DE102019210054A1 - Antenna and method of operating an antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

Antenna with at least one radiator and a functional material surrounding the radiator at least in some areas, a) the functional material being movable relative to the at least one radiator and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material being controllable.

Description

State of the art

The disclosure relates to an antenna with at least one radiator.

The disclosure also relates to a method for operating such an antenna.

The disclosure also relates to a device for carrying out a method for operating such an antenna.

It is known to use the principle of antenna diversity to avoid fast fading in a radio channel. By providing several antennas, for example, the antenna with the currently best reception channel can be selected, or the signals from several antennas can be combined. The disadvantage of the known principle is that by means of the antenna diversity at the receiver there is no possibility of influencing the channel and improving it if all antennas of a receiver are in a position where the radio channel is bad.

Disclosure of the invention

Preferred embodiments relate to an antenna with at least one radiator and a functional material surrounding the radiator at least in some areas, a) the functional material being movable relative to the at least one radiator and / or b) a relative permeability (μ _r ) and / or a relative Permittivity (ε _r ) of the functional material is controllable. As a result, different paths, which for example correspond to different communication channels that can be implemented by means of the antenna, for example a received signal, can be influenced in different ways or to different degrees, for example with regard to their signal propagation time (delay) or phase, whereby receiving and / or sending of Signals can be improved by means of the antenna. In particular, the disadvantages of the prior art described above can be reduced or avoided at least in some preferred embodiments.

In the present case, a "radiator" of an antenna is understood to mean an element of the antenna that can actively radiate electromagnetic waves into the surrounding medium, e.g. free space, and can also "receive" electromagnetic radiation and convert it into an electrical voltage, for example. Furthermore, in further preferred embodiments, further functional elements of antennas such as reflectors and / or directors and the like can be understood as “radiators”, to which at least one functional material can (likewise) be assigned according to further preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material encases the at least one radiator at least in sections, that is to say completely surrounds it in particular along a circumferential direction. In further preferred embodiments, the at least one radiator can be designed as a dipole, for example, and e.g. Have a circular cylindrical basic shape. In further preferred embodiments, the functional material can surround the dipole or at least one axial area of the dipole at least in some areas along a circumferential direction, preferably completely along the circumferential direction, and consequently encase the relevant axial area of the dipole (e.g. cover its outer surface). In further preferred embodiments, the functional material can, for example, have an at least i.w. Have a hollow-cylindrical basic shape which can be moved at least in some areas via a radiator, e.g. the dipole.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material is movable relative to the at least one emitter, a drive device being provided for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material relative to the at least one emitter.

In further preferred embodiments, if the functional material is designed as an example, i.w. as a hollow cylinder, this hollow cylinder can be moved axially relative to the at least one radiator, for example, in order to influence the radio channels that can be implemented by means of the antenna. Alternatively or additionally, the hollow cylinder can, for example, also be rotated relative to the at least one radiator, which is advantageous, for example, if the hollow cylinder is not completely rotationally symmetrical, but for example has a geometry that changes along the circumferential direction, in particular length, and / or recesses or openings in some peripheral areas.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the drive device is designed to at least temporarily drive a translatory and / or rotational movement of the functional material relative to the at least one radiator.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material extends along at least one direction of extent of the functional material (for example along its length and / or its circumferential direction, in particular e.g. in the case of an essentially hollow cylindrical basic shape) changing (e.g. continuously or discontinuously) and / or different relative permeability and / or relative permittivity (jumps in the values of the relevant variable (s) along the at least one direction of expansion of the functional material are also according to further embodiments conceivable).

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the functional material can be controlled by applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field, in particular a control device for at least temporarily applying an electric field to at least one area of the functional material Field and / or a magnetic field is provided.

In further preferred embodiments, said control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity can be combined with an at least temporary movement of the functional material or of a functional body or molded body formed therefrom.

In further preferred embodiments, said control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity can also take place without a (simultaneous) at least temporary movement of the functional material or a functional body formed therefrom.

In further preferred embodiments, said at least temporary movement of the functional material or a functional body formed therefrom can also take place without a (simultaneous) control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity. That is, in further preferred embodiments, only the possibility of a (relative) movement of the functional body in relation to the at least one radiator can be provided, without the possibility of controlling the relative permeability and / or permittivity of the functional body.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material has a metamaterial. In further preferred embodiments, a metamaterial is understood to mean a material which, for example, has an artificially produced structure whose permeability to electrical and / or magnetic fields (permittivity ε _r and / or permeability μ _r ) is _different from that of a conventional or homogeneous structure Material differs. In further preferred embodiments, this can be achieved, for example, by specially made, mostly periodic structures made of electrically and / or magnetically active (in particular conductive) materials, with the structures mentioned in further preferred embodiments having maximum structural dimensions in the range of the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves under consideration. In particular, when using metamaterials, in further preferred embodiments, negative real parts, for example of the complex refractive index, can also be achieved.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a method for operating an antenna with at least one radiator and a functional material surrounding the radiator at least in some areas, wherein a) the functional material is movable relative to the at least one radiator and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material is controllable, and wherein the method has at least one of the following steps: at least temporarily moving the functional material relative to the at least one emitter, at least temporarily controlling a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material can be moved relative to the at least one emitter, a drive device being provided for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material relative to the at least one emitter, the movement comprising: at least temporarily driving a translational and / or rotational movement of the functional material relative to the at least one radiator by means of the drive device.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the functional material can be controlled by application of an electric field and / or a magnetic field, at least one area of the functional material being at least temporarily with an electric field and by means of a control device / or a magnetic field is applied.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a device for carrying out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions, for example in the form of at least one computer program, which are used during execution cause the computer to execute the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal which the computer program transmits according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a use of the antenna according to the embodiments and / or the method according to the embodiments and / or the device according to the embodiments and / or the computer program according to the embodiments for at least temporarily influencing at least one radio channel between the antenna and at least one external unit, for example a transmitter that sends out a radio signal, the radio signal being receivable by means of the antenna.

Further features, possible applications and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are shown in the figures of the drawing. All of the features described or shown form the subject matter of the invention individually or in any combination, regardless of their summary in the patent claims or their back-reference and regardless of their formulation or representation in the description or in the drawing.

• 1 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Diagramm eines Betriebsszenarios gemäß bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 2A schematisch ein vereinfachtes Diagramm einer Antenne gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 2B schematisch eine Detailansicht der Antenne aus 2A,
• 3A schematisch eine Kanalimpulsantwort bei Verwendung einer konventionellen Antenne,
• 3B schematisch eine Frequenzantwort eines Funkkanals bei Verwendung einer konventionellen Antenne,
• 4A schematisch eine Kanalimpulsantwort bei Verwendung einer Antenne gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 4B schematisch eine Frequenzantwort eines Funkkanals bei Verwendung einer Antenne gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 5A schematisch eine Phasenverschiebung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 5B schematisch eine Kanaltransferfunktion gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 6 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Diagramm eines Betriebsszenarios gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 7 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm einer Vorrichtung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,
• 8 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagram eines Verfahrens gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen, und
• 9 schematisch eine Draufsicht auf eine Antenne gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen.

In the drawing shows:

• 1 schematically a simplified diagram of an operating scenario according to preferred embodiments,
• 2A schematically a simplified diagram of an antenna according to further preferred embodiments,
• 2 B schematically shows a detailed view of the antenna 2A ,
• 3A schematically a channel impulse response when using a conventional antenna,
• 3B schematically a frequency response of a radio channel when using a conventional antenna,
• 4A schematically a channel impulse response when using an antenna according to further preferred embodiments,
• 4B schematically a frequency response of a radio channel when using an antenna according to further preferred embodiments,
• 5A schematically a phase shift according to further preferred embodiments,
• 5B schematically a channel transfer function according to further preferred embodiments,
• 6th schematically a simplified diagram of an operating scenario according to further preferred embodiments,
• 7th schematically a simplified block diagram of a device according to further preferred embodiments,
• 8th schematically a simplified flow diagram of a method according to further preferred embodiments, and
• 9 schematically a top view of an antenna according to further preferred embodiments.

1 FIG. 11 schematically shows a simplified diagram of an operating scenario according to preferred embodiments. One transmitter 10 sends a radio signal FS , for example by means of the antenna 100 is receivable. The radio signal FS spreads through different paths P1 , P2 , P3 from, for example, also obstacles O1 , O2 may have at which the electromagnetic waves of the radio signal FS as in 1 are shown schematically at least partially reflected. This usually results in different transit times and / or phase positions associated with the respective paths P1 , P2 , P3 are associated with what is being received by the antenna 100 can affect.

Preferred embodiments, see, for example 2A , 2 B , accordingly refer to an antenna 100 with at least one emitter 110 and one the spotlight 110 at least partially surrounding functional material 120 , where a) the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is movable and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material 120 is controllable. This allows different paths to be advantageous P1 , P2 , P3 , the different means of the antenna 100 feasible communication channels for corresponding parts of the radio signal FS ( 1 ) correspond, are influenced in different ways or to different degrees, for example with regard to their signal propagation time (delay) or phase, as a result of which signals are received and / or transmitted by means of the antenna 100 ( 2A , 2 B) can be improved. In particular, the disadvantages of the prior art described above can be reduced or avoided in some preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material 120 the at least one spotlight 110 ( 2A) encased at least in sections, so in particular completely surrounds it along a circumferential direction. This is exemplified in 2A shown showing a top view of the radiator 110 and the functional material surrounding it 120 shows. In further preferred embodiments, the at least one radiator can 110 be designed, for example, as a dipole and, for example, have an essentially circular-cylindrical basic shape.

In further preferred embodiments, the functional material can 120 the dipole 110 or at least one axial area of the dipole at least in some areas along a circumferential direction, preferably completely along the circumferential direction, thus encasing the relevant axial area of the dipole, cf. 2A . In further preferred embodiments, the functional material can 120 for example, have an at least substantially hollow-cylindrical basic shape, at least in some areas over a radiator 110 , for example the dipole, is movable.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is movable, with an optional drive device 130 for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is provided.

In further preferred embodiments, if the functional material is assumed to be an example 120 iw as a hollow cylinder of this hollow cylinder 120 e.g. axially (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 2A) relative to the at least one radiator 110 be moved around by means of the antenna 100 to influence realizable radio channels. Alternatively or in addition, the hollow cylinder 120 for example also relative to the at least one radiator 110 be rotated, which is advantageous, for example, when the hollow cylinder 120 is not completely rotationally symmetrical, but has, for example, a geometry (not shown) that changes along the circumferential direction, in particular length, and / or recesses or openings in some circumferential regions.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the drive device 130 ( 2A) for at least temporarily driving a translational and / or rotational movement of the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is trained.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material 120 has a relative permeability and / or relative permittivity that changes and / or different relative permeability and / or relative permittivity that changes along at least one direction of expansion of the functional material (eg along its length and / or its circumferential direction, in particular eg in the case of an essentially hollow-cylindrical basic shape). This is shown here by way of example in the plan view of FIG 2 B shown, according to the functional material 120 two areas B1 , B2 which each have a different relative permeability and / or relative permittivity.

In further preferred embodiments, these ranges can B1 , B2 with different relative permeability and / or relative permittivity, for example in the context of manufacturing the functional material 120 or a corresponding (in the present example hollow cylindrical) molded body 120 To be defined. Then, for example, by rotating the shaped body 120 relative to the radiator 110 influencing the (receive) paths P1 , P2 , P3 can be achieved as the areas concerned B1 , B2 depending on the rotation, more or less form a part of the paths concerned.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the functional material 120 can be controlled by applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field, in particular an optional control device 140 ( 2A) for at least temporarily loading at least one area B1 , B2 of the functional material 120 is provided with an electric field and / or a magnetic field. In this case, the functional material 120 for example homogeneous or isotropic with regard to its relative permeability and / or its relative permittivity in an (unaffected) normal state, and the regions B1 , B2 different relative permeability and / or relative permittivity can be achieved by (possibly only local) exposure to the functional material 120 with said electric field and / or magnetic field.

In further preferred embodiments, said control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity can be combined with an at least temporary movement of the functional material 120 or the functional body formed therefrom 120 .

In further preferred embodiments, said control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity can also take place without a (simultaneous) at least temporary movement of the functional material or a functional body formed therefrom. In these embodiments, therefore, is the optional drive device 130 dispensable.

In further preferred embodiments, said at least temporary movement of the functional material can 120 or one of them formed functional body can also take place without a (simultaneous) control of the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity. That is, in further preferred embodiments, only the possibility of a (relative) movement of the functional body can be used 120 based on the at least one radiator 110 be provided without the possibility of controlling the relative permeability and / or permittivity of the functional body by means of electrical and / or magnetic fields. In these embodiments, therefore, is the optional control device 140 dispensable.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material 120 ( 2 B) has a metamaterial. In further preferred embodiments, a metamaterial is understood to mean a material which, for example, has an artificially produced structure whose permeability to electrical and / or magnetic fields (permittivity ε _r and / or permeability μ _r ) is _different from that of a conventional or homogeneous structure Material differs. In further preferred embodiments, this can be achieved, for example, by specially made, mostly periodic structures (not shown) made of electrically and / or magnetically active materials, the structures mentioned in further preferred embodiments having maximum structural expansions in the range of the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves of the radio signal under consideration FS ( 1 ) exhibit. In particular, in further preferred embodiments, negative real parts of the complex refractive index can also be achieved using metamaterials.

Further preferred embodiments, see also the flow chart from FIG 8th , relate to a method of operating an antenna 100 ( 2A) with at least one emitter 110 and one the spotlight 110 at least partially surrounding functional material 120 , where a) the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is movable and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material 120 is controllable, and wherein the method has at least one of the following steps, cf. 8th : at least temporarily moving 200 of the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 , at least temporarily controlling 210 a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material 120 (e.g. by applying an electric and / or magnetic field). Here are both steps 200 , 210 exemplary in 8th listed, the order of which can also vary or both steps 200 , 210 can be carried out at least partially overlapping in time. In further preferred embodiments only step 200 carried out, in further preferred embodiments only step 210 executed.

The further optional step 220 symbolizes the reception of a radio signal FS ( 1 ) via the various paths P1 , P2 , P3 , wherein the reception can advantageously be improved using the principle according to the embodiments, see step 200 and or 210 .

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is movable, wherein a drive device 130 ( 2A) for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 is provided, the moving 200 ( 8th ) comprises: at least temporarily driving a translational and / or rotational movement of the functional material 120 relative to the at least one radiator 110 by means of the drive device 130 ( 2A) .

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the functional material 120 can be controlled by applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field, with at least one area of the functional material 120 at least temporarily by means of a control device 140 ( 2A) is applied with an electric field and / or a magnetic field, see step 210 out 8th .

3A shows schematically a channel impulse response (amplitude A1 plotted over time t) when using a conventional antenna (not shown). The three non-vanishing amplitude components in the present example P1 ', P2 ', P3 'correspond to the three paths, for example P1 , P2 , P3 out 1 . 3B shows schematically a frequency response (amplitude A2 plotted in dB over the frequency f) of a radio channel when using the conventional antenna according to 3A .

4A shows schematically a channel impulse response when using an antenna 100 according to preferred embodiments, the present exemplary three non-zero amplitude components P1 ", P2 ", P3 "eg the three paths P1 , P2 , P3 out 1 correspond. Note the time offset of the three non-zero amplitude components P1 ", P2 ", P3 "based on the 3A , which can result from the principle according to the embodiments. 4B shows schematically a frequency response of a radio channel when using an antenna 100 according to further preferred embodiments. A leveling out is clear, especially without the two extremes E1 , E2 , based on the course according to 3B to recognize.

By changing the running times of the individual paths P1 , P2 , P3 from different directions, as can be achieved using the principle according to the embodiments, the phases of the on the antenna 100 or their emitter 110 ( 2A) incoming signals changed, with which the channel impulse response and thus also the channel transfer function can be changed. Examples of this are given below with reference to FIG 5A , 5B specified.

5A shows schematically a phase shift according to further preferred embodiments, wherein curve C1 a random phase shift per path and where curve C2 shows a random phase shift for three paths ("clusters") taken together.

The combination of several paths according to further preferred embodiments and curve C2 should take into account the clustering of paths, ie temporally adjacent paths probably come from a similar direction. The possibility of several paths arriving from different directions at the same time has been ignored in the present example.

5B shows schematically an (unchanged) channel transfer function, see curve C3 , as well as a channel transfer function with phase shift, see curve C4 as can be obtained by way of example in accordance with further preferred embodiments, as well as a channel transfer function with a phase shift in sections, see curve C5 as can be obtained by way of example according to further preferred embodiments.

Für eine Dicke von d = 0,05 m (5 cm) ergibt sich für ε_r= 1 dann Δρ = 180°. Um die Phasenlage gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen in einem Pfad beliebig, z.B. bis zu 360° zu verändern, sollte bevorzugt die relative Permittivität von ε_r = 1 bis 9 in dem Material 120 variiert werden können, z.B. durch das Anlegen eines elektrischen Feldes.In further preferred embodiments, the functional material can 120 ( 2A) can also be designed as a coating, for example on an outer surface 110a or parts of an outer surface 110a of the radiator 110 is attachable. Due to a possible influence on the phases of the paths P1 , P2 , P3 through the coating 120 According to further preferred embodiments, the desired (influencing of) the channel transfer function can advantageously also be achieved with comparatively thin layer thicknesses for the coating 120 will be realized. An example calculation according to further preferred embodiments for a signal frequency or center frequency f = 3 GHz (gigahertz) is given below. The phase position Δρ after passing through the layer 120 with the thickness d results with $\lambda =\frac{c}{f\sqrt{{\epsilon }_r}}=\frac{0.1m}{\sqrt{{\epsilon }_r}}\text{to}\mathrm{\Delta \rho \; =}\frac{360°}{\lambda }d.$

For a thickness of d = 0.05 m (5 cm), ε _r = 1 then results in Δρ = 180 °. In order to change the phase position as desired in a path according to further preferred embodiments, for example up to 360 °, the relative permittivity should preferably be ε _r = 1 to 9 in the material 120 can be varied, for example by applying an electric field.

6th shows schematically a simplified diagram of an operating scenario according to further preferred embodiments. A communication system KS receives from the antenna 100 an antenna signal AS determines, as a function of the antenna signal AS, an information flow IF which, for example, is used to determine control signals SS for the antenna 100 by means of the device 300 enables. The control signals SS can specify in further preferred embodiments, for example, whether the functional material 120 to be moved and / or whether the relative permittivity or permeability of the functional material 120 should be changed, and, if so, in what way or to what extent.

7th shows schematically a simplified block diagram of the device 300 for carrying out the method according to further preferred embodiments, that is to say for example the sequence according to 8th . The device 300 can e.g. depending on the data IF ( 6th ) of the communication system KS the control signals SS determine and / or the antenna 100 or their functional material 120 control accordingly.

The device 300 ( 7th ) has at least one computing device 302 which can have one or more computing cores (not shown), for example, at least one of the computing devices 302 associated storage device 304 for at least temporary storage of a computer program PRG, the computer program PRG in particular for controlling an operation of the device 300 and / or the antenna 100 and / or is designed to carry out the method according to preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 302 at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic module (e.g. FPGA, field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), a hardware circuit. Combinations of these are also conceivable in further preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the storage device 304 at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 304a , especially memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 304b , especially Flash EEPROM. The computer program PRG is preferably in the non-volatile memory 304b filed.

In further preferred embodiments, the computer program PRG can provide the functionality of the method according to the embodiments, as described above by way of example with reference to FIG 1 to 6th , 8th has been described. In particular, in further preferred embodiments, the computer program PRG can also be the drive device 130 ( 2A) and / or the control device 140 control that is present in the optional block 308 out 7th are summarized.

The computing device 302 can also be referred to as “computer” in further preferred embodiments, and the method according to preferred embodiments, which in particular can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method, is in further preferred embodiments by the computer 302 executable.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium SM ( 7th ), comprising commands, in particular in the form of a or the computer program PRG, which when executed by a computer 302 cause them to carry out the method according to the embodiments. The storage medium SM can for example have a hard disk memory (hard disk) and / or a semiconductor memory, for example an SSD and / or an optical memory (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) and / or another, preferably digital, computer-readable memory.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal DS which characterizes and / or transmits the computer program product PRG according to the embodiments. In further preferred embodiments, the data carrier signal DS can be used, for example, for a transmission of the computer program PRG according to the embodiments from a first unit (not shown) to a second unit (for example to the device 300 , 7th ) can be used, e.g. from a server computer to the device 300 . The transmission of the data carrier signal DS can include, for example, a download of the computer program PRG according to the embodiments via a data network, in particular a private and / or public computer network such as the Internet, and / or a cloud service, with the data carrier signal DS, for example, a plurality of data packets may include. In further preferred embodiments, the transmission can, for example, also take place at least partially via a (cellular) mobile radio network, for example according to the 4G or 5G standard. In further preferred embodiments, the device 300 an optional data interface 306 for receiving the data carrier signal DS.

In further preferred embodiments, this is exemplary above with reference to a radiator 110 ( 2A) The principle described can also be applied to antennas that have more than one (active and / or passive) radiator 110 have, see the exemplary top view of an antenna 100 ' of the Yagi Uda type in 9 . Particularly preferred in such embodiments 100 ' with several emitters, at least two of the several emitters can each be assigned a corresponding functional material. For example, the antenna 100 ' according to further preferred embodiments as a Yagi-Uda antenna with an (active) radiator 110 , a reflector 111 and at least one (in this case three) director (s) 112 be formed, for example, both the active radiator 110 as well as at least one director 112 the Yagi-Uda antenna is a functional material 120a , 120b can be assigned according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a use of the antenna 100 , 100 ' according to the embodiments and / or the method according to the embodiments and / or the device 300 according to the embodiments and / or the computer program PRG according to the embodiments for at least temporarily influencing at least one radio channel between the antenna 100 , 100 ' and at least one external unit 10 ( 1 ).

In further preferred embodiments, the antenna, which, for example, works at least temporarily as a receiving antenna, can be sheathed 100 ( 2A) with the functional material 120 , which in further preferred embodiments one over the course of the material (for example along at least one direction of expansion of the functional material 120 ) has different relative permittivity ε _r or permeability number µ _r , individual paths P1 , P2 , P3 ( 6th ) of the received signal can be delayed differently depending on the direction of incidence. The speed of the signal is different, for example, depending on the current value of the relative permittivity or permeability. Compared to the channel impulse response without a jacket (conventional antenna), this results in delayed paths depending on the direction of incidence.

In further preferred embodiments, an emulation of the change in the antenna position of the antenna can also be advantageous 100 , 100 ' from the point of view of the radio signal FS ( 1 ) by changing the relative permittivity and / or permeability of the functional material 120 can be achieved. In further preferred embodiments, such a change can be achieved, for example, by moving the functional material 120 relative to the antenna 100 or to their at least one spotlight 110 happen (e.g. rotation of the functional material 120 around the spotlight 110 the antenna 100 , see e.g. step 200 out 8th ). In further preferred embodiments, the material properties are determined, for example, by the local application of an electric and / or magnetic field in the case of a correspondingly designed functional material 120 (e.g. metamaterials are also conceivable) changed in order to achieve the same or a comparable effect, see also step 210 out 8th . In further preferred embodiments, the steps are 200 , 210 also combinable with one another or at least temporarily also executable simultaneously with one another.

The change in the properties of the coating 120 the antenna 100 can, in further preferred embodiments, at least temporarily a) randomly and / or b) systematically and / or c) depending on a feedback of status information SS ( 6th ), which characterize the radio channel, for example. In further preferred embodiments, the use of machine learning (" ML ") Conceivable for an optimal configuration.

In further preferred embodiments, for the functional material 120 one or more materials with changeable properties are used, which can be controlled with regard to their relative permeability and / or relative permittivity, for example by applying an electric field, whereby an efficient change in the signal transit times of radio signals in the functional material 120 is achieved. This variant offers a particularly high level of flexibility and allows targeted dynamic influencing or changing of the radio channel.

In further preferred embodiments, this is done, for example, in the form of a casing or coating of the at least one radiator 110 ( 2A) the antenna 100 present functional material 120 relative to the antenna 100 or to your spotlight 110 moved to the transit times of the signals from different directions (cf. the paths P1 , P2 , P3 ) to change. The coating 120 preferably has a value that cannot be changed over, for example, the length (along a longitudinal axis of the radiator 110 ) of the material 120 but not constant relative permittivity and / or permeability. The movement of the sheath 120 can eg with the help of a motor 130 ( 2A) done by the device 300 ( 7th ) is controlled.

In further preferred embodiments, a channel impulse response between transmitter and receiver at the transmitter can also be influenced using the principle described above. In this case, however, the flow of information from the receiver to the sender is longer because the information first has to be sent back. In addition, a change in the channel impulse response at the transmitter affects all receivers.

In further preferred embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be used, for example, in radio systems of the 5G (fifth generation) standard, in particular in the field of industrial automation, in particular to increase the reliability of radio communication and / or, for example, in radio systems in accordance with IEEE 802.11 and the same.

Claims (15)

Antenna (100; 100 ') with at least one radiator (110) and a functional material (120) surrounding the radiator (110) at least in some areas, wherein a) the functional material (120) is movable relative to the at least one radiator (110) and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material (120) can be controlled. Antenna (100; 100 ') after Claim 1 , wherein the functional material (120) encases the at least one radiator (110) at least in sections. Antenna (100; 100 ') according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 2 wherein the functional material (120) is movable relative to the at least one radiator (110), and wherein a drive device (130) is provided for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material (120) relative to the at least one radiator (110). Antenna (100; 100 ') after Claim 3 wherein the drive device (130) is designed to at least temporarily drive a translatory and / or rotary movement of the functional material (120) relative to the at least one radiator (110). Antenna (100; 100 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional material (120) has a relative permeability and / or relative permittivity that changes and / or different along at least one direction of extent of the functional material (120). Antenna (100; 100 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the Functional material (120) can be controlled by applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field, and wherein in particular a control device (140) is provided for at least temporarily applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field to at least one area of the functional material (120) is. Antenna (100; 100 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional material (120) comprises a metamaterial. Method for operating an antenna (100; 100 ') with at least one radiator (110) and a functional material (120) surrounding the radiator (110) at least in some areas, wherein a) the functional material (120) is relative to the at least one radiator (110) is movable and / or b) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material (120) can be controlled, and wherein the method has at least one of the following steps: at least temporarily moving (200) the functional material (120) relative to the at least an emitter (110), at least temporarily controlling (210) a relative permeability and / or a relative permittivity of the functional material (120). Procedure according to Claim 8 , wherein the functional material (120) is movable relative to the at least one radiator (110), and wherein a drive device (130) is provided for at least temporarily driving a movement of the functional material (120) relative to the at least one radiator (110), wherein the moving (200) comprises: at least temporarily driving a translational and / or rotational movement of the functional material (120) relative to the at least one radiator (110) by means of the drive device (130). Method according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 9 , wherein the relative permeability and / or the relative permittivity of the functional material (120) can be controlled by applying an electric field and / or a magnetic field, and at least one area of the functional material (120) at least temporarily by means of a control device (140) an electric field and / or a magnetic field is applied. Device (300) for carrying out the method according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 10 . Computer-readable storage medium (SM), comprising instructions, in particular in the form of a computer program (PRG), which, when executed by a computer (302), cause the computer (302) to execute the method according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 10 execute. Computer program (PRG), comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (202), cause the program to perform the method according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 10 execute. Data carrier signal (DS) that the computer program (PRG) according to Claim 13 transmits. Use of the antenna (100; 100 ') according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 7th and / or the method according to at least one of Claims 8 to 10 and / or the device (300) Claim 11 and / or the computer program (PRG) Claim 13 for at least temporarily influencing at least one radio channel between the antenna (100; 100 ') and at least one external unit (10).

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