Dual-polarized phased array antenna automatic calibration test method and device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of dual-polarized phased array antenna automatic calibration test method and device, it is related to phased array antenna automatic calibration technical field, by the normal optimization of A polarization and B polarization to the phase shifter of the antenna to be measured, obtain a voltage code matrix, according to the voltage code matrix control vector network analyzer measurement overall far field phase, obtain A polarization and B polarization cumulative voltage-phase data curve, according to the voltage code matrix and the A polarization and B polarization cumulative voltage-phase data curve that meet the requirements initial phase compensation of A, B polarization, obtain new voltage code matrix, according to A polarization cumulative voltage-phase data curve, B polarization cumulative voltage-phase data curve and new voltage code matrix realize the beam pointing control of A, B two polarizations, without introducing high-precision mechanical arm, and accurate high, fast, efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automatic calibration technology for phased array antennas, specifically to an automatic calibration test method and apparatus for dual-polarized phased array antennas. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile and satellite communication technologies, phased array antennas used in these technologies control the phase and amplitude of each internal radiating element through electronic scanning (ESS) to achieve beam pointing. Compared to traditional mechanical adjustment, ESS offers advantages such as higher speed and precision, leading to widespread attention and research.

[0003] Given the high cost of current, relatively mature T / R phased array antennas, the industry is increasingly focusing on low-cost antennas, such as liquid crystal phased arrays. However, as an emerging technology, liquid crystal phased arrays still require refinement and breakthroughs in manufacturing processes. This leads to inconsistencies in the phase shifter consistency of the produced antennas, resulting in inconsistencies in the initial phase of each element. Therefore, those skilled in the art urgently need a rapid and convenient calibration and testing method to adjust the antennas before they leave the factory.

[0004] Currently, high-precision phased array antenna calibration techniques involve placing a receiving probe in the near-field position in front of the antenna under test. A high-precision robotic arm or scanning frame is used to adjust the probe's position, ensuring the probe is at the same vertical distance to each radiating element. The amplitude and phase of each element are then measured and recorded individually in a two-dimensional plane for calibration and compensation. The compensated antenna is then subjected to a series of tests, including beam control. However, this calibration method relies heavily on a high-precision robotic scanning arm for accuracy. During testing, the distance and relative position of the probe to each radiating element must be kept essentially consistent to obtain accurate amplitude and phase values. This incurs additional costs. Furthermore, measuring each patch element individually during testing is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive for large-array antennas but also negatively impacts the efficiency of subsequent testing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address this issue, this application provides an automatic calibration and testing method and apparatus for dual-polarized phased array antennas, thereby solving the problem that the accuracy of existing calibration methods relies on the assistance of a high-precision mechanical scanning arm.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, an automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna includes:

[0008] Step 1: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch, and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix;

[0009] Step 2: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the B polarization switch, and perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix;

[0010] Step 3: Combine the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain the third voltage code matrix;

[0011] Step 4: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0012] Step 5: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0013] Step 6: Determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B meet the linearity requirements;

[0014] Step 7: If the linearity requirement is not met, adjust the Gamma voltage until the linearity is good, then repeat steps 1-6.

[0015] Step 8: If the linearity requirement is met, perform initial phase compensation for A and B polarizations based on the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix;

[0016] Step 9: Implement beam pointing control for polarizations A and B based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

[0017] Preferably, the normal optimization in step 1 or step 2 is performed according to row-first-column, column-first-row, or custom area.

[0018] Preferably, the normal optimization based on row-first-column, column-first-row, or custom region specifically includes:

[0019] When performing normal optimization on a row, column, or region by region, the voltage code of the polarization unit to be optimized in that row, column, or region is accumulated starting from 0. The voltage codes of all polarization units in the remaining rows, columns, or regions, as well as the polarization units in that row, column, or region that do not need to be optimized, are kept at 0. After the accumulation of that row is completed, the maximum received level of the antenna under test and the corresponding voltage code are obtained from the vector network analyzer. Then, the voltage code is reassigned to that row, column, or region, and normal optimization of the next row, column, or region begins, until normal optimization of all rows, columns, or regions is completed. After the normal optimization of that row, column, or region is completed, normal optimization of the column, row, or region is completed according to the same rules.

[0020] Preferably, in step 4 or step 5, when controlling the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve or the B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve, the specific steps include:

[0021] Starting with the third voltage code matrix, a step-customizable voltage code accumulation is performed on all M×N units of A-polarization or B-polarization within the third voltage code matrix. From the beginning, each accumulation measures the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test, and the control program also records the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test once. After a complete accumulation is completed, the control program generates an A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve or a B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve based on the recorded phase value and the increase value each time.

[0022] Preferably, during the voltage code accumulation process, the total accumulated value is determined by the number of phase shifter control bits.

[0023] Preferably, the initial phase compensation for polarizations A and B in step 8 specifically includes:

[0024] Based on the third voltage code matrix, the optimal normal amplitude and overall phase of polarizations A and B are calibrated after normal optimization. Voltage accumulation is then performed on all phase shifter units in the third voltage code matrix corresponding to the phase-leading polarization unit, while the other polarization voltage code remains unchanged until the two are in phase within the test frequency band.

[0025] Preferably, step 9 specifically includes:

[0026] The required row and column basic phase difference values ​​for the target pointing angle are calculated, and the required phase difference is obtained by adjusting the accumulated voltage code of each row and column phase shifter unit according to the fourth voltage code matrix, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and finally the beam pointing control of polarization A and B is realized respectively.

[0027] Secondly, an automatic calibration and testing device for a dual-polarized phased array antenna includes:

[0028] The normal optimization module is used to control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix.

[0029] And to control the electronic polarizer to open the B polarization switch, and to perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix;

[0030] A synthesis module is used to synthesize the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain a third voltage code matrix;

[0031] The VP test module is used to control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve.

[0032] And to control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0033] The judgment module is used to determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B meet the linearity requirements;

[0034] If the linearity requirement is not met, the Gamma voltage is adjusted.

[0035] If the linearity requirement is met, the initial phase compensation of A and B polarization is performed according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix;

[0036] The beam pointing control module is used to implement beam pointing control of polarizations A and B based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

[0037] Thirdly, an automatic calibration and testing system for a dual-polarized phased array antenna is provided. The system is used to implement the aforementioned automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna. It includes a phased array antenna under test, a standard antenna, two turntable supports, a beam pointing control board, an electronic polarizer, a vector network analyzer, and a control terminal. The phased array antenna under test and the standard antenna are respectively mounted on the two turntable supports. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the electronic polarizer and the standard antenna via radio frequency signal lines. The electronic polarizer and the beam pointing control board are both electrically connected to the phased array antenna under test. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the control terminal, and the control terminal is also electrically connected to the beam pointing control board.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0039] This application provides an automatic calibration and testing method and apparatus for dual-polarized phased array antennas. Based on the rows, columns, or regions of the radiating elements of the antenna under test, voltage control is performed to complete automatic optimization calibration of A-polarization and B-polarization, thereby obtaining a voltage code matrix. Using the obtained voltage code matrix, voltage-phase curve tests for A-polarization and B-polarization are performed, along with initial phase compensation for dual polarization. Based on the above data and according to the phased array antenna beam control and polarization synthesis algorithm, the antenna beam pointing and polarization synthesis are finally completed. The automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas provided in this application is accurate, fast, efficient, highly automated, and does not require the introduction of a high-precision robotic arm. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more intuitively illustrate the prior art and this application, several exemplary figures are provided below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the figures should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing this application; for example, based on the technical concept disclosed in this application and the exemplary figures, those skilled in the art are able to easily make conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / classification, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, size ratios, etc. of certain units (components).

[0041] Figure 1 A flowchart of an automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the VP curve that meets the linearity requirements provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a VP curve that does not meet the linearity requirements provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a basic flowchart of the electronic polarizer provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic calibration and testing system for a dual-polarized phased array antenna provided in Embodiment 3 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] In the description of this application: unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in this application are intended to distinguish the objects referred to and do not have any special meaning in terms of technical connotation (e.g., they should not be construed as an emphasis on importance or order). Expressions such as "comprising," "including," and "having" also mean "not limited to" (certain units, components, materials, steps, etc.).

[0048] The terms used in this application, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle," are generally used to facilitate intuitive understanding by referring to the accompanying drawings, and are not absolute limitations on the positional relationships in the actual product. Changes in these relative positional relationships, without departing from the technical concept disclosed in this application, should also be considered within the scope of this application.

[0049] The radiating patches of a dual-polarized phased array antenna are arranged in an M (row) × N (column) configuration. Different phase shifters are used for each radiating patch of different polarizations. Therefore, polarizations A and B each correspond to a separate set of M × N phase shifters. In practice, the phase of the phase shifters is controlled by a (2M) × N or M × (2N) matrix code. However, mass-produced liquid crystal phase shifters may have initial phase inconsistencies, affecting the antenna's normal gain and radiation pattern, leading to inaccurate beam pointing. Therefore, it is necessary to perform phase calibration compensation and performance testing before the antenna is put into formal use. Based on this, this application provides an automatic calibration and testing method and apparatus for dual-polarized phased array antennas.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides an automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas, including:

[0052] S1: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix;

[0053] Specifically, before optimizing the A-polarization normal, the antenna under test and the standard antenna need to be placed on the turntable supports at both ends to ensure that the distance between the antenna under test and the standard antenna meets the far-field test conditions. The control terminal adjusts the turntable supports through the program to align the centers of the two antennas and complete the initialization.

[0054] After initialization, the control terminal controls the electronic polarizer to turn on the A polarization switch through the program. Based on the phase shifter row and column (or custom area) corresponding to the radiation element of the antenna under test, normal optimization is performed according to row first and column second (or column first and row second, or custom area).

[0055] When performing normal optimization on a row, column, or region by region, the voltage code of the polarization unit to be optimized in that row, column, or region is accumulated starting from 0. The voltage codes of all polarization units in the remaining rows, columns, or regions, as well as the polarization units in that row, column, or region that do not need to be optimized, are kept at 0. After the accumulation cycle of that row is completed, the maximum received level of the antenna under test and the corresponding voltage code are obtained from the vector network analyzer. Then, the voltage code is reassigned to that row, column, or region, and normal optimization of the next row, column, or region begins, until normal optimization of all rows, columns, or regions is completed. After the normal optimization of that row, column, or region is completed, normal optimization of the column, row, or region is completed according to the same rules.

[0056] Please refer to Table 1. This embodiment uses the arrangement of M×(2N) phase shifters as an example to specifically illustrate the optimization of the A-polarization normal.

[0057] Table 1

[0058]

[0059] S101: Accumulate the voltage codes of all A-polarized units in the first row of the phase shifter starting from 0; during accumulation, the voltage codes of A-polarized units and all B-polarized units in the remaining rows remain at 0;

[0060] In this step, the step value can be modified as needed when accumulating the voltage code starting from 0. The total accumulated voltage value is determined by the number of control bits of the phase shifter; for example, 6-bit control adds up to 63, and 8-bit control adds up to 255. Each voltage accumulation corresponds to a received voltage level from the vector network analyzer.

[0061] S102: Obtain the maximum received level from the vector network analyzer and assign the voltage code corresponding to the maximum received level to all A polarization units in the first row;

[0062] S103: Repeat steps S101 to S102 until all rows have completed the A-polarization normal optimization;

[0063] In this step, after the first row has been assigned a value, the A-polarization phase shifter unit is accumulated, optimized, and its voltage is assigned row by row according to the rules of S101 and S102 above. Note that during the voltage accumulation process of each row, the row that has been optimized retains the best code after assignment, and the row that has not been optimized retains 0. Finally, a matrix in which all M rows of A-polarization phase shifter voltages have been assigned a value can be obtained.

[0064] After the row-wise optimization is completed, the control program starts with the matrix in which all M rows of A-polarization phase shifter voltages have been assigned values. Following the same accumulation, comparison, and recording rules as the rows, it expands the column-wise optimization for the 1st, 3rd, 5th...2N-1st columns. After each column optimization, the voltage code corresponding to the maximum level value is also assigned to the column cell.

[0065] In summary, after a complete row-first, column-second optimization, the A-polarization normal direction optimization is completed, that is, the normal phase calibration and compensation of A-polarization is completed, resulting in the first voltage code matrix. The same principle applies when performing normal direction optimization by column-first, row-second, or by a custom region.

[0066] This step optimizes the calibration of antennas for near-field single units by using rows, columns, or custom areas, resulting in higher calibration efficiency. It also eliminates the need for a high-precision mechanical scanning frame, thus reducing material costs.

[0067] S2: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the B polarization switch and perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix;

[0068] After the A-polarization normal optimization is completed, the electronic polarizer switches to the B-polarization switch. Starting with the B-polarization unit, the B-polarization normal optimization is performed using the same rules as the A-polarization normal optimization, following a row-first-column (or column-first-row, or custom region) optimization method. During the optimization process, the B-polarization phase shifter units in Table 1 are selected, while the voltage codes of all A-polarization phase shifters remain unchanged in the first voltage code matrix. After the B-polarization normal optimization is completed, the second voltage code matrix is ​​obtained.

[0069] S3: Combine the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain the third voltage code matrix;

[0070] Specifically, the first and second voltage code matrices are combined according to the phase shifter arrangement to obtain a third voltage code matrix of M×(2N) containing A and B polarization optimization calibration. After integrating the two polarization voltage codes, the subsequent control program only calls one set of the third voltage code matrix file, and different polarization subsequent operations can be performed by selecting units at different positions.

[0071] S4: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0072] Specifically, after optimization, the electronic polarizer switches the polarization switch back to the A-polarization switch to perform the A-polarization VP test. During the test, the control program starts with the third voltage code matrix and performs step-customizable voltage code accumulation on all M×N A-polarization units within the third voltage code matrix. Each time accumulation occurs, the vector network analyzer measures the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test, and the control program records the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test. The total accumulated value is also determined by the number of control bits of the phase shifter. After a complete accumulation cycle, the control program generates the A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve (VP-A) based on the recorded phase values ​​and the increment.

[0073] S5: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0074] After the A-polarization VP test is completed, the electronic polarizer switches the A-polarization switch to the B-polarization switch to begin the B-polarization VP test. The process of the B-polarization VP test is the same as that of the A-polarization VP test, and will not be described again here. After the B-polarization VP test is completed, the B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve (VP-B) can be obtained.

[0075] This step uses the far-field phase and voltage code increment relationship curve of the entire antenna under test as the basic data for wave control. This not only makes the test fast and efficient, but also eliminates the need to bring out a separate phase shifter for VP curve testing.

[0076] S6: Determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curves of polarization A and polarization B meet the linearity requirements;

[0077] Specifically, to determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curves for polarization A and polarization B meet the linearity requirements, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0078] S7: If the linearity requirement is not met, adjust the Gamma voltage until the linearity is good, then repeat S1-S6.

[0079] In this step, Gamma voltage correction refers to the relationship between the actual voltage driving the phase shifter and the accumulated voltage code. Usually, the programmable chip that controls the phase shifter uses the bit mentioned in this embodiment to accumulate and drive it. However, some phase shifters, especially liquid crystal phase shifters, have a threshold voltage. When the actual voltage value is lower than the threshold voltage, the phase change of the phase shifter is very small. However, in the voltage increment range above the threshold voltage, the phase changes very drastically. After the voltage continues to be higher than the drastic change range, the phase change tends to be stable and slow.

[0080] Therefore, when the linearity of the VP curve is poor, the control program will correct the Gamma voltage. For example, in the range where the VP curve drops sharply, the actual voltage will be increased in small steps and mapped into the programmable bit; in the range where the VP curve changes slowly, the actual voltage will be increased in large steps and mapped into the programmable bit. After each Gamma correction, the VP test in S4 and S5 is repeated until the VP linearity meets the requirements, and then the above steps S1-S6 are re-executed.

[0081] This step, through Gamma voltage optimization, enables more accurate beam control pointing.

[0082] S8: If the linearity requirement is met, the initial phase compensation of A and B polarization is performed according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix;

[0083] Specifically, after the linearity of the VP curve meets the requirements, the control program records the optimal normal amplitude and overall phase of polarizations A and B after calibration and optimization based on the third voltage code matrix. It continues to accumulate voltage for all phase shifter units in the third voltage code matrix corresponding to the phase-leading polarization unit, while the other polarization voltage code remains unchanged until the two polarizations are in phase within the test frequency band, thus completing the initial phase compensation of the two polarizations. Finally, a fourth voltage code matrix with only one polarization accumulation and the other polarization unchanged is obtained based on the third voltage code matrix.

[0084] Please see Figure 4 The electronic polarizer typically includes a 3dB bridge and a 0°-180° phase shifter. In this step, after the initial phase compensation is consistent, the horizontal and vertical polarizations (i.e., A and B polarizations) can be rotated in any direction by the electronic polarizer.

[0085] S9: Beam pointing control for polarizations A and B is achieved based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curves of polarization A and B, the accumulated voltage-phase data curves of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

[0086] Specifically, the control program obtains the basic row and column phase differences Φx and Φy required for the target pointing angle using the basic phased array antenna beam control calculation formula. It then calls the fourth voltage code matrix, the A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve, and the B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve written into the beam control board. By adjusting the accumulated voltage code of each row and column phase shifter unit, the required phase difference is obtained, ultimately achieving beam pointing control for both A and B polarizations. The required phase differences for the row and column beam control of the phased array antenna are shown in Table 2.

[0087] Table 2

[0088]

[0089] This embodiment provides an automatic calibration and testing method and apparatus for dual-polarized phased array antennas. Voltage control is performed based on the rows, columns, or regions of the radiating elements of the antenna under test to complete automatic optimization calibration of A-polarization and B-polarization, thereby obtaining a voltage code matrix. The voltage-phase curves of A-polarization and B-polarization are then tested using the obtained voltage code matrix, along with initial phase compensation for dual polarization. Based on the above data and according to the phased array antenna beam control and polarization synthesis algorithm, the antenna beam pointing and polarization synthesis are finally completed. The automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas provided in this embodiment is accurate, fast, efficient, and highly automated, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for a high-precision robotic arm.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] This embodiment provides an automatic calibration and testing device for a dual-polarized phased array antenna, including:

[0092] The normal optimization module is used to control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix.

[0093] And to control the electronic polarizer to open the B polarization switch, and to perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix;

[0094] A synthesis module is used to synthesize the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain a third voltage code matrix;

[0095] The VP test module is used to control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve.

[0096] And to control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve;

[0097] The judgment module is used to determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B meet the linearity requirements;

[0098] If the linearity requirement is not met, the Gamma voltage is adjusted.

[0099] If the linearity requirement is met, the initial phase compensation of A and B polarization is performed according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix;

[0100] The beam pointing control module is used to implement beam pointing control of polarizations A and B based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

[0101] For specific limitations regarding an automatic calibration and testing device for a dual-polarized phased array antenna, please refer to the limitations regarding an automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0102] Example 3

[0103] Please see Figure 5 This embodiment provides an automatic calibration and testing system for a dual-polarized phased array antenna. The system is used to implement an automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna. It includes a phased array antenna under test, a standard antenna, two turntable supports, a beam pointing control board, an electronic polarizer, a vector network analyzer, and a control terminal. The phased array antenna under test and the standard antenna are respectively mounted on the two turntable supports. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the electronic polarizer and the standard antenna respectively through radio frequency signal lines. The electronic polarizer and the beam pointing control board are both electrically connected to the phased array antenna under test. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the control terminal, and the control terminal is also electrically connected to the beam pointing control board.

[0104] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way (as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features). For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described; these embodiments not explicitly written should also be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0105] The present application has been described in a relatively specific and detailed manner above through general descriptions and specific embodiments. It should be understood that, based on the technical concept of the present application, several conventional adjustments or further innovations can be made to these specific embodiments; however, as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present application, the technical solutions obtained by these conventional adjustments or further innovations also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch, and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix; Step 2: Control the electronic polarizer to turn on the B polarization switch, and perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix; Step 3: Combine the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain the third voltage code matrix; Step 4: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve; Step 5: Control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve; Step 6: Determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B meet the linearity requirements; Step 7: If the linearity requirement is not met, adjust the Gamma voltage until the linearity is good, then repeat steps 1-6. Step 8: If the linearity requirement is met, perform initial phase compensation for A and B polarizations based on the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix; Step 9: Implement beam pointing control for polarizations A and B based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

2. The automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas according to claim 1, characterized in that, When performing normal optimization in step 1 or step 2, it is done according to row-first-column, column-first-row, or custom area.

3. The automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method of performing normal optimization according to row-first-column, column-first-row, or custom region specifically includes: When performing normal optimization on a row, column, or region by region, the voltage code of the polarization unit to be optimized in that row, column, or region is accumulated starting from 0. The voltage codes of all polarization units in the remaining rows, columns, or regions, as well as the polarization units in that row, column, or region that do not need to be optimized, are kept at 0. After the accumulation of that row is completed, the maximum received level of the antenna under test and the corresponding voltage code are obtained from the vector network analyzer. Then, the voltage code is reassigned to that row, column, or region, and normal optimization of the next row, column, or region begins, until normal optimization of all rows, columns, or regions is completed. After the normal optimization of that row, column, or region is completed, normal optimization of the column, row, or region is completed according to the same rules.

4. The automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4 or step 5, when the vector network analyzer is controlled according to the third voltage code matrix to measure the overall far-field phase and obtain the A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve or the B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve, the specific steps include: Starting with the third voltage code matrix, a step-customizable voltage code accumulation is performed on all M×N units of A-polarization or B-polarization within the third voltage code matrix. From the beginning, each accumulation measures the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test, and the control program also records the overall far-field phase of the antenna under test once. After a complete accumulation is completed, the control program generates an A-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve or a B-polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve based on the recorded phase value and the increase value each time.

5. The automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the voltage code accumulation process, the total accumulated value is determined by the number of control bits of the phase shifter.

6. The automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The initial phase compensation for polarizations A and B in step 8 specifically refers to: Based on the third voltage code matrix, the optimal normal amplitude and overall phase of polarizations A and B are calibrated after normal optimization. Voltage accumulation is then performed on all phase shifter units in the third voltage code matrix corresponding to the phase-leading polarization unit, while the other polarization voltage code remains unchanged until the two are in phase within the test frequency band.

7. The automatic calibration and testing method for a dual-polarized phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step 9 specifically includes: The required row and column basic phase difference values ​​for the target pointing angle are calculated, and the required phase difference is obtained by adjusting the accumulated voltage code of each row and column phase shifter unit according to the fourth voltage code matrix, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and finally the beam pointing control of polarization A and B is realized respectively.

8. An automatic calibration and testing device for a dual-polarized phased array antenna, characterized in that, include: The normal optimization module is used to control the electronic polarizer to turn on the A-polarization switch and perform A-polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the first voltage code matrix. And to control the electronic polarizer to open the B polarization switch, and to perform B polarization normal optimization on the phase shifter of the antenna under test to obtain the second voltage code matrix; A synthesis module is used to synthesize the first voltage code matrix and the second voltage code matrix according to different polarization units to obtain a third voltage code matrix; The VP test module is used to control the electronic polarizer to switch the B polarization switch to the A polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the A polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve. And to control the electronic polarizer to switch the A polarization switch to the B polarization switch, and to control the vector network analyzer to measure the overall far-field phase according to the third voltage code matrix, so as to obtain the B polarization accumulated voltage-phase data curve; The judgment module is used to determine whether the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A and the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B meet the linearity requirements; If the linearity requirement is not met, the Gamma voltage is adjusted. If the linearity requirement is met, the initial phase compensation of A and B polarization is performed according to the third voltage code matrix to obtain the fourth voltage code matrix; The beam pointing control module is used to implement beam pointing control of polarizations A and B based on the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization A, the accumulated voltage-phase data curve of polarization B, and the fourth voltage code matrix.

9. An automatic calibration and testing system for a dual-polarized phased array antenna, characterized in that, The system is used to implement the automatic calibration and testing method for dual-polarized phased array antennas according to any one of claims 1-8, including a phased array antenna under test, a standard antenna, two turntable supports, a beam pointing control board, an electronic polarizer, a vector network analyzer, and a control terminal. The phased array antenna under test and the standard antenna are respectively mounted on the two turntable supports. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the electronic polarizer and the standard antenna respectively via radio frequency signal lines. The electronic polarizer and the beam pointing control board are both electrically connected to the phased array antenna under test. The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the control terminal, and the control terminal is also electrically connected to the beam pointing control board.

Images