EP0524622A1 - Antenna array for ultra-high frequencies - Google Patents

Antenna array for ultra-high frequencies Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0524622A1
EP0524622A1 EP92112576A EP92112576A EP0524622A1 EP 0524622 A1 EP0524622 A1 EP 0524622A1 EP 92112576 A EP92112576 A EP 92112576A EP 92112576 A EP92112576 A EP 92112576A EP 0524622 A1 EP0524622 A1 EP 0524622A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
network
sources
antenna according
array antenna
width
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92112576A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0524622B1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Caille
Frédéric Magnin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alcatel Espace Industries SA
Original Assignee
Alcatel Espace Industries SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alcatel Espace Industries SA filed Critical Alcatel Espace Industries SA
Publication of EP0524622A1 publication Critical patent/EP0524622A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0524622B1 publication Critical patent/EP0524622B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/22—Antenna units of the array energised non-uniformly in amplitude or phase, e.g. tapered array or binomial array
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/08—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along or adjacent to a rectilinear path

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an array antenna for microwave waves, this array being for example, but not limited to, a linear array intended to be placed along the focal line of a cylindro-parabolic reflector.
  • the array antennas are designed for obtaining adaptive diagrams from a host of elementary sources such as: horns, propellers, dipoles, "patches” (small conductive patterns or “blocks", for example of rectangular shape , and etched on a substrate), etc ...
  • the simplest array antenna is the conventional linear array antenna which comprises, on the same line, a greater or lesser number of identical elementary sources and spaced at a regular pitch, the pitch being the distance from the center of a source to that of the adjacent source.
  • the invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. To this end, it relates to a network antenna composed of a multitude of similar elementary sources, this network being characterized by the fact that these elementary sources are of a width which overall increases progressively from the center of the network towards its ends, and are arranged with respect to each other so that there is practically no creation of illumination holes in this network.
  • this progressive widening of the dimensions of the sources follows a law of variation in geometric progression.
  • these horns are not identical, and their width 1, and thereafter the pitch p which separates the respective axes of two adjacent horns, gradually increases, on either side of the central horn Co and in the same way right as to the left of the latter, as one moves away from this central horn Co towards the ends, right and left respectively, of this network 1.
  • the pn step is defined from the po step by the same relation.
  • the antenna array according to FIG. 1 can, for example, be provided to be placed along the focal line of a conventional cylindro-parabollic reflector (not shown), in order to sweep a fine lobe through such an antenna. in the plane determined by the network and the line of the vertices of the parabolic sections.
  • This scheme is a priori fairly conventional in structure. It comprises a microwave transceiver (4) which is coupled, via a bi-directional link 5, to a distributor 6 having the role of effecting a uniform distribution of the energy emitted, or received, on its different output channels. , or input, referenced Vo, V1d, V1g, V2d, V2g, V3d, V3g, ..., and respectively feeding the horns Co, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g, C3d, C3g, ...
  • this condition of power variation is achieved by construction, since the pitch of the network gradually increases as one moves away from the central horn Co.
  • This power very advantageously corresponds to the maximum and optimal power for which these amplifiers are calculated. Total power is therefore maximized, and energy efficiency is optimized because each amplifier operates at the maximum efficiency for which it is built.
  • the central horn Co has the same width, for example about 2 cm, as that of a regular network of the prior art.
  • the progressive increase in their width will be carried out by groups of cones. For example, five successive cones, on the right as on the left, will have the same width each time, the following five being all identical and a little wider, etc ...
  • the Applicant was thus able to halve the number of horns necessary for a linear network of nearly 6 meters having to sweep a beam lengthened by about 6 degrees on either side of its normal.
  • the drop in gain was only on the order of 0.35 to 0.4 dB.
  • FIG. 3 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna network of the same type, but based on resonant blocks, or "patches", is shown very schematically in Figure 3, where the denominations CO, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g ,. .., for the elementary sources have been respectively replaced by Po, P1d, P1g, P2g, P2g, ..., designating the replacement patches of the previous horns.
  • Each of these patches is connected to its corresponding amplifier and phase shifter block by a respective line Lo, L1d, L1g, L2d, L2g, ...
  • FIG. 4 shows a more economical variant of the network according to FIG. 3, where patches are all identical to the central patch Po, but grouped, by electrical connections, according to several successive patches for each group, the number of patches per group. G1d, G1g, ..., gradually increasing as one moves away from the central patch Po.
  • the first two groups of patches G1d and G1g which are located on either side of the single central patch Po, each have three patches whose power supplies are joined at a common point, 7 and 8 respectively, which defines the respective widths l1d and l1g.
  • the next two groups G2d and G2g (not shown) each have five patches, the next two groups seven patches, and so on.
  • the invention is not limited to the preceding embodiments. It also applies to the realization of two-dimensional flat networks: in such a case, the dimension of the sources increases from the center of the network towards its edges, both along the abscissa axis and along the ordinate axis. In the case of a network with a planar structure of revolution, the progressive increase in the dimensions of the sources takes place, similarly, from the center towards the periphery of this structure.
  • each of these generators comprises a series of radiating elements comprising, as for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, a central element framed on either side, by similar radiating elements, but of width increasing progressively and arranged so as not to create illumination holes on this generator.

Landscapes

  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Structure Of Receivers (AREA)
  • Waveguide Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

The width (lo, ... l3, ...) of the sources (Co, ..., C3d, C3g...) of this array increases progressively from the centre of the array (2) towards its ends. Moreover, these sources are arranged, with respect to one another, in such a way that this array exhibits no gaps in illumination. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à une antenne-réseau pour ondes hyperfréquences, ce réseau étant par exemple, mais non limitativement, un réseau linéaire destiné à être placé selon la ligne focale d'un réflecteur cylindro-parabolique.The present invention relates to an array antenna for microwave waves, this array being for example, but not limited to, a linear array intended to be placed along the focal line of a cylindro-parabolic reflector.

Les antennes-réseau sont conçues en vue de l'obtention de diagrammes adaptatifs à partir d'une kyrielle de sources élémentaires telles que : cornets, hélices, dipôles, "patchs" (petits motifs conducteurs ou "pavés", par exemple de forme rectangulaire, et gravés sur un substrat), etc...The array antennas are designed for obtaining adaptive diagrams from a host of elementary sources such as: horns, propellers, dipoles, "patches" (small conductive patterns or "blocks", for example of rectangular shape , and etched on a substrate), etc ...

En associant à chacune de ces sources élémentaires un déphaseur commandable, ou réalise une antenne à balayage électronique dont le faisceau peut "dépointer" (c'est à dire : balayer) très rapidement.By associating with each of these elementary sources a controllable phase shifter, or produces an antenna with electronic scanning whose beam can "spot" (ie: sweep) very quickly.

L'antenne réseau la plus simple est l'antenne réseau linéaire classique qui comporte, sur une même ligne, un plus ou moins grand nombre de sources élémentaires identiques et espacées d'un pas régulier, le pas étant la distance du centre d'une source à celui de la source adjacente.The simplest array antenna is the conventional linear array antenna which comprises, on the same line, a greater or lesser number of identical elementary sources and spaced at a regular pitch, the pitch being the distance from the center of a source to that of the adjacent source.

En réalisant un réseau de façon simulaire, mais selon deux dimensions orthogonales au lieu d'une seule, on obtient un "réseau plan", souvent de contour rectangulaire, éventuellement avec des coins tronqués.By making a network in a simular manner, but in two orthogonal dimensions instead of one, we obtain a "planar network", often of rectangular outline, possibly with truncated corners.

De manière semblable, et à condition d'adopter une maille hexagonale, on peut réaliser un réseau de révolution dans un plan.In a similar way, and on condition of adopting a hexagonal mesh, one can realize a network of revolution in a plane.

L'inconvénient de toutes ces antennes-réseau à pas régulier réside dans le fait que, pour une antenne de grandes dimensions, le nombre de sources élémentaires à prévoir peut devenir très élévé, de sorte que ce genre d'antenne est souvent d'un prix de revient prohibitif.The disadvantage of all these regular pitch array antennas is that, for a large antenna, the number of elementary sources to be provided can become very high, so that this kind of antenna is often of a prohibitive cost price.

Pour diminuer le nombre de sources élémentaires, certains auteurs ont pensé à la création de réseaux dits" raréfiés" ou "lacunaires", par suppression de certaines sources soit de façon aléatoire, soit selon une loi déterministe établie mathématiquement en fonction de la théorie des antennes, le nombre de sources enlevé augmentant vers les bords de l'antenne-réseau. Dans toutes ces formes de réalisation, les sources élémentaires constitutives du réseau restent identiques entre elles.To reduce the number of elementary sources, some authors have thought of creating so-called "rarefied" or "incomplete" networks, by eliminating certain sources either randomly or according to a deterministic law established mathematically according to the antenna theory , the number of sources removed increasing towards the edges of the array antenna. In all these embodiments, the elementary sources constituting the network remain identical to each other.

Cette raréfaction permet de diminuer le nombre de sources élémentaires sans détériorer la forme du lobe principal ni faire apparaître dans le diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne des "lobes de réseau", c'est à dire des pics dans des directions non désirées. Elle entraîne malheureusement une importante baisse du gain de l'antenne, qui chute de 10 log R, R désignant la proportion de sources restantes : si l'on enlève la moitié des sources élémentaires, on perd 3dB sur le gain total de l'antenne.This rarefaction makes it possible to reduce the number of elementary sources without deteriorating the shape of the main lobe or making appear in the radiation pattern of the antenna "network lobes", that is to say peaks in unwanted directions. Unfortunately, it leads to a significant drop in antenna gain, which drops by 10 log R, R designating the proportion of remaining sources: if we remove half of the elementary sources, we lose 3dB on the total gain of the antenna .

Dans de nombreuses applications, une telle perte de gain est prohibitive :

  • . pour une antenne d'émission de télécommunications, il faudrait, pour garder le même bilan de liaison, doubler la puissance émise, ce qui est rarement possible;
  • . pour une antenne radar, pour laquelle le gain intervient à la fois en émission et en réception, il faudrait alors quadrupler cette puissance émise.
In many applications, such loss of gain is prohibitive:
  • . for a telecommunications transmission antenna, to keep the same link budget, it would be necessary to double the transmitted power, which is rarely possible;
  • . for a radar antenna, for which the gain occurs both in transmission and in reception, this transmitted power would then have to quadruple.

L'invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients. Elle se rapporte à cet effet à une antenne réseau composée d'une kyrielle de sources élémentaires analogues, ce réseau se caractérisant par le fait que ces sources élémentaires sont d'une largeur qui globalement va en augmentant progressivement du centre du réseau vers ses extrémités, et sont disposées les unes par rapport aux autres de façon qu'il n'y ait pratiquement pas de création de trous d'illumination dans ce réseau.The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. To this end, it relates to a network antenna composed of a multitude of similar elementary sources, this network being characterized by the fact that these elementary sources are of a width which overall increases progressively from the center of the network towards its ends, and are arranged with respect to each other so that there is practically no creation of illumination holes in this network.

Préférentiellement, cet élargissement progressif des dimensions des sources suit une loi de variation en progression géométrique.Preferably, this progressive widening of the dimensions of the sources follows a law of variation in geometric progression.

De toute façon, l'invention sera bien comprise, et ses avantages et autres caractéristiques ressortiront, lors de la description suivante de quelques exemples non-limitatifs de réalisation, en référence au dessin schématique annexé dans lequel:

  • . Figure 1 est une vue de face de la partie centrale d'un réseau linéaire conforme à l'invention et composé d'une kyrielle de cornets, ce réseau étant par exemple destiné à être placé selon la ligne focale d'un réflecteur cylindro-parabolique;
  • . Figure 2 est un schéma synoptique du circuit d'émission-réception à balayage électronique de faisceau qui peut être associé au réseau selon la figure 1;
  • . Figure 3 est une vue en plan simplifiée d'une réalisation semblable à celle selon Figure 1, mais réalisée à l'aide de pavés résonnants ou "patchs"; et
  • . Figure 4 est une variante de la réalisation selon Figure 3.
In any case, the invention will be well understood, and its advantages and other characteristics will emerge during the following description of a few non-limiting exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached schematic drawing in which:
  • . Figure 1 is a front view of the central part of a linear network according to the invention and composed of a series of horns, this network being for example intended to be placed along the focal line of a cylindro-parabolic reflector;
  • . Figure 2 is a block diagram of the transmit-receive electronic beam scanning circuit which can be associated with the network according to Figure 1;
  • . Figure 3 is a simplified plan view of an embodiment similar to that according to Figure 1, but performed using resonant pads or "patches"; and
  • . Figure 4 is a variant of the embodiment according to Figure 3.

En se reportant aux figures 1 et 2, il s'agit d'un réseau linéaire 1 composé d'une kyrielle de cornets rayonnants adjacents, dont un cornet central Co encadré de part et d'autre par deux séries, identiques et symétriques par rapport à l'axe central 2 du cornet Co et donc du réseau 1, de cornets :

  • . une première série de cornets C1d,C2d,C3d,..., à droite (sur le dessin) de ce cornet central Co; et
  • . une deuxième série de cornets C1g,C2g,C3g,..., à gauche de ce cornet central Co.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, it is a linear network 1 composed of a string of adjacent radiating horns, including a central horn Co framed on either side by two series, identical and symmetrical with respect to the central axis 2 of the cornet Co and therefore of the network 1, of horns:
  • . a first series of horns C1d, C2d, C3d, ..., on the right (in the drawing) of this central horn Co; and
  • . a second series of horns C1g, C2g, C3g, ..., to the left of this central horn Co.

Afin qu'il n'y ait pas de trous d'illumination dans le diagramme de rayonnement de ce réseau 1 il n'est pratiquement pas prévu d'espace effectif de séparation entre deux cornets adjacents, ceux-ci étant de ce fait séparés l'un de l'autre par une paroi commune, telle que la paroi référencée 3 sur le dessin et réalisant la jonction entre le cornet Co et le cornet C1d.So that there are no illumination holes in the radiation pattern of this network 1, there is practically no effective separation space between two adjacent horns, these being therefore separated l 'from one another by a common wall, such as the wall referenced 3 in the drawing and making the junction between the horn Co and the horn C1d.

Par ailleurs, ces cornets ne sont pas identiques, et leurs largeur 1, et par la suite le pas p qui sépare les axes respectifs de deux cornets adjacents, croît progressivement, de part et d'autre du cornet central Co et de même façon à droite comme à gauche de ce dernier, au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne de ce cornet central Co en direction des extrémités, droite et gauche respectivement, de ce réseau 1.Furthermore, these horns are not identical, and their width 1, and thereafter the pitch p which separates the respective axes of two adjacent horns, gradually increases, on either side of the central horn Co and in the same way right as to the left of the latter, as one moves away from this central horn Co towards the ends, right and left respectively, of this network 1.

La loi de variation en largeur des cornets est préférentiellement une loi en progression géométrique, par exemple de la forme :

ln = lo (1+ k) n-1

Figure imgb0001


où k est un facteur d'accroissement constant, par exemple égal à 0,1 , lo la largeur du cornet central Co, et ln la largeur du cornet de rang n, Cnd ou Cng.The law of variation in width of the horns is preferably a law in geometric progression, for example of the form:

ln = lo (1+ k) n-1
Figure imgb0001

where k is a constant growth factor, for example equal to 0.1, lo the width of the central horn Co, and ln the width of the horn of rank n, Cnd or Cng.

Bien entendu, en particulier dans le cas de l'antenne réseau 1 représentée où toutes les sources se touchent, le pas pn est défini à partir du pas po par la même relation.Of course, in particular in the case of the network antenna 1 shown where all the sources touch, the pn step is defined from the po step by the same relation.

Le réseau d'antenne selon Figure 1 peut, à titre d'exemple, être prévu pour être placé selon la ligne focale d'un réflecteur classique cylindro-parabollique (non-représenté), afin de faire balayer par une telle antenne un lobe fin dans le plan déterminé par le réseau et la ligne des sommets des sections paraboliques.The antenna array according to FIG. 1 can, for example, be provided to be placed along the focal line of a conventional cylindro-parabollic reflector (not shown), in order to sweep a fine lobe through such an antenna. in the plane determined by the network and the line of the vertices of the parabolic sections.

Le schéma synoptique du bloc électronique associé au réseau 1 est représenté en Figure 2.The block diagram associated with the electronic block associated with network 1 is shown in Figure 2.

Ce schéma est à priori de structure assez classique. Il comporte un émetteur-récepteur hyperfréquences (4) qui est couplé, via une liaison bi-directionnelle 5, à un répartiteur 6 ayant pour rôle d'effectuer une distribution uniforme de l'énergie émise, ou reçue, sur ses différentes voies de sortie, ou d'entrée, référencées Vo,V1d, V1g,V2d,V2g,V3d,V3g ,..., et alimentant respectivement les cornets Co,C1d,C1g,C2d,C2g,C3d,C3g,...This scheme is a priori fairly conventional in structure. It comprises a microwave transceiver (4) which is coupled, via a bi-directional link 5, to a distributor 6 having the role of effecting a uniform distribution of the energy emitted, or received, on its different output channels. , or input, referenced Vo, V1d, V1g, V2d, V2g, V3d, V3g, ..., and respectively feeding the horns Co, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g, C3d, C3g, ...

Sur chacune desdites voies, on trouve successivement :

  • . un déphaseur respectif Do....,D3d,D3g,..., recevant sur sa borne de commande Bo,...,B3d,B3g,..., un signal de commande de déphasage provenant d'un pointeur lui-même piloté par un calculateur central (non représentés), ce dernier élaborant classiquement la loi de phase en fonction du pointage souhaité;
  • . puis, entre ce déphaseur et le cornet associé, un amplificateur de puissance hyper-fréquences, respectivement HPAo,..., HPA3d,HPA3g,...
On each of said channels, there are successively:
  • . a respective phase shifter Do ...., D3d, D3g, ..., receiving on its control terminal Bo, ..., B3d, B3g, ..., a phase shift control signal coming from a pointer itself- even controlled by a central computer (not shown), the latter conventionally developing the phase law as a function of the desired pointing;
  • . then, between this phase shifter and the associated horn, a hyper-frequency power amplifier, respectively HPAo, ..., HPA3d, HPA3g, ...

Dans les réseaux réguliers de l'art antérieur, il était nécessaire de prévoir, en aval des cornets ou autres sources élémentaires, des amplificateurs hyperfréquences dont le gain était décroissant au fur et à mesure que l'on s'écartait du cornet central, car le diagramme de rayonnement souhaité pour ce genre d'antenne nécessite que la densité de puissance émise diminue progressivement au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne du centre du réseau.In the regular networks of the prior art, it was necessary to provide, downstream of the horns or other elementary sources, microwave amplifiers whose gain was decreasing as one moved away from the central horn, because the desired radiation pattern for this kind of antenna requires that the power density emitted gradually decrease as one moves away from the center of the network.

Avec le réseau conforme à l'invention, cette condition de variation de puissance est réalisée par construction, puisque le pas du réseau s'agrandit progressivement au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne du cornet central Co.With the network according to the invention, this condition of power variation is achieved by construction, since the pitch of the network gradually increases as one moves away from the central horn Co.

En conséquence, il n'est plus besoin d'avoir des amplificateurs de puissance HPAo,...,HPA3d,HPA3g,..., dont le gain varie de l'un à l'autre, et ces amplificateurs sont, selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, tous identiques et de même puissance.Consequently, it is no longer necessary to have power amplifiers HPAo, ..., HPA3d, HPA3g, ..., the gain of which varies from one to the other, and these amplifiers are, according to a advantageous characteristic of the invention, all identical and of the same power.

Cette puissance correspond très avantageusement à la puissance maximale et optimale pour laquelle ces amplificateurs sont calculés. La puissance totale est donc maximisée, et le rendement énergétique est optimisé du fait que chaque amplificateur fonctionne au rendement maximal pour lequel il est construit.This power very advantageously corresponds to the maximum and optimal power for which these amplifiers are calculated. Total power is therefore maximized, and energy efficiency is optimized because each amplifier operates at the maximum efficiency for which it is built.

Le cornet central Co a la même largeur, par exemple 2 cm environ, que celui d'un réseau régulier de l'art antérieur.The central horn Co has the same width, for example about 2 cm, as that of a regular network of the prior art.

Avantageusement, afin de ne pas trop augmenter le nombre de types de cornets, l'accroissement progressif de leur largeur sera effectué par groupes de cornets. Par exemple, cinq cornets successifs, à droite comme à gauche, auront à chaque fois la même largeur, les cinq suivants étant tous identiques et un peu plus larges, etc...Advantageously, in order not to increase the number of types of cones too much, the progressive increase in their width will be carried out by groups of cones. For example, five successive cones, on the right as on the left, will have the same width each time, the following five being all identical and a little wider, etc ...

La demanderesse a pu ainsi diviser par deux le nombre de cornets nécessaire pour un réseau linéaire de près de 6 mètres devant balayer un faisceau allongé d'environ 6 degrés de part et d'autre de sa normale. Pour une qualité comparable du diagramme de rayonnement, la baisse de gain n'a été que de l'ordre de 0,35 à 0,4 dB.The Applicant was thus able to halve the number of horns necessary for a linear network of nearly 6 meters having to sweep a beam lengthened by about 6 degrees on either side of its normal. For a comparable quality of the radiation pattern, the drop in gain was only on the order of 0.35 to 0.4 dB.

Un exemple de réalisation d'un réseau d'antenne du même type, mais constitué à base de pavés résonnants, ou "patchs", est représenté très schématiquement en Figure 3, où les dénominations CO,C1d,C1g,C2d,C2g,..., pour les sources élémentaires ont été respectivement remplacées par Po,P1d,P1g,P2g,P2g,..., désignant les patchs de remplacement des cornets précédents.An exemplary embodiment of an antenna network of the same type, but based on resonant blocks, or "patches", is shown very schematically in Figure 3, where the denominations CO, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g ,. .., for the elementary sources have been respectively replaced by Po, P1d, P1g, P2g, P2g, ..., designating the replacement patches of the previous horns.

Chacun de ces patchs est relié à son bloc amplificateur et déphaseur correspondant par une ligne respective Lo, L1d, L1g, L2d, L2g,...Each of these patches is connected to its corresponding amplifier and phase shifter block by a respective line Lo, L1d, L1g, L2d, L2g, ...

Conformément à l'invention, les dimensions, c'est à dire en fait les largeurs non-résonnantes lo,l1d,l1g,l2d,l2g,..., de ces patchs, augmentent progressivement du centre Po du réseau vers ses deux extrémités, selon par exemple la loi géométrique précédement définie, et donc telle que :

l n /l n-1 = 1+k

Figure imgb0002


   Par ailleurs, de façon que, toujours conformément à l'invention, il n'y ait aucun trou d'illumination dans ce réseau, tous les patchs sont séparés l'un de l'autre d'une même distance d entre bords adjacents qui est égale à la demi-longueur d'ondes guidée, cette condition étant, comme il est bien connu dans cette technique, la condition nécessaire pour éviter de tels trous d'illumination.According to the invention, the dimensions, that is to say in fact the non-resonant widths lo, l1d, l1g, l2d, l2g, ..., of these patches, gradually increase from the center Po of the network towards its two ends , according for example to the geometric law previously defined, and therefore such that:

l not / l n-1 = 1 + k
Figure imgb0002

Furthermore, so that, still according to the invention, there is no illumination hole in this network, all the patches are separated from each other by the same distance d between adjacent edges which is equal to the guided half-wavelength, this condition being, as is well known in this technique, the condition necessary to avoid such illumination holes.

Enfin la figure 4 montre une variante plus économique du réseau selon figure 3, où l'on utilise des patchs tous identiques au patch central Po, mais groupés, par branchements électriques, selon plusieurs patchs successifs pour chaque groupe, le nombre de patchs par groupe G1d,G1g,..., augementant progressivement au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne du patch central Po.Finally, FIG. 4 shows a more economical variant of the network according to FIG. 3, where patches are all identical to the central patch Po, but grouped, by electrical connections, according to several successive patches for each group, the number of patches per group. G1d, G1g, ..., gradually increasing as one moves away from the central patch Po.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, où bien-entendu chaque patch est comme précédemment séparé du patch voisin par une distance bord-à-bord d égale à la demi-longueur d'ondes guidée, les deux premiers groupes de patchs G1d et G1g, qui sont situés de part et d'autre du patch central unique Po, comportent chacun trois patchs dont les alimentations sont réunies en un point commun, 7 et 8 respectivement, ce qui définit des largeurs respectives l1d et l1g. Les deux groupes suivants G2d et G2g (non représentés) comportent chacun cinq patchs, les deux groupes suivants sept patchs, et ainsi de suite.In this exemplary embodiment, where of course each patch is as previously separated from the neighboring patch by an edge-to-edge distance d equal to the guided half-wavelength, the first two groups of patches G1d and G1g, which are located on either side of the single central patch Po, each have three patches whose power supplies are joined at a common point, 7 and 8 respectively, which defines the respective widths l1d and l1g. The next two groups G2d and G2g (not shown) each have five patches, the next two groups seven patches, and so on.

Comme il va de soi, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de réalisation qui précédent. Elle s'applique de même façon à la réalisation de réseaux plans à deux dimensions : dans un tel cas, la dimension des sources s'accroît du centre du réseau vers ses bords, aussi bien le long de l'axe des abscisses que le long de l'axe des ordonnées. Dans le cas de réseau à une structure plane de révolution, l'accroissement progressif des dimensions des sources s'effectue, de façon similaire, du centre vers la périphérie de cette structure.It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the preceding embodiments. It also applies to the realization of two-dimensional flat networks: in such a case, the dimension of the sources increases from the center of the network towards its edges, both along the abscissa axis and along the ordinate axis. In the case of a network with a planar structure of revolution, the progressive increase in the dimensions of the sources takes place, similarly, from the center towards the periphery of this structure.

Dans le cas d'une antenne comprenant un réseau conformé sur une surface de révolution de profil quelconque (cylindrique circulaire, tronconique,...), par exemple selon la demande de Brevet en France N° 91.05510 déposée le 6 mai 1991 par la Demanderesse, comportant plusieurs génératrices d'éléments rayonnants, chacune de ces génératrices comporte une série d'éléments rayonnants comprenant, comme par exemple en Figures 3 et 4, un élément central encadré de part et d'autre, par des éléments rayonnants semblables, mais de largeur croissant progressivement et disposés de façon à ne pas créer de trous d'illumination sur cette génératrice.In the case of an antenna comprising a shaped array on a surface of revolution of any profile (circular cylindrical, frustoconical, ...), for example according to patent application in France N ° 91.05510 filed on May 6, 1991 by the Applicant , comprising several generators of radiating elements, each of these generators comprises a series of radiating elements comprising, as for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, a central element framed on either side, by similar radiating elements, but of width increasing progressively and arranged so as not to create illumination holes on this generator.

Claims (16)

Antenne-réseau pour ondes hyperfréquences, composée d'une kyrielle de sources élémentaires analogues (Co, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g, C3d, C3g...), caractérisée en ce que ces sources élémentaires sont d'une largeur (lo,...l3,ln-1,ln...) qui globalement va en augmentant progressivement du centre (2) du réseau vers ses extrémités, et sont disposées (3) les unes par rapport aux autres de façon qu'il n'y ait pratiquement pas création de trous d'illumination dans ce réseau.Network antenna for microwave waves, composed of a multitude of analogous elementary sources (Co, C1d, C1g, C2d, C2g, C3d, C3g ...), characterized in that these elementary sources are of a width (lo, ... l3, ln-1, ln ...) which generally increases progressively from the center (2) of the network towards its ends, and are arranged (3) with respect to each other so that it does not there is practically no creation of illumination holes in this network. Antenne-réseau selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que cet élargissement progressif en dimensions des sources suit une loi de variation en progression géométrique.Array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that this progressive enlargement in dimensions of the sources follows a law of variation in geometric progression. Antenne-réseau selon la revendiaction 2, caractérisée en ce que la largeur (ln) de la source de rang (n) est liée à la largeur (ln-1) de la source de rang (n-1) par une relation de la forme : ln/l n-1 =(1+k)
Figure imgb0003
 , où k est un facteur d'accroissement constant.Array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that the width (l n ) of the row source (n) is linked to the width (l n-1 ) of the row source (n-1) by a relation of shape : ln / l n-1 = (1 + k)
Figure imgb0003
 , where k is a constant increase factor. Antenne-réseau selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que cet accroissement progressif en largeur est réalisé sur des groupes successifs de sources identiques.Array antenna according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that this progressive increase in width is carried out on successive groups of identical sources. Antenne-réseau selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, cette antenne comportant un déphaseur commandable (Do,...,D3d,D3g,...) derrière chaque source (Co,...,C3d,C3g...) pour assurer le balayage électronique du faisceau, ainsi qu'un amplificateur de puissance hyperfréquences (HPAo,...,HPA3d,HPA3g,...) également derrière chacune de ces sources, caractérisée en ce que ces amplificateurs sont tous identiques et délivrent tous la même puissance correspondant à leur puissance optimale commune de fonctionnement.Array antenna according to one of claims 1 to 4, this antenna comprising a controllable phase shifter (Do, ..., D3d, D3g, ...) behind each source (Co, ..., C3d, C3g ... ) to ensure the electronic scanning of the beam, as well as a microwave power amplifier (HPAo, ..., HPA3d, HPA3g, ...) also behind each of these sources, characterized in that these amplifiers are all identical and deliver all the same power corresponding to their common optimal operating power. Antenne-réseau selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que, lesdites sources élémentaires étant des cornets rayonnants (Co,...,C3d,C3g...), chaque cornet est séparé du cornet adjacent par une paroi commune (3).Array antenna according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, said elementary sources being radiating horns (Co, ..., C3d, C3g ...), each horn is separated from the adjacent horn by a wall common (3). Antenne-réseau selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que, lesdites sources élémentaires étant des pavés rayonnants ou "patchs" (Po,...,P2d,P2g,...) chaque patch est séparé du patch adjacent par une distance (d) sensiblement égale à la demi-longueur d'ondes guidée.Array antenna according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, said elementary sources being radiating blocks or "patches" (Po, ..., P2d, P2g, ...) each patch is separated from the adjacent patch by a distance (d) substantially equal to the guided half-wavelength. Antenne-réseau selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que chacun de ces patchs (G1d,G1g) est lui-même composé d'un groupe de patchs identiques, reliés électriquement (7,8), et séparés l'un de l'autre par une distance (d) sensiblement égale à la demilongueur d'ondes guidée.Array antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that each of these patches (G1d, G1g) is itself composed of a group of identical patches, electrically connected (7,8), and separated one from the other by a distance (d) substantially equal to the guided half-length of waves. Antenne-réseau plan selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que l'accroissement progressif de la dimension des sources s'effectue, selon les deux axes de coordonnées, du centre de ce réseau vers ses bords.Flat network antenna according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the progressive increase in the size of the sources takes place, along the two coordinate axes, from the center of this network to its edges. Antenne-réseau plane de révolution selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que l'accroissement progressif de la dimension des sources s'effectue du centre vers la périphérie de cette structure plane de révolution.Plane antenna of revolution according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the progressive increase in the dimension of the sources takes place from the center towards the periphery of this plane structure of revolution. Antenne-réseau selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, conformée sur une surface de révolution de profil quelconque et comportant plusieurs génératrices d'éléments rayonnants, caractérisée en ce que chacune de ces génératrices comporte une série d'éléments rayonnants comprenant un élément central encadré, de part et d'autre, par des éléments rayonnants semblables, mais de largeur croissant progressivement et disposés de façon à ne pas créer de trous d'illumination sur cette génératrice.Array antenna according to one of claims 1 to 8, shaped on any surface of revolution of any profile and comprising several generators of radiating elements, characterized in that each of these generators comprises a series of radiating elements comprising a central element framed on both sides by similar radiating elements, but gradually increasing in width and arranged so as not to create illumination holes on this generator. Antenne réseau active en réception selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'elle comporte un amplificateur à faible bruit pour chaque source élémentaire (Co,...,C3d, C3g,...) ainsi qu'un déphaseur commandable (D0,...D3d, D3g,...) derrière chaque amplificateur à faible bruit.Network antenna active in reception according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a low noise amplifier for each elementary source (Co, ..., C3d, C3g, ...) as well as a controllable phase shifter (D0, ... D3d, D3g, ...) behind each low noise amplifier. Antenne réseau active en émission selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'elle comporte un déphaseur commandable (D0,...D3d, D3g,...) derrière chaque source élémentaire (Co,...,C3d, C3g,...) ainsi qu'un amplificateur de puissance hyperfréquences (HHPAo, ...HPA3d, HPA3g,...) également derrière chacune de ces sources.Network antenna active in transmission according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a controllable phase shifter (D0, ... D3d, D3g, ...) behind each elementary source (Co, ..., C3d, C3g, ...) as well as a microwave power amplifier (HHPAo, ... HPA3d, HPA3g, ...) also behind each of these sources. Antenne réseau active selon les revendications 12 et 13, pour des applications radar, caractérisé en ce qu'elle comporte une voie émission et un voie réception, commutées alternativement, chacune comprenant un amplificateur hyperfréquence spécifique.Active network antenna according to claims 12 and 13, for radar applications, characterized in that it comprises a transmission channel and a reception channel, switched alternately, each comprising a specific microwave amplifier. Antenne réseau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 ou 14, caractérisée en ce que tous les amplificateurs fonctionnant en émission délivrent tous la même puissance correspondant à leur puissance optimale commune de fonctionnement.Network antenna according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that all the amplifiers operating in transmission all deliver the same power corresponding to their common optimal operating power. Antenne réseau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, placée suivant la ligne focale d'un réflecteur cylindro-parabolique assurant ainsi une antenne à grand gain balayant électroniquement dans le plan formé par le réseau linéaire et la ligne des sommets des sections paraboliques.Array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15, placed along the focal line of a cylindro-parabolic reflector thus ensuring a high gain antenna scanning electronically in the plane formed by the linear array and the line of the vertices of the parabolic sections .
EP92112576A 1991-07-26 1992-07-23 Antenna array for ultra-high frequencies Expired - Lifetime EP0524622B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9109506 1991-07-26
FR9109506A FR2679704B1 (en) 1991-07-26 1991-07-26 NETWORK ANTENNA FOR MICROWAVE WAVES.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0524622A1 true EP0524622A1 (en) 1993-01-27
EP0524622B1 EP0524622B1 (en) 1997-04-23

Family

ID=9415594

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92112576A Expired - Lifetime EP0524622B1 (en) 1991-07-26 1992-07-23 Antenna array for ultra-high frequencies

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5327147A (en)
EP (1) EP0524622B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH05199029A (en)
CA (1) CA2074657C (en)
DE (1) DE69219233T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2100980T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2679704B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1272984B (en) * 1994-05-17 1997-07-01 Space Eng Srl REFLECTOR OR LENS ANTENNA, SHAPED BANDS OR BEAM SCANNING
US6304225B1 (en) 1998-08-21 2001-10-16 Raytheon Company Lens system for antenna system
US6160519A (en) * 1998-08-21 2000-12-12 Raytheon Company Two-dimensionally steered antenna system
US6184838B1 (en) * 1998-11-20 2001-02-06 Hughes Electronics Corporation Antenna configuration for low and medium earth orbit satellites
US6275184B1 (en) 1999-11-30 2001-08-14 Raytheon Company Multi-level system and method for steering an antenna
JP3736735B2 (en) * 2000-07-06 2006-01-18 株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ Adaptive array antenna
US6504517B1 (en) * 2000-09-12 2003-01-07 Lucent Technologies Inc. Variable sectorization tower top applique for base stations
JP4602585B2 (en) * 2001-03-29 2010-12-22 アンリツ株式会社 Leaky wave antenna
NL1019431C2 (en) * 2001-11-26 2003-05-27 Stichting Astron Antenna system and method for manufacturing thereof.
JP3942087B2 (en) * 2002-09-20 2007-07-11 株式会社ホンダエレシス In-vehicle millimeter-wave radar antenna
US6819291B1 (en) * 2003-06-02 2004-11-16 Raymond J. Lackey Reduced-size GPS antennas for anti-jam adaptive processing
US20090278732A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2009-11-12 Paul Antonik Method and apparatus for simultaneous synthetic aperture radar and moving target indication
US7646326B2 (en) * 2006-04-28 2010-01-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Method and apparatus for simultaneous synthetic aperture radar and moving target indication
US7616165B2 (en) * 2006-08-23 2009-11-10 Nextel Communications, Inc. Multiple band antenna arrangement
US7372420B1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-05-13 The Boeing Company Electronically scanned antenna with secondary phase shifters
GB2463884B (en) 2008-09-26 2014-01-29 Kathrein Werke Kg Antenna array with differently power rated amplifiers
US10382002B2 (en) * 2015-03-27 2019-08-13 Tdk Corporation Apparatus and methods for tunable phase networks
US20180309195A1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2018-10-25 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Antenna device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3438040A (en) * 1965-10-15 1969-04-08 Marconi Co Ltd Horn antenna having plural convergent waveguide paths
US4364052A (en) * 1980-10-29 1982-12-14 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Antenna arrangements for suppressing selected sidelobes
DE3839945A1 (en) * 1988-11-26 1990-05-31 Telefunken Systemtechnik Phased antenna array
US4980692A (en) * 1989-11-29 1990-12-25 Ail Systems, Inc. Frequency independent circular array

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1460075A (en) * 1965-10-15 1966-06-17 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Improvements to radiating networks
US3460150A (en) * 1966-01-21 1969-08-05 Univ California Broadside log-periodic antenna
US3530478A (en) * 1968-03-27 1970-09-22 Us Navy Frequency independent log periodic slot multi-mode antenna array
US4414550A (en) * 1981-08-04 1983-11-08 The Bendix Corporation Low profile circular array antenna and microstrip elements therefor
US4594595A (en) * 1984-04-18 1986-06-10 Sanders Associates, Inc. Circular log-periodic direction-finder array
US4758842A (en) * 1986-05-19 1988-07-19 Hughes Aircraft Company Horn antenna array phase matched over large bandwidths
DE69008551T2 (en) * 1989-01-09 1994-10-27 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Antenna system.
US5027125A (en) * 1989-08-16 1991-06-25 Hughes Aircraft Company Semi-active phased array antenna
FR2659500B1 (en) * 1990-03-09 1992-05-15 Alcatel Espace METHOD OF FORMING THE DIAGRAM OF A HIGH EFFICIENCY ACTIVE ANTENNA FOR ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED RADAR AND ANTENNA USING THE SAME.
FR2659501B1 (en) * 1990-03-09 1992-07-31 Alcatel Espace HIGH EFFICIENCY PRINTED ACTIVE ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR AGILE SPATIAL RADAR.
US5166690A (en) * 1991-12-23 1992-11-24 Raytheon Company Array beamformer using unequal power couplers for plural beams

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3438040A (en) * 1965-10-15 1969-04-08 Marconi Co Ltd Horn antenna having plural convergent waveguide paths
US4364052A (en) * 1980-10-29 1982-12-14 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Antenna arrangements for suppressing selected sidelobes
DE3839945A1 (en) * 1988-11-26 1990-05-31 Telefunken Systemtechnik Phased antenna array
US4980692A (en) * 1989-11-29 1990-12-25 Ail Systems, Inc. Frequency independent circular array

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2074657C (en) 1995-12-19
DE69219233D1 (en) 1997-05-28
JPH05199029A (en) 1993-08-06
CA2074657A1 (en) 1993-01-27
US5327147A (en) 1994-07-05
DE69219233T2 (en) 1997-08-07
FR2679704B1 (en) 1993-09-24
ES2100980T3 (en) 1997-07-01
FR2679704A1 (en) 1993-01-29
EP0524622B1 (en) 1997-04-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0524622A1 (en) Antenna array for ultra-high frequencies
EP0374008B1 (en) Over the whole spherical space electronically scanning antenna with random and reduced three-dimensional distribution of the antenna elements
EP2548261B1 (en) Reflector array antenna with crossed polarization compensation and method for producing such an antenna
EP0145597B1 (en) Plane periodic antenna
EP2194602B1 (en) Antenna with shared sources and design process for a multi-beam antenna with shared sources
EP0372451B1 (en) Multifrequency radiating device
FR2672436A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLING THE RADIATION DIAGRAM OF AN ANTENNA WITH ONE OR MORE DIRECTION BEAMS AND / OR VARIABLE WIDTH.
CA2821242C (en) Multi-beam antenna and antennae system including compact sources and satellite telecommunication system including at least one such antenna
EP0598656A1 (en) Radiating element for an antenna array and sub-set with such elements
EP2688142B1 (en) Multi-beam transmission and reception antenna with a plurality of sources per beam, antenna system and satellite telecommunication system comprising such an antenna
FR2709878A1 (en) Monopolar wire-plate antenna.
EP0548876B1 (en) An active offset antenna having two reflectors
EP2434578B1 (en) Antennal system with two grids of spots with nested complementary meshes
CA2460820C (en) Broadband or multiband antenna
EP0519772B1 (en) Microwave antenna with optoelectronical controlled scanning
EP3435480A1 (en) Antenna incorporating delay lenses inside a divider based distributor with a parallel plate waveguide
FR2527014A1 (en) GAMMA POWERED MICROBAND ANTENNA
EP2817850B1 (en) Electromagnetic band gap device, use thereof in an antenna device, and method for determining the parameters of the antenna device
EP0131512A1 (en) Dual reflector antenna with quasitoroidal coverage
CA2808511C (en) Flat antenna for a terminal operating in dual circular polarisation, airborne terminal and satellite telecommunication system featuring at least one antenna
EP0477102B1 (en) Directional network with adjacent radiator elements for radio communication system and unit with such a directional network
EP0762534B1 (en) Method for enlarging the radiation diagram of an antenna array with elements distributed in a volume
EP0654845A1 (en) Adaptable dipole radiating element in printed circuit technology, method for adjustment of the adaptation and corresponding array
FR2773269A1 (en) BROADBAND DETECTION DEVICE, ESPECIALLY RADARS
FR2513443A1 (en) HYPERFREQUENCY PLANE ANTENNA WITH A NETWORK OF RADIANT ELEMENTS OR RECEPTORS

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930315

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19941102

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69219233

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970528

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2100980

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19970709

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20000614

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20000626

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20000629

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20000629

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20000720

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010724

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010724

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 92112576.1

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20010723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020329

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20020810

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050723