A testing device for low temperature performance of an antenna

Abstract

This invention discloses a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas, belonging to the field of antenna technology. The testing device includes a low-temperature chamber, an insulated chamber, and a temperature control component. The insulated chamber is placed inside the low-temperature chamber and includes a body and a cover for simulating the control cabin walls. The cover is detachably arranged on the opening of the body, and the body and cover form an accommodating space. The cover has at least one antenna mounting hole. The temperature control component includes a partition, a blower, an exhaust fan, and a heating resistor. The partition is inserted into the accommodating space to divide it into a first chamber and a second chamber. The blower and exhaust fan are respectively inserted at both ends of the partition, and the heating resistor is located within the accommodating space. This invention provides a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas, which can conveniently and accurately simulate the high-altitude low-temperature environment of the antenna and the internal environment of the control cabin, thereby testing the antenna's performance under external low temperatures and temperature differences between the inside and outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of antenna technology, and specifically relates to a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas. Background Technology

[0002] Existing near-space or high-altitude aircraft have multiple antennas installed at different locations in their nose control cabin. These antennas are installed inside the control cabin (inserted into the cabin wall), with their radomes exposed to the external environment and conforming to the corresponding surface of the control cabin. Due to their high flight altitude, the external ambient temperature is extremely low (-88°C), while the internal environment (inside the control cabin) is relatively warmer. The low external temperature and the corresponding temperature difference between the inside and outside directly affect the antenna performance.

[0003] In related technologies, low-temperature antenna testing involves placing the antenna in a cryogenic chamber and wrapping its non-exposed surfaces with insulation materials such as asbestos. However, the insulation process is complex and prone to temperature errors, making it difficult to accurately simulate the internal environment of the control cabin, resulting in low reliability of antenna performance testing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the present invention provides a test device for the low-temperature performance of antennas. Its purpose is to conveniently and accurately simulate the high-altitude low-temperature environment and the internal environment of the control cabin where the antenna is located, so as to test the performance of the antenna under external low temperature and internal and external temperature difference.

[0005] This invention provides a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas, the testing device comprising a low-temperature chamber, an insulated chamber, and a temperature control component;

[0006] The insulated box is used to be placed inside the low-temperature chamber. The insulated box includes a box body and a box cover for simulating the bulkhead of the control cabin. The box cover is detachably arranged on the opening of the box body, and the box body and the box cover form an accommodating space. The box cover has at least one antenna mounting hole.

[0007] The temperature control component includes a partition, a blower, an exhaust fan, and a heating resistor. The partition is inserted into the accommodating space to divide the accommodating space into a first chamber and a second chamber. The blower and the exhaust fan are respectively inserted into the two ends of the partition to exchange the gas in the first chamber and the gas in the second chamber. The outlets of the blower and the exhaust fan face opposite directions. The heating resistor is located within the accommodating space.

[0008] Optionally, the testing device further includes a temperature control component, which includes a controller and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is located within the accommodating space, and the controller is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the heating resistor to precisely control the temperature within the accommodating space.

[0009] Optionally, fan mounting bases are respectively inserted into both ends of the partition, and each fan mounting base has a through hole, in which the blower and the exhaust fan are respectively inserted.

[0010] Optionally, the air outlets of the hair dryer and the exhaust fan form an angle with the partition, and the angle is 30-60°.

[0011] Optionally, the enclosure includes a shell and a heat insulation layer. The shell is detachably connected to the cover. The shell has a cavity, and the heat insulation layer is inserted into the cavity to insulate the shell.

[0012] Optionally, the housing includes an outer shell, an inner shell, and an annular cover. Both the outer shell and the inner shell are U-shaped structures. The inner shell is located inside the outer shell and is spaced apart. The annular cover is inserted into the space between the outer shell and the inner shell to form the cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the end face of the housing facing the lid has a thermal insulation O-ring and an electromagnetic shielding O-ring, the electromagnetic shielding O-ring being located inside the thermal insulation O-ring, and both the thermal insulation O-ring and the electromagnetic shielding O-ring being sandwiched between the housing and the lid.

[0014] Optionally, each of the two surfaces of the partition has two spaced baffles, and the blower and the exhaust fan are both located between the two opposing baffles. In the outlet direction of the blower or the exhaust fan, the distance between the two opposing baffles gradually decreases.

[0015] Optionally, a connector is inserted into the cover, and a cable for connecting the connector and the antenna is provided on the connector, and the cable is located in the accommodating space.

[0016] Optionally, the accommodating space includes a heat sink, which is arranged opposite to the heating resistor.

[0017] In summary, the beneficial effects of the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention compared with the prior art are as follows:

[0018] For the antenna low-temperature performance testing device provided in this embodiment of the invention, before testing the antenna performance, the antenna is first inserted into the antenna mounting hole on the cover of the box used to simulate the control cabin wall (the cover has the same shape and surface as the control cabin wall). Then, the cover is placed on the box body to form a sealed and insulated box, and the accommodating space formed inside the insulated box is such that the exposed end of the antenna faces outward, and the exposed section of the antenna faces the accommodating space. Next, the insulated box is placed in the low-temperature chamber, which then accurately simulates the high-altitude low-temperature environment. In addition, the blower, exhaust fan, and heating resistor are all activated. The heating resistor heats the gas in the first or second chamber, so that the accommodating space simulates the internal temperature environment of the control cabin. Furthermore, the blower and exhaust fan draw in and blow out the air from the first and second chambers, forming an annular channel to ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout the accommodating space, with high accuracy and efficiency, thereby conveniently and accurately simulating the internal environment of the control cabin. Finally, an electrical signal is supplied to the antenna to test its performance under low external temperature and temperature differences between the inside and outside.

[0019] In other words, the antenna low-temperature performance testing device provided in this embodiment of the invention can conveniently and accurately simulate the high-altitude low-temperature environment and the internal environment of the control cabin where the antenna is located, thereby testing the antenna's performance under external low temperature and internal-external temperature difference, with high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a first view of a first type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a second view of the first type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a first view of the second type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a second view of the second type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a first view of the third type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a second view of the third type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a first view of the partition provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a second view of the partition provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically:

[0031] 1. Insulated box; 11. Box body; 111. Shell; 1111. Outer shell; 1112. Inner shell; 1113. Ring cover; 112. Thermal insulation layer; 12. Box cover; 121. Connector; 122. Cable; 13. First chamber; 14. Second chamber; 15. Thermal insulation O-ring; 16. Electromagnetic shielding O-ring; 17. Radiator; 2. Temperature control component; 21. Partition; 22. Blower; 23. Exhaust fan; 24. Heating resistor; 25. Fan mounting base; 26. Baffle; 3. Temperature adjustment component; 31. Controller; 32. Temperature sensor; 100. Antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 this invention and 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 this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] Example:

[0038] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the testing apparatus includes a low-temperature chamber (not shown), an insulated box 1, and a temperature control component 2. The insulated box 1 is used to place the device inside the low-temperature chamber.

[0039] The insulated box 1 includes a box body 11 and a box cover 12 for simulating the bulkhead of the control cabin. The box cover 12 is detachably arranged on the opening of the box body 11, and the box body 11 and the box cover 12 form an accommodating space. The box cover 12 has at least one antenna mounting hole.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control component provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the temperature control component 2 includes a partition 21, a blower 22, an exhaust fan 23, and a heating resistor 24. The partition 21 is inserted into the accommodating space to divide the accommodating space into a first chamber 13 and a second chamber 14. The blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 are respectively inserted into the two ends of the partition 21 to exchange the gas in the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14. The outlets of the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 face opposite directions. The heating resistor 24 is located in the accommodating space.

[0041] For the antenna low-temperature performance testing device provided in this embodiment of the invention, before testing the performance of the antenna 100, the antenna 100 is first inserted into the antenna mounting hole on the cover 12 (the cover 12 has the same shape and surface as the control cabin wall) used to simulate the control cabin wall. Then, the cover 12 is placed on the box body 11 to form a sealed and heat-insulating insulated box 1, and the accommodating space formed inside the insulated box 1 is such that the exposed end of the antenna 100 faces outward, and the exposed section of the antenna 100 faces the accommodating space. Next, the insulated box 1 is placed in a low-temperature chamber, which at this time plays the role of accurately simulating the high-altitude low-temperature environment. In addition, the blower 22, the exhaust fan 23, and the heating resistor 24 are all activated. The heating resistor 24 heats the gas in the first chamber 13 or the second chamber 14, so that the accommodating space simulates the internal temperature environment of the control cabin. Furthermore, the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 draw in and blow out air from the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14, forming an annular channel to ensure consistent temperature throughout the containment space, resulting in high precision and efficiency. This allows for convenient and accurate simulation of the control cabin's internal environment. Finally, an electrical signal is provided to the antenna 100 to test its performance under low external temperatures and temperature differences between the inside and outside.

[0042] In other words, the antenna low-temperature performance testing device provided in this embodiment of the invention can conveniently and accurately simulate the high-altitude low-temperature environment and the internal environment of the control cabin where the antenna 100 is located, thereby testing the performance of the antenna 100 under external low temperature and internal and external temperature difference, with high reliability.

[0043] For example, the external dimensions (length × width × height) of the insulated box 1 can be 320mm × 320mm × 150mm, wherein the external dimensions (length × width × height) of the box body 11 can be 320mm × 320mm × 120mm, and the external dimensions (length × width × height) of the box lid 12 can be 320mm × 320mm × 30mm.

[0044] It should be noted that the control cabin typically has various types of antennas 100 (different in size and performance) in different locations. They are detachably connected via the cover 12, allowing for easy replacement of the cover 12 to simulate the antennas at various locations within the control cabin.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a first view of the first type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a second view of the first type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a data transmission navigation antenna is inserted into the cover 12.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a first view of the second type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6This is a second view of the second type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover 12 is fitted with three types of antennas 100, namely relay communication antenna, networking antenna and ground repeater antenna, which are arranged at intervals.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a first view of the third type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a second view of the third type of box cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a space-based integrated antenna is installed on the cover 12.

[0048] For example, the cover 12 can be made of high silica glass fiber and acetal phenolic resin molded fiberglass, which is consistent with the control cabin bulkhead material, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the low temperature test data.

[0049] In this embodiment, a connector 121 is inserted into the cover 12. The connector 121 is provided with a cable 122 for connecting the connector 121 and the antenna 100. The cable 122 is located in the accommodating space. Electrical signals can be conveniently provided to the corresponding antenna 100 through the connector 121 and the cable 122.

[0050] For example, connector 121 can be an SMA extended connector.

[0051] See you again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The testing device also includes a temperature control component 3, which includes a controller 31 and a temperature sensor 32. The temperature sensor 32 is located in the accommodating space, and the controller 31 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 32 and the heating resistor 24 respectively, so as to accurately control the temperature in the accommodating space.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the temperature control component 3 can accurately simulate the temperature inside the control cabin. By adjusting the temperature, it can simulate the temperature changes of the internal environment of the control cabin during high-altitude flight, thereby further increasing the simulation accuracy and ensuring the reliability of the test results.

[0053] For example, the controller 31 employs a PID (proportional, derivative, integral) control algorithm, which can precisely control the internal temperature of the housing 11 based on the changes in the ambient temperature inside the control cabin during flight (the ambient temperature inside the control cabin will fluctuate to some extent during flight). In other words, the controller 31 receives temperature information from the temperature sensor 32 in real time. When the temperature information obtained by the controller 31 is inconsistent with the required ambient temperature, the controller 31 controls the heating resistor 24 to start or stop. The heating resistor 24 heats or deheats the gas inside the housing 11, thereby controlling the temperature inside the housing 11 to match the required ambient temperature, simulating the temperature changes inside the housing 11 during flight.

[0054] In one implementation of the present invention, the housing 11 includes a shell 111 and a heat insulation layer 112. The shell 111 is detachably connected to the cover 12. The shell 111 has a cavity, and the heat insulation layer 112 is inserted into the cavity to insulate the shell 111.

[0055] For example, the thermal insulation interlayer 112 can be high silica fiberglass, which has good thermal insulation performance.

[0056] Specifically, the housing 111 includes an outer shell 1111, an inner shell 1112, and an annular cover 1113. Both the outer shell 1111 and the inner shell 1112 are U-shaped structures. The inner shell 1112 is located inside the outer shell 1111 and is arranged at intervals. The annular cover 1113 is inserted into the space between the outer shell 1111 and the inner shell 1112 to form a cavity.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the outer shell 1111, the inner shell 1112, and the annular cover 1113 serve to clamp and protect the heat insulation interlayer 112.

[0058] For example, the outer shell 1111 and the inner shell 1112 are made of 304 stainless steel with low thermal conductivity, and the annular cover 1113 is made of high silica fiberglass.

[0059] Furthermore, the end face of the housing 111 facing the cover 12 has a thermal insulation O-ring 15 and an electromagnetic shielding O-ring 16. The electromagnetic shielding O-ring 16 is located inside the thermal insulation O-ring 15, and both the thermal insulation O-ring 15 and the electromagnetic shielding O-ring 16 are sandwiched between the housing 111 and the cover 12.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the thermal insulation O-ring 15 provides thermal insulation, specifically insulating the gap between the cover 12 and the body 11. The electromagnetic shielding O-ring 16 provides electromagnetic shielding.

[0061] For example, the thermal insulation O-ring 15 can be a low-temperature resistant butadiene rubber O-ring, and the electromagnetic shielding O-ring 16 can be an aluminum silver conductive rubber O-ring.

[0062] In addition, the accommodating space includes a heat sink 17, which is arranged opposite to the heating resistor 24. The heat sink 17 serves to dissipate heat and prevent heat concentration.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a first view of the partition provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a second view of the partition provided in an embodiment of the present invention, in conjunction with... Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, fan mounting bases 25 are respectively inserted into both ends of the partition 21. Each fan mounting base 25 has a through hole, and the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 are respectively inserted into the corresponding through hole.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the fan mounting base 25 serves to position the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 for insertion, ensuring the installation stability of the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23.

[0065] For example, the partition 21 is arranged horizontally, the temperature sensor 32 is located on the partition 21 and in the first chamber 13, and the heating resistor 24 is located in the second chamber 14.

[0066] For example, the air outlets of the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 form an angle α with the partition 21, and the angle α can be 30-60°. That is, the blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 can blow the gas to the other side (the blower 22 blows the gas in the first chamber 13 into the second chamber 14, and the exhaust fan 23 blows the gas in the second chamber 14 into the first chamber 13). Based on the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14, the entire accommodating space can form a ring-shaped air passage space, and the temperature in all parts of the accommodating space can be quickly kept consistent, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of temperature control.

[0067] Preferably, the included angle can be 45°.

[0068] In this embodiment, each of the two surfaces of the partition 21 has two spaced baffles 26. The blower 22 and the exhaust fan 23 are both located between the two opposing baffles 26. In the outlet direction of the blower 22 or the exhaust fan 23 (the outlet direction of the blower 22 is m, and the outlet direction of the exhaust fan 23 is s), the distance between the two opposing baffles 26 gradually decreases.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the distance between the two opposing baffles 26 gradually decreases, so that the two baffles 26 form a gradually changing trapezoidal space, which is used to converge the airflow and increase the airflow speed, thereby improving the temperature control accuracy and efficiency of the accommodating space.

[0070] For example, the partition 21 and the baffle 26 are made of 304 stainless steel, which has a low thermal conductivity.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing device for the low-temperature performance of antennas, characterized in that, The testing device includes a low-temperature chamber, an insulated chamber (1), and a temperature control component (2); The insulated box (1) is used to be placed inside the low temperature box. The insulated box (1) includes a box body (11) and a box cover (12) for simulating the control cabin wall. The box cover has the same shape and surface as the control cabin wall. The box cover (12) is detachably arranged on the opening of the box body (11). The box body (11) and the box cover (12) form an accommodating space. The box cover (12) has at least one antenna mounting hole for inserting an antenna, so that the exposed end of the antenna faces outward and the exposed section of the antenna faces the accommodating space. The temperature control component (2) includes a partition (21), a blower (22), an exhaust fan (23), and a heating resistor (24). The partition (21) is inserted into the accommodating space to divide the accommodating space into a first chamber (13) and a second chamber (14). The blower (22) and the exhaust fan (23) are respectively inserted into the two ends of the partition (21) to exchange the gas in the first chamber (13) and the gas in the second chamber (14). The outlets of the blower (22) and the exhaust fan (23) face opposite directions. The heating resistor (24) is located in the accommodating space. The two ends of the partition (21) are respectively fitted with fan mounting bases (25), each fan mounting base (25) has a through hole, and the blower (22) and the exhaust fan (23) are respectively inserted into the corresponding through hole; The air outlets of the blower (22) and the exhaust fan (23) form an angle with the partition (21), and the angle is 30-60°. The partition (21) has two baffles (26) arranged at intervals on both sides. The blower (22) and the exhaust fan (23) are located between the two opposing baffles (26), and the distance between the two opposing baffles (26) gradually decreases in the outlet direction of the blower (22) or the exhaust fan (23).

2. The testing device for low-temperature performance of antennas according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing device also includes a temperature control component (3), which includes a controller (31) and a temperature sensor (32). The temperature sensor (32) is located in the accommodating space, and the controller (31) is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (32) and the heating resistor (24) respectively, so as to accurately control the temperature in the accommodating space.

3. The testing device for low-temperature performance of antennas according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box (11) includes a shell (111) and a heat insulation layer (112). The shell (111) is detachably connected to the box cover (12). The shell (111) has a cavity, and the heat insulation layer (112) is inserted into the cavity to insulate the shell (111).

4. The testing device for low-temperature performance of antennas according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (111) includes an outer shell (1111), an inner shell (1112), and an annular cover (1113). The outer shell (1111) and the inner shell (1112) are both U-shaped structures. The inner shell (1112) is located inside the outer shell (1111) and is arranged at intervals. The annular cover (1113) is inserted into the space between the outer shell (1111) and the inner shell (1112) to form the cavity.

5. The testing device for low-temperature performance of antennas according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end face of the housing (111) facing the cover (12) has a thermal insulation O-ring (15) and an electromagnetic shielding O-ring (16). The electromagnetic shielding O-ring (16) is located inside the thermal insulation O-ring (15), and both the thermal insulation O-ring (15) and the electromagnetic shielding O-ring (16) are sandwiched between the housing (111) and the cover (12).

6. A testing apparatus for the low-temperature performance of antennas according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A connector (121) is inserted into the cover (12), and a cable (122) for connecting the connector (121) and the antenna (100) is provided on the connector (121), and the cable (122) is located in the accommodating space.

7. A testing apparatus for low-temperature performance of antennas according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The accommodating space has a heat sink (17), which is arranged opposite to the heating resistor (24).

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