An automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna arrays
By designing an automatic testing system for highly isolated active antenna arrays, the problems of complex and low efficiency of antenna debugging in the existing technology are solved, automated correction and near-field testing are realized, and testing efficiency and production delivery cycle are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202111367430.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-11-18
AI Technical Summary
The debugging process of existing active phased array antennas is complicated, the test parameters cannot be standardized, and the testing efficiency is low, resulting in the production and delivery cycle of the entire radar machine that cannot be effectively guaranteed.
Design an automatic testing system for highly isolated active antenna arrays, including automatic testing system software, signal conversion center and testing equipment, and realize automatic antenna modification and near-field testing through automated signal processing and testing processes.
It greatly reduces manual operation links, improves testing efficiency, shortens debugging cycle, realizes standardization and standardization of debugging, and ensures various performance indicators of the antenna.
Smart Images

Figure CN114063030B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to the field of radar, and in particular to an automatic testing system for a high-isolation active antenna array. Background Art
[0002] At present, with the rapid development of science and technology, radar has been gradually upgraded from the passive mechanical scanning radar of the last century to the current active phased array radar. The biggest difference between the two is the transformation from a simple flat slot antenna to a complex active phased array antenna. The performance of the antenna also has a greater impact on the radar. The debugging process of the active phased array antenna is numerous. Among them, the near-field adjustment and directional pattern test stage is the key stage that affects the antenna index. This stage has complex processes and is currently mainly semi-automatic debugging. It is highly dependent on the debugging personnel, so there are problems such as the inability to standardize test parameters, the inefficiency of manual switching of test ports, poor amplitude and phase stability of test signals, configuration item file burning errors, and the inability to timely and effectively analyze test data. These problems limit the improvement of antenna production debugging efficiency, making the production delivery cycle of the radar machine unable to be effectively guaranteed. It is necessary to design an antenna test system to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention
[0003] In order to solve the existing technical problems, the present invention provides an automatic testing system for a high-isolation active antenna array.
[0004] The specific contents of the present invention are as follows: An automatic test system for a high-isolation active antenna array, including automatic test system software, a signal conversion center and a test device,
[0005] The automatic test system software performs closed-loop adjustment on the signal power of each channel, automatically burns the configuration item file and reads it back, compares the read-back result with the standard result, and analyzes the test results of the antenna;
[0006] The signal conversion center builds a radio frequency signal transmission link for the antenna and the test equipment. The signal conversion center automatically completes the switching of the electronic switch according to the requirements of the automatic test system software, establishes the required radio frequency path, and adjusts the signal power at the same time;
[0007] The test equipment provides various signals required for the test and sends the test results back to the automatic test system software.
[0008] Furthermore, it also includes power supply equipment, liquid cooling equipment, environmental monitoring software, near-field probes and mid-field speakers.
[0009] The power supply equipment supplies power to the antenna and test equipment, the liquid cooling equipment supplies liquid to the antenna and test equipment, the environmental monitoring software monitors the power supply status of the power supply equipment and the liquid supply status of the liquid cooling equipment, the near-field probe and the mid-field speaker send and receive signals in both directions, and are connected to the signal conversion center through a radio frequency cable.
[0010] Furthermore, the automatic test system software first configures basic antenna information during operation, then enters the test execution phase, processes the data obtained during the test phase, and finally forms a data report.
[0011] Furthermore, the basic information configuration includes setting the antenna batch number, model specifications, and test phase; then selecting the automatic control instrument, selecting whether to automatically control liquid cooling and power supply; selecting the items to be tested; and setting the parameters of the items to be tested;
[0012] The items to be tested include selecting the antenna array software version, the antenna's analog array reception adjustment, digital array reception adjustment, analog array transmission adjustment, analog array reception near field test, digital array reception near field test, and analog array transmission near field test.
[0013] Furthermore, the automatic test system software includes the following steps when executing the test:
[0014] S1, start execution;
[0015] S2, instrument status check, check whether the selected instrument is online and working normally;
[0016] S3, liquid supply to the liquid cooling device. If the instrument is in normal condition, the environmental monitoring software is turned on to control the liquid cooling device to start liquid supply;
[0017] S4, liquid cooling status check, real-time monitoring of liquid cooling flow, and transmission of flow data to the environmental monitoring software;
[0018] S5, power supply equipment supplies power,
[0019] S6, power status check, real-time monitoring of voltage and current, and transmission of data to environmental monitoring software;
[0020] S7, start testing the items. If the above inspection results are normal, start testing the selected items.
[0021] Furthermore, the software of the simulated array reception adjustment automatic test system controls the test equipment to generate RF signals to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes an RF path for the simulated reception adjustment and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an RF signal is output to the midfield speaker through an RF cable. The midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array. After receiving the signal, the array outputs an RF signal from the sum port to the low-noise amplifier and then enters the signal conversion center. Then, an RF signal is output from the signal conversion center to the sum port of the processing unit to form a loop of the entire simulated array adjustment RF signal.
[0022] After the automatic test system software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range, the AGC control of the RF signal is implemented through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the center to make the signal meet the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins;
[0023] Switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe allows for in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of the simulated array.
[0024] Furthermore, the digital array receiving adjustment includes: the automatic test system software controls the excitation port of the processing unit in the test equipment to generate a radio frequency signal, which is amplified by an external power amplifier and then sent to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes a radio frequency path for the digital receiving signal, and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an radio frequency signal is output and connected to the midfield speaker through the radio frequency cable. The midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array surface, and the array surface transmits the signal back to the processing unit through the optical fiber.
[0025] The automatic test system software distinguishes the amplitude and phase of the data transmitted back by the optical fiber and performs AGC control on the signal. When the signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins.
[0026] By switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe, in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of digital array reception can be achieved.
[0027] Furthermore, the simulation array transmission adjustment includes: the automatic test system software controls the test equipment to generate a radio frequency signal to the signal conversion center, the signal conversion center establishes a radio frequency path for the simulation array transmission signal, and switches other paths to the load state, and then outputs a radio frequency signal connected to the antenna array through the radio frequency cable, the array radiates the signal to the midfield speaker, the midfield speaker transmits the received signal to the signal conversion center through the radio frequency cable, and the signal conversion center outputs a radio frequency signal to the sum port of the processing unit.
[0028] After the automatic test system software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range, the AGC control of the RF signal is implemented through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the center to make the signal meet the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins.
[0029] By switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe, in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of the simulated array transmission can be achieved.
[0030] Furthermore, after the automatic test system software completes the test of the selected items, it combines the three-coordinate calibration values of the antenna array and the midfield speaker to generate the installation data of the antenna array, and automatically loads the test program for burning. At the same time, it automatically converts the data format and calls the Matlab program to form a test report covering all indicators.
[0031] Furthermore, the signal conversion center includes a microwave switch, an adjustable attenuator, a transceiver cavity partition, a control board, an Ethernet adapter board, a DC power supply, cables and connectors.
[0032] The control board receives control commands from the automatic test system software and converts them into corresponding TTL level switch control signals according to the control instructions; the microwave switch establishes corresponding RF channels and test channels to realize path switching; the adjustable attenuator distributes power to the signal to meet the test requirements of attenuation 0-70dB dynamic range; the transceiver cavity partition increases the isolation between channels; the Ethernet adapter board realizes communication with the automatic test system software; the DC power supply provides the working voltage for the control board and the switch; the cables and connectors complete the connection of the components inside the signal conversion center.
[0033] Furthermore, the signal conversion center provides a radio frequency port connected to the whole machine test system and each test instrument, a control port connected to a computer, a power port and a ground port.
[0034] Furthermore, the microwave switch includes a one-to-two switch and a one-to-four switch. The RF port CH1 of the signal conversion center is connected to the adjustable attenuator ATT2, ATT1 and then connected to the power divider. The RF port CH2 is connected to the power divider, and the power divider is connected to the switch SA1. One end of the output end of the switch SA1 is connected to the RF port J1, and the other end is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT3 and the power amplifier compensation. The RF port CH3 is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT4 and the operational amplifier. The switch SA2 is connected to the switch SA3. The switch SA3 is connected to the RF ports J4-J7 respectively. The RF port CH4 is connected to the RF port J8 through the adjustable attenuator ATT5 and the switch SA4. The RF port CH5 is connected to the switch SA5 through the adjustable attenuator ATT6, and then connected to the RF ports J9 and J10 respectively. The RF port CH6 is connected to the RF port J11 through the adjustable attenuator ATT7 and the switch SA6.
[0035] The automatic test system of the present invention greatly reduces the manual operation links, improves the test efficiency, and shortens the debugging cycle; through this system, the normalization and standardization of debugging can be achieved, the debugging efficiency is improved, and the various performance indicators of the antenna are guaranteed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The specific implementation of the present invention will be further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic testing system for a high-isolation active antenna array of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 2 It is the function diagram of the automatic test system software;
[0039] Figure 3 Configure infographics for antenna test projects;
[0040] Figure 4 It is the execution flow chart of the automatic test system software;
[0041] Figure 5 This is the performance test block diagram;
[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal channels of the signal conversion center;
[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the front panel of the signal conversion hub;
[0044] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the rear panel of the signal conversion hub. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] This embodiment discloses an automatic test system for a high-isolation active antenna array, including automatic test system software (ITSS, Integrated Test System Software, hereinafter referred to as ITSS software) and a high-isolation signal conversion center. The specific components are as follows:
[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic test system of this embodiment has ITSS software 1 for completing the configuration and control of the entire test process and test items; it has environmental monitoring software 2 for monitoring the liquid supply status of the liquid cooling device 3 and the power supply status of the power supply device 4; the liquid cooling device 3 supplies liquid to the antenna 6 and the test equipment 8, and removes the heat of the antenna and the test equipment through liquid cooling, ensuring that the antenna and the test equipment work at a normal temperature; the power supply device 4 supplies power to the antenna and the test equipment, and ensures that the antenna and the test processing unit work normally under certain voltage and current requirements; the high-isolation signal conversion center 5 builds a radio frequency signal transmission link for the antenna and the test equipment, and the high-isolation signal conversion center is controlled by the ITSS software The system requires automatic switching of electronic switches to establish the required RF path, and the signal power can be adjusted by the electrically adjustable attenuator; the antenna 6 is the product under test, and its various test signals are connected to the signal center; the near-field probe / mid-field speaker 7 is a supporting equipment for testing various indicators of the antenna array, with the ability to send and receive in both directions, and is connected to the signal conversion center equipment through an RF cable; the test equipment 8 includes a processing unit, a low-noise amplifier, a power amplifier, a signal converter, etc., which provide various signals required for the test, including RF signals, timing signals, local oscillator signals, trigger signals, etc., and send the test results back to the ITSS software for data display, processing, storage and formation of test reports.
[0047] ITSS software has the function of self-closed-loop regulation of the signal power of each channel. It will adjust the control instructions sent for the second time according to the size of the signal power fed back by the test equipment for the first time, so that the signal fed back for the second time is within the standard range, thereby achieving the best test effect. At the same time, the automatic test system software also has the function of automatically burning and reading back the configuration item file, and comparing the read-back results with the standard results to ensure that the configuration item file is burned correctly. Finally, the automatic test system software will automatically call the relevant Matlab program, analyze the test results of the antenna and form a test report in a specified format, providing convenience for technicians to make judgments on the various performance of the antenna.
[0048] The high-isolation signal conversion center builds a high-isolation signal link for testing between the antenna and the test equipment. By using high-isolation switches and configuring the load state mode for each switch, the mutual interference of each signal in the center is reduced to ensure the amplitude and phase quality of the signal. Before the test, the technicians connect one end of the center to each test port of the antenna and the other end to each port of the test equipment. The automatic test system software controls the switch switching and gain of each channel to realize the automated testing of each item of the antenna.
[0049] Environmental monitoring is mainly achieved by adding sensors to the original liquid supply pipeline to read the liquid cooling flow and temperature data supplied to the antenna in real time, and adding sensors to the instrument power supply to read the voltage and current data supplied to the antenna in real time, which are transmitted to the control computer through the serial port and updated in real time in the software. When the real-time data monitored exceeds the set range, the software will automatically determine whether it is necessary to stop the test immediately and shut down the instrument equipment to ensure the safety of the antenna array.
[0050] Based on this test system, after the ITSS software is started, the debugging personnel select the test project, and the ITSS software selects the equipment to be controlled according to the project. First, the environmental monitoring software 2 is started, which controls the liquid cooling device 3 to start working, and supplies liquid to the antenna 6 and the test equipment 8 according to the preset flow requirements; when the liquid supply flow to the antenna 6 and the test equipment 8 meets the preset value and is stable, the environmental monitoring software 2 controls the power supply equipment to supply power to the antenna and the test equipment, and the voltage sensor and the current sensor monitor the voltage and current of the power supply in real time, and send them back to the environmental monitoring software through the RS232 serial port. The environmental monitoring software 2 determines whether the monitored liquid cooling flow value and temperature value, the voltage value and current value of the power supply are within the standard range. If normal, the ITSS automatic test software starts to enter the test state.
[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the ITSS software has four functions, which are antenna basic information configuration, test execution, data processing, and production data reporting in order of operation. When the staff uses it, the automatic test system software implements the above functions in sequence.
[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the staff first configures basic information through ITSS software, including antenna basic information configuration, test item configuration 1), test item configuration 2), and test item configuration 3).
[0053] The tester configures the basic information of the antenna in the ITSS software startup interface, and sets the antenna batch number, model specifications, and test phase in sequence. After confirming these basic antenna information, enter the test item configuration interface 1), 2), and 3).
[0054] In the test item configuration interface 1) Use the checkbox to select the equipment that the ITSS software can control, including low noise amplifier, signal converter, and power amplifier. If you check the box in front of a type of instrument, it means that the ITSS software will complete the automatic control of it and use it to complete the test of the following test items.
[0055] In the test project configuration interface 1), use the checkbox to select whether to automatically control the liquid cooling device and whether to automatically control the automatic power on and off of the power supply device. If the checkbox is checked, it means that the ITSS software automatically controls the liquid cooling device and the power supply device to work.
[0056] When one of the items is not selected in the test item configuration interface 1), the operation of liquid cooling and power supply is controlled by controlling the soft switch in the environmental monitoring software separately. At this time, the status information of liquid cooling flow, voltage, and current data obtained by the environmental monitoring software through the sensor is no longer sent back to the ITSS software, and is displayed in real time on the software, and manual judgment is required to determine whether the liquid supply and power supply status are normal.
[0057] In the test item configuration interface 2), use the checkbox to select the items to be tested, including but not limited to: antenna analog array reception adjustment, digital array reception adjustment, analog array transmission adjustment, analog array reception near field test, digital array reception near field test, analog array transmission near field test, etc. If the checkbox is checked, it means that the test item is selected. In the subsequent test process, the signal conversion center establishes its test path and transmits the test data or signal to the ITSS software.
[0058] In the test item configuration interface 3), set the frequency of the RF signal in the test item, the range of signal power during the trim test, the wave position during the near field test, and other parameters. After the parameters are set, in the subsequent test process, the ITSS software controls the antenna to work under this parameter through the network port, and uses the test equipment to complete the corresponding test items.
[0059] After the staff completes the basic information configuration, they click the start control in the ITSS software to perform relevant tests on the antenna.
[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the ITSS software execution process includes the following steps:
[0061] S1, execute the test, click the start control to execute the test function;
[0062] S2, the test starts, the first step is to check the instrument status, according to the instrument selected in the test item configuration interface 1), check whether it is online and working normally;
[0063] S3, if the ITSS software is normally controlled to open the environmental monitoring software, control it to start supplying liquid to the liquid cooling equipment;
[0064] S4, after the liquid cooling device starts to supply liquid, the liquid cooling flow is monitored in real time using a liquid cooling sensor, and the flow data is transmitted to the environmental monitoring software through the RS232 serial port;
[0065] S5, after the liquid cooling status check is completed, the ITSS software controls the environmental monitoring software to enable the power supply device to start supplying power;
[0066] S6,,uses voltage and current sensors to check the voltage status, i.e., monitors the voltage and current in real time, and transmits the data to the environmental monitoring software through the RS232 serial port.
[0067] S7, if all the above is normal, then start testing the project selected in the test project configuration interface 2).
[0068] like Figure 5 In the test methods of the three test items shown (simulated array midfield speaker reception adjustment, digital array midfield speaker reception adjustment, analog array midfield speaker transmission adjustment):
[0069] The signal flow of the simulated array midfield speaker receiving adjustment is as follows: ITSS software controls the excitation port of the processing unit in the test equipment to generate an RF signal, which is amplified by an external power amplifier and then sent to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes an RF path for simulated reception adjustment, and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an RF signal is output through the RF cable to the midfield speaker. The midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array. After the array receives the signal, an RF signal is output from the sum port to the low noise amplifier and then enters the signal conversion center. Then, an RF signal is output from the signal conversion center to the sum port of the processing unit to form the entire simulated array adjustment RF signal loop. After the ITSS software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range value, the AGC control of the RF signal is realized through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the center, so that the signal meets the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins. Similarly, switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe can realize the in-situ adjustment and near-field test of the simulated array.
[0070] The signal flow of the digital array midfield speaker reception adjustment is as follows: the ITTS software controls the excitation port of the processing unit in the test equipment to generate an RF signal, which is amplified by an external power amplifier and then sent to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes an RF path for the digital reception signal, and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an RF signal is output through an RF cable to connect to the midfield speaker. The midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array, and the array transmits the signal back to the processing unit through the optical fiber. The ITTS software performs amplitude and phase discrimination based on the data transmitted back by the optical fiber and performs AGC control on the signal. When the signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins. Similarly, switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe can realize the in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of the digital array reception.
[0071] The signal flow of the simulated array midfield speaker transmission adjustment is as follows: ITTS software controls the excitation port of the processing unit in the test equipment to generate an RF signal, which is amplified by an external power amplifier and then sent to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes an RF path for the simulated array transmission signal, and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an RF signal is output and connected to the antenna array through an RF cable. The array radiates the signal to the midfield speaker. The midfield speaker transmits the received signal to the signal conversion center through the RF cable. The signal conversion center then outputs an RF signal to the processing unit and port. After the ITSS software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range value, the AGC control of the RF signal is realized through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the center, so that the signal meets the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins. Similarly, switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal center to the coupling / probe can realize the in-situ adjustment and near-field test of the simulated array transmission.
[0072] When ITSS completes the test of the items selected in the test item configuration interface 2), it can combine the three-coordinate calibration values of the antenna array and the midfield speaker to generate the installation data of the antenna array, and automatically load the test program for burning, thus eliminating the occurrence of wrong data burning or missing data from the root. At the same time, after completing the near-field test, the ITSS software can automatically convert the data format, call the Matlab program to form a test report covering all indicators, and display the test results concisely and clearly, saving a lot of data processing work and ensuring the accuracy of the data.
[0073] During the antenna mid-field adjustment and near-field testing process, there is a lot of work involved in replacing cable interfaces when switching from analog array to digital array and from receiving to transmitting. At the same time, the signal power needs to be manually adjusted by adding or removing fixed coaxial attenuators, which is a cumbersome and inefficient process. In view of this, the professional skills of testers cannot meet the high requirements of near-field automatic testing. The signal conversion hub is a key device for realizing automatic testing of near-field stations. It can integrate microwave modules such as electrically adjustable attenuators and transceiver cavity partitions. By controlling the adjustable attenuator and test channel, there is no need to install an external fixed coaxial attenuator, and the internal integrated cavity partition can improve the isolation between channels and reduce crosstalk between signals.
[0074] As shown in Table 1, the signal conversion hub in this embodiment mainly includes a microwave switch, an adjustable attenuator, a transceiver cavity partition, a control board, an Ethernet adapter board, a DC power supply, cables and connectors.
[0075] Table 1 Signal conversion center composition table
[0076] Serial number name illustrate 1 Microwave switch Realize channel switching 2 Adjustable attenuator Power distribution of signals 3 Control Panel Provide switch control signal 4 Ethernet adapter board Realize communication with the host computer 5 DC Power Supply Provides control board and switch operating voltage 6 Cables and connectors Complete the internal connection of the hub 7 Transceiver cavity partition Increase isolation between channels
[0077] ITSS software is set in the main control computer. The control board receives the control command from the computer and converts it into the corresponding TTL level switch control signal according to the control command; the microwave switch establishes the corresponding radio frequency channel and test channel to realize the channel switching; the adjustable attenuator distributes the power of the signal to meet the test requirements of attenuation 0-70dB dynamic range; the transceiver cavity partition is set between the channels to increase the isolation between the channels; the Ethernet adapter board realizes the communication with the automatic test system software; the DC power supply provides the working voltage of the control board and the switch; the cable and the connector complete the connection of the components inside the signal conversion center. In this embodiment, the control board uses a microprogram controller (MCU) as the main control chip, and uses a complex programmable logic circuit (CPLD) to expand the number of control ports. The device uses Ethernet to realize communication with the main control computer.
[0078] like Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the lower left corner of the front panel of the signal conversion hub is the hub switch button, and the upper left corner is the device name. Figure 8 As shown, the rear panel of the signal conversion center is the layout of various interfaces. The signal conversion center provides RF ports connected to the whole machine test system and various test instruments, control ports connected to the computer, power ports and ground ports. Among them, the RF ports connected to the whole machine test system are CH1-CH6, and the RF ports connected to various test instruments include J1-J11. The RF port interface is a stainless steel SMA-KFK adapter, and the control port interface is a LAN port.
[0079] The signal conversion hub provides multiple channels inside, and establishes corresponding RF channels and test channels through microwave switches. The performance index parameters of the microwave switches are shown in Table 2.
[0080] Table 2 Mechanical switch performance indicators
[0081]
[0082] The microwave switch is a mechanical switch that is the same as the signal adapter of the whole machine. The number of switching times reaches millions, the repeatability is also good, the frequency range is wide, the power tolerance is strong, the standing wave is small, the insertion loss is small, and the switching speed can reach ms level. The performance index parameters of the microwave switch directly affect the channel performance and thus improve the system test performance.
[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the internal channels of the signal conversion hub are as follows: the RF port CH1 (protection port) is connected to the adjustable attenuator ATT2, and then ATT1 is connected to the power divider, the RF port CH2 (excitation) is connected to the power divider, the power divider is connected to the switch SA1, one end of the output end of the switch SA1 is connected to the RF port J1 (excitation), and the other end is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT3 and the power amplifier compensation, the RF port CH3 (and) is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT4 and the op amp, the switch SA2 is connected to the switch SA3, and the switch S A3 is connected to RF ports J4-J7 (midfield, near field, coupling, and, respectively), RF port CH4 (digital BIT) is connected to RF port J8 (digital BIT) through adjustable attenuator ATT5 and switch SA4, RF port CH5 (azimuth difference) is connected to switch SA5 through adjustable attenuator ATT6, and then connected to RF ports J9 (azimuth difference) and J10 (protection) respectively, RF port CH6 (elevation difference) is connected to RF port J11 (elevation difference) through adjustable attenuator ATT7 and switch SA6.
[0084] The automatic test system for the high-isolation active antenna array of the present embodiment enables the antenna to realize automatic switching of each test channel in each debugging process, realizes self-closed-loop adjustment of the power of each signal through automatic gain control, uses multi-stage switches with loads and transceiver cavity partitions to realize high isolation between each channel link, realizes automatic burning and comparison and error correction of configuration item files through software, and automatically collects, analyzes and processes test data to realize intelligent automatic testing, reduce the technical requirements for debugging personnel, and have a real-time safety inspection function for key equipment by adding sensors to the original test equipment, thereby eliminating uncontrollable risks and hidden dangers and comprehensively improving the debugging efficiency of the antenna.
[0085] Many specific details are described in the above description to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, so the present invention is not limited to the specific implementation disclosed above. At the same time, any person familiar with the art can make many possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, or modify it into an equivalent embodiment of equivalent changes. Any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.
Claims
1. An automatic test system for a high-isolation active antenna array, characterized in that: Including automatic test system software, signal conversion center and test equipment, The automatic test system software performs closed-loop adjustment on the signal power of each channel, automatically burns the configuration item file and reads it back, compares the read-back result with the standard result, and analyzes the test results of the antenna; The signal conversion center builds a radio frequency signal transmission link for the antenna and the test equipment. The signal conversion center automatically completes the switching of the electronic switch according to the requirements of the automatic test system software, establishes the required radio frequency path, and adjusts the signal power at the same time; The test equipment provides various signals required for the test and sends the test results back to the automatic test system software; It also includes power supply equipment, liquid cooling equipment, environmental monitoring software, near-field probes and mid-field speakers. The power supply equipment supplies power to the antenna and test equipment, the liquid cooling equipment supplies liquid to the antenna and test equipment, the environmental monitoring software monitors the power supply status of the power supply equipment and the liquid supply status of the liquid cooling equipment, the near-field probe and the mid-field speaker send and receive signals in both directions, and are connected to the signal conversion center through a radio frequency cable; When the automatic test system software is running, it first configures the basic information of the antenna, then enters the test execution phase, processes the data obtained in the test phase, and finally forms a data report; The analog array receiving adjustment includes: the automatic test system software controls the test equipment to generate RF signals to the signal conversion center, the signal conversion center establishes the RF path of the analog receiving adjustment, and switches other paths to the load state at the same time, and then outputs an RF signal through the RF cable to the midfield speaker, the midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array, and after the array receives the signal, an RF signal is output from the sum port to the low-noise amplifier and then enters the signal conversion center, and then an RF signal is output from the signal conversion center to the sum port of the processing unit to form the entire analog array adjustment RF signal loop, After the automatic test system software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range, the AGC control of the RF signal is implemented through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the signal conversion center to make the signal meet the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins; By switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal conversion center to the coupling / probe, in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of the simulated array can be achieved.
2. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: Basic information configuration includes setting the antenna batch number, model specifications, and test phase; then selecting the automatic control instrument, selecting whether to automatically control liquid cooling and power supply; selecting the items to be tested; and setting the parameters of the items to be tested; The items to be tested include selecting the antenna array software version, the antenna's analog array reception adjustment, digital array reception adjustment, analog array transmission adjustment, analog array reception near field test, digital array reception near field test, and analog array transmission near field test.
3. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic test system software includes the following steps when executing the test: S1, start execution; S2, instrument status check, check whether the selected instrument is online and working normally; S3, liquid supply to the liquid cooling device. If the instrument is in normal condition, the environmental monitoring software is turned on to control the liquid cooling device to start liquid supply; S4, liquid cooling status check, real-time monitoring of liquid cooling flow, and transmission of flow data to the environmental monitoring software; S5, power supply equipment supplies power, S6, power status check, real-time monitoring of voltage and current, and transmission of data to environmental monitoring software; S7, start testing the items. If the above inspection results are normal, start testing the selected items.
4. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital array receiving adjustment includes: the automatic test system software controls the excitation port of the processing unit in the test equipment to generate an RF signal, which is amplified by an external power amplifier and then sent to the signal conversion center. The signal conversion center establishes an RF path for the digital receiving signal and switches other paths to the load state. Then, an RF signal is output and connected to the midfield speaker through an RF cable. The midfield speaker radiates to the antenna array, and the array transmits the signal back to the processing unit through optical fiber. The automatic test system software distinguishes the amplitude and phase of the data transmitted back by the optical fiber and performs AGC control on the signal. When the signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins. By switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal conversion center to the coupling / probe, in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of digital array reception can be achieved.
5. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The simulation array transmission adjustment includes: the automatic test system software controls the test equipment to generate an RF signal to the signal conversion center, the signal conversion center establishes an RF path for the simulation array transmission signal, and switches other paths to the load state, and then outputs an RF signal connected to the antenna array through the RF cable. The array radiates the signal to the midfield speaker. The midfield speaker transmits the received signal to the signal conversion center through the RF cable. The signal conversion center then outputs an RF signal to the sum port of the processing unit. After the automatic test system software collects the received RF signal, it determines the amplitude and phase of the signal. If the amplitude of the signal exceeds the set range, the AGC control of the RF signal is implemented through the electrically adjustable attenuator in the signal conversion center to make the signal meet the set range. When the collected RF signal meets the requirements, formal adjustment begins. By switching the midfield speaker interface of the signal conversion center to the coupling / probe, in-situ adjustment and near-field testing of the simulated array transmission can be achieved.
6. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the automatic test system software completes the test of the selected items, it combines the three-coordinate calibration values of the antenna array and the midfield speaker to generate the installation data of the antenna array, and automatically loads the test program for burning. At the same time, it automatically converts the data format and calls the Matlab program to form a test report covering all indicators.
7. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal conversion center includes microwave switches, adjustable attenuators, transceiver cavity partitions, control boards, Ethernet adapter boards, DC power supplies, cables and connectors. The control board receives control commands from the automatic test system software and converts them into corresponding TTL level switch control signals according to the control instructions; the microwave switch establishes corresponding RF channels and test channels to realize path switching; the adjustable attenuator distributes power to the signal to meet the test requirements of attenuation 0-70dB dynamic range; the transceiver cavity partition increases the isolation between channels; the Ethernet adapter board realizes communication with the automatic test system software; the DC power supply provides the working voltage for the control board and the switch; the cables and connectors complete the connection of the components inside the signal conversion center.
8. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that: The signal conversion center provides a radio frequency port connected to the whole machine test system and various test instruments, a control port connected to a computer, a power port and a grounding port.
9. The automatic test system for high-isolation active antenna array according to claim 8, characterized in that: The microwave switch includes a one-to-two switch and a one-to-four switch. The RF port CH1 of the signal conversion center is connected to the adjustable attenuator ATT2, ATT1 and then connected to the power divider. The RF port CH2 is connected to the power divider, and the power divider is connected to the switch SA1. One end of the output end of the switch SA1 is connected to the RF port J1, and the other end is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT3 and the power amplifier compensation. The RF port CH3 is connected to the switch SA2 through the adjustable attenuator ATT4 and the operational amplifier. The switch SA2 is connected to the switch SA3. The switch SA3 is connected to the RF ports J4-J7 respectively. The RF port CH4 is connected to the RF port J8 through the adjustable attenuator ATT5 and the switch SA4. The RF port CH5 is connected to the switch SA5 through the adjustable attenuator ATT6, and then connected to the RF ports J9 and J10 respectively. The RF port CH6 is connected to the RF port J11 through the adjustable attenuator ATT7 and the switch SA6.