Sandwiched internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R module

Abstract

The application provides a sandwiched internal calibration structure integrated in a multi-channel compact T / R assembly, comprising: a radio frequency module, the radio frequency module comprising: a plurality of transceiving channels, an antenna interface, the antenna interface being used for feeding an external antenna unit, the transceiving channels being combined into one channel inside the radio frequency module, and then being connected to an external frequency conversion module through a radio frequency synthesis interface; a control module, used for providing a power modulation signal and a control signal of the radio frequency module, the radio frequency module and the control module being fixed back to back and being in signal intercommunication; and an internal calibration structure, located at the bottom of the radio frequency module, comprising a calibration network, a coupling port and a calibration port, the coupling port being used for realizing vertical interconnection of radio frequency signals, and the calibration port being connected to an external calibration module through a connector. According to the embodiment of the application, the internal calibration function, the wave control function and the power modulation function are highly integrated in the multi-channel compact T / R assembly through high density and small size design of each component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of active phased array antenna technology, and more particularly to a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Current active phased array antenna transceiver (T / R) component calibration primarily relies on external calibration. External calibration involves moving an external calibration antenna to sequentially calibrate the initial amplitude and phase of the transmit and receive channels of each T / R component. External calibration mainly includes a calibration vector network analyzer, RF cables, calibration antennas, a scanning frame, and an anechoic chamber environment. These dedicated test equipment and environments make testing active phased arrays extremely complex, costly, and demanding. Some T / R components utilize internally calibrated active phased arrays. However, the increased functionality and structure of internal calibration lead to larger and heavier T / R components, making it even more difficult to achieve miniaturized, low-profile phased arrays.

[0003] Testing of active phased array antennas always involves the calibration process of T / R components, and the calibration method of T / R components is also a challenge in the design of compact low-profile active phased arrays. Currently, the calibration methods of T / R components are mainly divided into two types: external calibration and internal calibration. (1) External calibration mode: In an anechoic chamber environment, the calibration antenna is fixed on a near-field scanning frame, and an RF cable is used to connect the calibration antenna to one port of the calibration vector network analyzer. After all T / R components are synthesized by a microwave synthesis network, an RF cable is used to connect the junction of the microwave synthesis network to the other port of the calibration vector network analyzer. By digitally controlling the movement of the scanning component, the initial amplitude and phase of the transmit and receive channels of each T / R component are tested sequentially to complete the calibration test. (2) Conventional internal calibration mode: When designing the T / R component, an internal calibration module is added, and the internal calibration module is fixed together with the T / R component. The calibration ports of the T / R component and the internal calibration module are connected by an adapter or cable. The switching of the transmit and receive channels of each T / R component is controlled sequentially by a wave control device to complete the calibration test.

[0004] Currently, near-field calibration is the primary calibration method for phased array T / R modules, effectively improving calibration accuracy. However, it requires sophisticated external calibration scanning and testing equipment, resulting in high costs. Furthermore, it's difficult to perform field calibration outside of an anechoic chamber, necessitating recalibration of active phased arrays after prolonged use. With the increasing number of phased array antenna elements, the physical size of the T / R module needs further reduction, leading to limited space for RF and control circuit layouts. In-module calibration is the future trend for phased array antenna surface calibration, offering simplicity and facilitating periodic field calibration. However, conventional in-module calibration modules are relatively large, occupying significant space within the T / R module, which contradicts the compact antenna array design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problems to be solved by this invention are: how to solve the problems of numerous test devices and high test environment requirements of current near-field external calibration methods; how to solve the problems of additional power supply transmission line networks and internal calibration network devices added by existing internal calibration technologies; and how to solve the problems of large size and heavy weight of conventional T / R component internal calibration modules. In view of this, this invention provides a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R component.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R module, comprising:

[0007] The radio frequency module includes: multiple transceiver channels and an antenna interface; the antenna interface is used to power external antenna units, and the transceiver channels are combined into one channel inside the radio frequency module and then connected to an external up-conversion / down-conversion module through a radio frequency synthesis interface;

[0008] A control module is used to provide power modulation signals and control signals to the radio frequency module. The radio frequency module and the control module are fixed back to back and their signals are interconnected.

[0009] An internal calibration structure, located at the bottom of the RF module, includes a calibration network, a coupling port, and a calibration port. One end of the coupling port is connected to the coupler of the transceiver channel, and the other end is connected to the calibration network. Vertical interconnection of RF signals is achieved through sintered glass insulators. The calibration port is connected to an external calibration module through a connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the radio frequency module includes eight radio frequency transceiver channels.

[0011] In one embodiment, the antenna interface is made of sintered glass insulator and supplies power to the antenna element via magnetic coupling.

[0012] In one embodiment, the radio frequency module and the control module communicate with each other via a blind-mating micro rectangular connector.

[0013] In one implementation, the power supply and external control protocol of the control module are provided through an external low-frequency micro rectangular connector. The control module internally integrates a control chip, a power chip, and two micro rectangular connectors.

[0014] In one embodiment, the internal calibration structure is embedded in a metal groove at the bottom of the radio frequency module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the calibration network is fixed within the metal tank by sintering.

[0016] In one embodiment, the coupling port is sintered onto the housing via a glass insulator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of transceiver channels is 6.15 mm.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention provides an active phased array antenna, the active phased array antenna including a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R component provided by the embodiments of the present invention highly integrates internal calibration function, beam control function, and power modulation function inside the multi-channel compact T / R component through the high-density and miniaturized design of each component. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated inside a multi-channel compact T / R component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure Labels

[0023] 1-RF module, 2-Control module, 3-Internal calibration structure, 4-Antenna interface, 5-RF synthesis interface, 6-Connector, 7-Low-frequency micro rectangular connector, 8-Blind-mating micro rectangular connector, 9-Calibration network, 10-Metal slot, 11-Coupled port, 12-Calibration port. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, size, and shape of the objects have been slightly exaggerated for ease of illustration. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0026] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when expressions such as "at least one of..." appear after a list of listed features, they modify the entire listed feature, not individual elements in the list. Additionally, when describing embodiments of this application, the word "may" is used to mean "one or more embodiments of this application." And the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “basically,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to describe inherent biases in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so specified herein.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly is provided, such as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0031] RF module 1 includes: multiple transceiver channels and antenna interface 4;

[0032] Antenna interface 4 is used to power external antenna units. The transmit and receive channels are merged into one channel inside the radio frequency module 1 and then connected to external up and down conversion modules through radio frequency synthesis interface 5.

[0033] The control module 2 is used to provide power modulation signals and control signals to the radio frequency module 1. The radio frequency module 1 and the control module 2 are fixed back to back and their signals are interconnected.

[0034] The internal calibration structure 3, located at the bottom of the RF module 1, includes a calibration network 9, a coupling port 11, and a calibration port 12.

[0035] One end of the coupling port 11 is connected to the coupler of the transceiver channel, and the other end is connected to the calibration network 9. The vertical interconnection of radio frequency signals is achieved by replacing the traditional radio frequency cable with a sintered miniaturized glass insulator. The calibration port 12 is connected to the external calibration module through the connector 6.

[0036] In this embodiment, the radio frequency module 1 includes 8 radio frequency transceiver channels.

[0037] In this embodiment, the antenna interface 4 is made of sintered glass insulator and is fed to the antenna unit through magnetic coupling.

[0038] In this embodiment, the radio frequency module 1 and the control module 2 achieve signal communication through a blind-fit micro rectangular connector 8.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power supply and external control protocol of the control module 2 are provided through the external low-frequency micro rectangular connector 7. The control module 2 integrates a control chip, a power chip and two micro rectangular connectors 6.

[0040] In this embodiment, the internal calibration structure 3 is embedded in the metal groove 10 at the bottom of the radio frequency module 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the calibration network 9 is fixed in the metal groove 10 by sintering.

[0042] In this embodiment, the coupling port 11 is sintered onto the housing via a glass insulator.

[0043] In this embodiment, the spacing between the multiple transceiver channels is 6.15 mm.

[0044] Compared to existing technologies, the sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly provided in this embodiment has at least the following advantages:

[0045] 1) This embodiment integrates internal calibration, beam control, and power modulation functions within a compact multi-channel T / R assembly through high-density and miniaturized design of each component. This eliminates the need for additional feed transmission line networks and internal calibration network equipment found in existing internal calibration technologies, offering significant advantages in controlling the size, weight, and cost of phased array antennas.

[0046] 2) In this embodiment, the calibration network and coupler use sintered miniaturized glass insulators to achieve vertical interconnection of RF signals, saving a large number of RF cables between different networks in existing technologies. The cableless connection optimizes the cable loss introduced by RF cables, resulting in better performance in high-frequency transmission and even millimeter-wave transmission.

[0047] 3) This embodiment features a multi-channel compact T / R module with integrated internal calibration function. During calibration, no anechoic chamber environment or extensive testing equipment is required, saving costs and reducing calibration environment requirements. Through digital phased array control, calibration testing of large phased arrays can be completed quickly and conveniently.

[0048] 4) The miniaturized internal calibration network in this embodiment cleverly utilizes the sandwich design of back-to-back modules, which neither increases the volume and weight nor affects the good heat dissipation of the T / R components.

[0049] The second embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the first embodiment. This embodiment describes an application example, which can be referred to again. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 .

[0050] In this embodiment, digital beamforming and power modulation functions, along with internal calibration, are integrated into a compact T / R assembly with eight RF transceiver channels. The design employs a modular approach: an eight-channel RF circuit with a single-channel pitch of only 6.15mm constitutes one RF module 1, while the digital beamforming and power modulation circuitry forms another module. These two compact modules are fixed back-to-back and interconnected via a blind-mating structure using a micro-rectangular multi-core connector 6. Without increasing the number of modules or the overall size, an internal calibration network 9 is embedded within the sandwich layer between the two modules. The calibration signal for each transceiver channel is connected to the corresponding calibration port 12 of the calibration network 9 via a glass insulator, and the calibration network 9 outputs independently from its port.

[0051] RF module 1 consists of eight RF transceiver channels, each containing numerous RF chips, including RF switches, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, digitally controlled phase shifters, digitally controlled attenuators, and more than a dozen other types of chips. Each transceiver channel's antenna port uses a glass insulator design and is coupled to the antenna element for power feeding, totaling eight antenna ports. Each transceiver channel internally combines into one RF port via a power combining network, connecting to an external frequency conversion module using an SMP connector 6. RF module 1 primarily performs low-noise amplification, power amplification, digitally controlled phase shifting and attenuation, and transceiver switching functions for the radiating elements of the active phased array, making it a crucial component for realizing the phased array mechanism. The receive state, transmit state, switching, and power modulation of each transceiver channel all require wave control and modulation circuits. RF module 1 connects to control module 2 via a sintered micro-rectangular connector 6 in a blind-mating manner, enabling the exchange of control signals and power modulation signals. The channel spacing of RF module 1 is only 6.15mm, integrating a large number of chips and connectors 6 within a limited volume.

[0052] The main function of control module 2 is to convert externally input control signals and power signals into wave control signals and power modulation signals required by the T / R components, providing them to the eight transceiver channels of RF module 1. It includes components such as a voltage regulator chip, power conversion chip, modulator, and driver, as well as two rectangular connectors 6 and a multilayer board, achieving a high degree of integration within a limited volume.

[0053] The internal calibration network 9 couples out an RF calibration channel at the antenna port of each transceiver channel. The eight calibration channels are combined into a single calibration port 12 via a power combining network. The function of the internal calibration network 9 is to perform receive and transmit calibration for each transceiver channel. During receive channel calibration, a calibration signal is transmitted through calibration port 12. This signal is coupled to the receive channel to be calibrated via the coupler at the antenna port of calibration network 9, and output from the combined port of the receive channel, forming a single-channel receive calibration loop. During transmit calibration, a calibration signal is transmitted through the combined port of the transmit channel. This signal passes through the RF transmit channel, is coupled to calibration network 9 via the coupler at the antenna port, and output from calibration network 9 to calibration port 12, forming a transmit calibration loop. Each branch of calibration network 9 serves as the reference for calibrating each RF transceiver channel; therefore, each calibration branch needs to be designed with equal length to ensure equal amplitude and phase. The internal calibration network 9 cleverly utilizes the sandwich structure between RF module 1 and control module 2. Through miniaturization, it avoids increasing the size and weight of the T / R components while effectively avoiding the heat dissipation surface of the T / R components.

[0054] RF module 1 is an eight-channel compact module containing eight RF transceiver channels. A large number of chips and RF networks are assembled using micro-assembly technology.

[0055] Each transceiver channel's antenna interface 4 is made of sintered glass insulators and is fed to the antenna element via magnetic coupling. The eight transceiver channels are combined into one channel internally and then connected to an external up / down conversion module via the RF combining interface 5.

[0056] The power modulation signal and control signal of RF module 1 are provided by control module 2. After RF module 1 and control module 2 are fixed back to back, they are interconnected through blind-mating micro rectangular connectors 8. The power supply and external control protocol of control module 2 are provided through external low-frequency micro rectangular connectors 7. Control module 2 internally integrates a control chip, a power chip, and two micro rectangular connectors 6.

[0057] The internal calibration structure 3 is located at the bottom of the RF module 1, embedded within a small metal slot 10. The calibration network 9 is fixed within the metal slot 10 by sintering. The coupling port 11 of the calibration network 9 and the RF transceiver channel is sintered onto the housing via a glass insulator. One end connects to the coupler of the RF channel, and the other end connects to the calibration network 9, achieving vertical interconnection of RF signals. The calibration port 12 of the calibration network 9 is connected to an external calibration module via a connector 6. The miniaturized calibration network 9 is embedded in the sandwich between the RF module 1 and the control module 2, with the RF module 1 serving as the base and the control module 2 as the cover, eliminating the need for additional volume and weight, and completing the internal calibration function of the multi-channel compact T / R assembly. The miniaturized design of the calibration network 9 significantly reduces the area occupied by the metal slot 10 and effectively avoids the heat dissipation locations of power devices such as the power amplifier and low-noise amplifier, ensuring good heat dissipation of the T / R assembly.

[0058] As can be seen from the above, this embodiment can be used for:

[0059] 1) High-density integration of internal calibration, beam control, and power modulation functions within a compact T / R module with a unit pitch of only 6.15mm;

[0060] 2) The internal calibration network is embedded in the sandwich between the RF module and the control module, with the RF module as the base and the control module as the cover, without adding extra volume and weight, thus realizing the internal calibration function of the compact T / R component;

[0061] 3) The calibration network adopts a miniaturized design with high dielectric constant and a sintering fixing method. In a tiny metal groove with a spacing of only 6.15mm between each pair of adjacent ports, the heat dissipation positions of power devices such as RF module power amplifier and low noise amplifier are reasonably avoided, realizing a high integration design of T / R component.

[0062] 4) The calibration port of each transceiver channel adopts the glass insulator sintering method to realize the vertical interconnection of broadband radio frequency signals. The miniature glass insulator replaces the conventional radio frequency connectors and cable assemblies, which can not only meet the transmission continuity of broadband radio frequency signals, but also significantly reduce the volume occupied by radio frequency connectors.

[0063] 5) During transmit and receive calibration, the calibration network, which serves as the amplitude and phase reference, has a significant impact on the calibration results. To address this issue, this embodiment employs an equal-length design for each calibration channel, ensuring amplitude and phase consistency across multiple channels of the calibration network throughout the full bandwidth.

[0064] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, an active phased array antenna includes a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly as provided in the first or second embodiment.

[0065] 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. A sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly, characterized in that, Including those located inside the box: The radio frequency module includes: multiple radio frequency transceiver channels and an antenna interface. The antenna interface is used to power an external antenna unit. The transceiver channels are combined into one channel inside the radio frequency module and then connected to an external up-conversion or down-conversion module through a radio frequency synthesis interface. A control module is used to provide power modulation signals and control signals to the radio frequency module. The radio frequency module and the control module are fixed back to back and their signals are interconnected. An internal calibration structure, located at the bottom of the RF module, includes a calibration network, a coupling port, and a calibration port. One end of the coupling port is connected to the coupler of the transceiver channel, and the other end is connected to the calibration network. Vertical interconnection of RF signals is achieved through sintered glass insulators. The calibration port is connected to an external calibration module through a connector. The power supply and external control protocol of the control module are provided through an external low-frequency micro rectangular connector. The control module integrates a control chip, a power chip, and two micro rectangular connectors. The internal calibration structure is embedded in a metal groove at the bottom of the radio frequency module; The calibration network is fixed in the metal tank by sintering; The coupling port is sintered onto the housing via a glass insulator; The spacing between the multiple transceiver channels is 6.15 mm.

2. The sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency module includes eight radio frequency transceiver channels.

3. The sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna interface is made of sintered glass insulators and is powered to the antenna element through magnetic coupling.

4. The sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The radio frequency module and the control module communicate with each other via a blind-mating micro rectangular connector.

5. An active phased array antenna, characterized in that, The active phased array antenna includes a sandwich-type internal calibration structure integrated within a multi-channel compact T / R assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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