Calibration test device for semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and feed system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a calibration test device for a semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and a feed system. The calibration test device is used for carrying out calibration test on the array antenna and the feed system. In one specific embodiment, the calibration test device comprises a calibration computer, a vector network analyzer, a calibration case, a three-axis turntable, a tuner, a signal source and a simulation darkroom. According to the method, the problem of calibration work of the array antenna and the feed system of the semi-physical simulation radio frequency darkroom under the low-frequency condition is solved, design experience is provided for construction of the low-frequency simulation darkroom, and preconditions are provided for semi-physical simulation test application requirements developed in a laboratory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of simulation technology, and more specifically to a calibration and testing device for a semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and a feeding system. Background Art

[0002] The main function of the RF guidance and control semi-physical simulation chamber is to place the guidance and control components of the missile weapon system in a controlled complex electromagnetic environment indoors, simulate various combat targets encountered in the combat airspace, verify and evaluate the performance of the guidance and control system, simulate active and semi-active precision guidance and terminal guidance handover, and conduct a survey of the guidance accuracy of a specific flight trajectory.

[0003] The array antenna and feed system calibration test device is a tool device for the array antenna and feed system. The calibration test is a necessary work before the RF semi-physical simulation test. The positioning accuracy of the array antenna and feed system affects the test accuracy of the entire simulation system. The calibration work mainly includes two aspects: the position calibration of the array antenna radiation unit, which provides a tool for the six-degree-of-freedom position calibration of the array antenna; the electrical parameter calibration of the array and feed system, which provides a high-precision spatial radiation position for RF target simulation and provides a test accuracy basis for experiments and scientific research. In addition, it can also be used to demonstrate the target position accuracy of the RF target simulation system. In the past, most of the RF semi-physical simulation darkroom array antennas and feed systems worked in the 2GHz-40GHz frequency band, but there was no precedent for the actual 200MHz-2GHz low-frequency darkroom array antenna and feed system angular position accuracy test. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a calibration test device for a semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and a feeding system to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A calibration and testing device for a semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and a feeding system, which is used to perform calibration tests on the array antenna and the feeding system, comprises: a calibration computer, a vector network analyzer, a calibration chassis, a three-axis turntable, a high-frequency head, a signal source and a simulation darkroom;

[0007] The calibration computer is used to control the vector network analyzer, the calibration chassis, the three-axis turntable and the array control computer;

[0008] The three-axis turntable is used to perform posture movement according to the rotation angle control information provided by the calibration computer;

[0009] The array antenna and feeding system are used to simulate the radar echo signal of the target or environment according to the control instruction of the calibration computer, and output the radar echo signal of the target or environment into the simulation darkroom space;

[0010] The high-frequency head is used to receive the signal radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system to the simulation darkroom and propagated in space;

[0011] The calibration chassis is used to perform gating, amplification, filtering or frequency conversion processing on the signal received by the high-frequency head according to the control instructions of the calibration computer, and transmit the processed signal to the vector network analyzer;

[0012] The vector network analyzer is used to compare the amplitude and phase of the reference signal transmitted by the signal source with the signal processed by the calibration chassis to obtain the test data of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system, so as to realize the automatic calibration of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system;

[0013] The signal source is used to provide radio frequency signals to the array antenna and the feeding system; and is also used to generate reference signals.

[0014] Optionally, the array antenna and feeding system comprises an array control computer, at least one feeding channel, a power synthesizer and an array antenna;

[0015] The array control computer is used to calculate the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions of each feeding channel in the array antenna and the feeding system according to the array angular position instructions output by the calibration computer, and control the feeding channels;

[0016] The feeding channel is used to provide a feeding path for the signal source according to the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions, and process the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source;

[0017] The power combiner is used to combine the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feed them to the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the target or environment;

[0018] The array antenna is used to output the radar echo signal of the target or environment to the simulation darkroom to radiate the spatial angular position of the radar echo signal of the target or environment.

[0019] Optionally, the feeding channel includes an amplifier, a programmable phase shifter, a programmable attenuator and a switch;

[0020] The amplifier is used to amplify the power of the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source;

[0021] The programmable phase shifter is used to control the phase of the radio frequency signal according to the phase control instruction;

[0022] The programmable attenuator is used to control the attenuation of the radio frequency signal processed by the programmable phase shifter according to the amplitude control instruction;

[0023] The switch is used to select the transmission path from the feeding channel to the array antenna according to the switch control instruction.

[0024] Optionally, the vector network analyzer is further used to determine the position of a target simulated by the array antenna and the feeding system based on a test of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system.

[0025] Optionally, the array antenna is an array-arranged antenna, including a plurality of triplet antennas, and the triplet antenna is a radiation unit composed of three antennas in the array antenna;

[0026] The power synthesizer is also used to combine the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feed them to the triple antenna or single antenna in the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the target or environment.

[0027] Optionally, the array antenna and feeding system further includes an array antenna spherical surface for mounting the array antenna.

[0028] Optionally, the vector network analyzer is also used to obtain amplitude and phase difference data of the signal propagated in space in the simulation darkroom by receiving the signal radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system in the same placement direction and the same polarization direction of the high-frequency head, and determine the posture position of each antenna on the spherical surface of the array antenna based on the amplitude and phase difference data.

[0029] Optionally, the three-axis turntable includes a turntable control machine and a non-metallic positioner.

[0030] The turntable control machine is used to provide posture instructions for the non-metallic positioner according to the rotation angle control information provided by the calibration computer;

[0031] The non-metallic positioner is used to perform posture movement according to the posture instruction.

[0032] Optionally, the high-frequency head is installed on a non-metallic positioner; and the non-metallic positioner is placed in a simulated darkroom.

[0033] Optionally, the distances from the array antenna to the center of rotation of the non-metallic locator are the same, and the height of the center of rotation of the non-metallic locator is the same as the center height of the spherical surface of the array antenna.

[0034] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0035] The present invention solves the problem of calibration of array antenna and feeding system in semi-physical simulation radio frequency darkroom under low frequency conditions. By adjusting the position of the antenna on the array sphere, the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic signal transmission link of the array antenna and feeding system, the control amplitude and phase of the programmable attenuator and the programmable phase shifter are calibrated, and the statistical results such as the root mean square of the array angle synthesis error can be tested. The present invention provides design experience for the construction of low-frequency simulation darkrooms and provides the prerequisite for the application requirements of semi-physical simulation experiments carried out in laboratories. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The specific implementation modes of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a calibration test device for a simulated darkroom array antenna and a feeding system in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] 1. Calibration computer; 2. Vector network analyzer; 3. Turntable control machine; 4. Calibration chassis; 5. Non-metallic positioner; 6. High-frequency head; 7. Signal source; 8. Array antenna and feeding system 9. Simulation darkroom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to explain the present invention more clearly, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings. Similar components in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the content specifically described below is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention should not be limited thereto.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, a calibration and testing device for a semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and a feeding system is used to perform calibration tests on the array antenna and the feeding system, comprising: a calibration computer 1, a vector network analyzer 2, a turntable control machine 3, a calibration chassis 4, a non-metallic positioner 5, a high-frequency head 6, a signal source 7, an array antenna and a feeding system 8 and a simulation darkroom 9.

[0041] The calibration computer 1 is used to control the vector network analyzer 2, the calibration chassis 4, the three-axis turntable and the array control computer;

[0042] The three-axis turntable is used to perform posture movement according to the angle control information provided by the calibration computer 1;

[0043] The array antenna and feeding system 8 is used to simulate the radar echo signal of the target or environment according to the control instruction of the calibration computer 1, and output the simulated radar echo signal of the target or environment to the space of the simulation darkroom 9;

[0044] The high-frequency head 6 is used to receive the signal radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system 8 to the simulation darkroom 9 and propagated in space;

[0045] The calibration chassis 4 is used to perform gating, amplification, filtering or frequency conversion processing on the signal received by the high-frequency head 6 according to the control instructions of the calibration computer 1, and transmit the processed signal to the vector network analyzer 2;

[0046] The vector network analyzer 2 is used to compare the reference signal transmitted by the signal source 7 with the signal processed by the calibration chassis 4 in amplitude and phase, and obtain the test data of each feeding channel in the array antenna and feeding system 8, so as to realize the automatic calibration of each feeding channel of the array antenna and feeding system 8;

[0047] The signal source 7 is used to provide radio frequency signals to the array antenna and the feeding system 8; and is also used to generate reference signals.

[0048] In one embodiment, the front end of the high-frequency head 6 is four diagonally arranged antennas; they are the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna and the fourth antenna; the first antenna and the second antenna are diagonally arranged, and the third antenna and the fourth antenna are diagonally arranged; the first antenna and the second antenna are located at a vertical position of the ground plane of the simulation darkroom 9; the second antenna and the fourth antenna are located at a horizontal position of the ground plane of the simulation darkroom 9, and the geometric center of the diagonally arranged antennas is located at the center of the sphere of the array antenna; the antenna is a broadband high-gain horn antenna.

[0049] Specifically, when the calibration work is carried out, the antennas are placed in pairs in the vertical and horizontal positions relative to the ground plane of the darkroom, and the geometric center of the antenna array is at the center of the array sphere. Since the low-frequency band antenna is relatively large, two sets are made according to the frequency band, which are high-frequency heads 6 of different sizes working in 200MHz-400MHz and 400MHz-2GHz respectively, to adapt to the corresponding frequency conversion scheme. The calibration antenna of the 200MHz-400MHz frequency band is only two antennas due to size and weight factors, and the corresponding polarization is rotated when testing. Whether to perform frequency conversion processing is selected according to the frequency to be tested. If it works in 400MHz-2GHz, it is down-converted. If it works in 200MHz-400MHz, it is not required. The calibration chassis 4 selects and switches the vertical and horizontal polarization signals received by the four antennas in the high-frequency head 6, and sends the selected processed signals to the vector network analyzer 2.

[0050] In one embodiment, the calibration chassis 4 is a processing chassis integrating a plurality of radio frequency components, and is used to perform selection, amplification, filtering or frequency conversion processing on the signal received by the high-frequency head 6 according to the control instructions of the calibration computer 1, and transmit the processed signal to the vector network analyzer 2.

[0051] In one embodiment, calibration data obtained from the calibration test and software in the array control computer are used to control various devices and components, thereby determining the target position synthesized by the array antenna and the feeding system 8 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the signal source 7 is used to provide active excitation and generate a radio frequency signal of a required frequency. When in use, it is connected to the signal input panel of the array feed. The signal passes through the array antenna and the feed system 8, and is radiated from the corresponding antenna to the high-frequency head 6 on the three-axis turntable through the simulation darkroom 9. During the test, it is adjusted to the operating frequency, and the power is adjusted to make the amplifier in the array antenna and the feed system 8 work in the linear amplification region, and the signal level received by the high-frequency head 6 is within a reasonable range.

[0053] In one embodiment, the array antenna and feeding system 8 includes an array control computer, at least one feeding channel, a power synthesizer and an array antenna;

[0054] The array control computer is used to calculate the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions of each feeding channel in the array antenna and feeding system 8 according to the array angular position instruction output by the calibration computer 1 and control the feeding channel;

[0055] A feeding channel, used for providing a feeding path for the signal source according to the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions, and processing the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source;

[0056] A power combiner, used for combining the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feeding them to the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the simulated target or environment;

[0057] The array antenna is used to output the radar echo signal of the target or environment to the simulation darkroom 9 to radiate the spatial angular position of the radar echo signal of the target or environment.

[0058] The array antenna and feeding system 8 also includes an array control cabinet for integrating components such as switches within the array antenna and feeding system 8 .

[0059] The feeding channel includes an amplifier, a programmable attenuator, a programmable phase shifter and a switch;

[0060] An amplifier, used to amplify the power of the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source 7;

[0061] The programmable phase shifter is used to control the phase of the radio frequency signal according to the phase control instruction;

[0062] The programmable attenuator is used to control the attenuation of the radio frequency signal processed by the programmable phase shifter according to the amplitude control instruction;

[0063] The switch is used to select the transmission path from the feeding channel to the array antenna according to the switch control instruction.

[0064] Specifically, the array antenna and feeding system 8 is composed of an array control computer, an array control cabinet, an array antenna, a switch, an amplifier, a programmable attenuator and a programmable phase shifter, a power synthesizer, an array spherical support structure, etc. The task of the array antenna and feeding system 8 is to simulate the spatial radiation characteristics of the radar echo signal of the target or environment. The array control computer receives the array angular position instruction output by the calibration computer 1, sends it to the array position control model and the near-field correction model, calculates the control instructions of the amplitude, phase and selection switch of the array antenna and feeding system 8, and sends them to the corresponding programmable devices on the array antenna and feeding system 8. The signal of the RF target simulation source passes through the array antenna and feeding system 8, and is radiated from the corresponding triple antenna through the simulation darkroom 9 to the device under test on the three-axis turntable, and together completes the simulation of the electrical characteristics and angular position of the target and environmental echo.

[0065] In one embodiment, the vector network analyzer 2 is further used to determine the position of the target simulated by the array antenna and the feeding system 8 based on the test of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system 8.

[0066] Specifically, the vector network analyzer 2 receives the control command of the calibration computer 1, receives the 10MHz time base synchronization signal sent by the signal source 7 through the trench cable, and compares the amplitude and phase of the signal processed and output by the calibration chassis 4 with the reference signal passing through the trench, so as to realize the calibration of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system 8, thereby determining the posture of each antenna on the array and the target position synthesized by the array antenna and the feeding system 8.

[0067] In one embodiment, the three-axis turntable includes a turntable control machine 3 and a non-metallic positioner 5.

[0068] The turntable control machine 3 is used to provide posture instructions for the non-metallic positioner 5 according to the rotation angle control information provided by the calibration computer 1;

[0069] The non-metallic positioner 5 is used to perform posture movement according to the posture instruction.

[0070] In one embodiment, the tuner 6 is installed on a non-metallic positioner 5 ; the non-metallic positioner 5 is placed in a simulated darkroom 9 .

[0071] Specifically, the three-axis turntable includes three motion axes of pitch, yaw and roll, and is placed on the foundation in the simulation darkroom 9. The center of rotation is located at the center of the array sphere, thereby ensuring that the path lengths from each antenna to the center of rotation are equal; the non-metallic positioner 5 is on the foundation in the simulation darkroom 9, and the high-frequency head 6 is installed on the non-metallic positioner 5. The height of the center of rotation of the non-metallic positioner 5 is flush with the height of the spherical center of the array antenna and the array antenna of the feeding system 8, and a counterweight is reasonably added behind the roll axis of the three-axis turntable to maintain weight balance.

[0072] In one embodiment, the array antenna is an array-arranged antenna, including a plurality of triple antennas, wherein the triple antenna is a radiation unit composed of three antennas in the array antenna, the three antennas are respectively located at vertices of an equilateral triangle, and the weighted radiation is equivalent to a target point in the triangle;

[0073] The power synthesizer is also used to combine the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feed them to the triple antenna or single antenna in the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the simulated target or environment.

[0074] In one embodiment, the array antenna and feeding system 8 further includes an array antenna spherical surface for mounting the array antenna.

[0075] In one embodiment, the vector network analyzer 2 is also used to receive the amplitude and phase difference data of the signal propagated in space radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system 8 into the simulation darkroom 9 according to the same placement direction antenna (a pair of antennas vertically or horizontally to the darkroom floor) and the same polarization direction (vertical polarization or horizontal polarization) of the high-frequency head 6, and determine the posture position of each antenna on the spherical surface of the array antenna according to the amplitude and phase difference data.

[0076] In one embodiment, the distances from the array antenna to the rotation center of the non-metallic locator 5 are the same, and the height of the rotation center of the non-metallic locator 5 is the same as the center height of the spherical surface of the array antenna.

[0077] After the present invention is installed and connected correctly, calibration work is performed including: path balance calibration, device table calibration, and accuracy test, so that a path balance test table, an attenuator table, a phase shifter test table, and accuracy test statistical results can be obtained; wherein, the test of each feeding channel is a repetitive work.

[0078] The calibration computer 1 of the present invention provides the turntable control machine 3 with the control angle information of the three axes through the optical fiber, receives the instruction fed back by the turntable control machine 3, collects and records the amplitude and phase data of the feeding channel obtained by comparison by the vector network analyzer 2 through the network cable, and controls the calibration cabinet 4 through the network cable to select the path and switch the polarization. The test software installed in the calibration computer 1 can be used to adjust the position of the antenna on the array sphere, calibrate the amplitude and phase of the entire electromagnetic signal transmission link, the control amplitude and phase of the programmable attenuator and the programmable phase shifter, and test and obtain statistical results such as the root mean square of the array angle synthesis error.

[0079] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection between the two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0080] It should also be noted that, in the description of the present invention, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the statement "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0081] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to list all the embodiments here. All obvious changes or modifications derived from the technical solution of the present invention are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A calibration test device for semi-physical simulation darkroom array antenna and feeding system, characterized in that: Used to calibrate and test array antennas and feeding systems, including: calibration computer, vector network analyzer, calibration chassis, three-axis turntable, high-frequency head, signal source and simulation darkroom; The calibration computer is used to control the vector network analyzer, the calibration chassis, the three-axis turntable and the array control computer; The three-axis turntable is used to perform posture movement according to the rotation angle control information provided by the calibration computer; The array antenna and feeding system are used to simulate the radar echo signal of the target or environment according to the control instruction of the calibration computer, and output the radar echo signal of the target or environment into the simulation darkroom space; The high-frequency head is used to receive the signal radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system to the simulation darkroom and propagated in space; The calibration chassis is used to perform gating, amplification, filtering or frequency conversion processing on the signal received by the high-frequency head according to the control instructions of the calibration computer, and transmit the processed signal to the vector network analyzer; The vector network analyzer is used to compare the amplitude and phase of the reference signal transmitted by the signal source with the signal processed by the calibration chassis to obtain the test data of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system, so as to realize the automatic calibration of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system; The signal source is used to provide radio frequency signals to the array antenna and the feeding system; and is also used to generate reference signals.

2. The calibration test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The array antenna and feeding system comprises an array control computer, at least one feeding channel, a power synthesizer and an array antenna; The array control computer is used to calculate the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions of each feeding channel in the array antenna and the feeding system according to the array angular position instructions output by the calibration computer, and control the feeding channels; The feeding channel is used to provide a feeding path for the signal source according to the amplitude, phase and switch control instructions, and process the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source; The power combiner is used to combine the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feed them to the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the target or environment; The array antenna is used to output the radar echo signal of the target or environment to the simulation darkroom to radiate the spatial angular position of the radar echo signal of the target or environment.

3. The calibration test device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feeding channel includes an amplifier, a programmable phase shifter, a programmable attenuator and a switch; The amplifier is used to amplify the power of the radio frequency signal provided by the signal source; The programmable phase shifter is used to control the phase of the radio frequency signal according to the phase control instruction; The programmable attenuator is used to control the attenuation of the radio frequency signal processed by the programmable phase shifter according to the amplitude control instruction; The switch is used to select the transmission path from the feeding channel to the array antenna according to the switch control instruction.

4. The calibration test device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vector network analyzer is also used to determine the position of the target simulated by the array antenna and the feeding system based on the test of each feeding channel of the array antenna and the feeding system.

5. The calibration test device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The array antenna is an antenna arranged in an array, including a plurality of triple antennas, wherein the triple antenna is a radiation unit composed of three antennas in the array antenna; The power synthesizer is also used to combine the radio frequency signals processed by each feeding channel and feed them to the triple antenna or single antenna in the array antenna to obtain the radar echo signal of the target or environment.

6. The calibration test device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The array antenna and feeding system also includes an array antenna spherical surface for mounting the array antenna.

7. The calibration test device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vector network analyzer is also used to obtain amplitude and phase difference data of signals propagated in space in the simulation darkroom by receiving the signals radiated by the array antenna and the feeding system in the same placement direction and the same polarization direction of the high-frequency head, and determine the posture position of each antenna on the spherical surface of the array antenna according to the amplitude and phase difference data.

8. The calibration test device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The three-axis turntable includes a turntable control machine and a non-metallic positioner. The turntable control machine is used to provide posture instructions for the non-metallic positioner according to the rotation angle control information provided by the calibration computer; The non-metallic positioner is used to perform posture movement according to the posture instruction.

9. The calibration test device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The high-frequency head is installed on a non-metallic positioner; and the non-metallic positioner is placed in a simulated darkroom.

10. The calibration test device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The distances from the array antenna to the rotation center of the non-metallic locator are the same, and the height of the rotation center of the non-metallic locator is the same as the center height of the spherical surface of the array antenna.

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