Decoupling design method for multi-beam phased array antenna with large scanning angle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decoupling design method for a large-scan-angle multi-beam phased array antenna, comprising: step S1, completing the design and optimization of phased array antenna elements and obtaining a four-element array in a 2×2 arrangement; step S2, performing electrical characteristic simulation on the four-element array; step S3, analyzing and optimizing the element spacing of the four-element array; step S4, optimizing the parameters of the isolation metal posts, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures of the four-element array using a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm, or a particle swarm algorithm; step S5, performing large-scale array formation on the optimized four-element array; and step S6, introducing isolation structures into different beam networks to complete multi-beam integration. The present invention, by introducing optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, and particle swarm algorithms to optimize structural parameters such as the isolation metal posts, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures between elements, can effectively reduce mutual coupling between elements, thereby enhancing the radiation characteristics of the phased array antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of phased array antenna design, and in particular to a decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, improving system communication capabilities and extending communication distances have become hot topics. Compared to single antennas, array antennas, which consist of several identical antenna elements arranged in a regular pattern, offer the advantage of high gain and have garnered widespread attention.

[0003] In the design process of phased array antennas, the mutual coupling between array elements has a significant impact on the performance of the phased array. As the scanning angle of the phased array antenna increases, the mutual coupling between elements also increases. This causes the input impedance of the antenna to change, resulting in array mismatch, which in turn affects the antenna's radiation characteristics and operating bandwidth.

[0004] To meet the application-side design requirements for miniaturization and high integration, it is necessary to minimize the mutual coupling between antenna elements while minimizing the spacing between them to ensure array performance. Therefore, the problem of how to provide a decoupling design method for large-scan-angle multi-beam phased array antennas is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a decoupling design method for a phased array antenna with a large scanning angle, a wide operating bandwidth, and support for multiple beams.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Step S1: Complete the design and optimization of the phased array antenna unit and obtain a four-unit array in a 2×2 arrangement;

[0008] Step S2, performing electrical characteristic simulation on the four-unit array;

[0009] Step S3, analyzing and optimizing the element spacing of the four-element array;

[0010] Step S4, optimizing the parameters of the isolation metal pillars, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures of the four-unit array using a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm, or a particle swarm algorithm;

[0011] Step S5, arranging the optimized four-unit array on a large scale;

[0012] Step S6: Introduce isolation structures into different beam networks to complete multi-beam integration.

[0013] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S1, the phased array antenna unit is a microstrip antenna, a helical antenna or a dipole antenna;

[0014] The polarization mode of the phased array antenna unit is linear polarization or circular polarization;

[0015] The phased array antennas are arranged in a rectangular grid.

[0016] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S1, if the phased array antenna unit is linearly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is formed into a 2×2 array through translation and replication operations;

[0017] If the phased array antenna unit is circularly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is rotated and replicated to form a 2×2 array.

[0018] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S2, the electrical characteristics simulation includes at least active gain, axial ratio, and operating bandwidth.

[0019] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S3, when optimizing the array element spacing, the maximum array element spacing should be determined based on its operating frequency and maximum scanning angle, expressed as: d≤λ / (1+sinθ), where d represents the element spacing of the antenna units in the arrangement direction, λ represents the wavelength at the highest operating frequency of the antenna, and θ represents the maximum scanning angle of the antenna in the arrangement direction.

[0020] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S4, when optimizing the isolation metal pillars of the four-unit array, while meeting the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the spacing of the isolation metal pillars, the diameter of the isolation metal pillars, and the number of the isolation metal pillars.

[0021] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S4, when optimizing the defective ground structure of the four-unit array, while meeting the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the total length and total width of the defective ground structure, and the length, width and spacing of the periodic etching units.

[0022] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S5, the phased array antennas that complete the large-scale array are in the form of a rectangular array, a cross array, a triangular array, a hexagonal array, a circular array or other forms.

[0023] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S6, the number of beam networks is at least 2.

[0024] According to a technical solution of the present invention, in step S6, 1 to 2 isolation layers are set between different beam network layers.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] The present invention proposes a decoupling design method for a large-scanning-angle multi-beam phased array antenna. By introducing optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm, ant colony algorithm, and particle swarm algorithm, structural parameters such as the isolation metal columns, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures between units are optimized. This can effectively reduce the mutual coupling between array elements, thereby enhancing the radiation characteristics of the phased array antenna.

[0027] The electrical performance indicators such as the S parameters between ports, antenna active gain, and axial ratio are used as the fitness function, and a mutation function is introduced when generating the offspring population to enhance the global search performance of the algorithm and prevent it from entering the local optimum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be derived from these drawings without inventive effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A flowchart schematically illustrates a decoupling design process for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Schematically showing a schematic diagram of the structure of a phased array antenna unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 Schematically showing a schematic diagram of a four-unit array structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a four-unit array structure with added isolation metal pillars and isolation metal sheets in one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a four-unit array structure with an increased defect structure in one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 Schematically showing a comparison of S21 parameter simulation results of a four-unit array before and after decoupling in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7Schematically showing a comparison of gain simulation results when scanning to 60 degrees for an 8×8 array before and after decoupling in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 The flowchart schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention for optimizing the parameters of a four-unit array using an optimization algorithm such as a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm, and a particle swarm algorithm.

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] 10. Phased array antenna unit; 11. First layer of radiation patch; 12. Second layer of radiation patch; 13. Feed structure; 20. Four-unit array; 21. Isolation metal column; 22. Isolation metal sheet; 23. Defective ground structure; 24. Periodic etching unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna decoupling design method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0041] Step S1: Complete the design and optimization of the phased array antenna unit and obtain a four-unit array in a 2×2 arrangement;

[0042] Step S2, performing electrical characteristic simulation on the four-unit array;

[0043] Step S3, analyzing and optimizing the element spacing of the four-element array;

[0044] Step S4, using a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm, or a particle swarm algorithm to optimize the parameters of the isolation metal pillars, the isolation metal sheets, and the defective ground structure of the four-unit array;

[0045] Step S5, arranging the optimized four-unit array into a large-scale array;

[0046] Step S6: Introduce isolation structures into different beam networks to complete multi-beam integration.

[0047] By introducing optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm, ant colony algorithm, particle swarm algorithm, etc., the structural parameters such as isolation metal columns, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures between units are optimized, which can effectively reduce the mutual coupling between array elements and thus enhance the radiation characteristics of the phased array antenna.

[0048] The electrical performance indicators such as the S parameters between ports, antenna active gain, and axial ratio are used as the fitness function, and a mutation function is introduced when generating the offspring population to enhance the global search performance of the algorithm and prevent it from entering the local optimum.

[0049] In order to reduce the mutual coupling between units and enhance the radiation characteristics and working bandwidth of the phased array antenna, such as Figure 4 As shown, isolation metal columns 21 and isolation metal sheets 22 may be provided between the cells. Figure 5 As shown, a defect structure 23 can be etched on the antenna floor, and the structure is composed of a plurality of periodic etching units 24.

[0050] In order to enhance the decoupling capability between antenna elements, the parameters such as the size of the radiation patch 11 of the 2×2 four-element array 20, the position of the feed structure 13, the number / spacing / diameter of the isolation metal pillars 21, the size of the isolation metal sheet 22, the total length / total width of the defective ground structure 23, and the length / width / spacing of the periodic etching unit 24 can be optimized under the conditions permitted by the process. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, and particle swarm algorithms can be used for parameter optimization. Specifically, the following steps are performed: first, initializing the various parameters in the optimization algorithm and establishing the model based on a Matlab script; then setting the fitness function and the maximum number of iterations; performing simulation analysis using HFSS software; calculating the fitness and determining whether it meets the convergence requirements; if so, ending the optimization and obtaining the final model; if not, using the roulette wheel method to select individuals with high fitness, generating a new generation of populations based on the set crossover and mutation probabilities, and determining whether the maximum number of iterations has been reached. If so, ending the optimization; otherwise, performing simulation analysis using HFSS software again until the final model is obtained.

[0051] Among them, the mutation function can be introduced when generating the offspring population to enhance the global search ability of the algorithm and prevent it from falling into local optimization.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S1, the phased array antenna unit is a microstrip antenna, a helical antenna, or a dipole antenna;

[0053] The polarization mode of the phased array antenna unit is linear polarization or circular polarization;

[0054] Phased array antennas are arranged in a rectangular grid.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S1, if the phased array antenna unit is linearly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is formed into a 2×2 array through translation and replication operations;

[0056] If the phased array antenna unit is circularly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is rotated and replicated to form a 2×2 array.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the phased array antenna unit 10 is composed of a first layer of radiation patches 11, a second layer of radiation patches 12, and a feed structure 13. It adopts circular polarization radiation, so the corners of the square microstrip patches are cut off. Figure 3 As shown, the phased array antenna unit 10 is formed into a 2×2 four-unit array 20 by rotating and duplicating a single unit. The 2×2 four-unit array 20 is arranged in a rectangular grid.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S2, after completing the optimization of various parameters of the four-unit array 20, the optimized structure can be expanded to the actual required scale, and simulation analysis of a large-scale array can be performed, and the electrical characteristics simulation includes at least active gain, axial ratio, and operating bandwidth.

[0059] In this embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 The comparison of the coupling coefficient S21 between the four antenna elements of the four-element array 20 before and after optimization is shown. Figure 7 The comparison of the changes in active gain after the four-unit array 20 is formed into an 8*8 scale array before and after optimization is shown.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S3, when optimizing the array element spacing, the maximum array element spacing should be determined based on its operating frequency and maximum scanning angle, and is expressed as: d≤λ / (1+sinθ), where d represents the element spacing of the antenna elements in the arrangement direction, λ represents the wavelength at the highest operating frequency of the antenna, and θ represents the maximum scanning angle of the antenna in the arrangement direction.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S4, when optimizing the isolation metal pillars of the four-unit array, while satisfying the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the spacing of the isolation metal pillars, the diameter of the isolation metal pillars, and the number of the isolation metal pillars.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S4, when optimizing the defective ground structure of the four-unit array, while satisfying the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the total length and total width of the defective ground structure, and the length, width and spacing of the periodic etching units.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S5, the phased array antennas that complete the large-scale array are in the form of a rectangular array, a cross array, a triangular array, a hexagonal array, a circular array, or other forms.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step S6, the number of beam networks is at least 2; and 1 to 2 isolation layers are set between different beam network layers.

[0065] After completing the passive antenna array design, based on usage requirements, at least two layers of beam networks can be designed, and isolation layers can be introduced between different beam networks to achieve multi-beam integration.

[0066] The present invention discloses a method for designing decoupling for a large-scanning-angle multi-beam phased array antenna, comprising: step S1, completing the design and optimization of phased array antenna elements and obtaining a four-element array in a 2×2 arrangement; step S2, performing electrical characteristic simulation on the four-element array; step S3, analyzing and optimizing the element spacing of the four-element array; step S4, optimizing the parameters of the isolation metal posts, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures of the four-element array using a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm, or a particle swarm algorithm; step S5, performing large-scale array formation on the optimized four-element array; and step S6, introducing isolation structures into different beam networks to complete multi-beam integration. By introducing optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, and particle swarm algorithms to optimize the structural parameters of the isolation metal posts, isolation metal sheets, and defective ground structures between the elements, mutual coupling between the elements can be effectively reduced, thereby enhancing the radiation characteristics of the phased array antenna.

[0067] Furthermore, electrical performance indicators such as the S parameters between ports, antenna active gain, and axial ratio are used as fitness functions, and a mutation function is introduced when generating the offspring population to enhance the global search performance of the algorithm and prevent it from entering the local optimum.

[0068] It should be noted that although the embodiments of the present invention described above are illustrative, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, any other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art under the guidance of the present invention are deemed to be within the protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step S1: Complete the design and optimization of the phased array antenna unit and obtain a four-unit array in a 2×2 arrangement; Step S2, performing electrical characteristic simulation on the four-unit array; Step S3, analyzing and optimizing the element spacing of the four-element array; Step S4, using a genetic algorithm, an ant colony algorithm or a particle swarm algorithm to perform parameter optimization on the decoupling structure of the four-unit array, including the isolated metal pillars, the isolated metal sheets, and the defective ground structure, specifically comprising: first, initializing various parameters in the optimization algorithm based on a Matlab script and establishing a model; then setting a fitness function and a maximum number of iterations; performing simulation analysis through HFSS software; calculating the fitness, and judging whether the convergence requirements are met; if so, directly ending the optimization to obtain the final model; if not, using a roulette wheel method to select individuals with high fitness, generating a new generation population according to the set crossover and mutation probabilities, and judging whether the maximum number of iterations is reached, if so, directly ending the optimization, if not, performing simulation analysis again through HFSS software until the final model is obtained; wherein, when generating the offspring population, a mutation function is introduced to enhance the global search capability of the algorithm and prevent it from falling into a local optimum; Step S5, arranging the optimized four-unit array into a large-scale array; Step S6: introducing isolation structures into different beam networks to complete multi-beam integration; In step S4, when optimizing the isolation metal pillars of the four-unit array, while satisfying the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the spacing between the isolation metal pillars, the diameter of the isolation metal pillars, and the number of the isolation metal pillars; In step S4, when optimizing the defective ground structure of the four-unit array, while satisfying the processing size requirements, the optimization objects include at least the total length and total width of the defective ground structure, and the length, width and spacing of the periodic etching units.

2. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the phased array antenna unit is a microstrip antenna, a helical antenna or a dipole antenna; The polarization mode of the phased array antenna unit is linear polarization or circular polarization; The phased array antennas are arranged in a rectangular grid.

3. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, if the phased array antenna unit is linearly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is formed into a 2×2 array through translation and replication operations; If the phased array antenna unit is circularly polarized, the single phased array antenna unit is rotated and replicated to form a 2×2 array.

4. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S2, the electrical characteristics simulation at least includes active gain, axial ratio, and operating bandwidth.

5. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S3, when optimizing the array element spacing, the maximum array element spacing should be determined according to its operating frequency and maximum scanning angle, which can be expressed as: , where d represents the unit spacing of the antenna units in the arrangement direction, Represents the wavelength at the highest operating frequency of the antenna, Represents the maximum scanning angle of the antenna in the arrangement direction.

6. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S5, the phased array antennas formed into a large-scale array are in the form of a rectangular array, a cross array, a triangular array, a hexagonal array, or a circular array.

7. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S6, the number of beam networks is at least 2.

8. The decoupling design method for a large scanning angle multi-beam phased array antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step S6, one to two isolation layers are set between different beam network layers.

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