EP0480157A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Angle diversity antenna with phased array feed
Assignee: Alcatel Lucent NV
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Filing: 1991-08-27
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-08-27
Abstract
Abstract An angle diversity antenna has a phased array feed (12) for producing multiple radiation patterns from the same reflector at slightly different launch angles. The phased array feed comprises a plurality of radiating elements and allows the radiation pattern, or antenna beam, to be electronically changed to receive the strongest RF signal, which may have been refracted by atmospheric conditions. The microwave signal is reflected to a point (42) offset from focal point (14). Array elements (12) are phase aligned for receipt of the signal at point (42). Microwave switches or adjustable microwave phase shifters may be used for shifting the antenna launch angle. A capacitive probe (20), for instance, may be used to sense the power of the received signal. Control unit (24) is connected to phase shifters in the feed (12) by control cables (26).
Inventors
- 👤 Udo H. Bode
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 01:42
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/02; H04B7/10; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/26; H01Q3/2658
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An angle diversity antenna feed for radiating and receiving RF signals to and from an antenna reflector, the feed comprising: means for selectively radiating and receiving RF signals at one of a plurality of main beam angles, said radiating means comprising a plurality of radiating elements configured in a phased array; means for detecting the signal strength of a received RF signal and for providing an output in response there to; and means connected to said radiating means and the output of said signal strength detecting means for changing said main beam angle; whereby said main beam angle changing means changes said main beam angle when said signal strength detecting means detects a signal strength below a predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
An angle diversity antenna feed for radiating and receiving RF signals to and from an antenna reflector, the feed comprising: means for selectively radiating and receiving RF signals at one of a plurality of main beam angles, said radiating means comprising a plurality of radiating elements configured in a phased array; means for detecting the signal strength of a received RF signal and for providing an output in response there to; and means connected to said radiating means and the output of said signal strength detecting means for changing said main beam angle; whereby said main beam angle changing means changes said main beam angle when said signal strength detecting means detects a signal strength below a predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 1, wherein said radiating means comprises at least two groups of radiating elements, each of said groups being positioned and aligned for radiating and receiving at a different main beam angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 2, wherein said main beam angle changing means comprises switches for switching between said groups of radiating elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 3, wherein said switches are PIN diode switches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 4, wherein said switches are mounted within said feed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 2, wherein said signal strength detecting means comprises a capacitive probe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 2, wherein said radiating elements are comprised of microstrip.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 2, wherein each of said two groups of radiating elements comprises four radiating elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 8, wherein each of said groups share at least one radiating element with another group.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 2, wherein one of said groups is positioned in a focal point of said reflector, said one group being aligned for radiating and receiving RF signals at a predetermined main beam angle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 10, wherein each of the remaining groups is positioned and aligned for receiving and radiating at a main beam angle displaced from the main beam angle of said group positioned in the focal point.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 1, wherein said radiating means comprises one group of radiating elements, said one group being positioned out of the focal point of said reflector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 12, wherein said main beam angle changing means comprises variable phase shifters connected to said radiating elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 12, wherein said radiating elements are waveguide radiators.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 12, wherein said main beam angle changing means comprises a plurality of switch pairs and a plurality of delay lines, said switch pairs and said delay lines being connected to said radiating elements.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 15, wherein each switch pair and each delay line correspond to a radiating element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
56 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 16, wherein each switch pair and corresponding delay line define a first and a second transmission path for the RF signal, said first transmission path causing a negligible phase shift on the RF signal, said second transmission path causing a material phase shift on the RF signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
An angle diversity antenna feed as defined in claim 17, wherein a delay line is in said second transmission path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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