EP1032074A1 - Antenna with adjustable tilt - Google Patents

Antenna with adjustable tilt Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1032074A1
EP1032074A1 EP00430009A EP00430009A EP1032074A1 EP 1032074 A1 EP1032074 A1 EP 1032074A1 EP 00430009 A EP00430009 A EP 00430009A EP 00430009 A EP00430009 A EP 00430009A EP 1032074 A1 EP1032074 A1 EP 1032074A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
phase
phase shift
control
circuit
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.)
Withdrawn
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EP00430009A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Charles
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Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1032074A1 publication Critical patent/EP1032074A1/en
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    • 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
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
    • H01Q3/38—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters the phase-shifters being digital
    • H01Q3/385—Scan control logics
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
    • H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
    • H01Q1/246—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for base stations
    • 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
    • H01Q3/005—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 remotely controlled antenna positioning or scanning
    • 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
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • 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
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • 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
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
    • 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
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
    • H01Q3/38—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters the phase-shifters being digital

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is, in the field of antennas for terrestrial cellular radio networks, a method adjustment by remote control of the tilt of the diagram radiation, with respect to the horizontal, of the antennas of a radio station based.
  • the invention also relates to an antenna equipped with means tilt adjustment system and a remote tilt control system.
  • One of the problems faced by cellular network operators when optimizing their network, is linked to monitoring coverage radio offered by each base station.
  • One of the means used to adjust this coverage consists in modifying the tilt (inclination of the radiation pattern with respect to the horizontal) of the antenna for reduce (or sometimes increase) the range of a base station; the modification of the tilt is also used to reduce the interference caused by a base station serving a remote cell, in which the same spectral resources are used, in order to increase the capacity of the network.
  • US Patent 4,249,181 describes a radiotelephone system cellular mobile, in which radio frequencies are assigned to cells arranged adjacent to form a network covering an area of service; at least one directional antenna system is provided in each cell; an antenna has several collinear dipoles powered in phase; in order to tilt the axis of a lobe of the diagram radiation of the antenna in a vertical plane, below the horizontal, the antenna is fixed to a mast by means of a mechanical support inclined, fixed or adjustable, in order to increase the effectiveness of the cover of the cell served by the antenna (compared to the case where the axis is horizontal).
  • Adjusting the tilt by adjusting a mechanical antenna support requires an on-site intervention which is expensive. It is further impossible with this system to precisely adjust the coverage of a cell without increasing the number of interventions on site.
  • Such a mechanical device for adjusting the inclination of the antenna also has the disadvantage of distorting the radiation of the antenna in the horizontal plane.
  • the lengths of the electrical paths at the frequency of are such that when the moving part is in position median, they cause a progressive phase shift between the elements radiant resulting in an inclination of the radiation pattern of 7 about degrees below the horizontal; this inclination is adjustable between 0 and 14 degrees by displacement of the moving part (by the motor), which changes the length of the electrical paths, and therefore the phase relative of the signals delivered to the radiating elements.
  • This electromechanical phase shift device is intended to allow to remotely control the inclination of the radiation pattern, in particular depending on the variation in intensity of demand during the period weekend or vacation; this system presents some disadvantages: it does not allow a rapid variation of the phase shift; in moreover, its reliability is limited by that of the electromechanical mechanism of modification of the length of the electrical paths.
  • An objective pursued by the invention is to propose a device for variation of the inclination of the radiation pattern of such antenna, which can be remotely controlled, which is improved and partially remedies at least the drawbacks of known devices.
  • the static phase shifting circuit is preferably constituted by a network of fixed phase-shifting elements which are each associated with a diode (or a radio frequency relay) for switching the phase shifter element, the conduction of the diodes (respectively the closing of the relays) being able to be controlled by a digital control signal applied to the circuit phase shifter; the circuit preferably includes switching diodes PIN type.
  • the invention thus provides a very simple, precise, very reliable device, compact and inexpensive, easy to control remotely, and which allows vary the inclination of the radiation pattern of an antenna by less than 1 microsecond, especially when using diodes, including the very short switching time can be of the order of 10 to 100 nanoseconds.
  • the device according to the invention also causes little distortion of the radiation pattern in a horizontal plane.
  • the possibility of adjusting the tilt of the antenna using a device electronic allows, on cellular networks with multiple access by time distribution (GSM type), to control the inclination of the radiation pattern for each time interval (frame), by variation of the inclination at a frequency equal to the inverse of the duration of the TDMA frame, therefore mobile terminal by mobile terminal, according to received level or quality information at the radio interface.
  • GSM type time distribution
  • the tilt adjustment for each call in progress can be used in additional power control to adjust the level of the useful signal and to reduce the level of an interfering signal located in the opening of the antenna.
  • An electronic device for phase shifting of elementary antennas is integrated inside each antenna.
  • the control of this device adjusts the tilt of the antenna.
  • a operator can adjust this tilt without special intervention on the antenna.
  • measurements made on the network show that this tilt must be modified to reduce interference or to change coverage radio, it is again possible to modify the tilt without cost additional.
  • Cellular network antennas are used most of the time in duplex mode (transmission and reception on the same antenna); the device electronic provides identical electrical tilt on the track rising and falling.
  • the electronic device integrated in the protection radome the antenna is therefore essentially composed of phase shifters whose signals can be transmitted by a coaxial cable carrying the radio frequency signals to be transmitted. Because the order is made under digital form, it is possible to integrate the command in the cellular network equipment, after the use of the antenna.
  • the invention consists of a method of control of a plurality of antennas according to the invention in which one delivers to each antenna a digital signal for controlling the means electronic phase shift.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a phase shift cell of an antenna according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the use of the phase shift cell in Figure 1, which is inserted into the feed circuit of a four-wire antenna dipoles.
  • Figure 4 is a graph illustrating the variation of the power of two output signals of a phase shift cell as a function of a signal phase shift control applied to this cell.
  • the electronic phase shifting means according to the invention make it possible to distribute the power (radiofrequency signals) delivered to the input (E) of the antenna 9 by a cable 13 to each of the radiating elements 5 to 8 (half-length dipole of wave in the case of an ATR antenna). This distribution is made using elementary phase shift cells 1 (FIG. 1).
  • Each output S1, S2 of the two couplers respectively equipping the two phase shifters 1b, 1c, is connected to two radiating elements of antenna 9.
  • coaxial cable 13 which connects the antenna at the base station, all the electronics integrated into the antenna.
  • modem 11 can be connected to coaxial cable 13 to transmit the remote control information of the phase shifters delivered by a cellular network operation control device.
  • Each phase shifter 3 can be made up of a network of fixed elements switchable by diodes (or radio frequency relays) controlled digitally; such phase shifters are offered in particular by General Microwave Corp., Amityville, N.Y., U.S.A., and / or Narda Microwave, N.Y., U.S.A.

Abstract

The use of phase shifted elements enables direct remote control of tilt of the aerial radiation pattern. The aerial (9) for a cellular telecommunications network comprises radiating elements (5-8) and a supply circuit providing radio-frequency signals. The supply circuit includes an electronic dephasing system introducing phase difference between the signals. This enables a remote adjustment of the inclination of the radiation diagram provided by the aerial in a vertical plane. The electronic dephasing system includes a phase shift cell comprising a dephaser circuit consisting of several static switching components and a fixed dephaser. Switching is achieved by PIN type diodes having a switching duration of the order of 10 - 100 nanoseconds.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet, dans le domaine des antennes pour réseaux de radiocommunications cellulaires terrestres, un procédé d'ajustage par télécommande de l'inclinaison (« tilt ») du diagramme de rayonnement, par rapport à l'horizontale, des antennes d'une station de base.The subject of the present invention is, in the field of antennas for terrestrial cellular radio networks, a method adjustment by remote control of the tilt of the diagram radiation, with respect to the horizontal, of the antennas of a radio station based.

L'invention est également relative à une antenne équipée de moyens de réglage du « tilt », et à un système de commande à distance du « tilt ».The invention also relates to an antenna equipped with means tilt adjustment system and a remote tilt control system.

Le domaine technique est celui des antennes actives (« smart antennas » ou « adaptive antennas ») pour les réseaux de communication avec des terminaux mobiles de télécommunication.The technical field is that of active antennas (“smart antennas "or" adaptive antennas ") for communication networks with mobile telecommunications terminals.

Un des problèmes rencontrés par les opérateurs de réseaux cellulaires lors de l'optimisation de leur réseau, est lié au contrôle de la couverture radioélectrique offerte par chaque station de base. Un des moyens utilisés pour ajuster cette couverture consiste à modifier le tilt (inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement par rapport à l'horizontale) de l'antenne pour réduire (ou parfois accroítre) la portée d'une station de base ; la modification du tilt est aussi utilisée pour réduire le brouillage occasionné par une station de base desservant une cellule distante, dans laquelle les mêmes ressources spectrales sont utilisées, afin d'accroítre la capacité du réseau.One of the problems faced by cellular network operators when optimizing their network, is linked to monitoring coverage radio offered by each base station. One of the means used to adjust this coverage consists in modifying the tilt (inclination of the radiation pattern with respect to the horizontal) of the antenna for reduce (or sometimes increase) the range of a base station; the modification of the tilt is also used to reduce the interference caused by a base station serving a remote cell, in which the same spectral resources are used, in order to increase the capacity of the network.

Aujourd'hui, dans un cas comme dans l'autre, il faut intervenir sur le site (ce qui coûte cher puisqu'il faut faire intervenir un spécialiste de l'installation des antennes) et ajuster de façon mécanique l'inclinaison de cette antenne.Today, in one case as in the other, it is necessary to intervene on the site (which is expensive since it involves a specialist antenna installation) and mechanically adjust the inclination of this antenna.

Le brevet US 4,249,181 (LEE) décrit un système de radiotéléphone mobile cellulaire, dans lequel des fréquences radio sont affectées à des cellules disposées adjacentes pour former un réseau couvrant une zone de service ; au moins un système d'antennes directionnelles est prévu dans chaque cellule ; une antenne comporte plusieurs dipôles colinéaires alimentés en phase ; afin d'incliner l'axe d'un lobe du diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne dans un plan vertical, sous l'horizontale, l'antenne est fixée à un mat par l'intermédiaire d'un support mécanique incliné, fixe ou ajustable, afin d'augmenter l'efficacité de la couverture de la cellule desservie par l'antenne (par rapport au cas où l'axe serait horizontal).US Patent 4,249,181 (LEE) describes a radiotelephone system cellular mobile, in which radio frequencies are assigned to cells arranged adjacent to form a network covering an area of service; at least one directional antenna system is provided in each cell; an antenna has several collinear dipoles powered in phase; in order to tilt the axis of a lobe of the diagram radiation of the antenna in a vertical plane, below the horizontal, the antenna is fixed to a mast by means of a mechanical support inclined, fixed or adjustable, in order to increase the effectiveness of the cover of the cell served by the antenna (compared to the case where the axis is horizontal).

Le réglage du tilt par le réglage d'un support mécanique d'antenne nécessite une intervention sur site qui est coûteuse. Il est en outre impossible avec ce système d'ajuster de façon précise la couverture radioélectrique d'une cellule sans multiplier les interventions sur site.Adjusting the tilt by adjusting a mechanical antenna support requires an on-site intervention which is expensive. It is further impossible with this system to precisely adjust the coverage of a cell without increasing the number of interventions on site.

Un tel dispositif mécanique de réglage d'inclinaison de l'antenne présente également l'inconvénient de déformer le diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne dans le plan horizontal.Such a mechanical device for adjusting the inclination of the antenna also has the disadvantage of distorting the radiation of the antenna in the horizontal plane.

Il est aussi possible d'utiliser des antennes dont le diagramme de rayonnement est incliné par déphasage des signaux alimentant les antennes élémentaires qui composent l'antenne.It is also possible to use antennas whose diagram of radiation is tilted by phase shift of the signals feeding the antennas that make up the antenna.

La demande internationale WO 98/21779 (HUYNH) décrit une antenne dont l'inclinaison du faisceau est variable électriquement ; l'antenne comporte des éléments rayonnants formant trois groupes d'éléments disposés le long d'un écran ; un mécanisme d'ajustement de phase est disposé entre le deuxième et le troisième groupe d'éléments d'antenne, et comporte :

  • un élément de couplage d'entrée ;
  • une partie mobile de couplage dont une extrémité montée pivotante est couplée électromagnétiquement à l'élément de couplage d'entrée ;
  • une portion de ligne de transmission semi-circulaire qui est couplée à une deuxième extrémité de la partie mobile ;
  • un mécanisme d'entraínement de la partie mobile qui comporte un moteur électrique commandable et contrôlable à distance.
International application WO 98/21779 (HUYNH) describes an antenna whose inclination of the beam is electrically variable; the antenna comprises radiating elements forming three groups of elements arranged along a screen; a phase adjustment mechanism is arranged between the second and the third group of antenna elements, and comprises:
  • an input coupling element;
  • a movable coupling part, one pivotally mounted end of which is electromagnetically coupled to the input coupling element;
  • a portion of semicircular transmission line which is coupled to a second end of the movable part;
  • a drive mechanism of the mobile part which includes an electric motor controllable and controllable remotely.

Les longueurs des chemins électriques à la fréquence de fonctionnement sont telles que, lorsque la partie mobile est en position médiane, elles entraínent un déphasage progressif entre les éléments rayonnants résultant en une inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement de 7 degrés environ sous l'horizontale ; cette inclinaison est réglable entre 0 et 14 degrés par déplacement de la partie mobile (par le moteur), ce qui modifie la longueur des chemins électriques, et par conséquent la phase relative des signaux délivrés aux éléments rayonnants.The lengths of the electrical paths at the frequency of are such that when the moving part is in position median, they cause a progressive phase shift between the elements radiant resulting in an inclination of the radiation pattern of 7 about degrees below the horizontal; this inclination is adjustable between 0 and 14 degrees by displacement of the moving part (by the motor), which changes the length of the electrical paths, and therefore the phase relative of the signals delivered to the radiating elements.

Ce dispositif électromécanique de déphasage est destiné à permettre de commander à distance l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement, en particulier en fonction de la variation d'intensité de la demande en période de fin de semaine ou de vacances ; ce système présente certains inconvénients : il ne permet pas une variation rapide du déphasage ; en outre, sa fiabilité est limitée par celle du mécanisme électromécanique de modification de longueur des chemins électriques.This electromechanical phase shift device is intended to allow to remotely control the inclination of the radiation pattern, in particular depending on the variation in intensity of demand during the period weekend or vacation; this system presents some disadvantages: it does not allow a rapid variation of the phase shift; in moreover, its reliability is limited by that of the electromechanical mechanism of modification of the length of the electrical paths.

Un objectif poursuivi par l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de variation de l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement d'une telle antenne, qui soit susceptible d'être commandé à distance, qui soit amélioré et remédie en partie au moins aux inconvénients des dispositifs connus.An objective pursued by the invention is to propose a device for variation of the inclination of the radiation pattern of such antenna, which can be remotely controlled, which is improved and partially remedies at least the drawbacks of known devices.

Selon un premier aspect, l'invention consiste à proposer une antenne pour réseau de télécommunication cellulaire terrestre, comprenant des éléments rayonnants et des moyens d'alimentation desdits éléments rayonnants en signaux radiofréquence ; lesdits moyens d'alimentation comprennent des moyens électroniques de déphasage entre lesdits signaux, de façon à permettre de régler à distance l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement dans un plan vertical, en particulier de l'axe du lobe principal de ce diagramme.According to a first aspect, the invention consists in proposing an antenna for terrestrial cellular telecommunications network, comprising radiating elements and means for supplying said elements radiating radio frequency signals; said supply means comprise electronic means of phase shift between said signals, so as to allow the inclination of the diagram to be adjusted remotely radiation in a vertical plane, in particular of the axis of the main lobe of this diagram.

Les moyens électroniques de déphasage comportent une ou plusieurs cellules de déphasage qui sont chacune généralement constituées par trois composants successivement disposés en série : un diviseur (ou répartiteur) par deux ; un circuit déphaseur statique connecté à une des deux sorties du diviseur pour délivrer en sortie un signal déphasé ; un coupleur à deux sorties en quadrature.The electronic phase shifting means comprise one or more phase shift cells which are each generally made up of three components successively arranged in series: a divider (or distributor) by two ; a static phase shifter circuit connected to one of the two outputs of the divider for outputting a phase shifted signal; a two coupler quadrature outputs.

Le circuit déphaseur statique est de préférence constitué par un réseau d'éléments déphaseurs fixes qui sont chacun associés à une diode (ou un relais radiofréquence) de commutation de l'élément déphaseur, la conduction des diodes (respectivement la fermeture des relais) pouvant être commandée par un signal numérique de commande appliqué au circuit déphaseur ; le circuit comporte de préférence des diodes de commutation de type PIN.The static phase shifting circuit is preferably constituted by a network of fixed phase-shifting elements which are each associated with a diode (or a radio frequency relay) for switching the phase shifter element, the conduction of the diodes (respectively the closing of the relays) being able to be controlled by a digital control signal applied to the circuit phase shifter; the circuit preferably includes switching diodes PIN type.

En utilisant un circuit déphaseur comportant deux, trois ou quatre éléments déphaseurs et leurs diodes (ou relais) associé(e)s, on dispose d'un déphaseur numérique 2, 3 ou 4 bits respectivement.Using a phase shifting circuit with two, three or four phase shifting elements and their associated diodes (or relays), there is a 2, 3 or 4 bit digital phase shifter respectively.

L'invention propose ainsi un dispositif très simple, précis, très fiable, compact et peu coûteux, facile à commander à distance, et qui permet de faire varier l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement d'une antenne en moins de 1 microseconde, en particulier lorsqu'on utilise des diodes, dont le temps de commutation très faible peut être de l'ordre de 10 à 100 nanosecondes.The invention thus provides a very simple, precise, very reliable device, compact and inexpensive, easy to control remotely, and which allows vary the inclination of the radiation pattern of an antenna by less than 1 microsecond, especially when using diodes, including the very short switching time can be of the order of 10 to 100 nanoseconds.

Le dispositif selon l'invention provoque en outre peu de distorsion du diagramme de rayonnement dans un plan horizontal.The device according to the invention also causes little distortion of the radiation pattern in a horizontal plane.

Afin de modifier le tilt de l'antenne, on insère dans le circuit d'alimentation radiofréquence de l'antenne des dispositifs électroniques (déphaseurs) qui vont permettre de faire basculer le diagramme de rayonnement dans un plan vertical. Ce dispositif électronique peut être téléalimenté par le câble coaxial qui relie la station de base à l'antenne. La commande (numérique ou analogique) du dispositif électronique permet d'ajuster la valeur du tilt à une valeur prédéterminée par l'opérateur (par pas de 1 degré par exemple). On peut déporter cette commande au niveau de la station de base, voire au niveau de l'organe qui contrôle et assure l'exploitation du réseau cellulaire. La télécommande mise en place permet d'ajuster le tilt en temps réel sans intervention humaine sur l'antenne.In order to modify the tilt of the antenna, we insert into the circuit radio frequency feed to electronic devices (phase shifters) which will make it possible to switch the diagram of radiation in a vertical plane. This electronic device can be remotely powered by the coaxial cable that connects the base station to the antenna. The control (digital or analog) of the electronic device allows to adjust the tilt value to a value predetermined by the operator (by step of 1 degree for example). We can deport this command to the level from the base station, or even at the level of the body which controls and ensures operating the cellular network. The remote control installed allows adjust the tilt in real time without human intervention on the antenna.

La possibilité d'ajuster le tilt de l'antenne à l'aide d'un dispositif électronique permet, sur les réseaux cellulaires à accès multiple par répartition dans le temps (type GSM), de contrôler l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement pour chaque intervalle de temps (trame), par variation de l'inclinaison à une fréquence égale à l'inverse de la durée de la trame AMRT, donc terminal mobile par terminal mobile, en fonction des informations de niveau reçu ou de qualité à l'interface radioélectrique. Le réglage du tilt pour chaque communication en cours peut être utilisé en complément du contrôle de puissance pour ajuster le niveau du signal utile et pour réduire le niveau d'un signal brouilleur situé dans l'ouverture de l'antenne.The possibility of adjusting the tilt of the antenna using a device electronic allows, on cellular networks with multiple access by time distribution (GSM type), to control the inclination of the radiation pattern for each time interval (frame), by variation of the inclination at a frequency equal to the inverse of the duration of the TDMA frame, therefore mobile terminal by mobile terminal, according to received level or quality information at the radio interface. The tilt adjustment for each call in progress can be used in additional power control to adjust the level of the useful signal and to reduce the level of an interfering signal located in the opening of the antenna.

Un dispositif électronique de déphasage des antennes élémentaires est intégré à l'intérieur de chaque antenne. La commande de ce dispositif permet d'ajuster le tilt de l'antenne. Lorsque la commande est déportée, un opérateur peut ajuster ce tilt sans intervention particulière sur l'antenne. Dans le cas où des mesures réalisées sur le réseau montrent que ce tilt doit être modifié pour réduire un brouillage ou pour modifier la couverture radioélectrique, il est à nouveau possible de modifier le tilt sans coût supplémentaire.An electronic device for phase shifting of elementary antennas is integrated inside each antenna. The control of this device adjusts the tilt of the antenna. When the order is deported, a operator can adjust this tilt without special intervention on the antenna. In the case where measurements made on the network show that this tilt must be modified to reduce interference or to change coverage radio, it is again possible to modify the tilt without cost additional.

Si toutes les antennes d'un réseau cellulaire sont équipées de ce dispositif, il n'est plus nécessaire d'installer de dispositif d'inclinaison des antennes, ni d'indiquer au fabricant d'antennes s'il est nécessaire de fournir une antenne avec une valeur de tilt pré-déterminée.If all the antennas of a cellular network are equipped with this device, it is no longer necessary to install a tilting device antennas, or to indicate to the antenna manufacturer whether it is necessary to provide an antenna with a preset tilt value.

Les antennes des réseaux cellulaires sont utilisées la plupart du temps en mode duplex (émission et réception sur la même antenne) ; le dispositif électronique permet d'obtenir un tilt électrique identique sur la voie montante et descendante.Cellular network antennas are used most of the time in duplex mode (transmission and reception on the same antenna); the device electronic provides identical electrical tilt on the track rising and falling.

Le dispositif électronique intégré dans le radôme de protection de l'antenne est donc essentiellement composé de déphaseurs dont les signaux de commande peuvent être transmis par un câble coaxial transportant les signaux radiofréquence à émettre. Du fait que la commande se fait sous forme numérique, il est possible d'intégrer la commande dans les équipements du réseau cellulaire, après le début de l'utilisation de l'antenne.The electronic device integrated in the protection radome the antenna is therefore essentially composed of phase shifters whose signals can be transmitted by a coaxial cable carrying the radio frequency signals to be transmitted. Because the order is made under digital form, it is possible to integrate the command in the cellular network equipment, after the use of the antenna.

Ainsi, selon un autre aspect, l'invention consiste en un procédé de commande d'une pluralité d'antennes selon l'invention dans lequel on délivre à chaque antenne un signal numérique de commande des moyens électroniques de déphasage.Thus, according to another aspect, the invention consists of a method of control of a plurality of antennas according to the invention in which one delivers to each antenna a digital signal for controlling the means electronic phase shift.

Selon des modes préférés de mise en oeuvre du procédé :

  • le signal numérique de commande est transmis par un câble coaxial de transport des signaux radiofréquence ;
  • la valeur d'inclinaison est ajustée périodiquement ;
  • on commande par ledit signal numérique une variation de l'inclinaison du diagramme à une fréquence égale à l'inverse de la durée de la trame AMRT, afin de contrôler l'inclinaison du diagramme dans chaque période de trame, pour chaque terminal mobile de télécommunication desservi par l'antenne, en fonction d'informations de niveau ou de qualité du signal reçu par le terminal mobile.
According to preferred modes of implementing the method:
  • the digital control signal is transmitted by a coaxial cable for transporting radio frequency signals;
  • the tilt value is adjusted periodically;
  • said digital signal controls a variation of the inclination of the diagram at a frequency equal to the inverse of the duration of the TDMA frame, in order to control the inclination of the diagram in each frame period, for each mobile telecommunication terminal served by the antenna, based on level or quality information of the signal received by the mobile terminal.

Les avantages procurés par l'invention seront mieux compris au travers de la description suivante qui se réfère aux dessins annexés, qui illustrent sans aucun caractère limitatif des modes préférentiels de réalisation de l'invention.The advantages of the invention will be better understood from through the following description which refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate without any limiting character preferential modes of realization of the invention.

Dans les dessins, les éléments identiques ou similaires portent, sauf indication contraire, les mêmes références d'une figure à l'autre.In the drawings, identical or similar elements bear, except otherwise indicated, the same references from one figure to another.

La figure 1 illustre une cellule de déphasage d'une antenne selon l'invention.FIG. 1 illustrates a phase shift cell of an antenna according to the invention.

La figure 2 illustre l'utilisation de la cellule de déphasage de la figure 1, qui est insérée dans le circuit d'alimentation d'une antenne à quatre dipôles.Figure 2 illustrates the use of the phase shift cell in Figure 1, which is inserted into the feed circuit of a four-wire antenna dipoles.

La figure 3 illustre schématiquement un dispositif d'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement d'une antenne à huit dipôles comportant trois cellules de déphasage telles que celle illustrée figure 1.FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a device for tilting the radiation pattern of an eight-dipole antenna with three phase shift cells such as that illustrated in FIG. 1.

La figure 4 est un graphe illustrant la variation de la puissance des deux signaux de sortie d'une cellule de déphasage en fonction d'un signal de commande de déphasage appliqué à cette cellule.Figure 4 is a graph illustrating the variation of the power of two output signals of a phase shift cell as a function of a signal phase shift control applied to this cell.

Les moyens électroniques de déphasage selon l'invention permettent de répartir la puissance (signaux radiofréquence) délivrée à l'entrée (E) de l'antenne 9 par un câble 13 vers chacun des éléments rayonnants 5 à 8 (dipôle demi-longueur d'onde dans le cas d'une antenne ATR). Cette répartition est faite à l'aide de cellules 1 élémentaires de déphasage (figure 1). Chaque cellule 1 se compose d'un « split tee » 2 (répartiteur par deux), d'un déphaseur 2 ou 3 bits (repère 3) et d'un coupleur (repère 4) à 3db d'affaiblissement, à sorties (S1, S2) en quadrature, servant à alimenter deux dipôles (5 ou 6 ou 7 ou 8) symétriques ; une première entrée du coupleur 4 est raccordée à la sortie du déphaseur 3 ; une deuxième entrée du coupleur est connectée à la sortie (non déphasée) du diviseur 2.The electronic phase shifting means according to the invention make it possible to distribute the power (radiofrequency signals) delivered to the input (E) of the antenna 9 by a cable 13 to each of the radiating elements 5 to 8 (half-length dipole of wave in the case of an ATR antenna). This distribution is made using elementary phase shift cells 1 (FIG. 1). Each cell 1 is made up of a split tee 2 (splitter by two), a 2 or 3 bit phase shifter (reference 3) and a coupler (reference 4) with 3db attenuation, with outputs (S 1 , S 2 ) in quadrature, used to feed two symmetrical dipoles (5 or 6 or 7 or 8); a first input of the coupler 4 is connected to the output of the phase shifter 3; a second input of the coupler is connected to the output (not phase shifted) of the divider 2.

Lorsque la phase varie entre 0 et 90 degrés au niveau du déphaseur, la répartition de la puissance varie de la façon suivante (figure N°4) :

  • pour un déphasage nul : la puissance d'entrée se répartit entre 50 % sur S1 et 50 % sur S2,
  • pour 90 degrés de déphasage : la puissance d'entrée se répartit entre 0 % sur S2 et 100 % sur S1.
When the phase varies between 0 and 90 degrees at the phase shifter, the power distribution varies as follows (figure N ° 4):
  • for a zero phase shift: the input power is distributed between 50% on S1 and 50% on S2,
  • for 90 degrees of phase shift: the input power is distributed between 0% on S2 and 100% on S1.

En mettant en cascade des cellules élémentaires, on peut régler de façon très fine le tilt de l'antenne. Deux exemples de réalisation sont donnés pour une antenne composée de 8 dipôles élémentaires notamment (figure 3) ou de 4 dipôles (figure 2), mais le principe peut être étendu à une antenne comprenant 16 ou 32 éléments rayonnants notamment.By cascading elementary cells, we can adjust very fine tilt of the antenna. Two examples of realization are given for an antenna composed of 8 elementary dipoles in particular (Figure 3) or 4 dipoles (Figure 2), but the principle can be extended to a antenna comprising 16 or 32 radiating elements in particular.

Si l'on utilise des cellules de déphasage à 3 bits (soit 8 valeurs de déphasage), on peut obtenir pour une antenne à 8 dipôles, 512 valeurs de tilt pour le diagramme de rayonnement.If 3-bit phase shift cells are used (i.e. 8 values of phase shift), for an antenna with 8 dipoles, 512 values of tilt for the radiation pattern.

Chaque sortie S1, S2 des deux coupleurs équipant respectivement les deux déphaseurs 1b, 1c, est connectée à deux éléments rayonnants de l'antenne 9.Each output S1, S2 of the two couplers respectively equipping the two phase shifters 1b, 1c, is connected to two radiating elements of antenna 9.

Un circuit de commande 10 fournit à chacun des déphaseurs 1a, 1b, 1c (figure 3) une combinaison binaire (3 bits dans l'exemple précédent) pour obtenir la valeur de tilt souhaitée. Le circuit de commande ainsi que les déphaseurs sont intégrés dans le radôme de l'antenne 9. Un modem 11 permet de télécommander à distance les circuits de déphasage et donc de régler le tilt.A control circuit 10 supplies each of the phase shifters 1a, 1b, 1c (figure 3) a binary combination (3 bits in the previous example) to get the desired tilt value. The control circuit as well as the phase shifters are integrated into the radome of the antenna 9. A modem 11 allows remote control of the phase shift circuits and therefore adjust the tilt.

Il est possible de téléalimenter par le câble coaxial 13, qui relie l'antenne à la station de base, toute l'électronique intégrée à l'antenne. De même le modem 11 peut être raccordé au câble 13 coaxial pour transmettre les informations de télécommande des déphaseurs délivrées par un dispositif de contrôle d'exploitation d'un réseau cellulaire.It is possible to remote supply by the coaxial cable 13, which connects the antenna at the base station, all the electronics integrated into the antenna. Of even modem 11 can be connected to coaxial cable 13 to transmit the remote control information of the phase shifters delivered by a cellular network operation control device.

Chaque déphaseur 3 peut être constitué d'un réseau d'éléments fixes commutables par des diodes (ou des relais radiofréquence) commandées numériquement ; de tels déphaseurs sont proposés notamment par les Sociétés General Microwave Corp., Amityville, N.Y., U.S.A., et/ou Narda Microwave, N.Y., U.S.A.Each phase shifter 3 can be made up of a network of fixed elements switchable by diodes (or radio frequency relays) controlled digitally; such phase shifters are offered in particular by General Microwave Corp., Amityville, N.Y., U.S.A., and / or Narda Microwave, N.Y., U.S.A.

Claims (11)

Antenne (9) pour réseau de télécommunication cellulaire terrestre, comprenant des éléments rayonnants (5 à 8) et des moyens d'alimentation desdits éléments rayonnants en signaux radiofréquence, caractérisée en ce lesdits moyens d'alimentation comprennent des moyens électroniques de déphasage entre lesdits signaux, de façon à permettre de régler à distance l'inclinaison du diagramme de rayonnement dans un plan vertical.Antenna (9) for cellular telecommunications network terrestrial, comprising radiating elements (5 to 8) and means supplying said radiating elements with radiofrequency signals, characterized in that said supply means comprise means electronic phase shift between said signals, so as to allow remotely adjust the inclination of the radiation pattern in a plane vertical. Antenne selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les moyens électroniques de déphasage comportent une cellule (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) de déphasage comportant un circuit (3) déphaseur comportant plusieurs composants statiques de commutation d'un élément déphaseur fixe.An antenna according to claim 1, wherein the means phase shift electronics include a cell (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) of phase shift comprising a circuit (3) phase shifter comprising several static switching components of a fixed phase shift element. Antenne selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les moyens électroniques de déphasage comportent une cellule (1b, 1c) de déphasage associée à un groupe de quatre éléments rayonnants, ladite cellule comportant, successivement connectés en série dans le circuit d'alimentation desdits éléments rayonnants : un diviseur (2) par deux, un circuit (3) déphaseur connecté à une des deux sorties du diviseur pour délivrer en sortie un signal déphasé, un coupleur (4) à deux sorties (S1, S2) en quadrature, chaque sortie du coupleur étant connectée à deux éléments rayonnants. Antenna according to claim 1, in which the electronic phase shifting means comprise a phase shift cell (1b, 1c) associated with a group of four radiating elements, said cell comprising, successively connected in series in the supply circuit of said radiating elements: a divider (2) by two, a phase-shifting circuit (3) connected to one of the two outputs of the divider to output a phase-shifted signal, a coupler (4) with two outputs (S 1 , S 2 ) in quadrature, each output of the coupler being connected to two radiating elements. Antenne selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le circuit déphaseur est constitué par un réseau d'éléments déphaseurs fixes à chacun desquels est associée une diode de commutation ou un relais radiofréquence.An antenna according to claim 3, wherein the circuit phase shifter is made up of a network of phase shifter elements fixed to each with which a switching diode or a relay is associated radio frequency. Antenne selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle les diodes sont de type PIN et ont une durée de commutation de l'ordre de 10 à 100 nanosecondes.An antenna according to claim 4, in which the diodes are PIN type and have a switching time in the range of 10 to 100 nanoseconds. Antenne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, dans laquelle chaque cellule de déphasage est connectée à un circuit (10) de commande numérique des cellules de l'antenne qui comporte un modem (11) permettant la commande à distance des moyens de déphasage. Antenna according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which each phase shift cell is connected to a circuit (10) of digital control of the antenna cells which includes a modem (11) allowing remote control of the phase shifting means. Antenne selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle le circuit (10) de commande numérique des cellules est relié à un dispositif de contrôle d'une pluralité d'antennes du réseau par un câble (13) servant également à transmettre lesdits signaux radiofréquence.An antenna according to claim 6, in which the circuit (10) digital cell control is connected to a control device of a plurality of antennas of the network by a cable (13) also serving to transmit said radio frequency signals. Procédé de commande d'une pluralité d'antennes selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel on délivre à chaque antenne un signal numérique de commande des moyens électroniques de déphasage.Method for controlling a plurality of antennas according to one any of claims 1 to 7, in which each antenna a digital signal for controlling electronic means phase shift. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le signal numérique de commande est transmis par un câble coaxial (13) de transport des signaux radiofréquence.The method of claim 8, wherein the signal digital control is transmitted by a coaxial transport cable (13) radio frequency signals. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 ou 9, dans lequel la valeur d'inclinaison est ajustée périodiquement.Method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, in which the tilt value is adjusted periodically. Procédé de commande selon la revendication 8, dans lequel on commande par ledit signal numérique une variation de l'inclinaison du diagramme à une fréquence égale à l'inverse de la durée de la trame AMRT, afin de contrôler l'inclinaison du diagramme dans chaque période de trame, pour chaque terminal mobile de télécommunication desservi par l'antenne, en fonction d'informations de niveau ou de qualité du signal reçu par le terminal mobile.Control method according to claim 8, in which control by said digital signal a variation of the inclination of the diagram at a frequency equal to the inverse of the duration of the TDMA frame, in order to control the inclination of the diagram in each frame period, for each mobile telecommunications terminal served by the antenna, based on level or quality information of the signal received by the mobile terminal.
EP00430009A 1999-02-24 2000-02-23 Antenna with adjustable tilt Withdrawn EP1032074A1 (en)

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FR9902587A FR2790142A1 (en) 1999-02-24 1999-02-24 ADJUSTABLE TILT ANTENNA
FR9902587 1999-02-24

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