Photoelectric pulse source and transmit-receive phased array antenna integrated device

Abstract

The invention discloses a photoelectric pulse source and receiving and transmitting phased array antenna integrated device, and relates to the technical field of antennas. Comprising a radiation structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, and the radiation structure is in transmission connection with the excitation structure through the transmission structure; the radiation structure is a phased array radiation array antenna and is responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals; the transmission structures are coplanar waveguides, radio frequency signals are transmitted by the coplanar waveguides, and different transmission structures are designed according to input requirements of different radiation antennas; the excitation structure is a photoconductive switch, and transmits different pulse excitation to different areas of the array through an electric pulse excitation device controlled by direct current bias and laser; according to the invention, the photoconductive switch is used as an excitation source, the integrated miniaturization design of the high-power and high-frequency phased-array antenna is realized by combining an integrated integration scheme, and the size and complexity of the system are greatly reduced by integrating the photoconductive switch and the antenna array on the same chip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of antennas, and particularly to an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. Background Art

[0002] In radar applications, the scanning angle and scanning speed are key parameters determining the system performance. Taking a vehicle-mounted radar as an example, the scanning angle and scanning speed directly affect the "visible range" and "response time" of the vehicle. However, there is a certain competitive relationship between the radiation power and radiation angle of a single antenna device, that is, a larger radiation angle usually means a smaller radiation power. To increase the radiation power, an array antenna combined with phased array technology is usually adopted to achieve a large range of adjustment of the radiation direction.

[0003] As the operating frequency of radio frequency devices increases, especially when entering the millimeter wave and terahertz frequency ranges, phased array radars require high-power and high-frequency excitation sources. However, due to the physical limits of transistors and capacitor devices, the research on high-power and high-frequency excitation sources is restricted. In the prior art, phased array radar systems are usually large in size, low in integration, and there are bottlenecks in the design of high-frequency and high-power phased array antennas. To solve these problems, the present invention proposes an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. The present invention adopts a framework similar to a cellular network, integrates multiple micro antenna elements together, and sets a photoconductive switch device on each antenna element. The photoconductive switch can be controlled by laser, and can precisely determine whether each antenna element receives a radio frequency signal, thereby controlling the intensity and direction of the signal. By cleverly controlling each photoconductive switch, the radio frequency signal can be focused targeted like operating a light, forming a directive radiation beam, and realizing the scanning and detection functions of the radar to solve the problems in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna, comprising a radiation structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, and the radiation structure is connected to the excitation structure through the transmission structure for transmission; The radiation structure is a phased array radiation array antenna, responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals; The transmission structure is a coplanar waveguide, which transmits radio frequency signals by the coplanar waveguide and designs different transmission structures according to the input requirements of different radiation antennas; The excitation structure is a photoconductive switch. The device is excited by a DC bias and a laser-controlled electrical pulse to deliver different pulse excitations to different regions of the array.

[0006] Furthermore, the radiation structure is arranged by a passive antenna array designed by electromagnetic simulation software. Antennas in different regions are controlled by different photoconductive switch devices. By adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switch, the radiation direction of the antenna is adjusted.

[0007] Furthermore, the antenna elements of the radiation structure are arranged in an array to form a phased array radiation array antenna. Antenna elements in different regions are independently controlled by different photoconductive switch devices.

[0008] Furthermore, the transmission structure uses a GSG coplanar waveguide, which is optimized by electromagnetic simulation software to achieve low-loss transmission.

[0009] Furthermore, the excitation structure consists of photoconductive switches. Controlled by a laser, it provides high-power and high-frequency pulsed RF signal excitation for each antenna element to achieve high-power excitation of the radiation array antenna.

[0010] Furthermore, the laser input method is free-space light or input through a silicon optical waveguide fabricated on-chip.

[0011] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0012] Furthermore, the number and position of the excitation sources can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0013] Furthermore, the radiation structure receives and emits electromagnetic waves, and forms beams pointing in different directions according to the combination of the states of the photoconductive switches.

[0014] Furthermore, the transmission structure transmits the pulsed current of the excitons from the excitation structure to the radiation structure, and designs a transmission loop according to different antenna requirements to reduce the loss during transmission. Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated device of a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna, having the following beneficial effects: The integrated device of the optoelectronic pulse source and the transceiver phased array antenna. In the present invention, a photoconductive switch is used as the excitation source, and combined with an integrated solution, a miniaturized design of the phased array antenna with high power and high frequency is achieved. High integration: By integrating the photoconductive switch and the antenna array on the same chip, the volume and complexity of the system are greatly reduced. High power and high frequency: The photoconductive switch can provide high-power and high-frequency pulse excitation, overcoming the physical limits of traditional transistor and capacitor devices. Flexible regulation: By adjusting the operating states of different photoconductive switches, the radiation direction of the antenna can be flexibly regulated, improving the scanning angle and scanning speed of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the DC bias one to and laser adjustment output structure of an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to the present invention; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the common output structure of the DC bias and laser adjustment of an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to the present invention.

[0017] In the figure: 1, radiation structure; 2, transmission structure; 3, excitation structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In order to make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following will describe the specific embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings of the specification.

[0019] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Secondly, the so-called "one embodiment" or "embodiment" herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that can be included in at least one implementation manner of the present invention. The appearances of "in one embodiment" in different places in this specification do not all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they separate or selectively exclusive embodiments from other embodiments.

[0021] Please refer to Figure 1-2, the present invention discloses an integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. 1. It includes a radiation structure 1, a transmission structure 2, and an excitation structure 3. The radiation structure 1 is connected for transmission with the excitation structure 3 through the transmission structure 2; the radiation structure 1 is a phased array radiation array antenna, responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals; the transmission structure 2 is a coplanar waveguide, which transmits radio frequency signals by the coplanar waveguide and designs different transmission structures 2 according to the input requirements of different radiation antennas; the excitation structure 3 is a photoconductive switch, which is excited by a DC bias and an electrical pulse controlled by a laser to deliver different pulse excitations to different regions of the array. The objective of this application is to overcome the obstacles of high-power, high-frequency excitation sources and low integration faced by traditional phased array radar technologies. By using a photoconductive switch as a new type of pulse excitation source and combining the design concept of "on-chip antenna - pulse source integration", the miniaturized design of a high-power, high-frequency phased array radar is realized, and the entire system can operate with just a small chip.

[0022] Design of the radiation structure 1: According to the design results of electromagnetic simulation software, passive antennas are assembled into a phased array radiation array antenna according to a predetermined array arrangement. Each antenna element is connected to a photoconductive switch, and by adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switch, the dynamic adjustment of the radiation direction of the antenna is realized.

[0023] Design of the transmission structure 2: An optimized GSG coplanar waveguide is used as the transmission structure 2 to ensure low-loss transmission characteristics at high frequencies. Different transmission lines are designed according to the input requirements of the radiation antenna to meet the overall performance requirements of the system.

[0024] Design of the excitation structure 3: A photoconductive switch is used as the excitation source, which is excited by a DC bias and an electrical pulse controlled by a laser to deliver different pulse excitations to different regions of the array. By precisely controlling the working state of the photoconductive switch, high-power excitation of the radiation array antenna is realized.

[0025] Improve power: High-power pulse excitation can be achieved by using a photoconductive switch, effectively enhancing the intensity of the radar transmission signal.

[0026] Improve frequency: The photoconductive switch is not restricted by the physical limits of traditional radio frequency devices, realizing the condition of operating at a higher frequency.

[0027] Increase integration: The radio frequency antenna and the pump laser source are integrated together to realize the miniaturized design of the radar array, significantly reducing the volume and weight of the phased array radar system.

[0028] Improve performance: By precisely controlling the photoconductive switch, flexible manipulation of the beam is realized, improving the scanning accuracy and detection range of the radar.

[0029] Using a photoconductive switch as a new type of pulse excitation source, compared with traditional RF devices, its characteristics of high switching frequency, low loss, and low power consumption can effectively improve the power, frequency, and integration of the radar; by integrating the RF antenna and the photoconductive switch device, a closely cooperative excitation and radiation system is established; the photoconductive switch precisely regulates the transmission direction and power of the RF signal through laser control, thereby realizing the functions of a phased array radar with high precision and high efficiency.

[0030] Through the above design, the present invention realizes the integrated miniaturization design of a high-power and high-frequency phased array antenna, significantly improves the integration and performance of the system, and has important application value. The present invention breaks through the limitations of traditional phased array radars in high-frequency and high-power excitation sources through the technical path of a discrete pulse source cooperating with an array antenna, significantly improving the integration and miniaturization of the system; by using the technology of integrating the excitation source and the passive antenna into one body, the design of a high-integration phased array antenna is realized, effectively solving the problems of a large system and low integration in the prior art, and at the same time improving the reliability and performance of the system; the present invention is applicable to high-frequency and high-power application scenarios such as vehicle-mounted radars and 6G communications, and has broad application prospects.

[0031] Specifically, the radiation structure 1 is arranged by a passive antenna array designed by electromagnetic simulation software. Antennas in different regions are controlled by different photoconductive switch devices. By adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switch, the adjustment of the antenna radiation direction is realized. The antenna elements of the radiation structure 1 are arranged in an array to form a phased array radiation array antenna, and the antenna elements in different regions are independently controlled by different photoconductive switch devices.

[0032] Specifically, the transmission structure 2 adopts a GSG coplanar waveguide, which is optimized by electromagnetic simulation software to achieve low-loss transmission.

[0033] Specifically, the excitation structure 3 is composed of photoconductive switches. Through laser control, high-power and high-frequency pulsed RF signal excitation is provided for each antenna element, realizing high-power excitation of the radiation array antenna.

[0034] Specifically, the laser input method is free-space light or on-chip fabricated silicon optical waveguide input.

[0035] Specifically, the number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0036] Specifically, the number and position of the excitation sources can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0037] Specifically, the radiation structure 1 receives and emits electromagnetic waves, and forms beams pointing in different directions according to the combination of the states of the photoconductive switches.

[0038] Specifically, the transmission structure 2 transmits the pulsed current of excitons from the excitation structure 3 to the radiation structure 1, and designs a transmission loop according to different antenna requirements to reduce the loss during transmission.

[0039] The present invention adopts a framework similar to a cellular network, integrates multiple micro antenna elements together, and sets a photoconductive switch device on each antenna element. The photoconductive switch can be controlled by laser, and can accurately determine whether each antenna element receives a radio frequency signal, thereby controlling the intensity and direction of the signal. By skillfully controlling each photoconductive switch, the radio frequency signal can be focused targeted like operating a light, forming a directional radiation beam, and realizing the scanning and detection functions of the radar.

[0040] During use, connect the chip of this patent application with other necessary circuits and controllers, such as a receiving and processing module, a control unit, etc., to form a complete phased array radar system. The user can adjust parameters such as output power and scanning angle through the control system to realize the detection and positioning of the target.

[0041] Working principle: By controlling the photoconductive switch with laser, a pulsed current is generated to excite the phased array antenna integrated on the chip, and the generated electromagnetic wave forms a beam, and the scanning direction and amplitude of the beam can be changed according to different laser controls, realizing the functions of the phased array radar.

[0042] Working process: The control unit sends a laser control signal to the photoconductive switch; The photoconductive switch is turned on or off according to the laser signal, controlling the switch states of antennas in different regions; Different switch states correspond to different current excitations, resulting in electromagnetic beams with different directions and amplitudes; The electromagnetic beam is emitted to detect the target, and the echo signal is received through the signal receiving module; The echo signal is sent to the control unit for processing to analyze the target information.

[0043] Moving process: Since this device is a chip-level design and has no moving parts, it can complete its functions without moving itself; however, it can be integrated with a mobile platform, such as installed on a vehicle, so as to realize the scanning function of the phased array radar in space.

[0044] This application selects a high-performance photoconductive switch as the excitation source, designs a low-loss coplanar waveguide Transmission line for different high-frequency and high-power requirements; uses advanced integrated circuit design technology to integrate the antenna array and the excitation source onto a single chip.

[0045] How the above technology is implemented: The photoconductive switch can be quickly turned on and off to control the pulsed flow of current, thereby generating high-power electrical pulses; the coplanar waveguide has low-loss and impedance characteristics and can effectively transmit high-frequency and high-power signals; chip-level integration enables a short distance between each component, fast signal transmission speed, high efficiency, and at the same time reduces the volume and weight of the entire system.

[0046] In summary, for the integrated device of the photoelectric pulse source and the transceiver phased array antenna, the integrated device of the photoelectric pulse source and the transceiver phased array antenna. In this invention, by using the photoconductive switch as the excitation source and combining an integrated solution, an integrated miniaturized design of a high-power and high-frequency phased array antenna is achieved. High integration: By integrating the photoconductive switch and the antenna array on the same chip, the volume and complexity of the system are greatly reduced; High power and high frequency: The photoconductive switch can provide high-power and high-frequency pulse excitation, overcoming the physical limits of traditional transistor and capacitor devices; Flexible regulation: By adjusting the operating states of different photoconductive switches, the radiation direction of the antenna can be flexibly regulated, improving the scanning angle and scanning speed of the system.

[0047] It should be understood that each part of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, any one or a combination of the following techniques well known in the art can be used: discrete logic circuits with logic gate circuits for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits with appropriate combinational logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0048] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and they should all be covered by the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna, comprising a radiation structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, characterized in that: The radiation structure is connected for transmission to the excitation structure through a transmission structure; The radiation structure is a phased array radiation antenna array, responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals; The transmission structure is a coplanar waveguide, which transmits radio frequency signals by the coplanar waveguide and designs different transmission structures according to the input requirements of different radiation antennas; The excitation structure is a photoconductive switch, which is excited by a DC bias and an electrical pulse controlled by a laser to deliver different pulse excitations to different regions of the array.

2. The integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The radiation structure is arranged by a passive antenna array designed by electromagnetic simulation software. Antennas in different regions are controlled by different photoconductive switch devices, and the radiation direction of the antenna is adjusted by adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switch.

3. The integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The antenna elements of the radiation structure are arranged in an array to form a phased array radiation antenna array, and the antenna elements in different regions are independently controlled by different photoconductive switch devices.

4. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission structure adopts a GSG coplanar waveguide, which is optimized by electromagnetic simulation software to achieve low-loss transmission.

5. The integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The excitation structure consists of photoconductive switches, which are controlled by lasers to provide high-power and high-frequency pulsed radio frequency signal excitations for each antenna element to achieve high-power excitation of the radiation antenna array.

6. The integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser input method is free-space light or input through a silicon optical waveguide fabricated on a chip.

7. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual requirements.

8. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number and position of the excitation sources can be adjusted according to actual requirements.

9. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation structure receives and transmits electromagnetic waves, and forms beams pointing in different directions according to the combination of the states of the photoconductive switches.

10. An integrated device of an optoelectronic pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission structure transmits the pulsed current of excitons from the excitation structure to the radiation structure, and designs a transmission loop according to different antenna requirements to reduce the loss during transmission.

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