A W-band active phased array antenna

Abstract

The application provides a W-band active phased array antenna, comprising: an antenna array surface, a TR component, a power division module, a wave control module, an extensible structure support and a heat dissipation device; the antenna array surface adopts a waveguide slot array line array antenna form, a feed line is integrally designed with the antenna array surface, loss is low, and efficiency is high; radio frequency connection of the antenna array surface, the TR component and the power division module adopts a waveguide direct connection mode, which can significantly reduce radio frequency connection loss; the TR component and the wave control module are interconnected through a low-frequency connector wire throwing, which is flexible and convenient; the application has simple structure, is convenient to expand into a large-scale array, has high structural reliability, is suitable for a star-borne environment, and is particularly suitable for the fields of star-borne communication or radar technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and specifically to a W-band active phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid breakthroughs in semiconductor electronics technology in the microwave field, the development and utilization of the millimeter-wave frequency band is increasing. Among these, W-band systems, compared to Ka-band or lower frequency bands, can achieve narrower antenna beams, higher antenna gain, smaller circuit size, and lighter weight for the same antenna size. Therefore, research on W-band antenna systems is of great significance.

[0003] Based on the domestic and international literature collected so far, the W-band antenna systems that have been physically tested can be categorized as follows.

[0004] The first major category is W-band quasi-optical antenna systems. These mainly include reflector antennas (including single-reflector and double-reflector antennas, with double-reflector antennas including Cassegrain and Gregorian antennas) and lens antennas. These antennas are relatively simple to manufacture, but they are large in size, limiting their application areas.

[0005] The second major category is W-band passive microwave antenna systems, which are generally derived from millimeter-wave antennas. These include W-band waveguide slot antennas, W-band substrate integrated antennas, and W-band microstrip antennas. A key characteristic of these antennas is that as the frequency increases, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and the dielectric and conductor losses also increase, making it difficult to achieve a gain of over 40dB.

[0006] Both types of antennas share a common drawback: achieving high-power applications above the kilowatt level requires a centralized high-power amplifier. However, due to technological limitations, there are currently no mature high-power amplifiers available in China for applications above the kilowatt level. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention addresses the challenges of high-power amplifiers exceeding 1kW by providing a W-band active phased array antenna. The antenna array employs a waveguide slotted array design, with the feed line integrated into the antenna array, resulting in low loss and high efficiency. The RF connections between the antenna array, the TR module, and the power divider module utilize direct waveguide connections, significantly reducing RF connection losses. The TR module and the waveguide module are interconnected via low-frequency connectors, offering flexibility and convenience.

[0008] This invention provides a W-band active phased array antenna, including an antenna array, a TR component interconnected with the antenna array via a waveguide, a power divider module, and a wave control module interconnected with the TR component via a low-frequency connector. The antenna array is a waveguide wide-side slotted antenna with an integrated feed line structure.

[0009] The W-band active phased array antenna of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, includes at least two spliced ​​waveguide slot linear array elements. Each waveguide slot linear array element includes a radiating waveguide, a radiating slot disposed on the surface of the radiating waveguide, a transition waveguide connected to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide, a feed waveguide connected to the bottom of the transition waveguide, an impedance tuning block disposed inside the feed waveguide, and an RF probe disposed inside the transition waveguide and the feed waveguide to connect the radiating waveguide and the impedance tuning block. The transition waveguide, the feed waveguide, the impedance tuning block, and the RF probe are used to realize the transition from the feed waveguide to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide and to excite the radiating waveguide at the same time.

[0010] The number of channels in the TR component is the same as the number of waveguide slot linear array elements.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the W-band active phased array antenna described in this invention, the sky radiation waveguide, transition waveguide, and feed waveguide are integrated into a single structure.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the W-band active phased array antenna described in this invention, the feed waveguides in adjacent waveguide slot linear array elements are staggered, and the positions of the feed waveguides are set according to the interface positions of the TR components.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the W-band active phased array antenna described in this invention, the waveguide port side connecting the antenna TR component to the antenna array is positioned using pins and secured with screws installed in the surrounding space.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the W-band active phased array antenna described in this invention, the antenna TR component has a modular structure, with the interfaces of adjacent TR components placed alternately.

[0015] The W-band active phased array antenna of the present invention, as a preferred embodiment, has a modular structure for the power distribution module, which is expandable.

[0016] The W-band active phased array antenna of the present invention, as a preferred embodiment, further includes an expandable structural support connected to the outside of the TR component and a heat dissipation device disposed outside the TR component.

[0017] This technical solution includes: an antenna array, a TR assembly, a power divider module, a waveguide control module, an expandable support structure, and a heat dissipation device. The antenna array adopts a wide-side slotted waveguide antenna design, with the feed line integrated with the antenna array, resulting in low loss and high efficiency. The RF connections between the antenna array, the TR assembly, and the power divider module utilize waveguide interconnection, significantly reducing RF connection losses. The TR assembly and the waveguide control module are interconnected via low-frequency connectors, offering flexibility and convenience.

[0018] The antenna array includes: a radiating slot, a radiating waveguide, a transition waveguide, an impedance tuning block, an RF probe, and a feed waveguide. The transition waveguide, impedance tuning block, RF probe, and feed waveguide work together to achieve the transition from the narrow side of the feed waveguide to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide, and simultaneously excite the radiating waveguide.

[0019] The feed positions of adjacent waveguide slot linear array elements are staggered, and the feed positions can be determined according to the interface position of the TR component.

[0020] The array consists of multiple connectable subarrays, which can be easily expanded on a one-dimensional structure.

[0021] The TR module's adjacent channel interfaces are staggered, which doubles the array spacing of a single channel, facilitating the layout and utilization of internal space within the W-band TR module. The TR module adopts a modular design. Generally, four channels form one module, with a single low-frequency connector for control and power supply, ensuring structural planarity.

[0022] The power distribution network adopts a modular design, which facilitates ensuring structural planarity and allows for easy expansion.

[0023] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] (1) This invention proposes a W-band active phased array antenna scheme, which is the first of its kind in China.

[0025] (2) The W-band phased array antenna feed line and antenna array are integrated in this invention. The RF connection between the antenna array, TR components and power divider module adopts waveguide direct connection, which can significantly reduce RF connection loss.

[0026] (3) The W-band phased array antenna of the present invention has a compact structure and strong scalability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure of a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0028] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a waveguide slot linear array element of a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0029] Figure 3 A side view of a waveguide slot linear array element of a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0030] Figure 4 A top view of a waveguide slot linear array element of a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0031] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the interface between the TR component and the antenna array surface of a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0032] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the power divider network for a W-band active phased array antenna;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a composite normal pattern of a W-band active phased array antenna.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a 3° scanning pattern of a W-band active phased array antenna.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 1. Antenna array; 11. Waveguide slot linear array element; 111. Radiation waveguide; 112. Radiation slot; 113. Transition waveguide; 114. Feed waveguide; 115. Impedance tuning block; 116. RF probe; 2. TR assembly; 3. Power divider module; 4. Waveguide control module; 5. Expandable structural support; 6. Heat dissipation device. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a W-band active phased array antenna includes an antenna array 1, a TR component 2 and a power divider module 3 that are sequentially interconnected with the antenna array 1 via waveguides, a wave control module 4 that is interconnected with the TR component 2 via a low-frequency connector wire, an expandable structural support 5 connected to the outside of the TR component 2, and a heat dissipation device 6 disposed outside the TR component 2. The antenna array 1 is a waveguide wide-side slotted antenna with an integrated feed line structure.

[0040] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the antenna array 1 includes at least two spliced ​​waveguide slot linear array elements 11. Each waveguide slot linear array element 11 includes a radiating waveguide 111, a radiating slot 112 disposed on the surface of the radiating waveguide 111, a transition waveguide 113 connected to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide 111, a feed waveguide 114 connected to the bottom of the transition waveguide 113, an impedance tuning block 115 disposed inside the feed waveguide 114, and an RF probe 116 disposed inside the transition waveguide 113 and the feed waveguide 114 to connect the radiating waveguide 111 and the impedance tuning block 115. The transition waveguide 113, the feed waveguide 114, the impedance tuning block 115, and the RF probe 116 are used to realize the transition from the feed waveguide 114 to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide 111 and simultaneously excite the radiating waveguide 111.

[0041] The number of channels in TR component 2 is the same as the number of waveguide slot linear array elements 11;

[0042] The radiating waveguide 111, the transition waveguide 113, and the feeding waveguide 114 are an integrated structure;

[0043] The feed waveguides 114 in adjacent waveguide slot linear array units 11 are staggered, and the position of the feed waveguides 114 is set according to the interface position of the TR component 2.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the waveguide port side of the TR component 2 connected to the antenna array 1 is positioned using pins and secured with screws installed in the outer space;

[0045] TR component 2 has a modular structure, with the interfaces of adjacent TR components 2 being placed in an alternating manner;

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the power distribution module 3 has a modular structure and can be expanded.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention includes an antenna array 1, a TR component 2, a power divider module 3, a beam control module 4, an expandable structural support 5, and a heat dissipation device 6. The diagram shows a 32-element array, and the number of array elements can be flexibly expanded or reduced according to application requirements.

[0049] like Figure 2 The image shown is a three-dimensional view of the antenna array 1 of this invention. Figure 3 The image shown is a top view of the antenna array 1 of this invention. Figure 4 The image shown is a top view of the antenna array 1 of the present invention. The antenna array 1 includes a radiation slot 112, a radiation waveguide 111, a transition waveguide 113, an impedance tuning block 115, an RF probe 116, and a feed waveguide 114.

[0050] like Figure 5 The image shows a three-dimensional view of the interface between the TR component 2 and the antenna array 1 of the present invention. Waveguide interconnection is used, and pins are used for positioning near the waveguide port.

[0051] like Figure 6 The image shows a three-dimensional view of the power divider network 3 interface of this invention, which is interconnected with the TR component 2 via waveguide ports. The 1-to-8 power divider network is configured as a single module, ensuring structural accuracy and the flatness of the assembly surfaces. It is also easily expandable.

[0052] like Figure 7 The diagram shows the combined normal radiation pattern of the W-band phased array antenna of this invention. The output power of multiple T components is combined in space through the antenna array to achieve high-power radiation.

[0053] like Figure 8The figure shows the simulation results of the W-band phased array antenna of the present invention scanning 35°.

[0054] The principle of the W-band phased array antenna of this invention is as follows:

[0055] The W-band phased array antenna designed in this invention employs distributed TR components to control the amplitude and phase of each antenna element, thereby achieving high-power combining in space with high combining efficiency. The RF connection to the TR components uses waveguide interconnection, resulting in low feeder loss and facilitating expansion into a large-scale array.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A W-band active phased array antenna, characterized in that: The antenna array (1) includes a TR component (2) and a power divider module (3) that are sequentially interconnected with the antenna array (1) via waveguides, and a wave control module (4) that is interconnected with the TR component (2) via a low-frequency connector wire. The antenna array (1) is a waveguide wide-side slotted antenna with an integrated feed line structure. The antenna array (1) includes at least two spliced ​​waveguide slot linear array elements (11). Each waveguide slot linear array element (11) includes a radiating waveguide (111), a radiating slot (112) disposed on the surface of the radiating waveguide (111), a transition waveguide (113) connected to the E-plane of the radiating waveguide (111), a feed waveguide (114) connected to the bottom of the transition waveguide (113), and an impedance tuning block (115) disposed inside the feed waveguide (114). An RF probe (116) is disposed inside the transition waveguide (113) and the feed waveguide (114) to connect the radiation waveguide (111) and the impedance tuning block (115). The transition waveguide (113), the feed waveguide (114), the impedance tuning block (115) and the RF probe (116) are used to realize the transition from the feed waveguide (114) to the E-plane of the radiation waveguide (111) and to excite the radiation waveguide (111) at the same time. The number of channels in the TR component (2) is the same as the number of waveguide slot linear array units (11).

2. The W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiating waveguide (111), the transition waveguide (113), and the feeding waveguide (114) are an integrated structure.

3. The W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed waveguides (114) in adjacent waveguide slot array units (11) are staggered, and the position of the feed waveguides (114) is set according to the interface position of the TR component (2).

4. The W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TR component (2) is positioned on the waveguide port side connected to the antenna array (1) using a pin and secured with screws installed in the outer space.

5. A W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TR component (2) has a modular structure, and the interfaces of adjacent TR components (2) are staggered.

6. The W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power distribution module (3) has a modular structure and is expandable.

7. The W-band active phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an expandable structural support (5) connected to the outside of the TR component (2) and a heat dissipation device (6) disposed outside the TR component (2).

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