A broadband common-aperture phased array antenna

Abstract

The present invention provides a dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna, which belongs to the field of array antenna technology. The antenna array is composed of a×b low-frequency antenna units and (2a×2b)n high-frequency antenna units. By reusing the high-frequency antenna structure as a low-frequency radiation structure, a compact layout is achieved. The high-frequency antenna unit adopts a broadband antenna such as a waveguide, horn or Vivaldi composed of a metal structure to achieve broadband radiation in the high-frequency band; the low-frequency antenna unit forms a broadband magnetoelectric dipole antenna radiation structure by reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency unit. The present invention improves space utilization efficiency and achieves dual-broadband characteristics through structural reuse. At the same time, by adjusting the high-frequency antenna unit structure and the low-frequency feeding method, multiple polarization forms can be achieved, thereby enhancing the adaptability of the antenna. In addition, the compact arrangement of the radiating units reduces the unit spacing and significantly improves the wide-angle scanning performance of the array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of co-aperture antennas, and in particular to a dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing demand for multi-band, multi-functional antennas in modern communications and radar systems, co-aperture phased array antennas have become a research focus due to their high space utilization, compact structure, and multi-frequency sharing. By integrating multi-band, multi-polarization, or multi-functional antenna elements within the same aperture, co-aperture antennas enable simultaneous reception and transmission of multi-band signals. They are widely used in satellite communications, electronic countermeasures, radar detection, and other fields. The application of co-aperture phased array antennas is particularly critical in confined spaces.

[0003] Traditional dual-band, co-aperture antenna designs often suffer from limited bandwidth. Improvements in bandwidth performance are limited by electromagnetic coupling between antenna elements and physical limitations of the structure. Existing broadband design approaches typically employ tightly coupled arrays, dipole arrays, and waveguide structures. While these solutions can extend bandwidth to a certain extent, they struggle to achieve bandwidth expansion across both frequency bands due to design complexity and the layout of antenna elements. Furthermore, this layout increases coupling between antenna elements, further limiting antenna isolation and overall performance.

[0004] A Chinese invention patent application, publication number CN201710725935, discloses a dual-band co-aperture solution achieved by reusing parts of the Ku- and Ka-band antenna elements. This solution boasts significant compactness and space efficiency, achieving efficient radiation from both frequency bands within a single physical aperture by reusing substrate-integrated waveguides and metal waveguides. However, its bandwidth performance is limited by the feed structure and radiating element design, resulting in insufficient scalability for broadband applications and difficulty meeting the wide bandwidth requirements of both high- and low-frequency bands.

[0005] In summary, current dual-band, co-aperture antennas often struggle to achieve broadband coverage simultaneously in both high- and low-frequency bands. Bandwidth performance is constrained by electromagnetic coupling between units and the physical limitations of the radiation structure, making it difficult to meet the broadband performance requirements of modern communications and radar systems. Existing solutions often design high- and low-frequency antenna elements separately, achieving dual-band functionality through a staggered arrangement. This design not only complicates the structure and increases the overall antenna size, but also reduces aperture utilization, failing to fully leverage the advantages of co-aperture antennas. Traditional designs cannot fully integrate high- and low-frequency functionality, while simultaneously achieving multi-band sharing and radiation within a limited space, limiting the system's integration capabilities and scope of application. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to provide a dual-bandwidth co-aperture phased array antenna to address the bandwidth bottleneck of existing co-aperture antennas. This solution, based on the reuse of magneto-electric dipole structures, achieves efficient dual-band and broadband integration by reusing electric dipoles. This compact dual-band co-aperture layout improves bandwidth performance.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] A dual-bandwidth co-aperture phased array antenna, the antenna array includes a×b low-frequency antenna units and (2a×2b)n high-frequency antenna units. By reusing the high-frequency antenna structure as the low-frequency radiation structure, a compact layout and dual-bandwidth characteristics are achieved. The high-frequency antenna unit uses a broadband antenna such as a waveguide, horn or Vivaldi composed of a metal structure to achieve broadband radiation in the high-frequency band. The low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna unit is composed of an electric dipole of a low-frequency radiation structure by reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency antenna. Each low-frequency unit is composed of (2×2)n high-frequency units and a feed source. The frequency ratio of the antenna can be controlled by the ratio of the high-frequency and low-frequency units. Any frequency ratio can be achieved.

[0009] The polarization of high-frequency antennas is determined by the antenna structure and feed structure, and various polarization modes are available, such as linear polarization using a waveguide structure, dual polarization using an orthogonal-mode coupler structure, and dual circular polarization achieved using a polarizer. The polarization of low-frequency antennas is determined by the feed structure, and its polarization modes are also diverse and not limited to linear polarization. Multiple polarization modes can be achieved by adjusting the feed structure. Feed structures can use various feed sources, such as slots, L-shaped probes, and SIWs.

[0010] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By reusing the magnetoelectric dipole structure, the antenna's bandwidth range is effectively expanded, achieving dual-bandwidth characteristics and meeting the broadband performance requirements of multi-band communication systems. A dual-frequency co-aperture design is adopted, and by reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency antenna, a common aperture is achieved for both high and low frequency bands, improving space utilization efficiency. The compact structure is suitable for multi-band integration within a limited space. Multiple polarizations can be achieved by modifying the high-frequency antenna unit structure and the low-frequency feed source, enhancing the antenna's adaptability. The compact arrangement of radiators based on structural reuse and the small unit spacing improves the array's wide-angle scanning characteristics.

[0011] Additional advantages of the present invention will be more clearly given in the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna unit at different frequency ratios according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the dual-broadband common-aperture phased array antenna of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is the main structural diagram of the dual-broadband common-aperture phased array antenna of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top-down structural diagram of the dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the low-frequency unit in the dual-broadband common-aperture phased array antenna example described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a side view of the low-frequency unit structure in the dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna example described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 Active voltage standing wave ratio of the array center unit, (a) low frequency band, (b) high frequency band.

[0021] Figure 9 Scanning patterns of the array at 15 GHz: (a) E-plane scanning, (b) H-plane scanning.

[0022] Figure 10 Scanning patterns of the array at 30 GHz: (a) E-plane scanning, (b) H-plane scanning.

[0023] Among them: 1-high-frequency antenna unit; 2-low-frequency electric dipole; 3-low-frequency unit; 4-high-frequency antenna unit; 5-low-frequency antenna feeding structure; 6-high-frequency matching dielectric pyramid; 7-high-frequency antenna feeding structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand that unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0026] It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be understood to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless as defined herein.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless otherwise stated, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present invention refers to the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0028] In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Those skilled in the art may combine and integrate different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as features of different embodiments or examples, unless otherwise contradictory.

[0029] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention is further explained below with reference to specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Those skilled in the art should understand that the drawings are merely schematic diagrams of embodiments, and the components in the drawings are not necessarily necessary for implementing the present invention.

[0031] The unit topology of the dual broadband common aperture phased array antenna of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1The figure shows the structural arrangement for different numbers of high-frequency units. The antenna's radiation structure mainly consists of two parts: the high-frequency antenna unit 1, which uses a metal structure such as a waveguide, horn, or Vivaldi broadband antenna to provide broadband radiation in the high-frequency band; and the low-frequency electric dipole 2, which is formed by reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency unit. Figure 2 The figure shows the array topology of a dual-band co-aperture phased array antenna, consisting of a x b dual-frequency co-aperture antenna elements 3. By reusing high-frequency structures, a compact layout is achieved, providing the necessary foundation for wide-angle scanning. Furthermore, the multimode resonance of the magnetoelectric dipole structure effectively expands the bandwidth, ensuring that the antenna maintains a wide operating bandwidth in both high and low frequency bands.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the dual-wideband co-aperture phased array antenna mainly consists of the following parts: a high-frequency antenna 4, a low-frequency antenna feeding structure 5, a high-frequency matching dielectric pyramid 6, and a low-frequency antenna feeding structure 7. In this embodiment, in the antenna structure design, the high-frequency antenna unit adopts a SIW-fed pyramid antenna with broadband characteristics to ensure broadband characteristics in the high-frequency band. The low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna unit is formed by inserting a high-frequency feeding structure between 2×2 high-frequency units to form a magnetoelectric dipole structure with broadband characteristics. Both frequency bands are fed through a broadband GCPW to SIW structure, thereby ensuring the integration and bandwidth performance of the feeding system. In addition, the frequency ratio in the design is approximately 2. Figures 6 and 7 As shown, the detailed structure of the array unit is shown.

[0033] In this embodiment, the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the central unit is as follows: Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), the low-frequency bandwidth is 12 to 19 GHz, the high-frequency bandwidth is 28 to 48 GHz, and the VSWR is less than 2. In addition, the H-plane and E-plane scanning results of the array at 15 GHz and 30 GHz are shown in Figure 9 (a), (b) and Figure 10 As shown in (a) and (b), both frequency bands can achieve ±60° scanning.

[0034] In addition to the specific form described in this embodiment, the high-frequency portion of this structure can also be designed in a variety of ways based on specific needs, such as using a broadband horn or circular polarizer. The feeding method is also not limited to the description of this embodiment, and a variety of options can be selected, including L-shaped probe feeding, coaxial feeding, and waveguide feeding. Furthermore, the frequency ratio can be flexibly adjusted based on the number of high-frequency units, and the size of the antenna array can be expanded to any configuration to meet application requirements such as higher gain.

[0035] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention propose a broadband dual-band common-aperture phased array antenna based on magnetoelectric dipole structure reuse. By reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency antenna for the low-frequency radiating element, a shared aperture is achieved for both high- and low-frequency bands. This design includes the overall layout and structural optimization of the high-frequency antenna element and the low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna that reuses the high-frequency antenna metal structure. At the same time, the use of broadband feeding methods (such as GCPW to SIW, L-type probe, slot feeding, etc.) ensures broadband matching of the array antenna within the high and low frequency bands, significantly improving the performance and applicability of the antenna.

[0036] Although the above describes the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the technical solutions disclosed in the present invention without the need for creative work should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna, characterized by: The phased array array of the dual-band co-aperture phased array antenna realizes a compact dual-band co-aperture layout by reusing the high-frequency antenna structure as the low-frequency radiation structure; wherein, the dual-band co-aperture phased array antenna includes a high-frequency antenna and a low-frequency antenna feeding structure; the high-frequency antenna adopts a SIW-fed pyramidal antenna with broadband characteristics to ensure the broadband characteristics of the high-frequency band; the low-frequency antenna feeding structure constitutes a broadband magnetoelectric dipole antenna radiation structure, i.e., a low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna, by reusing the metal structure of the high-frequency unit; the low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna constitutes a magnetoelectric dipole structure with broadband characteristics by inserting a high-frequency feeding structure between 2n×2n high-frequency units.

2. The dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phased array is composed of a×b dual-frequency antenna units, where: a, b ≥ 2, and a, b ∈ N + .

3. The dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polarization mode of the low-frequency magnetoelectric dipole antenna is determined by the feeding structure, and multiple polarizations can be achieved by adjusting the feeding structures of the high-frequency antenna and the low-frequency antenna.

4. The dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The high and low frequency antennas are fed by slots, L-shaped probes or coaxial feed sources.

5. The dual-broadband co-aperture phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frequency ratio of the antenna array is controlled by the ratio of the number of high-frequency antennas and low-frequency antenna feeding structures to meet the requirements of different frequency ratios.

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