FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention refers generally to antenna-feeder device and antenna, and more particularly,
to antenna of the type that includes a parabolic and arbitrary curve of main reflector
and an arbitrary curve of subreflector and it may be used as antenna for satellite
TV broadcasting etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Parabolic reflector antennas are widely used as satellite television antenna due
to a number of factors like the following:
- low cost;
- wide frequency range;
- simplicity of working with waves of different polarizations;
- reasonable high aperture efficiency (AE) - usually 60-65%.
[0003] There is a known device such as axially symmetric dual reflector antenna with offset
from symmetry axis main reflector focus (Patent Great
Britain No. 973583, HO1D, published 1962). In this design, a parabolic shaped main reflector and an
arbitrary shaped sub-reflector are used. As a particular case, an elliptically shaped
sub-reflector is offered. The arrangement of the sub-reflector focus, the main reflector
focus and feed phase center is common, i.e. first focus of the ellipse coincides with
phase center and second focus of the ellipse coincides with focus of the parabola.
[0004] There is a known device as an antenna where focuses of a parabolic main reflector
and a sub-reflector are displaced so that the sub-reflector vertex and above mentioned
focuses are disposed on one straight line and the ratio of focal diameters of the
sub-reflector and the main reflector is chosen in range of 1.03-1.07 (Patent
USSR No. 588863, H01Q15/00, published in 1972).
[0005] In this design, a problem for antenna gain increasing is solved and the antenna itself
suffers from large lateral size and especially large longitudinal size.
[0006] In another known patent (Patent
USSR No. 1804673, H01Q19/18, published 1993), it is mentioned that radiating horn radiates not perfectly
spherical wave but a wave with diffused center. Owing to this fact included in the
above patent, phase error is corrected by the shape of a sub-reflector further comprising
one focus coinciding with a parabolic main reflector focus.
[0007] Typically, parabolic antennas occupy a large volume. Most advantages of parabolic
antennas appear when the ratio of antenna focal length F and antenna diameter D is
sufficiently large. As antenna feed must be certainly placed in the reflector focus,
it necessarily leads to the increase of the antenna system size.
[0008] Large system size leads to the following disadvantages:
- A great number of such antennas disfigures architectural image of buildings. In particular,
many countries prohibit installation of parabolic antennas on walls and roofs for
this reason.
- Parabolic antennas are impossible or very difficult to use in mobile devices, especially
when required to provide signal reception during the movement of a car, train, ship,
etc.
[0009] Due to the above mentioned circumstances, an actual problem arises - to develop for
satellite TV or any other flat antennas which occupy sufficiently less volume.
[0010] The feature of dual reflector antennas with minimal thickness is that their radiator
horns and sub-reflectors form an electromagnetic field which differs from geometrical
optics field. Therefore, the choice of antenna parameters claimed in the patents mentioned
above is not optimal neither is it applicable to the problem at hand. This statement
is verified by
US Patent No. 6603437 which claims an algorithm for shape choice of a main reflector and a sub-reflector
which gives an optimal solution only for the sub-reflectors of diameter not less than
five free-space wavelengths.
[0011] In case of antennas with minimal thickness and maximal aperture efficiency, the above
mentioned condition may be not correct at least for antennas having a main reflector
diameter less than 36 wavelengths. It is obvious that usage of big electrical size
sub-reflectors will lead to aperture efficiency decrease due to the shadowing of the
main reflector by sub-reflector. As an example, therefore, maximal values of aperture
efficiency are achieved when sub-reflector diameter is about 2-3 wavelengths. Note
that antenna thickness is from 1 to 3.5 wavelength when its main reflector diameter
is from 5 to 18 wavelength. At such sizes of radiator horns and sub-reflectors, their
focuses are diffused and incident to the main reflector thus wave beam forming can
not be described correctly in terms of geometrical optics.
[0012] There is a known technical solution which suggests to connect dual polarized antennas
by means of dual mode waveguides. For instance, circular or square (
US Patent No. 5243357). The width of dual mode waveguide must not be less than 0.5 wavelength. Single mode
waveguide may have thickness much smaller than 0.5 wavelength. Real lateral dimension
size of a dual mode waveguide is about 0.7 wavelengths. Therefore, Connection of some
units of antennas into one antenna array based on dual mode waveguides can not be
thinner than above mentioned 0.7 wavelengths. Waveguide bends which necessarily appear
in such connections, should be added to this value. Thus, the real thickness of such
connection will not be less than 1.5 wavelength. Furthermore, dual mode waveguide
components produce hard requirements to waveguide elements manufacturing accuracy
because technological errors may lead to differently polarized waves interconnection
which will downgrade the device parameters.
[0013] As an example, an antenna-feeder device comprises four dual reflector antennas positioned
in one plane, a main reflector of each antenna is formed by parabolic generatrix rotation
around an axis, where focus of parabolic generatrix is situated outward from rotation
axis, and a sub-reflector is formed by elliptic generatrix rotation around the same
axis with forming of circle and vertex faced to the main reflector and situated between
the circle and the main reflector, where one of the elliptic generated focuses is
situated on the rotation axis, and radiators for each antenna are situated on the
rotation axis in the main reflector base between the parabolic surface main reflector
and the sub-reflector, feeding device is made on the base of dividers, where each
of dividers is made as a junction of single mode transmission lines and each of dividers
is made with equi-phase power division on two equal halves, input of feeding device
can be connected with receiving and/or transmitting device, and four outputs of feeding
devices are correspondingly connected with antenna radiators (
Japanese Patent JP61245605, H 01 Q 21/06, published 31.10.1986).
[0014] This device can not provide antenna operation on two orthogonal polarizations, and
only single polarization work is provided. The limitations of this technical solution
are also include large lateral and transversal dimensions.
[0015] A problem solved by the present invention is create an antenna-feeder device and
antenna with smaller size than current solutions
[0016] Some of the technical advantages that may be achieved by manufacturing an antenna
- feeder device and antenna in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present
invention are reduction of device/antenna size and thickness, providing possibility
of transmitting/receiving signals of both orthogonal polarizations with high isolation
- not less than 20 dB, while covering a broad frequency range. By way of example a
well designed antenna according to the preferred embodiments may cover the entire
satellite TV range of 10.7 - 12.75 Ghz. Clearly other ranges of frequencies are achievable
as will be clear to the skilled in the art.
[0017] Yet another desired technical result that may be achieved by the antenna-feeder device
and antenna is reducing of longitudinal size with retention of high aperture efficiency
and wide frequency range.
[0018] In these specifications, the term "circle" denotes a circle, formed by the intersection
of a body of rotation formed when a parabolic or elliptic shape is rotated about an
axis of rotation, and a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. It is notable
that while the description and the claims utilize to the geometrical form, engineering
considerations may dictate deviation from this ideal shape, yet allow a functionally
equivalent shape to perform in accordance with the mode of operation and the functions
described herein, and thus the invention and the claims should be construed to extend
to such embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna-feeder
device comprising: four dual reflector antennas situated in one plane, each of said
dual reflector antenna further comprising a main reflector at least partially conforming
to a body of revolution of parabolic shape whose parabolic axis diverges from the
axis of the revolution (Z Axis, longitudinal symmetrical center of whole antenna),
and a sub-reflector at least partially conforming to a body of the revolution of an
elliptic shape having a circle and a vertex pointing to the main reflector and being
placed between the circle and the main reflector, one focal point of the sub-reflector
being placed on the axis of revolution and the other focal point of the sub-reflector
being placed away from the axis, the circle of the sub-reflector being placed in the
plane of an edge circle formed by the main reflector, and a radiator located along
the axis of revolution and between the main reflector and the sub-reflector.
[0020] A feeding device on the base of dividers wherein each divider comprises a T- shaped
junction of single-mode transmission lines and each divider provides equi-phase power
division on two equal halves, one input of the feeding device is connected to a transmitter
or a receiver and each of four outputs of the feeding device is connected correspondingly
to each radiator of the four antennas, and the input and the four outputs of the feeding
device are made in form of dual mode transmission lines, the input is connected with
the four output with help of four dividers, central branches of the four dividers
are connected to the input while side branches of each of the four dividers are connected
to neighboring outputs and four phase shifters with 180 degree phase shift are inserted
in the side branches of the dividers connected with the outputs located at the opposite
sides of the feeding device.
[0021] Further, additional embodiments and improvements of an antenna-feeder device are
envisioned, such as:
- placing a common cover situated in one common plane of each main reflector edge circle
where each sub-reflector is situated on the common cover;
- having an input and four outputs of the feeding device be made of circular waveguide
sections;
- having an input and four outputs of feeding device be made of square waveguide sections;
- having an input connected to four outputs by means of rectangular waveguide sections
made in the form of four T-shaped junctions.
[0022] For the additional embodiment above, phase shifters can be made by decreasing or
increasing of the width of rectangular waveguides width in the side branches of the
T-shaped junctions faced to corresponding output or by dielectric plates installed
in the side branches of the T-shaped junctions faced to corresponding outputs or by
increasing the length of side branches of the T-shaped junctions faced to corresponding
outputs.
[0023] Furthermore, the input may be connected to the four outputs by coaxial line sections
made in the form of four T-shaped junctions.
[0024] Furthermore, the input may be connected to the four outputs by strip line sections
made in the form of four T-shaped junctions.
[0025] In order to provide the last additional embodiment, some modification and/or additions
are optional where it is reasonable that:
- phase shifters may be embodied in loop-shaped (bended shaped) printed strip line or
lines;
- side divider branches may be made of strip lines or lines and a central divider branch
may be made in the shape of probe where the probe is inserted into the output of a
dual mode transmission line and the side divider branches are inserted into corresponding
output dual mode transmission lines by probes.
- The antenna-feeder device further comprises T-shaped junctions on the base of transmission
lines as dividers.
- The antenna-feeder device further comprises the phase shifters realized as additional
sections of transmission lines.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna
comprising: a main reflector at least partially conforming to a body of revolution
of parabolic shape whose parabolic axis diverges from the axis of the revolution (Z
Axis, longitudinal symmetrical center of whole antenna), and a sub-reflector at least
partially conforming to a body of the revolution of an elliptic shape, having a circle
and a vertex pointing to the main reflector and being placed between the circle and
the main reflector, one focal point of the sub-reflector being placed on the axis
of revolution and the other focal point of the sub-reflector being placed away from
the axis, the circle of the sub-reflector being placed in the plane of an edge circle
formed by the main reflector, and a radiator located along the axis of revolution
and between the main reflector and the sub-reflector; and wherein the sub-reflector
has eccentricity ranging from 0.55 to 0.75.
[0027] For additional embodiment above, the ratio of the main reflector diameter D to the
distance M between the sub-reflector circle and the main reflector apex ranges 0.15~0.35
(refer to Fig.7)
[0028] Further, the distance
d between two focuses of the sub-reflector may be selected under the following condition:
- λ is a free space wavelength,
- D is a diameter of the main reflector.
[0029] Wherein angle β between the line connecting the above focuses of the sub-reflector
and axis of revolution may be selected in range 45-70 degrees (refer to Fig.7).
[0030] Also, additional embodiments and improvements of antenna design are envisioned, such
as:
- having a cover situated near the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover;
- having a cover situated on the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover and that is, the main reflector edge circle
is located at the same one plane with the sub-reflector circle.
[0031] Radius E
r of the sub-reflector circle may be chosen by the following condition
- λ is free space wavelength,
- D is diameter of the main reflector.
[0032] The proportion between focal ring radiuses of the sub-reflector elliptical surface
second focus and the main reflector parabolic surface focus may be chosen by the following
condition
- Fe2r is focal ring radius of the sub-reflector second focus,
- Fr is focal ring radius of the main reflector parabolic surface focus.
[0033] In the specifications of all the modifications in the present invention, the term
"focal ring" denotes a circle formed by each focus such as Fe2, F of Fig.7 when a
parabolic or elliptic shape is rotated about an axis of rotation and each focus such
as Fe2 and F is rotated.
[0034] The radiator may be made as a conical horn.
[0035] Further, the proportion between radius
Hr of radiator conical horn and free space wavelength may be chosen by the following
condition

and complete flare angle α of conical horn may be chosen by the following condition
- D is diameter of the main reflector.
[0036] Further optionally, the main reflector may be a body of revolution of parabolic shape
who's axis coincides with axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna) and the sub-reflector may be a body of revolution of elliptic
shape which axis may be located on axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna) or located proximally thereto.
[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna
comprising: a main reflector at least partially conforming to a body of revolution
of parabolic shape whose parabolic axis diverges from the axis of the revolution (Z
Axis, longitudinal symmetrical center of whole antenna), and a sub-reflector at least
partially conforming to a body of the revolution of an elliptic shape, having a circle
and a vertex pointing to the main reflector and being placed between the circle and
the main reflector, one focal point of the sub-reflector being placed on the axis
of revolution and the other focal point of the sub-reflector being placed away from
the axis, the circle of the sub-reflector being placed in the plane of an edge circle
formed by the main reflector, and a radiator located along the axis of revolution
and between the main reflector and the sub-reflector; and wherein the relation between
radius of the focal ring of the sub-reflector second focus placed away from the axis
and radius of the focal ring of the main reflector may be selected under the following
condition:

where Fe2
r is focal ring radius of the sub-reflector second focus placed away from the axis,
F
r is focal ring radius of the main reflector.
[0038] For additional embodiment above, the sub-reflector eccentricity may range from 0.55
to 0.75.
[0039] Further, the ratio of the main reflector diameter D to the distance M between the
sub-reflector circle and the main reflector apex ranges 0.15~0.35(Refer to Fig.7).
[0040] Further, the distance
d between two focuses of the sub-reflector is selected under the following condition:
- λ is a free space wavelength,
- D is a diameter of the main reflector.
[0041] Wherein angle β between the line connecting the above focuses of the sub-reflector
and axis of revolution (Z axis, Symmetrical center of antenna) may be selected in
range 45-70 degrees (refer to Fig.7).
[0042] Also, additional embodiments of antenna design may be envisioned, such as:
- having a cover situated near the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover;
- having a cover situated on the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover and that is, the main reflector edge circle
is located at the same one plane with the sub-reflector circle.
[0043] Radius E
r of the sub-reflector circle may be chosen by the following condition
- λ is free space wavelength;
- D is diameter of the main reflector.
[0044] The radiator may be made as a conical horn.
[0045] For the additional embodiments and improvements, the proportion between radius
Hr of radiator conical horn and free space wavelength may be chosen by the following
condition

and complete flare angle α of conical horn may be chosen by the following condition
- D is diameter of the main reflector.
[0046] Further optionally, the main reflector may be a body of revolution of parabolic shape
whose axis coincides with axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna). And the sub-reflector may be a body of revolution of elliptic
shape which axis may be located on axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna) or located proximally thereto.
[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna
comprising: a main reflector at least partially conforming to a body of revolution
of an arbitrary curve whose arbitrary curve axis diverges from the axis of the revolution
(Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical center of whole antenna), and a sub-reflector at
least partially conforming to a body of the revolution of an arbitrary curve, having
a circle and a vertex pointing to the main reflector and being placed between the
circle and the main reflector, the circle of the sub-reflector being placed in the
plane of an edge circle formed by the main reflector, and a radiator located along
the axis of revolution of the main reflector and between the main reflector and the
sub-reflector and wherein the ratio of the main reflector 1-1 diameter D to the distance
M-M between the sub-reflector circle and the main reflector apex ranges 0.15~0.35
(refer to Fig. 11).
[0048] Further, the main reflector and the sub-reflector may be defined as follows:

- z, r are coordinates of the main reflector and the sub-reflector measured in millimeters,
- Index m corresponds to the main reflector, index s to the sub-reflector,
- D is the main reflector diameter measured in millimeters,
and numbers
qmn,m and
qsn,m may be selected in the ranges :

where
qs0
n,m,
qm0
n,m are defined in the tables below:
qs0n,m |
m=0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n=0 |
0,40362 |
-0,00422 |
1,87E-05 |
-4,3E-08 |
5,47E-11 |
-3,6E-14 |
9,57E-18 |
1 |
-7,98145 |
0,098642 |
-0,00044 |
1,02E-06 |
-1,3E-09 |
8,36E-13 |
-2,2E-16 |
2 |
-325,922 |
3,60874 |
-0,01599 |
3,54E-05 |
-4,2E-08 |
2,44E-11 |
-5,6E-15 |
|
3 2687,903 |
-27,1192 |
0,101879 |
-0,00017 |
1,02E-07 |
2,11E-11 |
-3,2E-14 |
4 |
4992,915 |
-116,572 |
0,882748 |
-0,00311 |
5,53E-06 |
-4,8E-09 |
1,65E-12 |
qm0n,m |
m=0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n=0 |
-1,67048 |
0,017508 |
-7,9E-05 |
1,77E-07 |
-2,1 E-10 |
1,34E-13 |
-3,4E-17 |
1 |
1,882187 |
-0,03057 |
0,000154 |
-3,8E-07 |
4,91E-10 |
-3,3E-13 |
8,85E-17 |
2 |
-9,07096 |
0,118857 |
-0,00053 |
1,18E-06 |
-1,4E-09 |
9,02E-13 |
-2,3E-16 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
[0049] Further, the sub-reflector may be a body of revolution of an elliptical curve and
one focal point of the sub-reflector may be placed on the axis of revolution and the
other focal point of the sub-reflector may be placed away from the axis and wherein
the sub-reflector has eccentricity ranging from 0.55 to 0.75,
and the distance
d between the above two focuses of the sub-reflector may be selected under the following
condition:
- λ is a free space wavelength,
- D is a diameter of the main reflector,
wherein angle β between the line connecting the above focuses of the sub-reflector
and axis of revolution may be selected in range 45-70 degrees (refer to Fig.7).
[0050] Further, the main reflector may be a body of revolution of a parabolic curve and
the sub-reflector may be a body of revolution of an elliptical curve, and wherein
the relation between radius of the focal ring of the sub-reflector second focus placed
away from the axis and radius of the focal ring of the main reflector may be selected
under the following condition:

where Fe2
r is focal ring radius of the sub-reflector second focus placed away from the axis,
F
r is focal ring radius of the main reflector.
[0051] Additional embodiments of antenna design may be envisioned, such as:
- having a cover situated near the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover,
- having a cover situated on the plane of the edge circle formed by the main reflector,
having the sub-reflector fixed on the cover and that is, the main reflector edge circle
is located at the same one plane with the sub-reflector circle.
[0052] Radius E
r of the sub-reflector circle may be chosen by the following condition
- λ is free space wavelength;
- D is diameter of the main reflector.
[0053] Radiator may be made as a conical horn.
[0054] Further, the proportion between radius
Hr of radiator conical horn and free space wavelength may be chosen by the following
condition

and complete flare angle α of conical horn may be chosen by the following condition
- D is diameter of the main reflector,
- λ is free space wavelength.
[0055] Further optionally, the main reflector may be a body of revolution of an arbitrary
curve whose axis coincides with axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna). Further, the sub-reflector may be a body of revolution of
an arbitrary curve which axis may be located on axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal
symmetrical center of whole antenna) or located proximally thereto.
[0056] It is notable that the mentioned antenna configurations in all the present inventions
may be same with the one of axially displaced antenna.
[0057] And it is also notable that the term "axis of the revolution" in all these mentioned
specifications denotes Z axis in Fig 7,9,11 which is a longitudinal symmetrical center
of whole antenna including a main reflector and a sub-reflector and a radiator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] Features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated by best versions
of its design with references to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 schematically shows antenna-feeder device (AFD), top view and side view,
Fig. 2 schematically shows the components of an antenna - main reflector & sub-reflector
antenna, radiator,
Fig. 3 shows functional diagram of feeding device,
Fig. 4 shows diagram consists of waveguides,
Fig. 5 shows diagram where phase shifters are realized by length increasing of side
branches of T-shaped junction,
Fig. 6 shows diagram where dividers comprise strip lines,
Fig. 7 shows geometry of an antenna, half of it, right side,
Fig. 8 shows antenna aperture efficiency (normalized to maximal aperture efficiency)
dependence on the sub-reflector eccentricity for the main reflector diameters of different
antennas,
Fig. 9 shows all the coordinates specifying an antenna according to each antenna size
in relation with Table 2,
Fig. 10 shows antenna comprising arbitrary curves of main reflector and sub-reflector,
Fig. 11 shows geometry of an antenna comprising arbitrary curves of main reflector
and sub-reflector, half of it, right side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] The antenna-feeder device (Fig. 1) comprises four dual reflector antennas situated
in one plane and one feeding device. A main reflector 1 of each dual reflector antenna
is made with parabolic generatrix and a sub-reflector 2 of each dual reflector antenna
is made with elliptic generatrix (Fig. 1, 2). The sub-reflector 2 has circle A and
vertex B. Vertex B is faced to the main reflector 1 and situated between circle A
and the main reflector 1. Radiator 3 for each dual reflector antenna is situated on
rotation axis (longitudinal symmetry axis Z) in the main reflector 1 base between
the main reflector 1 and the sub-reflector 2. Feeding device 4 (Fig. 1) is assigned
for connection with input 5 to receiving and/or transmitting device. Four outputs
6 of feeding device 4 are connected to radiators 3 of each dual reflector antenna
correspondingly. Feeding device is made of power dividers where each divider is made
in form of single mode transmission lines junction and each divider is made co-phased
with power division on two equal halves.
[0060] Input 5 and four outputs 6 of feeding device 4 (Fig. 3) are made of dual mode transmission
line sections. Input 5 is connected through dividers to four outputs 6 by means of
single mode transmission line sections. The dividers are situated in one plane. Two
side branches of each divider are connected to neighboring outputs 6 correspondingly
and central branches of four dividers are connected from four sides to input 5 of
feeding device 4. Phase shifters 7 providing 180 degrees phase shift for two outputs
6 situated on opposite sides relatively input 5 are embedded. Circle A of the sub-reflector
2 (its periphery) is situated in the plane of the main reflector 1 edge Circle C formed
by parabolic surface (Fig. 1, 2).
[0061] Cover 8 (Fig. 1) is situated in the plane of the main reflector 1 edge circle C,
common for each of antennas can be embedded in AFD. Circle A of the sub-reflector
2 is fixed on cover 8.
[0062] In order to provide dual mode transmitting technology, input 5 and four outputs 6
of feeding device 4 may be done of circular waveguide sections (Fig. 3 - 5) or input
5 and four outputs 6 of feeding device 4 may be done of square waveguide sections
(not shown on Figure).
[0063] Input 5 may be connected to four outputs 6 by means of rectangular waveguide sections
(Fig. 4, 5). In this case dividers are made of T-shaped connectors.
[0064] Phase shifters 7 may be done by decreasing of rectangular waveguides width in side
branches of T-shaped junctions faced to corresponding output (Fig. 4) or phase shifters
7 may be done by dielectric plates embedded into side branches of T-shaped junctions
faced to corresponding output. Phase shifters 7 may be done by increasing lengths
of side branches of T-shaped junctions faced to corresponding output (Fig. 5).
[0065] Input 5 may be connected to four outputs 6 by means of coaxial line sections (Fig.
3). In this case, dividers may be done in form of coaxial T-shaped junctions. Phase
shifters 7 may be done by lengths increasing of T-shaped junctions branches faced
to corresponding output (similarly to Fig. 5).
[0066] Input 5 (Fig. 3, 6) may be connected to four outputs 6 by means of strip line sections.
Symmetrical strip lines may be done. Phase shifters 7 may be done in shape of loops.
[0067] In order to simplify design, in particular, side divider branches are made of strip
lines and central divider branch is made as a probe 9 (Fig. 6). One end of probe 9
is connected to corresponding strip line and the other end of probe 9 is embedded
inside output 5 - section of dual mode transmission line. Side divider branches are
embedded inside corresponding output sections of dual mode transmission line by means
of probes 10.
[0068] For instance, the first antenna (Fig. 2, 7) comprises a main reflector 1 made with
parabolic generatrix and a sub-reflector 2 made with elliptic generatrix. The sub-reflector
2 has circle A and vertex B, the Vertex B being faced to the main reflector 1 and
being situated between circle A and the main reflector 1; Radiator 3 being located
on longitudinal symmetry axis Z in the main reflector 1 base between the parabolic
surface of main reflector 1 and the sub-reflector 2.
[0069] Circle A of the sub-reflector 2 (Fig. 2, 7) may be located on the highest point (Z
coordinate of plus direction) of the sub-reflector 2 as in the fig.7 horizontally
to r axis of Fig.7, and Circle A of the sub-reflector 2 (Fig. 2, 7) may be also located
over the highest point(+ Z coordinate of plus direction) of the sub-reflector 2 as
in the Fig.7 horizontally to r axis of Fig.7 when the stable manufacturing during
mass production considered for the thickness of sub-reflector 2.
[0070] The sub-reflector 2 works best when it is the body of revolution of elliptic shape
which axis coincides with axis of the revolution (Z axis, longitudinal symmetrical
center of whole antenna).
[0071] However, the sub-reflector 2 of the body of revolution of elliptic shape which axis
is placed in the proximity of Z axis, away from Z axis (Axis of revolution), can be
useful. In this case, Vertex B may not be located on the axis of revolution (Z axis)
but away from the axis of revolution, and in this manner, Vertex B may be shaped,
and defined even terminologically here, as many arbitrary geometrical solid figures,
not being expressed or defined only as the term of "a sharp point".
[0072] The sub-reflector 2 may be made with elliptic generatrix with eccentricity Exc ranging
from 0.55 to 0.75.
[0073] Further, the ratio of the main reflector 1 diameter D to the distance M between the
sub-reflector circle A and the main reflector apex ranges 0.15~0.35 (refer to Fig.7).
[0074] The above value 0.15 ~ 0.35 mentioned in all modifications of the present invention
corresponds to the value such as F/D ratio 0.65 etc concerning the traditional reflector
antenna and it represents "lower profile" the idea and usefulness of this invention.
[0075] Circle A of the sub-reflector 2 (Fig. 2, 7) may be situated in one plane or near
the plane of the edge Circle C of the main reflector 1.
[0076] Cover 8 situated in the near region or the same plane of the edge Circle C of the
main reflector 1 may be embedded in the above antenna and Circle A of the sub-reflector
2 may be fixed on cover 8.
[0077] Further, the second antenna (Fig. 10, 11) comprises a main reflector 1-1 being a
body of revolution of arbitrary curve which axis diverges from axis of the revolution;
a sub-reflector 2-2 being a body of the revolution of arbitrary curve along the axis
of revolution, having a Circle A-A and a vertex B-B pointing to the main reflector
1-1 and being placed between the Circle A-A and the main reflector 1-1; a radiator
3-3 being located along the axis of revolution of the main reflector 1-1 and being
placed between the main reflector 1-1 and the sub-reflector 2-2; and wherein the ratio
of the main reflector 1-1 diameter D to the distance M-M between the sub-reflector
2-2 Circle A-A and the main reflector 1-1 apex ranges 0.15~0.35(Refer to Fig.11).
[0078] Further, the main reflector 1-1 and the sub-reflector 2-2 may be defined as follows:

- z, r are coordinates of the main reflector and the sub-reflector measured in millimeters,
- Index m corresponds to the main reflector, index s to the sub-reflector,
- D is the main reflector diameter measured in millimeters,
and numbers
qmn,m and
qsn,m may be selected in the ranges:

where
qs0
n,m,
qm0
n,m are defined in the below tables:
Table 1
qs0n,m |
m=0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n=0 |
0,40362 |
-0,00422 |
1,87E-05 |
-4,3E-08 |
5,47E-11 |
-3,6E-14 |
9,57E-18 |
1 |
-7,98145 |
0,098642 |
-0,00044 |
1,02E-06 |
-1,3E-09 |
8,36E-13 |
-2,2E-16 |
2 |
-325,922 |
3,60874 |
-0,01599 |
3,54E-05 |
-4,2E-08 |
2,44E-11 |
-5,6E-15 |
3 |
2687,903 |
-27,1192 |
0,101879 |
-0,00017 |
1,02E-07 |
2,11E-11 |
-3,2E-14 |
4 |
4992,915 |
-116,572 |
0,882748 |
-0,00311 |
5,53E-06 |
-4,8E-09 |
1,65E-12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
qm0i,m |
m=0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n=0 |
-1,67048 |
0,017508 |
-7,9E-05 |
1,77E-07 |
-2,1 E-10 |
1,34E-13 |
-3,4E-17 |
1 |
1,882187 |
-0,03057 |
0,000154 |
-3,8E-07 |
4,91E-10 |
-3,3E-13 |
8,85E-17 |
2 |
-9,07096 |
0,118857 |
-0,00053 |
1,18E-06 |
-1,4E-09 |
9,02E-13 |
-2,3E-16 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
[0079] The above value 0.15~ 0.35 mentioned in all modifications of the present invention
corresponds to the value such as F/D ratio 0.65 etc concerning the traditional reflector
antenna and it represents " lower profile " the idea and usefulness of this invention.
[0080] Further, the main reflector 1-1 may be a body of revolution of arbitrary curve which
axis coincides with axis of the revolution.
[0081] The sub-reflector 2-2 works best (optimal) when it is the body of revolution of arbitrary
curve which axis coincides with axis of the revolution.
[0082] However, the sub-reflector 2-2 of the body of revolution of arbitrary curve whose
axis is placed in the proximity of Z axis, away from Z axis (Axis of revolution, symmetrical
center of antenna), can be also useful. In this case, Vertex B-B is not placed on
the axis of revolution but away from the axis of revolution, and in this manner, Vertex
B-B may be shaped, and defined even terminologically here, as many arbitrary geometrical
solid figures, not being expressed or defined only as the term of "a sharp point".
[0083] Circle A-A of the sub-reflector 2-2 (Fig. 10, 11) may be located on the highest point
(Z coordinate of plus direction) of the sub-reflector 2-2 as in the fig. 11 horizontally
to r axis of Fig. 11, and Circle A-A of the sub-reflector 2-2 (Fig. 10, 11) may be
also located over the highest point (+ Z coordinate of plus direction) of the sub-reflector
2-2 as in the Fig. 1 horizontally to r axis of Fig.11 when the stable manufacturing
during mass production considered for the thickness of sub-reflector 2-2.
[0084] It is notable that while the description and the claims utilize to the geometrical
form, engineering considerations may dictate deviation from this ideal shape, yet
allow a functionally equivalent shape to perform in accordance with the mode of operation
and the functions described herein, and thus the invention and the claims should be
construed to extend to such embodiments.
[0085] For example, non parabolic shaped curve of main reflector and non elliptic shaped
curve of sub-reflector may be produced by the machine of mass production even though
they are intended for parabolic and elliptical curve separately according to some
of modifications of the present inventions.
[0086] Thus, the invention and the claims should be construed to extend to such embodiments
which deviate within at least + λ/8 to -λ/8 or +λ/16 to - λ/16 of the curve coordinates
of main reflector and sub-reflector defined in this invention.
[0087] It is notable that the antenna having the tolerance more than the ranges + λ/8 to
-λ/8 or +λ/16 to - λ/16 of the curve coordinates defined in this invention, may be
useful in the industrial field and thus the invention and the claims should be construed
to extent to such embodiments.
[0088] The antenna-feeder device (Fig. 1) works in the following way.
[0089] The function executed by feeding device is equi-amplitude and co-phased excitation
of dual mode transmission line sections of outputs 6 with the same orientation of
electric field vector E as in dual mode transmission line section of input 5 (Fig.
3, 4). Let input 5 be excited by wave with electric field vector oriented along one
of square diagonals which peaks lie on axes of output dual mode waveguides (outputs
6) as shown on Fig. 4. This electric field vector can be decomposed into two components:
vertical and horizontal. Then vertical component will excite upper and lower T-shaped
junctions and horizontal component will excite right and left T-shaped junctions.
Let waves in left and down T-shaped junctions have conditional 0 degrees phase then
waves in upper and right T-shaped junctions have 180 degrees phases. Wave with 0 degrees
phase is labeled on Fig. 4 by sign "plus" and antiphased wave with 180 degrees phase
is labeled by sign "minus".
[0090] Waves excited by input 5 are divided in halves by power dividers and come through
side arms to outputs 6 of dual mode transmission lines sections. Because of the fact
that path length in which waves pass from input 5 to outputs 6 are equal then in the
absence of phase shifters 7 the waves would come to outputs 6 with same phases as
were provided during their excitation. However, due to phase shifters 7 180 degrees,
phase shifted phases of waves exciting outputs will be distributed in the way as shown
on Fig. 4.
[0091] Note that vertical rectangular waveguides excite vertical component of vector E in
circular waveguides and horizontal rectangular waveguides excite horizontal component
of vector E in circular waveguides. Phase of excited component is determined by phase
of wave in rectangular waveguide connected to output 6 (circular or square waveguide
2) and Phase of excited component is determined by orientation of exciting rectangular
waveguide relatively placed (positioned) output waveguide of output 6 and by phase
of wave in rectangular waveguide.
[0092] Vertical component is excited with 0 degrees phase if exciting wave has 0 degrees
phase and rectangular waveguide is connected to output from below. Similarly, vertical
component of field will have 0 degree phase if rectangular waveguide is connected
to output from above and if exciting wave has 180 degrees phase. In a similar way,
vertical component will have 0 degree phase if it is excited from the left side and
if wave has 0 degrees phase, and vertical component will also have 0 degree phase
if it is excited from the right side and if wave has 180 degrees phase. Fig. 4 shows
that at all outputs 6 vertical and horizontal components are excited with 0 degrees
phase and thus integrated vector of electrical field is oriented exactly as at input
5. Work of feeding device 4, when being excited by wave with orthogonally oriented
electrical field vector E, can be described in a similar way.
[0093] Circular or square waveguides which is able to support transmission of two main orthogonally
polarized waves (wave modes) are used as input and output waveguides. T-shaped junctions
are formed by rectangular waveguides connected in H-plane. Specific connection configuration
can comprise additional elements providing matching of central branch of junction.
Such elements are pins, matching wedges etc. In the same way connection between rectangular
and circular waveguides may comprise additional elements providing its proper work.
Choice of structure and parameters of additional elements is a problem of engineering
design and may be solved by known means, for instance, using systems of electrodynamic
simulation, such as High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) providing high accuracy
in prediction of high frequency waveguide devices parameters. It is clear to specialists
that choice of structure and parameters of additional elements is not the subject
of present invention that can comprise different technical improvements known from
modem technology level.
[0094] In connection shown on Fig. 4, phase shifters 7 are made as rectangular waveguide
sections with changed width. It is known that propagation constant of main wave γ
in rectangular waveguide depends on its width a in the following way:

where k is free space wave number. From the formula shown above, it follows that changing
waveguide width one can change its propagation constant and therefore phase shift
in waveguide section that is equal to multiplication of propagation constant and section
length.
[0095] Phase shifter 7 may also be realized by embedding of changing propagation constant
dielectric plates into waveguide.
[0096] Fig. 5 shows waveguide connection with phase shift produced by moving of waveguide
connection point. The same connection can be used for coaxial transmission lines.
[0097] Displacement of T-shaped connection middle point relatively in middle of waveguide
section connecting neighboring outputs is 0.25 of wavelength in transmission line.
In this case phase difference of waves in side branches of T-shaped junction reaches
required 180 degrees.
[0098] Strip lines can be used in connector instead of waveguides. The simplest for this
case is symmetrical strip line (or just strip line) that is formed by strip line conductor
placed between two metal screens. In this connection base of antenna can represent
one of screens. Strip conductors are made on thin dielectric films by means of printed
circuits technology. Film including element of printed circuit is placed between two
foam plates which in their turn are placed between two metal plates mentioned above.
This configuration forms a symmetrical strip line filled with dielectric which parameters
are close to air parameter because dielectric properties of foam are similar to dielectric
properties of air. It is a very important factor at high frequencies because it allows
one to exclude dielectric losses, typically for dielectrics with higher dielectric
permittivity.
[0099] Fig. 6 schematically shows strip line conductors topology providing work of feeding
device 4. Coupling between strip line and circular waveguides is provided by probes
9, 10 embedded into waveguides. Design of probes 9, 10 is made as continuation of
strip lines. Phase shifters 7 represent additional strip line sections made in shape
of loops. The length of loop provides 180 degrees phase shift between loop and straight
transmission line.
[0100] As a result (Fig. 3-6), signals come to radiators 3 of each of four antennas (Fig.
1) from four outputs 6 maintaining transmission of two signals with orthogonal polarizations.
Radiator 3 (Fig. 2) can be made as a conical horn, pyramidal horn with square cross-section,
conical or pyramidal corrugated horn etc.
[0101] The sub-reflector 2 (Fig. 2) represents a body of revolution formed by ellipse rotation
along the axis coinciding with antenna (Fig. 7) body axis (longitudinal axis of symmetry
Z). Fig. 7 shows: Fe1 - first focus of the sub-reflector 2 ellipse, Fe2 - second focus
of the sub-reflector 2, F - focus of the main reflector 1 parabola, H - edge of exiting
horn 3, E - edge of the sub-reflector 2.
[0102] The main reflector 1 may be formed as a body of revolution received by parabola rotation
around antenna axis of symmetry Z. Apex of parabola may be also situated on rotation
axis Z. When ellipse is rotated, one of its focuses Fe1 (first focus) is situated
on rotation axis Z and the second focus Fe2 is removed from this axis Z and creates
focal ring of diameter De (with radius Fe2
r) when ellipse is rotated. Similarly, when parabola is rotated, its focus creates
focal ring with diameter Dp (with radius Fr).
[0103] The sub-reflector 2-2(Fig. 10) represents a body of revolution formed by arbitrary
curve rotation along the axis coinciding with antenna (Fig. 11) body axis (longitudinal
axis of symmetry Z). The main reflector 1-1 may be formed as a body of revolution
received by arbitrary curve rotation around antenna axis of symmetry Z. Apex of the
arbitrary curve of main reflector 1-1 may be also situated on rotation axis Z.
[0104] Due to reciprocity of antenna-feeder device, antenna operation may be considered
both in receiving mode and in transmission mode. Let us consider antenna operation
in wave transmission mode. One of two orthogonally polarized waves comes to input
of horn of radiator 3. This wave excites spherical wave in horn 3, 3-3, which phase
center coincides in horn 3 cases with apex of conical or pyramidal surface of horn
3. Spherical wave propagates along radiator horn 3,3-3 up to it's upper edge H (Fig.
7) (Fig. 11), where it transforms into spherical wave of free space with pattern determined
by radiator horn 3, 3-3 length and flare angle.
[0105] Spherical wave of free space irradiates a sub-reflector 2, 2-2. In order to decrease
power losses in antenna and increase antenna efficiency, horn 3, 3-3 pattern is taken
in such shape that, from the first side, it provides energy non-overflowing outwards
of the sub-reflector 2, 2-2 and from the other side, it provides uniform "illuminating"
of the sub-reflector 2, 2-2. The shape of the sub-reflector 2, 2-2 made from metal
reflects incident waves in direction of the main reflector 1, 1-1. In its turn, the
main reflector 1, 1-1 re-radiates incident waves to the free space.
[0106] In order to provide the above mentioned propagation and reflection of waves, one
should solve a problem of choice of parameters of main reflector and sub-reflector.
As an example, solution of these problems by means of geometrical optics brings to
the situation that first focus Fe1 of elliptical surface coincides with phase center
of radiator 3 (open end of waveguide) and it's second focus Fe2 coincides with parabola
focus F. Thus, focal rings received as a result of parabola and ellipse rotation,
coincide. Such geometry is typical for design of antennas with big electrical size,
i.e. antenna size is more than 36 wavelength. In such arrangement of focal points
in aperture of the main reflector 1, in-phase distribution of field is provided which
is equivalent of parallel beam forming which creates radiation in far zone further
comprising narrow beam pattern. After passing near-focal zone, the beam expands and
"illuminates" surface of the main reflector 1 which reflects incident waves and thus
forms a field of antenna radiation.
[0107] The special feature of an antenna with minimal thickness is that the thickness of
this antenna and the size of the sub-reflector 2, 2-2 are comparable with wavelength
in free space. As an example, the situation that diameter of Circle A (Fig. 2), diameter
of the sub-reflector 2 (Fig. 7) is about 1.5 - 2 wavelengths, is preferable. For frequently
used sizes of main reflectors 1 and sub-reflectors 2, geometrical optics do not give
adequate description of antenna operating principles and can not be used in order
to make right choice of the main reflector and the sub-reflector parameters.
[0108] In case of antenna with minimal thickness (and maximal aperture efficiency), the
above shown arrangements for focus disposing are not satisfactory at least to antennas
characteristic of diameter D of a main reflector of the range of 1 to 36 wavelengths.
Evidently, the use of sub-reflectors 2 with big electric sizes will lead to aperture
efficiency decreasing due to shadowing of the main reflector 1 by the sub-reflector
2. Thus, as an example, maximal efficiency values will be reached when diameter A
of sub-reflector 2 is 2-3 wavelengths. It can be noted, as one example, that when
diameter of a main reflector 1 is changing in range of 5 - 18 wavelengths, the antenna
thickness is changing in range of 1 - 3.5 wavelengths. Under 1-3.5 wavelength sizes
of radiator 3 and sub-reflector 2, their focuses are diffused and therefore wave beam
incident to the main reflector 1 can not be described correctly in terms of geometrical
optics. It is evidently noted that the above explanation can be applied to the main
reflector 1-1 and the sub-reflector 2-2.
[0109] A correct approach to antenna parameters synthesis is electrodynamical approach based
on formulation and solution of boundary value problem for Maxwell equations in combination
with algorithms of parametric optimization. Within the frames of such approach, targeted
functions are formulated, such as, for instance, aperture efficiency, antenna thickness,
sidelobe level and so on. Also a set of free parameters is formulated as characteristic
points coordinates or their position, describing size and shape of a main reflector
1, 1-1 a sub-reflector 2, 2-2 and a horn of radiator 3, 3-3. Changing free parameters,
one can find a set of parameters providing minimum (or maximum) of goal function (functions).
This set of parameters is optimal.
[0110] The choice of a main reflector 1,1-1 a sub-reflector 2,2-2 and a radiator 3,3-3 characteristic
points coordinates has been done with consideration of wave structure of electromagnetic
field and diffraction effects existence on edges of the main reflector 1,1-1 the sub-reflector
2,2-2 and radiator 3,3-3. Numerical calculations and antenna parameters optimization
made by a computer program for solving of electrodynamic boundary value problem and
also experimental results show that as an example, for all types of antenna, a sub-reflector
2 could be made on a base of elliptical surface of eccentricity parameter Exc values
in range from 0.55 to 0.75.
[0111] In this case, Circle A of the sub-reflector 2 can be placed in the plane of Circle
C formed by the main reflector 1 edge. In its turn, this condition provides minimization
of antenna longitudinal size and also makes possible to install the sub-reflector
2 on cover 8 because upper edges of the sub-reflector 2 and the main reflector 1 edge
Circle C are positioned on one level. Fixation of the sub-reflector 2 on cover 8 (Fig.
1, 2) gives certain advantages because there is no need to fix the sub-reflector 2
on special dielectric supports attached to horn 3 like in a conventional way.
[0112] Fig. 8 shows aperture efficiency decreasing when eccentricity falls outside the optimal
limits shown above. Fig. 8 shows that aperture efficiency substantially depends on
eccentricity for all antennas with different main reflector 1 diameters D.
[0113] First focus of ellipse Fe1 and phase center of exciter 3 horn like in conventional
antennas are disposed on antenna symmetry axis Z coinciding with parabola and ellipse
rotation axis. However, for maximal aperture efficiency achievement, first ellipse
focus Fe1 can be slightly dislodged in relation to horn phase center along Z axis
in positive direction from the main reflector 1.
[0114] Because of antenna axial symmetry, antenna's excitation by waves of two orthogonal
polarizations takes part in the same way because the difference between these waves
is only 90-degrees polarization vector turn relatively antenna axis.
[0115] The results of optimization are shown in table 2. Coordinates of characteristic points
in coordinate system r, z for different values of main reflector 1 diameter D are
shown below.
The r coordinate of Focus of main reflector 1 is same with p3 r coordinate in Fig.9.
[0116] All antennas were optimized for frequency range with central frequency 12.2 GHz in
the below table in relation with Fig 9.
Table 2
D |
foc |
r1 |
z1 |
r2 |
z2 |
exc |
r3 |
z3 |
z4 |
r5 |
z5 |
r6 |
z6 |
z7 |
z8 |
z9 |
r10 |
z10 |
900 |
198 |
8.452 |
-190.6 |
16.2 |
-197.4 |
0.6757 |
35.7 |
-197.9 |
18.36 |
37.6 |
0.608 |
38.91 |
13.33 |
5.05 |
-25.6 |
-43.6 |
17.9 |
-10.8 |
600 |
123.2 |
8.4 |
-115.9 |
18.1 |
-122.6 |
0.6733 |
35.7 |
-123.2 |
18.0 |
39.5 |
0.49 |
39.24 |
14.54 |
5.57 |
-24.4 |
-43.4 |
18.0 |
-9.96 |
400 |
71.67 |
8.452 |
-64.31 |
17 |
-70.3 |
0.6733 |
37.99 |
-71.67 |
20 |
39.88 |
0.2724 |
41.54 |
13.59 |
4.9 |
-25.15 |
-34.84 |
17.46 |
-10.1 |
292 |
56.11 l |
8.452 |
-84.23 |
17.2 |
-56.1 |
0.6669 |
21.37 |
-56.11 |
13.2 |
27.46 |
-0.6574 |
28.71 |
8.619 |
3.4 |
-16.23 |
-49.3 |
18.42 |
-9.337 |
172 |
23.59 |
8.452 |
-51.71 |
18.8 |
-23 |
0.6669 |
26.67 |
-23.59 |
13.7 |
34.21 |
-0.494 |
18.2 |
13.6 |
5.2 |
-17.17 |
-22.04 |
21.78 |
-10.04 |
112 |
9.501 |
8.452 2 |
-37.62 |
23.2 |
-9 |
0.6723 |
27.83 |
-9.501 |
11.4 |
34.82 |
-0.5809 |
14.64 |
12.38 |
4.4 |
-18.89 |
-24.3 |
23.57 |
-11.61 |
[0117] The most successfully claimed antenna-feeder device and antenna included in this
device may be used industrially as a satellite antenna.
[0118] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to use with any band or
groups of bands. That is,other antenna application, such as those designed for use
at Ku band and Ka band,as well as X band and C band etc,may also benefit from the
present invention.