Broadband phased-array antenna unit convenient for feeding

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of phased-array antennas, in particular to a broadband phased-array antenna unit convenient to feed, which comprises an antenna unit, the output end of the antenna unit is electrically connected with a radiation patch, the bottom of the radiation patch is electrically connected with a grounding plate, the grounding plate is provided with a gap, and the gap is communicated with the antenna unit. The center of the antenna unit is provided with a center feed structure. According to the invention, by adopting a cross-shaped symmetrically distributed four-slot coupling feed mechanism and combining with a center combiner structure, the working bandwidth is expanded, the circular polarization characteristic is optimized, and meanwhile, the complexity of a feed network is remarkably simplified, the electromagnetic coupling design of the radiation patch and the double-layer grounding plate is matched with a surface slotting structure, so that the antenna efficiency is improved. According to the phased array system, the current distribution and the radiation efficiency are effectively improved, the feed regularity of the phased array system is ensured by the arrangement mode of rotary arrangement, and the radio frequency feed network adopts a multi-layer microstrip line and digital phase shift technology and supports low-loss and high-consistency signal distribution and phase control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of phased array antennas, and in particular to a broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed. Background Art

[0002] In traditional phased array antenna design, there is often a contradiction between the broadband performance of the antenna unit and the feeding structure. The narrowband feeding method limits the operating bandwidth, while the complex multi-port feeding network increases the system complexity. In the existing technology, single-feed point antennas are difficult to meet the requirements of broadband and circular polarization at the same time. Although the use of multi-layer structures or parasitic units can expand the bandwidth, it leads to an increase in profile and increased processing difficulty. Conventional side feeding or back feeding methods are prone to feed line crossing when the array is arranged, affecting large-scale integration. In addition, material deformation caused by temperature changes will lead to electrical performance drift, and traditional calibration methods are difficult to achieve real-time impedance matching. To address these problems, it is necessary to develop a new type of antenna unit that can maintain low profile characteristics and achieve broadband circularly polarized radiation, while simplifying the feeding network structure and improving environmental adaptability to meet the needs of modern communication systems for wide bandwidth, high gain and fast beam scanning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To this end, the present invention provides a broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed, so as to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed, comprising an antenna unit, wherein the output end of the antenna unit is electrically connected to a radiation patch, the bottom of the radiation patch is electrically connected to a ground plate, a gap is provided on the ground plate, and a central feeding structure is installed at the center of the antenna unit.

[0005] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the radiation patch is used to realize the radiation and reception of electromagnetic waves, the ground plate and the radiation patch form electromagnetic coupling, the number of the slots is four, and the four slots are symmetrically opened on the ground plate. The slots achieve broadband characteristics through coupling. The center feed structure performs center feeding by combining the four feeding points into a total output. The four slots are parallel fed. The four slots are used to widen the working bandwidth of the antenna and improve the circular polarization axial ratio performance. The four slots are symmetrically distributed in a cross shape. The length and width of each slot are optimized according to the working frequency band requirements. The four slots are used for broadband coupled feeding. The center feed structure includes a microstrip feed line, a combiner and an output port. The number of the microstrip feed lines is four, and the four microstrip feed lines are respectively connected to the feeding points of the four slots. The combiner combines the signals of the four microstrip feed lines into a total output. The output port is located at the center of the antenna unit. The output port is used to connect an external radio frequency circuit. The combiner is a broadband power combiner.

[0006] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the radiation patch has a square structure, the size of the radiation patch is determined according to the operating frequency and bandwidth requirements, symmetrical grooves are provided on the surface of the radiation patch, and the antenna units are arranged in a rotating array to form a phased array antenna. The rotation angle of the antenna units is an integer multiple of 90°, and the antenna units are used to maintain the regularity of the feeding position and reduce the difficulty of RF circuit design.

[0007] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the antenna unit is suitable for satellite communications, radar systems or 5G communication equipment, and the antenna unit can achieve high gain and stable circularly polarized radiation characteristics within a wide frequency band.

[0008] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the antenna unit includes an RF feeding network, the output end of the RF feeding network is electrically connected to a beam control module, the output end of the beam control module is electrically connected to a system control unit, the RF feeding network is electrically connected to the central feeding structure, the beam control module is used to control the phase and amplitude of the antenna unit, the system control unit is used to coordinate the operation of the entire antenna system, the antenna units are arranged in a periodic array, the unit spacing of the antenna units is 0.5-0.7 times the working wavelength, and the antenna unit realizes the electronic beam scanning function through the beam control module.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the RF feed network is implemented using a multi-layer microstrip line structure, the RF feed network includes a power distribution network and a phase shift network, the power distribution network adopts a cascade structure of Wilkinson power dividers, the phase shift network adopts a digital phase shifter array, the beam control module includes a digital beam former, a phase control unit and an amplitude control unit, the beam control module can set the electronic beam scanning within the range of ±60°, the system control unit includes a main controller, a communication interface and a power management module, the main controller is loaded with working mode switching software, the working mode switching software supports multiple working mode switching, the communication interface can receive external control instructions, and the main controller is loaded with self-test software.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the ground plate adopts a double-layer composite structure, the ground plate includes an upper conductive layer and a lower electromagnetic structure layer, the antenna unit also includes a temperature compensation component, the temperature compensation component includes a thermal expansion adjustment plate and a temperature sensor, the thermal expansion adjustment plate is arranged in the radiation patch, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the central feed structure.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the system control unit also includes an adaptive calibration module, which includes a processing chip and a calibration network. The processing chip has a built-in optimization algorithm, and the calibration network is composed of a tunable tuner and a coupler. The adaptive calibration module collects parameters through the coupler, and after calculation by the optimization algorithm, the matching state is adjusted by the tunable tuner. The system control unit supports software upgrade function.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: In the present invention, by adopting a four-slot coupled feeding mechanism with a cross-shaped symmetrical distribution and combining it with a central combiner structure, the operating bandwidth is expanded and the circular polarization characteristics are optimized, while the complexity of the feeding network is significantly simplified. The electromagnetic coupling design of the radiating patch and the double-layer ground plate, combined with the surface slotted structure, effectively improves the current distribution and radiation efficiency, and the rotating array arrangement ensures the feeding regularity of the phased array system. The RF feeding network adopts multi-layer microstrip lines and digital phase shifting technology to support low-loss, high-consistency signal distribution and phase control, so that the beam scanning has fast response and high-precision pointing capabilities. The system-integrated adaptive calibration module ensures the stability of the antenna in complex environments through real-time monitoring and dynamic matching adjustment, and the temperature compensation mechanism further improves the adaptability to wide-temperature operation. The antenna unit can meet the requirements of multi-beam generation and fast beam switching through periodic array arrangement and electronic scanning function. Its modular design takes into account both compact structure and high performance characteristics, and is suitable for various scenarios such as satellite communications, radar systems and 5G equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is the overall distribution diagram of the broadband phased array antenna units for easy feeding of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying 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 efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] See also Figure 1 The technical solution provided by the present invention specifically includes the following embodiments: Embodiment: A broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed, including an antenna unit, wherein the output end of the antenna unit is electrically connected to a radiating patch, the bottom of the radiating patch is electrically connected to a ground plate, a slot is provided on the ground plate, and a central feeding structure is installed at the center of the antenna unit; the radiating patch is used to realize the radiation and reception of electromagnetic waves, the ground plate and the radiating patch form electromagnetic coupling, the number of slots is four, and the four slots are symmetrically provided on the ground plate, the slots realize broadband characteristics through coupling, the central feeding structure performs central feeding by combining four feeding points into one total output, the four slots are fed in parallel, the four slots are used to widen the working bandwidth of the antenna and improve the circular polarization axial ratio performance, the four slots are symmetrically distributed in a cross shape, the length and width of each slot are optimized according to the working frequency band requirements, the four slots are used for broadband coupled feeding, the central The feeding structure includes a microstrip feeder, a combiner and an output port. There are four microstrip feeders, which are respectively connected to the feeding points of the four slots. The combiner combines the signals of the four microstrip feeders into a total output. The output port is located at the center of the antenna unit and is used to connect to an external RF circuit. The combiner is a broadband power combiner. The radiating patch has a square structure. The size of the radiating patch is determined according to the operating frequency and bandwidth requirements. Symmetrical slots are provided on the surface of the radiating patch. The antenna units are arranged in a rotating array to form a phased array antenna. The rotation angle of the antenna unit is an integer multiple of 90°. The antenna unit is used to maintain the regularity of the feeding position and reduce the difficulty of RF circuit design. The antenna unit is suitable for satellite communications, radar systems or 5G communication equipment. The antenna unit can achieve high gain and stable circularly polarized radiation characteristics within a wide frequency band. Broadband coupled feeding is achieved through four symmetrically distributed slots in a cross shape, significantly expanding the operating bandwidth and optimizing circular polarization performance. The radiating patch forms electromagnetic coupling with the ground plane. The center feed structure combines the four feeding points into one output, simplifying the feed network design. The coupling effect between the microstrip feed line and the slot enhances the impedance matching characteristics of the antenna unit, enabling it to maintain stable radiation efficiency across a wide bandwidth. The symmetrical grooves on the surface of the square radiating patch further improve the current distribution and enhance the antenna's radiation gain. Arranging the units in a rotated array not only reduces the complexity of the RF circuit but also ensures regular feeding during phased array scanning. This design is particularly suitable for satellite communication systems and can meet the requirements of high gain and wideband coverage. Broadband circularly polarized radiation is achieved through the coordinated design of a four-slot coupled feed and a central combiner. The RF feed network adopts a low-imbalance design to ensure consistent signal distribution, while the digital beamformer supports flexible beamforming. The temperature compensation component offsets the impact of temperature on electrical performance through real-time monitoring and mechanical adjustment. The adaptive calibration function of the system control unit utilizes a coupler and a tunable tuner to dynamically optimize the impedance matching state. The periodic array arrangement of the antenna units combined with the electronic scanning capability is suitable for multi-beam generation scenarios.

[0016] The antenna unit includes an RF feed network, the output end of the RF feed network is electrically connected to a beam control module, the output end of the beam control module is electrically connected to a system control unit, the RF feed network is electrically connected to the central feed structure, the beam control module is used to control the phase and amplitude of the antenna unit, and the system control unit is used to coordinate the operation of the entire antenna system. The antenna units are arranged in a periodic array, and the unit spacing of the antenna units is 0.5-0.7 times the operating wavelength. The antenna units realize electronic beam scanning function through the beam control module; The synergistic effect of slot coupling and center feeding achieves high front-to-back ratio and low cross-polarization characteristics over a wide bandwidth. The low insertion loss design of the RF feed network reduces power loss, while the digital phase shifter array ensures accurate beam pointing. The combination of temperature sensors and thermal expansion adjusters effectively compensates for thermal drift effects during high-frequency operation. The adaptive calibration module significantly improves the antenna's environmental adaptability by acquiring parameters and adjusting the matching network in real time. When the antenna elements are arranged in a periodic array, the grating lobe effect is suppressed by optimizing the element spacing. This makes it suitable for airborne radar systems and can maintain stable radiation performance in dynamic environments. By adopting a combined design of square radiating patches and cross slots, multi-mode resonance is excited through coupled feeding, thereby expanding the bandwidth. The broadband power synthesis characteristics of the combiner ensure the phase consistency of the feeding network, while the rotational array method simplifies the feeding layout of the array. The beam control module integrates amplitude and phase control units to support fast beam switching and scanning. The main controller of the system control unit dynamically adjusts the operating mode through an optimization algorithm to adapt to different communication scenarios. The upper conductive layer and the lower electromagnetic structure layer of the ground plate jointly suppress the edge diffraction effect. This design is suitable for high-frequency satellite communication terminals and takes into account the requirements of compact structure and high performance.

[0017] The RF feed network is implemented using a multi-layer microstrip line structure. The RF feed network includes a power distribution network and a phase shifting network. The power distribution network adopts a cascade structure of Wilkinson power dividers, and the phase shifting network adopts a digital phase shifter array. The beam control module includes a digital beam former, a phase control unit, and an amplitude control unit. The beam control module can set the electronic beam scanning within the range of ±60°. The system control unit includes a main controller, a communication interface, and a power management module. The main controller is loaded with working mode switching software that supports multiple working mode switching. The communication interface can receive external control commands, and the main controller is loaded with self-test software. Precise beam control is achieved by adopting a multi-layer microstrip line structure RF feed network combined with a digital phase shifter array. The power distribution network ensures uniform signal distribution through cascaded Wilkinson power dividers, while the phase shifting network supports fast phase adjustment. The beam control module achieves large-angle electronic scanning while maintaining low gain fluctuation by coordinating phase and amplitude. The system control unit integrates adaptive calibration function and uses a tunable tuner to optimize the matching status in real time to ensure the performance stability of the antenna in complex environments. In addition, the temperature compensation component offsets material deformation through thermal expansion adjustment plates, ensuring the consistency of electrical characteristics over a wide temperature range. This design is suitable for radar systems and can meet the needs of fast beam switching in high-frequency bands.

[0018] The ground plate adopts a double-layer composite structure, which includes an upper conductive layer and a lower electromagnetic structure layer. The antenna unit also includes a temperature compensation component, which includes a thermal expansion adjustment plate and a temperature sensor. The thermal expansion adjustment plate is set in the radiation patch, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the central feed structure. The antenna unit achieves efficient transmission of broadband signals through a parallel feeding mechanism of cross slots, combined with a central combiner design. The double-layer composite structure of the ground plate not only provides good electromagnetic shielding, but also suppresses surface wave interference through the lower electromagnetic structure layer. The slot structure of the radiating patch optimizes the surface current path, further improving the axial ratio performance. The beam control module uses digital beamforming technology and supports multi-mode switching to meet the coverage requirements of different scenarios. The self-test software of the system control unit can monitor the antenna status in real time and realize remote configuration and upgrade in combination with the communication interface, making it suitable for large-scale MIMO array applications.

[0019] The system control unit also includes an adaptive calibration module, which includes a processing chip and a calibration network. The processing chip has a built-in optimization algorithm, and the calibration network is composed of a tunable tuner and a coupler. The adaptive calibration module collects parameters through the coupler. After calculation by the optimization algorithm, the tunable tuner adjusts the matching status. The system control unit supports software upgrade function.

[0020] In the present invention, by adopting a four-slot coupling feeding mechanism with a cross-shaped symmetrical distribution and combining it with a central combiner structure, the working bandwidth is expanded and the circular polarization characteristics are optimized, while the complexity of the feeding network is significantly simplified. The electromagnetic coupling design of the radiating patch and the double-layer ground plate, combined with the surface slotted structure, effectively improves the current distribution and radiation efficiency, and the arrangement of the rotating array ensures the feeding regularity of the phased array system. The RF feeding network adopts multi-layer microstrip lines and digital phase shifting technology to support low-loss, high-consistency signal distribution and phase control, so that the beam scanning has fast response and high-precision pointing capabilities. The system-integrated adaptive calibration module ensures the stability of the antenna in complex environments through real-time monitoring and dynamic matching adjustment, and the temperature compensation mechanism further improves the adaptability to wide-temperature operation. The antenna unit is The periodic array arrangement and electronic scanning function can meet the needs of multi-beam generation and fast beam switching. Its modular design takes into account both compact structure and high performance, and is suitable for various scenarios such as satellite communications, radar systems and 5G equipment. The antenna unit uses a parallel feeding mechanism of cross slots, combined with a central combiner design, to achieve efficient transmission of broadband signals. The double-layer composite structure of the ground plate not only provides good electromagnetic shielding, but also suppresses surface wave interference through the lower electromagnetic structure layer. The slot structure of the radiating patch optimizes the surface current path and further improves the axial ratio performance. The beam control module adopts digital beamforming technology and supports multi-mode switching to meet the coverage requirements of different scenarios. The self-test software of the system control unit can monitor the antenna status in real time and realize remote configuration and upgrade in combination with the communication interface, which is suitable for large-scale MIMO array applications.

[0021] While the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed, characterized by: It comprises an antenna unit, the output end of the antenna unit is electrically connected to a radiation patch, the bottom of the radiation patch is electrically connected to a ground plate, a gap is provided on the ground plate, and a central feed structure is installed at the center of the antenna unit.

2. The broadband phased array antenna unit that is easy to feed according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation patch is used to realize the radiation and reception of electromagnetic waves, the ground plate and the radiation patch form electromagnetic coupling, the number of the slots is four, and the four slots are symmetrically opened on the ground plate. The slots achieve broadband characteristics through coupling. The center feed structure performs center feeding by combining the four feeding points into a total output. The four slots are parallel fed. The four slots are used to widen the working bandwidth of the antenna and improve the circular polarization axial ratio performance. The four slots are symmetrically distributed in a cross shape. The length and width of each slot are optimized according to the working frequency band requirements. The four slots are used for broadband coupled feeding. The center feed structure includes a microstrip feed line, a combiner and an output port. The number of the microstrip feed lines is four, and the four microstrip feed lines are respectively connected to the feeding points of the four slots. The combiner combines the signals of the four microstrip feed lines into a total output. The output port is located at the center of the antenna unit. The output port is used to connect to an external radio frequency circuit. The combiner is a broadband power combiner.

3. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation patch has a square structure, the size of the radiation patch is determined according to the operating frequency and bandwidth requirements, symmetrical grooves are provided on the surface of the radiation patch, and the antenna units are arranged in a rotating array to form a phased array antenna. The rotation angle of the antenna units is an integer multiple of 90°. The antenna units are used to maintain the regularity of the feeding position and reduce the difficulty of RF circuit design.

4. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna unit is suitable for satellite communications, radar systems or 5G communication equipment, and the antenna unit can achieve high gain and stable circular polarization radiation characteristics within a wide frequency band.

5. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna unit includes an RF feed network, the output end of the RF feed network is electrically connected to a beam control module, the output end of the beam control module is electrically connected to a system control unit, the RF feed network is electrically connected to the central feed structure, the beam control module is used to control the phase and amplitude of the antenna unit, and the system control unit is used to coordinate the operation of the entire antenna system. The antenna units are arranged in a periodic array, the unit spacing of the antenna units is 0.5-0.7 times the operating wavelength, and the antenna units realize electronic beam scanning function through the beam control module.

6. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 5, characterized in that: The RF feed network is implemented using a multi-layer microstrip line structure. The RF feed network includes a power distribution network and a phase shift network. The power distribution network adopts a cascade structure of Wilkinson power dividers, and the phase shift network adopts a digital phase shifter array. The beam control module includes a digital beam former, a phase control unit, and an amplitude control unit. The beam control module can set electronic beam scanning within a range of ±60°. The system control unit includes a main controller, a communication interface, and a power management module. The main controller is loaded with working mode switching software, and the working mode switching software supports multiple working mode switching. The communication interface can receive external control instructions, and the main controller is loaded with self-test software.

7. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ground plate adopts a double-layer composite structure, and the ground plate includes an upper conductive layer and a lower electromagnetic structure layer. The antenna unit also includes a temperature compensation component, and the temperature compensation component includes a thermal expansion adjustment plate and a temperature sensor. The thermal expansion adjustment plate is arranged in the radiation patch, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the central feed structure.

8. The broadband phased array antenna unit with convenient feeding according to claim 6, characterized in that: The system control unit also includes an adaptive calibration module, which includes a processing chip and a calibration network. The processing chip has a built-in optimization algorithm, and the calibration network is composed of a tunable tuner and a coupler. The adaptive calibration module collects parameters through the coupler, and after calculation by the optimization algorithm, the tunable tuner adjusts the matching state. The system control unit supports software upgrade function.

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