Phased-array antenna system based on secondary radar and use method of phased-array antenna system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of phased-array antennas, and discloses a phased-array antenna system based on a secondary radar and a use method thereof, the system comprises M phased-array antennas and a detection calibration device, and a sum channel interface and a side lobe suppression channel interface of each phased-array antenna are respectively connected with the detection calibration device; wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 3. According to the invention, the problem that multiplexing of multiple working functions and real-time detection and calibration capability are difficult to realize in the prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of phased array antennas, and in particular to a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Secondary Surveillance Radar (SRR) is an electronic device that transmits signals and receives reply signals to obtain target information. Due to the unique advantages of phased array antennas, such as flexible and controllable beams and the ability to quickly change, as well as the convenience of multi-functional integration, they have been increasingly used in various fields including secondary radars.

[0003] For secondary radar systems on ground platforms or ship platforms that use phased array antenna systems, in order to achieve airspace scanning coverage within a 360° azimuth range, more than three phased array antennas are usually required, with a typical number of four, and each antenna covers a certain area. The phased array antenna of the secondary radar system is usually designed as a sum and difference dual-channel phased array antenna or a sum, difference, and sidelobe suppression three-channel phased array antenna. Sidelobe interference exists in secondary radar systems. The patent with publication number CN114361814 B provides a phased array antenna with a sidelobe suppression beam and a sidelobe suppression method, which uses multiple phased array antennas with sidelobe suppression beams to jointly achieve sidelobe suppression beam pairs and beam azimuth within 360°.

[0004] Phased array antennas are usually composed of multiple components such as antenna arrays, filters, amplifiers, phase shifters, beamforming networks, interconnecting cables and connectors. These components are affected by various factors such as manufacturing, installation, and materials, and inevitably have errors. The superposition of these errors causes amplitude and phase errors in each RF link channel, which leads to deviations in the phased array antenna beam pointing accuracy, increased sidelobe levels, and decreased gain, which has a great impact on the antenna system. In addition, when the phased array antenna is working for a long time, the amplitude and phase errors of each RF link channel of the antenna will also change due to aging of components, thermal deformation, and component replacement. Therefore, in order to further improve the comprehensive performance of the phased array antenna, the phased array antenna is also required to have the ability to detect and calibrate in real time.

[0005] With the development of phased array antenna technology, phased array antennas are moving towards the direction of multiplexing of multiple working functions. Phased array antennas need to realize multiple working function multiplexing, and also need to have real-time detection and calibration capabilities. At the same time, the installation adaptability of the platform must also be considered. These factors will lead to high complexity, high cost, and difficulty in implementation of the phased array antenna system, which in turn restricts the application of phased array antennas. For multiple-array phased array antenna systems on ground platforms or ship platforms based on secondary radar systems, it is particularly important to realize multiple working functions while having detection and calibration capabilities, and to reduce equipment complexity, cost, and implementation difficulty. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar and a method of using the same, which solves the problems existing in the prior art, such as the difficulty in realizing multiplexing of multiple working functions while having real-time detection and calibration capabilities.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems is:

[0008] A phased array antenna system based on secondary radar includes M phased array antennas and detection and calibration equipment. The sum channel interface and the sidelobe suppression channel interface of each phased array antenna are respectively connected to the detection and calibration equipment; wherein M≥3 and M is an integer.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the detection and calibration equipment includes a switch matrix, a transceiver matrix, and a calibration module connected in sequence. The transceiver matrix includes a channel A interface and a channel B interface. The calibration module includes a transmitting channel interface and a receiving channel interface. The sum channel interface and the sidelobe suppression channel interface of each phased array antenna are respectively connected to the switch matrix. The switch matrix is ​​respectively connected to the channel A interface and the channel B interface. The transceiver matrix is ​​respectively connected to the transmitting channel interface and the receiving channel interface.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the phased array antenna includes a phase-scanned antenna array, a sidelobe suppression antenna, a coupler, a T / R component, a sidelobe suppression T / R component, a beamforming network, a calibration network, and a wave controller. The phase-scanned antenna array includes an antenna unit. The antenna unit, the coupler, the T / R component, the beamforming network, and the channel interface are connected in sequence. The coupler, the calibration network, and the sidelobe suppression T / R component are connected in sequence. The number of antenna units, couplers, and T / R components is N. The wave controller is connected to the T / R component. The sidelobe suppression antenna, the sidelobe suppression T / R component, and the sidelobe suppression channel interface are connected in sequence; wherein N≥4 and N is an integer.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the sidelobe suppression T / R component includes a sidelobe suppression transceiver channel and a single-pole double-throw switch. The single-pole double-throw switch includes a moving end, a fixed end S1, and a fixed end S2. The sidelobe suppression transceiver channel is connected to the fixed end S1, the calibration network is connected to the fixed end S2, and the moving end is connected to the sidelobe suppression channel interface.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, N antenna units are arranged at equal intervals along a straight line, and the interval between adjacent antenna units is 0.5λ0~0.5λ H ; where λ0 is the center frequency wavelength, λ H is the highest frequency wavelength.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the antenna unit is a dipole antenna or a microstrip patch antenna with vertical polarization characteristics.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, it includes a power supply module electrically connected to the phased array antenna and the detection and calibration equipment respectively.

[0015] The method for using the phased array antenna system based on secondary radar is as follows: when the phased array antenna system is in normal working state, it is connected to a phased array antenna through a switch matrix to form a sum beam and a sidelobe suppression beam, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S1.

[0016] The method for using a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar is as follows: when the phased array antenna system is in a transmitting detection calibration state: the channel A interface is connected to the channel interface of a phased array antenna via a switch matrix, the channel B interface is connected to the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna via a switch matrix, the transmitting radio frequency signal of the calibration module is output via the channel A interface of the transceiver matrix, the receiving radio frequency signal of the calibration module is input via the channel B interface of the transceiver matrix and flows to the receiving channel interface of the calibration module, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S2.

[0017] The method for using a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar is as follows: when the phased array antenna system is in a receiving detection calibration state: the channel A interface is connected to the channel interface of a phased array antenna via a switch matrix, the channel B interface is connected to the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna via a switch matrix, the transmitting RF signal of the calibration module is output via the channel B interface of the transceiver matrix, the receiving RF signal of the calibration module is input via the channel A interface of the transceiver matrix and flows to the receiving channel interface of the calibration module, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S2.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) The present invention adopts a solution in which multiple phased array antennas share a set of detection and calibration equipment, which can reduce equipment complexity and cost;

[0020] (2) The present invention uses a sidelobe suppression T / R component as a common path, which can cooperate with the sidelobe suppression antenna to form a sidelobe suppression beam and other working function beams, and can also cooperate with the calibration network to complete the detection and calibration of the phase-scanning antenna array, which has the advantages of multi-function multiplexing and reducing the complexity of the equipment;

[0021] (3) The present invention has the capabilities of both internal calibration and near-field coupling calibration, and can detect and calibrate the antenna in a variety of ways. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the phased array antenna system based on the secondary radar system of the present invention in a normal working state;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of a single phased array antenna of the present invention in a normal working state;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a principle schematic diagram of a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar system of the present invention in a transmission detection calibration state;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a principle schematic diagram of a single phased array antenna of the present invention in a transmission detection calibration state;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a principle schematic diagram of a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar system of the present invention in a receiving detection calibration state;

[0027] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of a single phased array antenna of the present invention in a receiving detection calibration state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the purpose of the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art, to make up for the shortcomings of the existing multiple-array phased array antenna system technology for ground platforms or ship platforms based on secondary radar systems, and to provide a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar, which can realize multiple working functions while having detection and calibration capabilities, and reduce equipment complexity, cost and implementation difficulty.

[0031] The above-mentioned object of the present invention can be achieved by the following measures. In view of the above-mentioned object, the present invention proposes a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar, comprising: M phased array antennas, a power module, and a detection and calibration device. The typical number of phased array antenna systems based on the secondary radar system in this embodiment is M=4. The detection and calibration device includes a radio frequency switch matrix, a transceiver switch matrix, and a detection and calibration module. A single phased array antenna includes a phase-scanned antenna array, a sidelobe suppression antenna, a coupler, a T / R component, a sidelobe suppression T / R component, a beamforming network, a calibration network, and a wave controller. The phase-scanned antenna array includes N antenna units. The typical number of phased array antenna systems based on the secondary radar system in this embodiment is N=8. The wave controller performs phase control on the phase shifter of the T / R component according to different scanning angles to achieve beam scanning. The sidelobe suppression T / R component mainly includes a sidelobe suppression transceiver channel and a switch. The switch is a single-pole double-throw switch. The power module can power M phased array antennas and the detection and calibration device. The phased array antenna forms a differential beam through a differential channel interface. The detection and calibration equipment can respectively realize the detection and calibration with M phased array antennas through the radio frequency switch matrix, and realize the detection and calibration of transmission or reception through the transceiver switch matrix.

[0032] When the phased array antenna system is in normal working state, one of the phased array antennas is selected by detecting the switch matrix of the calibration equipment to form a sum beam and a sidelobe suppression beam respectively. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S1.

[0033] When the phased array antenna system is in the transmission detection calibration state, the transceiver matrix channel A interface is interconnected with the channel interface of one of the phased array antennas through the switch matrix, and the transceiver matrix channel B interface is interconnected with the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix. The transmit RF signal of the calibration module is output through the transceiver matrix channel A interface. The receive RF signal is input through the transceiver matrix channel B interface and flows to the receive channel interface of the calibration module. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S2.

[0034] When the phased array antenna system is in the receiving detection calibration state, the transceiver matrix channel A interface is interconnected with the channel interface of one of the phased array antennas through the switch matrix, and the transceiver matrix channel B interface is interconnected with the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix. The transmit RF signal of the calibration module is output through the transceiver matrix channel B interface. The receive RF signal is input through the transceiver matrix channel A interface and flows to the receive channel interface of the calibration module. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S2.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, based on Example 1, this example provides a more detailed implementation method.

[0037] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 . In the embodiment described below, a phased array antenna system based on a secondary radar includes: M phased array antennas, a power module, and a detection and calibration device. The typical number of phased array antenna systems based on the secondary radar system in this embodiment is M=4. The detection and calibration device includes a radio frequency switch matrix, a transceiver switch matrix, and a detection and calibration module. The detection and calibration device can respectively implement detection and calibration with M phased array antennas through the radio frequency switch matrix, and implement detection and calibration of transmission or reception through the transceiver switch matrix. A single phased array antenna includes a phase-scanned antenna array, a sidelobe suppression antenna, a coupler, a T / R component, a sidelobe suppression T / R component, a beamforming network, a calibration network, and a wave controller. The phase-scanned antenna array includes N antenna units. The typical number of phased array antenna systems based on the secondary radar system in this embodiment is N=8. The antenna unit can use a dipole antenna or a microstrip patch antenna with a vertical polarization characteristic. Optionally, the distance between adjacent antenna units is 0.5λ0~0.5λ H The antenna array is evenly arranged along a straight line; where λ0 is the center frequency wavelength, λ H The highest frequency wavelength. The wave controller controls the phase of the phase shifter of the T / R component according to different scanning angles to achieve beam scanning. The calibration network can use a 1-to-N power divider or a single-pole N-throw switch. The sidelobe suppression T / R component mainly includes a sidelobe suppression transceiver channel and a switch. The switch is a single-pole double-throw switch. The power module can be integrated with the detection and calibration equipment. The power module can power M phased array antennas and detection and calibration equipment. The phased array antenna forms a differential beam through the differential channel interface. The sum channel interface of each phased array antenna is connected to the detection and calibration equipment with the sidelobe suppression channel interface.

[0038] When the phased array antenna system is in normal working state, one of the phased array antennas is selected by detecting the switch matrix of the calibration equipment to form a sum beam and a sidelobe suppression beam respectively. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S1.

[0039] See also Figure 3 , Figure 4 . When the phased array antenna system is in the transmit detection calibration state, the transceiver matrix channel A interface is interconnected with the channel interface of one of the phased array antennas through the switch matrix, and the transceiver matrix channel B interface is interconnected with the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix. The transmit RF signal of the calibration module is output through the transceiver matrix channel A interface. The receive RF signal is input through the transceiver matrix channel B interface and flows to the receive channel interface of the calibration module. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S2.

[0040] See also Figure 5 , Figure 6 . When the phased array antenna system is in the receiving detection calibration state, the transceiver matrix channel A interface is interconnected with the channel interface of one of the phased array antennas through the switch matrix, and the transceiver matrix channel B interface is interconnected with the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix. The transmit RF signal of the calibration module is output through the transceiver matrix channel B interface. The receive RF signal is input through the transceiver matrix channel A interface and flows to the receive channel interface of the calibration module. The switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is turned to S2.

[0041] As described above, the present invention can be preferably implemented.

[0042] All features disclosed in all embodiments in this specification, or steps in all methods or processes implicitly disclosed, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps, can be combined and / or expanded or replaced in any manner.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. According to the technical essence of the present invention, within the spirit and principles of the present invention, any simple modification, equivalent replacement and improvement made to the above embodiment still falls within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phased array antenna system based on secondary radar, characterized in that: It includes M phased array antennas and detection and calibration equipment. The sum channel interface and the sidelobe suppression channel interface of each phased array antenna are respectively connected to the detection and calibration equipment; wherein M≥3 and M is an integer.

2. The phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection and calibration equipment includes a switch matrix, a transceiver matrix, and a calibration module which are connected in sequence. The transceiver matrix includes a channel A interface and a channel B interface. The calibration module includes a transmitting channel interface and a receiving channel interface. The sum channel interface and the sidelobe suppression channel interface of each phased array antenna are respectively connected to the switch matrix. The switch matrix is ​​respectively connected to the channel A interface and the channel B interface. The transceiver matrix is ​​respectively connected to the transmitting channel interface and the receiving channel interface.

3. The phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phased array antenna includes a phase-scanned antenna array, a sidelobe suppression antenna, a coupler, a T / R component, a sidelobe suppression T / R component, a beamforming network, a calibration network, and a wave controller. The phase-scanned antenna array includes an antenna unit. The antenna unit, the coupler, the T / R component, the beamforming network, and the channel interface are connected in sequence. The coupler, the calibration network, and the sidelobe suppression T / R component are connected in sequence. The number of antenna units, couplers, and T / R components is N. The wave controller is connected to the T / R component. The sidelobe suppression antenna, the sidelobe suppression T / R component, and the sidelobe suppression channel interface are connected in sequence; wherein N≥4 and N is an integer.

4. The phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side lobe suppression T / R component includes a side lobe suppression transceiver channel and a single-pole double-throw switch. The single-pole double-throw switch includes a moving end, a fixed end S1, and a fixed end S2. The side lobe suppression transceiver channel is connected to the fixed end S1, the calibration network is connected to the fixed end S2, and the moving end is connected to the side lobe suppression channel interface.

5. The phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to claim 3, characterized in that: N antenna units are arranged at equal intervals along a straight line, and the spacing between adjacent antenna units is 0.5λ0~0.5λ H ; where λ0 is the center frequency wavelength, λ H is the highest frequency wavelength.

6. The phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to claim 3, characterized in that: The antenna unit is a dipole antenna or a microstrip patch antenna with vertical polarization characteristics.

7. A phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: It includes a power supply module which is electrically connected to the phased array antenna and the detection and calibration equipment respectively.

8. The method for using a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: When the phased array antenna system is in normal working state, it is connected to a phased array antenna through the switch matrix to form a sum beam and a sidelobe suppression beam, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S1.

9. The method for using a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: When the phased array antenna system is in the transmitting detection calibration state: the channel A interface is connected to the channel interface of a phased array antenna through the switch matrix, the channel B interface is connected to the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix, the transmitting RF signal of the calibration module is output through the channel A interface of the transceiver matrix, the receiving RF signal of the calibration module is input through the channel B interface of the transceiver matrix and flows to the receiving channel interface of the calibration module, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S2.

10. The method for using a phased array antenna system based on secondary radar according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: When the phased array antenna system is in the receiving detection calibration state: the channel A interface is connected to the channel interface of one of the phased array antennas through the switch matrix, the channel B interface is connected to the sidelobe suppression channel interface of the phased array antenna through the switch matrix, the transmit RF signal of the calibration module is output through the channel B interface of the transceiver matrix, the receive RF signal of the calibration module is input through the channel A interface of the transceiver matrix and flows to the receive channel interface of the calibration module, and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch of the sidelobe suppression T / R component of the phased array antenna is connected to the fixed end S2.

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