Phased array radar system

Abstract

The application provides a phased array radar system, which comprises an up-down conversion unit, an antenna unit and a signal processing branch; the up-down conversion unit is used for generating a wideband linear frequency modulation continuous wave signal, obtaining a radio frequency signal based on the wideband linear frequency modulation continuous wave signal, and transmitting the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit; the up-down conversion unit is used for receiving sum-difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mixing the sum-difference signals to obtain a baseband signal, and transmitting the baseband signal to the signal processing branch; the antenna unit is used for synthesizing the radio frequency signal into different beams and radiating the beams; the antenna unit is used for obtaining sum-difference signals based on echo signals and transmitting the sum-difference signals to the up-down conversion unit; and the signal processing branch is used for processing the baseband signal based on requirements to obtain requirement results. By using the wideband linear frequency modulation continuous wave signal and the beam synthesis processing, the application forms wide-angle radiation, obtains sum-difference signals carrying target information, and realizes accurate target detection positioning and high-resolution three-dimensional stereoscopic imaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar communication technology, and in particular to a phased array radar system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing application of high-speed transmission technology, radar systems are being used more and more in communication equipment. Radar systems are often used for target detection, location, and imaging.

[0003] Traditional radar systems are well-established for target detection and localization, but they suffer from disadvantages in target imaging, primarily limited imaging range, poor resolution, and subpar imaging quality. Phased array radars offer certain advantages in imaging performance, but currently, there are few civilian phased array radar systems applied to target imaging, and they are not particularly outstanding in terms of imaging range and resolution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a phased array radar system.

[0005] This invention provides a phased array radar system, comprising: a frequency conversion unit, an antenna unit, and a signal processing unit;

[0006] The up-conversion and down-conversion units are used to generate broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, acquire radio frequency signals based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, and then transmit the radio frequency signals to the antenna unit; they are also used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to acquire baseband signals, and then transmit the baseband signals to the signal processing unit.

[0007] The antenna unit is used to synthesize the radio frequency signals into different beams and radiate the beams; it is also used to obtain the sum and difference signals based on the echo signals and transmit the sum and difference signals to the up and down conversion units.

[0008] The signal processing unit is used to process the baseband signal based on requirements and obtain the required results.

[0009] Optionally, the signal processing unit is further configured to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and transmit the first control signal to the up-conversion unit and the second control signal to the antenna unit;

[0010] The up and down frequency conversion unit is used to generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal;

[0011] The antenna unit is used to perform amplitude and phase control on the radio frequency signal and the echo signal according to the second control signal.

[0012] Optionally, the up and down frequency conversion unit includes: an up frequency conversion channel and a down frequency conversion channel;

[0013] The upconversion channel is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, obtain a radio frequency signal based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and then transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

[0014] The down-conversion channel is used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmit the baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0015] Optionally, the up-conversion channel includes: a phase-locked loop, a power divider, and a frequency converter;

[0016] The phase-locked loop is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, and transmit the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the power divider.

[0017] The power divider is used to perform power division processing on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and transmits the power-divided broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the frequency converter and the down-conversion channel respectively.

[0018] The frequency converter is used to perform frequency multiplication on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

[0019] Optionally, the downconversion channel includes: a first downconversion path, a second downconversion path, and a third downconversion path;

[0020] The first down-conversion path is used to receive the sum signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the sum signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the first baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the first baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0021] The second downconversion path is used to receive the azimuth difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the azimuth difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the second baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the second baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0022] The third downconversion path is used to receive the pitch difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the pitch difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the third baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the third baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0023] Optionally, the first downconversion path, the second downconversion path, and the third downconversion path each include: a mixer and a baseband signal amplifier;

[0024] The mixer is used to receive one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal transmitted by the power divider after power division, and to mix one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division to obtain one signal from the baseband signals.

[0025] The baseband signal amplifier is used to amplify one of the baseband signals and transmit the amplified baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0026] Among them, one of the sum and difference signals is one of the sum signal, the azimuth difference signal, and the pitch difference signal;

[0027] One of the baseband signals is one of the first baseband signal, the second baseband signal, and the third baseband signal.

[0028] Optionally, the antenna unit includes: a receiving antenna array, a control module, a transceiver chip, a transmitting antenna array, and a sum-difference network;

[0029] The receiving antenna array is used to receive the echo signal and transmit the echo signal to the transceiver chip;

[0030] The control module is used to receive the second control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate an amplitude and phase control command according to the second control signal, and transmit the amplitude and phase control command to the transceiver chip.

[0031] The transceiver chip is used to receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, perform amplitude and phase control processing on the radio frequency signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed radio frequency signal to the transmitting antenna array; it is also used to perform amplitude and phase control processing on the echo signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed echo signal to the sum and difference network.

[0032] The transmitting antenna array is used to synthesize the radio frequency signal after amplitude and phase control processing into different beams and radiate the beams;

[0033] The sum-difference network is used to generate a sum-difference signal based on the echo signal after amplitude-phase control processing, and transmit the sum-difference signal to the up-conversion and down-conversion units.

[0034] Optionally, the signal processing unit includes: an analog-to-digital signal converter, a programmable logic device, and a digital signal processor;

[0035] The analog-to-digital converter is used to receive the baseband signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, and convert the baseband signal into a digital signal after analog sampling, and transmit the digital signal to the programmable logic device.

[0036] The programmable logic device is used to digitally process the digital signal according to the requirements to obtain the required data, and transmit the required data to the digital signal processor.

[0037] The digital signal processor is used to perform algorithmic processing on the requirement data according to the requirement, and obtain the requirement result.

[0038] Optionally, the programmable logic device is further configured to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and to control the up-conversion unit using the first control signal and the antenna unit using the second control signal.

[0039] Optionally, the transmitting antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, with the antenna elements on the array being uniformly distributed in m1 rows × n1 columns; where m1 and n1 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

[0040] Optionally, the receiving antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, with the antenna elements on the array being uniformly distributed in m2 rows × n2 columns; where m2 and n2 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

[0041] The phased array radar system provided by this invention acquires broadband radio frequency signals by using broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals in the transmission path, and synthesizes different beams from the broadband radio frequency signals to form wide-angle radiation; in the receiving path, it acquires sum and difference signals carrying information such as the target's distance, velocity and angle, processes the sum and difference signals to extract target information, thereby realizing a low-cost phased array radar system with accurate target detection and positioning and high-resolution three-dimensional stereo imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitting antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0050] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a phased array radar system, which includes: a frequency conversion unit, an antenna unit, and a signal processing unit;

[0051] The up-conversion and down-conversion units are used to generate broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, acquire radio frequency signals based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, and then transmit the radio frequency signals to the antenna unit; they are also used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to acquire baseband signals, and then transmit the baseband signals to the signal processing unit.

[0052] The antenna unit is used to synthesize the radio frequency signals into different beams and radiate the beams; it is also used to obtain the sum and difference signals based on the echo signals and transmit the sum and difference signals to the up and down conversion units.

[0053] The signal processing unit is used to process the baseband signal based on requirements and obtain the required results.

[0054] Specifically, along the transmission path, the up-conversion and down-conversion units first generate a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFM) signal, then process the LFM signal to obtain a radio frequency (RF) signal, and finally transmit the RF signal to the antenna unit. The RF signal obtained through the LFM signal is a broadband RF signal, which can improve the detection range resolution, and the shorter carrier wavelength of the broadband RF signal also helps to improve the velocity resolution.

[0055] The antenna element performs amplitude and phase control on the radio frequency (RF) signal, changing its amplitude and phase. Based on RF signals with different amplitudes and phases, different beams are synthesized in space and radiated outwards, forming wide-angle radiation. The different beams can have different directions, shapes, and numbers.

[0056] In the receiving path, narrow beam reception is used in both the elevation and azimuth directions, and beam scanning is used to achieve coverage of the entire airspace. The antenna unit receives the echo signal reflected back from the target, processes the echo signal to obtain the sum and difference signals, which carry information such as the target's distance, velocity, and angle. The sum and difference signals are then transmitted to the up and down conversion units.

[0057] The up and down frequency conversion units mix the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmit the baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0058] The signal processing unit processes the baseband signal based on requirements to obtain the desired results. These requirements could be target detection or target imaging, and the desired results could be the results of target detection or the results of target imaging.

[0059] For example, when the requirement is to image a target, select the target area of ​​interest and use techniques such as beam scanning to achieve aperture imaging and Doppler beam sharpening to complete a high-resolution 3D reconstruction of the target scene.

[0060] The phased array radar system provided in this invention, on the transmission path, acquires a broadband radio frequency signal by using a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and synthesizes different beams from the broadband radio frequency signal to form a wide-angle radiation; on the receiving path, it acquires a sum and difference signal carrying information such as the target's distance, velocity, and angle, processes the sum and difference signal, and extracts the target information, thereby realizing a low-cost phased array radar system with accurate target detection and positioning and high-resolution three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0061] Optionally, the signal processing unit is further configured to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and transmit the first control signal to the up-conversion unit and the second control signal to the antenna unit;

[0062] The up and down frequency conversion unit is used to generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal;

[0063] The antenna unit is used to perform amplitude and phase control on the radio frequency signal and the echo signal according to the second control signal.

[0064] Specifically, Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the signal processing unit generates a first control signal and a second control signal. The first control signal can be a signal that controls the amplitude, phase, or frequency of a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and the second control signal can be a signal that adjusts the amplitude and / or phase. The first control signal is transmitted to the up-conversion and down-conversion units, and the second control signal is transmitted to the antenna unit.

[0065] The up and down frequency conversion units generate the required broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal based on the first control signal transmitted from the signal processing unit. The center frequency of the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal generated by the up and down frequency conversion units can be 26 GHz, the frequency range can be 25 GHz to 27 GHz, and the bandwidth can be 2 GHz.

[0066] For example, if the first control signal controls the bandwidth of the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to be 2GHz, then the bandwidth of the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal generated by the up and down frequency conversion units is 2GHz.

[0067] The antenna unit generates amplitude and phase control commands based on the second control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, and performs amplitude and phase control on the radio frequency signal and the echo signal respectively based on the amplitude and phase control commands.

[0068] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention generates the required broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal through a first control signal, which is beneficial for acquiring the required broadband radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal is amplitude and phase controlled through a second control signal to synthesize different beams and form the required wide-angle radiation range. The echo signal is amplitude and phase controlled through a second control signal, which is beneficial for acquiring the required sum and difference signals, and for improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0069] Optionally, the up and down frequency conversion unit includes: an up frequency conversion channel and a down frequency conversion channel;

[0070] The upconversion channel is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, obtain a radio frequency signal based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and then transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

[0071] The down-conversion channel is used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmit the baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0072] Specifically, the up and down conversion units are constructed using discrete radio frequency components. Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the up and down frequency conversion units include an up frequency conversion channel and a down frequency conversion channel.

[0073] The upconversion channel operates on the transmission path. The upconversion channel receives the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit. The upconversion channel generates the required broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal. Then, it processes the generated broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to obtain the radio frequency signal and transmits the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

[0074] The downconversion channel operates on the receiving path. It receives the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mixes the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmits the baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0075] The phased array radar system provided in this invention separates the transmission path and the reception path in the radar system by setting up an up-conversion channel and a down-conversion channel, avoiding signal interference between reception and transmission, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional imaging.

[0076] Optionally, the up-conversion channel includes: a phase-locked loop, a power divider, and a frequency converter;

[0077] The phase-locked loop is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, and transmit the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the power divider.

[0078] The power divider is used to perform power division processing on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and transmits the power-divided broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the frequency converter and the down-conversion channel respectively.

[0079] The frequency converter is used to perform frequency multiplication on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

[0080] Specifically, Figure 4 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the phased array radar system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the upconversion channel includes a phase-locked loop, a power divider, and a frequency converter. The upconversion channel may also include a transmit bandpass filter.

[0081] The phase-locked loop (PLL) connects to the signal processing unit via a control interface and receives the first control signal transmitted from the signal processing unit. Based on the first control signal, the PLL generates the required wideband linear frequency modulated (LFM) continuous wave (CFB) signal and transmits it to the power divider.

[0082] The power divider performs power division processing on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, splitting it into four broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals with equal power. One of the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals after power division is transmitted to the frequency converter, and the other three broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals after power division are transmitted to the down-conversion channel as local oscillator signals.

[0083] The frequency converter performs frequency multiplication on one of the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals transmitted from the power divider, which has undergone power division processing, to obtain the radio frequency signal. The frequency multiplication process can be a second frequency multiplication process.

[0084] The inverter transmits the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit after filtering out spurious and harmonic signals outside the passband using a transmit bandpass filter. The transmit bandpass filter is connected to the antenna unit via a radio frequency interface.

[0085] The phased array radar system provided in this invention generates the required broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal through a phase-locked loop. The broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal is processed by a power divider and frequency multiplication by a frequency converter to obtain a broadband radio frequency signal, which is beneficial for subsequent synthesis of different beams to form the required wide-angle radiation, and further helps to improve the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0086] Optionally, the downconversion channel includes: a first downconversion path, a second downconversion path, and a third downconversion path;

[0087] The first down-conversion path is used to receive the sum signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the sum signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the first baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the first baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0088] The second downconversion path is used to receive the azimuth difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the azimuth difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the second baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the second baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0089] The third downconversion path is used to receive the pitch difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the pitch difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the third baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the third baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0090] Specifically, the downconversion channels include a first downconversion path, a second downconversion path, and a third downconversion path.

[0091] The sum and difference signals generated by the antenna element include the sum signal, the azimuth difference signal, and the elevation difference signal. The sum signal is obtained by adding two signals together, the azimuth difference signal is obtained by subtracting the azimuth angles of two signals together, and the elevation difference signal is obtained by subtracting the elevation angles of two signals together.

[0092] The first downconverter path receives a signal and a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by a power divider. The signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by the power divider are mixed to obtain the first baseband signal.

[0093] The second downconverter path receives the azimuth difference signal and a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by a power divider. The azimuth difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by the power divider are mixed to obtain the second baseband signal.

[0094] The third downconverter path receives the pitch difference signal and a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by a power divider. The pitch difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by the power divider are mixed to obtain the third baseband signal.

[0095] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention performs mixing of the azimuth difference signal with the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by power divider, mixing of the azimuth difference signal with the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by power divider, and mixing of the elevation difference signal with the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by power divider through three down-conversion paths to obtain three baseband signals. This is beneficial for the signal processing unit to obtain information such as the target's distance, velocity, and angle based on the three baseband signals, and further improves the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0096] Optionally, the first downconversion path, the second downconversion path, and the third downconversion path each include: a mixer and a baseband signal amplifier;

[0097] The mixer is used to receive one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal transmitted by the power divider after power division, and to mix one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division to obtain one signal from the baseband signals.

[0098] The baseband signal amplifier is used to amplify one of the baseband signals and transmit the amplified baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

[0099] Among them, one of the sum and difference signals is one of the sum signal, the azimuth difference signal, and the pitch difference signal;

[0100] One of the baseband signals is one of the first baseband signal, the second baseband signal, and the third baseband signal.

[0101] Specifically, the first downconversion path, the second downconversion path, and the third downconversion path all include a mixer and a baseband signal amplifier, and each of the three downconversion paths also includes a receiving bandpass filter and a low-pass filter.

[0102] The receiving bandpass filter is connected to the antenna unit through the radio frequency interface. It receives one of the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit. The receiving bandpass filter filters out spurious and unwanted signals outside the passband and transmits one of the filtered sum and difference signals to the mixer. One of the sum and difference signals can be one of the sum signal, azimuth difference signal, and elevation difference signal.

[0103] One input of the mixer is connected to a receiving bandpass filter to receive one of the filtered sum and difference signals; the other input is connected to a power divider to receive one of the wideband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals after power division.

[0104] The mixer mixes one of the sum and difference signals with the power-divided broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to obtain one of the baseband signals. This baseband signal can be one of the first, second, or third baseband signals.

[0105] A mixer can transmit one signal from the baseband signal to the baseband signal amplifier after filtering out spurious signals, harmonic signals, and unwanted signals outside the passband through a low-pass filter.

[0106] The baseband signal amplifier amplifies one of the baseband signals. The baseband signal amplifier is connected to the signal processing unit through the baseband interface and transmits one of the amplified baseband signals to the signal processing unit.

[0107] The phased array radar system provided in this invention uses a mixer to mix one signal from the sum and difference signals with a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal processed by power divider, thereby obtaining one signal from the baseband signal. This baseband signal is then amplified by a baseband signal amplifier and transmitted to the signal processing unit. This allows the signal processing unit to obtain information such as the target's distance, speed, and angle based on the baseband signal, further improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional imaging.

[0108] Optionally, the phase-locked loop, power divider, frequency converter, transmit bandpass filter, receive bandpass filter, mixer, low-pass filter, and baseband signal amplifier are integrated on the same substrate.

[0109] Optionally, the antenna unit includes: a receiving antenna array, a control module, a transceiver chip, a transmitting antenna array, and a sum-difference network;

[0110] The receiving antenna array is used to receive the echo signal and transmit the echo signal to the transceiver chip;

[0111] The control module is used to receive the second control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate an amplitude and phase control command according to the second control signal, and transmit the amplitude and phase control command to the transceiver chip.

[0112] The transceiver chip is used to receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, perform amplitude and phase control processing on the radio frequency signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed radio frequency signal to the transmitting antenna array; it is also used to perform amplitude and phase control processing on the echo signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed echo signal to the sum and difference network.

[0113] The transmitting antenna array is used to synthesize the radio frequency signal after amplitude and phase control processing into different beams and radiate the beams;

[0114] The sum-difference network is used to generate a sum-difference signal based on the echo signal after amplitude-phase control processing, and transmit the sum-difference signal to the up-conversion and down-conversion units.

[0115] Specifically, the antenna unit includes a receiving antenna array, a control module, a transceiver chip, a transmitting antenna array, and a sum-difference network.

[0116] The control module connects to the signal processing unit via a control interface, receives the second control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generates the required amplitude and phase control commands based on the second control signal, and transmits the amplitude and phase control commands to the transceiver chip.

[0117] The first input terminal of the transceiver chip is connected to the control module to receive amplitude and phase control commands; the second input terminal is connected to the upconversion channel in the upconversion unit to receive the filtered radio frequency signal.

[0118] The transceiver chip performs amplitude and phase control and signal amplification processing on the radio frequency signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and then transmits the processed radio frequency signal to the transmitting antenna array.

[0119] The transmitting antenna array synthesizes the processed radio frequency signal into different beams in space and radiates the synthesized beams to form wide-angle radiation.

[0120] The receiving antenna array receives the echo signal reflected back from the target and transmits the echo signal to the transceiver chip.

[0121] The third input terminal of the transceiver chip is connected to the receiving antenna array to receive the echo signal transmitted by the receiving antenna array.

[0122] The transceiver chip performs low-noise amplification and amplitude-phase control processing on the echo signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and then transmits the processed echo signal to the sum and difference network.

[0123] The sum-difference network performs sum-difference processing on the processed echo signal to generate a sum-difference signal. The sum-difference signal carries information such as the target's distance, speed, and angle, and is transmitted to the down-conversion channel in the up-conversion unit.

[0124] The phased array radar system provided in this invention receives a second control signal through a control module to generate the required amplitude and phase control command. The transceiver chip performs amplitude and phase control processing on the radio frequency signal according to the amplitude and phase control command. The transmitting antenna array synthesizes the processed radio frequency signal into different beams and radiates them out to form the required wide-angle radiation. The receiving antenna array receives the echo signal. The transceiver chip performs amplitude and phase control on the echo signal according to the amplitude and phase control command. The sum and difference network generates the required sum and difference signal according to the echo signal after amplitude and phase control and transmits the sum and difference signal to the up and down conversion units. This is beneficial for extracting target information and further improves the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0125] Optionally, the transmitting antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, and the antenna elements on the array are uniformly distributed in m1 rows × n1 columns; where m1 and n1 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

[0126] Specifically, the transmitting antenna array is a planar phased array antenna. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitting antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the antenna array has m1 rows and n1 columns of antenna elements, which are evenly distributed on the antenna array.

[0127] Both m1 and n1 are positive integers greater than or equal to 8. For example, m1 is 10 and n1 is 12.

[0128] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention employs a planar phased array antenna, in which the antenna elements are uniformly distributed on the array antenna, and the number of rows and columns of the antenna elements is greater than 8. This enables the transmitting antenna array to be a planar large-aperture phased array antenna, which is beneficial for improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0129] Optionally, the receiving antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, and the antenna elements on the array are uniformly distributed in m2 rows × n2 columns; where m2 and n2 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

[0130] Specifically, the receiving antenna array is a planar phased array antenna. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the antenna array has m2 rows and n2 columns of antenna elements, which are evenly distributed on the antenna array.

[0131] Both m² and n² are positive integers greater than or equal to 8. For example, m² is 15 and n² is 15.

[0132] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention employs a planar phased array antenna, in which the antenna elements are uniformly distributed on the array antenna, and the number of rows and columns of the antenna elements is greater than 8. This enables the receiving antenna array to be a planar large-aperture phased array antenna, which is beneficial for improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional stereo imaging.

[0133] Optionally, the signal processing unit includes: an analog-to-digital signal converter, a programmable logic device, and a digital signal processor;

[0134] The analog-to-digital converter is used to receive the baseband signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, and convert the baseband signal into a digital signal after analog sampling, and transmit the digital signal to the programmable logic device.

[0135] The programmable logic device is used to digitally process the digital signal according to the requirements to obtain the required data, and transmit the required data to the digital signal processor.

[0136] The digital signal processor is used to perform algorithmic processing on the requirement data according to the requirement, and obtain the requirement result.

[0137] Specifically, the signal processing unit includes an analog-to-digital signal converter, a programmable logic device, and a digital signal processor. The analog-to-digital signal converter, programmable logic device, and digital signal processor are integrated on the same substrate.

[0138] The analog-to-digital converter receives the baseband signals from the upconversion and downconversion units. Specifically, the analog-to-digital converter receives the first baseband signal transmitted by the baseband signal amplifier in the first downconversion path, the second baseband signal transmitted by the baseband signal amplifier in the second downconversion path, and the third baseband signal transmitted by the baseband signal amplifier in the third downconversion path.

[0139] An analog-to-digital converter performs analog sampling on the baseband signal, converts the sampled baseband signal into a digital signal, and transmits the digital signal to a programmable logic device.

[0140] Programmable logic devices (PLDs) perform digital processing on digital signals according to requirements, acquire the required data, and transmit the required data to a digital signal processor (DSP). Digital processing can include digital filtering and fast Fourier transform, among other techniques.

[0141] Digital signal processors (DSPs) process the required data using algorithms to obtain the desired results. These algorithms can include linear least squares parameter estimation and multi-channel deconvolution.

[0142] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention realizes analog-to-digital conversion of baseband signals through an analog-to-digital converter, and the programmable logic device performs corresponding digital processing as needed, and the digital signal processor performs corresponding algorithm processing as needed. This facilitates processing according to needs, improves flexibility, and further improves the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional imaging.

[0143] Optionally, the programmable logic device is further configured to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and to control the up-conversion unit using the first control signal and the antenna unit using the second control signal.

[0144] Specifically, the programmable logic device generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the program.

[0145] The programmable logic device transmits the first control signal to the phase-locked loops in the up and down frequency conversion units, and controls the phase-locked loops in the up and down frequency conversion units to generate the required broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal.

[0146] The programmable logic device transmits the second control signal to the control module in the antenna unit, and controls the control module in the antenna unit so that the control module generates corresponding amplitude and phase control commands according to the second control signal.

[0147] The phased array radar system provided in this embodiment of the invention generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to a programmable logic device, and then uses the first control signal and the second control signal to control the up-conversion unit and the antenna unit respectively. This is beneficial for making corresponding controls according to needs, improving flexibility, and further improving the accuracy of target detection and the resolution of three-dimensional imaging.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects, and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, and the number of objects is not limited; for example, the first object can be one or more.

[0149] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phased array radar system, characterized in that, include: Up and down frequency conversion unit, antenna unit, and signal processing unit; The up-conversion and down-conversion units are used to generate broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, acquire radio frequency signals based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signals, and then transmit the radio frequency signals to the antenna unit. It is also used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmit the baseband signal to the signal processing unit. The sum and difference signals generated by the antenna element include sum signals, azimuth difference signals, and elevation difference signals; The antenna unit is used to synthesize the radio frequency signals into different beams and radiate the beams; it is also used to obtain the sum and difference signals based on the echo signals and transmit the sum and difference signals to the up and down conversion units. The signal processing unit is used to process the baseband signal based on requirements and obtain the required results.

2. The phased array radar system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing unit is also used to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and to transmit the first control signal to the up-conversion unit and the second control signal to the antenna unit. The up and down frequency conversion unit is used to generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal; The antenna unit is used to perform amplitude and phase control on the radio frequency signal and the echo signal according to the second control signal.

3. The phased array radar system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The up and down frequency conversion unit includes: an up frequency conversion channel and a down frequency conversion channel; The upconversion channel is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate a broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, obtain a radio frequency signal based on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and then transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit. The down-conversion channel is used to receive the sum and difference signals transmitted by the antenna unit, mix the sum and difference signals to obtain the baseband signal, and then transmit the baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

4. The phased array radar system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upconversion channel includes: a phase-locked loop, a power divider, and a frequency converter; The phase-locked loop is used to receive the first control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal according to the first control signal, and transmit the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the power divider. The power divider is used to perform power division processing on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal, and transmits the power-divided broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal to the frequency converter and the down-conversion channel respectively. The frequency converter is used to perform frequency multiplication on the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal to the antenna unit.

5. The phased array radar system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The downconversion channel includes: a first downconversion path, a second downconversion path, and a third downconversion path; The first down-conversion path is used to receive the sum signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the sum signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the first baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the first baseband signal to the signal processing unit. The second downconversion path is used to receive the azimuth difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the azimuth difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the second baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the second baseband signal to the signal processing unit. The third downconversion path is used to receive the pitch difference signal in the sum and difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing, and mix the pitch difference signal and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division processing to obtain the third baseband signal in the baseband signal, and then transmit the third baseband signal to the signal processing unit.

6. The phased array radar system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first downconversion path, the second downconversion path, and the third downconversion path all include: a mixer and a baseband signal amplifier; The mixer is used to receive one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal transmitted by the power divider after power division, and to mix one signal from the sum and difference signals and the broadband linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal after power division to obtain one signal from the baseband signals. The baseband signal amplifier is used to amplify one of the baseband signals and transmit the amplified baseband signal to the signal processing unit. Among them, one of the sum and difference signals is one of the sum signal, the azimuth difference signal, and the pitch difference signal; One of the baseband signals is one of the first baseband signal, the second baseband signal, and the third baseband signal.

7. The phased array radar system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes: a receiving antenna array, a control module, a transceiver chip, a transmitting antenna array, and a sum-difference network; The receiving antenna array is used to receive the echo signal and transmit the echo signal to the transceiver chip; The control module is used to receive the second control signal transmitted by the signal processing unit, generate an amplitude and phase control command according to the second control signal, and transmit the amplitude and phase control command to the transceiver chip. The transceiver chip is used to receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, perform amplitude and phase control processing on the radio frequency signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed radio frequency signal to the transmitting antenna array; it is also used to perform amplitude and phase control processing on the echo signal according to the amplitude and phase control command, and transmit the processed echo signal to the sum and difference network. The transmitting antenna array is used to synthesize the radio frequency signal after amplitude and phase control processing into different beams and radiate the beams; The sum-difference network is used to generate a sum-difference signal based on the echo signal after amplitude-phase control processing, and transmit the sum-difference signal to the up-conversion and down-conversion units.

8. The phased array radar system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing unit includes: an analog-to-digital signal converter, a programmable logic device, and a digital signal processor; The analog-to-digital converter is used to receive the baseband signal transmitted by the up-conversion unit, and convert the baseband signal into a digital signal after analog sampling, and transmit the digital signal to the programmable logic device. The programmable logic device is used to digitally process the digital signal according to the requirements to obtain the required data, and transmit the required data to the digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is used to perform algorithmic processing on the requirement data according to the requirement, and obtain the requirement result.

9. The phased array radar system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The programmable logic device is also used to generate a first control signal and a second control signal, and to control the up and down conversion unit using the first control signal and the antenna unit using the second control signal.

10. The phased array radar system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transmitting antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, with the antenna elements on the array being uniformly distributed in m1 rows × n1 columns; where m1 and n1 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

11. The phased array radar system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The receiving antenna array is a planar phased array antenna, with the antenna elements on the array being uniformly distributed in m2 rows × n2 columns; where m2 and n2 are both positive integers greater than or equal to 8.

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