DE1948162C3 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring radio angles with an antenna arrangement, consisting of a plurality of antenna elements whose mutual spacing is substantially greater than half the wavelength A, with the use of a common wavelength A and two or more different distances < / " D ₂ between the antenna elements or when using a uniform distance d and two or more values of wavelengths A ₁ , X ₂ two or more different values of djX occur, as well as phase difference measuring devices which measure the phase differences occurring between the antenna elements from corresponding to the various values of dß at least two values V »" Vz occur, and a correlation device which, using either theoretically or experimentally established relationships, softens all or part of the measured sets of phase differences in correlation to the estimated E. Bring infallwinkel the signal and bring on the output side a signal corresponding to the estimated angle of incidence of the signal and on the output side emits a signal corresponding to the estimated angle of incidence.

Direction finders where the direction of incidence is electromagnetic Waves by measuring the phase difference of at least two locally received coherent

nth waves is determined and for which a computational evaluation is carried out are already known. e.g. DT-AS 10 05 577 and 12 96 222). This and other prior art with regard to measuring devices for measuring radio angles and the disadvantages occurring in this context are described in detail in the earlier patent specification of the same applicant for T-PS 19 45 168.
The improved measuring device for measuring skew angles according to DT-AS 19 45 169 has the following properties:

a) The distances between the antenna elements are considerably greater than half the propagation wavelength, so that a greater antenna gain and more pronounced characteristics of the radiator elements are possible. Simultaneously a higher angular accuracy is achieved by the fact that with a small angular amount with a redder distance between the antenna elements a larger phase difference arises.

b) The distinct sector is large.

c) When using at least two different values of dl? ,, and a small total number of radiator elements between two and four, a high angle accuracy is achieved.

d) It is a P btastung in many directions possible, s' that the Di tenfluß HCCH is.

e) The process of correlating the measured relationships of the phase differences between the antenna elements to the angle of incidence of the signal and especially the role that the Dissolves the power of present discrimination sp'el ', treatment is given so that it is possible is, optimal embodiments with regard to the highest possible accuracy of the Effectiveness? U construct.

f) The degree of freedom in the selection of the values of antenna arrangements is great, so that it is possible to select the optimal distance between the antenna devices and the optimal resolution for the phase measurement independently of one another for each application.

The measurement policy according to DT-P3 19 45 169 ; rbf it ei as follows:

First, a radio signal with an angle of incidence Φ vcn is received by an antenna arrangement, which is at least two different values of dß up, where d is the distance between adjacent radiator elements and λ is the propagation wavelength. The resulting phase differences between the antenna elements, of which at least two sets V ,, ψ ₂ etc. occur in accordance with the differences in dß values are measured.

The input angle of the signal is then obtained with the help of correction devices which produce the ratio of the phase difference to the angle, which relates all of the set of phase differences to the angle of incidence of the signal and from previously stored angles. values σ use eight, wherein let tere of a theoretical or experimi ntellen connection between the two sine abge'eitet. ¹

The range of theorems λ of phases y ₁ , y> 2, etc., to which reference is made in the following as "Prps'nb ^ rich", which in relation to a certain value of the incidence Kinkel; u is set does not necessarily have a rectangular or cubic rectangular shape within the y>"^ ₂ - · space, but can represent such polygonal or polyhedral shapes as the sum of right-angled or cubic right-angled shapes that it corresponds to the shape of the error distribution of y> _u γι corresponds to. By shaping the phase area in this way, the possibility of an exact angle measurement is increased.

However, the measuring device for measuring radio angles according to DT-PS 19 45 169 has the disadvantage that a considerable number of sets of ψ _λ , ψ * etc. for the corresponding values of the angle of incidence must be stored in the correlation devices for phase difference and angle which leads to a complicated structure of the correlation devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide the measuring device for measuring radio angles to be developed further in such a way that a correlation of the phase differences to the angle of incidence can be produced with much less effort.

According to the invention, this is achieved in that a computing device (101) is provided which converts the measured digital values of ^ ₁ , y> ₂ ... into new sets of variables X, Y, ... by means of mathematical operations in the manner of linear combinations. transformed in such a way that with continuously changing angle of incidence only the value of X is changed at first, and then, when the value of X reaches a certain amount, the value of Y is changed suddenly and in the manner of a step function and is constant for some time thereafter remains, while the value of X continues to change until it again reaches a certain value, at which the value Y jumps as before, etc., and in the event that there are other variables Z, ..., the value of Z suddenly changes in the form of a step function, and then remains at the new value for some time when the value of Y reaches a certain value, and that the correlation device uses the sets of the digital Sets output signals X, Y, ... of the computing device in relation to the value of the angle of incidence of the signal.

In the context of the present invention are with mathematical operations are performed on the measured values of the phase differences, whereby a a new set of variables is derived whose correlation to the angle of incidence is simpler than that of the original phase differences can occur. The set of new variables expediently forms directly a series of numbers which represents an immediate measure of the angle of incidence when placed in the is arranged and read out in the correct order. The following is referred to as this series of numbers "Angular sequence numbers" are referred to. The series of angular sequence numbers can be used directly eii e series of consecutive numbers in a binary, trinary, decimal or other number system form whose cardinal number can be freely selected.

The measuring device according to the invention works like

follows: First, a radio signal with an angle of incidence Φ is received by antenna arrangements which have at least two different values of dβ, where ei d is the distance ζ mix between the radiator elements and λ is the propagation wavelength. The resulting phase differences between the elements of which

at least two sets Vi> ψ _ζ etc. occur corresponding to the differences in the values d / λ , are measured digitally. Then mathematical operations are carried out, the task of which is to transform the values Ip ₁ , y> 2 into sets of new variables X, Y, ... by mathematical operations of linear combinations with addition and subtraction of constants. The mathematical operations are carried out in such a way that when the angle of incidence changes continuously, only the value of X is changed first. When X reaches a certain value, the value of Y changes suddenly and in the form of a step function. If necessary, constants are added to or subtracted from Vi, ψ ₂ ... Consequently, the relationship between the angle of incidence φ and X, y, ... is simplified to the "separation of variables", whereby the correlation can be carried out more easily. As a result, the values of X, Y, ... directly form an angular sequence number which is an immediate measure of the angle of incidence when arranged in a sequence of ..., Y, X and read out. By appropriate choice of the scale for the mathematical operations of X, Y, ... the angles f) Igezshlen can be formed in such a way that they form a series of consecutive numbers in a number system with any cardinal number.

The invention will now be described in more detail in connection with the drawing, in which like reference numerals denote like parts. It shows

F i g. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of antenna arrangements and phase difference measuring devices. which form part of an embodiment of the invention,

F i g. 2 is a graph of the functional Relationship between the angle of incidence of the signal and the phase differences with respect to the Example according to Fig. 1,

F i g. 3 is a descriptive graphic representation of the operation of the devices according to FIG. 1,

F i g. Figure 4 is an illustration of another example of antenna assemblies forming part of an embodiment represent the invention,

F i g. 5 is a graph showing the functional relationship between the angle of incidence of the signal and the phase differences with respect to the antenna arrangements according to FIG. 4 shows

F i g. 6 is a schematic representation of an example a device for measuring radio angles according to the invention,

F i g. 7 and 8 graphical representations for the formation of terms, showing the principle of the device for measuring radio angles according to the invention show,

F i g. 9 to 12 are descriptive graphs showing the mode of operation of the device for Show measurement of radio angles according to the invention,

F i g. 13 and 1.4 descriptive graphic representations, which tine other mode of operation of the device show for measuring radio angles according to the invention,

F i g. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the principle of the measurement device of radio angles according to the invention in a different form.

For the description of an antenna array system is now v to the drawing ^- nd in particular to F i g. Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an example of antenna assemblies and phase difference measuring devices forming part of the embodiment, in which a first antenna assembly 10 includes radiator elements 11 and 12 spaced between the elements of

dy = UX

ίο are arranged, where λ is the propagation wavelength, and a second antenna arrangement 20 contains radiator elements 21 and 22, which with a distance between the elements of

</. = 14A

are arranged. F i g. 1 shows the case in which one of the radiator elements for two antenna arrangements is used, as can be seen from the designation 12 (21), and so the total number of radiator elements is three. The output signals from the radiator elements, 12 (21), 22 can be observed at the output terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Assuming that a radio signal comes from the direction of the angle of incidence Φ, measured from the broad side of the antenna arrangement, phase differences ψ ₁ , y _{2 appear} between the signals observed at the output terminals 1, 2 and 3, as explained earlier, and can be expressed as follows:

2π.

Vi = O ₁ sin Φ

2 π. . .
V'2 = "« 2 'sm Φ

The angle of incidence Φ is expressed as a function of two phase variables v "i, v'2. If sin Φ is eliminated from equations (3) and (4), one obtains

V «

This relationship represents a location for a sentence ^ ₁ , ψ, in relation to the change in the angle of incidence and will be referred to in the following as the "phase location". Substituting equations (1) and (2] into (3), (4) and (5) one obtains:

Vi = 12 360 ° sin Φ (6)

V ₂ = 14 360 ° sin Φ

Vi _ V'2
6 7

If one records the phase location and takes into account the fact that the phases y>"v ₂ repeat themselves every 360 ^c , one obtains F i g. 2 in which the corresponding values of Φ are drawn along the lines. Alis F i g. 2 it can be seen that the unambiguous determination of the angle of incidence Φ is only possible in a sector from 0 to 30 ° as a function of two phase variables Vi, V2.

If one assumes that a radio signal from a direction with the angle of incidence Φ = 1.0 ° enters the device according to FIG. 1 occurs, so result: b; n si; h the phase differences ψ, and v ». which between terminals 1

ind 2 or 3 can be observed by inserting ί> = --- 1.0 ° into equations (6) and (7)

V, = 12-360 ° · sin 1 ° - 75.4 ° V ₂ = 14-360 ° -sinΓ = 88.0 °

(9)

The digital phase difference measurements 5 and 6 work so that they y, and v's with a resolving power measure from 360/49 or 360/42. In other words, the device 5 e.n generates digital Signal, which represents / in the following equation

ir J
49

49

360 °

(10)

and also the device 6 generates a digital signal which represents j in the following equation

42

360 ° <

49

^36O °

where / == 1, 2, ... 49, / = 1.2. ... 42.

A detailed description of the implementation of such a phase difference measuring device is given in FIG of the aforementioned recently filed invention. Substituting equation (9) into di; Equations (10) and (11) are obtained in the present example ,,,,.

(/ J) = (HJD ⁽¹²⁾

To get the value of the angle of incidence, it is necessary to convert the measured salt from (/,./) values in To set relation to a value of the angle of incidence, whereby from previously stored angle values Gcb-also is made. In order to allow a certain size of measurement errors, which in the actual Application, the correlation process should be carried out in such a way that not only a set of equation (12), but e.g. B a total of 14 sets of (/. /) Values, as shown in FIG. 3 graphically are shown / related to a value of the angle of incidence of 1.0 °. So are others 14 sets of (/, /) values, as in FIG. J gezeiy, to be assigned to the value of the angle of incidence of 0.8 °. Similarly, sets of (/,./) values are further Assign values of angles of incidence. This corruption process was also detailed in the kurzl.ch Describe the application submitted.

In Fig. 4 shows a further example of antenna arrangements which can be used in connection with the invention. The difference to the device according to FIG . J is that three different values of d3 are used. An antenna arrangement 30 and radiator elements 31 and 32 as well as a terminal 4 are also available. Consequently, the phase location appears as in Fig. 5 can be seen in a three-dimensional space vv V ·. VS instead of in a two-dimensional plane J ^ It is obvious that the idea of the invention can be applied to such cases without difficulty.

can be turned. "J; it ~

However, the above process of correlating phase difference and angle requires that values of input angles in relation to a considerable number of saturations of (/, /) be stored in the correlation device, and the structure of the correlation device can easily become complicated. This is derived from the fact that the phase location according to equation (8) and F i g. 2 is parallel neither to the ψ _λ nor to the V _{2 axis.} The area of the V ₁ , V2 plane, which must be related to different values of the angle of incidence if the input angle is continuously changed, must be repeatedly shifted in the direction of the phase location, as in the example according to FIG. 3, as a result of which an irregular shape of the phase regions occurs.

One of the aforementioned objects of the invention, namely that of simplifying the relationship between the angle of incidence Φ and the phase differences V ₁ , t / V ^{m of} the manner of separating variables, thereby facilitating the above correlation process, is achieved as follows.

In this context it should be noted that the incident radio signal is either a radio wave, which emitted from an object, or a radio echo reflected from an object of a transmitted Wave emanating from a transmitting device and a transmitting radiator can be. In the second case you can the Sendcivorricbtung and the transmitter radiator either be constructed separately, or they can be part of the embodiment of the invention, the radiators according to FIG. 1 or 4 serve the dual purpose of sending and receiving. Obviously there none of the cases mentioned constitute an obstacle to the application of the invention, the following will arise The description deals only with the case where the radio signal is received by the embodiment without paying particular attention to the origin of the incoming signal.

In Fig. 6 is a Ausführungsf> rm of the invention shown, in which a computing device 101, output terminals 102 and 103, and a correlation device comprises α 9 for Phasindifferenz angle and an output terminal 10th The operation of the computing device 101 will be the main subject matter of the following description, occasional reference being made to the phase difference and angle correlation device described in detail in the aforesaid recently filed application .

The computing device 101 performs such mathematical operations as coordinate transformation - rotation and translation - and setting of angular sequence numbers. As shown in FIG. 3 it is desirable that the "phase areas" correspond to the specific values of the angle of incidence are arranged along and around the phase location. As a result, the shape of the phase areas generally represents a parallelogram, one pair of sides parallel to the phase location and the other pair of sides below run at a certain angle β to the phase location, as shown in FIG. 7 is shown. The angle c between the γ ', - axis and the phase location is derived from equation (5), given by

λ = arc t

While the limits of the phase location are usually due to the effect of the quantization of the measurements step-like shapes as in FIG. 3, the description below is the most complicated Case in which the resolution of the measurement is unenc

65 is borrowed. A similar description applies to other cases to come. As already described, each phase domain consists of many sets of g <measured values y \, y < ₂ with the result that every <

9 10

of the sentences must be scanned separately, rotated by an angle <x to the right. There are three correlations that can be performed for angles of incidence. According to the teaching of the invention, however, the angle of incidence will correspond, namely area 1, correlation process by using coordinate area 2, and area 3. Since all three areas have side data transformation on a simple comparison 5, which either the AT axis or that of the new coordinate variables are parallel to the range} 'axis, the correlation of any limits is reduced. It is also possible to effect sets of y>"y> ₂ values, in a similarly simple manner as that the new variables create a series of" angular sequences - in the case of the range klmn in FIG. 7 carried out, numbers "form, which are a direct measure of the entry angle. It should be noted here that such values as it is the fall angle. The structure of the correlation device by multiplying equations (14) and (15) is hereby greatly simplified, since it is no longer created with certain constants, just as new values of the input angle can be used together with variables X and Y,
with a considerable number of sets of y _u y> ₂ Next is the operation of storing the coordinate values. Rather, it is sufficient to describe the angular transformation in the form of a translation in connection with a relatively i ₅ ben. Advertising by the above method of the coordinates Trans small number store of phase regions, which formation in the form of a rotation was the simple Korreladurch separate variables expressed tion process of any sets of ^the phase differences ·. Vi. Ψι simplified. However, one difficulty remains in

In FIG. 7 is an example of a phase range obtained with respect to some sentences y _a , Va when di <* phases to a value of the angle of incidence in relation to a value close to 0 or 360 ° is to be set Klmn rectangle and a sentence takes.

new coordinates represented by Y, Y are shown. In Fig. 9 is an example of a phase location in both FIG

The general zero point is shown at the coordinates _Ψι , with reference to _Vl , _Vl and A, Y coordinates.

γ> _? and XY together. De direction of the Af-axis The rectangle abcd marks the area. In wel-

coincides with the direction of the phase location and 25 traditionally measured values of _v "VV can exist.

the direction of the 7-axis forms an angle /? with The solid lines represent the phase location.

5 ^e l? ΪΪ ⁸ ™ Γ- · ^D fv, i-Ä- ^nge n ^{Are S0 selected} 'A multitude of rectangles, indicated by dashed

that X \\ kl \\ mn and Y \\ kn \\ im. The connection lines are limited, represent the phase areas,

between the two coordinate systems, each of which leads to a certain value of the one

geDen heard by _3o fallswinkel . Since the phase location as shown in FIG. 2

V »2 · cos oc -y _r · sin α shown is continuous, the location is in FIG. 9 as well

^Y =.-A (14) continuous in relation to the angle of incidence, e.g. B.

^smp to ^d s points P ₁ and P _2, the points P ₃ and P ₄ ^"nd

-w, · cos (rc + β) + w ■ sin (nc -4 R \ ^{the points p} s ^{and p} «· While now such areas

χ ₌ __V._cos ( «_ ^ + V + _1- SINOX + ß) _{(J5) 35 WJE,} 4 _{and ß in F} j _g ^ _{wekhe located at the njcht}

^sm ß ° - or 360 ° limits of the phase plane are, - · - ",," ·,. AA- , ^easily related to certain values of incidence-, Ch ^ o ^ Sn? Tthl ^{e different mathematical angles} can be set, are for other observations operations can be carried out with largely rich like C, Z), E and F about twice as many opera-

dtn de ^a r? nTschiet ^a unfhie ^ ^ ΓΎ ^ ™ ~ ⁴ ° ^{tiOnen ah} «onst'erforfer! ^ da2Ce C uSd E

The same ^{description should not be heard here by} g ^ "as well as the areas D and F by the border of the

η. _{7ρ |} ', ... ₍ _ "_ j- p .." n _e .,,., Phase level are divided, although they are in each case dem

which Π Ko ^ llm \ ut ^J ' ^m 7 ("Tf are ^{assigned to the same value of the} angle of incidence to _C.

i Mi «» Uo «ΪΪ i W ^V : ^fc) · ^(Vh '' ^{Wl (v} ' ^im ' ^{To simplify this} operation, the trans-

_Vtm ) and (v _in , Van) the values _VlJt , _Vll , _Vl »and 45 lation are used

(X, YA (X y ^ ,, nH / κ ν \ j ». ^The transformation from _V '" V2 to A', y becomes a single

' ⁽ L · T i ""Sid'T ^^ ^Ve ^^^^ "inSaug on A' and rvor-

(XY) (X, YA (X y ^ ,, nH / κ ν \ j ». Transformation of _V '„ V2 into A, y becomes a

would? ' ⁽ L · Tg ie "" «the GlSind'T Y ^^ ^Ve ^^^^ " inSaug on A 'and rvor-

are then the equations X _k = X _So take whether a given sentence ^, Y in the range

ίί-ώ / Π 2 and WesTgetgt ° Btic ^d h ^er ei ^d n? a ^r ch ^h [2 ^ T "^? ^ ^{10 belongs to WCnn} ^ *« ^

by two separate Variihlen ™ LZ ι · 1? ^ ^Is - ^{if a} simple translation operation is

expressed by two separate variables are taken to the area (I) in the area (II) and

likewise the area (III) in the area (IVl

X ₁ ^ X g X _k , Y _m ^ Y ^ Y _k (I ₆ ) 55 by adding or subtracting suitable constants

Then, to examine which of the areas a Hh ^{Z "V} | ^rschieben - ^re g ^e P ^{is rüft} - ^whether f]

Set of input variables _Ψι , _Ψι , it is sufficient to use these ^ Z | T ^ZUm J "*« * ^iV) _D ° ^der _u ⁽ X !! lf ^h ^ v, ί

Input quantities according to the equations (S tZchZ n ° '"' f · '" ΐ "« ^CTCIch (^ ™ · ⁽ ^ " _£

andd ^ to transform into the quantities A-K and then 60 kt SPP ^ie ™ ^sult « ^{ren the} form of the phase level

to perform the comparison of equation (16) W "h Tn" ^&: I ^ T ^ " ^au ^ ⁿ f ^te l ^aI ? ^

d ^ .to transform and then 60 kt S P P

to perform the comparison of equation (16) We "her Tn d" η ^&: I ^ Tn ^ " ^au
is a very simplified process compared to the F 1? ^Bezi f ^hl ' ^ng ' ^{that d} ' ^{C by Stark} ° ^LinlC ^ earlier process according to Fig. 5. First, if the KrT- _to \% ¹ ^ f ^zc f eten range limits all either, terium of the comparison, the equation (16) secret Z ί'ί? ^ ² "' ^y " ^{axis are parallel} · ⁸ T Yf Vribl fd it i di AL ti ^ '/ V " ^d] ' ^ht ™ ⁰ ^ '"" ⁶ "' ***?

g, chung (16) secret Z ίί? ^ T Yf

Variables on and second is the sequence of the PW _{n 6} , ti ^ '/ V " ^d] ' ^ht ™ ⁰ ^ '"" ⁶ "' ***? ■

areas, which are determined by equation (16) ^ ^r , ^eich ^ ^like / ^{and ß} '^ e retain their original position,

is, much smaller than that of all theorems of, T TT ? ^nd 5 ™. ^B _u ^{ichec c and} ^ ^{which cincm eins} ' ·

In Fig. 8 is the graphic representation according to Fig. ^V 7 SnJiT7 ^ »'? ™ ^ ί ^{Κ Έ} ^ ™ ^Μ _Α ^

⁶ 'S-' are arranged, are now united in one area. The

the same is true for other areas such as D and F, thereby reducing the number of operations required for the correlation process. Since the same for all other areas along the borders ab, bc, cd and da in Fig. 9 applies, is the correlation of the phase ranges to the angle of incidence in the state according to FIG. 11 after translation compared to the state according to FIG. 9 considerably simplified. It is worth noting here that only general operating means is required for this purpose because the above operation of translation, such as translation of region (1) to region (II) in FIG. 10, can be carried out automatically for all sets X, Y after the transformation from y'j, ψ ₂ into X, Y has been carried out. Forms of translation operations other than those shown in FIG. 10 shown are conceivable. All such operations are to be considered part of the invention as long as their aim is to simplify the correlation of phase range and angle of incidence.

Next, the operation of setting the angular sequence number will now be described. This is a scheme in which the values of Y and X arranged in this way form an "angular sequence number" which is a direct measure of the angle of incidence. By appropriate choice of the scale it can be achieved that the angular sequence numbers form a series of consecutive numbers.

In Fig. 12 is the phase plane according to FIG. 11 shifted somewhat along the F-axis in such a way that its part Y < 0 is eliminated. Furthermore, suitable scales are selected for X and Y so that Xmax = 13 and Y _max = 7. The X, / coordinates of the areas A, S, G and H are (5,1), (6,1), (9, 3) and (10, 3), respectively. These numbers directly form a series of consecutive numbers in a tridecimal system and provide a direct measure of the angle of incidence when placed in a YX sequence such as 1-5, 1-6, 3-9, and 3-10.

While the description has so far been carried out under the assumption of a right-angled coordinate system of the new variables X, Y , the concept of the invention is not limited to this, but can also be applied to an oblique coordinate system for X, Y , as shown in the general equations (14 ) and (15).

It is also possible to determine the aforementioned number of angular sequences in a suitable manner by selecting the appropriate scale for X and Y and resolving the phase difference measurement. The further description concerns a quantitative example in which the coordinate system of the new variables X and Y is skewed and the angular sequence numbers form a series of consecutive numbers of a binary system.

In Fig. 13 is a phase plane is shown, for the djd ₂ - _^3/4, and applies to the phase differences y>"y> ₂ according to equation (5)

V ₂
4th

(Π)

The following relationships apply to the relationship between the angles \ and β in FIG. 13 for determining the transformation of y'i, y < ₂ into the oblique coordinate system X, Y:

COS Λ = ³
COS (t \ + /

sin β = - "
sin a - *
sin (λ + fj

31

- ~~ lh

In order to insert these relationships into equations (14) and (15) and to achieve a slight translation to the Slimina'.ion of the part Y <0, the computing device 101 must be shown in FIG. 6 perform the following operations:

X = Ai ₁ A v>, + 3 v ' ₂
γ = B (-4 Vi + 3

+ v ₂ max / 2)

(18) (19)

where A and B are coefficients chosen such that a suitable scale for A 'and Y results.

The digital phase difference measuring device 5 according to FIG. 6 is now structured in such a way that it measures the phase difference y with a resolution of 360/108 °. The digital phase difference measuring device 6 also measures the phase difference ψ ₂ with a resolution of 360/112 °. The implementation of such measuring devices with a desired resolving power has been described in detail in the aforementioned recently filed application. The measured values of y>, and y'a are hereinafter expressed by mere numbers corresponding to the above unit of resolution: Vi = 360 ° and y> ₂ = 360 ° will be expressed as vi = 108 and V ₂ = 112. By appropriately choosing the coefficients A and B to determine the scales of X and Y , the above quantities Vi and y _{2 are transformed} into new variables .V, Y by the following operation:

(20)

(21)

As a result, the phase plane Vi, V2 according to FIG. 13 becomes the plane X, Y according to FIG. 14 transformed, where the maximum values of X and Y are given by:

Χ, ηαχ. = 32 = 2 ⁵ ,
Ymax = 16 = 2 ".

Assuming that the values of Y and X, after both expressed in binary form, have been subjected to such an operation that di <columns of X _maT = 2 ⁵ and Y _mnj = 2 ² coincide, while for the moment the columns for ; and Y are omitted with 2 ¹ and less, are arranged one behind the other, one obtains, for example, for the area L in F i ε. 14th

λ ';. -12 - 2 ³ -] - 2 ^J - 11 (binary),
Yl 4 2 = = 1 (binary).

If you arrange Y and X in this way and denote the resulting number as Z, the result is

Zi. = 01011 (binary).

13 ¹⁴

All other areas AB, CD .. u, w in (3) The means of realization

Fig. 14 are expressed in the same way as ^ ™ ^ _{values i) of d and} a general

Za = 00000 value of / limited. It is possible to use a general

Zb = 00001 _{5 a} value of d and two or more values of / or

Zc = 00010 _{to use these} two methods in combination.

Zv = 00011 (4) The number of radiator elements ^ per arrangement

j _{n st} i _c ht limited to the minimum number of two. It

Zh = OOIH, antenna arrangements with more than two Zj = 01000 ₁₀ radiator elements can be used.

A graphic description of the above f-a !! es (2)

Z _L = 01011; _ς , _{in the} following for an example with three variables

Z _M = 01100 - _ψ3 carried out. Fig. 15 shows cm example

a "new X, Y, Z coordinate system in the

Zp = OIlIl phase space of FIG. 4, which is shown as

Zq = 10000 _{that it} fulfills the object of the invention. The conditions

for the representation of the new coordinate

The series of numbers above is clearly a direct system can be expressed as follows.

Measure of the angle of incidence, expressed by a nu. _ic " _nrr , " _n

Series of consecutive binary numbers. - (a) the * -axis becomes parallel to, «Phaser ..., -

While this »angular sequence number * chooses the same in one; folgl-ch only the WCRT .s or_ regular interval on the phase location change is determined when the E.nfalUwmkel is kont.nu.erlich g.ancm from the equations (3) and (4) and the F i g. 2 will. , .. ":,",:;, "! ,,, and 4 note that the scale of the angle of incidence (b) If s.ch der E'nfaljsw.nke« Ucr, η you as such are not uniform on the The phase location is, therefore, as a result of the return of the phase, you appear to correspond to its sine value. However, it does not form a phase location in a different position. Ue>--Al> e Difficulty finding a true angular value from the sine is chosen in the plane that can be derived by z ^ c or Wert, and the scale of the true angular value can betes more neighboring sectors of the phase location as a scale with approximately equal intervals is determined - the plane B in Y ι g. . 5 - and should be sought, except if the angle is quite large in a direction that is not parallel to the A-axis. is. In addition, it may even be more desirable to have a sine value chosen instead of the true value, especially in perpendicular to the Α-axis, l-olgl.ch changes those cases in which the height of the the value of Y, which is derived up to that point in constant elevation. The above fact has suddenly disappeared to a certain extent and therefore does not affect the effectiveness of the invention in the manner of a step function as soon as the wise value of X reaches a certain amount. While so far little reference is made to the correlation (c) The Z-axis is chosen in one direction, device 9 for the phase difference and the angle which are not within the range indicated by the A and} in FIG. 6 was taken, it is noted that the axes of certain plane P harbors, üie ^z "Acnse computing device 101, the transformation operation 4 ° is low, but does not perform absolutely perpendicular to the determination of the new variables X, Y, the X and Y Axes selected As a result, the definition of the angular sequence numbers changes and, if necessary, the value of Z, which until then has remained constant during the conversion of the sine values into true angles, suddenly changes by a certain value a step function as soon as the is taken. In this way, considering the value of Y, a certain amount can be achieved in FIG.

shows accordingly the invention. While the above description graphically and While the invention is particularly intuitive in various ways, the actual implementation of the the embodiments of which have been described, it is easy to perform corresponding mathematical operations not limited to this, but various 50 may be provided by one skilled in the analytical art Accept modifications, some of which are done in fol- geometry. It is also oil-constricting to be named. clearly that the mathematical operation which the

(1) The combination of radiator elements that meet the above conditions, also in other cases to each other, is not possible on adjacent examples than the examples given so far. It is restricted to bare elements. It is possible to further develop an arrangement that the above conditions form order in that they can be easily extended further apart to cases in which lying radiator elements are combined and the four or more variables are used. If the phase difference between these elements is used, the coordinate system can be a new variable. Y, Z ... can be represented in a similar way.

(2) The number of values dß of antenna arrangements 60 The aforementioned translation operation can be expressed, where d is the distance between the elements in a more general way as follows - and λ is the propagation wavelengthc, is not to be taken:

two limited. It is possible to have three, four, etc. values

to be used, as in part in FIG. 4 and 5 shown (d) The translation operation along the ^ ₁ , y ₂ ...

would. In these cases the number of measured 65 axes is, if necessary, so for sets y \

Phase differences three, four, etc .. such as γ'2 ... carried out - example: areas (I)

Vi. V ¹ Z. Vs. ..., and the number of the new variable levels- (III), (V) and (VIl) in F i g. 10 - that everyone may

if three, four, etc. like X, Y, Z. .. borrowed sets of values y < _u y < ₂ ... after de

Transformation in X, Y ... exist in a limited part of the X, Y, · · - -space - example: the area within the thick lines in "o, this part being divided by subspaces

pj

pj g x,

which are parallel to the X, Y, ... axes - example: in the case of three-dimensional space, planes as in FIG. 15 in the case of the two-dimensional straight lines as in FIG. 10.

IO

Further, the aforementioned operation of locking the angular sequence number can be summarized in a more general way as follows:

(e) If all possible sets of X, Y, ... exist within the limited part according to the above point (</), the operation of dividing the parts into a number of areas is carried out, which by sub-

_spaces example: in the case of the three-dimensional

Space as in FIG. 15 planes, in the case of the two-dimensional plane as in FIG. 10 lines - parallel to the X, Y, ... axes is limited, and then the operation of the arrangement of the values of X, Y, ■ ■ ■ ⁱⁿ connection with the fields in the rows ^f olge .... Y, X, as well as the generation of the arranged values of the output signal.

Finally, the aforementioned operation of determining the angular sequence number can be performed using the quantitative example in connection with the F i g. 12-14 are summarized in a more general manner as follows will:

(Π The operations mentioned under (a) to (e) are carried out with such scales for X, Y, ... that when X reaches a certain value and Y suddenly changes by an amount in the manner of a step function, either (I) both amounts of X and Y to such numbers as a desired cardinal number - example: thirteen for Fig. 12 and two for Fig. 14 - to the power of a positive integer - example: 32 = 2 ⁵ for X and 4 = 2 ² for Y in Fig. 14 - can be made, or (II) the amount of X is an amount as above and the amount of Y is an integer - example: X = 13 = 131 and Y = 1 in Fig. 12 - and that in the event that other variables Z, ... exist, similar operations are carried out with such scales for X, Y, Z, ... so that} 'and Z in a similar one Type can be assigned to each other as X and Y above.

In summary, the invention includes that a radio signal is received by antenna arrangements which have at least two different values of rf / A, where d is the distance between the radiator elements and λ is the propagation wavelength. The resulting phase differences between the elements, of which there are at least two sets, are measured digitally. Mathematical operations are performed on the measured values in order to derive new variables from them in such a way that the relationship between the angles of incidence of the signal and the new variables is of the "separation of variables" type and that the new variables, if they are arranged in the correct order form a series of numbers which is a direct measure of the angle of incidence and which can be made into a series of consecutive numbers in a number system with any desired cardinal number.

In addition 9 sheets of drawings

Claims (4)

Patent claims: 1. Measuring device for measuring radio angles with an antenna arrangement, consisting of a plurality of antenna elements, the mutual spacing of which is significantly greater than half the wavelength A, wherein when using a common wavelength λ and two or more different distances d _u d ₂ between the Antenna elements or when using a uniform distance d and two or more widths of wavelengths A ₁ , A ₂ two or more different values of dβ occur, as well as phase difference measuring devices which measure the phase differences n occurring between the antenna elements, of which corresponding to the different values of d / λ at least two values ψ " ψ _ζ occur, and a correlation device which, using either theoretically or experimentally established relationships, correlate all of the part of the measured sets of phase differences to the estimated angle of incidence of the signal and output On the side, bring a signal corresponding to the estimated angle of incidence of the signal and on the output side emit a signal corresponding to the estimated angle of incidence, characterized in that a computing device (101) is provided, which the measured digital values of Vi ·. ψ ₂ ... using mathematical operations like linear combinations in new sets of variables JIT, Y, ... transformed in such a way that with a continuously changing angle of incidence only the value of X is changed at first, and then when the value of X a certain amount, the value of Y is changed suddenly and in the manner of a step function and remains constant for some time afterwards, while the value of X continues to change until it again reaches a certain value at which the value Y jumps as before, etc., and in the event that η I other variables Z, ^% ... exist, the value Of Z suddenly changes in the form of a step function, and then remains at the new value for some time, if the value of Y reaches a certain value, and that the correlation device (9) relates the sets of digital output signals X, Y, ... of the computing device (101) to the value of the angle of incidence of the signal. 2. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing device (101) with respect to the phase differences y> _u y> _z , ... and the new sets of variables X, Y, .., as spatial coordinate systems additionally a translation operation along the Vi, ψ ₂ ... axes as necessary with the sets y> _u y> ₂ ... so that all possible sets of values ψι, ψ ₂ , ... after the transformation in X, Y, ... exist within a limited part of the X, Y, ...- space, the part being parallel to the X, Y, ... Axes extending subspaces beg is enzt ^r. 3. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing device (101) in addition, a transition operation along the Vi »V *> · ·. Axes as far as necessary with the sentences ¥> “v's, · · ■ so that all possible Sets of values y, v ·, · · · ^{after the} transformation in X, Y, ... exist within a limited part of the X, Y, ... space, the part being delimited by subspaces parallel to the X, Y, ... axes, and the operation of dividing the part into a number of by subspaces parallel to the X, Y, ■. .-Axes, and then performs the operation of arranging the values -V, Y, ... in connection with the areas in the order ..., Y, X , and generating the values thus ordered as an output. 4. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing device (101) additionally carries out a translation operation along the yi _u ψ ,, ... axes as far as necessary with the sets Xp ₁ , v », ■ · · so that all possible sets of values y>"Va> · ■ · ^{after the} transformation into X, Y, ... exist within a limited part of the X, Y, ... space, where the part through parallel to the X, Y, ■ -. axes extending subspaces is limited, and the operation with such a choice of scale for X, Y, ... is carried out that when the value of X reaches a certain amount, and the value of X is plötzlifh a A certain amount changes in the manner of a step function, either both amounts of X and Y are made into such numbers as they are represented by a desired cardinal number to the power of a positive integer, or the amount of X an amount as above and the amount of Y is an integer, and that in the event that even further e variables Z, ... exist, the operation is carried out with such a choice of the scales for X, Y, Z, ... that Y and Z are related to each other in a similar relationship to X and Y above.