A multi-beam and beam number flexible variable millimeter wave phased array antenna

Abstract

This invention proposes a multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with flexible beam count, belonging to the field of millimeter-wave phased array antenna technology. It includes a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array, a switching network, a multi-channel frequency conversion module, a high-speed acquisition module, a power supply module, and a heat dissipation support structure. The antenna array is divided into multiple subarrays, which can be switched via the switching network to achieve connectivity between different subarrays and different channels of the back-end multi-channel frequency conversion module and high-speed acquisition module. The heat dissipation support structure uses a phase-change homogeneous material, which provides excellent heat conduction while also providing structural support. RF signals between modules are vertically interconnected via SMP blind-plugging, reducing signal connection loss. This invention, through the integrated switching network, enables flexible switching of beam types and numbers, providing multi-beam and angle tracking capabilities while reducing the number of RF channels, effectively lowering power consumption and cost, and is suitable for multi-node flexible network communication applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention proposes a multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams, belonging to the field of phased array antenna technology. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, traditional spectrum resources have become extremely crowded. Millimeter wave bands, due to their abundant spectrum resources and characteristics of large capacity, large bandwidth, and high speed, have been widely used. Because millimeter wave bands have greater spatial loss compared to low-frequency bands, phased array antennas are typically used as transceiver front-ends to achieve long-distance transmission, utilizing their high gain and EIRP to enable long-distance communication between nodes.

[0003] Millimeter-wave phased array antennas integrate numerous components, primarily including the phased array antenna array, multi-functional chips integrating low-noise amplifiers, amplifiers, phase shifters, and switches, multi-channel frequency conversion modules, and digital acquisition modules. In highly integrated phased array antenna communication equipment, the connections between various radio frequency signals are complex, and improper arrangement of these connections can increase connection losses. Furthermore, due to the large number of integrated components, the equipment experiences significant heat dissipation; failure to dissipate heat can severely degrade the equipment's capabilities and even lead to system failure. Therefore, a reasonable layout of the modules is crucial for the overall RF signal connection, transmission, and heat dissipation of the equipment.

[0004] In addition to their high gain, millimeter-wave phased array antennas also offer advantages such as multi-beam operation and flexible beam control. Unlike traditional point-to-point communication, in multi-node networking and full-area coverage applications, a node may communicate with multiple nodes simultaneously or in a time-division manner. This requires the antenna to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals in different directions simultaneously or in a time-division manner, thus placing higher demands on antenna beam control. In this context, how to control the type and number of beams, and how to achieve rapid beam switching while ensuring normal communication in multi-node networks, are of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams. This antenna has multi-beam functionality and a flexible and controllable number of beams, enabling point-to-point and multi-node communication.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams includes a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1 and a heat dissipation support 6, as well as a switch network 2 that uses SMP7 blind insertion to achieve vertical interconnection, a multi-channel frequency conversion module 3, a digital acquisition module 4, and a power supply module 5.

[0008] The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array, switching network, multi-channel frequency conversion module, high-speed acquisition module and power supply module are arranged in the heat dissipation support from top to bottom;

[0009] The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array consists of N antenna subarrays; each antenna subarray can form a beam independently, or multiple antenna subarrays can be combined to form different beam combinations; the RF channel interface of the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array is connected to the RF channel of the switching network one-to-one through the heat dissipation support via SMP connectors.

[0010] The multi-channel frequency conversion module 3 has up-conversion and multi-channel functions. It is used to upconvert the intermediate frequency signal of the digital acquisition board to a radio frequency signal, and then transmit the signal to the antenna subarray through the radio frequency channel. In addition, the multi-channel frequency conversion module 3 can downconvert the signal received by the antenna into an intermediate frequency signal and transmit it to the digital acquisition module. The multi-channel frequency conversion module has N radio frequency channels that correspond one-to-one with the N channels of the switching network. The radio frequency channels of the multi-channel frequency conversion module and the corresponding switching network channels are connected by SMP blind mating.

[0011] The digital acquisition module 4 processes signals in the digital domain and has AD / DA and beamforming functions. The digital acquisition module and the multi-channel frequency converter module are vertically connected through SMP blind insertion.

[0012] The switching network integrates multiple single-pole double-throw switches, sums and differentials, and a power divider network. The upper surface of the switching network is provided with an RF interface connected to a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array, and the lower surface of the switching network is provided with a channel connected to a multi-channel frequency conversion module. The single-pole double-throw switches, sums and differentials, and the RF interface are connected to a microstrip line through the power divider network, wherein the microstrip line can be replaced by a stripline.

[0013] Furthermore, the switching network has N input RF channels and N output channels, wherein the N input RF channels and the N output channels correspond one-to-one.

[0014] Furthermore, the two antenna subarrays are grouped together. The output terminal of one antenna subarray is connected to the stationary terminal of the first single-pole double-throw switch. The two moving terminals of the first single-pole double-throw switch are respectively connected to the stationary terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch and the first input interface of the sum and difference device. The moving terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch is respectively connected to the moving terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch and one of the moving terminals of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch. The other moving terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first output interface of the sum and difference device. The stationary terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the corresponding RF channel of the multi-channel frequency converter module.

[0015] The output of another antenna subarray is connected to the stationary terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch. The moving terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the stationary terminal of the fifth single-pole double-throw switch and the first input interface of the sum and difference device, respectively. The two moving terminals of the fifth single-pole double-throw switch are connected to the two moving terminals of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch, respectively. The stationary terminal of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the corresponding RF channel of the multi-channel frequency converter module.

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

[0017] 1. A switching network is provided between the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array and the multi-channel frequency conversion module. The switching network selectively connects the RF channels of the antenna subarray and the multi-channel frequency conversion module, realizing flexible and rapid switching of the number of beams. It has the function of multi-beam and flexible variable number of beams. It can simultaneously or time-divisionally receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals from different directions. It can meet the application requirements of single-point communication, multi-point communication and rapid switching between single-point and multi-point. It has important application value in multi-node flexible networking application scenarios. At the same time, the switching network includes a sum and difference device to support angle measurement and tracking functions.

[0018] 2. By adopting a switching network design, the RF channels of the antenna subarray and the multi-channel frequency conversion module can be reused, which can effectively reduce the number of RF channels in the multi-channel frequency conversion module, save the space occupied by the components, reduce the complexity of the system, and help reduce the module size, power consumption and cost. In addition, the reduction in the number of RF channels reduces the number of corresponding RF microstrip lines and striplines, saving space for PCB stack-up design and routing design, and effectively reducing the difficulty of PCB layout and routing.

[0019] 3. A switch network design is adopted to achieve selective connection between the antenna subarray and the RF channels of the multi-channel frequency converter module. For non-connected RF channels, they can be placed in a closed state or a standby state, which can reduce power consumption during operation.

[0020] 4. The entire machine is integrated in a modular manner, with each module arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the heat dissipation support structure. The heat dissipation structure has a good heat conduction effect. The modules are vertically interconnected using SMP blind insertion, which reduces the connection loss caused by the traditional interconnection between modules through RF cables. This integration method plays an important role in improving the performance of the entire device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array layout of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the switching network principle of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation scheme of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings:

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, without creative effort, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings and all other drawings fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] A multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams includes a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1, a switching network 2, a multi-channel frequency conversion module 3, a high-speed acquisition module 4, a power supply module 5, and a heat dissipation support 6; characterized in that the whole unit is integrated in a modular manner, with each module arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the heat dissipation support structure, and the modules are vertically interconnected by SMP blind insertion.

[0028] Among them, the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1 is located at the top layer. The interior of the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array adopts a multi-layer PCB printed circuit board. M antenna radiating patches are arranged on the upper surface of the printed circuit board as antenna elements. The top of the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array is equipped with an antenna radome with high wave transmittance. The sides and bottom adopt a lightweight metal structure. The lower surface is equipped with RF channel interfaces. These interfaces are connected to the RF channels of the switching network one by one through the heat dissipation support structure via SMP connectors.

[0029] The heat dissipation support 6 is provided with a cavity and an opening. Each module is positioned through the cavity. An SMP connector is fixed in the opening of the heat dissipation support. The phased array antenna array RF interface and the switch network RF interface are connected one-to-one through the SMP connector.

[0030] Below the aforementioned switch network 2, a multi-channel frequency converter module, a high-speed acquisition module, and a power supply module are arranged sequentially. The multi-channel frequency converter module and the high-speed acquisition module have corresponding interfaces and are interconnected via SMP connectors.

[0031] The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1 is a transceiver integrated antenna with signal filtering, amplification, and phase shifting functions. It also integrates a TR multi-function chip and a beam control unit, enabling flexible control of the beam pointing angle.

[0032] The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1 has circularly polarized or linearly polarized antenna elements that operate in the millimeter-wave frequency band. The antenna array surface can be divided into N antenna subarrays. Each antenna subarray has an RF interface on its lower surface, which is blindly interconnected with the underlying optical network through an SMP connector. Each antenna subarray corresponds to a beam. Each antenna subarray can work independently or can be combined with each other to work, and has single-beam and multi-beam functions.

[0033] The aforementioned switch network 2 consists of radio frequency switches, a power divider network, and a sum / divider. It has N inputs and N outputs. The switch network serves as a signal transmission and channel / antenna subarray selection mechanism between the phased array antenna array and the multi-channel frequency converter module. When the phased array antenna communicates through one beam, the switch's off setting connects the N antenna subarrays to one channel of the multi-channel frequency converter module, combining the antenna array into one beam. When the phased array antenna communicates through two beams, the switch's off setting divides the N antenna subarrays into two parts, each connected to one of the two channels of the multi-channel frequency converter module, combining the antenna array into two beams. Similarly, through switch selection, the antenna array can operate in L beam states, where L ≤ N, meaning the antenna can operate in a maximum of N beam states.

[0034] The aforementioned switch network 2 can multiplex the RF channels of the antenna subarray and the multi-channel frequency converter module. The N RF channels can achieve 1+2+3+4+…N different beam operating states. A certain antenna subarray and a certain RF channel of the multi-channel RF module can be multiplexed when realizing single-beam communication and multi-beam communication, which reduces the number of RF channels of the multi-channel frequency converter module, saves the space occupied by the device, reduces the PCB layout and routing difficulty of the multi-channel frequency converter module, reduces the complexity of the multi-channel frequency converter module, and is beneficial to the integration of the equipment.

[0035] The aforementioned switch network 2 can achieve selective connectivity between the antenna subarray and the radio frequency channels of the multi-channel frequency converter module. For non-connected radio frequency channels, they can be placed in a closed state or a standby state, which can reduce power consumption during operation.

[0036] The switch network 2 includes a sum and difference device, which selects the sum and difference signals through switch settings and supports sum and difference beam angle measurement function.

[0037] The multi-channel frequency conversion module 3 has multiple radio frequency channels. Each channel includes radio frequency devices such as mixers, amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, attenuators, and filters. When in the transmitting state, the signal from the high-speed acquisition module is up-converted, filtered, amplified, or attenuated and then transmitted to the antenna through an open network. When in the receiving state, the signal received by the antenna is down-converted, filtered, amplified, or attenuated and then transmitted to the high-speed acquisition module.

[0038] The high-speed acquisition module 4 includes an AD / DA chip and an FPGA chip, and has analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog conversion and beamforming functions. When in the transmitting state, it converts digital signals into analog signals and transmits them to the multi-channel frequency converter module. When in the receiving state, it converts analog signals from the multi-channel frequency converter module into digital signals and performs corresponding signal processing.

[0039] The aforementioned heat dissipation support structure 6 is designed with a phase change homogeneous temperature material, which can serve both as a fixed support and as a heat dissipation conductor.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, a multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams includes: a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1, a switching network 2, a multi-channel frequency conversion module 3, a digital acquisition module 4, a power supply module 5, and a heat dissipation support 6. The modules are arranged vertically from top to bottom, and the RF signals between the modules are vertically connected using SMP7 blind-plugging, reducing signal connection loss and achieving high integration of the device.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array 1 can be rectangular, square, circular or other shapes. It can be divided into N subarrays according to requirements. Each subarray can form a beam to work independently, or they can be combined with each other to form different beam combinations, so that the antenna has the advantages of flexible multi-beam. Taking this paper as an example, the rectangular antenna array is divided into 8 subarrays. When subarrays 1-8 work independently, the antenna operates in 8 beam states, each beam being independent and pointing to different targets, thus achieving network communication with 8 different nodes. When subarray 1's 1-1 is combined with subarray 2's 1-2, subarray 3's 1-3 is combined with subarray 4's 1-4, subarray 5's 1-5 is combined with subarray 6's 1-6, and subarray 7's 1-7 is combined with subarray 8's 1-8, the antenna operates in 4 beam states, achieving network communication with 4 different nodes. When all subarrays 1-8 are combined, the antenna operates in 1 beam state, achieving point-to-point communication. At this time, the antenna beamwidth is narrow, the gain is high, the anti-interference capability is stronger, and the communication distance is longer.

[0042] The heat dissipation support structure 6 is designed using phase change temperature equalization technology. Its upper heat equalization plate transfers the heat from the phased array antenna and the switching network through conduction, thereby reducing the temperature of the phased array antenna array and the switching network.

[0043] The switch network 2 consists of a sum and difference device, a single-pole double-throw switch, and a power divider network. According to the multi-beam requirements, the N channels of the switch network correspond one-to-one with the N channels of the frequency converter module. By using the sum and difference device and the single-pole double-throw switch to select and multiplex the sub-array and the radio frequency channel, the number of beams can be switched quickly and flexibly.

[0044] The embodiments described in this invention are representative, such as... Figure 3 As shown,

[0045] The sum and difference device in this embodiment has only three output interfaces. Therefore, in the third antenna subarray of the four antenna subarrays in this embodiment, the moving end of the second single-pole double-throw switch is directly connected to the radio frequency channel corresponding to the multi-channel frequency conversion module. The moving ends of the second single-pole double-throw switches of the other three groups are all connected to the radio frequency channel corresponding to the multi-channel frequency conversion module through the moving end of the third single-pole double-throw switch.

[0046] When switches 2-1 to 2-8 are switched to the left, switches 2-9, 2-11, 2-13, and 2-15 are switched to the left, switches 2-10, 2-12, 2-14, and 2-16 are switched to the right, switches 2-17, 2-18, 2-19, 2-20, and 2-22 are switched to the right, and switches 2-21 and 2-23 are switched to the left, the signal does not pass through the sum and difference circuit. This corresponds to the simultaneous operation of the eight RF channels of the frequency converter module. The antenna operates in eight beam states, and each beam can point to a different target, transmitting or receiving signals in different directions. When switches 2-1 to 2-8 are switched to the left, switches 2-9, 2-11, 2-13, and 2-15 are switched to the right, switches 2-10, 2-12, 2-14, and 2-16 are switched to the left, and switches 2-17, 2-18, 2-19, 2-20, and 2-22 are switched to the right, and switches 2-21 and 2-23 are switched to the left, the signal does not pass through the sum and difference circuit. This corresponds to the simultaneous operation of the eight RF channels of the frequency converter module. The antenna operates in eight beam states, and each beam can point to a different target, transmitting or receiving signals in different directions. When switches 9, 2-20, and 2-22 are switched to the left, the signal does not pass through the sum and difference converter. Correspondingly, channels 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the frequency converter module are working, while RF channels 2, 4, 6, and 8 are in standby mode. The frequency converter module can reduce power consumption by 50% at this time. The antenna operates in a 4-beam state, and the 4 beams can be pointed at different targets, transmitting or receiving signals in different directions. When switches 2-1 to 2-8 are switched to the right, switch 2-18 is switched to the left, and switches 2-21 and 2-23 are switched to the right, the antenna operates in a 1-beam state. After processing by the sum and difference converter, one sum signal, one elevation difference signal, and one azimuth difference signal are obtained. After back-end digital acquisition and processing, angle tracking of the target can be realized. At this time, RF channels 2, 6, and 8 of the frequency converter module are working, saving 62.5% of power consumption compared to full power.

[0047] The aforementioned switch network is a passive device and can also serve as an intermediate heat transfer medium, conducting the heat from the multi-channel inverter module to the heat dissipation support structure to reduce the temperature of the multi-channel inverter module.

[0048] The multi-channel frequency converter module 3 features up-conversion and multi-channel functionality. It up-converts the intermediate frequency (IF) signal from the digital acquisition board to an RF signal, which is then transmitted to different antenna subarrays via different RF channels. Similarly, it down-converts the signal received by the antenna back to an IF signal and transmits it to the digital acquisition module. The multi-channel frequency converter module has N RF channels that correspond one-to-one with the N channels of the switching network, connected via SMP blind-plugging, providing multi-channel RF signals for the phased array antenna to achieve multi-beam functionality.

[0049] The digital acquisition module 4 processes signals in the digital domain and has AD / DA and beamforming functions. The digital acquisition module and the multi-channel frequency converter module are vertically connected through SMP blind plugging.

[0050] The heat dissipation support features a 6-structure design, with its lower vapor chamber positioned between the digital acquisition module and the power module, serving both support and heat dissipation functions. The lower vapor chamber of the heat dissipation support incorporates strategically placed openings and recesses to provide space for the connection and installation of the modules.

[0051] The heat dissipation support structure 6 is designed with phase change uniform temperature material, which can not only serve as a fixed support, but also conduct heat dissipation, transferring the heat of the entire millimeter wave phased array antenna to the outside.

[0052] Please note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment and application of the technical principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-beam millimeter-wave phased array antenna with a flexible and variable number of beams, comprising a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array (1) and a heat dissipation support (6), characterized in that, It also includes a switch network (2) that uses miniature push-in RF connectors SMP (7) for blind mating to achieve vertical interconnection, a multi-channel frequency conversion module (3), a digital acquisition module (4), and a power supply module (5); The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array, switching network, multi-channel frequency conversion module, high-speed acquisition module and power supply module are arranged in the heat dissipation support from top to bottom; The millimeter-wave phased array antenna array consists of N antenna subarrays; each antenna subarray can form a beam independently, or multiple antenna subarrays can be combined to form different beam combinations; the RF channel interface of the millimeter-wave phased array antenna array is connected to the RF channel of the switching network one-to-one through the heat dissipation support via an SMP connector. The multi-channel frequency conversion module (3) has up-conversion and multi-channel functions, which is used to up-convert the intermediate frequency signal of the digital acquisition board to the radio frequency signal, and transmit the signal to the antenna subarray through the radio frequency channel; and the multi-channel frequency conversion module (3) can down-convert the signal received by the antenna into an intermediate frequency signal and transmit it to the digital acquisition module. The multi-channel frequency converter module has N radio frequency channels that correspond one-to-one with the N channels of the switching network. The radio frequency channels of the multi-channel frequency converter module and the corresponding switching network channels are connected by SMP blind mating. The digital acquisition module (4) processes the signal in the digital domain and has AD / DA function and beamforming function. The digital acquisition module and the multi-channel frequency conversion module are vertically connected through SMP blind plugging. The switching network integrates multiple single-pole double-throw switches, sums and differencers, and a power divider network. The upper surface of the switching network is provided with an RF interface connected to a millimeter-wave phased array antenna array, and the lower surface of the switching network is provided with a channel connected to a multi-channel frequency conversion module. The single-pole double-throw switches, sums and differencers, and the RF interface are connected to the microstrip line through the power divider network. The switching network has N input RF channels and N output channels, wherein the N input RF channels and N output channels correspond one-to-one; Two antenna subarrays form a group. The output terminal of one antenna subarray is connected to the stationary terminal of the first single-pole double-throw switch. The two moving terminals of the first single-pole double-throw switch are respectively connected to the stationary terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch and the first input interface of the sum and difference device. The moving terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch is respectively connected to one moving terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch and one moving terminal of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch. The other moving end of the third single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first output interface of the sum and difference device, and the stationary end of the third single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the corresponding radio frequency channel of the multi-channel frequency converter module. The output of another antenna subarray is connected to the stationary terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch. The moving terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the stationary terminal of the fifth single-pole double-throw switch and the first input interface of the sum and difference device, respectively. The two moving terminals of the fifth single-pole double-throw switch are connected to the two moving terminals of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch, respectively. The stationary terminal of the sixth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the corresponding RF channel of the multi-channel frequency converter module.

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