Ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on amplitude and phase adjustment module, method and test system

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer, method and test system based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module, and the synthesizer comprises N ultra-wideband tight coupling antenna array modules, N amplitude attenuators, N ultra-wideband phase shifters, an ultra-wideband multistage power divider, a power amplifier and a signal generator, signals generated by the signal generator are amplified by the power amplifier and then are subjected to equal-amplitude in-phase power distribution by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider into N paths, the N paths of equal-amplitude in-phase signals are respectively input into the N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment, and the N paths of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into the N amplitude attenuators for amplitude attenuation. N paths of attenuated signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tight coupling antenna array modules, and the N ultra-wideband tight coupling antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave. Amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as a manufacturing process and environment are calibrated based on the amplitude attenuator and the ultra-wideband phase shifter, so that the quality of ultra-wideband uniform plane waves is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to antenna and electromagnetic characteristic near-field testing technology, and in particular to an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module, a method and a testing system. Background Art

[0002] The plane wave measurement method is the most common test method in the field of microwave measurement, and the plane wave test system is one of the most common test systems in the field of microwave measurement. It plays an irreplaceable role in both the military field and the civilian electronic information field.

[0003] In the military field, whether it is aircraft, satellites, ships, or the electromagnetic characteristics testing and adjustment of large weapons and equipment such as missiles and tanks, they all rely heavily on plane wave testing. The technical level of plane wave testing not only restricts the performance and quality of military equipment, but also affects a country's national defense security. In the field of civilian electronic information, whether it is the communication performance test of the three typical application scenarios in the 5G standard (enhanced mobile bandwidth, massive machine type communication, and ultra-high reliability and low latency communication), the electromagnetic performance of the whole vehicle and the vehicle communication system (T-Box) test in the Internet of Vehicles, the wireless performance over-the-air test (OTA) in the industrial Internet, the antenna radiation pattern and data throughput test, etc., all rely heavily on plane wave testing, and the demand for testing is increasing. Therefore, whether in the military or civilian fields, plane wave testing is an irreplaceable key technology, and high-performance plane wave electromagnetic characteristics measurement technology is related to national security and national economic development.

[0004] The traditional near-field plane wave measurement method with amplitude and phase control connects an amplitude and phase control circuit in each antenna channel, which has a large cost. Summary of the invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: One purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer that can generate high-quality, large-size quiet zone, low-cost ultra-wideband plane waves at close range based on amplitude and phase adjustment modules to achieve amplitude and phase error calibration.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plane wave synthesis method of the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plane wave electromagnetic characteristics testing system including the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer.

[0008] Technical solution: The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module described in the present invention comprises: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules, N amplitude attenuators, N ultra-wideband phase shifters, an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider, a power amplifier and a signal generator. The signal generated by the signal generator is amplified by the power amplifier, and the amplified signal is distributed into N channels with equal amplitude and phase power by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider. The N channels of equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment. The N channels of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into N amplitude attenuators for amplitude adjustment. The N channels of signals after amplitude adjustment are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave.

[0009] Optionally, the plane wave synthesizer further includes an edge compensation structure, and the edge compensation structure is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module.

[0010] Optionally, N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules and N amplitude attenuators, N amplitude attenuators and N ultra-wideband phase shifters, N ultra-wideband phase shifters and ultra-wideband multi-stage power dividers, between the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider and the power amplifier, and between the power amplifier and the signal generator are all connected through amplitude and phase stabilizing connectors or cables.

[0011] Optionally, the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module includes M array-arranged antenna line array modules, the antenna line array module includes b linear array antennas arranged in a linear array and a modular bracket for fixing the b antenna line arrays, each antenna line array includes a closely arranged antenna units and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider, the attenuated N-channel signals output by the amplitude attenuator are distributed into a-channel signals with equal amplitude and in-phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider, and the a-channel equal amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units to achieve equal amplitude and in-phase feeding of each antenna unit.

[0012] Optionally, a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider is connected to a closely spaced antenna element directly or via a phase-stable cable.

[0013] Optionally, the antenna unit is in the form of a planar Vivaldi, a dipole, a monopole, a pyramidal horn or a ridged horn; the polarization mode of the antenna unit is linear polarization, orthogonal dual polarization, left and right circular polarization or ±45° dual slant polarization.

[0014] Optionally, the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider is 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8 or a combination or cascade thereof.

[0015] Optionally, a power amplifier is further arranged between the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider and the ultra-wideband phase shifter.

[0016] A plane wave synthesis method using the above plane wave synthesizer comprises the following steps:

[0017] The signal generated by the signal generator is input into a power amplifier for power amplification. The amplified signal is distributed into N channels with equal amplitude and in-phase power by an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider. The N channels of equal amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment. The N channels of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into N amplitude attenuators for amplitude attenuation. The N channels of signals after attenuation are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave.

[0018] A plane wave electromagnetic characteristic test system including the above-mentioned plane wave synthesizer also includes an electromagnetic shielding body, an absorbing material and a control room. The absorbing material is arranged on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, and the plane wave synthesizer is arranged in the electromagnetic shielding body and is electrically connected to the control room.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the significant technical effects of the present invention are: (1) by using a modular amplitude attenuator and an ultra-wideband phase shifter to calibrate the amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as the manufacturing process and test environment of the array module, the quiet zone quality of the ultra-wideband uniform plane wave can be ensured; (2) based on the modular antenna array, an amplitude and phase control circuit (i.e., a circuit composed of an amplitude attenuator and an ultra-wideband phase shifter) is connected in each modular antenna array, which greatly reduces the amplitude and phase control circuits, can reduce the amplitude and phase adjustment cost, reduce the system cost and debugging workload, and have low maintenance cost; (3) it can generate ultra-wideband plane waves with high quality and large quiet zone at a close distance; (4) it has the advantages of small footprint, large quiet zone size, small quiet zone ripple, low cost, and high test accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna linear array module of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A block diagram of the connection relationship between the amplitude and phase regulator of the present invention and the antenna array;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plane wave electromagnetic characteristics testing system of the present invention;

[0025] Note: 1-Ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module, 2-Amplitude attenuator, 3-Ultra-wideband phase shifter, 4-Amplitude-stable and phase-stable connector / cable, 5-Ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider, 6-Ultra-wideband power amplifier, 7-Signal source (control room signal), 8-Edge compensation structure, 9-Large size synthetic plane wave, 100-Antenna linear array module, 101-Antenna linear array, 102-Modular bracket, 1001-Tightly coupled antenna array, 1002-Multi-stage equal-amplitude and same-phase ultra-wideband power divider, 10-Electromagnetic shielding body, 11-Absorbing material, 12-Control room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the present invention and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] See also Figure 1 The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer of the present invention mainly includes N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1, N amplitude attenuators 2, N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, a stable amplitude and phase connector / cable 4, an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, a power amplifier 6, a signal generator 7 and an edge compensation structure 8. The output end of the signal generator 7 is connected to the input end of the power amplifier 6, the output end of the power amplifier 6 is connected to the input end of the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, the output end of the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 is respectively connected to the input ends of the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, the output ends of the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 are respectively connected to the input ends of the N amplitude attenuators 2, the output ends of the N amplitude attenuators 2 are respectively connected to the input ends of the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1, the edge compensation structure 8 is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1, and the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave 9. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 and the N amplitude attenuators 2, the N amplitude attenuators 2 and the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 and the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 and the power amplifier 6, and the power amplifier 6 and the signal generator 7 are all connected through an amplitude and phase stabilizing connector or cable 4.

[0029] N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 are connected to N amplitude attenuators 2 and N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 in sequence through amplitude- and phase-stabilizing connectors or cables 4, respectively, for calibration of amplitude and phase errors of each module. The N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 are connected to an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, which realizes equal-amplitude and in-phase power distribution of signals and distributes equal-amplitude and in-phase signals to N amplitude and phase adjustment circuits.

[0030] Furthermore, the equal-amplitude and in-phase signals output by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 can be amplified by a power amplifier and then distributed to N amplitude and phase adjustment circuits.

[0031] Each ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 realizes the amplitude and phase control of the module through the amplitude attenuator 2 and the ultra-wideband phase shifter 3 connected thereto. The array module amplitude attenuator 2 and the array module ultra-wideband phase shifter 3 are used to calibrate the amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as the manufacturing process and test environment of the array module to ensure the quiet zone quality of the ultra-wideband uniform plane wave.

[0032] The ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 comprises M array-arranged antenna linear array modules 100, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Figure 2 As shown, the antenna array module 100 includes b antenna arrays 101 arranged in a linear array and a modular bracket 102 for fixing the b antenna arrays. Each antenna array 101 includes a closely arranged antenna units 1001 and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. The attenuated N-channel signals output by the amplitude attenuator 2 are distributed into a-channel signals with equal amplitude and in-phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. The a-channel equal amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units 1001 to realize equal amplitude and in-phase feeding of each antenna unit. a and b are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0033] The form of the antenna unit 1001 includes but is not limited to planar Vivaldi, dipole, monopole, pyramid horn, ridged horn. The polarization mode of the antenna unit 1001 includes but is not limited to linear polarization, orthogonal dual polarization, left and right circular polarization and ±45° dual slant polarization.

[0034] The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 includes but is not limited to an ultra-wideband gradient line power divider and a Wilkins power divider. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 includes but is not limited to 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8, etc. and combinations and cascades thereof. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 is directly connected to a closely arranged antenna units 1001, or can be connected via a phase-stabilized cable.

[0035] See also Figure 3This embodiment provides an ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 composed of 2×2 antenna linear array modules 11. The antenna linear array modules 100 are connected using modular brackets 102. Edge compensation structures 8 are installed on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 to reduce the adverse effects of the array edge units due to the asymmetry on both sides.

[0036] See also Figure 4 The amplitude and phase regulator (i.e., the ultra-wideband phase shifter 3 and the amplitude attenuator 2) adjusts the phase and amplitude of the signal and then inputs it into the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 divides the signal and then inputs it into a closely arranged antenna units 1001. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 realizes equal-amplitude and in-phase power distribution of the signal and realizes equal-amplitude and in-phase feeding of each antenna unit.

[0037] A plane wave synthesis method based on the plane wave synthesizer is:

[0038] The signal generated by the signal generator 7 is input to the power amplifier 6 for power amplification. The amplified signal is distributed into N equal-amplitude and in-phase power by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5. The N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input to N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 for phase adjustment. The N phase-adjusted signals are respectively input to N amplitude attenuators 2 for amplitude attenuation. The attenuated N signals are respectively input to N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 synthesize uniform plane waves together. This method is a high-quality, large-size quiet zone, and low-cost ultra-wideband plane wave synthesis technology for close-range generation.

[0039] See also Figure 5 , a plane wave electromagnetic characteristic test system including the plane wave synthesizer, further comprising an electromagnetic shielding body 10, an absorbing material 11 and a control room 12, wherein the absorbing material 11 is arranged on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body 10, and the plane wave synthesizer is arranged in the electromagnetic shielding body 10 and is electrically connected to the control room 12. The control room 12 is provided with a test device and an industrial control computer, and the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider is connected to the test device and the industrial control computer through a power amplifier. The plane wave electromagnetic characteristic test system is established based on the above-mentioned plane wave synthesizer, and can generate high-quality, large-size plane waves in a small space, and has the advantages of small footprint, large quiet zone size, small quiet zone ripple, low cost, high test accuracy, etc.

Claims

1. An ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module, characterized in that: include: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1), N amplitude attenuators (2), N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3), an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5), a power amplifier (6) and a signal generator (7); a signal generated by the signal generator (7) is amplified by the power amplifier (6); the amplified signal is distributed into N channels with equal amplitude and phase power by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5); the N channels of equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into the N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) for phase adjustment; the N channels of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into the N amplitude attenuators (2) for amplitude adjustment; the N channels of signals after amplitude adjustment are respectively input into the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1); the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave (9).

2. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plane wave synthesizer further comprises an edge compensation structure (8), and the edge compensation structure (8) is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module (1).

3. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) and N amplitude attenuators (2), N amplitude attenuators (2) and N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3), N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) and an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5), the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5) and a power amplifier (6), and the power amplifier (6) and a signal generator (7) are all connected via amplitude- and phase-stabilizing connectors or cables (4).

4. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module (1) comprises M array-arranged antenna linear array modules (100), the antenna linear array module (100) comprises b linear array-arranged antenna linear arrays (101) and a modular bracket (102) for fixing the b antenna linear arrays, each antenna linear array (101) comprises a closely arranged antenna units (1001) and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002), the attenuated N-channel signals output by the amplitude attenuator (2) are distributed into a-channel signals with equal amplitude and phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002), and the a-channel equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units (1001), thereby realizing equal amplitude and phase feeding of each antenna unit.

5. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002) is directly connected to a closely arranged antenna unit (1001) or connected via a phase-stable cable.

6. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The antenna unit (1001) is in the form of a planar Vivaldi, a dipole, a monopole, a pyramidal horn or a ridged horn; the polarization mode of the antenna unit is linear polarization, orthogonal dual polarization, left and right circular polarization or ±45° dual slant polarization.

7. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002) is 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8 or a combination or cascade thereof.

8. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A power amplifier is also provided between the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5) and the ultra-wideband phase shifter (3).

9. A plane wave synthesis method, characterized in that: The method is based on the plane wave synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: The signal generated by the signal generator (7) is input into a power amplifier (6) for power amplification. The amplified signal is distributed into N channels with equal amplitude and phase power by an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5). The N channels of equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) for phase adjustment. The N channels of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into N amplitude attenuators (2) for amplitude attenuation. The attenuated N channels of signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1). The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave (9).

10. A plane wave electromagnetic property test system, comprising an electromagnetic shielding body (10), an absorbing material (11) and a control room (12), wherein the absorbing material (11) is arranged on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body (10), characterized in that: The system further comprises the plane wave synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plane wave synthesizer is arranged in the electromagnetic shielding body (10) and is electrically connected to the control room (12).

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