A control system and method for a phased array antenna

Abstract

The application discloses a control system and method of a phased array antenna. According to whether a basic link bandwidth meets real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirements, the control system can selectively work in a basic bandwidth link mode or an extended bandwidth link mode. In the extended bandwidth link mode, a modulation and demodulation and management unit in the control system sends frequency hopping target information for a specified target operating frequency to an antenna unit in real time. The antenna unit generates a corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency and controls the phased array antenna to switch to use the target operating frequency to work. The application can selectively work in the extended bandwidth link mode. The modulation and demodulation and management unit pre-emptively sends the frequency hopping target information to the antenna unit in real time, so that the antenna unit adjusts the center frequency of the beam control phase according to real-time signal transmission requirements, thereby realizing ultra-wide bandwidth signal transmission and effectively solving the problem of frequency dispersion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of satellite communication, in particular to a control system and method of phased array antenna. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the large amount of data transmission and reception requirements of the airborne satellite communication system puts forward higher and higher requirements on the bandwidth of the airborne phased array antenna. In addition, in addition to the link requirements of a large number of signal transmission in the cockpit, the airborne satellite communication system also needs to meet the on-board entertainment needs of the cabin passengers. Therefore, the expansion of the communication bandwidth is necessary, so the current airborne satellite communication system generally supports multiple frequency band communication links, such as L band, S band, Ku band, Ka band, etc.

[0003] However, some low-cost miniaturized airborne phased array antennas with ultra-wide bandwidth characteristics have certain drawbacks: frequency dispersion occurs under high transmission bandwidth, which deteriorates the performance of the phased array antenna. In view of this, it is necessary for those skilled in the art to provide a solution to the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a control system and method of phased array antenna to effectively solve the problem of frequency dispersion while realizing ultra-wide bandwidth transmission.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, on the one hand, the present application discloses a control system of phased array antenna, which can work in basic bandwidth link mode or expanded bandwidth link mode according to whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirements.

[0006] In the expanded bandwidth link mode, the modulation and demodulation and management unit in the control system sends the frequency hopping target information for the specified target operating frequency to the antenna unit in real time; the antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency, and controls the phased array antenna to switch to use the target operating frequency to work.

[0007] Optionally, the modulation and demodulation and management unit and the antenna unit are both provided with a synchronization module for time synchronization.

[0008] Optionally, the antenna unit comprises:

[0009] An interface module for receiving the frequency hopping target information sent by the modulation and demodulation and management unit;

[0010] A wave control code generation module connected with the interface module, for generating the target wave control code corresponding to the target operating frequency;

[0011] The beam control module connected to the beam control code generation module is used to send the target beam control code to the T component of the antenna transmission array module for caching.

[0012] The wave control code update module, which is connected to the interface module, is used to control the T component to perform wave control code updates.

[0013] Optionally, the wave control code generation module is specifically used for:

[0014] The target wave control code is generated based on C1 = C0 × f1 / f0;

[0015] Where f0 is the current operating frequency, f1 is the target operating frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component, and C1 is the target wave control code in each T component.

[0016] Optionally, the frequency hopping target information further includes a target frequency hopping time limit, and the wave control code generation module is specifically used for:

[0017] Determine the time difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the time for updating the beam control code, and generate the target beam control code within the time difference so that frequency hopping can be completed within the target frequency hopping time limit.

[0018] Optionally, the modulation, demodulation and management unit includes a baseband board and an adapter module;

[0019] When the real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirement exceeds the basic link bandwidth, the baseband board switches from normal operation mode to wide bandwidth frequency hopping transmission mode.

[0020] The switching module is used to: determine whether the currently accessed baseband board has switched to wideband frequency hopping transmission mode; if not, it continues to work in basic bandwidth link mode; if so, it switches to extended bandwidth link mode and sends the frequency hopping target information to the interface module of the antenna unit.

[0021] Optionally, the antenna element includes:

[0022] The intermediate frequency module is used to perform up-conversion processing on the intermediate frequency signal sent by the modulation, demodulation and management unit to generate a radio frequency signal and distribute it to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to achieve electromagnetic wave radiation.

[0023] Furthermore, this application also discloses a control method for a phased array antenna, applied to the control system of the phased array antenna, the method comprising:

[0024] Determine whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirements;

[0025] If so, then it is determined that the system is operating in basic bandwidth link mode;

[0026] If not, it is determined that the operation is in extended bandwidth link mode. Based on the modulation, demodulation and management unit sending frequency hopping target information for specifying the target operating frequency to the antenna unit in advance, the antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency and controls the phased array antenna to switch to use the target operating frequency to operate.

[0027] Optionally, the step of generating the corresponding target beam control code by the antenna element according to the target operating frequency includes:

[0028] The target wave control code is generated by the antenna element based on C1 = C0 × f1 / f0;

[0029] Where f0 is the current operating frequency, f1 is the target operating frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component, and C1 is the target wave control code in each T component.

[0030] Optionally, the step of generating the corresponding target beam control code by the antenna element according to the target operating frequency includes:

[0031] Determine the time difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the time taken to update the wave control code;

[0032] The antenna unit generates the target wave control code within the time difference and completes the frequency hopping within the target frequency hopping time limit.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the control system and method for the phased array antenna provided in this application are as follows: This application can selectively operate in extended bandwidth link mode. By sending frequency hopping target information to the antenna element in advance in real time through the modulation, demodulation and management unit, the antenna element adjusts the center frequency of the beam control phase according to the real-time needs of signal transmission, thereby effectively solving the problem of frequency dispersion while realizing ultra-wide bandwidth signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the prior art and the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the prior art and the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Of course, the accompanying drawings described below with respect to the embodiments of this application are only a part of the embodiments in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort, and such other drawings also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a control system for a phased array antenna disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2This is a flowchart of a control method for a phased array antenna disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the workflow of a phased array antenna in extended bandwidth link mode as disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The core of this application lies in providing a control system and method for a phased array antenna, so as to effectively solve the problem of frequency dispersion while achieving ultra-wide bandwidth transmission.

[0039] To provide a clearer and more complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] See Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a control system for a phased array antenna. Depending on whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirements, the control system can select to operate in basic bandwidth link mode or extended bandwidth link mode.

[0041] In extended bandwidth link mode, the modulation, demodulation and management unit in the control system sends frequency hopping target information for specifying the target operating frequency to the antenna unit in real time; the antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency and controls the phased array antenna to switch to use the target operating frequency to work.

[0042] Specifically, the control system for the phased array antenna provided in this application, in addition to utilizing the basic link bandwidth for data communication in the basic bandwidth link mode, can also operate in the extended bandwidth link mode when needed, achieving ultra-wide bandwidth communication through frequency hopping. The frequency hopping target information upon which the frequency hopping operation is based is sent to the antenna element in real time by the modulation, demodulation, and management unit.

[0043] Frequency hopping, in this context, refers to a change in operating frequency, and the frequency hopping target information is the information indicating this frequency change. The modulation / demodulation and management unit can send the corresponding frequency hopping target information based on the current signal transmission and reception requirements within the first time frame of the modulation / demodulation signal.

[0044] The antenna unit adjusts the center frequency of the phased array antenna beam control phase in real time based on the frequency hopping target information pre-sent by the modulation, demodulation and management unit. This reduces the difference between the center frequency of the beam control phase and the edge frequency of the signal transmission, eliminating the cause of frequency dispersion and thus effectively solving the frequency dispersion problem of the phased array antenna under wide bandwidth.

[0045] As can be seen, the control system of the phased array antenna disclosed in this application embodiment can selectively operate in extended bandwidth link mode. By sending frequency hopping target information to the antenna element in advance in real time through the modulation, demodulation and management unit, the antenna element adjusts the center frequency of the beam control phase according to the real-time needs of signal transmission, thereby effectively solving the problem of frequency dispersion while realizing ultra-wide bandwidth signal transmission.

[0046] As a specific embodiment, the phased array antenna control system disclosed in this application, based on the above content, includes a synchronization module 105 for time synchronization in both the modulation / demodulation and management unit and the antenna unit.

[0047] Specifically, ensuring time synchronization between the modulation / demodulation and management unit and the antenna unit guarantees that the antenna unit is ready just in time when the modulation / demodulation and management unit plans to transmit signals at a new target operating frequency, ensuring that the antenna can indeed transmit signals according to the target operating frequency. Conversely, if the two are not synchronized, it is very likely that the signal cannot be transmitted successfully according to the target operating frequency.

[0048] As a specific embodiment, the control system for the phased array antenna disclosed in this application, based on the above description, includes the following antenna elements:

[0049] Interface module 101 is used to receive frequency hopping target information sent by the modulation, demodulation and management unit;

[0050] The wave control code generation module 102, which is connected to the interface module 101, is used to generate a target wave control code corresponding to the target operating frequency.

[0051] The beam control module 103, which is connected to the beam control code generation module 102, is used to send the target beam control code to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module for caching.

[0052] The wave control code update module 104, which is connected to the interface module 101, is used to control the T component to update the wave control code.

[0053] Specifically, the beam control module 103 can be connected to the T component via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus. The T component is a part of the antenna transmit array module of the phased array antenna, used to cache the beam control phase. The updated target beam control code sent by the beam control module 103 is cached in the T component. Under the action of the beam control code update module 104, the T component updates to use the latest cached target beam control code, completing the beam control phase update of the phased array antenna, i.e., the beam control code update.

[0054] As a specific embodiment, the phased array antenna control system disclosed in this application, based on the above content, has a wave control code generation module 102 specifically used for:

[0055] The target wave control code is generated based on C1 = C0 × f1 / f0;

[0056] Where f0 is the current operating frequency, f1 is the target operating frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component, and C1 is the target wave control code in each T component.

[0057] As a specific embodiment, the control system of the phased array antenna disclosed in this application, based on the above content, further includes a target frequency hopping time limit in the frequency hopping target information, and the wave control code generation module 102 is specifically used for:

[0058] Determine the time difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the time required to update the beam control code, and generate the target beam control code within the time difference so that frequency hopping can be completed within the target frequency hopping time limit.

[0059] Specifically, to ensure the real-time performance of beam control phase updates, the time required to complete the frequency hopping operation can be specifically limited, i.e., the target frequency hopping time limit t1. The beam control phase update requires a certain amount of time, i.e., the beam control code update time t2. Therefore, to ensure that the frequency hopping operation is fully completed within the target frequency hopping time limit, the time used to generate the target beam control code should not exceed the difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the beam control code update time, i.e., t1-t2.

[0060] As a specific embodiment, the control system of the phased array antenna disclosed in this application includes a modulation, demodulation and management unit comprising a baseband board 106 and an adapter module 107, based on the above description.

[0061] When the real-time data transmission bandwidth requirement exceeds the basic link bandwidth, the baseband board 106 switches from normal operating mode to wide bandwidth frequency hopping transmission mode.

[0062] The switching module 107 is used to: determine whether the currently connected baseband board 106 has switched to wideband frequency hopping transmission mode; if not, it continues to work in basic bandwidth link mode; if so, it switches to extended bandwidth link mode and sends frequency hopping target information to the interface module 101 of the antenna unit.

[0063] Specifically, the control system selects whether to activate the extended bandwidth link mode for satellite tracking based on commands from the baseband board 106. This control system can employ a multi-mode architecture, i.e., multiple baseband boards 106 using different satellite systems. The baseband board 106 selected to operate at the current moment will connect to the antenna unit via the adapter module 107 to operate.

[0064] As a specific embodiment, the control system for the phased array antenna disclosed in this application, based on the above description, includes the following antenna elements:

[0065] The intermediate frequency module 108 is used to perform up-conversion processing on the intermediate frequency signal sent by the modulation, demodulation and management unit to generate a radio frequency signal and power divide it to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to realize electromagnetic wave radiation.

[0066] Specifically, regardless of whether it is in the basic bandwidth link mode or the extended bandwidth link mode, after the operating frequency is determined or adjusted, the switching module 107 in the modulation, demodulation and management unit sends the intermediate frequency signal to the intermediate frequency module 108 of the antenna unit. The intermediate frequency module 108 performs up-conversion of the signal and distributes the generated radio frequency signal to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to realize electromagnetic wave radiation.

[0067] See Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a control method for a phased array antenna, applied to the control system of a phased array antenna. The method mainly includes:

[0068] S201: Determine whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time data transmission and reception bandwidth requirements; if yes, proceed to S202; if no, proceed to S203.

[0069] S202: Determine that the system is operating in basic bandwidth link mode.

[0070] S203: Determine that the operation is in extended bandwidth link mode; proceed to S204.

[0071] S204: The modulation, demodulation and management unit sends the frequency hopping target information for specifying the target operating frequency to the antenna unit in advance. The antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency and controls the phased array antenna to switch to use the target operating frequency to work.

[0072] For details regarding the control system of the aforementioned phased array antenna, please refer to the aforementioned detailed introduction to the control method of phased array antenna, which will not be repeated here.

[0073] As can be seen, the phased array antenna control method disclosed in this application can selectively operate in extended bandwidth link mode. By sending frequency hopping target information to the antenna element in advance in real time through the modulation, demodulation and management unit, the antenna element adjusts the center frequency of the beam control phase according to the real-time needs of signal transmission, thereby effectively solving the problem of frequency dispersion while realizing ultra-wide bandwidth signal transmission.

[0074] As a specific embodiment, the phased array antenna control method provided in this application, based on the above content, involves the antenna element generating a corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency, including:

[0075] The target wave control code is generated by the antenna element based on C1 = C0 × f1 / f0;

[0076] Where f0 is the current operating frequency, f1 is the target operating frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component, and C1 is the target wave control code in each T component.

[0077] As a specific embodiment, the phased array antenna control method provided in this application, based on the above content, involves the antenna element generating a corresponding target wave control code according to the target operating frequency, including:

[0078] Determine the time difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the time taken to update the wave control code;

[0079] The target wave control code is generated by the antenna element within the time difference, and the frequency hopping is completed within the target frequency hopping time limit.

[0080] As a specific example, see Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a schematic diagram of the working process of a phased array antenna in extended bandwidth link mode, mainly including:

[0081] S301: The phased array antenna operates at f0 as its current operating power.

[0082] At the current operating frequency f0, the modulation, demodulation and management unit's switching module sends the current intermediate frequency signal to the intermediate frequency module of the antenna unit. The intermediate frequency module performs up-conversion processing on the signal, generates an radio frequency signal, and distributes it to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to achieve electromagnetic wave radiation.

[0083] S302: The switching module sends the frequency hopping target information to the interface module in advance.

[0084] The frequency hopping target information specifies the target operating frequency f1 and the target frequency hopping time limit t1.

[0085] S303: The wave control code generation module generates the target wave control code based on C1 = C0 × f1 / f0 within the time difference t1-t2.

[0086] Where t2 is the time taken to update the wave control code.

[0087] S304: The beam control module sends the target beam control code to the T component of the antenna transmit array module for buffering.

[0088] S305: The wave control code update module controls the T component to update the wave control code.

[0089] S306: The phased array antenna operates at f1 as its current operating power.

[0090] At the current operating frequency f1, the modulation, demodulation and management unit's switching module sends the current intermediate frequency signal to the intermediate frequency module of the antenna unit. The intermediate frequency module performs up-conversion processing on the signal, generates an radio frequency signal, and distributes it to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to achieve electromagnetic wave radiation.

[0091] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section.

[0092] It should also be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0093] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control system for a phased array antenna, characterized by, According to whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time monitoring data transceiving bandwidth demand, the control system can select to work in a basic bandwidth link mode or an extended bandwidth link mode; In the extended bandwidth link mode, the modulation and demodulation and management unit in the control system sends the frequency hopping target information for specifying the target working frequency and the target frequency hopping time limit to the antenna unit in the first time of the modulation and demodulation signal; the antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target working frequency and the target frequency hopping time limit, and controls the phased array antenna to work by switching the target working frequency within the target frequency hopping time limit; The target wave control code is generated according to C1=C0×f1 / f0. Wherein, f0 is the current working frequency, f1 is the target working frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component of the antenna transmitting array module, and C1 is the target wave control code of each T component. The modulation and demodulation and management unit and the antenna unit are both provided with a synchronization module for time synchronization.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein, The antenna unit comprises:

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein, An interface module for receiving the frequency hopping target information sent by the modulation and demodulation and management unit; A wave control code generation module connected with the interface module, for generating the target wave control code corresponding to the target working frequency; A beam control module connected with the wave control code generation module, for sending the target wave control code to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module for caching; A wave control code updating module connected with the interface module, for controlling the T component to update the wave control code. The frequency hopping target information further comprises a target frequency hopping time limit, and the wave control code generation module is specifically configured to:

4. The control system of claim 3, wherein, Determine the time length difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the wave control code updating time, and generate the target wave control code within the time length difference, so as to complete the frequency hopping within the target frequency hopping time limit. The modulation and demodulation and management unit comprises a baseband board and a switching module; 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein, When the real-time data transceiving bandwidth demand exceeds the basic link bandwidth, the baseband board is switched from the normal working mode to the wide bandwidth frequency hopping transmission mode; The switching module is configured to: judge whether the currently accessed baseband board is switched to the wide bandwidth frequency hopping transmission mode; if not, continue to work in the basic bandwidth link mode; if yes, switch to the extended bandwidth link mode, and send the frequency hopping target information to the interface module of the antenna unit. The antenna unit comprises:

6. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, An intermediate frequency module for performing signal up-conversion processing on the intermediate frequency signal sent by the modulation and demodulation and management unit, generating a radio frequency signal, and power dividing to the T component of the antenna transmitting array module to realize electromagnetic wave radiation. The control system applied to the phased array antenna, the method comprises:

7. A control method of a phased array antenna, characterized by, Judging whether the basic link bandwidth meets the real-time monitoring data transceiving bandwidth demand; If yes, determine to work in the basic bandwidth link mode; ​ If not, it is determined to work in the extended bandwidth link mode, and the modem and management unit sends the frequency hopping target information for specifying the target working frequency and the target frequency hopping time limit to the antenna unit in the first time of the modulation signal in advance, the antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target working frequency and the target frequency hopping time limit in real time, and controls the phased array antenna to switch to work in the target working frequency within the target frequency hopping time limit; The antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target working frequency and the target frequency hopping time limit in real time, comprising: Generating the target wave control code based on C1=C0×f1 / f0; Wherein, f0 is the current working frequency, f1 is the target working frequency, C0 is the current phase control matrix in each T component of the antenna transmitting array module, and C1 is the target wave control code of each T component.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized by, The antenna unit generates the corresponding target wave control code according to the target working frequency, the target frequency hopping time limit, the current phase control matrix and the specific formula in real time, comprising: Determining the time length difference between the target frequency hopping time limit and the wave control code update time; The antenna unit generates the target wave control code within the time length difference, and completes frequency hopping within the target frequency hopping time limit.

Images