WO2002097919A1 - Microwave antennas - Google Patents

Microwave antennas Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002097919A1
WO2002097919A1 PCT/GB2002/002272 GB0202272W WO02097919A1 WO 2002097919 A1 WO2002097919 A1 WO 2002097919A1 GB 0202272 W GB0202272 W GB 0202272W WO 02097919 A1 WO02097919 A1 WO 02097919A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
antenna elements
horizontal
housing
elements
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2002/002272
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Louis Frederick Charles Collins
Original Assignee
Fortel Technologies Inc
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 Fortel Technologies Inc filed Critical Fortel Technologies Inc
Publication of WO2002097919A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002097919A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q25/00—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
    • H01Q3/04—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
    • H01Q3/08—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to microwave antennas such as those suitable for the reception of television, positional and communication signals from satellites.
  • antennas in the form of substantially flat planar arrays, for example in the form of metallised plastics mouldings. It is also known to mount such arrays on the roofs of vehicles, typically in such a manner that the array can be rotated around a vertical axis.
  • current vehicle mounted antenna arrangements have poor efficiency since the antenna array is positioned horizontally. It is not acceptable to tilt the antenna to a more efficient receiving angle, since this would increase the height of the antenna assembly to a degree which would be unacceptable for vehicle roof mounting.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an antenna which overcomes or reduces this problem. It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved antenna suitable for other purposes.
  • the present invention provides an antenna assembly comprising at least two antenna elements, each of the antenna elements comprising a substantially planar array which has a length substantially greater than its width, the antenna elements being mounted with their long axes parallel for tilting movement with respect to the horizontal.
  • the antenna elements are arranged to tilt in unison at a common angle to the horizontal.
  • the antenna elements are contained within a single housing.
  • the housing may be rotatable in a horizontal plane, or the antenna elements may be rotated within the housing about a common vertical axis.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of an antenna assembly forming a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a side view corresponding to Fig. 1
  • Fig. 3 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 1
  • Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are views of the first embodiment similar to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively but showing the antenna in a different orientation
  • Fig. 7A is a plan view of a second embodiment in a first orientation
  • Fig. 8 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 7A
  • Fig. 9A is a side view corresponding to Fig. 7A
  • Figs. 7B and 7C are plan views of the second embodiment in second and third orientations
  • Figs 9B and 9C are side views corresponding to Figs. 7B and 7C.
  • a microwave antenna assembly comprises a housing 10 transparent to the radiation of interest. Within the housing 10 are disposed two antenna elements 12. Each of the antenna elements 12 is a generally planar array of cells, in which each cell has a receiving horn coupling to one or more waveguides via elements such as polarisers. The antenna elements 12 are formed from plastic layers which are assembled together and metallised.
  • each antenna element is an array of 20x2 cells, and is mounted by pivot pins 14on its long axis such that the element 12 can be tilted.
  • Figs. 1 to 3 show the antenna elements 12 tilted at 65° to the horizontal. Figs.
  • the housing 10 can be mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane.
  • the antenna assembly can be steered in horizontal and vertical rotation for best alignment with a given signal source.
  • Such steering can be achieved manually or automatically, as is known.
  • Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate a modified embodiment in which the antenna elements 12 are mounted within a generally rectangular housing 20.
  • antenna elements having arrays other than 2x20 It is of course possible to use antenna elements having arrays other than 2x20. Increasing the width will increase the height required for tilting from the horizontal. The maximum height which is acceptable will depend on the application. It is equally possible to use more than two antenna elements tilting in unison.
  • the invention may be applied to substantially planar antenna elements of other types, for example using stripline printed circuit board technology.
  • Other modifications and improvements may be made within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract

There is described an antenna assembly made up of a number of separate antenna elements. Each element is a substantially planar array having a length substantially greater than its width. The elements are mounted with their co-axes parallel for tilting movement with respect to the horizontal. The assembly is mounted in the housing which can rotate in a horizontal plane.

Description

"Microwave Antennas"
The present invention relates to microwave antennas such as those suitable for the reception of television, positional and communication signals from satellites.
It is known to provide antennas in the form of substantially flat planar arrays, for example in the form of metallised plastics mouldings. It is also known to mount such arrays on the roofs of vehicles, typically in such a manner that the array can be rotated around a vertical axis. However, current vehicle mounted antenna arrangements have poor efficiency since the antenna array is positioned horizontally. It is not acceptable to tilt the antenna to a more efficient receiving angle, since this would increase the height of the antenna assembly to a degree which would be unacceptable for vehicle roof mounting. An object of the invention is to provide an antenna which overcomes or reduces this problem. It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved antenna suitable for other purposes.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an antenna assembly comprising at least two antenna elements, each of the antenna elements comprising a substantially planar array which has a length substantially greater than its width, the antenna elements being mounted with their long axes parallel for tilting movement with respect to the horizontal.
Preferably, the antenna elements are arranged to tilt in unison at a common angle to the horizontal.
Preferably also, the antenna elements are contained within a single housing. The housing may be rotatable in a horizontal plane, or the antenna elements may be rotated within the housing about a common vertical axis.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a plan view of an antenna assembly forming a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view corresponding to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 1; Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are views of the first embodiment similar to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively but showing the antenna in a different orientation; Fig. 7A is a plan view of a second embodiment in a first orientation; Fig. 8 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 7A; Fig. 9A is a side view corresponding to Fig. 7A; Figs. 7B and 7C are plan views of the second embodiment in second and third orientations; and Figs 9B and 9C are side views corresponding to Figs. 7B and 7C.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 , a microwave antenna assembly comprises a housing 10 transparent to the radiation of interest. Within the housing 10 are disposed two antenna elements 12. Each of the antenna elements 12 is a generally planar array of cells, in which each cell has a receiving horn coupling to one or more waveguides via elements such as polarisers. The antenna elements 12 are formed from plastic layers which are assembled together and metallised.
Antenna elements of this nature are known; see for example our published International Patent Application WO95/23440. The known antennas are generally square, for example 12x12 or 20x20 cells, and designed for fixed mounting oriented orthogonal to the line of sight to the transmitter. In the present embodiment, each antenna element is an array of 20x2 cells, and is mounted by pivot pins 14on its long axis such that the element 12 can be tilted. Figs. 1 to 3 show the antenna elements 12 tilted at 65° to the horizontal. Figs. 4 to 6 shows the same assembly with the elements 12 tilted at 22° to the horizontal; this is the smallest angle which the present embodiment can assume while still presenting the entire area of the horns to the incoming signal, as further tilting would obscure one element 12 behind the other.
The housing 10 can be mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane. Thus the antenna assembly can be steered in horizontal and vertical rotation for best alignment with a given signal source. Such steering can be achieved manually or automatically, as is known.
Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate a modified embodiment in which the antenna elements 12 are mounted within a generally rectangular housing 20.
It is of course possible to use antenna elements having arrays other than 2x20. Increasing the width will increase the height required for tilting from the horizontal. The maximum height which is acceptable will depend on the application. It is equally possible to use more than two antenna elements tilting in unison.
The invention may be applied to substantially planar antenna elements of other types, for example using stripline printed circuit board technology. Other modifications and improvements may be made within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 An antenna assembly comprising at least two antenna elements, each of the antenna elements comprising a substantially planar array which has a length substantially greater than its width, the antenna elements being mounted with their long axes parallel for tilting movement with respect to the horizontal.
2 An antenna assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the antenna elements are arranged to tilt in unison at a common angle to the horizontal.
3 An antenna assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the antenna elements are contained within a single housing.
4 An antenna assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing is rotatable in a horizontal plane.
5 An antenna assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the antenna elements are rotated within the housing about a common vertical axis.
PCT/GB2002/002272 2001-06-01 2002-05-31 Microwave antennas WO2002097919A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0113296.8 2001-06-01
GB0113296A GB0113296D0 (en) 2001-06-01 2001-06-01 Microwave antennas

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002097919A1 true WO2002097919A1 (en) 2002-12-05

Family

ID=9915675

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/002272 WO2002097919A1 (en) 2001-06-01 2002-05-31 Microwave antennas

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0113296D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002097919A1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005067098A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-21 Raysat Cyprus Limited Mobile antenna system for satellite communications
EP1604427A2 (en) * 2003-02-18 2005-12-14 Starling Advanced Communications Ltd. Low profile antenna for satellite communication
US7061432B1 (en) 2005-06-10 2006-06-13 X-Ether, Inc. Compact and low profile satellite communication antenna system
EP1806808A2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-11 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Applications for low profile two way satellite antenna system
US7663566B2 (en) 2005-10-16 2010-02-16 Starling Advanced Communications Ltd. Dual polarization planar array antenna and cell elements therefor
US7911400B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2011-03-22 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Applications for low profile two-way satellite antenna system
US8761663B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2014-06-24 Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd Antenna system
US8964891B2 (en) 2012-12-18 2015-02-24 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Antenna system calibration
US9583829B2 (en) 2013-02-12 2017-02-28 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Optimization of low profile antenna(s) for equatorial operation

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03247003A (en) * 1990-02-23 1991-11-05 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Automatic tracking antenna system for satellite broadcast receiver
EP0487464A2 (en) * 1990-11-22 1992-05-27 SMA SEGNALAMENTO MARITTIMO ED AEREO S.p.A. Radar detector for vehicle suitable in close range applications
EP0920072A2 (en) * 1997-11-25 1999-06-02 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Electronically scanned phased-array antenna for a satellite radio terminal
WO2001011718A1 (en) * 1999-08-05 2001-02-15 Sarnoff Corporation Low profile steerable antenna

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03247003A (en) * 1990-02-23 1991-11-05 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Automatic tracking antenna system for satellite broadcast receiver
EP0487464A2 (en) * 1990-11-22 1992-05-27 SMA SEGNALAMENTO MARITTIMO ED AEREO S.p.A. Radar detector for vehicle suitable in close range applications
EP0920072A2 (en) * 1997-11-25 1999-06-02 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Electronically scanned phased-array antenna for a satellite radio terminal
WO2001011718A1 (en) * 1999-08-05 2001-02-15 Sarnoff Corporation Low profile steerable antenna

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ITO Y ET AL: "A MOBILE 12 GHZ DBS TELEVISION RECEIVING SYSTEM", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BROADCASTING, IEEE INC. NEW YORK, US, vol. 35, no. 1, 1 March 1989 (1989-03-01), pages 56 - 61, XP000039310, ISSN: 0018-9316 *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 038 (E - 1161) 30 January 1992 (1992-01-30) *

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1604427A2 (en) * 2003-02-18 2005-12-14 Starling Advanced Communications Ltd. Low profile antenna for satellite communication
EP1604427A4 (en) * 2003-02-18 2006-02-15 Starling Advanced Comm Ltd Low profile antenna for satellite communication
US7385562B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2008-06-10 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Mobile antenna system for satellite communications
US6999036B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2006-02-14 Raysat Cyprus Limited Mobile antenna system for satellite communications
US8761663B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2014-06-24 Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd Antenna system
US7911400B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2011-03-22 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Applications for low profile two-way satellite antenna system
WO2005067098A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-21 Raysat Cyprus Limited Mobile antenna system for satellite communications
US7705793B2 (en) 2004-06-10 2010-04-27 Raysat Antenna Systems Applications for low profile two way satellite antenna system
US7061432B1 (en) 2005-06-10 2006-06-13 X-Ether, Inc. Compact and low profile satellite communication antenna system
US7663566B2 (en) 2005-10-16 2010-02-16 Starling Advanced Communications Ltd. Dual polarization planar array antenna and cell elements therefor
EP1806808A3 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-12-19 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Applications for low profile two way satellite antenna system
EP1806808A2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-11 Raysat Antenna Systems, L.L.C. Applications for low profile two way satellite antenna system
US8964891B2 (en) 2012-12-18 2015-02-24 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Antenna system calibration
US9583829B2 (en) 2013-02-12 2017-02-28 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Optimization of low profile antenna(s) for equatorial operation

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Publication number Publication date
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