Modular lattice extended printed array antenna

Abstract

This application provides a modular grid-extended printed array antenna, comprising: multiple modular subarrays; the modular subarrays include odd-numbered columns and even-numbered columns; the odd-numbered and even-numbered columns are arranged at intervals; all odd-numbered columns have the same arrangement; all even-numbered columns have the same arrangement; wherein each modular subarray includes eight antennas; the internal antenna and TR component layouts of all odd-numbered columns are identical; the internal antenna and TR component layouts of all even-numbered columns are identical. This application provides a radio frequency transmission extension layer based on an equiphase transmission line design, which, through integrated design with the printed antenna, saves phased array costs and facilitates system miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radar technology, and in particular to a modular grid extended printed array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Radar phased array front-ends primarily employ two integration methods: tile-type and brick-type. The tile-type method uses a vertical interconnect structure, offering high integration density, but suffers from poor internal chip heat dissipation and is generally used in applications with large spacing and low power. For high-power, large-scan-angle requirements, a brick-type structure is typically used. In the brick-type structure, if the array grids of the array antenna and the TR component are mismatched, an RF transmission spacing extension layer needs to be placed between the array antenna and the TR component to achieve the conversion between different array grids.

[0003] In existing technologies, RF transmission spacing extension layers are generally implemented using multiple RF cables, with one end connected to the antenna and the other end connected to the TR component. A large number of cables are selected to achieve equal-phase, stable-phase, and low-loss connections. This method of implementing RF cable transmission extension layers increases equipment costs and development time, occupies additional space and weight in the RF front-end system, reduces system reliability, and also presents the disadvantage of inconvenient maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a modular grid extended printed array antenna, which can be used to solve the technical problem that the existing technology cannot meet the requirements of small size and low cost of array antennas.

[0005] A modular grid extended printed array antenna, characterized in that the modular grid extended printed array antenna comprises:

[0006] Multiple modular subarrays;

[0007] Modular subarrays include odd-column modular subarrays and even-column modular subarrays;

[0008] The odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged alternately; it is assumed that the direction of the alternation of the odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays is the X direction;

[0009] All odd-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way; all even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way.

[0010] Each modular subarray includes eight antennas;

[0011] The layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all odd-numbered modular subarrays; the layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all even-numbered modular subarrays.

[0012] Optionally, antennas 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any odd-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas;

[0013] On the other side, TR components 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals; assuming the arrangement direction of the TR components is the Z direction;

[0014] The distance between adjacent TR components is dy2;

[0015] Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order;

[0016] The distance between adjacent antennas is dy1;

[0017] Among them, dy2 <dy1;

[0018] The antenna 14 is offset by L1 relative to the TR component 14 in the negative Z direction.

[0019] Optionally, antennas 21 to 28 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any even-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas;

[0020] On the other side, TR components 21 to TR components 28 are arranged at equal intervals;

[0021] The distance between adjacent TR components is dy2;

[0022] Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order;

[0023] The distance between adjacent antennas is dy1;

[0024] Among them, dy2 <dy1;

[0025] The antenna 24 is offset by L2 relative to the positive direction of the TR component 24 in the Z direction.

[0026] Optionally, in adjacent odd-column modular subarrays and even-column modular subarrays, TR component 11 and TR component 21 overlap in the Z-direction.

[0027] Antenna 11 and antenna 21 are misaligned by 0.5*dy1 in the Z direction.

[0028] Optionally, in the Z direction, the modular subarrays can be translated and expanded as needed.

[0029] This application addresses the increased size, weight, and cost resulting from separating the RF cable transmission extension layer from the antenna design. It presents an RF transmission extension layer based on an equiphase transmission line design. Through integrated design with the printed antenna, phased array costs are saved, facilitating system miniaturization. The designed extension path is simple, enabling a conversion from a triangular to a rectangular arrangement, which facilitates modular expansion of the TR components. The 8-unit component is modularly replicated along the antenna grid in the Z-axis direction, resulting in shorter printed lines compared to modular replication by component grid, and lower antenna loss. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and expansion of triangular and rectangular grids provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram showing the connection and extension of the triangular grid and rectangular grid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a modular subarray provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the modular array antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The embodiments of this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] This application provides a modular grid extended printed array antenna, comprising:

[0037] Multiple modular subarrays;

[0038] Modular subarrays include odd-column modular subarrays and even-column modular subarrays;

[0039] The odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged alternately; it is assumed that the direction of the alternation of the odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays is the X direction;

[0040] All odd-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way; all even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way.

[0041] Each modular subarray includes eight antennas;

[0042] The layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all odd-numbered modular subarrays; the layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all even-numbered modular subarrays.

[0043] Antennas 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any odd-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas;

[0044] On the other side, TR components 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals; assuming the arrangement direction of the TR components is the Z direction;

[0045] The distance between adjacent TR components is dy2;

[0046] Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order;

[0047] The distance between adjacent antennas is dy1;

[0048] Among them, dy2 <dy1;

[0049] The antenna 14 is offset by L1 relative to the TR component 14 in the negative Z direction.

[0050] Antennas 21 to 28 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any even-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas;

[0051] On the other side, TR components 21 to TR components 28 are arranged at equal intervals;

[0052] The distance between adjacent TR components is dy2;

[0053] Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order;

[0054] The distance between adjacent antennas is dy1;

[0055] Among them, dy2 <dy1;

[0056] The antenna 24 is offset by L2 relative to the positive direction of the TR component 24 in the Z direction.

[0057] In adjacent odd-numbered and even-numbered modular subarrays, TR component 11 and TR component 21 overlap in the Z-direction.

[0058] Antenna 11 and antenna 21 are misaligned by 0.5*dy1 in the Z direction.

[0059] In the Z direction, the modular subarrays are translated and expanded as needed. Specifically, the printed pattern is consistent with the 8-unit modular subarray, which can form 16-unit, 24-unit, and 32-unit modular arrays.

[0060] In the X direction, the transmission extension layers in the odd-numbered modular subarrays and the even-numbered modular subarrays satisfy a mirror symmetry relationship, meaning that antenna 15 is positioned lower than TR component 15 by an offset of L2. This results in a rectangular TR component grid arrangement, facilitating modular interlocking of TR components. The antenna section has a triangular grid.

[0061] The present application will be further described below with reference to a specific embodiment.

[0062] The printed antenna has a Z-axis spacing of dy1 = 16 mm, with odd and even rows staggered by 8 mm. The TR component grid has a Z-axis spacing of dy2 = 12 mm, with odd and even rows not staggered. The X-axis spacing between the printed antenna and the components is 14 mm. The printed antenna uses a double-sided printed stripline design with a substrate thickness of 2 mm, a dielectric constant of 2.2, and a port impedance designed for 50 ohms, resulting in a stripline width of 1.6 mm.

[0063] The parameters L1 = 2mm and L2 = 6mm are selected. That is, the position of antenna 14 is 2mm lower than the position of component 14, and the position of antenna 24 is 6mm higher than the position of component 24.

[0064] Design a set of equiphase stripline RF transmission extension layers based on the above parameters, such as... Figure 3 As shown on the left.

[0065] The 8-element printed antenna radiator is an exponentially graded Vivildi antenna, such as... Figure 3 As shown on the right, the curve in the printed antenna on the right satisfies the exponential curve Y (the black dashed line in the lower right of the figure), and its parametric equation is y = c1·e mx +c2.

[0066] This application addresses the increased size, weight, and cost resulting from separating the RF cable transmission extension layer from the antenna design. It presents an RF transmission extension layer based on an equiphase transmission line design. Through integrated design with the printed antenna, phased array costs are saved, facilitating system miniaturization. The designed extension path is simple, enabling a conversion from a triangular to a rectangular arrangement, which facilitates modular expansion of the TR components. The 8-unit component is modularly replicated along the antenna grid in the Z-axis direction, resulting in shorter printed lines compared to modular replication by component grid, and lower antenna loss.

[0067] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. Since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

[0068] The embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular grid extended printed array antenna, characterized in that, The modular grid extended printed array antenna includes: Multiple modular subarrays, and an RF transmission extension layer based on an equal-phase transmission line design; Modular subarrays include odd-column modular subarrays and even-column modular subarrays; The odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged alternately; it is assumed that the direction of the alternation of the odd-numbered modular subarrays and even-numbered modular subarrays is the X direction; All odd-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way; all even-numbered modular subarrays are arranged in the same way. Each modular subarray includes eight antennas; The layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all odd-numbered modular subarrays; the layout of the internal antennas and TR components is the same for all even-numbered modular subarrays. The radio frequency transmission extension layer is integrated with the printed antenna to realize the conversion of the triangular grid of the array antenna to the rectangular grid of the TR component; Antennas 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any odd-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas; On the other side, TR components 11 to 18 are arranged at equal intervals; assuming the arrangement direction of the TR components is the Z direction; The distance between adjacent TR components is ; Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order; The distance between adjacent antennas is ; in, ; The offset of antenna 14 relative to TR component 14 in the negative Z direction is: .

2. The modular grid extended printed array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Antennas 21 to 28 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of any even-numbered modular subarray, for a total of 8 antennas; On the other side, TR components 21 to TR components 28 are arranged at equal intervals; The distance between adjacent TR components is ; Each antenna is connected to a TR component in the same order; The distance between adjacent antennas is ; in, ; The offset of antenna 24 relative to the positive direction of TR component 24 in the Z direction is: ; The offset structure of the odd-numbered modular subarrays and the even-numbered modular subarrays is mirror-symmetrical, which is suitable for the mirror-symmetrical wiring of the RF transmission extension layer.

3. The modular grid extended printed array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, In adjacent odd-numbered and even-numbered modular subarrays, TR component 11 and TR component 21 overlap in the Z-direction. Antenna 11 and antenna 21 are misaligned in the Z direction .

4. The modular grid extended printed array antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the Z direction, modular subarrays are translated and expanded as needed.

Images