Antenna array and radar

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses an antenna array and a radar, and belongs to the antenna design field.The antenna array comprises a transmitting antenna array and a receiving antenna array, the transmitting antenna array comprises parallel first and second arrays, the receiving antenna array comprises parallel third and fourth arrays, the first and second arrays are arranged along a first direction, a first antenna of the first array and a second antenna of the second array are aligned in position in a second direction, and the minimum distance between the first and second arrays in the second direction is greater than the sum of the sizes of the first and second arrays in the second direction, the third and fourth arrays are arranged along a third direction, a third antenna of the third array and a fourth antenna of the fourth array are aligned in position in a fourth direction, and the minimum distance between the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the sizes of the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction.The embodiment of the application solves the problem of angle ambiguity when the distance between antennas is greater than half a wavelength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna design, and in particular to an antenna array and radar. Background Technology

[0002] An antenna array is an array formed by arranging two or more antennas that operate at the same frequency in a certain manner.

[0003] The related technology proposes an antenna array in a "U" shape, comprising four arrays: two horizontally and two vertically (top, bottom, left, and right). The two horizontal arrays are transmitting antennas, and the two top and bottom arrays are receiving antennas. These four arrays are equally spaced, with the spacing between any two adjacent antennas being an integer multiple of half the wavelength and greater than half the wavelength. During data detection, these four arrays can be shifted counterclockwise around the center point to create interleaving or skew, thus forming a new antenna array.

[0004] However, when the spacing between any two adjacent antennas is greater than half a wavelength, the measurement angle becomes ambiguous, resulting in lower accuracy of data detection using the aforementioned antenna array. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an antenna array and radar that can solve the problem of measurement angle ambiguity that occurs in equidistant arrays of related technologies when the antenna spacing is greater than half a wavelength. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] On one hand, an antenna array is provided, which includes a transmitting antenna array and a receiving antenna array, wherein the transmitting antenna array and the receiving antenna array are located in the same plane, the transmitting antenna array includes a first array and a second array that are parallel to each other, and the receiving antenna array includes a third array and a fourth array that are parallel to each other, wherein at least one of the first array, the second array, the third array and the fourth array is a sparse array;

[0007] The antennas in the first array and the second array are arranged along the first direction. The first antenna in the first array and the second antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction. The first antenna and the second antenna are the first antenna or the last antenna in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the first array and the antennas in the second array in the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0008] The antennas in the third array and the fourth array are arranged along a third direction. The third antenna in the third array and the fourth antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction. The third antenna and the fourth antenna are either the first antenna or the last antenna in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the third array and the antennas in the fourth array in the fourth direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the fourth direction. The angle between the first direction and the third direction is greater than 45 degrees.

[0009] Optionally, the maximum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is not greater than a first distance, the first distance being the sum of a first maximum continuous length, a second maximum continuous length, and half a wavelength, the first maximum continuous length being the maximum continuous length of the first array, and the second maximum continuous length being the maximum continuous length of the second array.

[0010] Optionally, the maximum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is not greater than the second distance, and the second distance is the sum of the third maximum continuous length, the fourth maximum continuous length and half wavelength, wherein the third maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the third array and the fourth maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the fourth array.

[0011] Optionally, the angle between the first direction and the third direction is 90 degrees.

[0012] Optionally, the number of antennas included in the first array is equal to the number of antennas included in the second array, and the number of antennas included in the third array is equal to the number of antennas included in the fourth array.

[0013] Optionally, the arrangement of each antenna in the first array is the same as that in the second array, and the arrangement of each antenna in the third array is the same as that in the fourth array.

[0014] Optionally, the first array and the second array are located between the third array and the fourth array.

[0015] Optionally, in the third direction, the first array and the second array are located on the same side of the third array and the fourth array.

[0016] Optionally, in the fourth direction, the first array and the second array are located on the same side of the third array and the fourth array.

[0017] Optionally, for any one of the first array, the second array, the third array, and the fourth array, the arrangement of the array can be a combination of one or more of the following: linear, Z-shaped, and diagonal.

[0018] On the other hand, a radar is provided that includes any of the antenna arrays described above.

[0019] The technical solutions provided in this application can bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The transmitting antenna array comprises a first and a second array that are parallel to each other. The first antenna in the first array and the second antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction. The first and second antennas are either the first or the last antennas in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the first and second arrays in the second direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the first and second arrays in the second direction. Similarly, the receiving antenna array comprises a third and a fourth array that are parallel to each other. The third antenna in the third array and the fourth antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction. The third and fourth antennas are either the first or the last antennas in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction. Therefore, by arranging these four arrays in this way, the differential array of the virtual array formed by these four arrays satisfies the requirement of continuous element arrangement. That is, the spacing between every two adjacent antennas is half a wavelength, solving the angular ambiguity problem caused by the antenna spacing being greater than half a wavelength in an equally spaced array. This improves the accuracy of data detection when using the aforementioned antenna array. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radar provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna array arrangement provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of an antenna array arrangement provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna array structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna array structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-transmitter, four-receiver antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a one-transmit, eight-receive antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a virtual array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another virtual array structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the differential array structure of a virtual array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the differential array structure of another virtual array provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Radar is an electronic device that uses electromagnetic waves to detect targets. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the basic structure of a radar includes: a transmitter, a transmitting antenna array, a receiver, a receiving antenna array, and a processing unit. Of course, it may also include auxiliary modules such as a display, a power supply module, a data acquisition module, and an anti-interference module.

[0036] Its basic working principle is as follows: The transmitter of the radar equipment emits electromagnetic wave signals in a certain direction of space through a transmitting antenna array. A target object (such as a physical object) in this direction will reflect the electromagnetic wave signal, and the signal after reflection can be called an echo signal. The receiving antenna array can receive the echo signal of the electromagnetic wave signal, and then transmit the echo signal to the processing unit through the receiver. The processing unit extracts certain information about the target object (such as the distance between the target object and the radar, the target object's speed, azimuth, and altitude relative to the radar, etc.).

[0037] More specifically, the transmitter, also known as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, generates RF electrical signals and transmits them to a transmitting antenna array. The transmitting antenna array converts the RF electrical signals transmitted by the transmitter into electromagnetic wave signals for transmission. The receiving antenna array receives the echo signals of the electromagnetic wave signals and converts the received echo signals back into RF electrical signals for transmission to the receiver. The receiver converts the RF electrical signals transmitted by the receiving antenna array into digital signals and transmits these digital signals to the processing unit. The processing unit determines the target object's detection data based on the electromagnetic wave signals transmitted by the transmitting antenna array and the digital signals transmitted by the receiver, such as the distance between the target object and the radar, and the target object's speed, azimuth, and altitude relative to the radar.

[0038] The transmitting antenna array and receiving antenna array provided in this application embodiment are located in the same plane. The transmitting antenna array includes a first array and a second array that are parallel to each other, and the receiving antenna array includes a third array and a fourth array that are parallel to each other. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth arrays is a sparse array. The antennas in the first and second arrays are arranged along a first direction. The first antenna in the first array and the second antenna in the second array are aligned in a second direction. The first and second antennas are either the first or the last antennas in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the first and second arrays in the second direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the first and second arrays in the second direction. The first and second directions are perpendicular to each other. The antennas in the third and fourth arrays are arranged along a third direction. The third antenna in the third array and the fourth antenna in the fourth array are aligned in a fourth direction. The third and fourth antennas are either the first or the last antennas in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the third and fourth arrays in the fourth direction. The third and fourth directions are perpendicular to each other. The angle between the first and third directions is greater than 45 degrees.

[0039] To reduce the complexity of the antenna array and save on manufacturing costs and resources, in this embodiment, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth arrays is a sparse array. This allows for a larger antenna aperture to be achieved using fewer antennas. Antenna aperture refers to the maximum spacing between any two antennas in the antenna array.

[0040] A sparse array refers to an antenna array determined using sparse arraying techniques, where the spacing between adjacent antennas is unequal. In other words, a sparse array does not employ a traditional uniform arrangement; instead, it retains or removes elements from uniformly filled arrays according to certain rules, creating a sparse, unequal-spacing arrangement. In other words, sparse arraying techniques achieve a larger antenna aperture by arranging a small number of antennas with varying spacing. Antenna arrays obtained through sparse arraying techniques are called sparse arrays.

[0041] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, an X-axis coordinate system is established, with the origin of the X-axis at the position of the first antenna in the antenna array, and the direction of the X-axis representing the arrangement direction of the antenna array. Since the distance between two antennas is typically an integer multiple of λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the antenna's operating center frequency, for ease of explanation, [the following is omitted as it is not directly related to the diagram]. Figure 2 The X-axis values ​​are represented in units of λ / 2. That is, the actual physical location corresponding to a position marked 1 on the axis is λ / 2, and the actual physical location corresponding to a position marked 2 is 2*λ / 2. Therefore, if the positions of each antenna in the antenna array determined by the sparse array technique are marked as (0, 1, 4, 6), then the spacing between any two antennas is (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). The aperture of these four antennas is 6, meaning that a sparse array of four antennas can achieve the aperture of six equally spaced arrays.

[0042] The arrangement of sparse arrays can include various methods, such as minimum redundancy arrangement and generalized redundancy arrangement. An antenna array obtained using the minimum redundancy arrangement is called a minimum redundancy array, and an antenna array obtained using the generalized redundancy arrangement is called a generalized redundancy array. This application does not limit the arrangement method of the sparse array.

[0043] The first direction can be any direction within the plane, and the third direction can also be any direction within the plane. In other words, the embodiments of this application do not restrict the relationship between the first direction and the third direction, as long as the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the third direction is perpendicular to the fourth direction.

[0044] Wherein, the angle between the first direction and the third direction is greater than 45 degrees. As an example, the angle between the first direction and the third direction is 90 degrees. For instance, the first direction is horizontal and the second direction is vertical. Or, the first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal.

[0045] In this configuration, the first antenna in the first array is the first antenna in the first array, and the second antenna in the second array is the first antenna in the second array. Alternatively, the first antenna in the first array is the last antenna in the first array, and the second antenna in the second array is the last antenna in the second array. That is, the first antenna in the first array and the first antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction, or the last antenna in the first array and the last antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction.

[0046] Of course, the first antenna in the first array and the first antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction, and the last antenna in the first array and the last antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction.

[0047] Similarly, the third antenna in the third array is the first antenna in the third array, and the fourth antenna in the fourth array is the first antenna in the fourth array. Alternatively, the third antenna in the third array is the last antenna in the third array, and the fourth antenna in the fourth array is the last antenna in the fourth array. That is, the first antenna in the third array and the first antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction, or the last antenna in the third array and the last antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction.

[0048] Of course, the first antenna in the third array and the first antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction, and the last antenna in the third array and the last antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction.

[0049] In the first array, the first antenna has the smallest coordinate in the first direction, and the last antenna has the largest coordinate in the first direction. Similarly, in the second array, the first antenna has the smallest coordinate in the first direction, and the last antenna has the largest coordinate in the first direction. In the third array, the first antenna has the smallest coordinate in the third direction, and the last antenna has the largest coordinate in the third direction. In the fourth array, the first antenna has the smallest coordinate in the third direction, and the last antenna has the largest coordinate in the third direction.

[0050] The size of the antenna in the first array in the second direction can be characterized by the number of antennas in the first array in the second direction. Similarly, the size of the antenna in the second array in the second direction can be characterized by the number of antennas in the second array in the second direction. The size of the antenna in the third array in the fourth direction can be characterized by the number of antennas in the third array in the fourth direction, and the size of the antenna in the fourth array in the fourth direction can be characterized by the number of antennas in the fourth array in the fourth direction.

[0051] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first direction is vertical, the second direction is horizontal, the third direction is horizontal, and the fourth direction is vertical. Figure 3 In the diagram, ○ represents the antenna in the first array, Δ represents the antenna in the second array, + represents the antenna in the third array, and × represents the antenna in the fourth array. Furthermore, Figure 3 The coordinate axes in the diagram are also represented in units of λ / 2. Thus, the horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the first array are (0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (3, 4, 9, 12, 14, 16)*λ / 2. Similarly, the horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the second array are (46, 47, 46, 47, 46, 47)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (3, 4, 9, 12, 14, 16)*λ / 2. The first antenna in the first array, the first antenna in the second array, and the last antenna in the first array and the last antenna in the second array are all equidistant in the vertical direction, with the first antenna's position being 3*λ / 2 and the last antenna's position being 16*λ / 2. The minimum horizontal distance between the first and second arrays is 46*λ / 2. The antennas in the first and second arrays each have a horizontal dimension of 2*λ / 2. The minimum horizontal distance between the first and second arrays, 46*λ / 2, is greater than the sum of the horizontal dimensions of the antennas in the first and second arrays, 4*λ / 2.

[0052] Similarly, the horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the third array are (0, 1, 4, 10, 16, 18, 21, 23)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)*λ / 2. The horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the fourth array are (0, 1, 4, 10, 16, 18, 21, 23)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27)*λ / 2. The first antenna in the third array and the first antenna in the fourth array, as well as the last antenna in the third array and the last antenna in the fourth array, are all at the same horizontal position, with the first antenna at position 0*λ / 2 and the last antenna at position 23*λ / 2. The minimum vertical distance between the third and fourth arrays is 27*λ / 2. The vertical dimensions of the antennas in the third and fourth arrays are both 1*λ / 2. The minimum vertical distance between the third and fourth arrays, 27*λ / 2, is greater than the sum of the vertical dimensions of the antennas in the third and fourth arrays, 2*λ / 2.

[0053] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, for any one of the first array, second array, third array, and fourth array, the arrangement of any one array is a combination of one or more of the following: linear, Z-shaped, and diagonal. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the antenna array arrangement can include... Figure 4 The linear arrangement shown in (a), the zigzag arrangement shown in (b), the diagonal arrangement shown in (c), and the combination of zigzag and diagonal arrangement shown in (d) are all examples of the arrangements shown in the examples.

[0054] Optionally, the maximum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is not greater than the first distance, which is the sum of the first maximum continuous length, the second maximum continuous length and half wavelength. The first maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the third array, and the second maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the fourth array.

[0055] Optionally, the maximum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is no greater than the second distance, which is the sum of the third maximum continuous length, the fourth maximum continuous length and half a wavelength. The third maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the first array, and the fourth maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the second array.

[0056] It should be noted that the maximum continuous length of the antenna array is the maximum value of the first consecutive number string after arranging the spacing between every two antennas in the array in ascending order. In other words, to determine the spacing between every two antennas in the array, arrange the spacings between each pair of antennas in ascending order into an array. When the numbers in this array are continuously and uniformly distributed, the maximum value in this array is taken as the maximum continuous length. When two non-contiguous, uniformly distributed number strings appear in this array, the maximum value of the first continuously uniformly distributed number string is taken as the maximum continuous length.

[0057] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the array formed by the spacing between every two antennas in the first array, arranged in ascending order, is (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)*λ / 2. Therefore, the maximum continuous length of the first array is 13*λ / 2. Similarly, the maximum continuous length of the second array is 13*λ / 2, the maximum continuous length of the third array is 23*λ / 2, and the maximum continuous length of the fourth array is 23*λ / 2.

[0058] The maximum horizontal distance between the first and second arrays is 46*λ / 2, and this maximum horizontal distance is no greater than the sum of the maximum continuous length and half-wavelength of the third and fourth arrays, which is 47*λ / 2. The maximum vertical distance between the third and fourth arrays is 27*λ / 2, and this maximum vertical distance is no greater than the sum of the maximum continuous length and half-wavelength of the first and second arrays, which is 27*λ / 2.

[0059] It should be noted that the number of antennas in the first array may or may not be the same as the number of antennas in the second array, as long as the first antenna in the first array and the second antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction. Similarly, the number of antennas in the third array may or may not be the same as the number of antennas in the fourth array, as long as the third antenna in the third array and the fourth antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the transmitting antenna array has 11 antennas and the receiving antenna array has 16 antennas. In the transmitting antenna array, the first array has 6 antennas and the second array has 5 antennas. In the receiving antenna array, the third and fourth arrays each have 8 antennas.

[0061] The horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the first array are (0, 1, 2, 0, 1, 2)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (0, 6, 7, 9, 11, 19)*λ / 2. The horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the second array are (49, 48, 47, 49, 48)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (0, 6, 7, 9, 11)*λ / 2. The first antenna in the first array and the first antenna in the second array are at the same vertical position (0*λ / 2). The maximum continuous length of the first array is 13*λ / 2, and the maximum continuous length of the second array is 7*λ / 2.

[0062] Similarly, the horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the third array are (-40, -32, -22, -21, -18, -16, -9, -1)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)*λ / 2. The horizontal coordinates of each antenna in the fourth array are (-40, -32, -22, -21, -18, -16, -9, -1)*λ / 2, and the vertical coordinates are (21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21)*λ / 2. The first antenna in the third array, the first antenna in the fourth array, and the last antenna in the third array and the last antenna in the fourth array are all at the same horizontal position, and the position of the first antenna is -40*λ / 2. The maximum continuous length of the third array is 24*λ / 2, and the maximum continuous length of the fourth array is 24*λ / 2.

[0063] The maximum horizontal distance between the first and second arrays is 49*λ / 2, and this maximum horizontal distance is no greater than the sum of the maximum continuous length and half-wavelength of the third and fourth arrays, which is also 49*λ / 2. The maximum vertical distance between the third and fourth arrays is 21*λ / 2, and this maximum vertical distance is no greater than the sum of the maximum continuous length and half-wavelength of the first and second arrays, which is also 21*λ / 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the arrangement of the antennas in the first array can be the same as or different from that in the second array. Similarly, the arrangement of the antennas in the third array can be the same as or different from that in the fourth array.

[0065] To simplify antenna array design, the number of antennas in the first array can be the same as the number of antennas in the second array, and the number of antennas in the third array can be the same as the number of antennas in the fourth array. Similarly, the arrangement of the antennas in the first array can be the same as the arrangement of the antennas in the second array, and the arrangement of the antennas in the third array can be the same as the arrangement of the antennas in the fourth array.

[0066] In the embodiments of this application, there is a positional constraint relationship between the first array and the second array, and between the third array and the fourth array. However, there is no positional constraint relationship between the first array and the second array as a whole and between the third array and the fourth array as a whole. That is, there is no positional constraint relationship between the transmitting antenna array and the receiving antenna array.

[0067] As an example, the first and second arrays are located between the third and fourth arrays, and the first and second arrays can be located at any position between the third and fourth arrays. Alternatively, the third and fourth arrays are located between the first and second arrays, and the third and fourth arrays can be located at any position between the first and second arrays.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first array and the second array are located between the third array and the fourth array. The first array is close to the first antenna in the third array and the fourth array, and the second array is close to the last antenna in the third array and the fourth array.

[0069] As another example, in a third-order orientation, the first and second arrays are located on the same side of the third and fourth arrays. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the third direction is horizontal, and the first and second arrays are located to the right of the third and fourth arrays. Of course, the first and second arrays can also be located to the left of the third and fourth arrays.

[0070] As another example, in the fourth direction, the first and second arrays are located on the same side of the third and fourth arrays. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the fourth direction is vertical, with the first and second arrays located below the third and fourth arrays, and the transmitting and receiving antenna arrays completely separated. Of course, the first and second arrays can also be located above the third and fourth arrays.

[0071] In this embodiment, the transmitting antenna array includes a first array and a second array that are parallel to each other. The first antenna in the first array and the second antenna in the second array are aligned in the second direction. The first antenna and the second antenna are either the first antenna or the last antenna in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the first array and the antennas in the second array in the second direction. Similarly, the receiving antenna array includes a third array and a fourth array that are parallel to each other. The third antenna in the third array and the fourth antenna in the fourth array are aligned in the fourth direction. The third antenna and the fourth antenna are either the first antenna or the last antenna in their respective arrays. The minimum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the antennas in the third array and the antennas in the fourth array in the fourth direction. Therefore, by arranging these four arrays in this way, the differential array of the virtual array formed by these four arrays satisfies the requirement of continuous array element arrangement. That is, the spacing between every two adjacent antennas is half a wavelength, solving the problem of angular ambiguity caused by the antenna spacing being greater than half a wavelength in an equally spaced array. This improves the accuracy of data detection when using the aforementioned antenna array.

[0072] To facilitate understanding, we will first introduce virtual arrays and differential arrays. Virtual element technology refers to using the distance difference between multiple transmitting antennas to achieve a larger antenna aperture. Antenna arrays obtained through virtual element technology are called virtual arrays.

[0073] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, a dual-transmitter, four-receiver antenna array is constructed, with the transmitting antennas represented by ○ and the receiving antennas by ×. Assume the positions of the transmitting antennas can be represented as (0, 4), and the positions of the receiving antennas as (0, 1, 2, 3). The four receiving antennas receive the echo signals from the two transmitting antennas to form a virtual array, which is essentially eight virtual receiving antennas. In other words, the distance difference between the four receiving antennas and the two transmitting antennas is equivalent to eight virtual receiving antennas.

[0074] The specific implementation process is as follows: Taking the receiving antenna with a position marker of 0 as an example, the formation process of the virtual array is explained in detail. Two transmitting antennas transmit signals sequentially. The receiving antenna with a position marker of 0 receives the echo signal of the transmitting antenna with a position marker of 0, and the position marker of the receiving antenna in the formed virtual array is 0. The receiving antenna with a position marker of 0 receives the echo signal of the transmitting antenna with a position marker of 4, and the position marker of the receiving antenna in the formed virtual array is 4. Therefore, the position markers of the receiving antennas in the virtual array formed by the four receiving antennas receiving signals from the two transmitting antennas can be represented as (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), and the spacing between every two receiving antennas in this virtual array can be represented as (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Figure 8 As shown, in a one-transmit, eight-receive antenna array, the transmitting antenna is represented by ○, and the receiving antenna is represented by ×. The array position identifiers for the transmitting antennas can be represented as (0), and the array position identifiers for the receiving antennas can be represented as (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Therefore, the spacing identifier between every two receiving antennas can be represented as (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). That is, the virtual array with two transmitters and four receivers and the one-transmit, eight-receiver array have the same antenna aperture.

[0075] A differential array is an array in which antennas are deployed at the positions between every two adjacent antennas in an antenna array. For example, assuming the position identifiers of each antenna in an antenna array can be represented as (0, 1, 4, 6), the position identifiers of each antenna in the differential array of this array can be represented as (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). In the embodiments of this application, the differential array of the virtual array refers to an array in which antennas are deployed at the positions between every two adjacent virtual antennas in a virtual array.

[0076] for example, Figure 3 The virtual array formed by the antenna array shown is as follows: Figure 9 As shown. Figure 5 The virtual array formed by the antenna array shown is as follows: Figure 10 As shown. Figure 9 The differential array of the virtual array shown is as follows: Figure 11 As shown. Figure 10 The differential array of the virtual array shown is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the differential array of the virtual array formed by the antenna array provided in this embodiment is continuous and uninterrupted in the plane. That is, the spacing between any two adjacent antennas in the differential array of the virtual array formed by the antenna array is equal to half a wavelength, which solves the problem of measurement angle ambiguity that occurs when the antenna spacing is greater than half a wavelength in an equally spaced array.

[0077] It should be understood that "at least one" as mentioned herein refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. Furthermore, for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0078] The above descriptions are embodiments provided in this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An antenna array, characterized by The antenna array comprises a transmitting antenna array and a receiving antenna array, the transmitting antenna array and the receiving antenna array are located in the same plane, the transmitting antenna array comprises a first array and a second array which are parallel to each other, the receiving antenna array comprises a third array and a fourth array which are parallel to each other, at least one of the first array, the second array, the third array and the fourth array is a sparse array; The antennas in the first array and the second array are arranged along a first direction, the positions of a first antenna included in the first array and a second antenna included in the second array in a second direction are aligned, the first antenna and the second antenna are the first antenna or the last antenna in the array, the minimum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is greater than the sum of the sizes of the antennas in the first array and the antennas in the second array in the second direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other; The antennas in the third array and the fourth array are arranged along a third direction, the positions of a third antenna included in the third array and a fourth antenna included in the fourth array in a fourth direction are aligned, the third antenna and the fourth antenna are the first antenna or the last antenna in the array, the minimum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is greater than the sum of the sizes of the antennas in the third array and the antennas in the fourth array in the fourth direction, the third direction and the fourth direction are perpendicular to each other, and the included angle between the first direction and the third direction is greater than 45 degrees.

2. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, The maximum distance between the third array and the fourth array in the fourth direction is not greater than a first distance, the first distance is the sum of a first maximum continuous length, a second maximum continuous length and a half wavelength, the first maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the first array, and the second maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the second array.

3. The antenna array of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The maximum distance between the first array and the second array in the second direction is not greater than a second distance, the second distance is the sum of a third maximum continuous length, a fourth maximum continuous length and a half wavelength, the third maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the third array, and the fourth maximum continuous length is the maximum continuous length of the fourth array.

4. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, The included angle between the first direction and the third direction is 90 degrees.

5. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, The number of antennas included in the first array is equal to the number of antennas included in the second array, and the number of antennas included in the third array is equal to the number of antennas included in the fourth array.

6. The antenna array of claim 5, wherein, The arrangement mode of each antenna included in the first array is the same as the arrangement mode of each antenna included in the second array, and the arrangement mode of each antenna included in the third array is the same as the arrangement mode of each antenna included in the fourth array.

7. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, The first array and the second array are located between the third array and the fourth array.

8. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, In the third direction, the first array and the second array are located on the same side of the third array and the fourth array.

9. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, In the fourth direction, the first array and the second array are on the same side of the third array and the fourth array.

10. The antenna array of claim 1, wherein, For any one of the first array, the second array, the third array and the fourth array, the any one array is arranged in one or more of a straight line, a Z shape and an oblique line.

11. A radar, characterized by The radar comprises the antenna array of any one of claims 1-10.

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