Frequency division transient multi-beam reflective phased array antenna

Abstract

The application discloses a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflective phased array antenna, which comprises a feed source, a reflective array surface and a plurality of filtering phase-shifting modules; the feed source is used for distributing input radio frequency signals to each array element on the reflective array surface; the reflective array surface is composed of a plurality of array elements, and the array elements are used for reflecting incident electromagnetic waves; each array element is connected with one filtering phase-shifting module; the filtering phase-shifting module comprises a frequency division unit and a plurality of phase shifters; the frequency division unit is used for selecting signals of a specific frequency range, and the phase shifters are used for adjusting the phases of reflected waves of different frequencies; a beam control system is connected with the filtering phase-shifting module and is used for coordinating and controlling the whole phased array antenna to realize a required beam direction. The application adopts the reflective phased array, realizes the flexible scanning of beams through frequency division and phase-shifting control, and finally realizes a low-cost, flexible and controllable instantaneous multi-beam reflective phased array system, which can be widely applied to the technical field of antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-beam antenna technology has been widely used in various fields such as communication, radar, and detection due to its ability to achieve simultaneous multi-directional coverage. Traditional multi-beam antennas are based on beamforming networks, which achieve the amplitude and phase distribution of different antenna elements through phase shifting and power modulation within the network, thereby achieving the purpose of multi-beam formation.

[0003] There are two main types of phased array antennas that can achieve instantaneous multi-beams: analog fully connected phased array antennas and digital fully connected phased array antennas. Each has its own advantages. Analog beamforming networks are more cost-effective, while digital beamforming networks are more flexible and convenient in beam shaping and control. Both types of beamforming networks are widely used.

[0004] In recent years, another popular type of multi-beam antenna is based on lenses, such as Rotman lenses with multiple feed ports. Each feed point is located at a different position around the lens, corresponding to the desired beam direction, thus forming multiple beams. There are also Luneburg lenses constructed using different refractive indices, which can focus electromagnetic waves in a specific direction based on the distribution of the refractive index. Lens-based multi-beam antennas are relatively simple to design, have low complexity, and offer wide coverage angles, attracting widespread attention from academia and industry.

[0005] Multi-beam antennas implemented using beamforming networks suffer from poor scalability compared to analog fully connected networks, exhibiting issues such as narrow bandwidth, low operating frequency, and complex network design. While digital fully connected networks can achieve flexible beam control by weighting signals in the digital domain, each element requires additional digital-to-analog converters, resulting in higher costs and power consumption. Furthermore, lens-based multi-beam antennas suffer from high losses and generate fixed beams in a predetermined direction, primarily functioning as switching beam antennas. Although multi-beam antenna technology has made significant progress in recent years, it still faces several challenges, particularly in meeting current demands for low cost, flexible beam adjustment, and high gain. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to at least partially solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0008] A frequency-division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna, comprising:

[0009] The feed source is used to distribute the input radio frequency signal to each element on the reflective array for further phase modulation.

[0010] A reflective array consists of multiple passive array elements used to reflect incident electromagnetic waves; the reflected beam can be controlled by adjusting the phase of each array element; the goal of the reflective array is to change the reflection characteristics without moving the entire structure, thereby changing the radiation direction.

[0011] Multiple filter phase shifting modules are provided, with each array element connected to one filter phase shifting module. Each filter phase shifting module includes a frequency division unit and multiple phase shifters. The frequency division unit is used to select signals within a specific frequency range, and the phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of reflected waves at different frequencies. One end of the frequency division unit is connected to the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple phase shifters respectively.

[0012] The beam control system, connected to the filter phase-shifting module, is used to coordinate and control the entire phased array antenna to achieve the desired beam direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the frequency division unit is a multiplexer, which ensures that each array element receives signals from only a specific frequency range, thereby reducing the mutual interference between different frequencies. Through the multiplexer, the phased array can adapt to signals in different frequency ranges and perform corresponding beamforming and beam control at these frequencies.

[0014] Furthermore, the array elements are implemented using broadband / multi-frequency array elements.

[0015] Furthermore, the phase shifter includes a single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple delay elements, and the phase can be controlled by selecting different delay elements; one end of the single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to a multiplexer, and the other end is connected to multiple delay elements respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the frequency division unit is integrated into the array element.

[0017] Furthermore, the array element is implemented using a multi-frequency multi-port filter array element.

[0018] Furthermore, the phase shifter includes a single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple delay elements, and the phase can be controlled by selecting different delay elements; one end of the single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to the port of the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple delay elements respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the plurality of delay elements are multiple microstrip lines with different lengths and / or widths, and a phase difference is introduced by changing the length and / or width of the microstrip lines.

[0020] Furthermore, the beam control system achieves precise and rapid array beam control through a controller; wherein a beamforming algorithm is employed to form the desired beam direction and shape by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each array element, and the beamforming algorithm includes a minimum mean square error algorithm or a covariance matrix estimation algorithm;

[0021] The controller is responsible for executing the beamforming algorithm, calculating the phase and amplitude adjustments, and passing them to each array element.

[0022] Furthermore, phase and amplitude adjustments are achieved in the following ways:

[0023] Based on the results of the beamforming algorithm, the controller calculates the phase and amplitude adjustments required for each array element. These adjustments reflect the changes in the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves required to achieve the desired beam direction and shape.

[0024] Adjust the phase shifter and amplitude controller corresponding to the array element according to the phase and amplitude adjustment amount.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention uses a reflective phased array, and through frequency division and phase shift control, the beams generated at each frequency do not interfere with each other, while realizing flexible beam scanning, and finally realizing a low-cost, flexible and controllable instantaneous multi-beam reflective phased array system. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following description is provided with accompanying drawings of the relevant technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings described below are only for the purpose of clearly illustrating some embodiments of the technical solutions of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a frame diagram of a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a frame diagram of a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a basic architecture diagram of the array element frequency division and phase shift controller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a basic architecture diagram of the array element phase shift controller in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The step numbers in the following embodiments are set only for ease of explanation, and there is no limitation on the order between the steps. The execution order of each step in the embodiments can be adaptively adjusted according to the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0034] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0035] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0036] Faced with the demands of modern wireless systems for multifunctionality, high energy efficiency, and integration in complex electromagnetic environments, traditional multi-beam phased array systems are subject to numerous limitations in terms of cost, power consumption, and beam flexibility. Therefore, there is a need to research an instantaneous multi-beam phased array system that can simultaneously meet the requirements of cost, power consumption, and flexible beams to adapt to the requirements of various application scenarios such as communication, radar, and detection.

[0037] Based on this, this embodiment provides a frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna, including:

[0038] The feed source is used to distribute the input radio frequency signal to each element on the reflective array for further phase modulation.

[0039] A reflective array consists of multiple passive array elements used to reflect incident electromagnetic waves; the reflected beam can be controlled by adjusting the phase of each array element; the goal of the reflective array is to change the reflection characteristics without moving the entire structure, thereby changing the radiation direction.

[0040] Multiple filter phase shifting modules are provided, with each array element connected to one filter phase shifting module. Each filter phase shifting module includes a frequency division unit and multiple phase shifters. The frequency division unit is used to select signals within a specific frequency range, and the phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of reflected waves at different frequencies. One end of the frequency division unit is connected to the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple phase shifters respectively.

[0041] The beam control system, connected to the filter phase-shifting module, is used to coordinate and control the entire phased array antenna to achieve the desired beam direction.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The reflector array is composed of broadband antennas or multi-band single-port antennas. That is, the reflector array is composed of broadband / multi-band array elements. Compared with the traditional phased array array, the feed network design is simpler, and there is no need to add T / R components at the back end of each array element. At the same time, it also has the electrical scanning capability of traditional phased array antennas, realizing flexible beam control.

[0044] To achieve flexible multi-beam functionality across different frequency bands, a dedicated multiplexer and phase shifter are configured after each array element, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this design allows for precise control of the reflected phase of incident electromagnetic waves at different frequencies. After being received by the array elements, the electromagnetic waves are guided to a multiplexer, which performs frequency separation and transmits the signals to a lower-level multi-bit phase shifter, thus achieving fine-grained frequency control. This scheme ensures that each frequency can be independently phase-shifted, enabling the entire phased array system to generate multiple independent beams in real time. In this architecture, linear polarization control is directly implemented. Circular polarization control, on the other hand, relies on increasing or decreasing the 90° phase difference between the two polarizations at a specific frequency.

[0045] See Figure 3As an alternative implementation, a phase shifter can introduce a phase delay to the signal, thereby achieving phase control. This is achieved by adjusting delay elements in the circuit, such as transmission lines or delay lines with variable lengths. Phase shifters use microstrip line structures, and phase differences can be introduced by changing the length or width of the microstrip line. Microstrip line phase shifters are typically fabricated on microstrip boards, and phase control can be achieved by adjusting the geometric parameters on the board. The main function of the phase shifter is to introduce a controllable phase difference, which allows the phased array system to adjust the direction of the beam. By using a phase shifter on each element, coherent beamforming can be achieved, that is, by properly adjusting the phase of each element, the radiated waves from them in a specific direction can be combined into a composite beam.

[0046] To realize a frequency-division instantaneous multi-beam phased array, a beam control system is needed to accurately and rapidly control the phase shift of each element within the array. This system uses a high-efficiency controller and a fast multi-beamforming algorithm to calculate the phase shift of each element, achieving the specified beam direction and shape. With the help of a high-speed communication network with the elements, the controller can send detailed phase shift commands to each element, thereby correcting its phase in real time and ensuring operational accuracy and immediacy.

[0047] The main control functions of the beam control system are explained in detail below:

[0048] a) Beamforming Algorithm: First, the system employs a beamforming algorithm to form the desired beam direction and shape by appropriately adjusting the phase and amplitude of each array element. Common beamforming algorithms include the minimum mean square error algorithm and covariance matrix estimation. These algorithms typically utilize feedback information, such as the received signal strength and phase, for real-time adjustments.

[0049] b) Controller Design: The controller in the system is responsible for executing the phase and amplitude adjustments calculated by the beamforming algorithm and transmitting them to each array element. The controller needs to efficiently manage and schedule these calculations and ensure that the adjustments are synchronous and real-time.

[0050] c) Phase and Amplitude Adjustment: Based on the beamforming algorithm, the controller calculates the required phase and amplitude adjustments for each array element. These adjustments reflect the changes in electromagnetic wave phase and amplitude needed to achieve the desired beam direction and shape. Adjustments can be made by changing the phase shifters and amplitude controllers on the array elements.

[0051] d) Real-time feedback: To maintain beam stability and accuracy, the system typically requires real-time feedback information. This can include signal strength and phase information acquired from the target or sensors. The controller uses this information to correct calculations and make necessary adjustments to adapt to environmental changes or target movement.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] See Figure 2 The design concept of Embodiment 2 is similar to that of Embodiment 1. The main difference is that Embodiment 2 uses a multi-frequency, multi-port antenna with filtering function as the array surface of the reflector array. That is, the reflector array surface is composed of multi-frequency, multi-port filtering array elements. This filtering array element integrates the antenna and filter into a single design, reducing additional connectors and matching circuits. Inter-frequency interference can be eliminated at the array element level, which can greatly improve the overall integration of the system. Therefore, only a multi-bit phase shifter is configured at the rear end of the array element. The basic structure of the array element is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The phase shifter includes a single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple delay elements, and the phase is controlled by selecting different delay elements; one end of the single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to the port of the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple delay elements respectively.

[0054] In summary, the frequency division instantaneous multi-beam scheme proposed in this invention, employing a reflective array, combines the advantages of parabolic antennas and traditional phased arrays, achieving flexible beam control across multiple frequency bands at a lower cost. Traditional multi-beam antenna schemes have fixed beams and cannot be flexibly adjusted, while multi-beam schemes implemented using digital phased arrays are expensive. To address the need for multi-task processing within a single system in multiple fields such as communication, radar, and detection, this invention proposes an innovative technical solution for frequency division instantaneous multi-beam reflective phased arrays. One implementation scheme achieves a high-gain, low-cost array surface through a reflective array and cleverly combines a splitter to achieve frequency division multiplexing, while using a phase shifter to adjust the phase, ultimately achieving an independently controllable instantaneous multi-beam effect. Another implementation scheme directly uses antennas with filtering functions to form the array surface, further improving the system integration. Compared to traditional multi-beam technologies, the two schemes proposed in this invention have many advantages in terms of integration, power consumption, heat dissipation, and cost, and can well meet the needs of multi-task systems.

[0055] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0056] (1) This invention uses a reflection array as the basis to achieve a high-gain, low-cost array surface.

[0057] (2) The present invention achieves frequency division multiplexing through a splitter, and each frequency band can work independently without interfering with each other.

[0058] (3) The present invention uses a multi-bit phase shifter at each frequency to flexibly adjust the phase between each array element, thereby achieving flexible beam control.

[0059] (4) The present invention uses a filter antenna to form an antenna array, which further improves the system integration.

[0060] In the foregoing description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "another embodiment," or "some embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0061] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0062] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A frequency-division instantaneous multi-beam reflection phased array antenna, characterized in that, include: The feed source is used to distribute the input radio frequency signal to each element on the reflective array for phase modulation; The reflective array consists of multiple array elements, which are used to reflect incident electromagnetic waves; the reflected beam can be controlled by adjusting the phase of each array element. Multiple filter phase shifting modules are provided, with each array element connected to one filter phase shifting module. Each filter phase shifting module includes a frequency division unit and multiple phase shifters. The frequency division unit is used to select signals within a specific frequency range, and the phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of reflected waves at different frequencies. One end of the frequency division unit is connected to the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple phase shifters respectively. A beam control system, connected to the filter phase-shifting module, is used to coordinate and control the entire phased array antenna to achieve the desired beam direction. The frequency division unit is a multiplexer, which is used to ensure that each array element only receives signals from a specific frequency range, thereby reducing the mutual influence between different frequencies. The array elements are implemented using broadband / multi-frequency array elements; The phase shifter includes a single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple delay elements, and the phase can be controlled by selecting different delay elements; one end of the single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to a multiplexer, and the other end is connected to multiple delay elements respectively; The frequency division unit is integrated into the array element; The array element is implemented using a multi-frequency, multi-port filter array element; The phase shifter includes a single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple delay elements, and the phase can be controlled by selecting different delay elements; one end of the single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to the port of the array element, and the other end is connected to multiple delay elements respectively. The multiple delay elements are multiple microstrip lines with different lengths and / or widths. By changing the length and / or width of the microstrip lines, a phase difference is introduced. The beam control system achieves precise and rapid array beam control through a controller; it employs a beamforming algorithm to form the desired beam direction and shape by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each array element. The beamforming algorithm includes a minimum mean square error algorithm or a covariance matrix estimation algorithm. The controller is responsible for executing the beamforming algorithm, calculating the phase and amplitude adjustments, and transmitting them to each array element. Phase and amplitude adjustments are achieved in the following ways: Based on the results of the beamforming algorithm, the controller calculates the phase and amplitude adjustments required for each array element. These adjustments reflect the changes in the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves required to achieve the desired beam direction and shape. Adjust the phase shifter and amplitude controller corresponding to the array element according to the phase and amplitude adjustment amount.

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