An ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on amplitude and phase adjustment module, method and test system

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer, method, and test system based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module. The synthesizer includes: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules, N amplitude attenuators, N ultra-wideband phase shifters, an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider, a power amplifier, and a signal generator. The signal generated by the signal generator is amplified by the power amplifier and then distributed into N equal-amplitude and in-phase power paths by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider. The N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment. The N phase-adjusted signals are then respectively input into N amplitude attenuators for amplitude attenuation. The N attenuated signals are then respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-scale synthetic plane wave. The present invention calibrates amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as the manufacturing process and environment of the amplitude attenuators and ultra-wideband phase shifters to ensure the quality of the ultra-wideband uniform plane wave.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to antenna and electromagnetic characteristic near-field testing technology, and in particular to an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module, a method and a testing system. Background Art

[0002] The plane wave measurement method is the most common test method in the field of microwave measurement, and the plane wave test system is one of the most common test systems in the field of microwave measurement. It plays an irreplaceable role in both the military field and the civilian electronic information field.

[0003] In the military, electromagnetic testing and adjustment of aircraft, satellites, ships, missiles, tanks, and other large-scale weaponry rely heavily on plane wave testing. The level of plane wave testing technology not only determines the performance and quality of military equipment but also impacts a nation's national defense security. Consequently, all major military powers worldwide have listed plane wave testing as a strategic national defense technology. In the civilian electronics and information sector, communication performance testing for the three key application scenarios in the 5G standard (enhanced mobile bandwidth, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications), vehicle electromagnetic performance and onboard communication systems (T-Box) testing in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), wireless performance over-the-air (OTA) testing in the Industrial Internet, and antenna radiation pattern and data throughput testing all rely heavily on plane wave testing, and the demand for this testing is growing. Therefore, plane wave testing is an irreplaceable key technology in both military and civilian applications. High-performance plane wave electromagnetic property measurement technology is crucial to national security and economic development.

[0004] The traditional near-field plane wave measurement method with amplitude and phase control connects an amplitude and phase control circuit in each antenna channel, which is very costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: One purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer that can generate high-quality, large-size quiet zone, low-cost ultra-wideband plane waves at close range based on amplitude and phase adjustment modules to achieve amplitude and phase error calibration.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plane wave synthesis method of the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plane wave electromagnetic characteristics testing system comprising the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer.

[0008] Technical solution: The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module described in the present invention includes: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules, N amplitude attenuators, N ultra-wideband phase shifters, an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider, a power amplifier and a signal generator. The signal generated by the signal generator is amplified by the power amplifier, and the amplified signal is distributed into N channels with equal amplitude and phase power by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider. The N channels of equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment. The N channels of phase-adjusted signals are respectively input into N amplitude attenuators for amplitude adjustment. The N channels of amplitude-adjusted signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-scale synthetic plane wave.

[0009] Optionally, the plane wave synthesizer further includes an edge compensation structure, and the edge compensation structure is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module.

[0010] Optionally, the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules and the N amplitude attenuators, the N amplitude attenuators and the N ultra-wideband phase shifters, the N ultra-wideband phase shifters and the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider, the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider and the power amplifier, and the power amplifier and the signal generator are all connected through amplitude- and phase-stabilizing connectors or cables.

[0011] Optionally, the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module includes M array-arranged antenna linear array modules, the antenna linear array module includes b linear array antennas and a modular bracket for fixing the b antenna linear arrays, each antenna linear array includes a closely arranged antenna units and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider, the attenuated N-path signals output by the amplitude attenuator are distributed into a-paths with equal amplitude and in-phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider, and the a-path equal amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units to realize equal amplitude and in-phase feeding of each antenna unit.

[0012] Optionally, the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider is connected to a closely arranged antenna unit directly or through a phase-stable cable.

[0013] Optionally, the closely arranged antenna units are in the form of a planar Vivaldi, a dipole, a monopole, a pyramidal horn or a ridged horn; the polarization mode of the antenna unit is linear polarization, orthogonal dual polarization, left and right circular polarization or ±45° dual slant polarization.

[0014] Optionally, the multi-stage ultra-wideband power splitter is 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8, or a combination or cascade thereof.

[0015] Optionally, a power amplifier is further provided between the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider and the ultra-wideband phase shifter.

[0016] A plane wave synthesis method using the above-mentioned plane wave synthesizer includes the following steps:

[0017] The signal generated by the signal generator is input into a power amplifier for power amplification. The amplified signal is distributed into N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals by an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider. The N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband phase shifters for phase adjustment. The N phase-adjusted signals are respectively input into N amplitude attenuators for amplitude attenuation. The attenuated N signals are respectively input into N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave.

[0018] A plane wave electromagnetic characteristic test system including the above-mentioned plane wave synthesizer also includes an electromagnetic shielding body, an absorbing material and a control room. The absorbing material is arranged on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, and the plane wave synthesizer is arranged in the electromagnetic shielding body and electrically connected to the control room.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the significant technical effects of the present invention are: (1) the amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as the manufacturing process and test environment of the array module are calibrated based on a modular amplitude attenuator and an ultra-wideband phase shifter to ensure the quiet zone quality of the ultra-wideband uniform plane wave; (2) based on the modular antenna array, an amplitude and phase control circuit (i.e., a circuit composed of an amplitude attenuator and an ultra-wideband phase shifter) is connected in each modular antenna array, which greatly reduces the amplitude and phase control circuit, can reduce the amplitude and phase adjustment cost, reduce the system cost and debugging workload, and have low maintenance cost; (3) it can generate high-quality, large-size quiet zone ultra-wideband plane waves at close range; (4) it has the advantages of small footprint, large quiet zone size, small quiet zone ripple, low cost, and high test accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the antenna linear array module of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A block diagram of the connection relationship between the amplitude and phase regulator and the antenna array of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plane wave electromagnetic characteristics testing system of the present invention;

[0025] Note: 1-Ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module, 2-Amplitude attenuator, 3-Ultra-wideband phase shifter, 4-Amplitude and phase stabilization connector / cable, 5-Ultra-wideband multi-stage power splitter, 6-Power amplifier, 7-Signal generator, 8-Edge compensation structure, 9-Large size synthetic plane wave, 100-Antenna linear array module, 101-Antenna linear array, 102-Modular bracket, 1001-a closely arranged antenna units, 1002-Multi-stage ultra-wideband power splitter, 10-Electromagnetic shielding body, 11-Absorbing material, 12-Control room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present invention and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The following describes in detail the technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] See Figure 1 The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer of the present invention mainly includes N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1, N amplitude attenuators 2, N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, an amplitude and phase stabilizing connector / cable 4, an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, a power amplifier 6, a signal generator 7, and an edge compensation structure 8. The output end of the signal generator 7 is connected to the input end of the power amplifier 6, the output end of the power amplifier 6 is connected to the input end of the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, the output end of the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 is respectively connected to the input ends of the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, the output ends of the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 are respectively connected to the input ends of the N amplitude attenuators 2, the output ends of the N amplitude attenuators 2 are respectively connected to the input ends of the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1, and the edge compensation structure 8 is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 jointly synthesize a large-scale synthetic plane wave 9. The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 and the N amplitude attenuators 2, the N amplitude attenuators 2 and the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3, the N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 and the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 and the power amplifier 6, and the power amplifier 6 and the signal generator 7 are all connected through amplitude and phase stabilization connectors or cables 4.

[0029] N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 are connected in sequence to N amplitude attenuators 2 and N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 through amplitude- and phase-stabilizing connectors or cables 4 for calibrating the amplitude and phase errors of each module. The N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 are connected to an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5, which realizes equal-amplitude and in-phase power distribution of the signal and distributes the equal-amplitude and in-phase signal to N amplitude and phase adjustment circuits.

[0030] Furthermore, the equal-amplitude and in-phase signals output by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5 can be amplified by a power amplifier and then distributed to N amplitude and phase adjustment circuits.

[0031] Each ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 achieves module amplitude and phase control via its connected amplitude attenuator 2 and ultra-wideband phase shifter 3. These array module amplitude attenuator 2 and array module ultra-wideband phase shifter 3 are used to calibrate amplitude and phase errors caused by factors such as the array module's manufacturing process and test environment, thereby ensuring the quiet zone quality of the ultra-wideband uniform plane wave.

[0032] The ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 comprises M array-arranged antenna linear array modules 100, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Figure 2 As shown, the antenna array module 100 includes b antenna arrays 101 arranged in a linear array and a modular bracket 102 for fixing the b antenna arrays. Each antenna array 101 includes a closely arranged antenna units 1001 and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. The attenuated N-channel signals output by the amplitude attenuator 2 are distributed into a channels with equal amplitude and in-phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. The a-channel equal amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units 1001 to realize equal amplitude and in-phase feeding of each antenna unit. a and b are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0033] The a closely spaced antenna elements 1001 may be in the form of a planar Vivaldi antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, a pyramidal horn antenna, or a ridged horn antenna. The a closely spaced antenna elements 1001 may be in the form of a linear polarization, a dual polarization antenna, a left-right circular polarization antenna, or a ±45° dual slant polarization antenna.

[0034] The multi-stage ultra-wideband power splitter 1002 includes, but is not limited to, an ultra-wideband gradient line power splitter and a Wilkins power splitter. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power splitter 1002 includes, but is not limited to, 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8, and combinations and cascades thereof. The multi-stage ultra-wideband power splitter 1002 is directly connected to a closely spaced antenna unit 1001, or can be connected via a phase-stabilized cable.

[0035] See Figure 3This embodiment provides an ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 consisting of 2×2 antenna linear array modules 100. The antenna linear array modules 100 are connected using modular brackets 102. Edge compensation structures 8 are installed on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module 1 to reduce the adverse effects caused by the asymmetry of the array edge units on both sides.

[0036] See Figure 4 After the amplitude and phase adjusters (i.e., ultra-wideband phase shifter 3 and amplitude attenuator 2) adjust the signal's phase and amplitude, the signal is input to a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002. Multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 divides the signal's frequency and then inputs it to a closely spaced antenna units 1001. Multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider 1002 distributes the signal's power with equal amplitude and phase, enabling equal amplitude and phase feeding to each antenna unit.

[0037] A plane wave synthesis method based on the plane wave synthesizer is:

[0038] The signal generated by signal generator 7 is input to power amplifier 6 for power amplification. The amplified signal is then distributed into N equal-amplitude, in-phase signals by ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider 5. These N equal-amplitude, in-phase signals are then input to N ultra-wideband phase shifters 3 for phase adjustment. After phase adjustment, the N phase-adjusted signals are then input to N amplitude attenuators 2 for amplitude attenuation. The N attenuated signals are then input to N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1. These N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules 1 synthesize a uniform plane wave. This method is a low-cost, high-quality ultra-wideband plane wave synthesis technology that generates high-quality, large-scale quiet zones at close range.

[0039] See Figure 5 A plane wave electromagnetic characteristics test system including the plane wave synthesizer also includes an electromagnetic shield 10, an absorbing material 11, and a control room 12. The absorbing material 11 is disposed on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shield 10. The plane wave synthesizer is disposed within the electromagnetic shield 10 and is electrically connected to the control room 12. The control room 12 is equipped with test equipment and an industrial control computer. The ultra-wideband multi-stage power splitter is connected to the test equipment and the industrial control computer via a power amplifier. The plane wave electromagnetic characteristics test system is established based on the above-mentioned plane wave synthesizer and can generate high-quality, large-sized plane waves in a relatively small space. It has the advantages of small footprint, large quiet zone size, small quiet zone ripple, low cost, and high test accuracy.

Claims

1. An ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on an amplitude and phase adjustment module, characterized in that: include: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1), N amplitude attenuators (2), N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3), an ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5), a power amplifier (6), a signal generator (7) and an edge compensation structure (8), wherein the edge compensation structure (8) is arranged on both sides of the ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module (1), the signal generated by the signal generator (7) is amplified by the power amplifier (6), the amplified signal is distributed into N paths with equal amplitude and phase power by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5), the N paths of equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into the N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) for phase adjustment, the N paths of signals after phase adjustment are respectively input into the N amplitude attenuators (2) for amplitude adjustment, the N paths of signals after amplitude adjustment are respectively input into the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1), and the N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave (9).

2. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) and N amplitude attenuators (2), N amplitude attenuators (2) and N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3), N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) and ultra-wideband multi-stage power dividers (5), ultra-wideband multi-stage power dividers (5) and power amplifiers (6), and power amplifiers (6) and signal generators (7) are all connected via amplitude- and phase-stabilizing connectors or cables (4).

3. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array module (1) comprises M array-arranged antenna linear array modules (100), the antenna linear array module (100) comprises b linear array-arranged antenna linear arrays (101) and a modular bracket (102) for fixing the b antenna linear arrays, each antenna linear array (101) comprises a closely arranged antenna units (1001) and a multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002), the attenuated N-path signals output by the amplitude attenuator (2) are distributed into a-paths with equal amplitude and phase power by the multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002), and the a-path equal amplitude and phase signals are respectively input into a closely arranged antenna units (1001), thereby realizing equal amplitude and phase feeding of each antenna unit.

4. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002) is directly connected to a closely arranged antenna unit (1001) or connected via a phase-stable cable.

5. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The closely arranged antenna units (1001) are in the form of a planar Vivaldi, a dipole, a monopole, a pyramidal horn or a ridged horn; the polarization mode of the antenna unit is linear polarization, orthogonal dual polarization, left and right circular polarization or ±45° dual slant polarization.

6. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multi-stage ultra-wideband power divider (1002) is 1-to-2, 1-to-3, 1-to-4, 1-to-8 or a combination or cascade thereof.

7. The ultra-wideband plane wave synthesizer based on the amplitude and phase adjustment module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A power amplifier is also provided between the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5) and the ultra-wideband phase shifter (3).

8. A plane wave synthesis method, characterized in that: The method is based on the plane wave synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: The signal generated by the signal generator (7) is input to the power amplifier (6) for power amplification. The amplified signal is distributed into N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals by the ultra-wideband multi-stage power divider (5). The N equal-amplitude and in-phase signals are respectively input to N ultra-wideband phase shifters (3) for phase adjustment. The N phase-adjusted signals are respectively input to N amplitude attenuators (2) for amplitude attenuation. The attenuated N signals are respectively input to N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1). The N ultra-wideband tightly coupled antenna array modules (1) jointly synthesize a large-size synthetic plane wave (9).

9. A plane wave electromagnetic characteristic test system, comprising an electromagnetic shielding body (10), an absorbing material (11) and a control room (12), wherein the absorbing material (11) is arranged on the inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body (10), and characterized in that: The system further comprises the plane wave synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plane wave synthesizer is arranged in the electromagnetic shielding body (10) and is electrically connected to the control room (12).

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