Integrated antenna system and mode switching method thereof for radar, reconnaissance and communication

Abstract

The application provides a radar, reconnaissance and communication integrated antenna system and a mode switching method thereof.The integrated antenna system integrates radar, communication, reconnaissance and interference functions.The integrated antenna system comprises a main array surface, an auxiliary antenna, an auxiliary channel, a communication modulation and demodulation module, an electronic reconnaissance module, an array surface control module and an information processing platform.The application can realize directional / omnidirectional communication and wideband omnidirectional / directional reconnaissance while realizing the radar function, has the characteristics of compact structure, high integration, low cost and the like, and the wideband and narrowband combined working mode fully utilizes the main array surface resource, effectively reduces the difficulty and cost of preprocessing, and can automatically realize adaptive switching of different modes of the radar, communication and electronic warfare, effectively improves the resource utilization rate and combat effectiveness of the system, and has high engineering application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an integrated antenna system that combines radar, detection, and communication, and its mode switching method. Background Technology

[0002] For a long time, radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems have developed independently and vertically. However, with the advancement of science and technology, the differences between the hardware of various electronic systems are becoming smaller and smaller. The need to use a single antenna array to achieve different application mission functions is becoming increasingly urgent.

[0003] Radar primarily detects targets actively by emitting signals, while electronic warfare systems passively detect targets using electromagnetic signals emitted by them. Communication data links achieve effective information transmission through communication with cooperating targets. From the perspective of radio theory and system implementation, radar, electronic warfare, and communication data link systems are extremely similar. In principle, radar and communication both involve the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves; electronic warfare reconnaissance involves the reception of electromagnetic waves, while electronic jamming involves the transmission of electromagnetic waves. Structurally, their subsystems overlap considerably, such as antennas, transmitters, receivers, and processors. Although the specific implementations of different functions differ somewhat, it is entirely possible to integrate radar, electronic warfare, and communication data link functions using common resources by effectively utilizing the latest technological advancements.

[0004] In terms of system composition, the antenna arrays of radar, communication, and reconnaissance systems all include similar equipment such as antennas, transmitters, receivers, and signal processors. Furthermore, the signals are becoming increasingly similar, with overlapping frequency ranges and no longer significantly different signal characteristics. Therefore, sharing hardware and software resources is feasible, and achieving a multi-functional integrated design can greatly enhance the system's combat capabilities, enabling the radar to diversify its functions while utilizing its superior performance for communication and reconnaissance missions.

[0005] In terms of implementation, with the rapid development of modern electronic system integration technology, multifunctional radio frequency integrated systems are increasingly becoming the development trend of electronic systems for future battlefields. For radar-communication-reconnaissance integration, this type of multifunctional radio frequency integrated system will be based on a shared radio frequency hardware platform—an integrated radio frequency front-end—and will possess different functions such as radar, communication, and reconnaissance through software programming and dynamic configuration. In short, radar, communication, and reconnaissance systems can be integrated through hardware integration, that is, sharing part or all of the antenna system, transmitting system, and receiving system; or through software integration, that is, the communication signal is spread spectrum processed and loaded onto the radar signal to form an integrated waveform. Through the transmission of this integrated waveform, detection and communication functions are simultaneously achieved, thus realizing radar-communication integration.

[0006] Radar, electronic warfare, and communication data links each have different functional requirements, performance indicators, operating times, and target objects. It is necessary to analyze and study the workflows and resource requirements of each function, categorize and combine various functions, determine the system's operating mode, service sequence, and state switching criteria, and establish system correlation matrices, dynamic combination models, and function switching models. This allows for the implementation of different functions on the same hardware platform through different software components, and the elimination of co-location interference through system resource management. This satisfies the system's active detection requirements, adapts to electronic warfare functional needs, and also possesses the necessary communication data link capabilities.

[0007] Existing multifunctional integrated radio frequency engineering designs physically integrate different functional apertures and achieve different tasks through time division or aperture allocation, which cannot fully utilize the resources of the entire array. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on integrated radar, reconnaissance, and communication antenna arrays by comprehensively considering factors such as cost, implementation difficulty, and array resource utilization.

[0008] Furthermore, traditional radar, electronic warfare, and communication data link functions are implemented using different independent devices, resulting in almost no system-level resource management and more internal module management. Multifunctional integrated radio frequency systems, on the other hand, use common hardware resources and implement different functions through different software. This commonality and sharing of resources raises the issue of dynamic resource management. Therefore, research is needed on methods for switching between radar, detection, and communication integrated operating modes to achieve dynamic reconfiguration of system resources, ensuring resource utilization and real-time combat effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to achieve the rational integration of radar, detection, and communication. This invention proposes an integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication and its mode switching method.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated antenna system integrates radar, communication, detection, and jamming functions, and the integrated antenna system includes:

[0011] The main array, consisting of multiple subarrays divided into quadrants, is used to realize the spatial radiation and echo collection of array signals.

[0012] Auxiliary antennas are used to enable the spatial transmission of auxiliary signals and the collection of echoes.

[0013] The auxiliary channel is communicatively connected to both the main array and the auxiliary antenna, and is used to select the output and input directions of the signal and to process the signal.

[0014] The communication modulation and demodulation module is communicatively connected to the auxiliary channel and is used to realize uplink modulation and downlink demodulation of communication baseband data;

[0015] An electronic detection module, which is communicatively connected to the auxiliary channel, is used to perform channelization processing of the detected signals and generate pulse descriptors;

[0016] The array control module is used to set the parameters and control the status of the main array, the auxiliary channel, the communication modulation and demodulation module and the electronic detection module according to the received control commands, and to perform digital multibeamforming processing on the echo data.

[0017] The information processing platform is communicatively connected to the array control module, the communication modulation and demodulation module, and the electronic detection module, and is used for signal processing and data processing.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each of the subarrays includes:

[0019] Multiple antenna radiating elements are used to complete the spatial radiation and echo collection of radio frequency signals;

[0020] Multiple analog TR components are used to complete the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals;

[0021] A power divider / combiner network is used to perform power divider / combiner of radio frequency signals within the subarray;

[0022] Multiple narrowband digital frequency conversion modules are used to complete the generation of baseband signals, upconversion and downconversion of echo signals, and AD acquisition within the subarray.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary antenna operates at frequencies ranging from 12 to 18 GHz, with both azimuth and elevation angles greater than 60°.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary channel includes:

[0025] Multi-channel broadband TR is used to realize the transmission and reception of broadband signals.

[0026] A switching matrix is ​​used to select the output and input directions of broadband signals.

[0027] The multi-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module is used to generate broadband baseband signals, perform up-conversion, down-convert broadband echo signals, and acquire AD signals.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-channel broadband TR has a saturated power amplifier and a linear power amplifier switching function, wherein the saturated power amplifier is used for broadband interference signal transmission and the linear power amplifier is used for broadband communication signal transmission.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the integrated antenna operates in one or more of the following modes:

[0030] Radar operating modes, detection modes, communication modes, and jamming modes.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mode switching method for an integrated radar, detection, and communication antenna system is provided. The method is used to implement mode switching of the integrated radar, detection, and communication antenna system as described above, and the method includes:

[0032] S10, the integrated antenna system, is in radar operating mode when powered on, for target search and tracking;

[0033] S20, while searching and tracking the target, forms multibeam data in the azimuth dimension based on echo data;

[0034] S30, determine whether a signal exists and the type of signal by using the multibeam data;

[0035] S40: If a communication access request signal is detected, the radar operating mode is stopped and the radar is switched to communication mode.

[0036] S50, if it is determined that there is no communication access request signal, then pulse descriptor data is generated, and it is determined whether to switch to interference mode;

[0037] S60, if it is determined that the radar is to switch to the jamming mode, the radar operation mode is stopped and the radar is switched to the jamming mode; if it is not switched, pulse descriptor data is transmitted down and the main array operating parameters are changed in real time using the pulse descriptor data.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in S10, under the radar operating mode, an ultra-low altitude search mode or a sector search mode is selected to complete TWS tracking, form a target track, and determine whether the target guidance is effective according to the target threat level. If effective, the system switches to the target guidance search mode to complete the interception and TAS tracking process.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method for switching to the communication mode in S40 includes:

[0040] S41, generate a handshake signal, use the main array to transmit the handshake signal in the corresponding direction, process the beam received in the corresponding direction, determine whether the handshake is successful, after the handshake is successful, receive feedback information from the communication object, and determine the communication method between the two parties.

[0041] S42 generates uplink communication data, uses the main array to form a communication transmission waveform, completes the transmission process, forms a downlink communication beam, completes the demodulation and recovery of communication information, and transmits communication information downlink.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in step S60, under the interference mode, the interference method is determined according to the pulse descriptor data, an interference waveform is generated, and an interference signal is emitted in a specified direction using an array.

[0043] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0044] This invention achieves radar functionality while simultaneously enabling directional / omnidirectional communication and broadband omnidirectional / directional reconnaissance. It features a compact structure, high integration, and low cost. The combined wide and narrow band operation fully utilizes the main array resources, effectively reducing the difficulty and cost of preprocessing. Furthermore, it can automatically and adaptively switch between different modes of radar, communication, and electronic warfare, effectively improving the system's resource utilization and combat effectiveness, and possesses high engineering application value. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated antenna system combining radar, detection, and communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working mode switching method of the integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operating mode switching method of an integrated antenna system combining radar, detection, and communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0049] The steps described in the specification and the flowcharts in the accompanying drawings of this invention are not necessarily to be strictly followed according to the step numbers; the execution order of the steps can be changed. Furthermore, certain steps can be omitted, multiple steps can be combined into one step, and / or one step can be broken down into multiple steps.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication integrates radar, communication, detection, and jamming functions, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the integrated antenna system includes: main array, auxiliary antenna, auxiliary channel, communication modulation and demodulation module, electronic detection module, array control module and information processing platform.

[0051] The main array comprises multiple subarrays divided by quadrants, used for spatial radiation and echo collection of array signals. Auxiliary antennas are used for spatial transmission and echo collection of auxiliary signals. Auxiliary channels are communicatively connected to both the main array and auxiliary antennas, used for signal output and input direction selection and signal processing.

[0052] The communication modulation and demodulation module is connected to the auxiliary channel and is used to implement uplink modulation and downlink demodulation of the communication baseband data. The electronic detection module is also connected to the auxiliary channel and is used to perform channelization processing of the detected signals and generate pulse descriptors.

[0053] The array control module is used to set parameters and control the status of the main array, auxiliary channels, communication modulation and demodulation modules and electronic detection modules according to the received control commands, and to perform digital multibeamforming processing of echo data.

[0054] The information processing platform is connected to the array control module, the communication modulation and demodulation module, and the electronic detection module for signal and data processing.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, each subarray includes: multiple antenna radiating array sub-units, multiple analog TR components, a power divider combining network, and multiple narrowband digital frequency conversion modules.

[0056] Among them, multiple antenna radiating array sub-units are used to complete the spatial radiation and echo collection of radio frequency signals, multiple analog TR components are used to complete the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals, a power divider and combining network is used to complete the power division and combining of radio frequency signals within the sub-array, and multiple narrowband digital frequency conversion modules are used to complete the generation, up-conversion and down-conversion of baseband signals and AD acquisition within the sub-array.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the operating frequency of the auxiliary antenna covers 12 to 18 GHz, and both the azimuth and elevation angles are greater than 60°.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the auxiliary channels include: a multi-channel broadband TR, a switching matrix, and a multi-channel broadband frequency converter digital module.

[0059] Among them, the multi-channel broadband TR is used to realize the transmission and amplification of broadband signals, the switch matrix is ​​used to realize the selection of the output and input directions of broadband signals, and the multi-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module is used to realize the generation, up-conversion and down-conversion of broadband baseband signals and AD acquisition of broadband echo signals.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-channel broadband TR has a saturated power amplifier and a linear power amplifier switching function, wherein the saturated power amplifier is used for broadband interference signal transmission and the linear power amplifier is used for broadband communication signal transmission.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the integrated antenna operates in one or more of the following modes:

[0062] Radar operating modes, detection modes, communication modes, and jamming modes.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mode switching method for an integrated radar, detection, and communication antenna system is used to realize mode switching of the integrated radar, detection, and communication antenna system as described above, combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0064] S10, the integrated antenna system, is in radar operating mode when powered on, for target search and tracking;

[0065] S20, while searching and tracking the target, forms multibeam data in the azimuth dimension based on echo data;

[0066] S30 determines the presence and type of signal by using multi-beam data;

[0067] S40: If a communication access request signal is detected, the radar operating mode is stopped and the radar is switched to communication mode.

[0068] S50, if it is determined that there is no communication access request signal, then pulse description word data is generated, and it is determined whether to switch to interference mode;

[0069] S60: If it is determined to switch to jamming mode, the radar operation mode is stopped and switched to jamming mode; if it is not switched, pulse descriptor data is transmitted down and the main array operating parameters are changed in real time using the pulse descriptor data.

[0070] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in S10, under radar operating mode, ultra-low altitude search mode or sector search mode is selected to complete TWS tracking, form target track, and determine whether target guidance is effective according to target threat level. If effective, switch to target guidance search mode to complete interception and TAS tracking process.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method for switching to communication mode in S40 includes:

[0072] S41, generate a handshake signal, use the main array to transmit the handshake signal in the corresponding direction, process the beam received in the corresponding direction, determine whether the handshake is successful, after the handshake is successful, receive feedback information from the communication object, and determine the communication method between the two parties.

[0073] S42 generates uplink communication data, uses the main array to form a communication transmission waveform, completes the transmission process, forms a downlink communication beam, completes the demodulation and recovery of communication information, and transmits communication information downlink.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in step S60, in the interference mode, the interference method is determined according to the pulse descriptor data, an interference waveform is generated, and an interference signal is emitted in a specified direction using the array.

[0075] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0076] This invention achieves radar functionality while simultaneously enabling directional / omnidirectional communication and broadband omnidirectional / directional reconnaissance. It features a compact structure, high integration, and low cost. The combined wide and narrow band operation fully utilizes the main array resources, effectively reducing the difficulty and cost of preprocessing. Furthermore, it can automatically and adaptively switch between different modes of radar, communication, and electronic warfare, effectively improving the system's resource utilization and combat effectiveness, and possesses high engineering application value.

[0077] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using an example of a Ku-band broadband antenna array applied to radar, detection, and communication integration. It should be understood that the following description is merely exemplary and should not be construed as a specific limitation of the present invention.

[0078] This invention relates to a Ku-band broadband antenna array for integrated radar, detection, and communication systems, primarily used in multifunctional integrated radio frequency systems to enhance the integrated capabilities of radar, detection, and communication.

[0079] A Ku-band broadband antenna array for radar, detection, and communication integration mainly consists of a main array, auxiliary antennas, auxiliary channels, DBF / array control module, communication modulation and demodulation module, and electronic detection module.

[0080] The main array is divided into four subarrays according to the four quadrants. Each subarray includes m antenna radiating array sub-units (to complete the spatial radiation and echo collection of radio frequency signals), m channels of analog TR components (to complete the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals), a power divider and combiner network (to complete the power division and combination of radio frequency signals within the subarray), and n channels of narrowband digital frequency conversion module (to complete the generation of baseband signals, up-conversion and down-conversion of echo signals, and AD acquisition within the subarray).

[0081] The power divider combining network consists of m 1:2 power dividers, n 1:m / n power dividers, and one m-to-1 power divider. The combining terminals of the m 1:2 power dividers are connected to the m-channel analog TR components. One of the branch terminals is connected to one input terminal of the 1:m / n power divider, and the other branch terminal is connected to one input terminal of the m-to-1 power divider. Finally, the m channels of the analog TR components are combined into n narrowband outputs and one subarray-level output. The narrowband outputs correspond to the n-channel narrowband digital frequency converter modules, and the subarray-level outputs correspond to the broadband frequency converter digital modules of the auxiliary channels.

[0082] The auxiliary antenna enables spatial transmission and echo collection of wide-beam signals. The antenna operates at a frequency of 12–18 GHz and has an azimuth and elevation beamwidth of >60°.

[0083] The auxiliary channel includes a four-channel broadband TR, a switching matrix, and a four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module. The four-channel broadband TR enables broadband signal transmission, reception, and amplification. The four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module generates and up-converts broadband baseband signals (including broadband communication signals and broadband interference signals), down-converts broadband echo signals, and performs AD acquisition. The switching matrix selects the output and input directions of the broadband signal and has two states: one where the broadband TR and auxiliary antenna amplify, radiate, and collect the broadband signal in space, with low-noise amplification; and another where the main array amplifies, radiates, and collects the broadband signal in space, with low-noise amplification.

[0084] The broadband TR has a saturated power amplifier and linear power amplifier switching function (the final stage power amplifier adopts a dual-channel switching design of saturated power amplifier and linear power amplifier). The saturated power amplifier is used for broadband interference signal transmission, and the linear power amplifier is used for broadband communication signal transmission.

[0085] The communication modulation and demodulation module implements uplink modulation and downlink demodulation of communication baseband data;

[0086] The electronic detection module performs channelization processing of the detected signals and generates PDW (Plus Discreption Word).

[0087] The DBF / array control module receives control commands uploaded from the backend, parses them, and then sets the parameters and controls the status of the main array, auxiliary channels, communication modulation and demodulation modules, and electronic detection modules. It also performs digital multibeamforming processing on the echo data transmitted from n narrowband digital frequency conversion modules.

[0088] A Ku-band broadband antenna array for integrated radar, detection, and communication applications features the following eight operating modes:

[0089] Mode 1: Radar operating mode;

[0090] In the transmission state, the DBF / array control module receives control commands uploaded from the backend and controls the 4n channels of the main array narrowband digital frequency conversion module to simultaneously complete the generation and up-conversion of the baseband signal. After the power divider and combiner network is used, the power is divided into 4m channels. The signal is amplified by the analog TR component and then the transmitted signal is radiated into space by 4m antenna radiating sub-units.

[0091] In the receiving state, the echo signal is spatially collected by 4m antenna radiating sub-units, and the signal is amplified with low noise by 4m receiving channels of the analog TR component. It is then combined into 4n channels by the power divider and combiner network and transmitted to 4n channels of the main array narrowband digital frequency conversion module to realize the down-conversion and AD acquisition of the echo signal. 4n echo baseband signals are generated and transmitted to the DBF / array control module to complete the narrowband beamforming process. The generated beam data is then transmitted to the back end to complete the subsequent signal processing and data processing.

[0092] Mode 2: High-probability detection mode;

[0093] The auxiliary antenna's wide-beam receiver receives Ku-band full-frequency signals in space. The signal is then split into four paths in a four-channel broadband TR module, with each path amplifying the signal. After selection by a switching matrix, the signal is transmitted to a four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module, where down-conversion processing and AD acquisition of signals in the 12–13.5 GHz, 13.5–15 GHz, 15–16.5 GHz, and 16.5–18 GHz bands are performed. The baseband signals of the four bands are then transmitted to an electronic detection module, where channelization processing and PDW generation of the baseband signals are performed. Finally, the generated PDW information is down-transmitted to the backend.

[0094] Mode 3: Omnidirectional communication mode;

[0095] In the transmission state, the communication modulation and demodulation module generates the communication baseband data, the four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module generates and up-converts the communication baseband signal, the switching matrix selects the signal, the signal is amplified by the four-channel broadband TR module, and then radiated into space by the auxiliary antenna.

[0096] In the receiving state, the auxiliary antenna collects communication signals in space. After the signal is amplified with low noise by the four-channel broadband TR module, the signal is transmitted to the four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module for frequency conversion filtering and baseband signal acquisition and generation using the selection function of the switching matrix. The generated communication baseband signal is then transmitted to the communication modulation and demodulation module for demodulation processing. Finally, the demodulated and recovered communication data is transmitted to the back end.

[0097] Mode 4: High-gain detection mode;

[0098] The DBF / array control module is used to set the four quadrant subarrays to receive signals in the four bands of 12–13.5 GHz, 13.5–15 GHz, 15–16.5 GHz, and 16.5–18 GHz, respectively. It controls the four quadrant subarrays to achieve narrow-beam reception of signals in the same direction in each band (pointing control is achieved by controlling the phase shift value of the TR components in the quadrant subarrays, and analog beamforming of the channel signals within the subarrays is achieved using the four power divider combining networks in the main array). Four beamformed signals are output and transmitted to the switching matrix of the auxiliary channel. Using the gating function of the switching matrix, the signals are transmitted to the four channels of the four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module, achieving down-conversion and AD acquisition processing of the four band signals. The generated broadband baseband signal is then transmitted to the electronic detection module to achieve channelization processing and PDW generation of the four band baseband signals. Finally, the generated PDW information is down-transmitted to the backend.

[0099] Four frequency bands are assigned to the four quadrants of the array. The beam control is used to simulate beamforming of the same direction signal in different frequency bands in the four quadrants. This signal is then sent to the four-channel frequency conversion digital module to complete the acquisition of the signal in each frequency band. The data is then sent to the electronic reconnaissance module to complete the channelization and waveform description word formation.

[0100] Mode 5: Directional communication mode;

[0101] In the transmission state, the communication modulation and demodulation module generates four channels of communication baseband data through modulation. The four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module generates and up-converts the communication baseband signal. After being selected by the switching matrix, the signal is transmitted to the four power divider combining networks of the main array. After power division processing by the power divider combining networks, the signal is transmitted to the m-channel analog TR components of each subarray (at this time, by configuring the phase shift value of the analog TR components in each subarray, communication signals can be transmitted to different targets in four directions). After amplification, the signal is transmitted to the antenna radiating array subunit to realize the spatial radiation of the transmitted signal.

[0102] In receiving mode, the antenna radiating sub-units of the main array collect space communication signals. These signals are then amplified by the low-noise analog TR components in the m-channel sub-array (by configuring the phase shift values ​​of the analog TR components in each sub-array, communication signals from four different targets in four directions can be received). The power divider network combines the received communication signals from the main array into four channels, which are then transmitted to the switching matrix of the auxiliary channel. After being selected by the switching matrix, the signals are transmitted to the four-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module for down-conversion processing and AD acquisition processing to generate the communication baseband signal. The generated communication baseband signal is then transmitted to the communication modulation and demodulation module for demodulation processing. Finally, the demodulated and recovered communication data is transmitted to the backend.

[0103] Mode 6: Simultaneous operation of radar search / tracking and high-probability detection;

[0104] In this mode, both Mode 1 and Mode 2 are enabled.

[0105] Mode 7: Radar tracking and directional communication operate simultaneously;

[0106] In this mode, both Mode 1 and Mode 5 are enabled. The transmitted waveform of directional communication is the same as that of radar communication. By using the sum and difference processing of its echo, the tracking of the communication object can be achieved. At this time, it is possible to track moving targets and communicate in real time.

[0107] Mode 8: Simultaneous operation of radar search / tracking and omnidirectional communication:

[0108] In this mode, both Mode 1 and Mode 3 are enabled.

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown, during system operation, an automatic switching method is employed to achieve adaptive switching between different modes of radar, communication, and electronic warfare, which can effectively improve the system's resource utilization and combat effectiveness.

[0110] Step 1: The system is powered on and defaults to radar search mode. At this time, select the radar working mode to determine whether the system is working in ultra-low altitude search mode or sector search mode, complete TWS tracking, form target track, and determine whether the target guidance is effective according to the target threat level. If it is effective, switch to target guidance search mode to complete the interception and TAS tracking process.

[0111] Step 2: During the search and tracking process, the radar simultaneously forms multiple beams in the azimuth dimension (covering the range of ±45° of the array normal);

[0112] Step 3: After the multi-beam data is channelized, it is determined whether there is a signal in each sub-band. If there is, the type of signal is determined.

[0113] Step 4: Determine whether there is a communication access request signal in the sub-band. If there is an access request in the receiving beam in a certain direction, stop the radar working state, generate a handshake signal, use the array to transmit the handshake signal in the corresponding direction, process the receiving beam in that direction, and determine whether the handshake is successful. After the handshake is successful, receive feedback information from the communication object to determine the communication method between the two parties.

[0114] Step 5: Generate uplink communication data, use the array to form a communication transmission waveform, complete the transmission process, form a downlink communication beam, complete the demodulation and recovery of communication information, and transmit the communication information downlink;

[0115] Step 6: If there is no communication request signal in the sub-band, PDW data is generated. It is determined whether to switch the jamming mode. If the switch is determined, the radar operation is stopped. The jamming method needs to be determined based on the PDW data, and the jamming waveform is generated. The jamming signal is transmitted in the specified direction using the array. If the switch is not performed, the PDW data is transmitted down. The backend uses the PDW data to change the array frequency, waveform and other operating parameters in real time.

[0116] In summary, this invention proposes a Ku-band broadband antenna array with antenna array for integrated radar, reconnaissance, and communication applications. While realizing radar functions, it can also achieve directional / omnidirectional communication and broadband omnidirectional / directional reconnaissance. It features a compact structure, high integration, and low cost. The combined wide and narrow band operation mode makes full use of the main array resources, effectively reducing the difficulty and cost of preprocessing. Furthermore, it can automatically achieve adaptive switching between different modes of radar, communication, and electronic warfare, effectively improving the system's resource utilization and combat effectiveness, and has high engineering application value.

[0117] Through the description of specific embodiments, a more in-depth and specific understanding should be gained of the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose. However, the accompanying drawings are only provided for reference and illustration and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated antenna system combining radar, detection, and communication, characterized in that, The integrated antenna system integrates radar, communication, detection, and jamming functions, and includes: The main array, consisting of multiple subarrays divided into quadrants, is used to realize the spatial radiation and echo collection of array signals. Auxiliary antennas are used to enable spatial transmission of auxiliary signals and echo collection. The auxiliary channel is communicatively connected to both the main array and the auxiliary antenna, and is used to select the output and input directions of the signal and to process the signal. The communication modulation and demodulation module is communicatively connected to the auxiliary channel and is used to realize uplink modulation and downlink demodulation of communication baseband data; An electronic detection module, which is communicatively connected to the auxiliary channel, is used to perform channelization processing of the detected signals and generate pulse descriptors; The array control module is used to set the parameters and control the status of the main array, the auxiliary channel, the communication modulation and demodulation module and the electronic detection module according to the received control commands, and to perform digital multibeamforming processing on the echo data. The information processing platform is communicatively connected to the array control module, the communication modulation and demodulation module, and the electronic detection module, and is used for signal processing and data processing.

2. The integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the subarrays includes: Multiple antenna radiating elements are used to complete the spatial radiation and echo collection of radio frequency signals; Multiple analog TR components are used to complete the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals; A power divider / combiner network is used to perform power divider / combiner of radio frequency signals within the subarray; Multiple narrowband digital frequency conversion modules are used to complete the generation of baseband signals, upconversion and downconversion of echo signals, and AD acquisition within the subarray.

3. The integrated antenna system combining radar, detection, and communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary antenna operates at frequencies ranging from 12 to 18 GHz, with both azimuth and elevation angles greater than 60°.

4. The integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary channel includes: Multi-channel broadband TR is used to realize the transmission and reception of broadband signals. A switching matrix is ​​used to select the output and input directions of broadband signals. The multi-channel broadband frequency conversion digital module is used to generate broadband baseband signals, perform up-conversion, down-convert broadband echo signals, and acquire AD signals.

5. The integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multi-channel broadband TR has the function of switching between saturated power amplifier and linear power amplifier. The saturated power amplifier is used for broadband interference signal transmission, while the linear power amplifier is used for broadband communication signal transmission.

6. The integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The integrated antenna system operates in one or more of the following modes: Radar operating modes, detection modes, communication modes, and jamming modes.

7. A mode switching method for an integrated antenna system combining radar, detection, and communication, characterized in that, The method is used to achieve mode switching of the integrated radar, detection, and communication antenna system as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the method includes: S10, the integrated antenna system, is in radar operating mode when powered on, for target search and tracking; S20, while searching and tracking the target, forms multibeam data in the azimuth dimension based on echo data; S30, determine whether a signal exists and the type of signal by using the multibeam data; S40: If a communication access request signal is detected, the radar operating mode is stopped and the radar is switched to communication mode. S50, if it is determined that there is no communication access request signal, then pulse description word data is generated, and it is determined whether to switch to interference mode; S60, if it is determined that the radar is to switch to the jamming mode, the radar operation mode is stopped and the radar is switched to the jamming mode; if it is not switched, pulse descriptor data is transmitted down and the main array operating parameters are changed in real time using the pulse descriptor data.

8. The mode switching method of the integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S10, under the radar operating mode, select the ultra-low altitude search mode or sector search mode to complete TWS tracking, form a target track, and determine whether the target guidance is effective according to the target threat level. If effective, switch to target guidance search mode to complete the interception and TAS tracking process.

9. The mode switching method of the integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method for switching to the communication mode in S40 includes: S41, generate a handshake signal, use the main array to transmit the handshake signal in the corresponding direction, process the beam received in the corresponding direction, determine whether the handshake is successful, after the handshake is successful, receive feedback information from the communication object, and determine the communication method between the two parties. S42 generates uplink communication data, uses the main array to form a communication transmission waveform, completes the transmission process, forms a downlink communication beam, completes the demodulation and recovery of communication information, and transmits communication information downlink.

10. The mode switching method of the integrated antenna system for radar, detection, and communication according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S60, under the interference mode, the interference method is determined according to the pulse descriptor data, an interference waveform is generated, and an interference signal is emitted in a specified direction using the array.

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