A phase array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system
By introducing microwave testing and automatic testing technologies, and combining a phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system with waveguide array switching components and RF coaxial switch groups, the problems of low efficiency and insufficient consistency of multi-channel array testing equipment have been solved, achieving efficient, accurate and stable testing results, and making it suitable for various testing scenarios.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 无锡市雷华科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing multi-channel array testing equipment is inefficient and cannot meet the requirements for consistency and accuracy in the research, development, production and environmental testing of active phased array radar antennas. Traditional manual testing is low in cost but low in efficiency. Power divider testing equipment has large insertion loss and poor channel isolation. Matrix switch box testing equipment is large in size, high in cost and generally unreliable.
A phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system was designed using microwave testing technology, automatic testing technology, and real-time temperature measurement and control technology. The system includes a vector network analyzer, a main control subsystem, a temperature monitoring subsystem, and a waveguide array testing subsystem. Signal transmission and switching are achieved through waveguide array switching components and RF coaxial switch groups, and automated testing is realized by combining computer control.
It achieves high efficiency, accuracy and stability in multi-channel array testing, overcomes the limitations of traditional equipment, has extremely high testing accuracy, amplitude and phase consistency and stability, is adaptable to environmental temperature chamber testing, is small in size and highly reliable, and supports a variety of testing scenarios.
Smart Images
Figure CN224287125U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system, belonging to the field of microwave and radio frequency technology. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing maturity and advancement of active phased array radar technology, active phased array radar antennas require corresponding testing equipment for production and testing assurance during research and development and manufacturing. Among these, the need for rapid testing and environmental testing of multi-channel arrays with numerous microwave channels in active phased array radar antennas has become increasingly urgent. Traditional multi-channel array testing methods are inefficient and their consistency and accuracy cannot fully meet the needs of antenna sub-unit development, production, and environmental testing. This necessitates the selection of appropriate technical methods to achieve rapid testing and screening of multi-channel arrays. Currently, the main methods include: traditional manual testing techniques, power divider testing techniques, and matrix switch box (card) testing techniques.
[0003] Traditional manual testing technology was a widely used technique in the early days. It primarily involved manually testing each channel one by one. The advantages of this technique are low cost and easy debugging, but its disadvantages are also obvious: a large amount of repetitive work, low efficiency, and difficulty in controlling consistency and accuracy. Power divider testing technology is an upgrade from traditional manual testing technology. It uses a power divider to introduce signals, which can double the testing efficiency and has better consistency, accuracy, and practicality. However, its disadvantages are also obvious: large insertion loss of equipment, poor isolation between channels, and limitations in testing. Matrix switch box (card) testing technology uses microwave matrix switches for channel switching. It has high efficiency and high accuracy, but its disadvantages are large size, high cost, and generally low power tolerance of electronic switches.
[0004] The above testing methods cannot fully meet the needs of radar antenna sub-unit multi-channel array development, production, and environmental testing. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the problem that existing testing equipment is unsuitable for the development, production, and environmental testing of multi-channel antenna arrays, this utility model provides a phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system, comprising: a vector network analyzer, a main control subsystem, a temperature monitoring subsystem, and a waveguide array testing subsystem;
[0006] The main control subsystem is used to program the vector network analyzer, temperature monitoring subsystem and waveguide array testing subsystem, and at the same time receive information uploaded by the vector network analyzer and temperature monitoring subsystem, and record, analyze and display it;
[0007] The waveguide array test subsystem includes: a waveguide array switching component, a main control box, and a slide rail platform for the device under test. The waveguide array switching component includes a waveguide adapter array 1 and an RF coaxial switch group 2. The waveguide array switching component is installed on the slide rail platform of the device under test and is electrically connected to the main control box.
[0008] The waveguide adapter array 1 includes: a waveguide front flange 11, a first bend waveguide 12, a second bend waveguide 13, a single-path waveguide to coaxial converter 14, a first reinforcing flange 15, and a second reinforcing flange 16. The first bend waveguide 12 and the second bend waveguide 13 are arranged in a layered, staggered manner to form a waveguide array, and are respectively installed and reinforced by the waveguide front flange 11, the first reinforcing flange 15, and the second reinforcing flange 16. The waveguide signal is converted by the single-path waveguide to coaxial converter 14 into a signal transmitted via coaxial cable and output to the radio frequency coaxial switch group 2.
[0009] The radio frequency coaxial switch group includes a switch adapter plate 21 and a plurality of mechanical coaxial switches 22. The mechanical coaxial switches 22 are installed in preset through holes on the switch adapter plate 21 and are electrically connected to the switch adapter plate 21.
[0010] In one embodiment, the main control subsystem includes: a computer, an internally configured high-speed serial communication card and an Ethernet card, to realize Ethernet programmable control of the instrument, control of sensor query and reporting signals of the temperature detection subsystem, channel switching control of the waveguide array test subsystem, and high-speed wave control of the device under test.
[0011] In one embodiment, the temperature monitoring subsystem includes a temperature monitoring instrument and a temperature probe.
[0012] In one embodiment, the circuitry within the main control box includes a DC-DC module for power level conversion.
[0013] In one embodiment, the slide rail platform of the test piece includes: a base plate 31 and a coaxial switch fixing bracket 32, wherein the coaxial switch fixing bracket 32 is mounted on the base plate 31.
[0014] In one embodiment, a slide rail is provided on the base plate 31, and the coaxial switch fixing bracket 32 is installed inside the slide rail.
[0015] Advantages of this utility model:
[0016] This invention's testing system incorporates microwave testing technology, automatic testing technology, and real-time temperature monitoring and control technology. This allows the multi-channel array testing system to overcome the limitations of traditional matrix switch boxes, offering advantages such as a wide range of applications, extremely high testing accuracy, extremely high amplitude and phase consistency, extremely high testing efficiency, extremely high stability and reliability, and high power tolerance. Furthermore, its waveguide array testing subsystem has a compact structure and small overall size, allowing it to be placed in an environmentally suitable temperature chamber for environmental adaptability testing and temperature and humidity screening tests alongside the device under test (DUT). This greatly benefits product development, production, and environmental testing.
[0017] This invention overcomes the problems of high insertion loss, poor channel isolation, and limited testing in power divider testing equipment. It can perfectly cover the testing methods by adjusting the system configuration. It adopts a layered staggered method of equal-length straight and curved waveguides to extract microwave signals, which effectively reduces the volume of the waveguide transition array and overcomes the problems of large size and high cost of matrix switch box testing equipment. It also designs an RF coaxial switch group to overcome the problem of low power tolerance and general reliability of electronic switches.
[0018] This invention employs a universal modular design technology, enabling the system to be widely applied in various environmental testing scenarios for radar antenna phase shifters, T / R components, power dividers, etc. The system allows for the replacement of general-purpose modules according to the actual testing scenario. It includes a built-in temperature sensor that can report the temperature status of the tested component in real time, facilitating operators' understanding of the component's specific indicators and parameters at different temperatures. Furthermore, the system can be configured with temperature protection; exceeding the protection temperature triggers a temperature alarm and subsequently cuts off the power supply to ensure system safety. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the multi-channel array test system of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the software interface of the multi-channel array testing system of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide array test subsystem of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide transition array of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 These are cross-sectional views of the side, front, and back of the waveguide transition array of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide front flange of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the first and second bend waveguides of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first reinforcing flange of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second reinforcing flange of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the radio frequency coaxial switch assembly of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 11 This is a side view of the radio frequency coaxial switch assembly of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 12 This is a front view of the radio frequency coaxial switch assembly of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 13 This is a top view of the radio frequency coaxial switch assembly of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the slide rail platform of the test piece in this utility model.
[0033] Among them, 1-waveguide adapter array; 2-RF coaxial switch group; 3-slide rail platform of the device under test;
[0034] 11-Front flange of waveguide; 12-First bend waveguide; 13-Second bend waveguide; 14-Single waveguide to coaxial; 15-First reinforcing flange; 16-Second reinforcing flange;
[0035] 21-Switch adapter board; 22-Mechanical coaxial switch;
[0036] 31-Base plate; 32-Coaxial switch mounting bracket; 33-Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] This embodiment provides a phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system, which integrates multiple functional technologies. It employs microwave testing technology to test the S-parameters of multi-channel arrays; real-time temperature monitoring and control technology for real-time acquisition of temperature information for environmental adaptability testing, including high and low temperatures; and automated testing technology: controlling instrument operation and reading parameter results via an instrument control bus to automate the testing process.
[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the test system in this embodiment includes: a vector network analyzer, a main control subsystem, a temperature monitoring subsystem, and a waveguide array test subsystem.
[0040] The main control subsystem is primarily used for the programmable vector network analyzer, temperature monitoring subsystem, and waveguide array testing subsystem. It controls the waveguide array testing subsystem via a high-speed serial port to set the power and phase of the device under test, control the coaxial mechanical switch to switch the corresponding test channel, and simultaneously receive information uploaded by the vector network analyzer and temperature monitoring subsystem for recording, analysis, and display.
[0041] The main control subsystem consists of a computer, an internally configured high-speed serial communication card, and an Ethernet card. It enables Ethernet programmable control of general-purpose instruments, controls the sensor query and reporting signals of the temperature detection subsystem, and controls channel switching and high-speed waveguide control of the waveguide array testing subsystem. The system software interface is shown in the figure below. Figure 2 As shown.
[0042] The temperature monitoring subsystem mainly consists of a temperature monitoring instrument and a temperature probe, which enables real-time monitoring and reporting of temperature information from multiple parts of the tested component.
[0043] The waveguide array test subsystem is mainly used to carry the device under test (DUT) and switch its signal channels. It is used for multi-channel array debugging, testing, production, screening, and environmental adaptability testing. The waveguide array test subsystem consists of two sets of waveguide array switching components, a main control box, and a slide rail platform for the DUT. The waveguide array switching components consist of waveguide adapter array 1, RF coaxial switch group 2, and its RF cable.
[0044] The structure of the waveguide transition array is as follows Figure 4 As shown, all structural components are made of silver-plated copper, and the waveguide apertures can be adapted to the device under test. The waveguide adapter array specifically consists of a waveguide front flange 11, a first bend waveguide 12, a second bend waveguide 13, a single-path waveguide to coaxial adapter 14, a first reinforcing flange 15, and a second reinforcing flange 16. The specific details of the first bend waveguide 12 and the second bend waveguide 13 are as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the two are arranged in a layered and staggered manner to form a waveguide array, and are installed and reinforced by the first reinforcing flange 15 and the second reinforcing flange 16 respectively. The waveguide signal is converted from a single waveguide to a coaxial 14 to a signal transmitted by a coaxial cable.
[0045] like Figure 4As shown, this embodiment uses a quick connection method with evenly distributed mounting screw holes and multiple detachable positioning pins to fix the waveguide under test, thereby ensuring the ideal connection effect of the waveguide system. A bright copper plating layer is applied to a copper or copper alloy substrate with excellent dispersion properties, followed by a bright silver plating process to ensure the conductivity and smoothness of the waveguide cavity. At the same time, a layered staggered method of equal-length straight and bent waveguides is used to extract microwave signals, which effectively reduces the volume of the waveguide transition array. By flexibly configuring the coaxial length of the waveguide to ensure the consistency of the initial phase and amplitude of the multi-channel, the signal phase and amplitude can be finely adjusted. It has the advantages of low insertion loss, high stability, high amplitude and phase consistency between channels, and compact structure.
[0046] The structure of the radio frequency coaxial switch assembly is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it includes: a switch adapter board 21 and several mechanical coaxial switches 22. The mechanical coaxial switches 22 internally select and disconnect signals and configure the preferred load through a mechanical transmission system, microwave transmission structure and microwave connector, so that each port is compatible. It has the advantages of low insertion loss, high isolation, high stability and high amplitude and phase consistency between channels.
[0047] The main control box power circuit uses a high power density, small size DC-DC module to realize power level conversion. It uses a mature voltage regulator module to control the input level, so that the output level is kept at an ideal rated voltage state, avoiding damage to the components from external voltage fluctuations.
[0048] The main control box logic control circuit is designed to achieve control level conversion and improve signal drive load capacity. Considering the application environment of the phase shifter data acquisition and testing system, the logic control circuit is designed with drivers, receivers and current limiting resistors to improve the reliability and security of the internal chip's received control signals.
[0049] The structure of the slide rail platform of the test piece is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, it mainly consists of a base plate 31, a coaxial switch mounting bracket 32, and a connecting rod 33, all made of stainless steel. The waveguide array switching assembly and the main control box are mounted on it. The base plate 31 is equipped with a slide rail, on which the waveguide array switching assembly can move and be quickly fixed by a locking device.
[0050] The heat generated during system operation can be dissipated through the frame shell to the bottom structural components or by air cooling. It boasts advantages such as high structural strength, strong environmental adaptability, convenient maintenance, high testing and fixing efficiency, and compact size.
[0051] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.
Claims
1. A phased array radar phase shifter sampling test system, comprising: The system includes: a vector network analyzer, a main control subsystem, a temperature monitoring subsystem, and a waveguide array testing subsystem; The main control subsystem is used to program the vector network analyzer, temperature monitoring subsystem and waveguide array testing subsystem, and at the same time receive information uploaded by the vector network analyzer and temperature monitoring subsystem, and record, analyze and display it; The waveguide array test subsystem includes: a waveguide array switching component, a main control box, and a slide rail platform for the device under test. The waveguide array switching component includes a waveguide adapter array (1) and an RF coaxial switch group (2). The waveguide array switching component is installed on the slide rail platform of the device under test and is electrically connected to the main control box. The waveguide adapter array (1) includes: a waveguide front flange (11), a first bend waveguide (12), a second bend waveguide (13), a single-path waveguide to coaxial (14), a first reinforcement flange (15), and a second reinforcement flange (16). The first bend waveguide (12) and the second bend waveguide (13) are arranged in a layered and staggered manner to form a waveguide array, and are respectively installed and reinforced by the waveguide front flange (11), the first reinforcement flange (15), and the second reinforcement flange (16). The waveguide signal is converted by the single-path waveguide to coaxial (14) into a signal transmitted by a coaxial cable and output to the radio frequency coaxial switch group (2). The radio frequency coaxial switch group includes a switch adapter plate (21) and several mechanical coaxial switches (22). The mechanical coaxial switches (22) are installed in preset through holes on the switch adapter plate (21) and are electrically connected to the switch adapter plate (21).
2. The phased array radar phase shifter sampling test system of claim 1, wherein, The main control subsystem includes a computer, an internally configured high-speed serial communication card and an Ethernet card, which realize the Ethernet programmable control of the instrument, the control of the sensor query and reporting signals of the temperature detection subsystem, the channel switching control of the waveguide array test subsystem, and the high-speed wave control of the device under test.
3. The phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature monitoring subsystem includes a temperature monitoring instrument and a temperature probe.
4. The phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuitry within the main control box includes a DC-DC module for power level conversion.
5. The phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test component slide rail platform includes: a base plate (31) and a coaxial switch fixing bracket (32), wherein the coaxial switch fixing bracket (32) is installed on the base plate (31).
6. The phased array radar phase shifter data acquisition and testing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base plate (31) is provided with a slide rail, and the coaxial switch fixing bracket (32) is installed inside the slide rail.