An optoelectronic pulse source integrated with a transmit-receive phased array antenna

Abstract

The application discloses a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiving phased array antenna integrated device, and relates to the technical field of antennas; the device comprises a radiation structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, the radiation structure is connected with the excitation structure through the transmission structure; the radiation structure is a phased array radiation array antenna, and is responsible for receiving and emitting radio frequency signals; the transmission structure is a coplanar waveguide, the coplanar waveguide transmits the radio frequency signals, and different transmission structures are designed according to the input requirements of different radiation antennas; the excitation structure is a photoconductive switch, and the photoconductive switch is a direct current bias and a laser control electric pulse excitation device, and different pulse excitations are delivered to different areas of the array; the application uses the photoconductive switch as an excitation source, and combines an integrated scheme, so that a high-power and high-frequency phased array antenna integrated and miniaturized design is realized; the photoconductive switch and the antenna array are integrated on the same chip, so that the volume and complexity of the system are greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, specifically to an integrated device that combines a photoelectric pulse source with a transceiver phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] In radar applications, scanning angle and scanning speed are key parameters determining system performance. Taking automotive radar as an example, scanning angle and scanning speed directly affect the vehicle's "visibility range" and "response time." However, there is a certain competition between radiated power and radiation angle for a single antenna device; a larger radiation angle often means lower radiated power. To improve radiated power, array antennas are typically used in conjunction with phased array technology to achieve a wide range of adjustment of the radiation direction.

[0003] As the operating frequency of radio frequency devices increases, especially into the millimeter-wave and terahertz frequency ranges, phased array radar requires high-power, high-frequency excitation sources. However, due to the limitations of transistors and capacitors...

[0004] Physical limitations have restricted the research on high-power, high-frequency excitation sources. Existing phased array radar systems are typically large and have low integration, and there are bottlenecks in the design of high-frequency, high-power phased array antennas. To address these issues, this invention proposes an integrated device combining a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an integrated device combining a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. The invention employs a cellular network-like architecture, integrating multiple miniature antenna elements and placing a photoconductive switch on each antenna element. The photoconductive switches, controlled by lasers, precisely determine whether each antenna element receives a radio frequency (RF) signal, thereby controlling the signal strength and direction. By cleverly controlling each photoconductive switch, the RF signal can be selectively focused, much like manipulating a light source, to form a directional radiation beam, achieving radar scanning and detection functions and solving the problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an integrated device for photoelectric pulse source and transceiver phased array antenna, comprising a radiating structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, wherein the radiating structure is connected to the excitation structure through the transmission structure;

[0007] The radiating structure is a phased array radiating antenna, which is responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals;

[0008] The transmission structure is a coplanar waveguide, which transmits radio frequency signals. Different transmission structures are designed according to the input requirements of different radiating antennas.

[0009] The excitation structure is a photoconductive switch, which delivers different pulse excitations to different regions of the array through a DC bias and laser-controlled electrical pulse excitation device.

[0010] Furthermore, the radiation structure is formed by arranging a passive antenna array designed using electromagnetic simulation software. The antennas in different areas are controlled by different photoconductive switching devices. By adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switches, the radiation direction of the antenna can be adjusted.

[0011] Furthermore, the antenna elements of the radiating structure are arranged in an array to form a phased array radiating antenna, and the antenna elements in different regions are independently controlled by different photoconductive switching devices.

[0012] Furthermore, the transmission structure employs a GSG coplanar waveguide, which has been optimized using electromagnetic simulation software to achieve low-loss transmission.

[0013] Furthermore, the excitation structure consists of photoconductive switches, which, through laser control, provide high-power, high-frequency pulse radio frequency signal excitation to each antenna element, thereby achieving high-power excitation of the radiating array antenna.

[0014] Furthermore, the laser input method is free space light or on-chip silicon optical waveguide input.

[0015] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0016] Furthermore, the number and location of the excitation sources can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0017] Furthermore, the radiating structure receives and transmits electromagnetic waves, forming beams pointing in different directions based on the combination of photoconductive switch states.

[0018] Furthermore, the transmission structure transmits the exciton's pulsed current from the excitation structure to the radiation structure, and the transmission loop is designed for different antenna requirements to reduce losses during transmission.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated device for combining a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna, which has the following advantages:

[0020] This invention integrates a photoelectric pulse source with a transceiver phased array antenna. By using a photoconductive switch as the excitation source and combining it with an integrated design, it achieves a miniaturized, high-power, high-frequency phased array antenna. High integration: By integrating the photoconductive switch and antenna array onto the same chip, the system's size and complexity are significantly reduced. High power and high frequency: The photoconductive switch can provide high-power, high-frequency pulse excitation, overcoming the physical limitations of traditional transistors and capacitors. Flexible control: By adjusting the operating states of different photoconductive switches, the antenna's radiation direction can be flexibly controlled, improving the system's scanning angle and scanning speed. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the DC bias and laser-adjusted output structure of an integrated device for a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the DC bias and laser adjustment common output structure of an integrated device for photoelectric pulse source and transceiver phased array antenna according to the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Radiation structure; 2. Transmission structure; 3. Excitation structure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single embodiment or an embodiment selectively excluded from other embodiments.

[0028] Please see Figure 1-2This invention discloses an integrated device combining a photoelectric pulse source and a transceiver phased array antenna. 1. It includes a radiating structure 1, a transmission structure 2, and an excitation structure 3. The radiating structure 1 is connected to the excitation structure 3 via the transmission structure 2. The radiating structure 1 is a phased array radiating antenna responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals. The transmission structure 2 is a coplanar waveguide that transmits radio frequency signals, and different transmission structures 2 are designed according to the input requirements of different radiating antennas. The excitation structure 3 is a photoconductive switch that delivers different pulse excitations to different areas of the array through a DC bias and laser-controlled electrical pulse excitation device. The objective of this application is to overcome the obstacles of high-power, high-frequency excitation sources and low integration in traditional phased array radar technology. By utilizing a photoconductive switch as a novel pulse excitation source and combining it with the design concept of "on-chip antenna-pulse source integration," a miniaturized design of a high-power, high-frequency phased array radar is achieved, requiring only a small chip to complete the operation of the entire system.

[0029] Radiation Structure 1 Design: Based on the design results from electromagnetic simulation software, passive antennas are assembled into a phased array radiation antenna according to a predetermined array arrangement. Each antenna element is connected to a photoconductive switch, and the radiation direction of the antenna is dynamically adjusted by regulating the operating state of the photoconductive switch.

[0030] Transmission Structure 2 Design: An optimized GSG coplanar waveguide is used as transmission structure 2 to ensure low-loss transmission characteristics at high frequencies. Different transmission lines are designed according to the input requirements of the radiating antenna to meet the overall performance requirements of the system.

[0031] Excitation Structure 3 Design: A photoconductive switch is used as the excitation source. Different pulse excitations are delivered to different regions of the array through a DC bias and laser-controlled electrical pulse excitation device. High-power excitation of the radiating array antenna is achieved by precisely controlling the operating state of the photoconductive switch.

[0032] Increased power: High-power pulse excitation can be achieved by using photoconductive switches, which effectively enhances the strength of radar transmitted signals.

[0033] Increased frequency: Photoconductive switches are not constrained by the physical limitations of traditional radio frequency devices, enabling them to operate at higher frequencies.

[0034] Increased integration: Integrating the radio frequency antenna and the pump laser source together enables the miniaturization of the radar array, significantly reducing the size and weight of the phased array radar system.

[0035] Improved performance: By precisely controlling the photoconductive switch, flexible beam manipulation is achieved, thereby improving the radar's scanning accuracy and detection range.

[0036] Using photoconductive switches as a novel pulse excitation source, compared with traditional radio frequency devices, their high switching frequency, low loss, and low power consumption characteristics can effectively improve the power, frequency, and integration of the radar. By integrating the radio frequency antenna and the photoconductive switch device together, a closely coordinated excitation and radiation system is established. The photoconductive switch precisely controls the transmission direction and power of the radio frequency signal through laser control, thereby realizing the function of high-precision and high-efficiency phased array radar.

[0037] Through the above design, this invention achieves a miniaturized integrated design of a high-power, high-frequency phased array antenna, significantly improving the system's integration and performance, and possessing significant application value. This invention utilizes a phased array technology path achieved through discrete pulse sources combined with an array antenna, breaking through the limitations of traditional phased array radars in terms of high-frequency, high-power excitation sources, and significantly improving the system's integration and miniaturization. By integrating the excitation source with a passive antenna, a highly integrated phased array antenna design is achieved, effectively solving the problems of large system size and low integration in existing technologies, while simultaneously improving system reliability and performance. This invention is suitable for high-frequency, high-power applications such as vehicle-mounted radar and 6G communication, and has broad application prospects.

[0038] Specifically, the radiation structure 1 is formed by a passive antenna array designed by electromagnetic simulation software. The antennas in different areas are controlled by different photoconductive switching devices. By adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switches, the radiation direction of the antenna can be adjusted. The antenna elements of the radiation structure 1 are arranged in an array to form a phased array radiation antenna. The antenna elements in different areas are independently controlled by different photoconductive switching devices.

[0039] Specifically, the transmission structure 2 adopts a GSG coplanar waveguide and is optimized through electromagnetic simulation software to achieve low-loss transmission.

[0040] Specifically, the excitation structure 3 is composed of photoconductive switches, which, through laser control, provide high-power, high-frequency pulse radio frequency signal excitation to each antenna element, thereby achieving high-power excitation of the radiating array antenna.

[0041] Specifically, the laser input method is free space light or on-chip silicon optical waveguide input.

[0042] Specifically, the number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0043] Specifically, the number and location of the excitation sources can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0044] Specifically, the radiation structure 1 receives and transmits electromagnetic waves, and forms beams pointing in different directions according to the combination of photoconductive switch states.

[0045] Specifically, the transmission structure 2 transmits the exciton pulse current from the excitation structure 3 to the radiation structure 1, and the transmission loop is designed for different antenna requirements to reduce losses during transmission.

[0046] This invention employs a cellular network-like architecture, integrating multiple miniature antenna elements and placing a photoconductive switch on each element. The photoconductive switches, controlled by lasers, precisely determine whether each antenna element receives a radio frequency (RF) signal, thereby controlling the signal strength and direction. By cleverly controlling each photoconductive switch, the RF signal can be selectively focused, much like manipulating a light source, to form a directional radiation beam, achieving radar scanning and detection functions.

[0047] In use, the chip described in this patent application is connected to other necessary circuits and controllers, such as a receiving and processing module and a control unit, to form a complete phased array radar system. Users can adjust parameters such as output power and scanning angle through the control system to achieve target detection and positioning.

[0048] Working principle: The laser controls the photoconductive switch to generate a pulsed current that excites the phased array antenna integrated on the chip. The generated electromagnetic waves form a beam, and the scanning direction and amplitude of the beam can be changed according to different laser control methods to realize the function of phased array radar.

[0049] Work process:

[0050] The control unit sends a laser control signal to the photoconductive switch;

[0051] The photoconductive switch turns the antenna on or off according to the laser signal, controlling the on / off state of the antenna in different areas;

[0052] Different switching states correspond to different current excitations, resulting in electromagnetic beams with different directions and amplitudes.

[0053] An electromagnetic beam is emitted to detect a target, and the echo signal is received through a receiving module.

[0054] The echo signal is sent to the control unit for processing and analysis of target information.

[0055] Movement process: Since this device is a chip-level design, it has no moving parts and can complete its function without moving itself; however, it can be integrated with a mobile platform, such as being installed on a car, thereby realizing the scanning function of phased array radar in space.

[0056] This application selects a high-performance photoconductive switch as the excitation source and designs a low-loss coplanar waveguide transmission line to meet different high-frequency and high-power requirements. It also utilizes advanced integrated circuit design technology to integrate the antenna array and excitation source onto a single chip.

[0057] Here's how the above technologies are achieved: photoconductive switches can be quickly turned on and off, controlling the pulse flow of current to generate high-power electrical pulses; coplanar waveguides have low loss and impedance characteristics, enabling them to effectively transmit high-frequency, high-power signals; chip-level integration results in short distances between each component, fast signal transmission speed, high efficiency, while reducing the overall system size and weight.

[0058] In summary, this photoelectric pulse source integrated with a transceiver phased array antenna is a unified device. By using a photoconductive switch as the excitation source and combining it with an integrated scheme, this invention achieves a high-power, high-frequency integrated miniaturized design of a phased array antenna. High integration: By integrating the photoconductive switch and antenna array onto the same chip, the system's size and complexity are significantly reduced. High power, high frequency: The photoconductive switch can provide high-power, high-frequency pulse excitation, overcoming the physical limitations of traditional transistors and capacitors. Flexible control: By adjusting the operating states of different photoconductive switches, the antenna's radiation direction can be flexibly controlled, improving the system's scanning angle and scanning speed.

[0059] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0060] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optoelectronic pulse source integrated with a transmit-receive phased array antenna, comprising a radiating structure, a transmission structure and an excitation structure, characterized in that: The radiation structure is connected with the excitation structure by the transmission structure; The radiation structure is a phased array antenna, responsible for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals; The transmission structure is a coplanar waveguide, which transmits radio frequency signals through 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 a device excited by a direct current bias and a laser-controlled electric pulse, and delivers different pulse excitations to different areas of the array; The transmission structure adopts GSG coplanar waveguide, which is optimized by electromagnetic simulation software to realize low-loss transmission; the excitation structure is composed of photoconductive switches, which provide high-power and high-frequency pulse radio frequency signal excitation for each antenna element, realizing high-power excitation of the radiation array antenna.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the photoelectric pulse source is integrated with the phased array antenna. The radiation structure is arranged by a passive antenna array designed by electromagnetic simulation software, and the antennas in different areas are controlled by different photoconductive switch devices, which realize the adjustment of the antenna radiation direction by adjusting the working state of the photoconductive switch.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the photoelectric pulse source is integrated with the phased array antenna. The antenna units of the radiation structure are arranged in an array to form a phased array antenna, and the antenna units in different areas are independently controlled by different photoconductive switch devices.

4. The photoelectric pulse source integrated with a phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser input method is free-space light or a silicon optical waveguide prepared on a chip.

5. The photoelectric pulse source and transceiving phased array antenna integrated device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number and arrangement of the antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs.

6. The photoelectric pulse source and transceiving phased array antenna integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number and position of the excitation structure can be adjusted according to actual needs.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the photoelectric pulse source is integrated with the transmit-receive phased array antenna. The radiation structure receives and transmits electromagnetic waves, and forms beams pointing in different directions according to the state combination of the photoconductive switch.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the photoelectric pulse source is integrated with the phased array antenna. The transmission structure transmits the pulse current of excitons from the excitation structure to the radiation structure, and designs a transmission loop for different antenna requirements to reduce the loss in the transmission process.

Images