A wide bandwidth wide-angle scanning array antenna and satellite

Abstract

This disclosure provides a wideband bandwidth scanning array antenna and a satellite. The wideband bandwidth scanning array antenna is formed by expanding and arranging multiple rotating subarrays. Each rotating subarray consists of M×N antenna elements arranged in a square interval. All the antenna elements in the rotating subarray have the same excitation amplitude. The M×N antenna elements are rotated relative to each other by 360 / (M×N) degrees in the helical rotation direction to form a rotating subarray with a helical rotation feed. Here, M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, and satisfy M×N≥24.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna and satellite. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid construction of low-Earth orbit (LEO) internet satellite constellations and the demand for massive data transmission, higher requirements are being placed on spaceborne phased array antennas for communication. On the one hand, wide-area coverage and high-throughput communication require spaceborne phased array antennas to have higher gain and larger scale; on the other hand, the operating frequency bands are shifting to higher frequency bands (Ku, Ka bands). The problems of wide-angle scanning sidelobes and cross-polarization degradation in phased array performance become more prominent with the increase in scale and frequency. Researching wide-angle scanning techniques with low axial ratio and low sidelobes for large-scale array antennas has broad application value.

[0003] Methods for optimizing the axial ratio and sidelobes of array antennas are mainly divided into element design optimization methods and array surface design optimization methods. Array surface design optimization methods typically employ a sequential rotation feeding method, where four groups form a unit, and the antennas are arranged in a sequential rotation of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees (see Non-Patent Literature 1 and Non-Patent Literature 2). This method can achieve a very high cross-polarization ratio within the antenna normal and small scan angle range, but it exhibits cross-polarization component grating lobes in the large-angle scan region, which no longer meets the current wide-bandwidth and wide-angle satellite communication requirements.

[0004] In addition, an improved scheme based on this type of rotation has been proposed, in which the subarrays rotate 90 degrees. However, this requires simultaneous adjustment of the amplitude and phase at the RF end to achieve a good effect (see Patent Document 1). In practical engineering, the amplitude adjustment at the RF end is often very limited and the accuracy is controlled. The phase-only array method is more practical for engineering applications.

[0005] In addition, an irregularly arranged circular rotating power supply method has been proposed (see Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3). However, due to the irregular arrangement, it is difficult to directly connect the back-end radio frequency arrangement, which limits its application in large-scale engineering applications. Alternatively, the power supply network is extremely complex, making it difficult to implement in the millimeter-wave band.

[0006] Therefore, large-scale circularly polarized array antennas still suffer from problems such as high sidelobes, cross-polarization, and deteriorated axial ratio when scanning at wide angles.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Non-patent literature

[0009] Non-patent document 1: Technique for an array to generate circular polarization with linearly polarized elements[J], IEEE Transactions on Antennas andPropagation, 1986

[0010] Non-Patent Document 2: "Design of Ka-band Circularly Polarized Antenna Array Based on Sequential Rotation Feeding", Han Yunan, Journal of Harbin Engineering University, 2023

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Publication CN116937186A

[0013] Patent Document 2: Chinese Patent Publication CN107611588A

[0014] Patent Document 3: Chinese Patent Publication CN214754186U Summary of the Invention

[0015] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a wide-bandwidth wide-angle scanning array antenna and satellite that can effectively suppress sidelobes and cross-polarization during wide-angle scanning, reduce axial ratio, and has strong engineering feasibility.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna is provided, characterized in that the wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna is formed by an extended array of multiple rotating subarrays.

[0017] The rotating subarray is formed by M×N antenna elements arranged in a square interval.

[0018] All the antenna elements within the rotating subarray have the same excitation amplitude. The M×N antenna elements rotate relative to each other by 360 / (M×N) degrees in the helical rotation direction to form a rotating subarray with a helical rotational feed.

[0019] Where M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, and satisfy M×N≥24.

[0020] Optionally, in the above-mentioned wide bandwidth scanning array antenna, the rotating subarray is formed by 4×6 antenna elements arranged in a square interval, and the 4×6 antenna elements rotate 15 degrees relative to each other in the spiral rotation direction.

[0021] Optionally, in the above-mentioned wide bandwidth scanning array antenna, in the rotating subarray, the phase of the antenna array element is successively 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, ..., 345 degrees in the spiral rotation direction.

[0022] Optionally, in the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna described above, the antenna elements in the rotating subarray are arranged uniformly with equal spacing.

[0023] Optionally, in the above-mentioned wide bandwidth scanning array antenna, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent antenna elements is 0.5 to 0.58λ, where λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating center frequency.

[0024] Optionally, in the above-mentioned wide bandwidth wide angle scanning array antenna, the antenna element is a radiating circularly polarized wave array antenna.

[0025] Optionally, in the aforementioned wide bandwidth scanning array antenna, the rotating subarray is directly connected to the front-end radio frequency port.

[0026] Optionally, in the above-mentioned wide bandwidth scanning array antenna, the spiral rotation direction is either left-handed or right-handed.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a satellite is also provided, which includes the wide bandwidth angle scan array antenna described in any of the preceding claims.

[0028] The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna disclosed herein has the following advantages:

[0029] (1) In the wide-angle scanning array antenna disclosed herein, by making the antenna elements in the rotating subarray formed by M×N (where M×N≥24) antenna elements arranged in a square interval with a spiral rotation feeding design, the sidelobes and cross polarization can be effectively suppressed during wide-angle scanning, the axial ratio can be reduced, and the wide-angle scanning performance of the large-scale circularly polarized array antenna can be effectively improved based only on phase adjustment (i.e. only phase compensation is required). It has strong engineering feasibility and has wide application value.

[0030] (2) In the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna disclosed herein, the rotating subarray is used as the unit module, which is easy to expand and array according to the size of the antenna array surface, and has strong engineering feasibility.

[0031] (3) In the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna disclosed herein, the rotating subarray is arranged in an M×N square interval, which is beneficial for direct connection with the front-end RF port, and is particularly easy to implement in the millimeter wave band.

[0032] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a rotating subarray in a wideband wide-angle scanning array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 To show that Figure 2 The diagram shows a wide bandwidth scanning array antenna obtained by expanding and arranging the rotating subarray.

[0037] Figure 4 To show Figure 2 The normal pattern of the rotating subarray with a scanning angle of 0-0 obtained from the simulation at a frequency of 21 GHz is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 To show Figure 2 The rotating subarray shown is simulated at a frequency of 21 GHz with a scanning angle of 53°.

[0039] Figure 6 To show 24 Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of a 576-element array antenna obtained by expanding and arranging the rotating subarray.

[0040] Figure 7 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns of the 576-element array antenna with a scanning angle of 53-90° obtained from a 19GHz simulation.

[0041] Figure 8 To show Figure 6 The image shows the axial aspect ratio of the 576-element array antenna with a scanning angle of 53-90° obtained from a 19GHz simulation.

[0042] Figure 9 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 19GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-180°.

[0043] Figure 10 To show Figure 6 The image shows the axial aspect ratio of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 19GHz simulation with scanning angles of 53-180°.

[0044] Figure 11 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns of the 576-element array antenna with a scanning angle of 53-90° obtained from the 21GHz simulation.

[0045] Figure 12 To show Figure 6 The image shows the axial aspect ratio of the 576-element array antenna with a scanning angle of 53-90° obtained from the simulation at 21GHz.

[0046] Figure 13 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 21GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-180°.

[0047] Figure 14 To show Figure 6 The image shows the axial aspect ratio of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 21GHz simulation with scanning angles of 53-180°. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in order to maintain brevity, this specification cannot provide a detailed description of all features of the actual embodiments. It should be understood that, in the actual implementation of any embodiment, just as in any engineering or design project, various specific decisions are often made to achieve the developer's specific goals and to meet system-related or business-related constraints, and this can change from one embodiment to another. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content of this disclosure, changes in design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed herein are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient content of this disclosure.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application description and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding “comprising” or “including” encompasses the element or object listed following “comprising” or “including” and its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0050] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and preferred embodiments mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, all technical features and preferred features mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0052] The wide-angle scanning array antenna disclosed herein employs a spiral rotation feeding design for the antenna elements within a rotating subarray formed by M×N (where M×N≥24) antenna elements arranged in a square interval. This design effectively suppresses sidelobes and cross-polarization during wide-angle scanning, reduces the axial ratio, and significantly improves the wide-angle scanning performance of large-scale circularly polarized array antennas based solely on phase-only adjustment. It exhibits strong engineering feasibility and broad application value.

[0053] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna 1 is formed by expanding and arranging multiple rotating subarrays 10.

[0055] The rotating subarray 10 is formed by M×N antenna elements 100 arranged in a square interval. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the antenna elements 100 can be array antennas radiating circularly polarized waves, such as right-hand circularly polarized array antennas or left-hand circularly polarized array antennas. Of course, this disclosure does not limit the type of antenna elements; the antenna elements 100 can be dipole, loop, aperture, microstrip, horn, reflector antennas, etc.

[0056] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the antenna elements 100 in the rotating subarray 10 are preferably arranged uniformly with equal spacing. The center-to-center distance between two adjacent antenna elements 100 is preferably 0.5 to 0.58λ, where λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating center frequency.

[0057] All antenna elements 100 within the rotating subarray 10 have the same excitation amplitude. The excitation amplitude of an antenna refers to the electrical signal strength allocated to each element when the antenna receives or transmits electromagnetic waves. The excitation amplitude and phase of the array antenna affect the antenna's radiation pattern shape, and consequently, its radiation performance. Having the same excitation amplitude for all antenna elements facilitates subsequent phase-only adjustment of the array antenna, meaning only phase compensation is required.

[0058] In the rotating subarray 10, M×N antenna array elements 100 rotate relative to each other by 360 / (M×N) degrees in the helical rotation direction to form a rotating subarray with helical rotation feeding. Here, M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, and satisfy M×N≥24.

[0059] The rotating subarray with a helical rotating feed can effectively disperse the induced current, especially during wide-angle scanning along the diagonal, making it difficult for cross-polarization components to couple and accumulate in the same direction, thereby effectively improving the wide-angle scanning sidelobe suppression capability and axial ratio performance. Furthermore, the applicant has found that if the number of elements in the rotating subarray 10 is too small, it cannot significantly improve the wide-angle scanning sidelobe suppression capability and axial ratio performance; therefore, it is preferable to set the number of elements in the rotating subarray 10 to 24 or more.

[0060] also, Figure 1 The diagram shows a case where the spiral rotation direction can be left-handed, but this disclosure is not limited to this; the spiral rotation direction can also be right-handed.

[0061] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the rotating subarray 10 can be directly connected to the front-end RF port, which is particularly easy to engineer in the millimeter-wave band.

[0062] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a rotating subarray in a wide bandwidth scanning array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the rotating subarray 10 is formed by 4×6 antenna elements 100 arranged in a square interval. The 4×6 antenna elements 100 are rotated relative to each other by 15 degrees in the helical rotation direction.

[0063] The rotation of the aforementioned antenna array elements can be a physical rotation achieved through a phase shifter. Phase shifters can include electronic phase shifters, optical phase shifters, liquid phase shifters, and acoustic phase shifters.

[0064] Electronic phase shifters achieve phase control by altering the electrical characteristics of electromagnetic components. Common electronic phase shifters include variable capacitors, variable inductors, and variable attenuators. By adjusting the electrical characteristics of these components, the signal propagation speed and phase delay can be changed, thereby achieving phase control.

[0065] Optical phase shifters utilize the optical path difference of optical elements to achieve phase modulation. Common optical phase shifters include liquid crystal displays, phase plates, and optical fibers. By changing the propagation path and optical path difference of light, the phase delay of light can be controlled, thereby achieving phase modulation.

[0066] Liquid phase shifters utilize the change in the dielectric constant of a liquid under the influence of an electric or magnetic field to achieve phase modulation. Common liquid phase shifters include plasma, liquid crystal, and electro-hydraulic inkjet. By changing the dielectric constant of the liquid, the propagation speed and phase delay of the signal in the liquid can be altered, thereby achieving phase modulation.

[0067] Acoustic phase shifters utilize the sound velocity and path difference of acoustic elements to achieve phase control. Common acoustic phase shifters include electromechanical ceramics, piezoelectric materials, and acoustic crystals. By changing the propagation speed and path difference of sound waves in the acoustic elements, the phase of the sound waves can be controlled.

[0068] Different types of phase shifters have different working principles and application characteristics. A suitable phase shifter can be selected based on specific needs to implement the helical rotational feed design in a rotating subarray. By adjusting the parameters of the phase shifter, the direction, shape, and range of the beam can be changed.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, in the rotating subarray 10, the phase of the antenna element 100 can be successively 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, ..., 345 degrees in the spiral rotation direction. Among them, the 0 degrees as the starting point is a relative 0 degrees, not an absolute 0 degrees. Figure 2 The phase rotation distribution is just an example; it is sufficient to rotate the antenna array element 100 15 degrees relative to each other in the spiral rotation direction.

[0070] Figure 3 To show that Figure 2 The diagram shows a wide-bandwidth scanning array antenna obtained by expanding and arranging the rotating subarrays. Using the rotating subarrays as unit modules, it is easy to expand and assemble the array according to the size of the antenna array, making it highly feasible in engineering.

[0071] The following is based on Figure 2 The rotating subarray shown is a specific example, and the performance of the rotating subarray of this disclosure is simulated. Specifically, the antenna elements are assumed to be right-hand circularly polarized sub-antennas, operating in the 19GHz to 21GHz frequency band, and the center-to-center distance between two antenna elements is 0.54λ.

[0072] Figure 4 The normal direction pattern of the rotating subarray with a scanning angle of 0-0 is obtained from the simulation at a frequency of 21 GHz. Figure 5 The image shows the radiation pattern obtained from a simulation of the rotating subarray at a frequency of 21 GHz with a scanning angle of 53°–0°. The scanning angle is the theta-Phi (elevation-azimuth). In the figure, RHCP (right-hand circular polarization) represents right-hand circular polarization, and LHCP (left-hand circular polarization) represents left-hand circular polarization.

[0073] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the axial ratio of the rotating subarray is less than 3dB, the first sidelobe suppression ratio is greater than 10dBc, and the cross-polarization suppression ratio is greater than 12dBc during wide-angle scanning (pitch angle 53 degrees).

[0074] Furthermore, in order to Figure 2 The array antenna shown is an example of an expanded arrangement of rotating subarrays. The performance of the array antenna disclosed in this invention is simulated. Figure 6 To show 24 Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of a 576-element array antenna obtained by expanding and arranging the rotating subarray.

[0075] Figure 7 , Figure 8 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns and axial ratios of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 19GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-90°. Figure 9 , Figure 10 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns and axial ratios of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 19GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-180°.

[0076] Figure 11 , Figure 12 To show Figure 6The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns and axial ratios of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 21GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-90°. Figure 13 , Figure 14 To show Figure 6 The diagram shows the left and right rotation component radiation patterns and axial ratios of the 576-element array antenna obtained from a 21GHz simulation with a scanning angle of 53-180°.

[0077] according to Figures 7 to 14 It can be seen that when scanning at an elevation angle of 53 degrees within the operating frequency band, there are no high cross-polarization components and sidelobes in the scanning range (within ±60 degrees). Its simulated axial ratio is less than 3dB in the range of 19 to 21 GHz, the first sidelobe suppression is greater than 15dBc, and the cross-polarization suppression ratio is greater than 14dBc. It maintains excellent axial ratio performance and sidelobe suppression capability when scanning at wide angles.

[0078] The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna of the above-described structure disclosed herein has the following beneficial effects:

[0079] (1) In the wide-angle scanning array antenna disclosed herein, by making the antenna elements in the rotating subarray formed by M×N (where M×N≥24) antenna elements arranged in a square interval with a spiral rotation feeding design, the sidelobes and cross polarization can be effectively suppressed during wide-angle scanning, the axial ratio can be reduced, and the wide-angle scanning performance of the large-scale circularly polarized array antenna can be effectively improved based only on phase adjustment (i.e. only phase compensation is required). It has strong engineering feasibility and has wide application value.

[0080] (2) In the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna disclosed herein, the rotating subarray is used as the unit module, which is easy to expand and array according to the size of the antenna array surface, and has strong engineering feasibility.

[0081] (3) In the wide bandwidth scanning array antenna disclosed herein, the rotating subarray is arranged in an M×N square interval, which is beneficial for direct connection with the front-end RF port, and is particularly easy to implement in the millimeter wave band.

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a satellite comprising the wide-bandwidth angle-scanning array antenna described above. According to this satellite, wide-bandwidth scanning effectively suppresses sidelobes and cross-polarization, reduces axial ratio, and can meet current wide-bandwidth angle-scanning satellite communication requirements.

[0083] It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are used to define parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the embodiments are not intended to be restrictive but are exemplary. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna, characterized in that, The wide bandwidth scanning array antenna is formed by expanding and arranging multiple subarrays. The subarray is formed by M×N antenna elements arranged in a square interval. All the antenna elements within the subarray have the same excitation amplitude. The M×N antenna elements rotate relative to each other by 360 / (M×N) degrees in the helical rotation direction to form a helical rotation-fed subarray. Where M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, and satisfy M×N≥24.

2. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The subarray is formed by 4×6 antenna elements arranged in a square interval. The 4×6 antenna elements are rotated 15 degrees relative to each other in the helical rotation direction.

3. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the subarray, the phases of the antenna array elements are 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, ..., 345 degrees in the spiral rotation direction.

4. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The antenna elements in the subarray are arranged uniformly with equal spacing.

5. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The center-to-center distance between two adjacent antenna elements is 0.5 to 0.58λ, where λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating center frequency.

6. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The antenna array element is a radiating circularly polarized wave array antenna.

7. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The subarray is directly connected to the front-end radio frequency port.

8. The wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spiral rotation direction is either left-handed or right-handed.

9. A satellite, characterized in that, Includes a wide bandwidth angle scanning array antenna as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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