Integrated structure with radiating elements and dividing networks for application to radar antenna

Abstract

 Integrated structure with radiating elements for application to radar antennae, consisting of an extruded element (1) having a suitable profile and configuration, with the scope of providing an integrated support for a dividing network (2) and radiating elements (4).
The device belongs to the radar field, and more precisely to that of the mechanical structures for antennae.
The most important feature of the device is that the extruded element forms a mechanical structure which is at the same time an integral part of an electric circuit.

Description

[0001] The invention is concerned with an integrated structure with radiating elements and dividing networks for application to radar antennae.

[0002] The invention be; longs to the radar field and more precisely to that of mechanical structures for antennae.

[0003] As far as is known to the authors, at present the horizontal dividing networks of planar array radar antennae are designed according to different manufacturing techniques, each of which has positive aspects as well as drawbacks.

[0004] The most significant manufacturing examples of such networks are:
- completely formed of waveguides;
- microstrip on dielectric support;
- mixed techniques, waveguide-microstrip on dielectric support (such as Duroid) microstrip suspended in air;
- etc, etc.

[0005] The structure regarded by this invention is located within an antenna shelter for best results, by means of locating pins (5) which provide an optimum alignment of the radiating modules. he drawbacks of the previous solutions may be summarised as follows:
- considerable mechanical dimensions and considerable weight;
- critical mechanical strength;
- use of waveguides for dividing networks, inevitably assembled by means of dip Brazing soldering technique;
- long times for assembly of parts making up the network;
- mechanical disalignment of the radiating elements;
- critical RF matching of the network;
- possible RF losses;
- possible phase errors;
- objective difficulties in the electric and/or mechanical duplication;
- other.

[0006] The invention for which this patent applies, eliminates the drawbacks presented by the previous solutions, mainly due to its compact configuration.

[0007] The integrated structure, subject of the invention hereby presented, will now be described with reference to the figures attached, all with the purpose of illustrating the system without limiting its scope or application.

Figure 1 shows a top view of the extruded profile which shows:
2 dividing network
4 radiating screen
5 reference pins
7 RF input to the dividing network
8 cover.

Figure 2 shows an enlargement of the radiating screenindicated as 4 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is the dipole- radiating screens assembly.

Figure 4 is the partial front view of the profile which shows the double row of dipoles.

Figure 5 is the rear view of the extruded profile where:
5 are the reference pins with fixing brackets;
7 is the dividing RF input.

Figure 7 shows the waveguide part where the waveguide/microstrip RF transition is effected.

Figure 8 shows the covering lid of the entire radiating network.

[0008] It is worth highlighting further some of the advantages presented by the invention, such as:

1) Cost reduction, compared to previous solutions, amounting to about 50%;

2) No need for alignment, resulting in better reliability and savings on workmanship, taking also into account that because of this mechanical structure, during duplication, the same electrical parameters are obtained, without the need for sorting out.

[0009] The extruded profile is connected to the distribution network by means of waveguide 7 and it is anchored by means of the brackets and pins 5.

[0010] The device is ready for operation.

[0011] In this application the physical dimensions are related to the mechanical requirements for stability and reproducibility, which had required their optimization and the building technology for production.

[0012] The container of the entire network comes from an extrusion which provides long term stability at m. 2.2 and also its reproduction by means of numeric control equipment. The light alloy cover is obtained by press cutting with a steel print and is assembled by means of screws and pre assembled washers by semi automatic machines.

[0013] The advantages of the solution presented are:
- Dramatic cut of manufacturing costs (~50% of the last design);
- reduced width by 30%;
- Weight reduction by about 30%;
- Elimination of soldering;
- Cut back on assembly times of the antenna structure;
- Total elimination of the alignment errors of the radiating dipoles;
- better RF matching;
- Equivalent RF losses;
- very small phase errors;
- reduction of reproduction errors during manufacturing;
- better mechanical stability at high and low temperatures.

Claims

1. Integrated structure with radiating elements and dividing networks for radar antennae, essentially made up of an extruded profile (1) suitably configured, connected to the distribution network by means of waveguide 7, where the latter is anchored to the structure itself by means of brackets and locating pins (5).

2. Integrated structure with radiating elements and dividing network for radar antennae as per claim 1 which contains a dividing network which is completely integrated in the structure itself.

3. Integrated structure with radiating elements and dividing networks for radar antennae as per Claims 1 and 2 , made up of one single piece which carries the dividing networks at one side and at the other.

Drawing