Method, apparatus, and array antenna for bandwidth extension of array antenna based on phase modulation

Abstract

This invention provides a method, apparatus, and array antenna for bandwidth extension based on phase modulation. The reflection coefficient of the array is calculated using a primary reflection model calculation formula determined based on small reflection theory, eliminating the need for full-wave simulation time for large-scale arrays and significantly improving design efficiency. Extending the array bandwidth using the phase modulation-based method saves the time required for incrementally increasing matching in large-scale arrays, reducing design complexity. The provided method is simple and efficient, facilitating broadband design of large-scale array antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, and array antenna for bandwidth expansion based on phase modulation of an array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] High-gain, wide-bandwidth large millimeter-wave antenna arrays are key technologies for realizing important millimeter-wave communication applications such as millimeter-wave wireless backhaul and millimeter-wave massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) systems. Existing 5G communication involves multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands. While using multiple antennas with different physical apertures to meet the communication requirements of multiple bands is easy to implement, it significantly increases the overall physical aperture of the antennas, hindering system miniaturization and integration. Therefore, to improve the performance of millimeter-wave systems, a wideband antenna array capable of covering multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands within a single aperture is required.

[0003] Typically, an array antenna consists of a feed network and radiating elements. Therefore, the bandwidth characteristics of the feed network and radiating elements play a decisive role in the overall bandwidth of the array. On one hand, due to the impedance matching characteristics of the radiating elements and power dividers, as well as the influence of the overall array topology, achieving broadband in existing millimeter-wave arrays faces significant challenges. On the other hand, even if the power divider and radiating elements achieve relatively wide bandwidths, high-reflection nodes may still be generated within the operating frequency band after arraying, thus truncating the operating bandwidth. Therefore, common array antennas typically employ a step-by-step approach to increase matching parameters to achieve a certain bandwidth. However, current research methods mainly rely on electromagnetic simulation software for full-wave simulation calculations. As the array size increases, the required computational resources and time costs increase significantly. Therefore, a method is needed to effectively suppress high-reflection nodes to extend the bandwidth of the array antenna, reduce the matching adjustment time during array antenna design, and lower the complexity of the design process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and array antenna for expanding the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation, which can effectively suppress high reflection nodes, expand the bandwidth of the array antenna, reduce the matching adjustment time when designing the array antenna and reduce the complexity of the design process.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for expanding the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation. The method includes: determining the size of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and assembling a broadband subarray and a feed network according to the size of the array antenna; wherein the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel; determining a single-reflection model formula based on small reflection theory, the single-reflection model formula representing the correspondence between the reflection coefficient of the array antenna and its size, the reflection coefficient of the power divider, and the path length of the feed network; adjusting the increase in the path length of the feed network using an optimization algorithm, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and determining the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna using the single-reflection model formula, ultimately obtaining the maximum bandwidth with a reflection coefficient lower than a preset amplitude value requirement and its corresponding increase in path length; changing the path length of multiple paths in the feed network according to the increase in path length, and reassembling the power dividers, thereby expanding the bandwidth of the array antenna.

[0006] Furthermore, the method also includes the following formula for a single reflection model:

[0007]

[0008] Where Γ is the reflection coefficient, Γ i Tr is the reflection coefficient of the power divider. i =1+Γ i Tr i Γ is the transmission coefficient of the power divider. L Let θ be the reflection coefficient of the subarray in the array antenna. i =βL i θ is the phase delay, β is the propagation constant, and L i =l i +l i' +L i-1 L i l is the path length of the feeder network. i The path length between power divider nodes in a power feeder network, l i' M+N represents the increase in path length between power divider nodes, and M+N represents the number of power dividers in the power supply network.

[0009] Furthermore, the method further includes: adjusting the path length increment of multiple paths in the feed network using an optimization algorithm, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and determining the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna using a single reflection model formula, to obtain the maximum bandwidth where the reflection coefficient is lower than a preset value and its corresponding path length increment; including: adjusting the path length increment of multiple paths in the feed network, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, thus adjusting the phase delay generated by multiple small reflections in the corresponding feed network at different operating frequencies, wherein the path length increment of multiple paths in the feed network corresponds to the optimization variable in the optimization algorithm; substituting the phase of the small reflection into the single reflection model formula to obtain the amplitude value of the corresponding reflection coefficient; evaluating the fitness of the path length increment based on the amplitude value, wherein the fitness function is the maximum bandwidth where the reflection coefficient of the array antenna is lower than a preset amplitude value, and performing multiple iterations to obtain the optimal solution; obtaining the maximum bandwidth where the reflection coefficient is lower than a preset value and its corresponding path length increment.

[0010] Furthermore, the method also includes: evaluating the fitness of the path length increment value based on the following formula: BW' = max((f max -f min () / f0) where BW′ is fitness, f max f is the frequency corresponding to the upper limit of the amplitude value. min The frequency corresponding to the lower limit of the amplitude value, f0 = (f max +f min ) / 2 is the center frequency.

[0011] Furthermore, the method also includes: the optimization algorithm includes one of the following algorithms: particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing algorithm, and neural network algorithm.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an array antenna bandwidth expansion design device, wherein the design device includes: a first determining module, used to determine the scale of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and to array a broadband subarray and a feed network according to the scale of the array antenna; wherein the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel; a second determining module, used to determine a single reflection model formula based on small reflection theory, the single reflection model formula being used to represent the correspondence between the reflection coefficient of the array antenna and its scale, the reflection coefficient of the power divider and the path length of the feed network; a third determining module, used to adjust the increase value of the path length value of the feed network by combining an optimization algorithm, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and using the single reflection model formula to determine the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna, obtaining the maximum bandwidth with a reflection coefficient lower than a preset amplitude value requirement and its corresponding increase value of the path length value; and an arraying module, used to change the path length of multiple paths in the feed network according to the increase value of the path length value, and to re-array the power dividers, thereby expanding the bandwidth of the array antenna.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an array antenna, wherein the array antenna is obtained by the above method; the array antenna includes: a feed network and a subarray; the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel; the subarray is connected to the output port of the feed network as a terminal load.

[0014] Furthermore, the array antenna also includes multiple subarrays, each consisting of multiple power dividers and multiple radiating elements.

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention provides a method, apparatus, and array antenna for bandwidth extension based on phase modulation. The method calculates the array's reflection coefficient using a primary reflection model calculation formula determined based on small reflection theory, eliminating the need for full-wave simulation of large-scale arrays and significantly improving design efficiency. Extending the array bandwidth using the phase modulation-based method saves time spent adjusting the matching of large-scale arrays step-by-step, reducing design complexity. The provided method is simple and efficient, facilitating broadband design of large-scale array antennas.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the following description, or some features and advantages may be inferred from the description or determined without doubt, or may be learned by practicing the techniques described above.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for extending the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation, provided as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the topology of a large-scale array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 A graph showing the reflection coefficients of an 8×8 scale feeder network before and after array optimization, provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an array antenna bandwidth extension design device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 A structural diagram of a 16×16 large-scale broadband planar array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a 4×4 subarray provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 A side view of a 4×4 subarray provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power divider provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a power supply network structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a bent structure for increasing the path length of a power supply network is provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a power divider structure with increased path length provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional feeder network structure with increased path length is provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13A top view of a feeder network with increased path length provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a three-layer array structure with increased path length provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 The present invention provides a reflection coefficient curve of a 16×16 massive MIMO antenna with extended bandwidth.

[0035] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] icon:

[0037] 1-Subarray; 2-Feed network; 3-Power divider; 4-Sub-feed network; 5-H-plane power divider; 6-Radiating unit; 7-Triangular diaphragm; 8-Rectangular diaphragm; 9-Bending structure; 10-Triangular and rectangular diaphragm structure; 11-Bending joint; 12-Power divider with increased path length; 13-Feed network with increased path length; 14-Standard wave inlet; 15-Metallic body; 16-Flange; 401-First determining module; 402-Second determining module; 403-Third determining module; 404-Array module; 50-Processor; 51-Memory; 52-Bus; 53-Communication interface. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] Currently, existing array antennas mainly rely on electromagnetic simulation software for full-wave simulation calculations. Common array antennas typically employ a step-by-step approach of increasing matching levels to achieve a certain bandwidth. As the array size increases, the demand for computing resources increases significantly. Achieving broadband characteristics for large-scale arrays through simulation optimization of structural parameters obviously consumes substantial computing resources and increases computational time costs. This invention provides a method, apparatus, and array antenna for bandwidth extension based on phase modulation. It calculates the array's reflection coefficient using a primary reflection model calculation formula determined based on small reflection theory, eliminating the need for full-wave simulation time for large-scale arrays and greatly improving design efficiency. Extending the array bandwidth using the phase modulation-based method saves the time required for step-by-step matching adjustments in large-scale arrays, reducing design complexity. The provided method is simple and efficient, facilitating broadband design of large-scale array antennas.

[0040] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a method for expanding the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation, as disclosed in this embodiment of the invention, will first be described in detail.

[0041] This invention provides a method for extending the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation. Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for extending the bandwidth of an array antenna based on phase modulation, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention, is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0042] Step S101: Determine the size of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and assemble the broadband subarray and feed network according to the size of the array antenna; wherein, the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel.

[0043] In practical applications, the operating frequency band and center frequency of the array antenna can be designed according to actual engineering requirements, and the form, size, spacing between elements, and scale of the array antenna can be selected.

[0044] Step S102: Determine the primary reflection model formula based on the small reflection theory. The primary reflection model formula is used to represent the relationship between the reflection coefficient and scale of the array antenna, the reflection coefficient of the power divider, and the path length of the feed network.

[0045] Specifically, the formula for calculating the single reflection model can be determined using the small reflection theory, and the reflection coefficient of the array can be calculated.

[0046] More specifically, see Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a topology for a large-scale array, wherein the radiating element size is 2. M+P ×2 N+Q The power supply network has a scale of 2 M ×2N The number of power dividers constituting the power supply network is M+N, and the subarray size is 2. P ×2 Q The element spacing of the radiating element is d. In the designed array, the element spacing in the two dimensions can be set to different values. It can be seen from the parallel feed network of the array that due to the discontinuity of the power divider, there will be small reflections in the feed network. The total reflection coefficient of the feed network input port can be calculated by the following formula of the first reflection model based on the small reflection theory.

[0047] Specifically, the above formula for the single-reflection model can be expressed by the following formula:

[0048]

[0049] Where Γ is the reflection coefficient, Γ i Tr is the reflection coefficient of the power divider. i =1+Γ i Tr i Γ is the transmission coefficient of the power divider. L Let θ be the reflection coefficient of the subarray in the array antenna. i =βL i θ is the phase delay, β is the propagation constant, and L i =l i +l i' +L i-1 L i l is the path length of the feeder network. i It is the path length between power divider nodes in the power supply network, l i' M+N represents the increase in path length between power dividers, where M+N is the number of power dividers in the power supply network.

[0050] Step S103: Combine the optimization algorithm to adjust the path length increase of the feed network, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and use the single reflection model formula to determine the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna, thereby obtaining the maximum bandwidth with a reflection coefficient lower than the preset amplitude value requirement and its corresponding path length increase.

[0051] In practical applications, the optimization algorithms used include one of the following: particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing algorithm, and neural network algorithm.

[0052] Specifically, the method described above, which combines optimization algorithms to adjust the increase in path length of multiple paths in the feed network, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and using the primary reflection model formula to determine the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna, to obtain the maximum bandwidth with a reflection coefficient lower than the preset amplitude value requirement and its corresponding increase in path length, can be implemented by the following steps A1-A4:

[0053] Step A1: Adjust the path length increment of multiple paths in the feed network, and then adjust the phase compensation value, thereby adjusting the phase delay generated by multiple small reflections in the feed network at different operating frequencies. The path length increment of multiple paths in the feed network corresponds to the optimization variable in the optimization algorithm.

[0054] Specifically, since there are high reflection nodes in the operating frequency band of the array antenna, the reflection coefficient can be further changed by adjusting the phase of multiple small reflections through adjusting the path length of the feed network. This can suppress the high reflection nodes in the operating frequency band of the array antenna and expand the array bandwidth.

[0055] More specifically, the power supply network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel, and the phase calculation formula θ in the above process... i =βL i It can be seen that changing the path length of the power supply network can adjust the phase of the small reflection. Then, by substituting the phase of the small reflection into the calculation formula of the primary reflection model, the corresponding reflection coefficient can be obtained. Therefore, the high reflection at a certain frequency point, i.e., the in-phase superposition effect, can be weakened by the above method.

[0056] Step A2: Substitute the phase of the small reflection into the formula for the first reflection model to obtain the amplitude value of the corresponding reflection coefficient;

[0057] In practical applications, based on the above steps, since the array's operating frequency band contains multiple frequency points, when the path length is changed, not only will the phase of the small reflections at the frequency point that needs adjustment be changed, but the phase of the small reflections at other frequency points will also be changed. Therefore, in order to achieve the optimal effect of small reflection phase adjustment, that is, to ensure that the in-phase superposition effect of small reflections within the maximum bandwidth does not cause its reflection coefficient to exceed the required amplitude value and thus cut off the bandwidth, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the array's bandwidth.

[0058] Here, particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing algorithm, neural network algorithm, etc. can be used to optimize the bandwidth of the array. The optimization variable is the increase in the path length of the feed network. In practical applications, the number of adjustable feed network paths, i.e. the number of optimization variables, can be determined according to the designed array structure. There is no limit to the specific number.

[0059] Step A3: Evaluate the fitness of the path length increment based on the amplitude value, where the fitness function is the maximum bandwidth where the reflection coefficient of the array antenna is lower than the preset amplitude value, and perform multiple iterations to obtain the optimal solution;

[0060] Specifically, the fitness of the path length increment can be evaluated based on the following formula:

[0061] BW'=max((f max-f min ) / f0)

[0062] Where BW' is fitness, f max f is the frequency corresponding to the upper limit of the amplitude value. min The frequency corresponding to the lower limit of the amplitude value, f0 = (f max +f min ) / 2 is the center frequency.

[0063] Step A4 ultimately yields the maximum bandwidth below the preset reflection coefficient and its corresponding increase in path length.

[0064] Step S104 involves changing the path lengths of multiple paths in the feed network according to the path length increase value, and re-arraying the power dividers to expand the bandwidth of the array antenna. Specifically, taking an 8×8 scale feed network array antenna as an example... Figure 3 The diagram shows the reflection coefficients of an 8×8 feed network before and after array optimization. It can be seen that the phase modulation method provided by this invention effectively extends the -10dB impedance bandwidth of the array. The antenna element spacing of the array is 0.844λ0, and the reflection coefficients of the power divider and the load are both set to -25dB.

[0065] Specifically, the set reflection coefficient can also be other values ​​simulated by the designed model simulation software, and the reflection coefficient of the power divider and the reflection coefficient of the load can also be other values. The specific values ​​are not restricted here.

[0066] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, this invention provides an array antenna bandwidth extension design apparatus. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an array antenna bandwidth extension design device is shown, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the array antenna bandwidth extension design device includes:

[0067] The first determining module 401 is used to determine the scale of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and to assemble the broadband subarray and the feed network according to the scale of the array antenna; wherein the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel.

[0068] The second determining module 402 is used to determine the primary reflection model formula based on the small reflection theory. The primary reflection model formula is used to represent the correspondence between the reflection coefficient and scale of the array antenna, the reflection coefficient of the power divider and the path length of the feed network.

[0069] The third determining module 403 is used to adjust the path length increase value of the feed network by combining the optimization algorithm, thereby adjusting the phase compensation value, and using the primary reflection model formula to determine the reflection coefficient corresponding to the array antenna, thereby obtaining the maximum bandwidth with a reflection coefficient lower than the preset amplitude value requirement and its corresponding path length increase value.

[0070] The array module 404 is used to change the path length of multiple paths in the feed network according to the increase in path length, and to re-array the power dividers, thereby expanding the bandwidth of the array antenna.

[0071] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, this invention provides an array antenna, which is obtained by the above method; the array antenna includes: a feed network and a sub-array; the feed network is composed of multiple power dividers connected in parallel; the sub-array is connected to the output port of the feed network as a terminal load.

[0072] Specifically, the array antenna also includes multiple subarrays, which consist of multiple power dividers and multiple radiating elements.

[0073] The following example uses a 16×16 large-scale broadband planar array antenna, where... (See...) Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a large-scale broadband planar array antenna structure, in which the array antenna is nested inside a metal body 15 and connected to an RF link via a flange 16. Electromagnetic energy enters the feed network via a standard wave inlet 14 and is divided into sixteen equal paths. It is then divided into eight equal paths via a sub-feed network, fed into an H-plane power divider, which further divides the electromagnetic energy into two paths. Finally, the electromagnetic energy is fed to the radiating element 6, radiating into free space to complete the energy conversion process.

[0074] Based on the above method and process, for the above array antenna, the operating frequency band and center frequency of the array antenna can be designed according to engineering requirements, and the form, size, element spacing and scale of the radiating elements and the array antenna can be selected.

[0075] Specifically, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a 4×4 subarray is shown. Figure 7 A side view of a 4×4 subarray is shown;

[0076] The 4×4 subarray 1 consists of a sub-feed network 4 composed of three power dividers 3, an H-plane power divider 5, and a radiating unit 6. The three parts of the subarray 1 have broadband characteristics.

[0077] To achieve a broadband planar array antenna, a 4×4 subarray 1 and a feed network 2 with broadband characteristics were designed. The subarray 1 is connected as a load to the output port of the feed network 2. It should be noted that the load can take many forms. In addition to the forms mentioned above, it can be a single radiating element, or a 1×2 subarray, a 2×2 subarray, a 2×4 subarray, etc. The form of the radiating element is not limited to the horn antenna element provided by this invention. It can also be a patch antenna element, a magnetoelectric dipole antenna element, etc. No specific restrictions are placed on the form of the load and the form of the radiating element.

[0078] Specifically, Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a power divider is shown. The triangular diaphragm 7 on the power divider and the rectangular diaphragm 8 on the output stub are used to adjust the matching. In this embodiment, a triangular diaphragm is used as an example. However, in practical applications, various forms such as triangular diaphragms, rectangular diaphragms, arc-shaped diaphragms, and trapezoidal diaphragms can be used to achieve the matching adjustment effect. Therefore, there is no specific limitation on the form of the diaphragm.

[0079] The power divider 3 has a gradient structure at its input stub, and triangular diaphragms 7 and rectangular diaphragms 8 on its output stub are used to adjust the matching to achieve broadband performance. The power supply network 2 consists of four power dividers 3. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a power supply network structure is shown, in which the array size consisting of subarray 1 and power supply network 2 is 16×16.

[0080] After determining the size of the array antenna and assembling the broadband subarray and feed network according to the size of the array antenna, the reflection coefficient of the array antenna can be calculated according to the first reflection model formula in the above method. The bandwidth of the array can be optimized according to the above method. The optimization variable is the increase in the path length of the feed network. The optimization target is the maximum bandwidth that is lower than the set reflection coefficient amplitude value, and the path length of the feed network is adjusted.

[0081] Specifically, the path length of the array's feed network can be adjusted using the path length increment value obtained from an optimization algorithm. Figure 10A schematic diagram of a bending structure for increasing the path length of a power supply network is shown. The bending structure 9 consists of multiple bending sections 11, each bending at a 90-degree angle. It should be noted that the structure for increasing the path length can be designed in various forms, including the aforementioned right-angled structure, as well as non-right-angled, S-shaped, trapezoidal, triangular, W-shaped, and sawtooth-shaped structures. In other words, any structure that can achieve path length adjustment can achieve the purpose of this invention. The specific structural form is not specifically limited here. The figure shows a right-angled form as an example. When designing the bending structure 9, the phase compensation amount is mainly controlled by adjusting the downward bending length h of the bending structure. Matching and adjustment are achieved through the triangular and rectangular diaphragm structures 10 at the bending point, the distance l between the bending sections, and the width w of the bending section. In practical applications, the diaphragm can be in various forms such as triangular diaphragm, rectangular diaphragm, arc diaphragm, and trapezoidal diaphragm, all of which can achieve the matching and adjustment effect. Therefore, the specific diaphragm form is not specifically limited. Phase comparison is used to ensure that the path length increased by the bending structure is consistent with the path length obtained by the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, this bending structure is set on the output branch of the power divider.

[0082] Specifically, Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a power divider structure with increased path length is shown. Figure 12 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of a feeder network with increased path length. Figure 13 A top view of a feeder network with increased path length is shown, wherein, after path length adjustment, the power divider can be configured as a power divider 12 with increased path length.

[0083] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a three-layer array structure with increased path length is shown. Electromagnetic energy enters the feed network 13 (after increasing the path length) via the standard wave inlet 14 and is divided into sixteen paths. It is then divided into eight paths via the sub-feed network 4, fed into an H-plane power divider 5, which further divides the electromagnetic energy into two paths. Finally, the electromagnetic energy is coupled to the radiating element 6 and radiated into free space, completing the energy conversion process. Ultimately, based on the phase-modulated large-scale array antenna bandwidth extension method, the designed 16×16 large-scale planar array antenna achieves a bandwidth exceeding 50% -11dB. Figure 15 The reflection coefficient curve of a 16×16 massive MIMO antenna with extended bandwidth is shown.

[0084] This invention also provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 16The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device, which includes a processor 50 and a memory 51. The memory 51 stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor 50. The processor 50 executes the machine-executable instructions to implement the above-described array antenna bandwidth extension method.

[0085] exist Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device further includes a bus 52 and a communication interface 53, wherein the processor 50, the communication interface 53, and the memory 51 are connected via the bus.

[0086] The memory 51 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Communication between this system network element and at least one other network element is achieved through at least one communication interface 53 (which can be wired or wireless), such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, etc. The bus can be an ISA bus, PCI bus, or EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 16 The symbol is represented by a single double-headed arrow, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0087] Processor 50 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of processor 50 or by instructions in software form. Processor 50 can be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc.; it can also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this invention. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this invention can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory. The processor 50 reads the information in the memory 51 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the array antenna bandwidth extension method of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0088] This invention also provides a machine-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions. When these machine-executable instructions are called and executed by a processor, they cause the processor to implement the above-described array antenna bandwidth extension method. For specific implementation details, please refer to the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0089] The computer program products of the array antenna bandwidth extension method, apparatus and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present invention include a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the array antenna bandwidth extension method described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0090] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a processor-executable, non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0091] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0092] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for bandwidth extension of a phase-controlled array antenna, characterized in that, The method comprises: determining the scale of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and arraying the subarray and the feed network of the wideband according to the scale of the array antenna; wherein the feed network is formed by multiple stages of power dividers connected in parallel; determining a first reflection model formula based on the small reflection theory, the first reflection model formula being used to represent the corresponding relationship between the reflection coefficient of the array antenna and the scale, the reflection coefficient of the power divider and the path length of the feed network; adjusting the path length increase value of the feed network in combination with an optimization algorithm, and then adjusting the phase compensation value, and determining the corresponding reflection coefficient of the array antenna by using the first reflection model formula, to obtain the maximum bandwidth of the reflection coefficient being lower than a preset value and the corresponding path length increase value; changing the path lengths of multiple paths in the feed network according to the path length increase value, and re-arraying the power dividers, so as to expand the bandwidth of the array antenna; The one-time reflection model formula is expressed as follows: ; wherein, Γ is the reflection coefficient, Γ1 is the reflection coefficient of the first stage of the power divider, Γ i is the reflection coefficient of the power divider, i is the stage number of the power divider, j is the imaginary unit, Tr i = 1 + Γ i , Tr i is the transmission coefficient of the power divider, Γ L is the reflection coefficient of the subarray in the array antenna, , θ is the phase delay, is the phase delay from the first stage of the power divider to the subarray, β is the propagation constant, , L i is the path length of the feed network, l i is the path length between the power divider nodes in the feed network, is the path length increase value between the power divider nodes, is the number of power dividers in the feed network.

2. The array antenna bandwidth extension method of claim 1, wherein, the step of adjusting the path length increase value of the multiple paths in the feed network in combination with an optimization algorithm, and then adjusting the phase compensation value, and determining the corresponding reflection coefficient of the array antenna by using the first reflection model formula, to obtain the maximum bandwidth of the reflection coefficient being lower than a preset value and the corresponding path length increase value; comprises: adjusting the path length increase value of the multiple paths in the feed network, and then adjusting the phase compensation value, so as to adjust the phase delay generated by multiple small reflections in the corresponding feed network at different operating frequencies, wherein the path length increase value of the multiple paths in the feed network corresponds to an optimization variable in the optimization algorithm; substituting the phase of the small reflection into the first reflection model formula to obtain the amplitude value of the corresponding reflection coefficient; evaluating the fitness of the path length increase value based on the amplitude value, wherein the fitness function is the maximum bandwidth of the amplitude value of the reflection coefficient of the array antenna being lower than a preset amplitude value, and multiple iterations are performed to obtain an optimal solution; finally obtaining the maximum bandwidth of the reflection coefficient being lower than a preset value and the corresponding path length value increase value.

3. The array antenna bandwidth extension method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: evaluating the fitness of the path length increase value based on the following formula: wherein, BW’ is the fitness, f max is the frequency corresponding to the upper limit of the amplitude value, f min is the frequency corresponding to the lower limit of the amplitude value, is the center frequency.

4. The array antenna bandwidth extension method of claim 2, wherein, The optimization algorithm comprises one of the following algorithms: particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing algorithm and neural network algorithm.

5. A device for extending the bandwidth of an array antenna, characterized in that, The design device comprises: a first determination module configured to determine the scale of the array antenna based on engineering requirements, and array the subarray and the feed network of the wideband according to the scale of the array antenna; wherein the feed network is formed by multiple stages of power dividers connected in parallel; a second determination module configured to determine a first reflection model formula based on the small reflection theory, the first reflection model formula being used to represent the corresponding relationship between the reflection coefficient of the array antenna and the scale, the reflection coefficient of the power divider and the path length of the feed network; a third determination module configured to adjust the path length increase value of the feed network in combination with an optimization algorithm, and then adjust the phase compensation value, and determine the corresponding reflection coefficient of the array antenna by using the first reflection model formula, to obtain the maximum bandwidth of the reflection coefficient being lower than a preset value and the corresponding path length increase value. A rearray module is configured to change path lengths of a plurality of paths in the feed network according to the path length increasing values and to rearray the power dividers, thereby expanding a bandwidth of the array antenna. The one-time reflection model formula is expressed as follows: ; wherein, Γ is the reflection coefficient, Γ1 is the reflection coefficient of the first stage of the power divider, Γ i is the reflection coefficient of the power divider, i is the stage number of the power divider, j is the imaginary unit, Tr i = 1 + Γ i , Tr i is the transmission coefficient of the power divider, Γ L is the reflection coefficient of the subarray in the array antenna, , θ is the phase delay, is the phase delay from the first stage of the power divider to the subarray, β is the propagation constant, , L i is the path length of the feed network, l i is the path length between the power divider nodes in the feed network, is the path length between the power divider nodes, is the number of power dividers in the feed network.

6. An array antenna, characterized by The array antenna is obtained by the method of any one of claims 1-4. The array antenna comprises a feed network and sub-arrays; the feed network is connected in parallel by a plurality of power dividers; and the sub-arrays are connected as terminal loads on output ports of the feed network.

7. The array antenna of claim 6, wherein, The array antenna further comprises a plurality of sub-arrays, and each of the sub-arrays comprises a plurality of power dividers and a plurality of radiating elements.

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