 It is rotated on 248.Therefore plug-type pulley system may generate the movement that 106 responsive control signal of antenna array changes the elevation angle, below It will be further discussed.In one embodiment, antenna array may can move in the elevation coverage on about -10 ° to 90 ° (vertex) It is dynamic.The advantage that pulley system is configured to push-pull system is that it may allow the elevation angle motor using low torque.Except this it Outside, it is that antenna array 106 provides wide support and the load antenna array that antenna installation stent 208, which may include relatively wide fringing, Distribution is in the upper of most of antenna installation stent.This feature may further be conducive to use the relatively small low torque elevation angle Motor.

According to an embodiment, antenna installation stent 208 may include spring-loaded cam 262, as Figure 11 shows As meaning ground illustrates.These spring-loaded cams 262 can be used for eliminating the high-frequency vibration of antenna array 106.One In a embodiment, spring-loaded cam 262 is spring-loaded wedge cams.In another embodiment, it is installed in antenna The positioning of antenna array may be to be maintained with wedge shape and standard cams 264 on the arc of holder 208.It in addition to this, may be in antenna The damping wheel (not shown) for preventing antenna array 106 from waving is provided in mounting bracket 208.Antenna array 106 may be easy due to it Structural natural frequencies waggle.Damping wheel may prevent it is this wave, shake is become pure translational motion (that is, up and down It is mobile), the latter does not influence the directional angle of antenna array.

In one embodiment, referring again to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, cardan universal joint component 108 includes universal joint connection card 266, The latter provide it is between a variety of different cables and parts in external subsystems 102 and to antenna control unit 112 and/or The connection of other parts of internal subsystems 104.This universal joint connection card 266 may receive plug-in type cable and may Instead of the traditional cable electrical power wiring assembly used in many wiring situations, greatly simplify whereby 102 inside of external subsystems and/or To the connection composition of internal subsystems 104.Using universal joint connection card 266, each composition of external subsystems 102 may wrap Plug-in type cable is included, so that it can easily inject universal joint connection card.Therefore, each composition can be connect with universal joint Card 266 connects or separates, and is therefore connected or separated with other compositions of system, without any change or interferes other compositions The demand of wiring.

According to the discussion of front, according to an embodiment, antenna array 106 includes numerous and at least some embodiment In be waveguide network feed network 202 couple antenna element as electromagnetic horn 268 (see Fig. 6).In addition, each day Thread elements 268 may all be coupled with corresponding dielectric lens 204.Dielectric lens 204 may be used for concentrating antenna element 268 The gain of the radiation and raising antenna element of reception and transmitting, will be discussed in more detail below.Feed network 202 may be base It is adapted in the type of the antenna element 268 used in antenna array 106 and configuration.In the implementation that Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are illustrated In example, feed network 202 is the waveguide feed network made by size and shape as defined in client.The advantage of waveguide is its Consume is usually fewer than other transmission medias (for example, cable or microstrip).So it is desirable that reducing or subtracting to the maximum extent In the application of few loss associated with antenna array 106, using waveguide as feed network 202, it may be advantageous.However, people It will be appreciated that feed network 202 may entirely or partly use waveguide except transmission media constitute.Feed network 202 will It is described in greater detail below.

2 and Figure 13 referring to Fig.1 illustrates the front view (Figure 12) and optical cable of one embodiment antenna array 106 (Figure 13).In the embodiment enumerated, antenna array 106 includes 64 squares arranged by parallel two rows (that is, by 2 × 32 configurations) The array of shape electromagnetic horn 268.However, it is to be appreciated that antenna array 106 may include how the antenna element of number, each Antenna element may be any kind of antenna appropriate.For example, the antenna array of replacement may include pressing 2 × 4 or 1 × 8 Eight circular or rectangle electromagnetic horns of configuration.Although antenna element is the antenna for having wide bandwidth in some applications (for example, electromagnetic horn) it may be advantageous, but the present invention is not limited to electromagnetic horn but can use any appropriate Antenna.Therefore, although 2 × 32 arrays for mainly referring to rectangular horn antenna are enumerated embodiment by following discussion, It is understood that this, which passes through discussion obviously correct person familiar with the technology, is equally applicable to other types With the array of size.

In general, each electromagnetic horn element 268 may receive the hole defined by the side 304 of antenna element 302 electromagnetic radiation entered, as shown in figure 14.Antenna element 268 may focus on the radiation received the antenna element and feedback The feed point 306 of SCN Space Cable Network 202 (not showing in fig. 14) coupling.Although it will be appreciated that herein will essentially according to receive from The radiation that information source introduces further discusses antenna array 106, but antenna array may also be operated according to emission mode, wherein presenting Signal is supplied to each antenna element 268 by SCN Space Cable Network 202 via corresponding feed point 306, and the antenna array is the signal Launch.

According to the discussion of front, according to an embodiment, external subsystems 102 may be installed in delivery vehicle (example Such as, aircraft 132 shown in Fig. 3) on.In such and similar application, the height for reducing antenna array 106 is (and entire external The height of subsystem 102) resistance when moving aircraft is minimized may be desirable.Therefore, the day in low cross section Thread elements 268 may be at present preferred in such an application.So in one embodiment, 268 quilt of electromagnetic horn element It is configured with relatively wide interior angle 308, it is wide by 310 so as to cause relatively wide hole, so as in the height for keeping electromagnetic horn element 268 Spend 312 it is relatively small while big hole area is provided.In one embodiment, electromagnetic horn element 288 is of such dimension that, So that the azimuthal separation on same row between loudspeaker is to transmit about wavelength of frequency in highest.Being sized in this way can The outside for the first graing lobe being maintained at the visible space of operational frequency bands is can help to, is discussed further below.

The electromagnetic horn low using height, hole is wide is as one of antenna element 268 the result is that antenna element may have ratio It may the low gain of preferable gain.It is because of as shown in figure 14, in vertical incidence in loudspeaker to generate this lower gain The first signal 314 on hole 302 and along there may be weights between the incident second signal 316 in the side 304 of antenna element 268 The path length difference wanted.This path length difference may cause important phase between the first and second signals 314,316 Potential difference, to cause signal interference and lower overall gain.Therefore, according to an embodiment, dielectric lens 204 with it is each Electromagnetic horn element 268 is coupled to improve the gain of electromagnetic horn element.Dielectric lens 204 is possibly mounted at electromagnetic horn member RF energy is concentrated on the hole 310 of part 268 feed point 306 of electromagnetic horn element.Dielectric lens 204 may be used for making It is incident on the phase and path-length match of the signal on electromagnetic horn element 268 at different angles, increases antenna array whereby 106 gain.

According to an embodiment, antenna array 106 is tapered to be reduced with further promotion in antenna array beam pattern Secondary lobe.In one embodiment, in the deep three electromagnetic horn elements 268 in each end of every row's antenna element than it Remaining antenna element is small, and the latter may be substantially same in terms of size and shape.With these gradually smaller antenna elements 268 associated dielectric lens 204 of part may be accordingly smaller than lens associated with remaining antenna element.Antenna array 106 this 2 and Figure 13 referring to Fig.1 that tapers into can see.As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, in one embodiment, it comes from every The third dielectric lens 318 for arranging each end of antenna array 106 is slightly smaller than 26 interior dielectric lens 320 of every row. In one embodiment, all interior dielectric lens 320 and corresponding inside loudspeaker antenna element 322 are real in terms of size It is same in matter.The embodiment displaying of inside loudspeaker antenna element 322 is in fig.15.With 324 phase of third electromagnetic horn element Associated third dielectric lens 318 may be slightly smaller than inside loudspeaker antenna element 322.Third electromagnetic horn element 324 Embodiment is shown in figure 16.Similarly, the second electromagnetic horn element 326 of each end from every row is associated with it Second dielectric lens 328 may be slightly smaller than third electromagnetic horn element 324 and third dielectric lens 318 respectively.Second The embodiment displaying of electromagnetic horn element 326 is in fig. 17.Equally, the end electromagnetic horn element on each end of every row 330 may be slightly smaller than the second electromagnetic horn element 326 and second electricity Jie respectively with its associated end dielectric lens 332 Matter lens 328.The embodiment displaying of end electromagnetic horn element 330 is in figure 18.In this way, by towards antenna array 106 Edge gradually decrease the size of electromagnetic horn element 268 and associated dielectric lens 204, antenna array is tapered into. Careful conical design may promote the reduction of secondary lobe in the beam pattern of antenna array 106, be discussed further below.

According to an embodiment, dielectric lens 204 is planoconvex spotlight, it may be mounted in above feedhorn apertures 302 And/or it is partially contained in 302 the inside of feedhorn apertures.For the purpose of this part of specification, planoconvex spotlight is defined as having reality The lens on flat surface and opposite convex face in matter.Dielectric lens 204 may be according to known optical principle (packet Include, for example, according to the diffraction of Snell's law) forming, so the radiation of introducing can be focused on loudspeaker day by lens The feed point 306 of thread elements 268.

Referring to Fig.1 9, illustrate the side view of one embodiment of interior dielectric lens 320.In the embodiment enumerated In, dielectric lens 320 is the planoconvex spotlight for having plane surface 336 and opposite convex face 338.One can see that electricity is situated between The convex-shaped of matter lens 302 cause to be present in compared with the edge of lens center 334 dielectric substance have it is larger vertical Depth (material is likely to be positioned at the overcentre of corresponding speaker hole 302).Therefore, the signal (such as of vertical incidence One signal 314) (see Figure 14) can pass through compared with along the incident second signal 316 in the edge 304 of electromagnetic horn element 268 More dielectric substances.Because electromagnetic wave signal, which is propagated through dielectric ratio, passes through air more slowly, dielectric is saturating Therefore the shape of mirror 320 may be used for making the electrical pathways equal length of the first and second incoming signals 314,316.Pass through reduction The phase mismatch being incident on from different angles between the signal on electromagnetic horn element 268, dielectric lens 320 may be used for Increase the gain of electromagnetic horn element.

The reflection of incident signal usually may be due to air dielectric in the convex face 338 of dielectric lens 320 Impedance mismatching between lens medium.The characteristic impedance of free space (or dry air) is known, about 377 Europe Nurse.For dielectric lens 204, the square root of the dielectric constant of the characteristic impedance and lens material is in inverse ratio.Therefore, general It says, the dielectric constant of lens material is higher, and the impedance mismatching between lens and air is bigger.The dielectric constant of lens material be to Fixed dielectric characteristic quantity, is called relative permitivity sometimes.In general, dielectric constant is plural number, including represents material The real part (also referred to as Fresnel reflection coefficient) of reflecting surface characteristic and represent material radio wave absorption characteristic void Portion.For the capacitivity of lens material closer to the capacitivity of air, the percentage that the signal of communication that receives is reflected is lower.

The dielectric substance of lens 204 may be at least partially based on the dielectric constant and loss factor of known material What numerical value was selected.For example, in numerous applications, the loss for reducing or reducing to the maximum extent antenna array 106 may be to enable What people wanted, therefore may be desirable to there is the lens of low loss factor to select material.Ruler about antenna array 106 The limitation of very little and weight determines the range of the dielectric constant of material at least partly, because in general, the dielectric constant of material is got over Low, lens may be bigger.In some applications, in order to which the size and weight for reducing lens utilize the relatively high material of dielectric constant Material manufacture dielectric lens 204 may be desirable.However, due to the reflection of the impedance mismatching between lens and air May be unwelcome.

Therefore, in one embodiment, dielectric lens 204 have in one of convex face 338 and plane surface 336 or The impedance matching characteristics formed in the two.Referring again to Figure 19, dielectric lens 320 includes just in convex face 338 The impedance matching hole 340 formed under inner surface.This some holes 340 may extend to " pipe " along the depth of dielectric lens 320, such as Shown in Figure 20.Hole 340 can improve electricity by reducing effective dielectric constant of the lens near convex face 338 and convex face The impedance matching of di-lens 320 and surrounding air.Improving impedance matching between dielectric lens 320 and surrounding air can be with RF energy is reduced in the reflection of lens/Air Interface, improves or at least improve the efficiency of antenna to the maximum extent whereby.It is similar Ground, impedance matching groove 342 may be to be provided on the plane surface 336 of dielectric lens 320, in order that reducing loudspeaker day Impedance mismatching in thread elements 268 between lens and air.It may be provided in the plane surface 336 of dielectric lens 320 The pattern embodiments of groove 342 are illustrated with Figure 21.Increasing impedance matching hole 340 and/or groove 342 may be reduced The additional benefit of the weight of dielectric lens 320, because the material used is fewer (in order to form hole and/or groove by material It removes).

The size for reflecting signal may be since impedance matching characteristics be greatly reduced in lens surface.Using impedance Distribution 340, convex face 338 reflect signal may be as the refractive index η on each boundary_nFunction according to following side Journey 1 is reduced：

Being further reduced for reflection signal can be obtained by optimizing the diameter in hole 340, so that direct and internal is anti- Increase with penetrating signal construction.In one embodiment, hole 340 is substantially being made by same size and has about 0.129 inch of diameter.

It will be appreciated that although the discussed above of impedance matching characteristics about dielectric lens refers primarily to internal electricity Di-lens 320, but the discussion is equally applicable to gradually smaller dielectric lens 318,328 and 330.In each gradual change The number in the impedance matching hole 340 and/or impedance matching groove 342 that are formed in small lens 318,328 and 332 is due to gradually becoming The smaller size of small lens 318,328 and 332 and the shape changed may be changed relative to interior lens 320 Become.In addition to this, formed in plane surface 336 impedance matching groove 342 " groove area " or region for smaller lens May be smaller, it is discussed further below.Referring to Fig.1 9, in one embodiment, dielectric lens 320 has about 3.000 The groove section length 350 and about 0.650 inch of groove sector width 352 of inch.

With reference to Figure 22 A, the side view of one embodiment of third dielectric lens 318 is illustrated.Figure 22 B are illustrated The embodiment of the plane surface 336 of third dielectric lens 318, displaying impedance matching groove 342.Because of third dielectric lens 318 are slightly smaller than interior dielectric lens 320, so groove section length 350 may be about 2.750 inches, are slightly smaller than interior That length of portion's dielectric lens 320.In one embodiment, the width of a variety of different electromagnetic horn elements 268 may Keep constant it is constant, although their length change with realize taper into.Therefore, groove sector width 352 may be for All dielectric lens 318,320,328 and 332 approximatively keep identical.Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B illustrate the second electricity respectively The 336 corresponding plan view of plane surface of the side view of one embodiment of di-lens 328 and the second dielectric lens.One In a embodiment, the second dielectric lens 328 there may be about 2.200 inches of groove section length 350.Similarly, Figure 24 A and 24B illustrates the plane of the side view and end dielectric lens 332 of one embodiment of end dielectric lens 332 respectively 336 corresponding plan view of surface.In one embodiment, end dielectric lens 332 has about 1.650 inches of the groove head of district Degree 350.

Referring again to Figure 21, in one embodiment, the groove 342 on plane surface 336 has about 0.750 inch Center to center "horizontal" interval 344 and about 0.325 inch center to center " vertical " interval 346.Groove 342 may have About 0.125 inch of "horizontal" width 348 and about 0.135 inch " vertical " width 354.In one embodiment, recessed Slot 342 has about 0.087 inch of depth.These sizes on each different lens 318,320,328 and 332 for forming Groove 342 may be approximately uniform.However, it is to be appreciated that the size of groove 342 and interval are such as dielectric The size of lens 204 and for manufacture lens material dielectric constant change.

Lens may be by, for example, one piece of hard lens material of grinding simultaneously forms planoconvex spotlight generation whereby 's.Impedance matching hole 340 and/or groove 342 may be by grinding, etching or other persons familiar with the technology known to work What skill was formed.It will be appreciated that term " hole " and " groove " are exemplary and are not intended to shape to feature Or the limitation in terms of size.

It will be appreciated that having many variations, Er Qieben for the size of dielectric lens 204, shape and structure feature Invention is not limited to the dielectric lens using the size, shape and structure feature that have embodiment previously discussed.For example, With reference to Figure 25, illustration can be implemented for the replacement for the dielectric lens 356 that some or all of dielectric lens 204 uses The side view of scheme.Dielectric lens 356 is to have convex face 338 and the plano-convex of plane surface 336 saturating according to the discussion of front Mirror.In one embodiment, dielectric lens 356 has the impedance matching groove 358 formed on the outer surface of convexity 338.It is recessed Slot 358 is likely to reduced dielectric substance in the percentage of lens surface, efficiently reduces dielectric constant, makes it closer to air Dielectric constant.In one embodiment, dielectric constant may be reduced to 1.59 from about 2.53.Groove walls are (in one embodiment Middle thickness is about quarter-wave) play a part of to reduce reflection and optimization efficiency of the signal in lens/air boundary.Cause This, forms smaller " ladder " variation of the region of groove in terms of dielectric constant between offer air and remaining lens material, To be conducive to impedance matching.

Groove 358 may be to be formed according to many different configurations, including but not limited to：(horizontally or vertically) parallel Line, discontinuous impression array, continuous broken line, the hole separated to series of rules or the impression separated, for example, every Half wavelength, etc..The number of groove may be even number or odd number, and these grooves may be by regularly or irregularly Ground separates.In one embodiment, groove 358 is spaced uniformly, and can be easy to the grinding skill using standard Art and skill are machined on the lens material to be come out.In one embodiment, groove may be what mechanical processing came out, so There is substantially same width for ease of being machined them.In another embodiment, each groove 358 is in groove There is recessed surface characteristics at depth capacity, groove may be tapered into the blunt point inside lens arrangement in this case.According to According to the discussion of front, in the embodiment that lens 356 are planoconvex spotlight, lens have bigger than rims of the lens near lens centre Lens material depth.Therefore, at least one embodiment, the depth of groove 358 is with position on the surface of the lens Change.For example, the grinding depth of each groove leaves the vertex or center of middle convex lens surface such as groove location The 360 is the remote more increased.In one embodiment, groove may be pierced into surface about in terms of depth near central axis It quarter-wave and may be regularly spaced, to maintain the relevant summation of signal directly reflect and internal reflection, when Groove is close to continuously becoming deeper when lens perimeter.

The width of groove 358 may be invariable, it is also possible to position change on the surface of the lens.At one In embodiment, groove 358 may usually have about 1/10th wavelength (at the center of operating frequency range) or smaller width 368.The size of lens 356 and the groove 358 formed in lens surface is likely to be dependent on the expection working frequency of antenna array 106. In a specific embodiment, dielectric lens 204 is using designing, to have suitable in Ku frequency bands (10.70-12.75GHz) Close the height and length of this frequency band.

Referring still to Figure 25, in one embodiment, dielectric lens 356 has respectively in 338 He of middle convex lens surface The impedance matching groove 358 and 362 formed on plane surface 336.In one embodiment, groove 362 is as a series of flat Line or impression array are ground in plane surface 336 out, similar to what is be ground in the convex face 338 of lens 356 Groove 358.In one embodiment, groove 362 is that unified have invariable width 364.However, it is to be understood that groove It needs not be unifying and may have different width and depth, depend on the expection characteristic of lens 356.Different from convexity table Exterior groove 358 on face 338, the groove 362 on plane surface 336 may not leave in terms of depth with each groove The center 360 of mirror 356 is far and near to be changed, but substantial similar depth 366 and width 364 may be had by being changed to institute fluted 362.

In the embodiment that Figure 25 is illustrated, groove 358 in the convex face 338 of dielectric lens 356 not with Groove 362 on the plane surface 336 of the lens is ideally aligned, and it may be offset to be changed to.For example, in lens Upper each peak on 356 middle convex surface 338 may be on alignment surface surface 336 slot or paddy.On the contrary, lens 356 Each peak on plane surface 336 may be offset in a slot in the middle convex surface of lens 338 being ground out.At one In embodiment, groove 362 there may be about 0.090 inch of width 364.Enumerate on plane surface 336 fluted 362 and The RF energy of reflection may be reduced about 0.23 point by fluted 358 embodiment in the convex face 338 of lens 356 Shellfish, about with the one of do not have reeded reflection from lens 0.46 decibel made by same size made of identical material Half.

In the embodiment that Figure 25 is illustrated, each groove 358 is along the convex face of dielectric lens 356 What 338 vertical direction (vertical line) was introduced.Figure 26 illustrates alternate embodiment, and groove 358 is flat each other in this embodiment It is formed capablely, therefore at least some grooves 358 are different from the convexity of other angles introduction dielectric lens 356 of vertical line Surface 338.It will be appreciated that the advantage for the embodiment that Figure 26 is illustrated is that parallelly providing groove 358 compares appearance Easily, because all groove parts are cut in parallel plane.Specifically, manufacture has the dielectric of parallel groove 358 Lens 356 are easier, because all mechanical processing is all vertical and need not rotate the part being machined.

In numerous applications, the external subsystems 102 including antenna array 106 are exposed to environmental condition (for example, precipitation With different humidity) in.In this environment, those of grinding (or processing) groove embodiment on the outer surface of lens In, groove 358 the inside of the moisture accumulation in the convex face 338 of dielectric lens 204 is possible.Moisture is in groove 358 It is this to gather may be very unwelcome because it may be decreased the radio-frequency performance of lens, for example, pass through change The effective dielectric constant of lens, and the impedance matching between lens and surrounding air has adverse effect on.For example, Signal power may be made to reduce about 2 decibels due to forming water in the 358 the inside condensation of groove of dielectric lens.In addition to this, Especially in the case where antenna array 106 is subjected to large-scale temperature change, any water being gathered in groove 358 may all freeze It ties and the structure problem due to being expanded when water becomes ice and causing such as lens broken etc.By being covered with antenna Lid antenna array 106 and apply on the inner surface of antenna house in some embodiments the last layer material appropriate that does not get wet reduce it is wet It may be possible that gas is assembled in exterior groove 358.The one embodiment for the coating material that may be used is fluothane.However, It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to use fluothane, but may be changed to using other materials that do not get wet.However, even if When being coated with the antenna house covering of the material of one layer of non-sticky moisture in antenna array, moisture is prevent completely to gather in groove 358 Collection may be impossible.In addition to this, grit and other materials may also be gathered in groove 358, further influence lens Radio-frequency performance and increase environment abrasion to lens and scuffing.Therefore, at least in some embodiments, in dielectric lens 204 inner surface rather than on outer surface provide impedance matching characteristics be currently preferred.For example, according to the discussion of front With for example, impedance matching hole 340 is provided in the inside of dielectric lens 204 so that the outer surface 338 of convexity can be with Keep smooth.

According to another embodiment, the impedance matching between dielectric lens 204 and surrounding air can be by with two kinds Or a variety of dielectric substances for having a differing dielectric constant form dielectric lens to realize.For example, dielectric lens 204 Interior section may be is made using a kind of material, and the relatively low material of another kind dielectric constant may be along convex face 338 and plane surface 336 be used for certain belt-like zones.In this way, the exterior section from air to lens is then to saturating The variation that the interior section of mirror then falls back effective dielectric constant again may become more incremental, and reducing whereby need not The reflection wanted.By using the material that some dielectric constants gradually decrease, there is the dielectric of the effective dielectric constant gradually changed Lens 204 can be formed.In one embodiment, bonding agent can be used for each layer of different materials to be bonded together.In this reality It applies in example, it should the bonds well between different layers is carefully ensured, to avoid bond quality difference or short space may be used as The reflection that occurs between the different layers of result.In addition to this, it is likely to be encountered especially for dielectric lens 204 various each The application of the temperature of sample carefully selects different dielectric substances to be allowed to similar coefficient of thermal expansion to avoid in different materials The service life of dielectric lens 204 may be shortened and cause the structural intergrity and/or radio frequency of lens by being generated on boundary between material The stress or the stress is minimized and may be important that performance declines.

According to the discussion of front, dielectric lens 204 may be designed to have and stablize most within the scope of broad temperature The combination of good weight, dielectric constant, loss factor and refractive index.Dielectric lens 204 is not because be exposed to wide temperature Spend range among or it is deformed or bent during processing may be also desirable.Dielectric lens 204 is exposed to moist item Only absorbed when under part very low amount (for example, be less than 0.1%) moisture or water so that any moisture absorbed will not be to saturating It may be also preferred that the combination of the dielectric constant, loss factor and refraction index of mirror, which has adverse effect on,.In addition, just commercially available For property, 204 easy to manufacture of dielectric lens may be desirable.In addition to this, it may be desirable lens It should be able to maintain its dielectric constant, loss factor and refractive index and chemically being capable of alkaline-resisting, alcohol, aliphatic hydrocarbon and inorganic Acid.

According to an embodiment, dielectric lens 204 is that use stands processing, withstands physical impact and can be Antenna array 106 is possible to the polyphenyl second of the particular form operated under the miscellaneous temperature condition of experience when installing aboard What alkene was constituted.In one embodiment, this material is known as the polystyrene of the rigid form of crosslinked polystyrene.In height The polystyrene formed in the case of degree crosslinking (for example) 20% or more is crosslinked is likely to form very rigid structure, shape Shape may may not also be had low dielectric constant, low loss factor and low refractive index by solvent effect and the structure. In one embodiment, cross-linked polymer polystyrene may have following characteristic：About 2.5 dielectric constant is less than 0.0007 Loss factor, less than 0.1% moisture absorb and low plastic deformation characteristic.Polymer (for example, polystyrene) can be formed Low dielectric losses and may have nonpolar or substantially nonpolar composition and have thermoplastic polymer composition and elasticity The thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of body polymer component.Term " nonpolar " refers to that no dipole or in which dipole are substantially sweared Measure the monomeric unit of balance.In these polymer materials, dielectric property is mainly the result of electronic polarization effect.Citing comes It says, the mixture of 1% or 2% divinylbenzene and styrene can polymerize to obtain cross-linked polymer by radical reaction, should Cross-linked polymer can provide low-loss dielectric material and form thermoplastic polymer composition.Polystyrene may be by citing comes It says, following polar or nonpolar monomeric unit composition：Styrene, α-methylstyrene, olefine, halogenated olefine, sulfone, Urethanes, ester, amide, carbonic ester, acid imide, acrylonitrile and its copolymer and mixture.Non-polar monomer unit (example Such as, styrene and α-methylstyrene) and olefine (for example, propylene and ethylene) and its copolymer and mixture it is also possible that With.Thermoplastic polymer composition may be selected from polystyrene, poly- (α-methylstyrene) and polyolefin.

The dielectric lens 204 being made of cross-linked polymer polystyrene (such as previously described that) may be easy to Ground is made using traditional machining operations, and can be ground to the surface accuracy less than about 0.0002 inch.It hands over It is more than the temperature of -7F that linked polymer polystyrene, which is down to, to maintain its dielectric constant within 2%, and can having Learn resistance to physical property, i.e., alkaline-resisting, resistance to alcohol, resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbon and inorganic acid resistance.

In one embodiment, the dielectric lens 204 formed in this way includes that impedance matching characteristics discussed above are real Apply example.In these embodiments, dielectric lens 204 may be to be formed by the combination of low-loss lens material, these materials It may be crosslinked polystyrene and thermosetting resin, for example, the casting from monomer sheet stock and bar.The one of this material A embodiment is referred to as It is that the unique crosslinked polystyrene that C-Lec Plastics Companies make is micro- Wave plastics.Pass through the dielectric constant of 500GH maintenances about 2.53 with extremely low dissipation factor. Permanent deformation or Plastic Flow is not presented under normal duty.All casting may all be stressless, and may be not required to Will before mechanical machining, among or eliminate stress later.During being tested at one, it has been found thatIn boiling water The moisture of incomplete absorption 0.08% after submergence 1000 hours, and dielectric constant does not have great change.For being machinedTool configuration may be similar with for those of acrylic resin.Therefore,Mark can be used Quasi- technology mechanical processing.Since resistance to cold moulding processability is high and itself does not have stress,It may be easy to be added by machinery Work or laser beam are cut to very small tolerance, for example, about 0.0001 precision can be obtained by grinding.By using Sharp keen tool avoids overheating during polishing, and rupture can be avoided.Chemically it is resistant to alkali, alcohol, fat Fat hydrocarbon and inorganic acid.In addition to this,Lighter than acrylic resin about 5% and (special less than TFE by volume Fluon) weight half.

According to the discussion of front, dielectric lens 204 can be attached on electromagnetic horn element 268 and be designed to assemble It is assemblied on respective electromagnetic horn element and at least partly within respective electromagnetic horn element.Referring again to Figure 19, in one embodiment, dielectric lens 320 have gradually smaller side 370 so that lens are firmly installed to On corresponding electromagnetic horn element 322.In one embodiment, the inclination of the gradually smaller side 370 of dielectric lens 320 Degree is approximately equivalent to the gradient of the side 304 of electromagnetic horn element 322.Such gradually smaller side 370 may have Conducive to dielectric lens 320 center is automatically determined with respect to electromagnetic horn element 322.Pin 372 can be used for dielectric lens 320 are fixed on electromagnetic horn element 322.Dielectric lens 204 can be used for be fixed to their own antenna element 268 On the embodiment of pin 372 be illustrated in Figure 27 A and Figure 27 B.With reference to Figure 27 A, in one embodiment, pin 372 has greatly About 0.320 inch of length 374, tolerance are about 0.030 inch.With reference to Figure 27 B, in one embodiment, pin 372 has greatly About 0.098 inch of diameter 376, tolerance are about 0.001 inch.In one embodiment, pin 372 is with glass fibre system Make.However, it is to be appreciated that a variety of other materials may be appropriate.

Referring again to Figure 22 A, 23A and 24A, in one embodiment, for the ease of gradually smaller lens 318, it 328 and 332 is installed on their own electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330, the length 350 of plane surface 336 (that is, the length of groove area previously discussed may be reduced relative to the whole length of lens, for example, pass through grinding. Cutting down the bottom of rear plane surface 336 may allow lens 318,328 and 332 to be partially inserted into respective electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330.Pin 372 may be used for dielectric lens 318,328 and 332 to be fastened to respective electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and on 330.

According to an embodiment, geometrical clamp 206a, 206b and 206c (see Fig. 4 and Figure 13) are used for tapered dielectric is saturating Mirror 318,328 and 332 is fastened on their own electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330.In one embodiment, these Geometrical clamp is used for that dielectric lens 318,328 and 332 is more securely fastened to electromagnetic horn element together with pin 372 324, on 326 and 330.Alternatively, geometrical clamp 206a, 206b and 206c may be used for replacing pin 372.It is this to be arranged in Mirror 318,328 and 332 very littles and space that may be not enough may be preferred in the case of using pin 372, not wrap Include the structural intergrity of lens or the radio-frequency performance of lens.In addition to this, it will be appreciated that a variety of different other fastenings Mechanism may be suitble to dielectric lens 204 to be attached on electromagnetic horn element 268.Figure 28 A-C are illustrated respectively can be used for handle Dielectric lens 318,328 and 332 is fastened to geometrical clamp 206a, 206b on respective electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330 With the embodiment of 206c.With reference to Figure 29, in one embodiment, dielectric lens 328 includes receiving the long and narrow of geometrical clamp 206b Hole 378.Similar long and narrow hole may be to be provided on dielectric lens 318 and 332.Referring again to Figure 13, in a reality It applies in scheme, other geometrical clamp 380 is used for further fixing the lens 318,328 and 332 of taper.In the embodiment enumerated In, use four such geometrical clamps 380, each end often arranged among two rows of antenna elements of antenna array 106 one.Gu The embodiment of clamp 380 illustrates in fig. 30.

In another embodiment, dielectric lens 204 is adhered to using bonding agent among respective electromagnetic horn element.It is viscous Connect agent fixation may be used alone or among pin 372 discussed above and geometrical clamp 206a, 206b, 206c and 380 Any type or the use that all combines.In one embodiment, pin 372 and/or geometrical clamp 206a, 206b, 206c and 380 together with bonding agent are used for dielectric lens 204 to be more securely fastened to respective antenna as secondary attachment device On element 268.This arrangement may be preferred, for example, is mounted aboard and has to comply in antenna array 106 In the case of safety standard applicatory.

Referring still to Figure 13, in one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382 is put at least some electromagnetic horn members Part 268, under dielectric lens 204.According to the discussion of front, in some applications, fly for example, being mounted in communication system In the case of on machine 132, antenna array 106 may undergo big changes in environmental conditions, for example, big temperature, humidity and pressure strip Part changes.These change conditions can cause moisture accumulation on a variety of different parts of antenna array 106 among, to day The performance of linear array may have detrimental effect.Therefore, in one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382 is put into loudspeaker day Thread elements 268 prevents moisture from assembling inside electromagnetic horn element.In one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382 is profit Made of trolit with extrusion.In another embodiment, tubaeform insert is to use polystyrene foam Made of plastics.However, person familiar with the technology will be appreciated that a variety of other materials may be applicable.

With reference to Figure 31 A, illustrate to inject the tubaeform insertion that inside loudspeaker antenna element 322 is sized One embodiment of object 382a.In one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382a has about 2.899 inches of length 384.Such as Shown in Figure 31 A and Figure 31 B, in one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382a has slightly conical edge, so that tubaeform The width 386a of insert 382a is about 0.745 inch, and tolerance is about 0.005 inch, however includes tapered edge Width 386b is about 0.790 inch.In one embodiment, the tapered edge of tubaeform insert 382a has about 45 degree Angle.It will be appreciated that the tubaeform insert 382 for smaller electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330 may be appropriate Ground be less than for inside loudspeaker antenna element 322 tubaeform insert 382a, and may have by modified shape so as to Preferably coordinate with the shape of corresponding electromagnetic horn element.For example, it with reference to Figure 32 A, illustrates to be placed on third loudspeaker The embodiment for the tubaeform insert 382b for being sized and shaping inside antenna element 324.In one embodiment In, tubaeform insert 382b has about 2.850 inches of length 384.Figure 32 B illustrate to adapt to the second electromagnetic horn member The embodiment of tubaeform insert 382c that part 326 is sized and shapes.In one embodiment, tubaeform insertion Object 382c has about 2.300 inches of length 384.Figure 32 C illustrate to adapt to end electromagnetic horn element 330 by regulation ruler The embodiment of the tubaeform insert 382d of very little making and forming.In one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382d has about 1.750 inches of length 384.In the embodiment that Figure 32 B and Figure 32 C are enumerated, tubaeform insert 382c and 382d has part Straight flange 388, rather than as the embodiment of enumerating of tubaeform insert 382a and 392b has continuous curved surface.However, It will be appreciated that it is possible and the present invention not office to have many variations in terms of the shapes and sizes of tubaeform insert 382 It is limited to the embodiment enumerated.In addition to this, the shape and size of tubaeform insert 382 may change, and depend on being used for antenna The shape and size of a variety of different antenna elements 268 of battle array 106.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, antenna array 106 is gradually smaller, at the edge of the array Nearby there is smaller antenna element 268, in order that the secondary lobe in reducing the beam pattern of the array.Smaller antenna element 324, internal antenna is compared in the contribution of the 326 and 330 whole signals for having lower signal amplitude and the array being received or emitted Element 322 is few.By suitably determine these antenna element 324,326 and 330 and their associated dielectric lens 318, 328 and 332 size can adjust the signal contribution from these elements and therefore adjust the beam pattern of antenna array to reduce Secondary lobe.In addition to this, it is further discussed according to following, feed network 202 can be designed in different ways to from not The signal contribution weighting of same antenna element 268 further controls the beam pattern and reduction secondary lobe of antenna array 106 whereby. In one embodiment, tubaeform insert 382 may also helpful suppressed sidelobes construction.For example, be used for some or All the tubaeform insert 382 of external electromagnetic horn element 324,326 and 330 may be the material using energy absorbing radar wave (RAM) made of, with the signal contribution for these antenna element of further decaying.In the tubaeform of internal electromagnetic horn element 322 Some the tubaeform inserts selected among insert 382 are also likely to be made of RAM further to control beam direction Figure.

It may be advantageous for secondary lobe reduction, there is some reasons, including, for example, the gain for improving antenna array (has smaller Secondary lobe mean that more energy is captured by useful main lobe in antenna radiation pattern) and meet specific performance objective And/or rule is (for example, the application settings that federal flight management board may be such as satellite television or radio etc inhibit The specification of secondary lobe).Application on delivery vehicle (for example, aircraft) is mounted on for antenna array 106, the movement of delivery vehicle is to day The influence of line beam pattern may also be taken into account.For example, when antenna array 106 is mounted on aircraft 132, wave Beam directional diagram should be such, so that it is not only when direct registration signal source 110 but also in antenna array and signal It (for example, is managed by federal flight between source due to all meeting secondary lobe specification when the movement of aircraft has polarization to compensate Office or other international competent departments or rule settings).Therefore, antenna element 268,204 and of associated dielectric lens Size, shape and the peace of arrangement (including taper and interval) and feed network (being discussed below) of tubaeform insert 382 Any one among row can be all controlled, in favor of generating with regard to antenna array relative to signal source or destination A variety of different orientation (polarization compensation) for meet the beam pattern of Sidelobe Suppression standard.

Referring again to Figure 12, in another embodiment, form antenna array 106 two rows of antenna elements 268 along The length of array is offset slightly from one another, rather than is ideally aligned.In the embodiment enumerated, people can be seen it is uppermost that Antenna element 268 (in terms of the front of antenna array) is arranged to be placed by the left side of that row's antenna element 268 gently towards bottom.This position Set the secondary lobe that offset may be also beneficial in the radiation diagram of reduction antenna array 106.In one embodiment, the offset is about Equal to the half of the width of the antenna element 268 of antenna array 106, as shown in figure 12, to be seen for zero degrees elevation plane The secondary lobe in the space that must be seen minimizes.

With reference to Figure 33 A, beam pattern is illustrated, artificial antenna gain is with side for the embodiment of antenna array The curve graph of parallactic angle variation, wherein antenna array have the antenna element interval of about half wavelength and include that front and below discusses Cone, row's offset, RAM is tubaeform insert and feed network biasing.The beam pattern that Figure 33 A are illustrated is suitable for There are zero degree " rolling " or polarization compensation between the operating frequency and signal source 110 and antenna array 106 of 14.3GHz.Line 390 represents To the embodiment that the Sidelobe Suppression of antenna array requires, and line 392 represents co-polarization requirement.Figure 33 B are illustrated for Figure 33 A The analog beam directional diagram of antenna array that is the same but having 15 degree of polarization compensation.It can be seen that the beam direction in Figure 33 B Figure still conforms to Sidelobe Suppression and co-polarization requirement.In one embodiment, by being suitably designed feed network, antenna element Interval, antenna array row between offset and taper and in the antenna element close to array edges use the tubaeform inserts of RAM, Antenna array, which can become to have to be as high as about 25 degree of polarization compensate, meets the beam pattern that Sidelobe Suppression applicatory requires.

According to the discussion of front, antenna array 106 includes the feed network 202, Er Qie coupled with each antenna element 268 In one embodiment, feed network 202 is waveguide feed network, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Figure 13.When antenna array is in When reception pattern, feed network 200 work, receive the signal from each electromagnetic horn element and with communication system The feed port of electronic device coupling provides one or more output signals.Equally, when antenna array 106 is by emission mode work When, the signal provided in feed port is guided into each antenna element 268 for emitting by feed network 202.Therefore, people will Although understanding the operation that following discussion will refer primarily to reception pattern, when antenna array 106 is by reflective-mode operation When, those components can in a similar manner be worked by reverse signal stream.Although it is also to be appreciated that feed network 202 It is exemplified as waveguide feed network, and may be waveguide feed network in a presently preferred embodiment, but the feeding Network can use any technology appropriate that person familiar with the technology recognize (for example, printed wire, coaxial cable, etc. Deng) realize.

According to an embodiment, waveguide feed network 202 is to compress, is incomparable inconsistent (that is, by client's predetermined size system Make and forming) have low profile and for be suitble to the waveguide designed inside the volume of restriction feed.According to the discussion of front, In some applications, antenna array 106 is by mobile delivery vehicle (for example, automobile or aircraft), so, in order to give fortune The aerodynamics of load tool brings minimum influence and is easily mounted on delivery vehicle, and antenna array occupies body as small as possible Product may be desirable.Therefore, feed network 202 may have shape and the arrangement for occupying less volume.At one In embodiment, feed network 202 completes signal adduction/separation in E- planes and H- planes, and pressure is provided to the factor of ability The contributive feature of feed network of the low profile of contracting, is discussed further below.In one embodiment, feed network 202 may be designed to be assemblied in behind two rows of antenna elements 268 shown in Figure 13, so that the polarization conversion being discussed below Device unit can be assemblied in antenna array 106 " inside ".Alternatively, feed network 202 may be designed to be assemblied in two rows of days Between thread elements 268, as shown in figure 34.In any arrangement or may be obviously each to person familiar with the technology In the different other arrangements of kind, feed network 202 may have the design of the low profile of compression.

With reference to Figure 35, in one embodiment, each antenna element 268 is received and dispatched in its feed point 306 and direct-type Converter (OMT) 402 couples.OMT 402 can provide coupling interface between antenna element 268 and feed network 202, Er Qieke The radiofrequency signal of two orthogonal linear polarizations is isolated, it is discussed further below.When antenna array 106 receives signal It waits, OMT 402 receives the input signal from antenna element 268 and by the Signal separator at second and the with first port Two orthogonal component signals that three ports 404,406 provide.When antenna array emits signal, OMT 402 is with the second He Third port 404,406 receives the component signal of that two cross polarizations and they is combined and is used in first port handle The signal of transmitting is supplied to antenna element 268.In the embodiment enumerated, OMT 402 is and 268 monolithic molding of antenna element 's.However, it is to be appreciated that OMT 402 can as the shape components separated with antenna element 268 then with antenna element Coupling.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, OMT 402 detaches the radiofrequency signal received in first port At two orthogonal radio-frequency component signals.One radio-frequency component signal has it to be parallel to loudspeaker long axis (to refer herein to be set to vertical , V) the fields E-, and another radio-frequency component signal has its electrical parallel in loudspeaker short axle (referring herein to be set to horizontal, H) The fields E-.These radio-frequency component signals are referred to here as the radio-frequency component signal or vertical component signal (V) and level of vertical polarization Polarized radio-frequency component signal or horizontal component signal (H).Conducive to the two orthogonal component signals, any input being transmitted Signal can be reconstructed by the vectorial combination of two component signals.

With reference to Figure 36, the isogonism of one embodiment of compact broadband orthomode transducer (OMT) 402 is illustrated View.In one embodiment, OMT 402 is to transmit the multi-facet waveguide OMT that orthogonal electromagnetic wave prepares.According to front It discusses, OMT 402 includes the two rectangular waveguide ports 404,406 and the first rectangular waveguide end in orthogonal plane Mouth 408.What is embodied in the inside waveguide OMT 402 is that form be described in more detail below numerous inclined, horizontal and hang down The multi-facet surface on straight surface.For the antenna array 106 to work by reception pattern, port 408 can be considered as OMT's 402 Input terminal, and port 404 and 406 can be considered as OMT 402 output end.In one embodiment, OMT's 402 is how small The combination on face surface be place and orientation thus in the region of port 408 simultaneously propagate horizontal polarization electric wave H and vertically Polarized electric wave V, while generating very inappreciable signal reflex.

Figure 37 illustrates another embodiment of OMT 402.In the embodiment that Figure 37 is enumerated, multi-facet surface includes And it is not limited to be positioned symmetrically in the inclined-plane 410 on the vertical center line left side of OMT 402 and the right and 412 and in square cross The inclined-plane 414 and 416 being mutually symmetrical that face end is nearby described.Inclined plane 410 and 414 all deviates 45 degree, in their phases 90 degree of angles are formed at friendship each other.Equally, inclined-plane 412 and 416 all deviates 45 degree, and 90 degree are formed each other in their intersections Angle.Inclined-plane 410 and 412 is coplanar as inclined-plane 414 and 416, and is positioned symmetrically within OMT 402. In one embodiment, the shared intersection in inclined-plane is also formed to the effective low damage of the electromagnetic wave that is generated by corresponding antenna element 268 Consumption transfer.The shared intersection is also possible to be consistent with the feed point of antenna element 268 306.

With reference to Figure 37 and Figure 38, in one embodiment, horizontal and vertical electromagnetic wave is possibly into waveguide OMT 81 Terminal 408.The electromagnetic wave V of vertical polarization by port 408, pass through the side wall and wave with 402 left sides waveguide OMT and the right Lead the restriction of horizontal surface 418,420,422,424,426 and 428 in the space of the band designs for being formed as using of OMT 402 Spatial is then transmitted to port 404.In one embodiment, the frequency caused by metallic walls 430,432,434 and 436 Cut-off effect, almost without or the completely not electric wave V of vertical polarization be transmitted to the port 406 of OMT 402.OMT's 402 is more Small region feature could be formed with the waveguide of effect.In one embodiment, the size of effective waveguide be it is about 0.600 inch wide and 0.270 inch of height and provide loss low-down transmission for the frequency band of 10.7GHz to 14.5GHz.

Referring still to Figure 37, in one embodiment, the electric wave H of horizontal polarization is limited by the inner wall up and down of OMT 402 And formed be limited to the terminal 408 in space between the surface 430,432,434,436,438 and 440 of waveguide OMT 81 into Enter waveguide OMT 402.The frequency cutoff caused by space formed between wall surface 418,420,422,424,426 and 428 Effect, almost without or completely the electric wave H of horizontal polarization can not be transmitted to the port 404 of OMT 402.It will be appreciated that wave The OMT 402 of conductivity type can provide some benefits, including small form factor and low-loss broadband communication.It is familiar with this skill The people of art further to be appreciated that the variation about OMT402 is possible, and the present invention is not limited only to the embodiment enumerated.

In one embodiment, the vertical polarization electromagnetic wave V of basic friction angle (for example, TEOl) is from the port of OMT 402 408, by waveguide OMT, then port 404 is transmitted to by basic friction angle (for example, TEOl) around rectangle branch-waveguide 406. Each of during the electromagnetic wave V of vertical polarization passes through, defined between the upper lower wall surface of the rectangle branch-waveguide in OMT 402 Space may be to be designed equal to or less than in the half with the free space wavelength of frequency band.Therefore, because those are reflected The electromagnetic wave V of the cut-off effect in the low-down space of characteristic, vertical polarization can not possibly be traveled among port 406.Therefore it provides It can be effectively transmitted to port 404 and in that port as vertical component to the electromagnetic wave V of the vertical polarization of port 408 Signal provides, while OMT 402 inhibits the reflection to port 408 and eliminates the propagation to port 406.Equally, horizontal polarization Electromagnetic wave H is propagated from port 408 around the Waveguide branching for being used for port 404 by OMT 402 by basic friction angle TElO, Then it is supplied to port 406 as horizontal component signal.

It will be appreciated that as already discussed above, although the operation of OMT 402 is with regard to signal stream with port 408 describe as input terminal, using port 404 and 406 as the case where output end, but OMT 402 is it is also possible that operation, So that port 404 and 406 is the orthogonal component signal for that will be combined to then provide in output end (port 408) Input terminal.In addition, it will be appreciated that OMT 402 may also include substantially round or oval waveguide and terminal.

According to an embodiment, feed network 202 includes that the vertical pole of guiding is coupled with the second port of OMT 402 404 Change the first path of component signal and couples the second tunnel of guiding horizontal polarized components signal with the third port 406 of OMT 402 Diameter.Each path is all coupled with antenna element 268 all in antenna array 106.Therefore, the component signal of two cross polarizations is every It is a to be transmitted to feed port from the corresponding port of OMT 402 404,406 along separated isolated path, signal there It is fed to system electronics discussed below.For the reception pattern of antenna array 106, the receiving of feed network 202 comes from Each vertical polarization of antenna element and the component signal of horizontal polarization and their summation is calculated along two feed paths, So as in the signal of the signal and a horizontal polarization of feed port one vertical polarization of offer.With regard to the transmitting mould of antenna array 106 For state, feed network 202 receives the signal of vertical polarization and that Signal separator in each OMT in feed port The vertical component signal that 402 port 404 provides.Equally, feed network 202 receives the signal of horizontal polarization simultaneously in feed port And it is separated into the horizontal component signal provided in the port of each OMT 402 406.In one embodiment, that two roads Diameter is substantially symmetrical, including same number of bending, T-shaped engaging portion and other waveguide elements, so that the feeding Network 202 does not give unbalance in phase vertical and horizontal component signal.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, it is total that feed network 202 is included in the calculating signal in E- planes The path of sum and the path that signal summation is calculated in H- planes.Summation is calculated in E- planes and H- planes allows the feeding net The feed network that network substantially calculates summation in one plane than similar is more compact.Specifically, due to two paths Size and shape it is different, allow two paths 440,442 of feed network to interweave using E- planes and H- planes, such as Figure 39 institutes Show.Therefore, compared with the case where summing in the same plane to two paths, entire feed network 202 can be assemblied in smaller Volume inside.In one embodiment, vertical component signal is fed and is guided with E- panel paths, and horizontal component is believed Number it is to be fed and guided with H- panel paths.However, it is to be appreciated that opposite arrangement is (that is, horizontal component signal E- Panel path guides, and vertical component signal is guided with H- panel paths) it can also realize.Vertical component signal and horizontal component letter It number is made of the field of E- planes and the field of H- planes；So any component signal can sum in any plane.Cause This, two feed paths of feed network 202 will be referred to as horizontal feed path and vertical feed path herein, and people will Understand that either path can calculate signal summation/separation signal in H- planes or E- planes.

According to an embodiment, feed network 202 is included in E- panel paths and all antenna elements 268 is coupled The T-shaped engaging portion and bending section of numerous E- planes together and in H- panel paths all antenna elements 268 The T-shaped engaging portion and bending section of the numerous H- planes of knot together.When antenna array 106 is operated by reception pattern, T words Shape engaging portion operates, component signal (the vertical or horizontal) addition received from each antenna element 268, in feed port Single output signal (each is cross polarization) is provided.It is T-shaped when antenna array 106 is operated by emission mode Power divider is served as in engaging portion, (for each orthogonal component signal) the Signal separator from single feed port so as to It is fed to each antenna element 268 of antenna array 106.

With reference to Figure 40 A, one embodiment of horizontal feed path sections is illustrated, shows the T-shaped combination of some waveguides Portion and bending section.Figure 40 B are sectional view of the horizontal feed path sections along the line A-A interceptions in Figure 40 A.With reference to Figure 40 A and Figure 40 B, in one embodiment, the T-shaped engaging portion 444 of waveguide include realize impedance matching function (with remaining section Width is compared) section 446 that narrows.Impedance that the section to narrow may have wider section high and may be in terms of length Typically about quarter-wave.In another embodiment, waveguide feed network 202 has circular arc shaped curvature 448, without It is sharp keen 90 degree of bending sections, this space small when may further allow feed network 202 to occupy than using right angle bends, And it can be used for reducing phase distortion of the signal by bending section when.In one embodiment, each vertical component signal is By being all to be added for the minimum VSWR waveguide step transformers designed and after 90 degree of chamfered bends 448 's.Equally, each horizontal component signal may be by being all to be classified buck transformation for the waveguide of minimum VSWR designs It is added after device and 90 degree of chamfered bends 448.According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, in feed network 202 In every horizontal and vertical feed path have equal number of bending section in each direction, so two component signals receive The equal delayed phase propagated from process feed network 202.

According to an embodiment, the T-shaped engaging portion of waveguide is included in the indentation 450 in the crosspoint of T, which can use To reduce phase distortion of the signal by T- connectors 444 when.In another embodiment, in H- slab guide T- connectors 444 Center have staged diaphragm.In another embodiment, the center of E- slab guide T- connectors 444 have " V " shape every Film.For impedance matching, waveguide shortwall size related with two of E- plane T- connectors inputs may be about for waveguide it is defeated Go out the half of the shortwall size of section.In another embodiment, short conductibility tuning cylinder 452 is carried on the top of diaphragm It supplies, as shown in figure 41.Tuning cylinder 452 is projected among the waveguide, perpendicular to one of the wide wall of waveguide, and is being enumerated Embodiment terminates in small " ball " 454.In one embodiment, tuning cylinder 452 has about 0.214 inch of length 456, and " ball " 454 has about 0.082 inch of diameter 458.However, it is to be appreciated that these sizes are exemplary, because of wave Leading the size (including tuning cylinder 452 and " ball " those of 454) of all features of feed network 202 may change, and depend on The working band that antenna array 106 needs.Some embodiment bending angle of these waveguide sections are also to be illustrated in Figure 41 And it is only exemplary, it is not intended that as limitation.

In one embodiment, the position of the T-shaped engaging portion diaphragm of E and H- slab guides is positioned such that, so that They are biased towards one of two input ports of T- connectors, to generate amplitude balance or imbalance.With reference to Figure 42, from summation From the point of view of angle, T-shaped engaging portion receives signal with two input terminals 460 and 462 and provides letter after being added with output end 464 Number.An input terminal (for example, input terminal 460) is supported by deviating T-shaped engaging portion, in the letter that input terminal 460 receives Contribution number in the resultant signal of output end 464 is likely larger than the contribution of the signal from another input terminal 462.This relationship It can be provided with following equation：

S_out=AS₁+BS₂ (2)

Wherein S₁And S₂It is the signal received in input terminal 460 and 462, A and B are the ratios that the biasing of T-shaped engaging portion determines Example factor.The biasing of T-shaped engaging portion 444 may be also to be realized using tuned cell 466.If tuned cell 466 is located at T The center of font engaging portion 444, as shown in figure 42, proportionality factor A and B may be equal, so that in two 460 Hes of input terminal 462 signal is equally added.However, the shape and/or position by changing tuned cell 466, a proportionality factor energy Another is become larger than, so that total output signal S_outIt include the larger contribution of the signal from the larger input of proportionality factor.

For example, with reference to Figure 43, the feed network 202 of part is illustrated, shows several tuned cells for having biasing 466 T-shaped engaging portion 444.In the embodiment enumerated, tuning cylinder 452 is displaced to the right side at T-shaped engaging portion center Side, and " ball " 454 is deviated from tuning cylinder 452, so that its being partially larger than in tuning cylinder on the left side of tuning cylinder 452 The part on 452 the right.Therefore, the proportionality factor of two arms 468a, 468b of T-shaped engaging portion 444 are different.Pass through control The shape and offset of the offset and " ball " 454 of system tuning cylinder 452, by the signal of each arm 468a, 468b to defeated The contribution of the resultant signal of outlet 464 can be controlled.In this way, point of each antenna element 268 from antenna array 106 The contribution of amount signal can be controlled, and be tapered into whereby (that is, smaller electromagnetic horn in addition to array previously discussed is tangible Element and associated dielectric lens) except also form signal amplitude and taper into.This signal amplitude tapers into can be by To control the Sidelobe Suppression of expected level is advantageously implemented according to above discussion.It will be appreciated that in emission mode, When signal stream reverses, offset and the shape control of tuned cell 466 are supplied to each antenna of antenna array 106 The amplitude of the component signal of element 268, and facilitate Sidelobe Suppression in antenna array launching beam directional diagram whereby.Therefore, Figure 33 A The all very high beam pattern of Sidelobe Suppression/reduction for illustrating with Figure 33 B can by the size of antenna element, number and Interval, antenna array it is tangible taper into and the combination including the gradually smaller design of signal amplitude of feed network 202 come It realizes.Design includes the fact that the benefit of the contributive feed network of Sidelobe Suppression 202：Electromagnetic horn element farther out 268, which need not become smaller and therefore larger Sidelobe Suppression, to be realized with small antenna cost efficiency.

According to an embodiment, dielectric interposer may be placed on by a variety of different positions in feed network 202 Face, for example, be placed on inside the T-shaped engaging portion of E- planes and/or H- planes.The size of dielectric interposer and it is used for The dielectric constant for forming the material of dielectric interposer may be to improve between the outputting and inputting of waveguide T-shaped engaging portion RF impedance match and transmission characteristic and it is selected.In one embodiment, dielectric interposer may be usedSystem At.The length and width of dielectric interposer may be selected in this way, so that the position jail of dielectric interposer as expected Admittedly be assemblied in inside waveguide.In one embodiment, dielectric interposer may have numerous holes formed wherein.This some holes The effective dielectric constant of dielectric interposer may be used for reducing, so that good impedance matching may be implemented.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, feed network 202 calculates in a receive mode comes from antenna array The summation of the vertically and horizontally component signal of 106 each antenna element 268 and provide total vertical polarization letter in feed port Number and total level polarized signal.In one embodiment, two resultant signals are reconfigured by system electronics.As for In generation, in another embodiment, the feeding orthomode transducer that feed network 202 is included in feed port, (do not open up Show), which combines two orthogonal total letters with front with regard to the same manner that OMT 402 was discussed Number.In one embodiment, antenna OMT 402 and feeding OMT may be orthogonally to feed.Therefore, vertical component signal can It can receive the first phase from antenna OMT 402 and lag φ₁, path lag φ_pWith the second phase lag from feeding OMT φ₂.Equally, horizontal component signal may receive the lag of the first phase from antenna OMT 402 φ₂, path lags φ_pWith φ is lagged from the second phase of feeding OMT₁.Therefore, the combination of the OMT of two orthogonal feedings may make each vertical and horizontal Component signal receive total delayed phase for being substantially equal, as following equation 3 is shown：

Φ[(ωt+φ₁)+φ_p+φ₂]=Φ [(ω t+ φ₂)+φ_p+φ₁] (3)

Wherein (ω t+ φ₁) and (ω t+ φ₂) it is the component signal of vertical polarization and horizontal polarization, and be in feeding OMT Output port phase matched.It will be appreciated that although the operation of OMT and feed network 202 is orthogonal according to two Linear polarization component signal discussed, but the present invention is not so limited and may be designed to as OMT is substituted The signal of introducing is divided into two orthogonal circular polarisation (for example, left-handed polarization and right-hand polarization) signals and (and recombinates these points Measure signal).In this case, feed network 202 may be designed to guide that two orthogonal circularly polarized signals.

According to another embodiment, two total component signals of orthogonal polarization (V and H) from feed network are sent to There is the first feeding OMT of round double mode port.Circular rotating waveguide section may be with the round double-mode of the first feeding OMT Port connects.Also there is the second feeding OMT of round double-mode port that may be connect with circular rotating waveguide, so that the second feeding OMT can rotate on the axis of round double-mode port.Therefore, at least one embodiment, pass through the first feeding OMT's The phase lengths of V signal and H signal of the round double-mode port from feed network 202 are effectively equal.Rotation the Two feeding OMT effectively generate two linear cross polarizations for being suitble to any angle of inclination in the output end of the second feeding OMT Signal.In one embodiment, antenna array may be detached from by feeding OMT and the position of circular rotating waveguide.In this embodiment, Waveguide flexible may be used for the last T-shaped engaging portion of feed network 202 to be connected on the first feeding OMT.To adapt to The movement of antenna array.

According to an embodiment, feed network 202 may be what piecemeal manufactured, is then mechanically bound up. According to the discussion of front, feed network 202 may include numerous symmetrical sections, and forming " tree-shaped " structure makes in antenna array 106 Each antenna element 268 coupled with single feed point.Therefore, may be beneficial to be divided into can for the structure of feed network 202 With the element for individually manufacturing and then being bound up.In one embodiment, feed network 202 be by metal casting at The section and then the brazing metal needed manufactures its completion.Casting and brazing procedure may be the section in feed network It is completed at the same time on (e.g., including the section of four antenna elements).Then, these workpiece completed may be bound up on one It rises, forms complete feed network 202.In another embodiment, include the day of feed network 202 and electromagnetic horn element 268 What linear array was such arranged, so that it is symmetrical along the center line of the length acquirement along it.Therefore, in this embodiment In, which can be divided into two symmetrical sections along this center line, and each section can be manufactured individually (for example, logical Cross casting and brazing) and then the coupling that is bound up.Antenna array 106 " longitudinal direction " can separately be greatly shortened manufacturing time, i.e., Make each section among two sections may be significantly than when the array discusses what the when of separating occurred according to front Four smaller elements or similar section is more complicated.

Artificial satellite (or other communications) signal may be to be transmitted on two orthogonal wavefront.This allows artificial satellite (or other information sources) transmits more information and so that signal is avoided interference by polarity diversity on the same frequencies. If antenna array 106 is directly identical meridianal with the transmitting antenna on artificial satellite (or other signals source 110) Below or above, then the polarization of receiving antenna array and transmitting source antenna may be alignment.However, according to the discussion of front, In some illustrations, there may be antenna array 106 caused by the relative position of the main platform by signal source 110 and antenna array 106 Polarization distortion between signal source 110.For example, for the application that antenna array 106 is mounted on aircraft 132, fly The pitching of machine, rolling, yaw and spatial position (for example, meridian or longitude) may cause signal source 110 and antenna array 106 Between polarization distort β.Therefore, in one embodiment, external subsystems 102 include being suitble to compensated information source and antenna The polarization converter unit of polarization distortion between battle array.

With reference to Figure 44, the one of the antenna array 106 for including coupled polarization converter unit (PCU) 502 is illustrated A embodiment.According to the discussion of front, in the embodiment enumerated, what antenna array 106 was such arranged, so that PCU 502 is filled Fit over array " the inside ".May be advantageous in terms of this relatively small footprint and volume for being arranged in maintenance external subsystems 102 's；However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited only to the arrangement of Figure 44 illustrations, and PCU 502 can be located at outside Any appropriate location on subsystem 102.In addition to this, in other embodiments, polarization skew compensation may be pure The method of ground electronically is completed.Therefore, internal subsystems 104 may include being suitble to compensation antenna array 106 and signal source What polarization distortion β and the optionally suitable any polarization compensated between vertically and horizontally component signal between 110 were distorted Electronic equipment (circuit and/or software).In one embodiment, polarization converter unit 502 or other signal processing electronics Equipment may be suitble to adapt to one or both of the signal of the signal and circular polarisation of linear polarization.

According to an embodiment, PCU 502 may be supplied to polarization correction signal low-noise amplifier 504, the latter Amplify the signal and it is fed to internal subsystems 104.According to the discussion of front, most of signal processing of communication system It is likely to be included among internal subsystems 104 and is housed in inside main platform with control electronics, to protect it to make From environmental condition damage.However, as person familiar with the technology knows, in numerous applications, it is contemplated that letter It makes an uproar and compares, 504 signal of low-noise amplifier as close possible to feeder is desirable.Therefore, in an embodiment party In case, low-noise amplifier 504 is the component of external subsystems 102.In the embodiment that Figure 44 is enumerated, low-noise amplifier peace It is attached on PCU 502, so that it can receive the polarization correction letter from PCU 502 directly or on very short path Number.Then, the amplified signal from low-noise amplifier 504 may be fed to internal subsystems 104, will further beg for below By.

With reference to Figure 45, the exploded view of one embodiment of polarization converter unit (PCU) 502 is illustrated.According to front Discussion, low-noise amplifier (LNA) 504 may be installed on PCU 502.Therefore, PCU 502 may include being used for low noise The pedestal 506 of amplifier 504.In the embodiment enumerated, LNA 504 is the LNA based on waveguide, and LNA pedestals 506 are to receive Polarization correction signal from PCU 502 and the waveguide section for it being fed to the LNA based on waveguide.

According to an embodiment, PCU 502 includes the rotary-type orthomode transducer for being responsible for polarization skew control (OMT) 508, it is discussed further below.Rotation OMT 508 is installed into the ridge that the cable 512 for PCU drivings is laid with along it On column 510.It is coupled with rotation OMT 508 in one end of cable 512 514, the other end 516 is coupled with head pulley 518.Motor 520 There is provided power drive head pulley 518 and the cable 512 of pulley 522 makes rotation OMT 508 rotate.Motor 520 may be to use motor What pedestal 524 supported.In one embodiment, two total component signal (vertical sums of the feed point from antenna array 106 Horizontal) it is fed to the first and second waveguide ports 526,528 of rotation OMT 508.The two waveguide ports 526,538 with The rotatable section 530 for rotating OMT 508 couples.The rotatable section 530 rotates the electromagnetic field thermal compensation signal source 110 received Polarization between antenna array 106 distorts β.It is opposite with the expected polarization correction factor that Polarization Coding device 532 may be used for determination The degree of rotation of the rotation OMT 508 answered.In one embodiment, PCU 502 is received from antenna control unit 112 (see figure 1) control signal, determine correction actual measurement/detect polarization distortion needed for necessary degree of rotation.Most afterwards through school of polarizing Positive signal is fed to low-noise amplifier 504 via waveguide section 534.In one embodiment, PCU 502 can be along any Direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) rotates about 270 degree.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, polarization skew compensation can be completed electronically.However, using The embodiment of PCU 502 previously discussed, which mechanically compensates polarization distortion β, may some benefits.For example, machine The polarization skew compensation of tool is not suffered and first radiofrequency signal to be become (to be processed in order to compensate for polarization distortion) electronic signal right Become the associated loss in efficiency of radiofrequency signal again again afterwards.In addition to this, mechanical PCU 502 can processing power it is very big Signal, for when antenna array 106 is transmitting compensation polarization distortion it is particularly useful, conversely, electron pole may be implemented The electronic equipment of change skew compensation, which may require signal, relatively low power.

Referring still to Figure 45, in one embodiment, the reception of antenna array 106 is operated, rotation OMT's 508 is defeated Go out and is coupled with low-noise amplifier 504.Amplified signal from low-noise amplifier 508 may be fed to via cable 536 Rotary joint 538, the latter make external subsystems 102 be coupled with internal subsystems 104.For the transmitting of antenna array 106 operation, The signal emitted with antenna array may be directly fed to rotation OMT via another rotary joint 538 and cable 540 508.In one embodiment, rotary joint 538 is the rotary joint of single channel.Rotary joint 538 may be with internal subsystem The radio frequency coaxial-cable on 104 side of system and/or flexible waveguide coupling.Rotary joint 538 can adapt to antenna array 106 and be revolved by orientation Turn.

With reference to Figure 46, the embodiment of low-noise amplifier 504 is illustrated.Low-noise amplifier 504 includes can be with rotation Turn the waveguide port 542 of the couplings of OMT 508.According to the discussion of front, output port 544 can be sent to the signal of amplification The cable 536 of internal subsystems 104 couples.In one embodiment, output port 544 be for coaxial cable matched-pair design Coaxial port.Power can be supplied to low-noise amplifier 504 (for example, via internal subsystems by power connector 546 104)。

Referring again to Fig. 1, in a receive mode, external subsystems 102 receive and did processing (for example, passing through wave Lead feed network 202, of the adjustment of PCU 502 polarization distortion β has been made it is compensation and being amplified with low-noise amplifier 504) Signal is fed to internal subsystems 104.Discussion below with reference to the operation of internal subsystems 104 may refer primarily to receive From the antenna array 106 of the signal in signal source 110；Believe when antenna array 106 emits however, person familiar with the technology will be recognized that Number when any component part opposite signal stream can be operated.

With reference to Figure 47, the block diagram of one embodiment of internal subsystems 104 is illustrated.It is interior according to the discussion of front Portion's subsystem may include some or all the composition portions for control signal being respectively supplied to inside and outside subsystem 104,102 The antenna control unit 112 divided.High-power wireless electricity transceiver 114 may receive the amplification letter from low-noise amplifier 504 Number (that signal is referred to herein as " receiving signal "), and handle this and receive signal, it is discussed further below.High-power nothing Line electricity transceiver may also receive the signal emitted with antenna array 106 from modem 116, handle that signal, Then output " sending signal ".Receive signal and sends signal via connector 140 in internal subsystems 104 and external subsystems It is transmitted between 104.It will be appreciated that connector 140 may be including rotary joint 538 and in rotary joint 538 and inside Cable between two parties between system electronics and other components.As shown in figure 47, in addition to respectively on circuit 142a and 142b Receive signal and send signal except, connector 140 may also from power supply 118 power (on circuit 144) and Send the component of external subsystems 102 to (on circuit 146) from the control signal of antenna control unit 112.

According to an embodiment, internal subsystems 104 include can be received via connector 140 input signal (for example, The signal of linear polarization or circular polarisation) and can be carried with the frequency lower than the frequency of the input signal received on circuit 150 For the down converter unit (DCU) 148 of output signal (for example, signal of linear polarization or circular polarisation).DCU 148 will be under Face is described in more detail.Signal on circuit 150 can use signal processing electronic equipment 152 to handle.Equally, in transmission path In, internal subsystems 104 may include frequency up-converter unit 154.Transmission signal may be internal subsystems 104 via connection Device 156 is received from signal source (for example, passenger or user interface), with signal processing electronic equipment 152 it is processed and use Frequency up-converter unit 154 increases frequency and arrives transmission frequency.Such as person familiar with the technology it will be recognized that as, up conversion Device unit 154 can be to operate with 148 similar mode of down converter unit, for example, by transmission signal and this Ground oscillator signal mixing, the frequency of change data signal are discussed further below.

According to the discussion of front, signal may be with antenna array 106 in the wide frequency model for extending to several gigahertzs Enclose it is interior transmitting and/or reception.For example, vertical and level component signal may be in about 10.7GHz-12.75GHz Frequency range in.So in some applications, especially antenna array 106 can be with very high frequency reception and/or transmitting In the case of, it may be preferred to complete frequency reducing conversion or up conversion using two local oscillators.Therefore, at least one In embodiment, interested signal optionally may be transformed into tune by internal subsystems 104 including the second local oscillator Frequency workable for modulator-demodulator 116.It will be appreciated that signal processing is likely to occur in before any frequency reducing or up conversion, After different frequency reducing/between the up conversion stage or all frequency reducing/up conversion have been completed.In a receive mode, it passes through Crossing the signal of frequency reducing conversion and processing can be supplied to passenger interface (for example, seat via modem 116 and connector 156 Chair back display unit) for being accessed with the relevant passenger of main delivery vehicle.Equally, it in emission mode, to handle, up conversion and hair The signal penetrated may be to be received from passenger interface via connector 156.

With reference to Figure 48, the functional-block diagram of an embodiment of down converter unit (DCU) 148 is illustrated.People It will be appreciated that Figure 48 only tend to show DCU 148 sustainable development, be not necessarily it is actual implement.In addition, as being familiar with this The people of item technology, which understands such frequency up-converter unit 154 and down converter unit 158, to be realized with similar structure. In one embodiment, DCU 148 is that (for example, frequency range is in 10.7GHz to 12.75GHz in order to obtain radiofrequency signal Signal) and 10.7GHz to the 11.7GHz of the frequency band part be down converted to intermediate-freuqncy signal (for example, frequency range In the signal of 0.95GHz to 1.95GHz) and constitute.Second local oscillator 158 is used for arriving the 11.7GHz of the frequency band The parts 12.75GHz are converted into the intermediate frequency (IF) of 1.1GHz to 2.15GHz.

Referring still to Figure 48, according to an embodiment, DCU 148 receives from power supply 118 via circuit 162 (see figure 1) power.According to an embodiment, radiofrequency signal on 148 receiving circuit 142a of DCU and can be on circuit 166 The intermediate-freuqncy signal of output is provided.According to the discussion of front, radiofrequency signal may be by external subsystems 102 (for example, low noise is put Big device) supplied via connector 140.In one embodiment, directional coupler 168 is used for injecting from local oscillator 170 built-in testing signal.Can via control interface 174 by antenna control unit 112 (it on circuit 176 control believe Number it is supplied to control interface 174) switch 172 of control is used for controlling when inject built-in testing signal.Power divider 178 can With for detaching the single signal from local oscillator 70 and be provided to two paths.Directional coupler 168 it is straight Go side mouthful may be coupled with bandpass filter 180, and the latter may be used for filtering the signal received and remove any undesired signal Harmonic wave.According to the discussion of front, the signal received may be divided into two frequency bands converted using two local oscillator frequency reducings； So as shown in figure 48, DCU 148 may include two bandpass filters 180 for the signal received being divided into two frequency bands.So Afterwards, filtered signal may be fed to frequency mixer 182a, 182b.Frequency mixer 182a may be the signal and in circuit 183 On local oscillator harmonics from local oscillator 184 mix the first part of the frequency band be down converted to IF frequency. Equally, the second frequency mixer 182b may be the signal and the local oscillator from the second local oscillator 158 on circuit 160 The second part of the frequency band is down converted to IF frequency by harmonics mixing.In one embodiment, the second local oscillator 184 It can be tuned in the frequency from 7GHz to 8GHz, therefore allow all types of operation and IF frequency.Amplifier 188 And/or attenuator 189 can be used for balancing intermediate-freuqncy signal.Filter 190 can be used for that intermediate-freuqncy signal output will be supplied to The undesired frequency mixer product being likely to be present in the intermediate-freuqncy signal before line 166 is minimized.

Therefore, internal subsystems 104 may be received is come from what antenna array 106 transmitted, for example, main delivery vehicle Data-signal, signal of communication or the other signals of the passenger interface of the inside may handle these signals, and transmission signal passed through External subsystems 102 are supplied to by connector 140.In external subsystems 102, polarization converter unit 502 may compensate day Polarization between linear array 106 and the intended destination for sending signal distorts β.The feed network 202 of antenna array 106 may be transmission Signal is divided into the component signal of two cross polarizations, these component signals are all assigned to all antenna elements of antenna array 106 Among 268.Each antenna element 268 may include that two orthogonal component signals are reassembled into the antenna element 268 The OMT402 of the signal of transmission.Equally, antenna array 106 may be received via each antenna element 268 in array from signal The information signal in source.Feed network 202 may be divided into the signal that each antenna element 268 receives two orthogonal component signals And the summation that the component signal from all antenna elements is calculated by each polarization, generates two orthogonal resultant signals.These Resultant signal may distort β to the polarization between signal source 110 and antenna array 106 and be corrected, and then be rearranged into receiving letter Number, this receives signal after low-noise amplifier amplifies through sending internal subsystems 104 to by connector 140.In internal subsystem In system 104, this, which receives signal, to be supplied in main delivery vehicle via connector 156 by processing (for example, frequency reducing conversion) Passenger interface.

According to an embodiment, internal subsystems are installed in inside the shell of main vehicle interior.In this way Housing embodiments 192 be to be illustrated with Figure 49.According to the discussion of front, in some applications, specifically, in aircraft In the case of upper use communication system, the outside of delivery vehicle can suffer from the variation of various temperature, pressure and humidity. The service life of electronic equipment component may be greatly shortened by allowing the component of electronic equipment to be subjected to such change condition.By electricity The component of sub- equipment is placed on inside delivery vehicle, these components can be protected the potential evil outside from delivery vehicle The damage of bad environment.In addition to this, realize that more effective component temperature control may be to be relatively easy to.In addition, allowing electronics Equipment is located inside delivery vehicle that can be easier access to electronic equipment easy for maintenance, repair and replace.In an embodiment In, mounting bracket 214 may be considered to be easily installed and remove external subsystems 102.Discussion according to front may include rotation The surface that the connector 140 of adapter 538 may penetrate main delivery vehicle allows cable in external subsystems 102 and main delivery work Tool shifts between inside.Therefore, the signal of such as data-signal, control signal and power signal etc can be in external subsystems It is provided to and fro between 102 and internal subsystems 104.

With reference to Figure 49, in one embodiment, shell 192 is small and exquisite flat box, which may be designed to It is assemblied between the fuselage of aircraft and insulation.Shell may include the fan of the electronic equipment component inside the cooling shell 194.In order to be conducive to the temperature control of electronic equipment, air-flow may be directed over shell 192 to cool down shell and wherein Electronic equipment.Shell may include receiving to come connector 196a and 196b and the reception of the power of the power supply of autonomous delivery vehicle The connector 196c of (for example, carrying out the passenger interface in autonomous delivery vehicle) signal of communication is (for example, second nets very much connection Device).

When the failure for having internal subsystems 104, in one embodiment, internal subsystems include pointing out internal subsystems 104 faulty fault detectors.For example, fault detector may include double-colored (for example, white and black) flag, A kind of middle color is observable by shell 192 in the time how to give.First color (for example, white) can designate that interior The interior operation of normal parameter area of portion's subsystem 104, and the second color (for example, black) can designate that failure.At one In embodiment, fault detector starts by machinery (for example, by magnetism), so that even if not giving internal subsystems 104 to supply When answering power, it can also be operated.

May include the power for conveyer chain in one embodiment as Fig. 1 and Figure 47 is illustrated The high-power wireless electricity transceiver 114 of amplifier (not shown) is in 104 the inside of internal subsystems.It has been found that working as power amplification When device is connect via cable (for example, coaxial cable) with antenna array 106, when power amplifier it is distant from antenna array (that is, The cable for connecting them is long) when, heavy losses can occur.However, according to the discussion of front, in numerous applications, It may cause to have including power amplifier in the sizable main delivery vehicle of the distance between power amplifier and antenna array 106 The system electronics of (that is, part as internal subsystems 104) may be highly preferred.In order to solve power amplification Connection loss problem between device and antenna array 106, in one embodiment, connector 140 include transmission signal from interior Portion's subsystem 104 (for example, from power amplifier) is transmitted to the flexible waveguide of rotary joint 538.The flexible waveguide can be used for Abatement connection tolerance and permission waveguide and/or the placement of internal subsystems shell 192 are more flexible.Waveguide is low-loss transmission Media.It has found that and is connected by using flexible waveguide, the systematicness due to power amplifier from antenna array 106 relatively far away from It is negligible that can decline.In one embodiment, filter (for example, bandpass filter) is incorporated into flexible waveguide connection member Part filters out undesired radio-frequency component from transmission signal.It is, therefore, possible to provide a kind of readily replaceable single element, this yuan Part includes filtering component and for connecting the transmission line of high-power wireless electricity transceiver 114 and antenna array 106.Therefore, it replaces This single element may allow to change bandpass filter in the case where having no need to change internal subsystems 104, and therefore change Become system operatio frequency band.In addition to this, because waveguide is the low transmission media of loss ratio coaxial cable, sending signal can be with It is that power is lower (because it undergoes less loss on the path towards antenna array), reduces the work(of communication system whereby Consumption.In addition to this, it will be appreciated that the similar flexible waveguide connecting element for including optionally filtering component may quilt Make wireless set 114 for reception chain to couple with the rotary joint 538 for connecting low-noise amplifier 504.

The pointing accuracy (signal source 110 or signal destination that is, how antenna array can take accurate aim) of antenna array 106 May be the crucial performance metrics for communication system.However, being especially mounted on delivery vehicle (example in communication system Such as, aircraft 132) in the case of, many do not account for (example the case where capable of having an adverse effect to pointing accuracy if existed Such as, shape and available installation site, environmental factor and mechanical tolerance).Therefore, in one embodiment, calibration procedure is used Correct the mechanical tolerance of antenna array and the structure tolerance of main delivery vehicle and the parts for automatically adjusting replacement, it below will be into One step discussion.In one embodiment, calibration procedure is considered that external subsystems deviate the position of Navigation for Means of Transportation system Set offset.Following discussion it will be assumed that delivery vehicle is aircraft, and refer to the inertial navigation system 122 of aircraft；However, people It will be appreciated that the calibration procedure may be no matter the type of delivery vehicle for installing the system all be applicable.

With reference to Figure 50, the flow chart of one embodiment of calibration procedure is illustrated.The first stage of the calibration procedure can It can include the factory calibration stage 602.This stage 602 may be to be completed before communication system is mounted on delivery vehicle 's.In one embodiment, antenna array 106 includes being directly installed on the direction for predicting antenna array on antenna array by orientation and the elevation angle One or more position coders (also referred to as " inclination sensor ") of position.In one embodiment, position coder provides The data of pitching and the rolling of representative antennas battle array 106.During system operatio, the information from position coder may be fed back Antenna control unit 112 is helped to provide control signals to motor (and associated horse to antenna control unit 112 (see Fig. 1) Up to driver) antenna array 106 aimed at expected orientation and the elevation angle.So in one embodiment, the factory calibration stage 602 include the program (step 604) of the radio frequency center of the location determination antenna array 106 relative to position coder.This Program may be in view of any position offset between the radio frequency center and the position of encoder of antenna array 106, to allow to compile What code device was located on array any facilitates position.In addition to this, the temperature change of position coder data may also be calibrated.Through The offset of calibration may be stored in antenna control unit 112 and calibrate and/or operating the phase compared with the further of the communication system Between in the memory device 130 that can access (see Fig. 1) (step 606).In one embodiment, it is stored in memory device Information in 130 includes position coder calibration data (for example, temperature change etc.), the mechanically calibrated and school being discussed above Correction data (for example, offset between antenna array and position coder), and normal operating parameter and limitation, and it is just whole For or for its individual components (for example, for antenna array 106 or PCU 502) for external subsystems 102 (optionally) serial number and/or part number data.Mechanically calibrated data may consider the radio frequency center of antenna array 106, installation All geometry variables between component and cardan universal joint component.Serial number and/or Part No. information are possibly used for part exchanging (and zero Part correct) automatic detection, be discussed further below.Data storage in memory device 130 allows to manufacture in factory With the individual characteristic that each external subsystems of (step 602) 102 are determined and stored during calibration.

In one embodiment, which includes two memory devices, and a memory device 130 is located at outer In portion's subsystem 102, in another internally positioned subsystem 104.The memory device 130 of external subsystems 102 is claimed herein For day linear memory 130, and the memory device of internal subsystems is referred to herein as antenna control memory.It will be appreciated that Antenna control memory may be incorporated into as when the part of antenna control unit 112, or may be by liaison with The self-contained unit (not showing in Fig. 1) that antenna control unit 112 couples.Memory may be any kind of electronics appropriate Memory, including but not limited to random access memory or flash memories known to person familiar with the technology.Antenna stores Device 130 and antenna control memory may be coupled to each other by liaison, and data is allowed to be shifted between two memories. This data sharing between day linear memory 130 and antenna control memory can provide complete number for the communication system According to setting, this can be used for, for example, detect and run initial installation calibrating program (being discussed below), detection communication The replacement of a variety of different component parts of system or external component part (for example, inertial navigation system of aircraft), and again The required system information settings project of part exchanging is calculated, is discussed further below.

In one embodiment, the calibration data of the offset that such as front calculates etc may be stored in antenna and deposit In reservoir 130 and antenna control memory.Can two be similarly stored in any variation or update of calibrating memory In a memory.This dual memory device structure may provide some benefits, including：Data redundancy is (that is, an if memory Damage, data will not lose, because it is also stored in second memory) and factory calibration need not be reformed with regard to " changing " outside Or internal subsystems (or its component part) and replace their ability with new/newer parts.For example, if it is interior Portion's subsystem will be replaced, and new antenna control memory may download the calibration data being stored in day linear memory 130, The demand to calibrating the system again is avoided whereby.

Referring again to Figure 50, after factory calibration 602, communication system can be installed on main delivery vehicle.Therefore, The second stage of calibration may include installation calibrating 608.According to being discussed further below, installation calibrating program 608 may be examined Consider the offset and tolerance between the antenna array 106 installed and the inertial navigation system 122 of aircraft and makes external subsystem The installation of system becomes more much simpler than conventional method.

In general, delivery vehicle (including aircraft) can not install the big flat surfaces of external subsystems 102 on it, and Being those surfaces may have some to tilt or be bent.Therefore, when external subsystems are installed on this surface, antenna Battle array will deviate from horizontal line some offset.Furthermore, it is assumed that closely installing day to the sensor of the inertial navigation system of aircraft Linear array may be unlikely that, then being also likely to be present offset between antenna array 106 and inertial navigation system 122.Peace Calibration procedure 608 is filled it is considered that these offsets, are discussed further below.Traditional installation procedure may allow will be outer Portion's subsystem 102 is accurately put into for the deviation of the inertial navigation system 122 of well known aircraft within a few tenths of degree.So And if do not compensate in addition this few tenths of degree may also cause antenna array to airborne receiver only be used only be directed toward calculate Artificial satellite is aimed at for locking signal inaccurately, and therefore may cause the loss of signal to passenger.In addition, external son System 102 is accurately seated at and on delivery vehicle may be difficult and take.So being disappeared using installation calibrating program 608 May be preferred except external subsystems are accurately seated at the demand on delivery vehicle.

According to the discussion of front, external subsystems 102 may include one or more position coders, these are position encoded Device can once predict the pitching and rolling of antenna array 106 on delivery vehicle.In one embodiment, antenna array Pitching and rolling may be the (step 610) calculated relative to the pitching and rolling of Airborne Inertial navigation system 122.In a reality It applies in example, step 610 includes using airborne parameter measurement (using the factory calibration data school of storage after being surveyed with position coder It is positive) offset between antenna array reference system and (being surveyed using inertial navigation system 122) aircraft reference system.This allows nothing The manual calibration that need to be taken determines that pitching and rolling offset and eliminates aircraft manufacturing tolerance.In addition to this, because it is all Pitching and rolling offset can be calibrated it is considered that so external subsystems 102 need not be accurately placed on aircraft.So And the error between antenna array alignment and inertial navigation system alignment is simply stored in memory device and is to use antenna What control unit 112 compensated when direction control signal is supplied to the 106 of antenna array by it.Therefore, installation calibrating 608 can To greatly improve the easy degree of system installation.

Traditional antenna alignment program is generally only being completed during initial antenna system installation and is manually What program was completed.Traditional manual program usually not inputs rolling number increment, pitching number increment and the ability for yawing number increment, So manual program needs to use shim.These shims are located between the attachment bottom of antenna and aircraft, and citing comes It says, the packing material for the small pieces for forcing antenna system coordinate consistent with navigation system coordinate, for example, aluminum shim.So And it needs to remove antenna house using shim, dispose shim and reinstalls antenna house.This is very time-consuming and dangerous side Method.Only limited people is authorized to work and it needs a large amount of scaffold on aircraft top.Once completing adjustment, antenna house It must just adhere to again and antenna house sealing must cure several hours.It may be very time-consuming that this, which manually adjusts program, And it is difficult.Conversely, automatic installation calibrating program 608 can be completed quickly and easily, portable antenna battle array is not needed.

Referring again to Figure 50, by comparing from position coder (corrected) data and come from inertial navigation After the data of system 122 calculate and store pitching offset and rolling offset (step 610), it can be believed using artificial satellite Number lock calculate course offset amount (step 612).In one embodiment, step 610 may include order antenna control unit 112 Antenna array 106 is aimed at into the course alignment that known artificial satellite navigation system 112 checks antenna array 106.When ask this When alignment checks, antenna control unit 112 may initially use inertial navigation data to aim at selected artificial satellite.Most Just, that is, when antenna array 106 is not yet adjusted or corrects to course offset amount, system may start to scan the region It finds peak value and receives signal.When system has determined highest signal strength, which may be determined.According to The discussion of front, the course (for example, being determined using position coder) that antenna is pointed out and the course that navigation system is pointed out Between error can be computed and be recorded in memory device.Because pitching and rolling offset may be determined (step 610) and compensation, so course offset amount can be calculated using single artificial satellite.

Therefore, installation calibrating program 608 can be used for easily and automatically illustrating that the inertia of antenna array 106 and aircraft is led Any deviation between boat system 122 or offset.This allows antenna control unit 112 (see Fig. 1) to receive to come from delivery vehicle Inertial navigation system 122 navigation information and taken accurate aim antenna array 106 using the navigation information, not due to inertia The error of offset between navigation system 122 and antenna array 106.According to an embodiment, installation calibrating program 608 may It is used on antenna control unit 112 or the software realization that is run under the control of antenna control unit 112.Installation calibrating number According to can also be stored in day linear memory 130 and antenna control memory.

According to the discussion of front, in one embodiment, communication system can detect a variety of different system zeros automatically The replacement of component and by the communication between day linear memory 130 and antenna control memory be it is this replacement be adjusted. In one embodiment, in that time that is powered, day linear memory 130 and antenna control memory may all address inquires to whether other side determines Any memory device is new, uses data share and locally-stored.By existing data and new memory Any new data that device provides are compared, and system can automatically calculate the new component part identified to fresh memory device The compensation for having potential different tolerances and parameter.In that time that is powered every time, which may determine whether there is and comment again Estimate the condition of current calibration offset.If there is such condition, then the system may assess current offset is It is no to keep effective.This is that the detection that any fuselage including the replacement of inertial navigation system 122 changes and correction are prepared. In addition to this, it can be handled in during flight tracking update from being perhaps that the inertia caused by shell supercharging and temperature effect is led Any slow drift of boat system 122 and/or fuselage machinery change.

In some applications, or even after accurate calibration, navigation data may be not enough to keep by oneself and be expected Source locking antenna array in acceptable tolerance levels.Therefore, according to an embodiment, antenna control unit 112 It may realize track algorithm, which may use navigation data and signal feedback data tracking signal source.Track algorithm is total It is that can find strongest satellite signal, so if inertial navigation data is slow, it is best that track algorithm can take over searching Orientation angle.When inertial navigation data is correct and newest data, system can be calculated using the inertial data Its azimuth and the elevation angle, because this data will be consistent with the peak of beam.This is because without measurable mistake, inertia is led Antenna accurately without measurable error can be aimed at expected artificial satellite by the system coordinate system that navigates；In other words, in advance The visual angle of survey and the visual angle of preferred aspect will be same.When inertial navigation data is incorrect, tracking software can be used for The direction is maintained, because its script energy " correction " is calculating the difference for being up to about 5 degree between visual angle and optimal viewing angle.

In one embodiment, antenna array can be controlled, the peak positioning of the expection signal in self-information in future source. Then, antenna array " shake " (beam width relative to antenna array) can determine penetrating for source signal near the signal peak Beam width.If signal receives power, in one embodiment, antenna control unit 112, which may monitor, receives shaking for signal Width may use the amplitude for receiving signal determine that angle is directed toward in best orientation and pitching, method be discontinuously antenna from Its calculating position is repositioned onto the position slightly deviated and determines whether the signal strength received is best and whether do not have By antenna towards by optimum orientation repositioning, etc..As the people technically experienced knows, geometry calculates may It is easy to for determining the visual angle to geostationary satellite using known coordinate system those of (including come from aircraft).By fixed Three artificial satellites in position and tracking, trigdatum can be used for further weighing between antenna array direction and guidance system data Any deviation.Then, antenna control memory may be stored in by the error of deliberation and day linear memory 130 is neutralized and used To facilitate signal source 110 expected from accurate tracking during the operation of system.

Referring again to Figure 48, in the one embodiment for realizing track algorithm, antenna control unit 112 may be to coming From, for example, DCU's 148 (on circuit 166) receives signal sampling, although it will be appreciated that antenna control unit 112 may be changed to the signal sampling from signal processing electronic equipment 152 or the 2nd DCU 158.Therefore, although following begs for By the signal sampled from DCU 148 is referred to, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited.According to an embodiment, The control interface 174 of DCU 148 may provide a signal to antenna to the signal sampling on circuit 166 and via circuit 176 Control unit 112.It will be appreciated that sampling may require regarding as such as composition, for example, directional coupler is penetrated The component of frequency wave detector and analog-digital converter (not shown) etc obtains intermediate-freuqncy signal from circuit 166 and is converted into supplying To the information of antenna control unit 112.Antenna control unit 112 may use the direction of the amplitude adjustment antenna array of sampled signal Angle is similar to the shake discussed previously as a part for continuous calibration procedure.Tracking/flight calibration program may also be used for more New flight offset, to handle the slow drift of variation and aircraft component in-flight.

Several aspects of at least one embodiment are described, it will be appreciated that a variety of different changes, Correcting and improving will be easy to occur for person familiar with the technology.Such change, amendment and improvement tend to this Part disclose a part and also tend to fall within the scope of the present invention.Therefore, foregoing description and drawings are merely possible to Embodiment.

Claims

1. a kind of antenna array, including：

Numerous electromagnetic horn elements, these electromagnetic horn elements, which are arranged at, extends to the of antenna array from the first end of antenna array In N row's electromagnetic horns at two ends, each electromagnetic horn element is configured to receive information signal among numerous electromagnetic horn elements And provide the information signal in the feed point of the electromagnetic horn element；

Numerous corresponding orthomode transducers, each corresponding orthomode transducer and corresponding electromagnetic horn member Part is coupled and configured to information signal to be divided by first point of the first port offer of the orthomode transducer The second component signal measured signal and provided by the second port of the orthomode transducer, wherein described first and second Component signal is cross polarization；And

The waveguide feed network for making numerous orthomode transducers be coupled with public array feed point, the waveguide feed network packet First path and the second path are included, wherein the first path makes the first port of each orthomode transducer and public battle array Row feed point couples and is configured to guide and calculate the summation of the first component signal from numerous orthomode transducers First total component signal is provided in public array feed point, wherein second path makes each orthomode transducer Second port couples with public array feed point and is configured to guide and calculate the from numerous orthomode transducers The summation of two component signals provides second total component signal in public array feed point, the first path and the second path that This interweaves；

Wherein in N arranges numerous antenna elements in often the arranging of electromagnetic horn between adjacent antenna elements center to center loudspeaker It is spaced in the substantial highest next wavelength of transmission frequency of the antenna array；And

The often row electromagnetic horn element of wherein N row's electromagnetic horn elements includes at least 32 or more electromagnetic horn elements.

2. antenna array according to claim 1,

Wherein first path calculates the summation of the first component signal received from each orthomode transducer in E- planes； And

Wherein the second path calculates the summation of the second component signal received from each orthomode transducer in H- planes.

3. antenna array according to claim 2, wherein numerous electromagnetic horn elements include the first electromagnetic horn element With the second electromagnetic horn element, numerous orthomode transducers include coupled with the first electromagnetic horn element it is first straight The second orthomode transducer for connecing formula anti T-R device and being coupled with the second electromagnetic horn element；

The first path of wherein waveguide feed network includes to be configured to receive first from the first orthomode transducer The first input end of component signal is configured to receive the second defeated of the first component signal from the second orthomode transducer Enter end and is configured to provide the E- plane waves of the output end of output signal corresponding with the weighted sum of two the first component signals Lead T-shaped engaging portion；And

Wherein the T-shaped engaging portion of E- slab guides includes being configured to E- slab guides T-shaped engaging portion biasing generating two the The tuned cell of the weighted sum of one component signal.

4. antenna array according to claim 3, the second path of wherein waveguide feed network includes to be configured to receive From the first input end of the second component signal of the first orthomode transducer, it is configured to receive and is received and dispatched from the second direct-type Second input terminal of the second component signal of converter and be configured to provide it is corresponding with the weighted sum of two second component signals Output signal output end the T-shaped engaging portion of H- slab guides.

5. antenna array according to claim 4, the wherein T-shaped engaging portion of E- slab guides and the T-shaped knot of H- slab guides The impedance matching portion each included in each corresponding first and second input terminal in conjunction portion.

6. antenna array according to claim 2, wherein the first and second paths of waveguide feed network include same number Bending section.

7. antenna array according to claim 1 further comprises the polarization converter list coupled with public array feed point Member, the polarization converter unit are configured to compensate for the distortion of the polarization between antenna array and signal source.

8. antenna array according to claim 7, wherein polarization converter unit include：

It is configured to first and second total component signals of reception and the rotary-type of the output signal of orthogonally polarized correction is provided Orthomode transducer；

The expected of rotary-type orthomode transducer is represented with rotary-type orthomode transducer coupled configuration at receiving to revolve The transmission system of the control signal of carryover degree；

And

It is configured to power to be supplied to the transmission system that rotary-type orthomode transducer is rotated to expected degree of rotation Motor.

9. antenna array according to claim 1, wherein N arrange electromagnetic horn element and are selected from one of 1 and 2 rows.

10. antenna array according to claim 1, wherein waveguide feed network are configured to from numerous electromagnetic horns member Each information signal of part is to adding up to the signal contribution of signal to weight, to control the beam direction figure of antenna array.

11. antenna array according to claim 1, wherein numerous electromagnetic horn elements include the first electromagnetic horn element and the Two electromagnetic horn elements, numerous orthomode transducers include be coupled to the first electromagnetic horn element first straight Connect formula anti T-R device and the second orthomode transducer for being coupled to the second electromagnetic horn element；

The first path of wherein waveguide feed network includes to be configured to receive from first orthomode transducer The first input end of first component signal of first port, be configured to receive from second orthomode transducer Second input terminal of the first component signal of Single port and be configured to provide with from first and second direct-type receive and dispatch convert The T-shaped engaging portion of waveguide of the output end of the corresponding output signal of weighted sum for the first component signal that device receives；And

Wherein the T-shaped engaging portion of waveguide includes being configured to that the T-shaped engaging portion biasing of the waveguide is made to generate the weighting The tuned cell of sum.