A large antenna array and a phase-amplitude consistency design method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a large antenna array and a phase consistency design method thereof, and the design method comprises the following steps: recording cables between a signal generator and a power amplifier array as first cables, and dividing the first cables into i groups; recording cables between the power amplifier array and an antenna array as second cables, the total number of the second cables is N times of the total number of the first cables, and the second cables are divided into i groups corresponding to the first cables; and the first cables and the second cables between each group of cables adopt an asymmetric cable layout to ensure that the phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements. The application can improve the array surface power efficiency, reduce the system noise coefficient, and reduce the difficulty of array cable arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna array design technology, and more specifically, to a large antenna array and its amplitude and phase consistency design method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing antenna array designs, in order to meet the amplitude and phase consistency requirements of the antenna array, it is usually required that the amplitude and phase consistency between the multiple channels of each component in the antenna array be maintained, and the cable connections between each component are arranged symmetrically when the antenna array is deployed.

[0003] Typical antenna arrays consist of, for example: Figure 1 As shown, the antenna array consists of a signal generator, a power amplifier array, an antenna array, and M cables between the signal generator and the power amplifier array, as well as M×N cables between the power amplifier array and the antenna array. To achieve amplitude and phase consistency control of the entire array system, in addition to requiring amplitude and phase consistency for the M signals output by the signal generator, the M×N channels of the M power amplifier array, and the M×N antenna elements, amplitude and phase consistency is also required for the M cables between the signal generator and the power amplifier array, and the M×N cables between the power amplifier array and the antenna array. For ease of fabrication, production, and debugging, a completely symmetrical structural layout is generally adopted in the design, meaning that the internal cables of each component use completely symmetrical circuit devices, structures, and wiring of equal length, and the connections between different parts use equal-length, in-phase cables.

[0004] The above-mentioned array antenna design method is effective for small array design, but it has obvious shortcomings when used in large array design. This is mainly reflected in the fact that in large arrays, the power amplifier array and the antenna array are distributed in a large array surface. The M×N cables between the power amplifier array and the antenna array are required to meet the design cable length for the longest distance. The large number of cables is longer than the size required for physical space wiring, which increases cable loss, reduces array power efficiency, and increases system noise figure. At the same time, the large number of cables also increases the difficulty of cable layout. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a large antenna array and its amplitude and phase consistency design method to improve array power efficiency, reduce system noise figure, and reduce the difficulty of array cable layout.

[0006] This invention provides a method for designing amplitude and phase consistency of a large antenna array, comprising:

[0007] The cable between the signal generator and the power amplifier array is designated as the first cable and divided into group i.

[0008] Let the cable between the power amplifier array and the antenna array be the second cable. The total number of the second cables is N times the total number of the first cables, and the second cables are divided into i groups corresponding to the first cables.

[0009] The first and second cables between each group of cables use an asymmetrical cable layout to ensure that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements.

[0010] Furthermore, the asymmetrical cable layout of the first and second cables between each group of cables means that:

[0011] The total length of the first cable and the total length of the second cable are designed to be the same.

[0012] By using combinations of different cable lengths between the first and second cables in each group, the amplitude and phase of the sum of the first and second cables in each group are kept consistent, thereby ensuring that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements.

[0013] Furthermore, while meeting the cable connection length requirements, in each group of cables, the length of the second cable should be minimized as much as possible, while the length of the first cable should be increased.

[0014] Furthermore, based on the length requirements of the second cable, the second cables with small length differences are divided into a group. The second cables in each group are made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables, with the longest cable in the required length as the benchmark. Correspondingly, the first cables in the same group are also made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables.

[0015] Furthermore, in a set of cables, the length of the first cable in the set is obtained by subtracting the length of the second cable in the set in the asymmetrical cable layout from the sum of the lengths of the first and second cables in the symmetrical cable layout, and then the set of equal-width and same-phase cables is made.

[0016] The present invention also provides a large antenna array, including a signal generator, a power amplifier array, and an antenna array;

[0017] The cable between the signal generator and the power amplifier array is designated as the first cable and divided into group i.

[0018] Let the cable between the power amplifier array and the antenna array be the second cable. The total number of the second cables is N times the total number of the first cables, and the second cables are divided into i groups corresponding to the first cables.

[0019] The first and second cables between each group of cables use an asymmetrical cable layout.

[0020] Furthermore, the total length of the first cable is equal to the total length of the second cable; the combination of different cable lengths between the first and second cables in each group of cables ensures that the amplitude and phase of the sum of the first and second cables in each group remain consistent.

[0021] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. Improved Array Power Efficiency: In large antenna arrays, due to limitations such as installation space, power supply, structural strength, and mobile design, the power amplifier array is generally concentrated in a local area of ​​the antenna array, while the individual antennas are discretely distributed throughout the array space. The required length of the second cable from the power amplifier array to the individual antennas varies greatly, often exceeding the minimum cable length by several times in large antenna arrays. When using existing symmetrical cable layouts, the second cable must be fabricated based on the longest cable, resulting in equal amplitude and phase. This leads to a significant increase in cable length beyond the actual requirement, increasing cable loss. Since the power amplifier array has a fixed output power limit, this additional cable loss reduces the antenna array's output power, thus lowering the array power efficiency. With the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, the second cable is fabricated based on the longest cable in the corresponding group, resulting in equal amplitude and phase. This ensures that the cable length is roughly equivalent to the actual requirement, minimizing additional cable loss. The absence of additional cable loss significantly improves the array power efficiency, resulting in lower output power.

[0023] 2. Improved Noise Figure: The cable loss of the second cable directly affects the received noise figure. An increase in cable loss in decibels directly translates to an increase in the received noise figure in the same number of decibels. As mentioned earlier, with a symmetrical cable layout, a large portion of the second cable is longer than actually required, increasing cable loss and consequently increasing the received noise figure. With the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, a large portion of the second cable is the same length as actually required, resulting in virtually no additional cable loss. Without this additional cable loss, the received noise figure is significantly improved.

[0024] 3. Improved cable layout difficulty: As mentioned earlier, when using a symmetrical cable layout, a large number of second cables are longer than actually required, resulting in a significant increase in redundant cable length. During cable layout, a large number of redundant cables need to be coiled on the array surface, greatly increasing the difficulty of cable layout. When using the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, a large number of second cables are of similar length to the actual required length, with no excessive cable length redundancy. The space required for coiling cables is significantly reduced, greatly improving the difficulty of cable layout. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array composition in the prior art.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a large antenna array designed according to the large antenna array amplitude and phase consistency design method in this embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of an example of a large antenna array designed using the amplitude-phase consistency design method for large antenna arrays in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0030] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0031] Example

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this embodiment proposes a method for designing amplitude and phase consistency of a large antenna array, including:

[0033] Let the cable between the signal generator and the power amplifier array be the first cable, and the total number of the first cables be M. Divide the M first cables into i groups, and the number of first cables in the first group to the i group are M1, M2, ..., Mi, respectively, M1 + M2 + ... + Mi = M;

[0034] Let the cable between the power amplifier array and the antenna array be the second cable. The total number of second cables is M×N. Divide the M×N second cables into i groups corresponding to the first cables. The number of second cables in the first group to the i group are M1×N, M2×N, ..., Mi×N, respectively. M1×N+M2×N+...+Mi×N=M×N;

[0035] The first and second cables between each group of cables use an asymmetrical cable layout to ensure that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements.

[0036] Furthermore, the asymmetrical cable layout of the first and second cables in each group of cables means that the first cables and the second cables can be asymmetrical and do not need to be designed with equal amplitude and phase; that is, the sum of the total length of the first cable and the total length of the second cable is designed to be the same length; the combination of different cable lengths between the first and second cables in each group of cables is used to ensure that the amplitude and phase of the first and second cables in each group of cables are consistent, thereby ensuring that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements.

[0037] More specifically:

[0038] Since the number of first cables is only one-Nth of the number of second cables, in order to meet the cable connection length requirements, the length of the second cable should be reduced as much as possible and the length of the first cable should be increased in each group of cables, thereby making up for the lack of total cable length and greatly reducing the total cable length used in the entire large antenna array.

[0039] In addition, based on the length requirements of the second cable, the second cables with small length differences are grouped together, thereby appropriately reducing the number of groups and reducing the types and specifications of cables to be manufactured. The second cable in each group is made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables based on the cable with the longest required length; correspondingly, the first cable in the same group is also made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables.

[0040] Furthermore, when the first cable transmits a small signal, the cable loss has little impact on the transmission power output. When the signal is received, it is at the back end of the low noise amplifier, so the cable loss has little impact on the received noise figure. Moreover, the number of cables is relatively small. Therefore, the length of the first cable does not need to be specially controlled. In this embodiment, in a group of cables, the length of the first cable in the group is the sum of the lengths of the first cable and the second cable in the symmetrical cable layout minus the length of the corresponding second cable in the asymmetrical cable layout. Then, a group of equal amplitude and in-phase cables are made.

[0041] Through the above design, this invention employs an asymmetric cable layout design in the amplitude and phase consistency design of large antenna arrays. Compared with existing symmetric cable layout designs, this significantly improves the power efficiency, noise figure, and cable arrangement difficulty of the array surface, especially in large antenna arrays, where the effect is even more pronounced. Specific effects are as follows:

[0042] 1. Improved Array Power Efficiency: In large antenna arrays, due to limitations such as installation space, power supply, structural strength, and mobile design, the power amplifier array is generally concentrated in a local area of ​​the antenna array, while the individual antennas are discretely distributed throughout the array space. The required length of the second cable from the power amplifier array to the individual antennas varies greatly, often exceeding the minimum cable length by several times in large antenna arrays. When using existing symmetrical cable layouts, the second cable must be fabricated based on the longest cable, resulting in equal amplitude and phase. This leads to a significant increase in cable length beyond the actual requirement, increasing cable loss. Since the power amplifier array has a fixed output power limit, this additional cable loss reduces the antenna array's output power, thus lowering the array power efficiency. With the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, the second cable is fabricated based on the longest cable in the corresponding group, resulting in equal amplitude and phase. This ensures that the cable length is roughly equivalent to the actual requirement, minimizing additional cable loss. The absence of additional cable loss significantly improves the array power efficiency, resulting in lower output power.

[0043] 2. Improved Noise Figure: The cable loss of the second cable directly affects the received noise figure. An increase in cable loss in decibels directly translates to an increase in the received noise figure in the same number of decibels. As mentioned earlier, with a symmetrical cable layout, a large portion of the second cable is longer than actually required, increasing cable loss and consequently increasing the received noise figure. With the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, a large portion of the second cable is the same length as actually required, resulting in virtually no additional cable loss. Without this additional cable loss, the received noise figure is significantly improved.

[0044] 3. Improved cable layout difficulty: As mentioned earlier, when using a symmetrical cable layout, a large number of second cables are longer than actually required, resulting in a significant increase in redundant cable length. During cable layout, a large number of redundant cables need to be coiled on the array surface, greatly increasing the difficulty of cable layout. When using the asymmetrical cable layout of this invention, a large number of second cables are of similar length to the actual required length, with no excessive cable length redundancy. The space required for coiling cables is significantly reduced, greatly improving the difficulty of cable layout.

[0045] Example:

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, using the large antenna array amplitude and phase consistency design method, the first cable is divided into four groups (M1 to M4) through an asymmetric cable layout, with 7 cables in each group, totaling 28 cables. The number of second cables (N) for each power amplifier array and antenna array is 16, for a total of 28 × 16 = 448 cables. Compared to a symmetric cable layout, this asymmetric cable layout design reduces the average length of the second cable by more than 2.5 meters, lowers the average cable loss of the power amplifier array and antenna array by 0.6 dB, increases the array's transmit power by 0.6 dB, lowers the receive noise figure by 0.6 dB, and reduces the total cable length by more than 1000 meters. This not only reduces the amount of cable coiled (more than 1000 meters), simplifying cable arrangement, but also reduces the use of more than 1000 meters of RF cable, thus lowering the array's cable cost.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for designing amplitude and phase consistency of a large antenna array, characterized in that, include: The cable between the signal generator and the power amplifier array is designated as the first cable and divided into group i. Let the cable between the power amplifier array and the antenna array be the second cable. The total number of the second cables is N times the total number of the first cables, and the second cables are divided into i groups corresponding to the first cables. The first and second cables between each group of cables employ an asymmetrical cable layout to ensure that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements; the asymmetrical cable layout between the first and second cables between each group of cables means that: The total length of the first cable and the total length of the second cable are designed to be the same. By using combinations of different cable lengths between the first and second cables in each cable group, the amplitude and phase of the sum of the first and second cables in each cable group are kept consistent, thereby ensuring that the amplitude and phase consistency of the large antenna array meets the requirements. When meeting the cable connection length conditions, the length of the second cable in each cable group should be minimized as much as possible, and the length of the first cable should be increased.

2. The large antenna array amplitude and phase consistency design method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the length requirements of the second cable, the second cables with small length differences are divided into a group. The second cables in each group are made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables, with the longest cable in the required length as the benchmark. Correspondingly, the first cables in the same group are also made into a group of equal-amplitude and same-phase cables.

3. The large antenna array amplitude and phase consistency design method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In a set of cables, the length of the first cable in the set is obtained by subtracting the length of the second cable in the set in the asymmetrical cable layout from the sum of the lengths of the first and second cables in the symmetrical cable layout. Then, a set of equal-width and same-phase cables is made.

4. A large antenna array, characterized in that, Includes signal generators, power amplifier arrays, and antenna arrays; The cable between the signal generator and the power amplifier array is designated as the first cable and divided into group i. Let the cable between the power amplifier array and the antenna array be the second cable. The total number of the second cables is N times the total number of the first cables, and the second cables are divided into i groups corresponding to the first cables. The first and second cables in each group of cables adopt an asymmetrical cable layout: the total length of the first cable is equal to the sum of the total length of the second cable; The combination of different cable lengths between the first and second cables in each cable group can ensure that the amplitude and phase of the sum of the first and second cables in each cable group are consistent; when meeting the cable connection length requirements, the length of the second cable should be minimized and the length of the first cable should be increased as much as possible in each cable group.

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