MIMO hybrid antenna array and design and measurement method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an MIMO hybrid antenna array and a design and measurement method thereof. The hybrid antenna array provided by the invention comprises a chip layer; a plurality of microwave antenna elements and a plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are arranged on the chip layer, and the area of a single microwave antenna element is larger than that of a single millimeter wave antenna element; a circuit connecting layer is arranged below the chip layer, the plurality of microwave antenna elements and the plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are respectively connected with an output circuit, and received signals are output to the same controller; and the controller is used for simultaneously receiving the composite signals sent by the same target object and respectively processing the microwave signals and the millimeter wave signals. The MIMO hybrid antenna array and the design and measurement method thereof provided by the invention are used for realizing cooperative transmission and reception of microwave signals and millimeter wave signals, improving the performance of a wireless communication system in a complex environment, expanding the signal coverage range and improving the signal transmission precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of microwave and millimeter wave channel technology, and in particular to a MIMO hybrid antenna array and a design and measurement method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of modern wireless communication technology, the requirements for the efficiency, stability and coverage of signal transmission are increasing. Traditional single-band signal transmission is difficult to meet the needs of complex and changing communication environments. The microwave band has the advantages of strong diffraction ability and stable propagation characteristics, which can achieve a large range of signal coverage and is suitable for conventional communication scenarios. The millimeter wave band has the characteristics of narrow beam, strong directivity, and the ability to carry high-resolution information. It has unique advantages in high-speed, high-precision communication and precise detection. However, the current technical solutions for effectively integrating microwave antenna elements and millimeter wave antenna elements so that they can work together and give full play to their respective advantages still have many shortcomings, such as unreasonable layout between chips leading to mutual interference, imperfect signal output circuit design affecting signal transmission quality, etc. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to develop an array of millimeter wave and microwave antenna elements that can optimize chip layout and improve signal transmission performance. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a MIMO hybrid antenna array and a design and measurement method thereof, so as to realize the coordinated transmission and reception of microwave signals and millimeter wave signals, enhance the performance of wireless communication systems in complex environments, expand signal coverage and improve signal transmission accuracy.

[0004] Specifically, the present application is implemented through the following technical solutions: A first aspect of the present application provides a MIMO hybrid antenna array, the hybrid antenna array comprising: A chip layer; a plurality of microwave antenna elements and a plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are arranged on the chip layer at the same time, and the area of ​​a single microwave antenna element is larger than the area of ​​a single millimeter wave antenna element; wherein the microwave antenna elements are evenly arranged on the chip layer, the microwave antenna elements cover the entire chip layer, and the chip layer is fully covered with the millimeter wave antenna elements except for the blank space of the microwave antenna elements, and the distance between adjacent antenna elements is a communication safety distance; A circuit connection layer is provided below the chip layer, and the plurality of microwave antenna elements and the plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are respectively connected to output circuits to output received signals to the same controller; The controller is used to receive a composite signal sent by the same target object simultaneously. The controller includes a microwave radio frequency circuit and a millimeter-wave radio frequency circuit. The microwave radio frequency circuit is used to process microwave signals, and the millimeter-wave radio frequency circuit is used to process millimeter-wave signals. The controller combines the processed microwave signals and millimeter-wave signals.

[0005] The second aspect of the present application provides a method for designing a MIMO hybrid antenna array. The method is used to design the above-mentioned hybrid antenna array, and the method includes: The output lines of multiple microwave antenna elements are connected to a first test device, and the first test device includes a microwave signal transmitting device; The output lines of multiple millimeter-wave antenna elements are connected to a second test device, and the second test device includes a millimeter-wave signal transmitting device; Based on the first test device and the second test device, adjust the design structure of the hybrid antenna array.

[0006] The third aspect of the present application provides a measurement method based on a hybrid antenna array. The method realizes measurement based on the above-mentioned hybrid antenna array, and the method includes: The transmitting device sends a hybrid signal; The hybrid signal propagates to the hybrid antenna array in a communication environment, and the propagation path includes a first obstacle; On the propagation path where the first obstacle is not blocked, the hybrid antenna array receives the millimeter-wave signal in the hybrid signal; On the propagation path where the first obstacle is blocked, the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave signal in the hybrid signal; wherein, the amount of data transmitted by the microwave signal is greater than the amount of data transmitted by the millimeter-wave signal; The hybrid antenna array aggregates the received microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal to realize the measurement of the hybrid signal.

[0007] The MIMO hybrid antenna array provided by this application, and its design and measurement methods. In the first aspect, on the chip layer, microwave antenna elements with larger areas are uniformly arranged and cover the entire chip layer, while millimeter-wave antenna elements with smaller areas are filled in the blank spaces, making full use of the limited space of the chip and achieving high-density integration of two different frequency-band antenna elements in the same chip layer, improving the chip space utilization rate and providing the possibility for device miniaturization. In the second aspect, by connecting multiple microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements to a single controller simultaneously, instead of using different controllers separately, the integration degree of the system is improved. Optimizing the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the test results can enable the antenna array to better adapt to the propagation characteristics of different frequency-band signals in practical applications, improve the efficiency and accuracy of signal reception and processing, and ensure that the performance of the antenna array reaches the best state. In the third aspect, in a communication environment with a first obstacle, the hybrid antenna array can receive millimeter-wave signals on the unobstructed path and microwave signals on the obstructed path according to different signal propagation paths. This intelligent signal reception method enables accurate measurement of the hybrid signal in a complex environment, effectively avoiding signal loss or inaccurate measurement caused by obstacles, and greatly improving the reliability and stability of the hybrid signal measurement. Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the MIMO hybrid antenna array provided by this application; Figure 2 It is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the design method of the MIMO hybrid antenna array provided by this application; Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the measurement method based on the MIMO hybrid antenna array provided by this application. Detailed Embodiments

[0009] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application.

[0010] The terms used in this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in this application are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0011] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, and third may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to a determination".

[0012] Specific embodiments are given below to introduce the technical solutions of this application in detail.

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the MIMO hybrid antenna array provided for this application. Please refer to Figure 1 , the hybrid antenna array provided in this embodiment may include: A chip layer; a plurality of microwave antenna elements and a plurality of millimeter-wave antenna elements are arranged on the chip layer at the same time, and the area of a single microwave antenna element is larger than the area of a single millimeter-wave antenna element; wherein, the microwave antenna elements are evenly arranged on the chip layer, the microwave antenna elements cover the entire chip layer, and the millimeter-wave antenna elements are arranged in the blank spaces except the microwave antenna elements on the chip layer, and the distance between adjacent antenna elements is the communication security distance; A circuit connection layer is provided below the chip layer, and the plurality of microwave antenna elements and the plurality of millimeter-wave antenna elements are respectively connected with output circuits to output the received signals to the same controller; The controller is used to receive the composite signals sent by the same target object at the same time. The controller includes a microwave radio frequency circuit and a millimeter-wave radio frequency circuit. The microwave radio frequency circuit is used to process microwave signals, the millimeter-wave radio frequency circuit is used to process millimeter-wave signals, and the controller combines the processed microwave signals and millimeter-wave signals.

[0014] Specifically, MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) is a technology widely used in wireless communication systems. By using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends simultaneously, it can make full use of spatial resources and double the channel capacity and transmission reliability of the system without increasing the spectrum resources and transmission power. In this application, the target object sends a composite signal, which contains two different types of signals, namely microwave signals and millimeter-wave signals. This means that at the receiving end, the hybrid antenna array needs to process the inputs of these two different frequency-band signals simultaneously, equivalent to having multiple different signal sources transmitting information to the receiving end simultaneously. Multiple microwave antenna elements and multiple millimeter-wave antenna elements are arranged on the chip layer of the hybrid antenna array. These antenna elements can receive signals simultaneously, increasing the number of signal reception channels in the spatial dimension.

[0015] Specifically, in the hybrid antenna array provided by the present invention, the input signals include millimeter-wave signals and microwave signals, that is, multiple input signals, and the output also includes millimeter-wave detection signals and microwave detection signals, that is, multiple output signals. Based on the multiple input signals and multiple output signals, a controller is used to process the multi-input and multi-output signals, improving the multi-type signal processing ability of the system and the integration degree of the system.

[0016] Furthermore, although the signals received by multiple microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements are finally aggregated into the same controller, these signals are transmitted through their respective independent output lines before reaching the controller. From the antenna elements to the line connection layer and then to the controller, it is equivalent to having multiple independent signal output channels. Each microwave antenna element and millimeter-wave antenna element has its own output line to output the received signal. After receiving the signal, the controller will process the microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal according to the corresponding radio frequency circuits of the microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, to ensure the beamforming of large-scale MIMO, the minimum communication safety distance between each antenna element is 1 / 2 wavelength. For example, in one embodiment, the communication safety distance between microwave antenna elements is 1 / 2 of the microwave frequency wavelength, and the communication safety distance between millimeter-wave antenna elements is 1 / 2 of the millimeter-wave frequency wavelength.

[0018] Optionally, the microwave antenna element is a rectangular element, the millimeter-wave antenna element is a circular element, and the length of the microwave antenna element is greater than the diameter of the millimeter-wave antenna element; The microwave antenna element is used to receive microwave signals, and the millimeter-wave antenna element is used to receive millimeter-wave signals. In the same wireless propagation environment, the transmission data rate of the microwave signal is less than that of the millimeter-wave signal, and the diffraction ability of the microwave signal is greater than that of the millimeter-wave signal.

[0019] Optionally, multiple microwave antenna elements are arranged uniformly in rows and columns in a matrix form, and the spacing between the microwave antenna elements in each row is greater than the spacing between the microwave antenna elements in each column; The millimeter-wave antenna elements are arranged in the blank areas between the rows of the microwave antenna elements in each row and the blank areas between the columns of the microwave antenna elements in each column.

[0020] Further, one row of millimeter-wave antenna elements is arranged in the blank area between the rows of the microwave antenna elements in each row; One column of millimeter-wave antenna elements is arranged in the blank area between the columns of the microwave antenna elements in each column.

[0021] Further, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 In the figure, the yellow rectangular elements are microwave antenna elements, and the red circular elements are millimeter-wave antenna elements. In the chip layer, multiple microwave antenna elements are arranged in several rows and several columns and arranged on the chip layer in a matrix form. In the horizontal direction (row direction), the distance between two adjacent microwave antenna elements is greater than the distance between two adjacent microwave antenna elements in the vertical direction (column direction). Further, multiple millimeter-wave antenna elements are arranged in the blank areas between the rows and between the columns of the microwave antenna element matrix, so that microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements exist in each area of the chip layer. No matter which area of the chip layer the composite signal reaches, there can be microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements to receive the composite signal and process the composite signal. Whether the composite signal reaching a specific area of the chip layer is a microwave signal or a millimeter-wave signal, the chip layer can receive the signal and process it. It should be noted that the number of rows and columns of the microwave antenna elements arranged on the chip layer is set according to actual needs and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0022] Furthermore, the microwave antenna element and the millimeter-wave antenna element cooperate to transmit the same composite signal, which includes a microwave signal and a millimeter-wave signal. Due to its long wavelength and strong diffraction ability, the microwave signal is suitable for large-area coverage. For example, in an urban environment, it can bypass obstacles such as buildings and provide basic signal connections for many devices. The millimeter-wave signal, on the other hand, has a short wavelength and can carry high-resolution information. However, when there are obstacles blocking it, the millimeter-wave signal will disappear, and there will be a short blank period in the received signal, resulting in a poor communication experience. The millimeter-wave signal can be used for precise target identification and positioning. For example, in an autonomous driving scenario, it can accurately detect the distance and shape of obstacles ahead. The method provided by the present invention enables fast and high-quality communication using millimeter waves during the period when the millimeter-wave signal exists. When the millimeter-wave signal is blocked and thus blank, the corresponding microwave signal in the same period is used to supplement the blank communication during this period, improving the communication reliability while ensuring the communication efficiency.

[0023] The microwave antenna element is specifically used for receiving signals in the microwave frequency band. When an external microwave signal comes, the microwave antenna element, relying on the internally integrated signal processing circuit, can perform operations such as amplifying, filtering, and demodulating the signal, extract useful information, and then apply it to conventional communications, such as the communication connection between a mobile phone and a base station. The millimeter-wave antenna element is responsible for receiving signals in the millimeter-wave frequency band. Its high-sensitivity and high-precision signal processing capabilities can accurately analyze the millimeter-wave signal, obtain detailed information about the target, and meet the application requirements of high-precision positioning, high-rate data transmission, etc., such as the high-speed data interaction between a 5G millimeter-wave communication base station and a terminal device. Further, due to the limited transmission bandwidth of the microwave signal, the data transmission rate of the microwave signal is less than that of the millimeter-wave signal.

[0024] Optionally, the hybrid antenna array is rectangular. For the first side and the second side that are parallel to each other in the hybrid antenna array, the microwave antenna element is provided in the direction parallel to the first side. For the third side and the fourth side that are parallel to each other in the chip array, the millimeter-wave antenna element is provided in the direction parallel to the third side; wherein, the first side is perpendicular to the third side, and the second side is perpendicular to the fourth side.

[0025] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1The shape of the hybrid antenna array shown in is a rectangle, and the two sides in the width direction of the rectangle are the first side and the second side of the hybrid antenna array, and the two sides in the length direction are the third side and the fourth side of the hybrid antenna array. It can be understood that the first side and the second side are the wide sides of the hybrid antenna array, and the third side and the fourth side are the long sides of the hybrid antenna array. Only microwave antenna elements are arranged on the sides adjacent to the wide sides of the hybrid antenna array, and only millimeter wave antenna elements are arranged on the sides adjacent to the long sides of the hybrid antenna array. The first side is perpendicular to the third side, and the second side is perpendicular to the fourth side. The vertical relationship ensures that the arrangement directions of the microwave antenna elements and the millimeter wave antenna elements are also perpendicular to each other. This vertical arrangement is to achieve independent reception and processing of signals in different directions or with different characteristics, avoid mutual interference between the two antenna elements, and at the same time make more full use of the space of the rectangular antenna array to improve the efficiency and quality of signal reception.

[0026] Furthermore, the two columns of microwave antenna elements arranged on the adjacent sides of the first and second sides of the hybrid antenna array, and the two rows of millimeter-wave antenna elements arranged on the adjacent sides of the third and fourth sides of the hybrid antenna array, are not fed when the hybrid antenna array is working, that is, when the hybrid antenna array is working, the two columns of microwave antenna elements and the two rows of millimeter-wave antenna elements are not used to receive signals.

[0027] Furthermore, the size of the hybrid antenna array is inversely proportional to the operating frequency band. The smaller the operating frequency band, the larger the area of ​​the hybrid antenna array. For example, in one embodiment, the size of the hybrid antenna array is 50cm*50cm or 1m*1m.

[0028] The MIMO hybrid antenna array provided in this embodiment is configured by simultaneously arranging multiple microwave antenna elements with a large area and uniformly covering the chip layer on the chip layer, and filling the blank space of the microwave antenna elements with multiple millimeter wave antenna elements with a small area. The distance between adjacent antenna elements is a safe communication distance, and the lower line connection layer connects its output line to the same controller. It can make full use of the chip space, give play to the advantages of strong diffraction ability of microwave signals and high transmission rate of millimeter wave signals, and better adapt to complex communication environments; further, the controller can receive microwave and millimeter wave signals in the composite signal sent by the same target object in time-sharing, which can avoid signal conflicts, improve signal reception and processing efficiency, ensure the stability and reliability of communication, and improve overall communication performance.

[0029] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of a MIMO hybrid antenna array, the present application also provides an embodiment of a MIMO hybrid antenna array design method.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the MIMO hybrid antenna array design method provided in this application. Figure 2, the method provided by this embodiment includes: S201. The output lines of multiple microwave antenna elements are connected to a first test device, and the first test device includes a microwave signal transmitting device.

[0031] Specifically, multiple microwave antenna elements are connected to the first test device through their respective output lines. The first test device includes a microwave signal transmitting device, whose main function is to transmit microwave signals. During the test, the microwave signal transmitting device will send microwave signals to the microwave antenna elements in the hybrid antenna array to simulate the propagation of microwave signals in the actual communication environment.

[0032] S202. The output lines of multiple millimeter-wave antenna elements are connected to a second test device, and the second test device includes a millimeter-wave signal transmitting device.

[0033] Specifically, multiple millimeter-wave antenna elements are connected to the second test device through their output lines, realizing a signal transmission channel between the millimeter-wave antenna elements and the second test device. The millimeter-wave signal transmitting device in the second test device is responsible for transmitting millimeter-wave signals. Similarly, it will send millimeter-wave signals to the millimeter-wave antenna elements in the hybrid antenna array during a different time period from the first test device to simulate the propagation of millimeter-wave signals in the actual communication scenario.

[0034] That is to say, both the first test device and the second test device simultaneously perform structural adjustments on the microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements that have completed the initial design. Through the tests of the first test device and the second test device, on the one hand, the reception conditions of the microwave antenna elements and millimeter-wave antenna elements can be tested in the actual usage scenario of the hybrid array without mutual influence; on the other hand, after receiving the signal quality and signal propagation efficiency, it is convenient to align the signals with inconsistent arrival times when using microwave elements and millimeter-wave elements simultaneously, and arrange the microwave elements and millimeter-wave elements with the most dense and communication-quality-guaranteed element layout quantity, improving the communication effect.

[0035] S203. Adjust the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the first test device and the second test device.

[0036] The specific implementation steps include: (1) Place the first test device, the second test device, and the hybrid antenna array in a target communication environment; Specifically, the target communication environment refers to the environment where the hybrid antenna array is actually applied, including various interference factors, different signal propagation media, etc. Placing the first test device (including a microwave signal transmitting device), the second test device (including a millimeter-wave signal transmitting device), and the hybrid antenna array in this environment is to simulate a real communication scenario and make the test results more practically valuable.

[0037] (2) Based on the first test device, send a microwave test signal to the hybrid antenna array, and the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave test signal; Specifically, the microwave signal transmitting device in the first test device starts to work and sends a microwave test signal to the hybrid antenna array. These microwave test signals will propagate in the target communication environment to simulate the actual microwave signal transmission situation. The microwave antenna elements in the hybrid antenna array are responsible for receiving these microwave test signals. During the reception process, the microwave antenna elements will convert the received signals into processable forms such as electrical signals and transmit them to the controller through the output line.

[0038] (3) Based on the second test device, send a millimeter-wave test signal to the hybrid antenna array, and the hybrid antenna array receives the millimeter-wave test signal; Specifically, similarly, the millimeter-wave signal transmitting device in the second test device sends a millimeter-wave test signal to the hybrid antenna array. The millimeter-wave test signals propagate in the target communication environment, similar to the actual millimeter-wave signal propagation situation. The millimeter-wave antenna elements in the hybrid antenna array receive the millimeter-wave test signals and convert them into corresponding processable signal forms, and transmit them to the controller through the output line.

[0039] (4) Adjust the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the signal quality and signal transmission data volume of the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal.

[0040] Specifically, signal quality refers to indicators such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and bit error rate. If the signal quality is poor, it may mean problems such as unreasonable layout of antenna elements, large interference between antennas, or insufficient matching with the target communication environment. For example, if the intensity of the microwave test signal is weak, it may be necessary to increase the number of microwave antenna elements or adjust their positions to improve the signal reception ability; the signal transmission data volume refers to the amount of data transmitted by the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal received by the controller during the time from when the signal is sent from the signal sending end until the signal is successfully received and processed at the receiving end.

[0041] Specifically, the specific implementation steps for adjusting the design structure of the hybrid antenna array include: 4.1 Determine the communication security distance based on the signal quality of the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal; Specifically, the communication security distance refers to the maximum distance at which reliable communication can be achieved between the transmitter and the receiver on the premise of meeting certain communication quality requirements (such as the minimum acceptable signal strength, bit error rate, etc.). The microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal will attenuate as the distance increases during propagation, generally following a specific attenuation model, such as the free space propagation model. By substituting the intensity of the microwave test signal emitted by the first test device and the intensity of the microwave test signal received by the hybrid antenna array, as well as the intensity of the millimeter-wave test signal emitted by the second test device and the intensity of the millimeter-wave test signal received by the hybrid antenna array into the attenuation model, the communication security distance can be obtained.

[0042] 4.2 Establish a signal propagation path based on the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal; and predict the transmission data volume based on the signal propagation path; Specifically, the received microwave and millimeter-wave test signals contain information about signal propagation, such as the arrival time and arrival angle of the signal. Using this information, the signal propagation path can be established through some signal processing and positioning algorithms. For example, by measuring the time delay of the signal from the transmitter to the receiver and combining the signal propagation speed, the distance of signal propagation can be calculated. Then, by combining the information of multiple receiving points, the propagation direction and path of the signal can be determined.

[0043] Furthermore, once the signal propagation path is determined, the transmission data volume can be predicted using a communication model based on factors such as the characteristics of the path (such as path length, presence of obstacles, environmental attenuation characteristics, etc.) and the signal frequency band (microwave or millimeter-wave). For example, on a propagation path with more obstacles, the signal will be more attenuated, which may lead to a decrease in the transmission data volume; while on a relatively open path, the transmission data volume may be relatively high.

[0044] 4.3 Compare the predicted transmission data volume with the actual transmission data volume and correct the signal propagation path.

[0045] Specifically, compare the predicted transmission data volume with the actually measured signal transmission data volume. If there is a difference between the predicted data and the actual data, it indicates that the previously established signal propagation path is inaccurate. For example, if the predicted data volume is much higher than the actual data volume, it may mean that some factors causing signal attenuation were overlooked when establishing the path, such as not considering some hidden obstacles. In this case, it is necessary to re-evaluate the path and correct the relevant parameters to make the signal propagation path more in line with the actual situation. By analyzing this difference, the signal propagation path can be calibrated to make it more in line with the actual situation. Some optimization algorithms can be used to continuously adjust the path parameters until the difference between the predicted data volume and the actual data volume is within an acceptable range. For the specific implementation process of using optimization algorithms to adjust the path parameters, please refer to the description in the relevant technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0046] 4.4. Determine the time-sharing reception time progress of the controller based on the calibrated signal propagation path.

[0047] Specifically, based on this more accurate path, combined with information such as the transmission power of the signal, frequency band characteristics, and environmental parameters, through appropriate communication models and algorithms, the data volume that the controller can receive can be calculated. This is of great significance for evaluating the performance of the system, optimizing communication strategies, and reasonably allocating resources. For example, knowing the received data volume of the controller can determine whether it is necessary to increase the transmission power or adjust the transmission protocol to improve the efficiency and reliability of data transmission.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, a first test device and a second test device are successively used to send test signals to the hybrid antenna array. The test signals sent by each test device are single-dimensional signals, such as millimeter-wave signals and micrometer-wave signals. On this basis, the controller of the hybrid antenna array outputs the test signals transmitted through the line, and the channel propagation characteristics of the millimeter-wave antenna elements and the microwave antenna elements are established based on the received test signals and the test signals at the sending end; based on the channel propagation characteristics and the target communication requirements, determine the number and design spacing of the millimeter-wave antenna elements and the microwave antenna elements.

[0049] When specifically implemented, the implementation steps for determining the first distance and the second distance according to the channel characteristics of millimeter waves and microwaves include: 1.1. Construct two sets of radio measurement systems. The two sets of radio measurement systems include a millimeter-wave radio measurement system and a microwave radio measurement system. The millimeter-wave radio measurement system receives millimeter-wave signals, and the microwave radio measurement system receives microwave signals; Specifically, the millimeter-wave radio measurement system is mainly responsible for processing signals in the millimeter-wave band. It can receive millimeter-wave signals and consists of parts such as millimeter-wave antennas and millimeter-wave signal processing circuits, and is used to perform operations such as receiving, amplifying, and demodulating millimeter-wave signals. Similarly, the microwave radio measurement system is designed for the microwave band and consists of microwave antennas, microwave signal processing modules, etc., and is specifically used to receive microwave signals and perform corresponding signal processing work.

[0050] 1.2. Control the millimeter-wave radio measurement system and the microwave radio measurement system to transmit the same signal and receive the corresponding signals. Specifically, controlling these two systems to transmit the same signal aims to compare the performance of signals in different frequency bands during the propagation process under the same starting conditions. The same signal transmitted can be a standard test signal with parameters such as specific frequency, power, modulation method, etc. Subsequently, let the two systems respectively receive the signals in the corresponding frequency bands. That is, the millimeter-wave radio measurement system receives the millimeter-wave signal after propagation, and the microwave radio measurement system receives the microwave signal after propagation. This process can simulate the propagation situation of signals in the actual environment, facilitating subsequent comparative analysis.

[0051] 1.3. Determine the first distance and the second distance according to the millimeter-wave signal difference and the microwave signal difference.

[0052] Specifically, the millimeter-wave signal difference and the microwave signal difference respectively refer to the differences between the millimeter-wave signal and the microwave signal during transmission and reception. These differences may be reflected in multiple aspects such as signal strength (power), phase, time delay, etc. For example, due to factors such as loss, reflection, and scattering on the propagation path, the power of the received millimeter-wave signal may be lower than that during transmission, and this power difference is a manifestation of the millimeter-wave signal difference.

[0053] Furthermore, the first distance and the second distance are closely related to the signal propagation characteristics. Different distances will cause signals to be affected to different degrees during propagation, resulting in different signal differences. By establishing a relationship model between the signal difference and the distance (which can be based on electromagnetic wave propagation theory, relevant channel models, etc.), the first distance (the distance between the microwave antenna element and the millimeter-wave antenna element) and the second distance (the distance between the millimeter-wave antenna elements) can be deduced based on the measured millimeter-wave signal difference and microwave signal difference. For example, in the free-space propagation model, there is a certain mathematical relationship between signal strength and distance, and by measuring the signal strength difference, the corresponding distance can be calculated.

[0054] (2) Arrange the millimeter-wave antenna elements around the microwave antenna element based on the first distance and the second distance, where the microwave antenna element and the millimeter-wave antenna element are arranged on the same layer.

[0055] Specifically, after obtaining the first distance and the second distance, first, the microwave antenna elements are installed on the chip array in a preset matrix form. Further, with the edge of each microwave antenna element as a reference, the millimeter-wave antenna elements are sequentially placed around each microwave antenna element according to the first distance and the second distance.

[0056] Further, the microwave antenna elements are connected to the first output terminal through the first circuit, and the millimeter-wave antenna elements are connected to the second output terminal through the second circuit; wherein, the first output terminal is used to output microwave signals, and the second output terminal is used to output millimeter-wave signals.

[0057] Further, the microwave signals output by the first output terminal are used to communicate with conventional communication devices, and the millimeter-wave signals output by the second output terminal are used for high-precision positioning and high-rate data transmission.

[0058] Further, this application also provides an embodiment of a measurement method based on a hybrid antenna array.

[0059] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the measurement method based on the hybrid antenna array provided by this application. Please refer to Figure 3 , the method provided in this embodiment includes: S301. The transmitting device sends a hybrid signal; S302. The hybrid signal propagates in the communication environment towards the hybrid antenna array, and the propagation path includes a first obstacle; Specifically, the hybrid signal is a hybrid signal containing microwaves and millimeter waves, and the communication environment is the space where the signal propagates. There are various factors in it that will affect the signal propagation. When the hybrid signal propagates in the communication environment, it will encounter a first obstacle. According to the propagation principle of electromagnetic waves, when encountering a first obstacle, the signal will undergo phenomena such as reflection, refraction, scattering, and diffraction. For millimeter-wave signals, due to their short wavelengths, they are more easily blocked when encountering obstacles, while microwave signals are relatively more likely to diffract or bypass obstacles through other means and continue to propagate.

[0060] S303. On the propagation path where the first obstacle is not blocked, the hybrid antenna array receives the millimeter-wave signals in the hybrid signal; Specifically, millimeter-wave signals have a high frequency and short wavelength, and have a high data transmission rate. On the propagation path where there is no direct blockage by the first obstacle, the millimeter-wave signals can propagate to the hybrid antenna array relatively smoothly. Because there is no direct blockage by the obstacle, the millimeter-wave signals can be transmitted according to their original propagation direction and characteristics, and the hybrid antenna array can receive the millimeter-wave signals in the hybrid signal, thereby utilizing their high-rate characteristics to transmit data.

[0061] S304. On the propagation path where the first obstacle is blocking, the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave signal in the hybrid signal; wherein, the amount of data transmitted by the microwave signal is greater than the amount of data transmitted by the millimeter-wave signal. Specifically, the microwave signal has a relatively low frequency and a relatively long wavelength, with strong diffraction ability, and can continue to propagate around the obstacle. When the first obstacle blocks the propagation path, the millimeter-wave signal may be severely attenuated or completely blocked. At this time, the hybrid antenna array will receive the microwave signal in the hybrid signal. Although the data transmission rate of the microwave signal is not as high as that of the millimeter-wave signal, it can still maintain a certain transmission ability when blocked by an obstacle. Moreover, in some cases, the amount of data it transmits will be greater than that of the millimeter-wave signal whose transmission is limited due to the obstacle at this time.

[0062] S305. The hybrid antenna array aggregates the received microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal to achieve the measurement of the hybrid signal.

[0063] Specifically, the hybrid antenna array has the ability to receive and process signals of different frequency bands. It will aggregate the received microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal. Here, the aggregation may include operations such as signal acquisition and merging. By measuring the aggregated hybrid signal, various parameters of the hybrid signal can be obtained, such as signal strength, frequency, phase and other information. These measurement results are very important for evaluating communication quality, adjusting communication strategies, and realizing subsequent communication functions such as signal demodulation and data recovery. It helps the communication system better adapt to complex communication environments and improve the reliability and efficiency of communication.

[0064] The specific implementation steps include: (1) Determine the data difference between the propagation of the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal in the target communication environment. Specifically, in a specific target communication environment (such as indoor, outdoor, urban high-rise area, etc.), due to their different inherent characteristics, the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal will show different performances during propagation. The microwave signal has a relatively low frequency, a relatively long wavelength, strong diffraction ability, and a relatively long propagation distance, but a relatively low data transmission rate; the millimeter-wave signal has a high frequency, a short wavelength, a high data transmission rate, but a short propagation distance, weak penetration and diffraction ability. The data difference refers to the difference in the amount of data transmitted by the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal in the same time.

[0065] Furthermore, by conducting tests in the target communication environment or using relevant communication models, calculate the difference in the amount of data transmitted by the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal in the same time or under the same conditions to obtain the data difference. This data difference can reflect the degree of difference in the data transmission capabilities of the two signals in the current communication environment.

[0066] (2) The microwave antenna element and the millimeter-wave antenna element in the hybrid antenna array receive the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal respectively; Specifically, the microwave antenna element in the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave signal, and the millimeter-wave antenna element receives the millimeter-wave signal.

[0067] (3) The controller receives the microwave signal, the millimeter-wave signal and the data difference; (4) The controller aligns the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal based on the data difference to obtain a combined hybrid signal, and there is no blank area in the combined hybrid signal.

[0068] Specifically, the controller performs alignment processing on the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal according to the received data difference. Due to differences in data volume, there may be inconsistencies in time or data structure between the two signals. The controller adjusts the time synchronization of the signals, the arrangement of data frames, etc., so that the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal are matched and aligned in time and data content. After processing, the two are combined into a combined hybrid signal, and it is ensured that in this hybrid signal, the data is continuous and complete, and there is no blank area caused by signal alignment problems, thus realizing the effective fusion of the two signals and improving the data transmission efficiency and reliability of the communication system.

[0069] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A MIMO hybrid antenna array, characterized in that, The hybrid antenna array comprises: A chip layer; a plurality of microwave antenna elements and a plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are arranged on the chip layer at the same time, and the area of ​​a single microwave antenna element is larger than the area of ​​a single millimeter wave antenna element; wherein the microwave antenna elements are evenly arranged on the chip layer, the microwave antenna elements cover the entire chip layer, and the chip layer is fully covered with the millimeter wave antenna elements except for the blank space of the microwave antenna elements, and the distance between adjacent antenna elements is a communication safety distance; A circuit connection layer is provided below the chip layer, and the plurality of microwave antenna elements and the plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are respectively connected to output circuits to output received signals to the same controller; The controller is used to simultaneously receive composite signals sent by the same target object. The controller includes a microwave radio frequency circuit and a millimeter wave radio frequency circuit. The microwave radio frequency circuit is used to process microwave signals, and the millimeter wave radio frequency circuit is used to process millimeter wave signals. The controller combines the processed microwave signals and millimeter wave signals.

2. The hybrid antenna array according to claim 1, wherein, The microwave antenna element is a rectangular element, the millimeter wave antenna element is a circular element, and the length of the microwave antenna element is greater than the diameter of the millimeter wave antenna element; The microwave antenna element is used to receive microwave signals, and the millimeter wave antenna element is used to receive millimeter wave signals. Under the same wireless propagation environment, the transmission data rate of the microwave signal is lower than the transmission data rate of the millimeter wave signal, and the diffraction capability of the microwave signal is greater than the diffraction capability of the millimeter wave signal.

3. The hybrid antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of microwave antenna elements are evenly arranged in rows and columns in a matrix form, and the spacing between the microwave antenna elements in each row is greater than the spacing between the microwave antenna elements in each column; The millimeter wave antenna elements are arranged in the blank areas between rows of the microwave antenna elements in each row and in the blank areas between columns of the microwave antenna elements in each column.

4. The hybrid antenna array according to claim 1, wherein A row of the millimeter wave antenna elements is arranged in the blank area between rows of each row of the microwave antenna elements; A row of the millimeter wave antenna elements is arranged in the blank area between the rows of each row of the microwave antenna elements.

5. The hybrid antenna array according to claim 1, wherein The hybrid antenna array is rectangular, and a first side and a second side of the hybrid antenna array that are parallel to each other are provided with the microwave antenna element in a direction parallel to the first side; The millimeter wave antenna element is arranged on the third side and the fourth side which are parallel to each other in the chip array in a direction parallel to the third side; wherein the first side is perpendicular to the third side, and the second side is perpendicular to the fourth side.

6. A design method for a MIMO hybrid antenna array, characterized in that, The method comprises: The output lines of the plurality of microwave antenna elements are connected to a first test device, wherein the first test device comprises a microwave signal sending device; The output lines of the plurality of millimeter wave antenna elements are connected to a second test device, wherein the second test device includes a millimeter wave signal sending device; The design structure of the hybrid antenna array is adjusted based on the first test device and the second test device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method of adjusting the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the first test device and the second test device comprises: Place the first test device, the second test device, and the hybrid antenna array in a target communication environment; Based on the first test device, send a microwave test signal to the hybrid antenna array, and the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave test signal; Based on the second test device, send a millimeter-wave test signal to the hybrid antenna array, and the hybrid antenna array receives the millimeter-wave test signal; Adjust the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the signal quality and signal transmission data volume of the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The adjusting the design structure of the hybrid antenna array based on the signal quality and signal transmission data volume of the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal; includes: Determine the communication security distance based on the signal quality of the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal; Establish a signal propagation path based on the received microwave test signal and millimeter-wave test signal; and predict the transmission data volume based on the signal propagation path; Compare the predicted transmission data volume with the actual transmission data volume, and correct the signal propagation path; Determine the received data volume of the controller based on the corrected signal propagation path.

9. A measurement method based on a hybrid antenna array, characterized in that, The method is implemented based on the hybrid antenna array according to any one of claims 1-5, and the method includes: The transmitting device sends a hybrid signal; The hybrid signal propagates in the communication environment to the hybrid antenna array, and the propagation path includes a first obstacle; On the propagation path where the first obstacle is not blocked, the hybrid antenna array receives the millimeter-wave signal in the hybrid signal; On the propagation path where the first obstacle is blocked, the hybrid antenna array receives the microwave signal in the hybrid signal; wherein, the data volume transmitted by the microwave signal is greater than the data volume transmitted by the millimeter-wave signal; The hybrid antenna array sums up the received microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal to realize the measurement of the hybrid signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The hybrid antenna array sums up the received microwave signal and millimeter-wave signal to realize the measurement of the hybrid signal; includes: Determine the data difference between the propagation of the microwave signal and the propagation of the millimeter-wave signal in the target communication environment; The microwave antenna element and the millimeter-wave antenna element in the hybrid antenna array respectively receive the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal; The controller receives the microwave signal, the millimeter-wave signal, and the data difference; The controller aligns the microwave signal and the millimeter-wave signal based on the data difference to obtain a summed hybrid signal, and there is no blank area in the summed hybrid signal.

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