An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic modeling and optimization method for a conformal multi-antenna on a curved surface, comprising the following steps: S1: initially setting the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units; S2: constructing a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units; S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set to obtain a curved antenna array; S4: constructing a simulation model of the curved antenna array and performing a simulation to obtain antenna electrical characteristics; S5: determining whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range; if so, outputting the simulation model; if not, adjusting the parameters of the planar antenna array and returning to step S3. The present invention provides an automatic modeling and optimization method for a conformal multi-antenna on a curved surface, which can perform conformal operations on any curved surface, while reducing repetitive work, lowering the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling, simulation, and optimization, thereby resolving the current problem of complex modeling of arbitrary curved surface array antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of radio, and more particularly to an automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the communications sector has become a hot development area. Antennas are a particularly important part of the communications field. They transmit and / or receive information through electromagnetic waves, achieving wireless information transmission. As a result, antennas are used in a wide range of scenarios, such as being installed on buildings, vehicles, ships, aircraft, and many other carriers.

[0003] Currently, more and more vehicles need to be equipped with related antenna structures. However, at the same time, vehicles such as cars and airplanes have higher requirements for lightweight and miniaturized antennas. Therefore, conformal antennas that can fit with the outer surface of the vehicle, have a small size, low load, and will not destroy the aerodynamic layout of the vehicle are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers.

[0004] Conformal antennas are structurally identical to the carrier platform, providing both structural load-bearing capabilities and the ability to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. As the skin of aircraft like airships and wings, conformal antennas are directly subjected to environmental loads such as vibration and shock, which inevitably cause structural deformation. This in turn affects the performance of the embedded conformal antenna, impacting the aircraft's detection range, interference resistance, and imaging clarity in dynamic operating environments.

[0005] Arbitrary curved surface array antennas offer maximum adaptability to the carrier's shape. This is because arbitrary curved surface arrays can be distributed on a two-dimensional twisted surface. As long as the surface has an outward normal pointing in a certain pattern, the array elements can be arranged in a certain pattern, resulting in a high degree of conformity between the array surface and the carrier surface. Compared to traditional spherical and cylindrical arrays, arbitrary curved surface arrays offer wider coverage, greater space utilization, less impact on the carrier's aerodynamic performance, and a larger array aperture. Furthermore, because cylindrical arbitrary curved surfaces are not restricted to the basic shape of aircraft, they are expected to find widespread application in navigation, communications, radar, and other fields.

[0006] Therefore, the simulation and design of arbitrary curved array antennas are crucial for modern communications, radar, navigation, and other fields. However, because arbitrary curved array antennas lack periodicity in their arrangement, current designs for arbitrary arrays are mostly based on simulating small arrays. This results in complex modeling, high computational effort, difficult optimization, long design cycles, and low reliability. With the continuous advancement of carrier platforms, the scale and complexity of conformal arrays will continue to grow. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to overcome the technical defect of complex modeling of current arbitrary curved surface array antennas, the present invention provides an automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0009] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0010] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0011] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0012] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0013] S4: Build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0014] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0015] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0016] If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0017] In the above scheme, a curved antenna array is obtained by constructing a planar antenna array to conform to the curved surface. The conformal antenna array can be conformal to any curved surface. At the same time, the curved antenna array is automatically modeled and the antenna electrical characteristics are obtained through simulation software. The model is automatically optimized to achieve the required target parameters and performance, reducing repetitive work, reducing the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling simulation optimization.

[0018] Preferably, the antenna unit is a patch antenna.

[0019] Preferably, the patch antenna is a rectangular microstrip patch antenna.

[0020] Preferably, step S1 further includes: determining the length and width of the patch antenna, the frequency sweep range, and the length and width of the microstrip line according to the required center frequency.

[0021] Preferably, step S2 specifically comprises: constructing a planar antenna array on a planar substrate according to the number and arrangement spacing of the antenna units;

[0022] The flat substrate is subjected to a conformal operation in step S3 to obtain a curved substrate.

[0023] Preferably, when the curved surface has an outer chamfer, the conformal operation further comprises the following steps:

[0024] A1: Set a chamfered substrate on the curved substrate according to the position of the outer chamfer on the curved surface, select the edge to be chamfered on the chamfered substrate and perform the chamfering operation to create the outer chamfer of the substrate;

[0025] A2: Create an outer chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the outer chamfer of the substrate, and merge the outer chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the location of the outer chamfer on the curved surface into a whole;

[0026] and merging the chamfered substrate and the curved substrate;

[0027] A3: Complete the conformality of the outer chamfered antenna unit.

[0028] In the above scheme, modeling can be performed conformally on complex surfaces, and modeling of external chamfers can be completed on the surfaces.

[0029] Preferably, when the curved surface has an inner chamfer, the conformal operation further comprises the following steps:

[0030] B1: A chamfered substrate is set on the curved substrate according to the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface, and the edges to be chamfered are selected on the chamfered substrate for chamfering to create an outer chamfer of the substrate that is complementary to the inner chamfer;

[0031] B2: forming a corresponding recessed portion on the curved substrate according to the outer chamfer of the substrate;

[0032] B3: Create an inner chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the recessed portion, and merge the inner chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface into a whole;

[0033] B4: Complete the conformality of the inner chamfered antenna unit.

[0034] In the above scheme, modeling can be performed conformally on complex surfaces, and the modeling of inner chamfers can be completed on the surfaces.

[0035] Preferably, the size of the outer chamfer is determined according to the length of the recess between two adjacent surfaces of the edge to be chamfered.

[0036] Preferably, in step S5, adjusting the parameters of the planar antenna array specifically includes adjusting the arrangement spacing of antenna units in the planar antenna array.

[0037] Preferably, in step S5, adjusting the parameters of the planar antenna array specifically includes adjusting the size of antenna units in the planar antenna array.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are:

[0039] The present invention provides an automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas. By constructing a planar antenna array and conforming it to the curved surface to obtain a curved antenna array, the conformal antenna array can be conformed to any curved surface. At the same time, the curved antenna array is automatically modeled and the antenna electrical characteristics are obtained through simulation software. The model is automatically optimized to achieve the required target parameters and performance, reducing repetitive work, lowering the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling simulation optimization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of the steps for implementing the technical solution of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first angle application of the present invention for performing conformal operation with a curved surface;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a second angle application of the present invention for performing conformal operation with a curved surface;

[0043] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the third angle application of the present invention for performing conformal operation with a curved surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this patent;

[0045] In order to better illustrate this embodiment, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product size;

[0046] It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and descriptions thereof may be omitted in the drawings.

[0047] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a method for automatic modeling and optimization of curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0050] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0051] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0052] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0053] S4: Build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0054] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0055] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0056] If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0057] In the specific implementation process, a curved antenna array is obtained by constructing a planar antenna array to conform to the curved surface. It can be conformal to any curved surface. At the same time, the curved antenna array is automatically modeled and the antenna electrical characteristics are obtained through simulation software. The model is automatically optimized to achieve the required target parameters and performance, reducing repetitive work, lowering the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling simulation optimization.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0060] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0061] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0062] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0063] S4: Use simulation software to build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0064] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0065] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0066] If not, adjust the arrangement spacing of the antenna units in the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0067] Example 3

[0068] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0069] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0070] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0071] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0072] S4: Use simulation software to build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0073] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0074] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0075] If not, adjust the size of the antenna unit in the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0076] Example 4

[0077] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0078] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0079] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0080] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0081] S4: Use simulation software to build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0082] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0083] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0084] If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0085] More specifically, the antenna unit is a patch antenna.

[0086] More specifically, the patch antenna is a rectangular microstrip patch antenna.

[0087] More specifically, step S1 further includes: determining the length and width of the patch antenna, the frequency sweep range, and the length and width of the microstrip line according to the required center frequency.

[0088] In practice, the calculation formula for the patch antenna is: λ = c / f. The length and width of the microstrip line are automatically calculated using the Txline software, which takes into account the required center frequency, the substrate's dielectric constant (substrate characteristics), and the impedance matching. The excitation port location and excitation method are also determined based on the antenna unit's layout.

[0089] More specifically, step S2 is as follows: constructing a planar antenna array on a planar substrate according to the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0090] The flat substrate is subjected to a conformal operation in step S3 to obtain a curved substrate.

[0091] Example 5

[0092] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0093] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0094] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0095] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0096] S4: Use simulation software to build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0097] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0098] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0099] If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0100] More specifically, the antenna unit is a patch antenna.

[0101] More specifically, the patch antenna is a rectangular microstrip patch antenna.

[0102] More specifically, step S1 further includes: determining the length and width of the patch antenna, the frequency sweep range, and the length and width of the microstrip line according to the required center frequency.

[0103] More specifically, step S2 is as follows: constructing a planar antenna array on a planar substrate according to the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0104] The flat substrate is subjected to a conformal operation in step S3 to obtain a curved substrate.

[0105] More specifically, when the curved surface has an outer chamfer, the conformal operation further includes the following steps:

[0106] A1: Set a chamfered substrate on the curved substrate according to the position of the outer chamfer on the curved surface, select the edge to be chamfered on the chamfered substrate and perform the chamfering operation to create the outer chamfer of the substrate;

[0107] A2: Create an outer chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the outer chamfer of the substrate, and merge the outer chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the location of the outer chamfer on the curved surface into a whole;

[0108] and merging the chamfered substrate and the curved substrate;

[0109] A3: Complete the conformality of the outer chamfered antenna unit.

[0110] More specifically, the size of the outer chamfer is determined according to the length of the recess between two adjacent surfaces of the edge to be chamfered.

[0111] In the specific implementation process, by constructing a planar antenna array that conforms to a curved surface to obtain a curved antenna array, the conformal antenna array can be formed on complex curved surfaces, and the external chamfers can be modeled on the curved surface. Simultaneously, the curved antenna array is automatically modeled and the antenna electrical characteristics are obtained through simulation software. The model is automatically optimized to achieve the required target parameters and performance, reducing repetitive work and the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling, simulation and optimization. When the curvature of the surface is changed, the model can bend arbitrarily to follow the curvature of the substrate surface.

[0112] Example 6

[0113] An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antennas includes the following steps:

[0114] S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0115] S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements;

[0116] S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array;

[0117] S4: Use simulation software to build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics;

[0118] S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range;

[0119] If so, the simulation model is output;

[0120] If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3.

[0121] More specifically, the antenna unit is a patch antenna.

[0122] More specifically, the patch antenna is a rectangular microstrip patch antenna.

[0123] More specifically, step S1 further includes: determining the length and width of the patch antenna, the frequency sweep range, and the length and width of the microstrip line according to the required center frequency.

[0124] More specifically, step S2 is as follows: constructing a planar antenna array on a planar substrate according to the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units;

[0125] The flat substrate is subjected to a conformal operation in step S3 to obtain a curved substrate.

[0126] More specifically, when the curved surface has an inner chamfer, the conformal operation further includes the following steps:

[0127] B1: A chamfered substrate is set on the curved substrate according to the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface, and the edges to be chamfered are selected on the chamfered substrate for chamfering to create an outer chamfer of the substrate that is complementary to the inner chamfer;

[0128] B2: forming a corresponding recessed portion on the curved substrate according to the outer chamfer of the substrate;

[0129] B3: Create an inner chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the recessed portion, and merge the inner chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface into a whole;

[0130] B4: Complete the conformality of the inner chamfered antenna unit.

[0131] More specifically, the size of the outer chamfer is determined according to the length of the recess between two adjacent surfaces of the edge to be chamfered.

[0132] In the specific implementation process, by constructing a planar antenna array that conforms to a curved surface to obtain a curved antenna array, the conformal antenna array can be formed on complex curved surfaces, and the inner chamfer can be modeled on the curved surface. Simultaneously, the curved antenna array is automatically modeled and the antenna electrical characteristics are obtained through simulation software. The model is automatically optimized to achieve the required target parameters and performance, reducing repetitive work and the error rate of manual modeling, and improving the efficiency of modeling and simulation optimization. When the curvature of the surface is changed, the model can bend arbitrarily to follow the curvature of the substrate surface.

[0133] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antenna, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Initially set the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units; S2: Construct a planar antenna array based on the number and arrangement spacing of antenna elements; S3: performing a conformal operation on the planar antenna array and the curved surface on which the antenna array is to be set, to obtain a curved antenna array; S4: Build a simulation model of the curved antenna array and perform simulation to obtain the antenna electrical characteristics; S5: Determine whether the antenna electrical characteristics are within a preset range; If so, the simulation model is output; If not, adjust the parameters of the planar antenna array and return to step S3; Step S2 specifically comprises: constructing a planar antenna array on a planar substrate according to the number and arrangement spacing of antenna units; and performing a conformal operation on the planar substrate in step S3 to obtain a curved substrate; When the curved surface has an outer chamfer, the conformal operation further includes the following steps: A1: Set a chamfered substrate on the curved substrate according to the position of the outer chamfer on the curved surface, select the edge to be chamfered on the chamfered substrate and perform the chamfering operation to create the outer chamfer of the substrate; A2: Create an outer chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the outer chamfer of the substrate, and merge the outer chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the location of the outer chamfer on the curved surface into a whole; and merging the chamfered substrate and the curved substrate; A3: Complete the conformal shape of the outer chamfered antenna unit; When the curved surface has an inner chamfer, the conformal operation further includes the following steps: B1: A chamfered substrate is set on the curved substrate according to the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface, and the edges to be chamfered are selected on the chamfered substrate for chamfering to create an outer chamfer of the substrate that is complementary to the inner chamfer; B2: forming a corresponding recessed portion on the curved substrate according to the outer chamfer of the substrate; B3: Create an inner chamfered surface that fits the upper surface of the recessed portion, and merge the inner chamfered surface and the antenna unit at the position of the inner chamfer on the curved surface into a whole; B4: Complete the conformality of the inner chamfered antenna unit.

2. The method for automatic modeling and optimization of a curved surface conformal multi-antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna unit is a patch antenna.

3. The automatic modeling and optimization method for curved surface conformal multi-antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The patch antenna is a rectangular microstrip patch antenna.

4. The method for automatic modeling and optimization of curved surface conformal multi-antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1 , the method further includes determining the length and width of the patch antenna, the frequency sweep range, and the length and width of the microstrip line according to the required center frequency.

5. The method for automatic modeling and optimization of curved surface conformal multi-antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the outer chamfer is determined by the length of the recess between the two adjacent surfaces of the edge to be chamfered.

6. The method for automatic modeling and optimization of curved surface conformal multi-antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, adjusting the parameters of the planar antenna array specifically includes adjusting the arrangement spacing of antenna units in the planar antenna array.

7. The method for automatic modeling and optimization of curved surface conformal multi-antennas according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, adjusting the parameters of the planar antenna array specifically includes adjusting the size of the antenna units in the planar antenna array.

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