Satellite-borne sar antenna of modular stacked layout

Abstract

This invention provides a modular, stacked layout spaceborne SAR antenna, comprising: at least two antenna modules, each antenna module including a radiating coupling layer, a transition combining layer, an RF network layer, and an active control layer. Each radiating coupling layer is mounted on a corresponding mounting position on the array frame. The lower surface of the radiating coupling layer is provided with a feed network interface, a calibration network connection port, a low-frequency cable connection port, an array thermal control implementation plane, and a fixing interface. The transition combining layer is mounted on the upper surface of the radiating coupling layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The RF network layer is mounted on the transition combining layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The active control layer is mounted on the RF network layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The feed network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the feed network interface, and the calibration network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the calibration network connection port. The array thermal control system is disposed on the array thermal control implementation plane and is used for heat dissipation from the antenna modules. The low-frequency cable is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the low-frequency cable connection port and is used to provide control signals to the antenna modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to spaceborne active phased array antenna technology, and more particularly to a spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure. Background Technology

[0002] Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a high-resolution imaging radar that can obtain high-resolution radar images similar to optical photography under extremely low visibility weather conditions. This requires SAR antennas with larger apertures to increase gain and high-power radiation. Currently, on-orbit or under-development spaceborne phased array SAR antenna systems have low integration levels and complex module structures (resulting in accuracy issues and complex calibration). A modular design for the entire SAR antenna integrates the feed network, calibration network, control ports, and power supply ports of each antenna module internally, facilitating installation and maintenance, and is particularly advantageous for large-aperture antenna designs. The antenna modules use multi-layer stacking assembly, with the waveguide slot array, serving as the radiation coupling layer, directly acting as the mounting junction.

[0003] Therefore, the present invention provides a spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure.

[0005] A modular, stacked spaceborne SAR antenna includes: at least two antenna modules, a feed network, a calibration network, an array frame, an array thermal control system, and a low-frequency cable. Each antenna module has a matching mounting position on the array frame. Each antenna module includes a radiating coupling layer, a transition combining layer, a radio frequency network layer, and an active control layer. Each radiating coupling layer is mounted on its corresponding mounting position. The lower surface of the radiating coupling layer has a feed network interface, a calibration network connection port, a low-frequency cable connection port, an array thermal control implementation plane, and a fixing interface. The transition combining layer is mounted on the upper surface of the radiating coupling layer, and the transition combining layer... The antenna module is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The radio frequency network layer is mounted on the transition and combining layer and electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The active control layer is mounted on the radio frequency network layer and electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The feed network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the feed network interface. The calibration network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the calibration network connection port. The array thermal control system is located on the array thermal control implementation plane and is used to dissipate heat from the antenna module. The low-frequency cable is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the low-frequency cable connection port and is used to provide control signals to the antenna module.

[0006] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the adapter synthesis layer includes an RF adapter board, a calibration synthesis board, and an aluminum cover plate. The calibration synthesis board is fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws, and the calibration synthesis board is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector. The RF adapter board is located above the calibration synthesis board. The RF adapter board is fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws, and the RF adapter board is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector. The aluminum cover plate covers the upper surface of the radiation coupling board, and a cavity is formed between the aluminum cover plate and the radiation coupling board to accommodate the RF adapter board and the calibration synthesis board.

[0007] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the radio frequency network layer includes the 1-to-2 power divider, the 1-to-4 power divider, the delay component and the radio frequency cable. The 1-to-2 power divider, the 1-to-4 power divider and the delay component, which are electrically connected through the radio frequency cable, are all laid on the aluminum cover plate. The radio frequency cable is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector.

[0008] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the active control layer includes an active mounting plate, several secondary power supply and exciter modules, and several T / R components. The active mounting plate has a built-in heat pipe. The active mounting plate is fixedly connected to the radiation coupling layer by screws. The secondary power supply and exciter modules and the T / R components are all mounted on the active mounting plate. The secondary power supply and exciter modules and the T / R components are electrically connected through a flexible printed circuit board low-frequency cable. The T / R components are electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector.

[0009] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the radiation coupling layer has a three-in-one waveguide slot array and a four-in-one slot array.

[0010] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the power supply network, the calibration network and the low-frequency cable are separately bundled and fixed on the array frame, so that the power supply network, the calibration network and the low-frequency cable are spatially isolated and do not interfere with each other.

[0011] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the feed network connection interface and the calibration network connection port are located on the left and right sides of the radiation coupling layer, and the feed network and the low-frequency network are distributed in the upper and lower parts of the antenna, respectively, without interfering with each other.

[0012] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the power supply interface and control interface in the low-frequency cable are located on the upper and lower sides of the radiation coupling layer, and the power supply part and control part in the low-frequency cable are respectively tied to the upper and lower edges of the array frame and converge at the longitudinal geometric center of the antenna array.

[0013] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the vertical blind-mating connector is an SMP blind-mating connector.

[0014] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the side of the radio frequency network layer closest to the active control layer is subjected to black anodizing treatment to increase the absorption rate.

[0015] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the active control layer is subjected to black anodizing treatment on the side closest to the radio frequency network layer to increase emissivity.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention employs a modular design, significantly reducing the design complexity of large-aperture SAR antenna structures. The antenna modules are installed in a layered, flat, stacked manner, greatly improving design integration while achieving low-profile antenna characteristics. The waveguide slot array integrates multiple functions, including microwave radiation, channel coupling, structural mounting, cavity shielding, and heat dissipation, reducing antenna weight, improving RF signal anti-interference capabilities, and solving the heat dissipation problem of SAR antennas operating at high power. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of a SAR antenna;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the back of the SAR antenna;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of a SAR antenna;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first exploded view of the SAR antenna;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second exploded view of the SAR antenna;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third exploded view of the SAR antenna;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a waveguide slot antenna element.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of calibration composite plate 4;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the RF adapter board 5;

[0028] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency network layer layout structure of the antenna module;

[0029] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the active control layer structure of the antenna module;

[0030] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the blind mating structure of an RF connector.

[0031] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Waveform frame; 2. Four-in-one waveguide slot array; 3. Three-in-one waveguide slot array; 4. Calibration composite board; 5. RF adapter board; 6. Aluminum cover plate; 7. 1-to-2 power divider; 8. 1-to-4 power divider; 9. Delay component; 10. Active mounting plate; 11. Secondary power supply and exciter module; 12. T / R component; 13. SMP blind-mating connector; 14. Flexible printed circuit board low-frequency cable; 15. Semi-steel cable; 16. Feed port; 17. Coupling port. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described and discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, what is described here is only a part of the examples of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the appendix to the specification. Figures 1-12 This application will be described in detail, with specific embodiments provided as examples for further explanation. However, these embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this invention.

[0036] A modular, stacked spaceborne SAR antenna includes: at least two antenna modules, a feed network, a calibration network, an array frame 1, an array thermal control system, and a low-frequency cable. Each antenna module has a matching mounting position on the array frame 1. Each antenna module includes a radiating coupling layer, a transition combining layer, an RF network layer, and an active control layer. Each radiating coupling layer is mounted on its corresponding mounting position. The lower surface of the radiating coupling layer has a feed network interface, a calibration network connection port, a low-frequency cable connection port, an array thermal control implementation plane, and a fixing interface. The transition combining layer is mounted on the radiating... The upper surface of the coupling layer is electrically connected to the transition and combining layer and the radiation coupling layer. An RF network layer is mounted on the transition and combining layer and electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer. An active control layer is mounted on the RF network layer and electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer. A feed network is connected to the radiation coupling layer through a feed network interface, and a calibration network is connected to the radiation coupling layer through a calibration network connection port. The array thermal control system is located on the array thermal control implementation plane and is used to dissipate heat from the antenna module. A low-frequency cable is connected to the radiation coupling layer through a low-frequency cable connection port and is used to provide control signals to the antenna module. This invention adopts a modular design, greatly reducing the design complexity of large-aperture SAR antenna structures. The antenna modules are installed in a layered, flat, stacked manner, greatly improving the design integration and achieving low-profile antenna characteristics. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the array frame 1 is made of carbon fiber composite material, which ensures working strength while reducing the weight of the array frame 1 in actual use.

[0037] See Figures 4 to 6As shown, in a specific example provided in this application, the adapter layer includes an RF adapter board 5, a calibration adapter board 4, and an aluminum cover plate 6. The calibration adapter board 4 is fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws and is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer via a vertical blind-mating connector. The RF adapter board 5 is located above the calibration adapter board 4, and is also fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws and electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer via a vertical blind-mating connector. The aluminum cover plate 6 covers the upper surface of the radiation coupling board, and a cavity is formed between the aluminum cover plate 6 and the radiation coupling board to accommodate the RF adapter board 5 and the calibration adapter board 4. See also Figure 8 As shown, this application provides a structural schematic diagram of a calibration synthesis plate 4. (See attached diagram.) Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this application provides a structural schematic diagram of an RF adapter board 5. In this embodiment, both the RF adapter board 5 and the calibration synthesis board 4 use a stripline single-board design.

[0038] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in a specific example provided in this application, the radio frequency network layer includes a 1-to-2 power divider 7, a 1-to-4 power divider 8, a delay component 9, and radio frequency cables. The 1-to-2 power divider 7, the 1-to-4 power divider 8, and the delay component 9, which are electrically connected via the radio frequency cables, are all mounted on an aluminum cover plate 6. The radio frequency cables are electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer via vertical blind-mating connectors. See also... Figure 10 As shown, a specific example of the RF network layer structure of this application is provided, wherein there are seven delay components 9, two 1-to-2 power dividers 7, and four 1-to-4 power dividers 8, and the RF cables in the RF network layer are all connected using semi-steel cables. It is worth mentioning that this application does not limit the specific number of 1-to-2 power dividers 7, 1-to-4 power dividers 8, and delay components 9; these can be determined according to actual needs in other embodiments.

[0039] See Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in a specific example provided in this application, the active control layer includes an active mounting plate 10, several secondary power supply and actuator modules 11, and several T / R components 12. The active mounting plate 10 has a built-in heat pipe and is fixedly connected to the radiation coupling layer by screws. The secondary power supply and actuator modules 11 and the T / R components 12 are both mounted on the active mounting plate 10. The secondary power supply and actuator modules 11 and the T / R components 12 are electrically connected via flexible printed circuit board low-frequency cables. The T / R components 12 are electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer via vertical blind-mating connectors. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the delay component 9 and the secondary power supply and actuator modules 11 are connected using aerospace cables. See also... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in a specific example provided in this application, the radiation coupling layer has a three-in-one waveguide slot array 3 and a four-in-one waveguide slot array 2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board low-frequency cable is a polyimide film cable; both the three-in-one waveguide slot array 3 and the four-in-one waveguide slot array 2 are made of aluminum alloy and are vacuum brazed, with the outer surface treated with bright anodizing to control the temperature of the array surface in a space environment. The waveguide slot array simultaneously integrates multiple functions such as microwave radiation, channel coupling, structural installation, cavity shielding, and heat dissipation, reducing the antenna weight, improving the anti-interference capability of radio frequency signals, and solving the heat dissipation problem of SAR antennas operating at high power.

[0040] In one specific example of this application, the radiative coupling layer has mounting holes for engaging with screws. The mounting holes in the radiative coupling layer are fitted with wire thread inserts, and the outer surface of the wire thread inserts undergoes a bright anodizing treatment with a certain absorptivity and emissivity, while the inner surface undergoes conductive treatment. The coupled signals are coupled using probe coupling. It should be noted that in the stacked assembly of the antenna module in this application, all mounting holes are fitted with wire thread inserts, and microwave signals are interconnected using vertical blind mating.

[0041] Each antenna module in this embodiment has a feed port and a coupling port, and is fixed to the waveguide using a flanged blind-mating RF connector. See also Figure 11 As shown, the active control layer structure specifically uses an aluminum honeycomb structure for the active mounting plate 10 in this embodiment. It has a heat pipe embedded inside and a black anodized surface. It is used for temperature control of the T / R component 12 and to efficiently enhance heat transfer between the three-in-one waveguide slot array 3 and the four-in-one waveguide slot array 2.

[0042] In this specific example, the feed network, calibration network, and low-frequency cable are separately bundled and fixed on the array frame 1. The antenna module located in the middle requires mounting holes at the power divider, combiner, and cable junction to synthesize one feed port, one calibration port, one control port, and two power supply ports. This spatially isolates the feed network, calibration network, and low-frequency cable, preventing interference between them. The feed network connection interface and the calibration network connection port are located on the left and right sides of the radiating coupling layer, respectively, and the feed network and low-frequency network are distributed in the upper and lower parts of the antenna, ensuring no interference.

[0043] The power supply and control interfaces in the low-frequency cable are located on the upper and lower sides of the radiation coupling layer. The power supply and control parts in the low-frequency cable are respectively tied to the upper and lower edges of the array frame 1 and converge at the longitudinal geometric center of the antenna array.

[0044] See Figure 12 As shown, the vertical blind-mating connector in this application is an SMP blind-mating connector.

[0045] This application provides a specific example where the side of the RF network layer closest to the active control layer is treated with black anodizing to increase absorption. The side of the active control layer closest to the RF network layer is also treated with black anodizing to increase emissivity.

[0046] A specific example of this application can be found in [reference]. Figure 1 As shown, the modular stacked layout of the spaceborne SAR antenna in this example uses 11 antenna modules, including 616 T / R components, 22 secondary power supply and exciter modules, 22 heat pipes, and 88 heaters (including backups). The overall envelope size is approximately 5600mm*1140mm*140mm. The fundamental frequency of the entire antenna array is 123Hz. The antenna modules have passed mechanical tests of 12g sinusoidal vibration and 20g random vibration, demonstrating a robust and stable structure.

[0047] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout, characterized in that it comprises: At least two antenna modules, a feed network, a calibration network, an array frame, an array thermal control system, and low-frequency cables; Each antenna module is provided with a matching mounting position on the array frame. Each antenna module includes a radiating coupling layer, a transition combining layer, an RF network layer, and an active control layer. Each radiating coupling layer is mounted on its corresponding mounting position. The lower surface of the radiating coupling layer is provided with a feed network interface, a calibration network connection port, a low-frequency cable connection port, an array thermal control implementation plane, and a fixing interface. The transition combining layer is mounted on the upper surface of the radiating coupling layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The adapter layer includes an RF adapter board, a calibration adapter board, and an aluminum cover plate. The calibration adapter board is fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws, and the calibration adapter board is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector. The RF adapter board is located above the calibration adapter board, and the RF adapter board is fixed to the upper surface of the radiation coupling layer by screws, and the RF adapter board is electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through a vertical blind-mating connector. The radio frequency network layer includes a 1-to-2 power divider, a 1-to-4 power divider, a delay component, and radio frequency cables. The radio frequency cables are electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer via vertical blind-mating connectors. The active control layer includes an active mounting plate, several secondary power supply and exciter modules, and several T / R components. The T / R components are electrically connected to the radiation coupling layer through vertical blind-mating connectors. The radio frequency (RF) network layer is mounted on the transition and combining layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The active control layer is mounted on the RF network layer and is electrically connected to the radiating coupling layer. The feed network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the feed network interface. The calibration network is connected to the radiating coupling layer through the calibration network connection port. The array thermal control system is located on the array thermal control implementation plane and is used to remove heat from the antenna module. The low-frequency cable is connected to the radiation coupling layer through the low-frequency cable connection port, and is used to provide control signals to the antenna module.

2. The spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum cover plate is sealed on the upper surface of the radiation coupling plate, and a cavity is formed between the aluminum cover plate and the radiation coupling plate to accommodate the radio frequency adapter plate and the calibration synthesis plate.

3. The spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The 1-to-2 power divider, 1-to-4 power divider, and delay component, which are electrically connected via the radio frequency cable, are all laid on the aluminum cover plate.

4. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The active mounting plate has a built-in heat pipe. The active mounting plate is fixedly connected to the radiation coupling layer by screws. The secondary power supply and exciter module and the T / R assembly are all mounted on the active mounting plate. The secondary power supply and exciter module and the T / R assembly are electrically connected through a flexible printed circuit board low-frequency cable.

5. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation coupling layer has a three-in-one waveguide slot array and a four-in-one waveguide slot array.

6. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply network, the calibration network, and the low-frequency cable are separately bundled and fixed on the array frame, so that the power supply network, the calibration network, and the low-frequency cable are spatially isolated and do not interfere with each other.

7. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed network connection interface and the calibration network connection port are located on the left and right sides of the radiation coupling layer, and the feed network and the low-frequency network are distributed in the upper and lower parts of the antenna, respectively, without interfering with each other.

8. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power supply interface and control interface in the low-frequency cable are located on the upper and lower sides of the radiation coupling layer. The power supply part and control part in the low-frequency cable are respectively tied to the upper and lower edges of the array frame and converge at the longitudinal geometric center of the antenna array.

9. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical blind-mating connector is an SMP blind-mating connector.

10. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the radio frequency network layer closest to the active control layer is treated with black anodizing to increase the absorption rate.

11. A spaceborne SAR antenna with a modular stacked layout structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active control layer is anodized black on the side closest to the radio frequency network layer to increase emissivity.

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