A cross-shaped improved beamforming antenna

Abstract

This invention discloses a cross-shaped modified beamforming antenna, relating to the field of communication antennas for transmitting Ku-band radio waves on low-Earth orbit satellites. It includes a coaxial waveguide converter, a rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter, and a circular polarizer connected in sequence. The circular polarizer has a beamforming cavity disposed away from the output end of the rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter, and the cavity is fixed to the outer wall of the circular polarizer and surrounds it. A coaxial horn has a first end fixed to the output end face of the circular polarizer, and a second end extending along the axis of the circular polarizer to the outside of the beamforming cavity. A dielectric cover is fixed to the cavity and away from the side wall of the coaxial converter, and covers the coaxial horn. A gap exists between the inner wall of the dielectric cover and the outer wall of the coaxial horn. A cross-shaped metal component is disposed on the top surface of the dielectric cover away from the coaxial horn. This application aims to solve the problem in low-Earth orbit satellite telemetry and control systems where a gain greater than 2.5 dB within a specific beamwidth of ±65° cannot be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication antennas for transmitting Ku-band radio waves via low-Earth orbit satellites, and in particular to a modified cross-beamforming antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the radiation pattern of a typical horn antenna generally exhibits high axial gain, with the gain decreasing sharply as the angle of deviation from the axis increases. Within a specific beam (±65°) range for low-Earth orbit satellites, the gain can reach -4.5 to 5.0 dB.

[0003] In the Ku band, due to frequency and size limitations, the well-known double-arm spiral and quadruple-arm spiral wide-beamformed antenna designs are no longer applicable. The radiation pattern of the well-known multimode coaxial horn shaped antenna can achieve a gain of -1 to 0 dB within a beamwidth of ±65°, which is less than 2.5 dB.

[0004] However, in low-Earth orbit satellite telemetry and control systems, a gain greater than 2.5dB is required within a specific beam (±65°), which means that none of the aforementioned known antenna solutions can meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a modified crossbeam-shaped antenna to solve the problem that in low-Earth orbit satellite telemetry and control systems, it is impossible to meet the requirement of a gain greater than 2.5dB within a specific beam (±65°).

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this invention application is as follows:

[0007] A modified crossbeamforming antenna includes a coaxial waveguide converter, a rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter, and a circular polarizer connected in sequence; wherein, the circular polarizer has a shaping cavity disposed away from the output end of the rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter, and the shaping cavity is fixed to the outer side wall of the circular polarizer and surrounds the outside of the circular polarizer.

[0008] A coaxial horn, with its first end fixed to the output end face of the circular polarizer and its second end extending along the axis of the circular polarizer to the outside of the shaping cavity;

[0009] A dielectric cover is fixed to the side wall of the shaped cavity away from the coaxial converter, and the dielectric cover is disposed on the coaxial speaker; there is a gap between the inner wall of the dielectric cover and the outer wall of the coaxial speaker; a star-shaped metal piece is provided on the inner wall of the top surface of the dielectric cover facing the coaxial speaker.

[0010] In the improved beamforming antenna of this invention, the inner diameter of the coaxial horn is A, and the value of A ranges from [16.0, 17.5]. mm .

[0011] The improved beamforming antenna of the present invention has an inner diameter of B in the beamforming cavity, where the value of B is in the range of [42, 52] mm.

[0012] The improved beamforming antenna of the present invention has a beamforming cavity with a length of C along the axis of the circular polarizer, where the value of C ranges from [6.9, 7.5] mm.

[0013] In the improved beamforming antenna of the present invention, the length of the second end face of the coaxial horn extending out of the shaping cavity along the axis of the circular polarizer is D, and the value of D is in the range of [13.2, 15] mm.

[0014] In the improved beamforming antenna of the present invention, the distance between the outer side wall of the beamforming cavity along the radial direction of the coaxial horn and the outer side wall of the coaxial horn is G, and the value of G is in the range of [16, 17] mm.

[0015] The present invention relates to a modified beamforming antenna with a star pattern, wherein the star pattern metal component comprises four metal plates, each of which has a through hole at its center; a limiting member is inserted into the four through holes and threaded onto the dielectric cover, and the angle between adjacent metal plates is Q, wherein the value of Q is in the range of [30°, 60°].

[0016] The improved beamforming antenna of the present invention has the following characteristics: the width of the metal sheet is K, where K ranges from [1.5, 2.2] mm; the length of the metal sheet is E, where E ranges from [22.5, 26] mm; and the thickness of the metal sheet is F, where F ranges from [0.4, 1] mm. 。

[0017] The improved beamforming antenna of the present invention has a distance I between the side wall of the coaxial horn and the second end face of the coaxial horn, where the value of I ranges from [19, 23.5] mm.

[0018] The improved beamforming antenna of the present invention has a dielectric constant of H in the dielectric cover, wherein the value of H is in the range of [3.2, 3.8].

[0019] Because of the above technical solutions, this invention application has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0020] This invention uses a cross-shaped metal component and a shaped cavity loaded on a coaxial horn to perform beamforming on the electromagnetic waves radiated outward through the coaxial horn. Through optimized design of the structural dimensions, a gain greater than 2.5dB can be achieved within a specific beam (±65°), thus meeting the beamforming gain requirements for low-orbit satellite ground tracking and control. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1Cross-sectional view of the improved beamforming antenna of the embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-shaped metal component structure in the cross-shaped modified beamforming antenna of this application embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 Typical gain simulation radiation pattern

[0024] Figure 4 The measured gain and radiation pattern of the improved beamforming antenna in this application embodiment.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Star-shaped metal component; 2. Dielectric cover; 3. Coaxial horn; 4. Circular polarizer; 5. Rectangular waveguide to circular waveguide converter; 6. Coaxial waveguide converter; 7. Metal sheet; 8. Shaped cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a further detailed account of the improved cross-shaped beamforming antenna proposed in this application. The advantages and features of this application will become clearer from the following description and claims.

[0027] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a cross-shaped modified beamforming antenna, including a coaxial waveguide converter 6, a rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter 5, and a circular polarizer 4 connected in sequence; wherein, the circular polarizer 4 is provided with a shaping cavity 8 away from the output end of the rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter 5, and the shaping cavity 8 is fixed to the outer side wall of the circular polarizer 4 and is arranged around the outside of the circular polarizer 4.

[0028] The coaxial horn 3 has its first end fixed to the output end face of the circular polarizer 4, and its second end extends along the axis of the circular polarizer 4 to the outside of the shaping cavity 8.

[0029] The dielectric cover 2 is fixed on the side wall of the shaping cavity 8 away from the coaxial converter, and the dielectric cover 2 covers the coaxial speaker 3; there is a gap between the inner wall of the dielectric cover 2 and the outer wall of the coaxial speaker 3; a cross-shaped metal piece 1 is provided on the inner wall of the top surface of the dielectric cover 2 away from the coaxial speaker 3.

[0030] Further configuration includes a dielectric cover 2 comprising a cover body and a flange integrally formed on the cover body, the flange being located at the opening of the cover body; a shaping cavity 8 comprising a base plate and side plates, the base plate being circular with a central opening to achieve integral forming with the output end of the circular polarizer 4; the side plates are formed on the upper surface of the base plate (e.g., Figure 1 The flange (with the base plate facing upwards) surrounds the coaxial horn 3, and the side plate extends from one end of the coaxial waveguide converter 6 to the other end of the dielectric cover 2. Thus, the flange is fixed to the surface of the base plate by screws.

[0031] The working process of its improved cross-shaped beamforming antenna is as follows: First, the circular polarizer 4 converts the transmitted linearly polarized electromagnetic wave into a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave. A shaping cavity is provided at the output end of the circular polarizer 4. The radiation pattern is initially controlled through the shaping cavity, widening the axial radiation pattern to a certain angle. The beam is shaped by the multiple combined refractions of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the waveguide port of the coaxial horn 3 (defined as the part of the coaxial horn 3 extending out of the shaping cavity) by the cross-shaped metal component 1 installed inside the dielectric cover 2 and the shaping cavity, thereby improving the gain index within a specific beam. In this embodiment, any idea of ​​shaping the beam through the combined refraction of the metal component and the shaping cavity by loading a metal device and shaping cavity onto the coaxial horn 3 is within the protection scope of this invention.

[0032] The specific structure of the improved cross-shaped beamforming antenna in this embodiment will be further explained below:

[0033] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the coaxial speaker 3 is A, and the value of A is in the range of [16, 17.5] mm.

[0034] Preferably, the diameter A of the coaxial speaker 3 is 16.5 mm.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the shaping cavity 8 is B, and the value of B is in the range of [42, 52] mm.

[0036] Preferably, the inner diameter B of the shaping cavity 8 is 50 mm.

[0037] In this embodiment, the length of the shaped cavity 8 along the axis of the circular polarizer 4 is C, and the value of C is in the range of [6.9, 7.5] mm.

[0038] Preferably, the length C of the shaped cavity 8 along the axis of the circular polarizer 4 is 7 mm.

[0039] In this embodiment, the length of the second end face of the coaxial horn 3 extending out of the shaping cavity 8 along the axis of the circular polarizer 4 is D, and the value of D is in the range of [13.2, 15] mm.

[0040] That is, D is the distance between the second end of the coaxial horn 3 and the side plate facing away from the bottom plate.

[0041] In this embodiment, the distance between the outer wall of the shaped cavity 8 along the radial direction of the coaxial horn 3 and the outer wall of the coaxial horn 3 is G, and the value of G is in the range of [16,17] mm.

[0042] That is, G is the distance between the side plate and the outer wall of the coaxial horn 3.

[0043] Preferably, the distance G between the outer wall of the shaping cavity 8 and the outer wall of the coaxial horn 3 along the radial direction is 16.4 mm.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the star-shaped metal part 1 includes four metal pieces 7, each with a through hole in its center; the limiting member passes through the four through holes and is threaded onto the medium cover 2, and the angle between adjacent metal pieces is Q, with Q ranging from [30° to 60°].

[0045] Preferably, the angle Q between adjacent metal sheets is 45°.

[0046] Further, the limiting element can be a screw.

[0047] The width of metal sheet 7 is K, and the value of K is in the range of [1.5, 2.2] mm; the length of metal sheet 7 is E, and the value of E is in the range of [22.5, 26] mm; the thickness of metal sheet 7 is F, and the value of F is in the range of [0.4, 1] mm.

[0048] Preferably, the width K of the metal sheet 7 is 2mm, the length E of the metal sheet 7 is 25mm, and the thickness F of the metal sheet 7 is 0.5mm.

[0049] In this embodiment, the distance between the side wall of the cross-shaped metal piece 1 facing the coaxial speaker 3 and the second end face of the coaxial speaker 3 is I, and the value of I ranges from [19, 23.5] mm.

[0050] Preferably, the distance I between the side wall of the star-shaped metal part 1 facing the coaxial speaker 3 and the second end face of the coaxial speaker 3 is 21.75 mm.

[0051] Furthermore, the limiting component (screw) can be used in conjunction with the washer to adjust the value of I.

[0052] In this embodiment, the dielectric constant of the dielectric cover 2 is H, and the value of H is in the range of [3.2, 3.8].

[0053] Furthermore, the antenna's electrical interface includes: an SMA / TNC type standard high-frequency socket or a standard circular waveguide or rectangular waveguide interface; the mechanical mounting interface is determined as needed.

[0054] For example:

[0055] In a Ku-band specific beamforming antenna, the coaxial horn 3 has a diameter A of 16.5 mm, the inner diameter of the beamforming cavity 8 is B of 50 mm, the axial length C of the beamforming cavity 8 is 7 mm, and the end face D of the second end of the coaxial horn 3 and the side plate end face of the beamforming cavity 8 is 14.5 mm. The distance G between the outer wall of the beamforming cavity 8 along the radial direction of the coaxial horn 3 and the outer wall of the coaxial horn 3 is 16.4 mm.

[0056] The metal pieces 7 of the star-shaped metal component 1 have a width K of 2mm, a length E of 25mm, a thickness F of 0.5mm, and an angle difference Q between adjacent metal pieces 7 of 45°. The star-shaped metal component 1 is fixed to the top of the dielectric cover 2 with screws, and the distance I between the star-shaped metal component 1 and the coaxial speaker 3 is adjusted to 21.75mm using screw washers.

[0057] Test results of this invention embodiment: The antenna gain is greater than 2.7dB at the specified ±65° angle, the antenna dimensions are Φ52mm×133.5mm, and the antenna weight is 0.078kg.

[0058] See Figure 4 This is a typical antenna gain radiation pattern, compared to... Figure 3 This demonstrates the effectiveness of the invention, which improves gain within a ±65° beam range. Different structural dimensions can achieve different electrical performance requirements, thus realizing the function of improving gain within a specific beam.

[0059] This invention uses a cross-shaped metal piece 1 and a shaping cavity 8 loaded on a coaxial horn 3 to perform beamforming on electromagnetic waves radiated outward through the coaxial horn 3. Through optimized design of structural dimensions, a gain greater than 2.5dB can be achieved within a specific beam (±65°), thus meeting the beamforming gain requirements for low-orbit satellite ground tracking and control.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modified-milpoo beamforming antenna, characterized in that: The device includes a coaxial waveguide converter, a rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter, and a circular polarizer connected in sequence. The circular polarizer has a shaped cavity located away from the output end of the rectangular waveguide-to-circular waveguide converter. The shaped cavity includes a base plate and a side plate. The base plate is circular with a central opening to be integrally formed with the output end of the circular polarizer. The side plate is formed on the upper surface of the base plate and extends from the coaxial waveguide converter to the circular polarizer. A coaxial horn, with its first end fixed to the output end face of the circular polarizer and its second end extending along the axis of the circular polarizer to the outside of the shaping cavity; A dielectric cover includes a cover body and a flange integrally formed on the cover body. The flange is located at the opening of the cover body and is fixed to the surface of the base plate. The dielectric cover is mounted on the coaxial horn. There is a gap between the inner wall of the dielectric cover and the outer wall of the coaxial horn. A star-shaped metal piece is provided on the inner wall of the top surface of the dielectric cover facing the coaxial horn.

2. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The inner diameter of the coaxial horn is A, and the value of A is in the range of [16.0, 17.5] mm.

3. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The inner diameter of the shaping cavity is B, and the value of B is in the range of [42, 52] mm.

4. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The length of the shaped cavity along the axis of the circular polarizer is C, and the value of C ranges from [6.9, 7.5] mm.

5. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The length of the second end face of the coaxial horn extending out of the shaped cavity along the axis of the circular polarizer is D, and the value of D is in the range of [13.2, 15] mm.

6. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The distance between the outer wall of the shaping cavity along the radial direction of the coaxial horn and the outer wall of the coaxial horn is G, and the value of G is in the range of [16, 17] mm.

7. The improved beamforming antenna according to claim 6, wherein the cross-shaped metal component comprises four metal plates, each of which has a through hole at its center; a limiting member is inserted into the four through holes and threaded onto the dielectric cover, and the angle between adjacent metal plates is Q, wherein the value of Q is in the range of [30°, 60°].

8. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 7, wherein: The width of the metal sheet is K, and the value of K ranges from [1.5, 2.2] mm; the length of the metal sheet is E, and the value of E ranges from [22.5, 26] mm; the thickness of the metal sheet is F, and the value of F ranges from [0.4, 1] mm.

9. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 6, wherein: The distance between the side wall of the cross-shaped metal piece facing the coaxial speaker and the second end face of the coaxial speaker is I, and the value of I ranges from [19, 23.5] mm.

10. The modified-milpile beamforming antenna of claim 1, wherein: The dielectric constant of the dielectric cover is H, and the value of H is in the range of [3.2, 3.8].

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