JP6065112B2 - Rat race circuit, antenna device, and method of forming rat race circuit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique related to a circuit configuration constituted by transmission lines.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of the antenna device. The antenna device 100 includes a first array antenna 101, a second array antenna 102, a Σ / Δ circuit 103, and transmission lines 105 to 108.

  The first array antenna 101 includes a substrate (for example, a dielectric substrate) 110 and a plurality of radiating elements 111 having a conductor pattern formed on the substrate 110. Here, the patterns of the radiating elements 111 have the same shape and the same size, and are arranged on the substrate 110 in a matrix.

  The second array antenna 102 has a configuration similar to that of the first array antenna 101, and is arranged in parallel with the first array antenna 101. That is, the second array antenna 102 has a configuration in which a plurality of similar radiating elements 112 are arranged in a matrix on a common substrate 110 with the first array antenna 101.

  The transmission line 105 is a line (feeding line) that electrically connects each radiating element 111 of the first array antenna 101 to the Σ / Δ circuit 103. The transmission line 105 has a function of transmitting a received signal (hereinafter also referred to as a received signal S1 of the first array antenna 101) corresponding to the radio wave received by each radiating element 111 to the Σ / Δ circuit 103. The transmission line 106 is a line (feeding line) that electrically connects each radiating element 112 of the second array antenna 102 to the Σ / Δ circuit 103. The transmission line 106 has a function of transmitting a received signal (hereinafter also referred to as a received signal S2 of the second array antenna 102) corresponding to the radio wave received by each radiating element 112 to the Σ / Δ circuit 103.

  The Σ / Δ circuit 103 is a circuit configuration that combines the reception signal S1 of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal S2 of the second array antenna 102 in the same phase, and a circuit that combines the reception signals S1 and S2 in the opposite phase. Configuration. The transmission line 107 is a line (Σ port) that outputs from the Σ / Δ circuit 103 a signal in which the received signals S1 and S2 are combined in phase. The transmission line 108 is a line (Δ port) that outputs from the Σ / Δ circuit 103 a signal in which the reception signals S1 and S2 are combined in reverse phase.

  The antenna device 100 configured as described above is used for radar, for example. The antenna device 100 can detect the orientation of the antenna device 100 with respect to a radar detection (tracking) target (target) based on a signal output from the transmission line 108. That is, when the level of the signal output from the transmission line (Δ port) 108 is low, the received signals S1 and S2 of the first array antenna 101 and the second array antenna 102 are in phase or the phases of these received signals. The deviation is small. That is, the first array antenna 101 and the second array antenna 102 are in a state in which they face the radar detection target (target). On the other hand, when the level of the signal output from the transmission line (Δ port) 108 is high, the phase shift between the received signals S1 and S2 between the first array antenna 101 and the second array antenna 102 is large. In this case, the first array antenna 101 and the second array antenna 102 are in a state of being shifted in the perspective direction with respect to the radar detection target (target object).

  Incidentally, a rat race circuit as shown in FIG. 13 may be used as the Σ / Δ circuit 103. The rat race circuit is constituted by a line (conductor pattern) formed on the substrate surface of the substrate 110, for example. That is, the rat race circuit has four port lines 115 to 118 that function as ports (terminals), and a ring-shaped line 119 that is commonly connected to the port lines 115 to 118. In the example of FIG. 13, the ring-shaped line 119 can be divided into lines 120 to 123. The line 120 is a line between connection portions to which the port lines 115 and 116 are connected, respectively. The line 121 is a line between connection parts to which the port lines 116 and 117 are respectively connected. The line 122 is a line between connection parts to which the port lines 117 and 118 are connected, respectively. The line 123 is a line between the connection parts to which the port lines 118 and 115 are respectively connected. The line 120 functions as a λg / 4 line. That is, the line 120 has an electrical length (electric length) corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λg of the signals (received signals S1, S2 of the first and second array antennas 101, 102) transmitted through the port line. ). Similarly, the line 121 and the line 122 also function as λg / 4 lines. The line 123 functions as a 3λg / 4 line.

  For example, when the rat race circuit shown in FIG. 13 is applied to the Σ / Δ circuit 103 of the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 10, the port line 115 is connected to the transmission line 105 and the port line 117 is transmitted. Connected to the line 106. The port line 116 is connected to the transmission line (Σ port) 107, and the port line 118 is connected to the transmission line (Δ port) 108.

  In the ring-shaped line 119, as described above, the line 120 between the port lines 115 and 116 and the line 121 between the port lines 116 and 117 have the same line length. For this reason, the reception signal transmitted through the port line 115 and the reception signal transmitted through the port line 117 are combined in phase in the port line 116. The line 123 between the port lines 115 and 118 and the line 122 between the port lines 117 and 118 have a line length difference corresponding to a half wavelength ((1/2) × λg). For this reason, the reception signal transmitted through the port line 115 and the reception signal transmitted through the port line 117 are combined in the opposite phase in the port line 118.

  Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-005063) relates to a phased array antenna device, and in Patent Document 1, a configuration using a rat race circuit as a circuit for synthesizing signals is shown. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-175329 discloses a configuration in which a rat race circuit is included in a feeding circuit of a phased array antenna. Patent Document 3 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 01-003307) discloses a rat race circuit in which a plurality of rat race circuits are combined. Patent Document 4 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-013922) describes a configuration in which a filter interposed in an antenna feed line is formed by a microstrip line. Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-057099) discloses a configuration of a high-frequency transmission / reception circuit related to transmission / reception of signals such as sensors and radars.

JP 2008-005063 A JP 2012-175329 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 01-003307 JP 2007-013922 A JP 2010-057099 A

  By the way, in order to ensure the electrical performance of the antenna, the interval between the radiating elements tends to be narrow. As a result, the area in which the Σ / Δ circuit 103 (rat race circuit) can be formed in the substrate 110 on which the radiating elements are formed is becoming narrower. Therefore, when the radiating elements 111 and 112 and the Σ / Δ circuit 103 are formed on the same substrate surface (or the same layer) of the substrate 110, the radiating elements 111 and 112 and the Σ / Δ circuit 103 interfere with each other. I am worried about it. In addition, when the radiating elements 111 and 112 and the Σ / Δ circuit 103 are formed in different layers of the substrate 110, Σ in the radiation direction of the radiating element is considered in consideration of preventing deterioration of the radiation characteristics of the antenna. The formation region of the / Δ circuit 103 preferably does not overlap.

  As a countermeasure in consideration of such circumstances, for example, it is conceivable to form the Σ / Δ circuit 103 (rat race circuit) on a substrate different from the substrate 110 (the Σ / Δ circuit 103 is a separate component). . In this case, the Σ / Δ circuit 103 (the rat race circuit, which is a separate component, is connected to the transmission lines 105 and 106 formed on the substrate 110 by a coaxial connector. Alternatively, the Σ / Δ circuit 103 is A measure may be considered in which the Σ / Δ circuit 103 (magic T) is formed on a substrate surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the surface on which the radiation elements 111 and 112 are formed, instead of the rat race circuit.

  However, a method of forming the radiating elements 111 and 112 and the Σ / Δ circuit 103 in separate layers of the substrate 110, a method of using the Σ / Δ circuit 103 as separate components, and a configuration of the Σ / Δ circuit 103 by a waveguide. However, the following problems occur in this method. That is, such a method causes a problem that the manufacturing process of the antenna device becomes complicated, a problem that the cost of the antenna device increases, a problem that prevents the antenna device from being downsized and thinned, and the like.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, the main object of the present invention is to cope with the downsizing and thinning of the device while preventing the complicated manufacturing process and cost increase of the device on which the rat race circuit is mounted, and further improving the device performance. It is to provide a circuit configuration technique that can contribute to the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the rat race circuit of the present invention comprises:
A λ / 4 line with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λ in the signal to be transmitted;
A 3λ / 4 line with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to three-quarters of the wavelength λ,
The three λ / 4 lines and the 3λ / 4 line are connected in series to form a closed loop, and the 3λ / 4 line is directed toward the inside of the region surrounded by the closed loop. It has a line part to enter, the line part is formed in an annular shape along the edge of the area where the entry entry side is open and the entry back side is wider than the opening interval,
Each connection portion between the lines forming the closed loop is further connected to a terminal line through which the signal is input and output, and in each connection portion, the λ / connected to the terminal line from the terminal line. The extension directions of the lines respectively directed to the four lines or the two lines that are the 3λ / 4 lines have a configuration that is line symmetric with respect to the center line of the line width in the terminal line.

The antenna device of the present invention is
A plurality of radiating elements formed on a common substrate and having a conductor pattern for transmitting and receiving signals;
A circuit for synthesizing a reception signal by the radiating element,
The circuit is the rat race circuit of the present invention.

The method for forming the rat race circuit of the present invention comprises:
Three λ / 4 lines with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λ in the signal to be transmitted, and an electrical length corresponding to the three quarters of the wavelength λ A 3λ / 4 line with a conductor pattern with a closed loop by being connected in series,
The 3λ / 4 line has a line part that enters toward the inner side of the region surrounded by the closed loop, and the line part is open on the entry side and wider on the back side than the opening interval. It is formed in an annular shape along the edge of the region,
In each connection portion between the lines forming the closed loop, a terminal line for inputting and outputting the signal is further connected, and the λ / 4 line or the 3λ / 4 line connected from the terminal line to the terminal line The extending directions of the lines respectively facing the two lines are line symmetric with the center line of the line width in the terminal line as the symmetric center line.

  The present invention can cope with the downsizing and thinning of the device while preventing the complicated manufacturing process and cost increase of the device (for example, antenna device) on which the rat race circuit is mounted, and further improving the device performance. Can contribute.

It is a figure explaining the rat race circuit of a 1st embodiment concerning the present invention. It is a figure explaining the partial structure of the rat race circuit of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the rat race circuit of 2nd Embodiment concerning this invention. It is a figure explaining the partial structure of the rat race circuit of 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the effect acquired from the rat race circuit of 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph as a comparative example compared with the graph of FIG. It is a model figure showing the example of a form of a rat race circuit when entering a 3λ / 4 track and not providing a track part. Furthermore, it is a model figure showing another form example of the rat race circuit when entering the 3λ / 4 line and not providing the line part. It is a figure showing the example of other embodiments of the rat race circuit concerning the present invention. Furthermore, it is a figure showing the other embodiment example of the rat race circuit based on this invention. It is a model figure showing the example of 1 structure of the antenna apparatus in which a rat race circuit is incorporated. It is a model figure showing another structural example of the antenna apparatus in which a rat race circuit is incorporated. It is a model figure showing other embodiment of the integration aspect which incorporates a rat race circuit in an antenna apparatus. FIG. 10 is a model diagram showing still another embodiment of the incorporation mode in which the rat race circuit is incorporated in the antenna device. It is a model figure explaining a rat race circuit.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a model diagram showing a rat race circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The rat race circuit 1 includes three λ / 4 lines 3 to 5, a 3λ / 4 line 6, and four terminal lines 10 to 13. Note that λ is the wavelength of the signal transmitted through the line.

  Each of the λ / 4 lines 3 to 5 is formed of a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λ in the signal to be transmitted. The 3λ / 4 line 6 is formed of a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to three-quarters of the wavelength λ. The 3λ / 4 line 6 has an incoming line part 7.

  The λ / 4 lines 3 to 5 and the 3λ / 4 line 6 are connected in series (continuous) to form a closed loop 8. The incoming line portion 7 in the 3λ / 4 line 6 enters the inside of the region surrounded by the closed loop 8. The entry line portion 7 is opened on the entry entry side (see portion A shown in FIG. 1), and the entry back side (see portion B shown in FIG. 1) is wider than the opening interval. It is formed in an annular shape. Here, the term “annular” refers to a shape surrounding a certain region, and the incoming line portion 7 is not limited to a circular shape.

  The terminal lines 10 to 13 are lines for inputting signals to the lines 3 to 6 or outputting signals from the lines 3 to 6 (lines to which signals flowing in the lines 3 to 6 are input and output). Each terminal line 10-13 is connected to each connection part 15-18 of the lines 3-6 with a one-to-one relationship.

FIG. 1B is a model diagram illustrating an enlarged partial region including the connection portions 15 (16 to 18) in the rat race circuit 1. FIG. In each of the connection portions 15 to 18, the extending directions α and β respectively extending from the terminal line 10 (11 to 13) to the two lines 3 and 4 connected to the terminal line 10 are center lines of the line width in the terminal line 10. Line symmetry with O ₁₀ as the center line of symmetry.

  The rat race circuit 1 of the first embodiment is configured as described above. The rat race circuit 1 can be incorporated in the antenna device 100 as, for example, a Σ / Δ circuit 103 shown in FIG. In this case, the lines 3 to 6 and 10 to 13 constituting the rat race circuit 1 are formed on the substrate surface of the substrate 110. The terminal line 10 is connected to a transmission line 107 that functions as a Σ port, and the terminal line 12 is connected to a transmission line 108 that functions as a Δ port. Further, the terminal lines 11 and 13 are connected to transmission lines 106 and 105, respectively. The radiating elements 111 and 112 may be formed on the substrate surface of the substrate 110, or may be formed on a layer different from the formation surface (formation layer) of the Σ / Δ circuit 103 on the substrate 110. is there. That is, the layer in which the radiation elements 111 and 112 are formed on the substrate 110 is not limited.

  In the rat race circuit 1 thus incorporated in the antenna device 100, the received signal of the first array antenna 101 is input through the terminal line 13, and the received signal of the second array antenna 102 is input through the terminal line 11. To do. Here, the phase of the reception signal input from the first array antenna 101 to the terminal line 13 and the reception signal input from the second array antenna 102 to the terminal line 11 are in phase. In this case, the rat race circuit 1 outputs a signal obtained by synthesizing the reception signal of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 102 in phase with each other through the terminal line 10. Further, the rat race circuit 1 outputs a signal obtained by synthesizing the reception signals of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signals of the second array antenna 102 in opposite phases through the terminal line 12.

The rat race circuit 1 according to the first embodiment and the antenna device 100 including the same can obtain the following effects by including the above-described configuration. That is, in the rat race circuit shown in FIG. 13, the area of the ring-shaped line 119 formation area (that is, the area surrounded by the ring-shaped line 119) (hereinafter also referred to as a non-intrusive shape area) is 9 × λ ² ÷ (16 × π) ≈0.179 × λ ² .

On the other hand, in the rat race circuit 1 of the first embodiment, the area (hereinafter referred to as a rectangular region having the lines 3 to 5 and a part of the line 6 as sides) of the formation areas of the lines 3 to 6 (that is, the following) Can be expressed as λ ² ÷ 16≈0.0625 × λ ² . The area of the shape with entry is about one third of the area of the shape without entry shown in FIG.

  That is, the rat race circuit 1 of the first embodiment can be made smaller than the rat race circuit shown in FIG. In addition, since the rat race circuit 1 can be reduced in size, the substrate can be prevented from overlapping with the radiating elements 111 and 112 while avoiding an increase in the size of the substrate 110 of the antenna device 100 (upsizing in the direction in which the substrate surface expands). The effect that it can form in 110 can be acquired. This prevents the problem that the number of layers of the substrate 110 must be increased in order to form the rat race circuit 1, the problem of complication of the manufacturing process of the antenna device 100, and the problem of an increase in cost.

Furthermore, in the rat race circuit 1 of the first embodiment, the two lines 3 connected to the terminal lines 10 (11 to 13) are connected to the terminal lines 10 (11 to 13) as shown in FIG. The extending directions α and β of 4 are symmetrical with respect to the center line O ₁₀ of the terminal line 10. Therefore, for example, when the received signal of the first array antenna 101 is shunted from the terminal line 13 to the λ / 4 line 3 and the 3λ / 4 line 6, the received signal is the λ / 4 line 3 and the 3λ / 4 line. Divide evenly into 6. The same applies to the received signal of the second array antenna 102, and the received signal is divided into the λ / 4 line 4 and the 3λ / 4 line 6 almost equally. Thereby, the balance of the signal amount of the first and second array antennas 101 and 102 synthesized in the terminal lines 10 and 12 is improved. As a result, the rat race circuit 1 can output an accurate signal synthesis result. In other words, if the amount of signal to be synthesized is poor, a situation where the signal level that would have been zero by canceling out the signal would not be canceled out but would be output at a level deviating from zero. To do. Such a situation causes deterioration of the performance of the antenna device 100. On the other hand, the rat race circuit 1 can avoid such a situation because the amount of signals to be synthesized is well balanced. That is, the rat race circuit 1 can improve the performance of the antenna device 100.

  Therefore, the rat race circuit 1 according to the first embodiment can cope with the reduction in size and thickness of the antenna device 100 while preventing the manufacturing process of the antenna device 100 from being complicated and the cost from being increased. It can contribute to improvement.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same name portions as those in the first embodiment, and the duplicate description of the common portions is omitted.

  FIG. 2A is a model diagram showing the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment together with the radiating element of the antenna device. Similar to the first embodiment, the rat race circuit 1 according to the second embodiment includes three λ / 4 lines 3 to 5, a 3λ / 4 line 6, and four terminal lines 10 to 13. doing. Further, the 3λ / 4 line 6 has an incoming line part 7. The incoming line portion 7 has a circular ring shape in the first embodiment, whereas it has a quadrangular ring shape in the second embodiment.

  The rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment is incorporated as, for example, a Σ / Δ circuit 103 in the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. That is, the lines 3 to 6 and 10 to 13 constituting the rat race circuit 1 are formed on the same substrate surface of the substrate 110 that is common to the radiation elements 111 and 112 of the antenna device 100. That is, the lines 3 to 6 constituting the closed loop are formed in the gap between the four radiating elements 111 and 112 arranged in a matrix. The terminal lines 10 to 13 are formed in a linear manner in the gap between the two radiating elements. Here, the radiating elements 111 and 112 have a microstrip line mode. Similarly to the radiating elements 111 and 112, the lines 3 to 6, 10 to 13 of the rat race circuit 1 also have a microstrip line mode.

  Further, the terminal line 13 in the rat race circuit 1 is connected to the transmission line 105 of the first array antenna 101, and the terminal line 11 is connected to the transmission line 106 of the second array antenna 102. Here, as in the first embodiment, a received signal input to the terminal line 13 from the first array antenna 101 (transmission line 105) and a received signal input to the terminal line 11 from the second array antenna 102 (transmission line 106). Are in phase. As a result, the signal output from the terminal line 10 is a signal in which the reception signal of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 102 are combined in phase. Thus, the terminal line 10 is connected to the transmission line (Σ port) 107. The signal output from the terminal line 12 is a signal obtained by combining the reception signal of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 102 in opposite phases. Thus, the terminal line 12 is connected to the transmission line (Δ port) 108.

  In this 2nd Embodiment, regarding the connection parts 15-18, the space | interval between adjacent connection parts is equal intervals or substantially equal intervals. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the straight line La connecting the connection portions 15 and 17 facing each other and the straight line Lb connecting the connection portions 16 and 18 are orthogonal to each other.

  The rest of the configuration of the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

  In the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the 3λ / 4 line 6 has the entry line part 7, and the entry line part 7 is located inside the area surrounded by the closed loop 8. A mode of entering is provided. For this reason, the rat race circuit 1 of 2nd Embodiment can reduce the formation area (occupied area) of the said circuit 1 similarly to 1st Embodiment. Thereby, the rat race circuit 1 can cope with the downsizing and thinning of the antenna device 100 while preventing the manufacturing process of the antenna device 100 in which the circuit 1 is incorporated from being complicated and cost increase.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 show rat race circuits 25 and 26 as comparative examples to be compared with the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment, respectively. These rat race circuits 25 and 26 have a mode in which the 3λ / 4 line 6 does not have the entry line part 7.

  In the rat race circuit 25 of FIG. 5, the connection portions 15 to 18 are arranged at the same positions as the connection portions 15 to 18 of the rat race circuit 1. In this case, if the distance between the radiating elements 111 and 112 is the same as the distance between the radiating elements 111 and 112 shown in FIG. 2, the 3λ / 4 line 6 may enter the region where the radiating element 111 is formed. is there. That is, there is a risk that the 3λ / 4 line 6 and the radiating element 111 interfere with each other.

  Further, in the rat race circuit 26 of FIG. 6, the closed loop 8 by the lines 3 to 6 is formed so as not to interfere with the radiating elements 111 and 112. Further, each λ / 4 line 3 to 5 can have an electrical length corresponding to λ / 4, and the 3λ / 4 line 6 can have an electrical length corresponding to 3λ / 4. In addition, the arrangement positions of the connection portions 15 to 18 are set. The arrangement positions of the connection parts 16 to 18 are shifted from the arrangement positions of the connection parts 16 to 18 of the rat race circuit 1. For this reason, the terminal lines 11 to 13 connected to the connection parts 16 to 18 have a portion k that makes a detour toward the connection parts 16 to 18. This part k may interfere with the radiation elements 111 and 112.

  In order to prevent the interference problem that may occur in the rat race circuits 25 and 26 of FIGS. 5 and 6, there are problems that prevent the antenna device 100 from being reduced in size and thickness, problems that increase costs, There is a possibility that the manufacturing process becomes complicated. In contrast, the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment can avoid such a problem.

Moreover, the rat race circuit 1 of this 2nd Embodiment is the two lines 3 and 4 connected to the terminal line 10 (11-13) in the connection parts 15-18, as represented to FIG. 1B. The extending directions α and β are symmetrical with respect to the center line O ₁₀ of the terminal line 10. Thereby, the rat race circuit 1 of 2nd Embodiment can also contribute to the improvement of the performance of the antenna apparatus 100 similarly to 1st Embodiment.

  The inventor has confirmed the effect by experiments. In this experiment, the inventor outputs an output from the rat race circuit 1 to the transmission line (Δ port) 108 when the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment is incorporated as the Σ / Δ circuit 103 in the antenna device 100. Measuring the signal. Further, as a comparative example, the present inventor has a transmission line (Δ port) 108 from the rat race circuit 25 when the rat race circuit 25 of the mode shown in FIG. 5 is incorporated in the antenna device 100 as the Σ / Δ circuit 103. Measure the output signal to. In this experiment, the conditions other than the rat race circuit are the same.

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing experimental results when the rat race circuit 1 is incorporated. FIG. 4 is a graph showing experimental results when the rat race circuit 25 is incorporated. In the graphs of FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents reflection loss. The solid line R is a reflection loss according to the ratio of the signal level (output power) output from the terminal line 10 to the transmission line (Δ port) 108 with respect to the signal level (input power) input to the terminal lines 11 and 13; It represents the relationship with frequency.

  As shown in FIG. 3, by using the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment, the Δ port of the rat race circuit 1 in the communication frequency band (here, 9.4 GHz band) in the antenna device 100. The reflection loss at −35 dB is a good result of −35 dB or less. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rat race circuit 25 is used, the reflection loss at the Δ port of the rat race circuit 25 is about −15 dB. Such a difference in the experimental results is related to the symmetry of the signal diversion in the connecting portions 16 to 18 as described above, and the better the symmetry of the diversion, the better the characteristics of the output signal. Therefore, this experiment can also confirm the effect that the performance of the antenna device 100 can be improved by using the rat race circuit 1 of the second embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and can take various forms. For example, the rat race circuit 1 may have a shape as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 7 and 8, as in the second embodiment, regarding the arrangement positions of the connection portions 15 to 18, the straight line connecting the connection portions 15 and 17 facing each other and the straight line connecting the connection portions 16 and 18 are: The relationship is orthogonal. Further, the interval between adjacent connecting portions is equal or substantially equal. Further, the configuration related to the symmetry of the two lines connected to the terminal line is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the rat race circuit 1 is incorporated in the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 10 is shown. Alternatively, the rat race circuit 1 may be incorporated in an antenna device 130 as shown in FIG. The antenna device 130 includes a first array antenna 131, a second array antenna 132, a third array antenna 133, a fourth array antenna 134, and three Σ / Δ circuits 135 to 137. The antenna device 130 is incorporated in a radar capable of tracking in the azimuth and elevation directions, for example.

  The first to fourth array antennas 131 to 134 have the same configuration as the first and second array antennas 101 and 102 of the antenna device 100.

  The Σ / Δ circuit 135 has a function of outputting a signal obtained by synthesizing the reception signal of the first array antenna 131 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 132 in phase to the Σ / Δ circuit 136 through the transmission line 138. Yes. Further, the Σ / Δ circuit 135 has a function of outputting, to the transmission line 142, a signal obtained by combining the reception signals of the first array antenna 131 and the reception signals of the second array antenna 132 in opposite phases.

  The Σ / Δ circuit 137 has a function of outputting a signal obtained by synthesizing the reception signal of the third array antenna 133 and the reception signal of the fourth array antenna 134 in phase to the Σ / Δ circuit 136 through the transmission line 139. Yes. Further, the Σ / Δ circuit 137 has a function of outputting, to the transmission line 143, a signal obtained by combining the reception signals of the third array antenna 133 and the reception signals of the fourth array antenna 134 in opposite phases. Signals transmitted through the transmission lines 142 and 143 are combined in the transmission line (Δ port) 144 and output to the outside.

  The Σ / Δ circuit 136 has a function of outputting a signal obtained by synthesizing the output signals from the Σ / Δ circuits 135 and 137 in the same phase toward the transmission line (Σ port) 140. Further, the Σ / Δ circuit 136 has a function of outputting a signal obtained by synthesizing the output signals from the Σ / Δ circuits 135 and 137 in reverse phase toward the transmission line (Δ port) 141.

  In this antenna device 130, when the signal level of the transmission line (Δ port) 141 is low, the first to fourth array antennas 131 to 134 are facing the front with respect to the detection target (target). It is. On the other hand, when the signal level of the transmission line (Δ port) 141 is high, the third and fourth array antennas 133 and 134 are detected (targeted) rather than the first and second array antennas 131 and 132. ) Away from or approaching. In other words, in this case, the first and second array antennas 131 and 132 and the third and fourth array antennas 133 and 134 are shifted in the perspective direction with respect to the detection target (target). State.

  Further, when the signal level of the transmission line (Δ port) 144 is low, the first to fourth array antennas 131 to 134 are in a state of facing the detection target (target). On the other hand, when the signal level of the transmission line (Δ port) 144 is high, the second and fourth array antennas 132 and 134 are detected (targeted) rather than the first and third array antennas 131 and 133. ) Away from or approaching. In other words, in this case, the first and third array antennas 131 and 133 and the second and fourth array antennas 132 and 134 are shifted in the perspective direction with respect to the detection target (target). State.

  The rat race circuit 1 of each of the first and second embodiments can be applied to each of the Σ / Δ circuits 135 to 137. The rat race circuit 1 may be applied to all of the Σ / Δ circuits 135 to 137, or the rat race circuit 1 may be applied to any one or two of the Σ / Δ circuits 135 to 137. May be. However, in order to output a signal with a high level of accuracy from the transmission line (Δ port) 144 connected to the Σ / Δ circuit 136, the Σ / Δ circuits 135 and 137 are directed toward the Σ / Δ circuit 136, respectively. It is preferable that the level of the output signal is balanced. For this reason, in order to improve performance, it is preferable that the Σ / Δ circuits 135 and 137 have the same circuit configuration. Thus, when the rat race circuit 1 is applied as the Σ / Δ circuit 135 (137), the rat race circuit 1 is preferably applied to the Σ / Δ circuit 137 (135).

  Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the phases of the received signals input from the first and second array antennas 101 and 102 to the terminal lines 11 and 13 of the rat race circuit 1 are the same. Thereby, the terminal line 10 is connected to the transmission line (Σ port) 107 of the antenna device 100, and the terminal line 12 is connected to the transmission line (Σ port) 108 of the antenna device 100. On the other hand, the phases of the received signals input to the terminal lines 11 and 13 may be opposite to each other. In this case, in the rat race circuit 1, the signal output from the terminal line 10 is a signal obtained by combining the reception signal of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 102 in opposite phases. From this, the terminal line 10 is connected to the transmission line (Δ port) 108 as shown in FIG. The signal output from the terminal line 12 is a signal obtained by combining the reception signal of the first array antenna 101 and the reception signal of the second array antenna 102 in the same phase. Thus, the terminal line 12 is connected to the transmission line (Σ port) 107. That is, in the example of FIG. 11, the rat race circuit 1 is incorporated into the antenna device 100 in a mode in which the rat race circuit 1 is half-rotated from the state shown in FIG. 2A.

  Note that the rat race circuit 1 may be incorporated in the antenna device 100 not in the mode shown in FIG. 11 but in the mode shown in FIG. That is, the form shown in FIG. 12 is a form in which the λ / 4 line 5 and the 3λ / 4 line 6 shown in FIG. 11 are interchanged. Also in the configuration of FIG. 12, when signals having opposite phases are input to the terminal lines 11 and 13, the signal synthesized in the same phase is transmitted from the terminal line 12 to the transmission line (Σ port) as in FIG. It is output to 107. In addition, a signal synthesized in reverse phase is output from the terminal line 10 to the transmission line (Δ port) 108. Thus, the rat race circuit 1 functions similarly even if the λ / 4 line 5 and the 3λ / 4 line 6 are interchanged. From this, when the in-phase signal is input to the terminal lines 11 and 13, the rat race circuit 1 has the λ / 4 lines 5 and 3λ shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A, FIG. 7 and FIG. / 4 Line 6 may be replaced with the antenna device.

  Further, the rat race circuit of the present invention includes an Σ / Δ circuit (combining circuit) that constitutes an antenna device capable of transmitting and receiving right-handed circularly polarized wave and left-handed circularly polarized wave and an antenna device capable of transmitting and receiving linearly polarized waves orthogonal to each other. ). Furthermore, the rat race circuit of the present invention can be applied to devices other than the antenna device.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated taking the embodiment mentioned above as an example, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

  This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-111948 filed on May 28, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

  The present invention is a technique applicable to various apparatuses including an array antenna, and can be developed in various fields.

1, 25, 26 Rat race circuit 3, 4, 5 λ / 4 line 6 3λ / 4 line 7 Intrusion line part 15, 16, 17, 18 Connection unit 100, 130 Antenna device 111, 112 Radiating element

Claims (7)

A λ / 4 line with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λ in the signal to be transmitted;
A 3λ / 4 line with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to three-quarters of the wavelength λ,
3 and pieces of the lambda / 4 line, the A 3 [lambda] / 4 line, by being connected to a series, form a closed loop ring, the 3 [lambda] / 4 line is more the three lambda / 4 line A line part that enters the inside of the defined area, and the line part is routed in an annular shape while bending to approach the three λ / 4 lines;
The two connection portions of the λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line and the two connection portions of the 3λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line each have a terminal line for inputting and outputting the signal. Connected,
The ends of the two λ / 4 lines connected to the terminal line on the connection part side, or the ends of the 3λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line on the connection part side are the terminals. A rat race circuit arranged in line symmetry with a center line of the line width at the end on the connection part side of the line as a symmetrical center line.   The rat race circuit according to claim 1, wherein the interval between the adjacent connection portions is equal or substantially equal.   The rat race circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the four connection portions are arranged such that two straight lines connecting two connection portions facing each other are orthogonal to each other.   4. The rat race circuit according to claim 1, wherein the λ / 4 line and the 3λ / 4 line are microstrip lines. 5. A plurality of radiating elements formed on a common substrate and having a conductor pattern for transmitting and receiving signals;
A circuit for synthesizing a reception signal by the radiating element,
The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the circuit is a rat race circuit.   The plurality of radiating elements are arranged in an array, and when the rat race circuit is formed on the same substrate surface or the same layer as the radiating element in the substrate, the rat race circuit is arranged between the radiating element forming regions. When the rat race circuit is formed in a layer different from the radiating element on the substrate, the rat race circuit does not overlap the formation region of the radiating element in the stacking direction of the layers of the substrate. The antenna device according to claim 5, wherein the antenna device is formed in a region. Three λ / 4 lines with a conductor pattern having an electrical length corresponding to a quarter of the wavelength λ in the signal to be transmitted, and an electrical length corresponding to the three quarters of the wavelength λ With a 3λ / 4 line by a conductor pattern having a shape, an annular closed loop is formed by being connected in series,
The 3 [lambda] / 4 line has a line portion enters the interior of the region more defined in the three lambda / 4 line, the line portion is bent and to approach the three lambda / 4 line While being drawn around in a ring,
The two connection portions of the λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line and the two connection portions of the 3λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line are further provided with terminal lines for inputting and outputting the signal, respectively. connection,
The end of the two λ / 4 lines connected to the terminal line on the connection part side, or the end of the 3λ / 4 line and the λ / 4 line on the connection part side, A method for forming a rat race circuit, wherein the line is symmetrically arranged with the center line of the line width at the end on the connection part side of the line as a symmetrical center line.

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