Ku wave band multichannel transmit-receive frequency conversion assembly and calibration method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a Ku wave band multichannel transmit-receive frequency conversion assembly and a calibration method thereof, the transmit-receive frequency conversion assembly comprises 16 transmit-receive channels, 2 16-port power division networks, 4 radio frequency switches, a bidirectional amplifier and a receiving down-converter, each transmit-receive channel is composed of an amplitude-phase multifunctional module, a transmit-receive radio frequency front end and a coupler, the output end of the coupler is connected with the transceiving antenna, the coupling end of the coupler is connected with a shunt port of the 16-port power division network II, and the input end of the coupler is connected with the combining end of the transceiving radio frequency front end; a receiving end and a transmitting end of the transmitting and receiving radio frequency front end are respectively connected with a receiving end and a transmitting end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, and a combining end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module is connected with a shunt port of the 16-port power division network 1. According to the scheme, external instruments and equipment are not needed, the calibration method is simple, automatic calibration can be completed without disassembling or connecting a cable after the complete radar is assembled, and the production debugging calibration process of the complete radar is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of microwave communication, and particularly to a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module and its calibration method. Background Art

[0002] The microwave transceiver system is a crucial component in systems such as microwave communication, electronic countermeasure, and radar. As the core component in the transceiver system, the multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module plays a key role in the performance of the system.

[0003] The multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module generally consists of a transceiver channel, a power distribution network, and a receive down-conversion channel. How to improve the amplitude-phase consistency, reduce the receive noise figure, and increase the transmit output power are the key points in the design of the transceiver channel; ensuring good image rejection characteristics and reducing conversion spurs are the difficulties in the design of the receive down-conversion channel; how to achieve automatic testing and calibration of the transceiver performance is an important topic in the design of the multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module.

[0004] The conventional design of the multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module is as Figure 1 shown: The 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module consists of 16 TR channels, a 16-port power distribution network, a transmit-receive RF switch, a transmit drive amplifier, and a receive down-conversion unit, which completes the power amplification of the transmit excitation signal and the down-conversion processing of the receive echo signal.

[0005] (1) A single-channel TR channel includes a transmit-receive RF front-end and an amplitude-phase multi-functional module; (2) The 16-port power distribution network realizes the splitting and combining of the transmit and receive signals; (3) The transmit-receive RF switch switches the transmit excitation signal and the receive echo signal according to the working timing; (4) The transmit drive amplifier realizes the drive amplification of the transmit excitation signal; (5) The receive down-conversion realizes the down-conversion of the receive echo signal to the intermediate frequency signal.

[0006] The deficiencies of the conventional technology are mainly manifested as follows: (1) The transceiver frequency conversion module includes 16 transceiver channels, and the amplitude and phase parameters of each channel need to be strictly consistent. How to quickly calibrate the amplitude and phase parameters of each channel is a difficulty in the design of the transceiver frequency conversion module. In the conventional design, the amplitude and phase calibration of each channel generally uses a vector network analyzer and a multi-channel synchronous test system to test the amplitude-phase consistency from the input to the output port of the transmit channel and the amplitude-phase consistency from the input to the intermediate frequency output of the receive channel. However, the system setup and calibration are difficult in themselves, which is not conducive to the application of the transceiver frequency conversion module system; (2) According to the application scale, a general radar unit includes hundreds of transceiver frequency conversion components. After the radar unit is assembled, it is impossible to access the vector network analyzer and the multi-channel synchronous test system through the input and output ports of the transceiver channels. When calibrating the application of the transceiver frequency conversion components in the radar unit, test cables need to be connected. The calibration process of the whole unit is complex, which is not conducive to the production and debugging of the radar unit. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component and its calibration method.

[0008] The present invention is realized by the following technical solutions: A Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component includes 16 transceiver channels, 2 16-port power dividing networks, 4 radio frequency switches, a bidirectional amplifier, and a receive down-conversion. Each of the transceiver channels is composed of an amplitude-phase multi-functional module, a transceiver radio frequency front-end, and a coupler. The output end of the coupler is connected to the transceiver antenna, the coupled end of the coupler is connected to the branch port of the 16-port power dividing network two, and the input end of the coupler is connected to the combined end of the transceiver radio frequency front-end; the receiving end and the transmitting end of the transceiver radio frequency front-end are respectively connected to the receiving end and the transmitting end of the amplitude-phase multi-functional module, and the combined end of the amplitude-phase multi-functional module is connected to the branch port of the 16-port power dividing network one.

[0009] Specifically, the combined end of the 16-port power dividing network one is connected to the common end of the radio frequency switch two. The port 1 and port 2 of the radio frequency switch are respectively connected to the port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier and the port 1 of the radio frequency switch three. The port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier is connected to the port 1 of the radio frequency switch one. The common end of the radio frequency switch one is connected to the transmitting excitation signal port of the radar signal processing unit. The port 2 of the radio frequency switch one is connected to the port 1 of the radio frequency switch four. The combined end and the port 2 of the radio frequency switch four are respectively connected to the combined end of the 16-port power dividing network two and the port 2 of the radio frequency switch three. The common end of the radio frequency switch three is connected to the radio frequency end of the receive down-conversion. The intermediate frequency end and the local oscillator end of the receive down-conversion are respectively connected to the intermediate frequency signal port and the local oscillator signal port of the radar signal processing unit.

[0010] Specifically, the coupling degree from the input end to the coupled end of the coupler is 30 dB, and the loss from the input end to the output end and from the output end to the input end is 0.2 dB; between the combined end and the receiving end of the transceiver radio frequency front-end is a receiving amplification circuit, and the receiving amplification circuit is successively a transceiver switch, a limiter, and a low-noise amplifier; between the transmitting end and the combined end is a transmitting amplification circuit, and the transmitting amplification circuit is successively a power amplifier and a transceiver switch.

[0011] Specifically, a receiving amplifier, a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, and a six-bit attenuator are integrated inside the amplitude-phase multifunctional module. A metal-ceramic packaging case is adopted and led out through BGA balls. The RF interfaces of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module include a combining end, a receiving end, and a transmitting end. The receiving amplifier circuit is between the receiving end and the combining end. The receiving amplifier circuit successively includes a six-bit attenuator, a receiving amplifier, a six-bit phase shifter, and a transceiver switch. The transmitting amplifier circuit is between the combining end and the receiving end. The transmitting amplifier circuit successively includes a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, a six-bit attenuator, and a transmitting amplifier.

[0012] Specifically, the RF interfaces of the 16-port power dividing network all include 16 shunt ports and 1 combining end. The signals of shunt ports one to sixteen are combined through the 16-port power dividing network and output through the combining end. The signal of the combining end is divided through the 16-port power dividing network and output with equal power through shunt ports one to sixteen.

[0013] Specifically, each of the RF switches conducts the signals of corresponding port 1, port 2, and the common end according to the timing control. The bidirectional amplifier sets the signal transmission direction. When it is set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2, the signal transmission is amplified by the driving amplifier, and the RF switch from port 2 to port 1 is disconnected. When it is set to the through mode from port 2 to port 1, the RF switch is conducted, the signal transmission is in the through state, and the driving amplifier from port 1 to port 2 is turned off.

[0014] A calibration method for a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component is implemented based on the described Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component, including the receiving working mode and the transmitting working mode of the Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component, and further including a receiving automatic calibration mode, a transmitting automatic calibration mode, a receiving manual calibration mode, and a transmitting manual calibration mode. The receiving automatic calibration mode includes the following steps: Step A1: The radar signal processing unit outputs a transmitting excitation signal, which is input to the common end of RF switch one. The path of RF switch one is set to the common end to port 2, and the output is to port 1 of RF switch four. The path of RF switch four is set to port 1 to the common end, and the transmitting excitation signal is output to the combining end of the 16-port power dividing network two after passing through RF switch four. Step A2: The transmitting excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths through the 16-port power dividing network two and respectively input to the coupling ends of 16 couplers. The transmitting excitation signal is coupled to the input end of the coupler and output to the combining end of the transceiver RF front end. Step A3: After selecting the received echo signal through the transceiver switch in the transceiver RF front-end, it is output from the receiving end after low-noise amplification, and input to the receiving end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module; in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after six-bit attenuation control, receiving amplifier amplification, six-bit phase shift control, and transceiver switch, it is output from the common end to the splitter port of the 16-port power splitter network one; Step A4: The signals of splitter ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power splitter network one are combined through the 16-port power splitter network one and output to the common end of the RF switch two through the combiner end; Step A5: The RF switch two path is set to the common end to port 2, and output to port 1 of the RF switch three. The RF switch three path is set to port 1 to the common end, and output to the receiving down-conversion RF end; the local oscillator signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receiving down-conversion local oscillator end; Step A6: The received echo signal and the local oscillator signal are mixed in the receiving down-conversion to generate a received intermediate frequency signal, which is output through the intermediate frequency end to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing; in the receiving auto-calibration mode, each of the 16 receiving channels works one by one, and the rest of the receiving channels are closed; the radar signal processing unit processes the intermediate frequency signals of the 16 receiving channels to achieve amplitude and phase calibration.

[0015] Specifically, the transmit auto-calibration mode includes the following steps: Step B1: The radar signal processing unit outputs a transmit excitation signal, which is input to the common end of the RF switch one. The RF switch one path is set to the common end to port 1, and output to port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier; the bidirectional amplifier is set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2. The transmit excitation signal is driven and amplified in the bidirectional amplifier and then output through port 2 to port 1 of the RF switch two; the RF switch two path is set to the common end to port 1, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the combiner end of the 16-port power splitter network one through the common end of the RF switch two; Step B2: The transmit excitation signal is equally power-split into 16 paths through the 16-port power splitter network one and respectively input to the combiner ends of 16 amplitude-phase multifunctional modules; Step B3: After the transceiver switch, six-bit phase shift control, six-bit attenuation control, and transmit amplifier drive and amplify in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output through the transmit end to the transmit end of the transceiver RF front-end; in the transceiver RF front-end, after power amplification by the power amplifier and the transceiver switch, it is output through the combiner end to the input end of the coupler; the transmit excitation signal is coupled to the coupled end through the coupler and output to the splitter port of the 16-port power splitter network two; Step B4: The transmit excitation signals of splitter ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power splitter network two are combined through the 16-port power splitter network two and output to the common end of the RF switch four through the combiner end; Step B5: The four channels of the RF switch are set to the common end to port 2, and the transmit excitation signal is output to port 2 of the three-port RF switch; the three channels of the RF switch are set to port 2 to the common end, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the receive down-converted RF end; Step B6: The local oscillator signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receive down-converted local oscillator end. The transmit excitation signal and the local oscillator signal are mixed in the receive down-conversion to generate a receive intermediate frequency signal, which is output through the intermediate frequency end to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing; in the transmit auto-calibration mode, one of the 16 transmit channels works each time, and the rest of the transmit channels are closed. The radar signal processing unit processes the receive intermediate frequency signals output when the 16 transmit channels work independently to achieve amplitude and phase calibration of the transmit channels.

[0016] Specifically, the receive manual calibration mode includes the following steps: Step C1: Use a vector network analyzer to test the amplitude and phase consistency from the input port to the output port of the receive channel; the signal input port of the vector network analyzer is connected to the common end of the first RF switch of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, and the signal output ports are respectively connected to the output ends of the 16 couplers of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module; the signal output port of the vector network analyzer outputs an RF calibration signal, which is input to the output end of the coupler and output to the combined path end of the transceiver RF front end through the input end; Step C2: In the transceiver RF front end, select the transmission path from the combined path end to the receive end through the transceiver switch, and after low-noise amplification, it is output through the receive end and input to the receive end of the amplitude-phase multi-functional module; in the amplitude-phase multi-functional module, after six-bit attenuation control, receive amplifier amplification, six-bit phase shift control and transceiver switch, it is output from the common end to the branch ports of the 16-port power distribution network one; Step C3: The signals of branch ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power distribution network one are combined through the 16-port power distribution network one and output to the common end of the second RF switch through the combined path end; Step C4: The two channels of the RF switch are set to the common end to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier; the bidirectional amplifier is set to work directly from port 2 to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 1 of the first RF switch; Step C5: The one channel of the RF switch is set to port 1 to the common end, and the RF calibration signal is output to the signal input end of the vector network analyzer through the first RF switch; the amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of the 16 receive channels are respectively tested through the vector network analyzer; in the receive manual calibration mode, one of the 16 receive channels works each time, and the rest of the 15 receive channels are closed.

[0017] Specifically, the transmit manual calibration mode includes the following steps: Step D1: Connect the common end of the RF switch 1 of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module to the signal output port of the vector network analyzer. After passing through a high-power attenuator, the signal input port is respectively connected to the output ends of the 16 couplers of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module. The vector network analyzer outputs an RF calibration signal from its signal output port to the common end of the RF switch 1. Step D2: Set the path of the RF switch 1 to be from the common end to port 1, and output the RF calibration signal to port 1 of the bi-directional amplifier. Set the bi-directional amplifier to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2. After being driven and amplified in the bi-directional amplifier, the RF calibration signal is output from port 2 to port 1 of the RF switch 2. Set the path of the RF switch 2 to be from port 1 to the common end, and the RF calibration signal is output from the common end of the RF switch 2 to the combining end of the 16-port power divider network 1. Step D3: The RF calibration signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 1 and respectively input into the combining ends of the 16 amplitude-phase multi-functional modules. After passing through the transceiver switch, six-bit phase shifter control, six-bit attenuator control, and being driven and amplified by the transmitting amplifier in the amplitude-phase multi-functional module, it is output from the transmitting end to the transmitting end of the transceiver RF front end. In the transceiver RF front end, after being power-amplified by the power amplifier and passing through the transceiver switch, it is output from the combining end to the input end of the coupler. Step D4: The RF calibration signal is output from the output end of the coupler, and after passing through a high-power attenuator, it is input into the signal input end of the vector signal analyzer. Step D5: Use the vector network analyzer to respectively measure the amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of the 16 transmitting channels. In the transmitting manual calibration mode, only one channel of the 16 transmitting channels works each time, and the remaining 15 transmitting channels are closed.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The 16-channel Ku-band transceiver frequency conversion module proposed by the present invention has an automatic calibration mode for the transceiver channels. By using the transmit excitation signal generated by the radar signal processing unit and through signal self-loop processing, it realizes the measurement and calibration of the phase and amplitude consistency of the receive channel and the transmit channel. At the same time, the automatic calibration mode of the transceiver channels can also be used for performance monitoring of the receive channel and the transmit channel. The automatic calibration mode of the transceiver channels described in the invention does not require external instrument equipment, the calibration method is simple, and the automatic calibration can be completed without disassembling or connecting cables after the radar complete machine is assembled, which simplifies the production, debugging, and calibration process of the radar complete machine. Description of the Drawings

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. 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 the structures shown in these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a conventional design diagram of a multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module; Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a 16-channel Ku-band transceiver frequency conversion module of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a structure diagram of the receive and transmit RF front end in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a structure diagram of the phase multi-functional module in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a structure diagram of the bidirectional amplifier in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0023] The following combines the attached Figures 1 to 5 , and details some implementation manners of the present invention. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0024] The present invention provides a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module. In a preferred embodiment, as Figure 2As shown in the figure, the Ku-band transceiver frequency conversion module includes 16 transceiver channels, 2 16-port power dividers, 4 RF switches, a bidirectional amplifier, and a receive downconverter. A single transceiver channel consists of an amplitude-phase multifunctional module, a transceiver RF front-end, and a coupler; the output end (O) of the coupler is connected to the transceiver antenna, the coupled end (C) of the coupler is connected to the 2-way port of the 16-port power divider network, and the input end (I) of the coupler is connected to the combined end (C) of the transceiver RF front-end; the receive end (R) and the transmit end (T) of the transceiver RF front-end are respectively connected to the receive end (R) and the transmit end (T) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, and the combined end (C) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module is connected to the 1-way port of the 16-port power divider network. The combined end (∑) of the 16-port power divider network 1 is connected to the common end (C) of RF switch 2, port 1 and port 2 of RF switch 1 are respectively connected to port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier and port 1 of RF switch 3, port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier is connected to port 1 of RF switch 1, the common end (C) of RF switch 1 is connected to the transmit excitation signal port of the radar signal processing unit, port 2 of RF switch 1 is connected to port 1 of RF switch 4, the common end (C) and port 2 of RF switch 4 are respectively connected to the combined end (∑) of the 16-port power divider network 2 and port 2 of RF switch 3, the common end (C) of RF switch 3 is connected to the RF end (RF) of the receive downconverter, and the intermediate frequency end (IF) and the local oscillator end (LO) of the receive downconverter are respectively connected to the receive intermediate frequency signal port and the local oscillator signal port of the radar signal processing unit.

[0025] In this embodiment, the composition and characteristics of each part of the module are as follows: Coupler: A high-power surface-mount directional coupler is selected, which has the characteristics of low loss and high isolation; the RF interfaces of the coupler include an input end (I), an output end (O), and a coupled end (C), the coupling degree from the input end (I) to the coupled end (C) is 30 dB, and the loss from the input end (I) to the output end (O) and from the output end (O) to the input end (I) is 0.2 dB.

[0026] Transceiver RF front-end: As Figure 3 , the transceiver RF front-end integrates a power amplifier, a limiter, a low-noise amplifier, and a transceiver switch inside, uses a metal-ceramic package case, and is welded with a metal cover by parallel seams; the RF interfaces of the transceiver RF front-end include a combined end (C), a receive end (R), and a transmit end (T); the receive amplification circuit is between the combined end (C) and the receive end (R), and the receive amplification circuit is successively a transceiver switch, a limiter, and a low-noise amplifier; the transmit amplification circuit is between the transmit end (T) and the combined end (C), and the transmit amplification circuit is successively a power amplifier and a transceiver switch.

[0027] Amplitude-phase multifunctional module: As Figure 4, the amplitude-phase multifunctional module internally integrates a receiving amplifier, a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, and a six-bit attenuator. It uses a metal-ceramic package case and is led out through BGA balls; the RF interfaces of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module include a combining port (C), a receiving port (R), and a transmitting port (T); the receiving amplification circuit is between the receiving port (R) and the combining port (C). The receiving amplification circuit is successively a six-bit attenuator, a receiving amplifier, a six-bit phase shifter, and a transceiver switch; the transmitting amplification circuit is between the combining port (C) and the receiving port (R). The transmitting amplification circuit is successively a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, a six-bit attenuator, and a transmitting amplifier.

[0028] 16-port power divider network: Designed as a 16-way equal-power Wilkinson power divider, the microstrip transmission lines of the 16 ports are designed with phase debugging microstrip stubs; the RF interfaces of the 16-port power divider network include 16 splitting ports and 1 combining port (∑). The splitting ports are splitting port 1 to splitting port 16; the signals of splitting port 1 to splitting port 16 are combined through the 16-port power divider network and then pass through the combining port (∑); the signal of the combining port (∑) is divided through the 16-port power divider network and then output with equal power through splitting port 1 to splitting port 16; RF switch: Designed as a single-pole double-throw switch, it controls the signal conduction between port 1, port 2 and the common terminal (C) according to the timing, and has characteristics such as low loss and high isolation; Bidirectional amplifier: Such as Figure 5 , has the function of bidirectional signal transmission, and the signal transmission direction can be set; when set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2, the signal transmission is amplified by the drive amplifier, and the RF switch from port 2 to port 1 is disconnected; when set to the through working mode from port 2 to port 1, the RF switch is turned on, the signal transmission is in the through state, and the drive amplifier from port 1 to port 2 is turned off; Receiving down-conversion: The receiving down-conversion adopts a single-conversion architecture, selects an I / Q quadrature down-conversion mixer design, and integrates the 2-fold frequency of the local oscillator signal; the RF ports of the receiving down-conversion include a radio frequency port (RF), an intermediate frequency port (IF), and a local oscillator port (LO).

[0029] In this embodiment, the frequency range of the transmit excitation signal (RFTX) and the receive echo signal (RFRX) of the Ku-band transceiver frequency conversion component is 16 GHz to 17 GHz, and the frequency step is 20 MHz; the center frequency of the received intermediate frequency signal (IFRX) is 140 MHz; the frequency range of the local oscillator signal (LORX) is 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz.

[0030] A Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion component proposed by the present invention has 6 working modes including a receiving working mode, a transmitting working mode, a receiving automatic calibration mode, a transmitting automatic calibration mode, a receiving manual calibration mode, and a transmitting manual calibration mode. The detailed working processes of each mode are as follows: In this embodiment, the receiving working mode includes the following steps: (1) The transceiver antenna receives the received echo signal with a frequency of 16 GHz to 17 GHz, inputs it to the output end (O) of the coupler, and outputs it to the combining end (C) of the transceiver RF front-end through the input end (I); (2) After selecting the received echo signal through the transceiver switch in the transceiver RF front-end, it is output through the receiving end (R) after being amplified by a low-noise amplifier, and input to the receiving end (R) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module; (3) In the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after six-bit attenuation control, amplification by a receiving amplifier, six-bit phase shift control, and the transceiver switch, it is output from the common end (C) to the splitting port 1 of the 16-port power splitter network 1; (4) The signals of splitting port 1 to splitting port 16 are combined by the 16-port power splitter network 1 and output to the common end (C) of the RF switch 2 through the combining end (∑); (5) The RF switch 2 path is set to the common end (C) to port 2, and the output is sent to port 1 of the RF switch 3; (6) The RF switch 3 path is set to port 1 to the common end (C), and the output is sent to the received down-converted RF end (RF); (7) The local oscillator signal of 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz from the radar signal processing unit is input to the received down-converted local oscillator end (LO); (8) The 16 GHz to 17 GHz received echo signal (RFRX) and the 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz local oscillator signal (LORX) are mixed in the received down-conversion (IFRX = RFRX - 2 × LORX) to generate a 140 MHz received intermediate frequency signal (IFRX), which is output through the intermediate frequency end (IF) to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing; (9) The 16 receiving channels can work in any channel combination according to the control timing.

[0031] In this embodiment, the transmitting working mode includes the following steps: (1) The 16 GHz to 17 GHz transmit excitation signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the common end (C) of the RF switch 1; (2) The RF switch 1 path is set to the common end (C) to port 1, and the output is sent to port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier; (3) The bidirectional amplifier is set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2. The transmit excitation signal is driven and amplified in the bidirectional amplifier and then output to port 1 of the RF switch 2 through port 2; (4) The RF switch 2 path is set to the common end (C) to port 1, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the combining end (∑) of the 16-port power splitter network 1 through the common end (C) of the RF switch 2; (5)The transmitted excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 1 and input into the combining ends (C) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional modules 1 to 16 respectively; (6)After the transceiver switch, six-bit phase shift control, six-bit attenuation control, and transmission amplifier drive amplification in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output through the transmission end (T) to the transmission end (T) of the transceiver RF front end; (7)In the transceiver RF front end, after power amplification by the power amplifier and passing through the transceiver switch, it is output through the combining end (C) to the input end (I) of the coupler; (8)The transmitted excitation signal is output through the output end (O) of the coupler to the transceiver antenna; (9)The 16 transmission channels can work in any channel combination according to the control timing sequence.

[0032] In this embodiment, the receive auto-calibration mode includes: (1)The radar signal processing unit outputs a transmitted excitation signal and inputs it to the common end (C) of the RF switch 1; (2)The path of the RF switch 1 is set to the common end (C) to port 2, and the output is sent to port 1 of the RF switch 4; (3)The path of the RF switch 4 is set to port 1 to the common end (C), and the transmitted excitation signal is output to the combining end (∑) of the 16-port power divider network 2 after passing through the RF switch 4; (4)The transmitted excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 2 and input into the coupling ends (C) of the couplers 1 to 16 respectively; (5)The transmitted excitation signal is coupled to the input end (I) of the coupler and output to the combining end (C) of the transceiver RF front end; (6)In the transceiver RF front end, after selecting the received echo signal through the transceiver switch, it is output through the receiving end (R) after low-noise amplification and input to the receiving end (R) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module; (7)In the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after six-bit attenuation control, receive amplifier amplification, six-bit phase shift control, and transceiver switch, it is output from the common end (C) to the splitting ports of the 16-port power divider network 1; (8)The signals of splitting ports 1 to 16 are combined by the 16-port power divider network 1 and output through the combining end (∑) to the common end (C) of the RF switch 2; (9)The path of the RF switch 2 is set to the common end (C) to port 2, and the output is sent to port 1 of the RF switch 3; (10)The path of the RF switch 3 is set to port 1 to the common end (C), and the output is sent to the receive down-conversion RF end (RF); (11)The local oscillator signal of 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receive down-conversion local oscillator end (LO); (12)The received echo signal (RFRX) at 16 GHz to 17 GHz and the local oscillator signal (LORX) at 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz are mixed in the receive down-conversion (IFRX = RFRX - 2×LORX) to generate a 140 MHz receive intermediate frequency signal (IFRX), which is output to the radar signal processing unit through the intermediate frequency terminal (IF) for radar signal processing; (13)When in the receive auto-calibration mode, one of the 16 receive channels works at a time, and the remaining receive channels are turned off; (14)The radar signal processing unit processes the intermediate frequency signals of the 16 receive channels to achieve amplitude and phase calibration.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transmit auto-calibration mode specifically includes the following steps: (1)The 16 GHz to 17 GHz transmit excitation signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the common terminal (C) of the RF switch 1; (2)The path of the RF switch 1 is set to the common terminal (C) to port 1, and the output is sent to port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier; (3)The bidirectional amplifier is set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2. After being driven and amplified in the bidirectional amplifier, the transmit excitation signal is output to port 1 of the RF switch 2 through port 2; (4)The path of the RF switch 2 is set to the common terminal (C) to port 1, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the combining end (∑) of the 16-port power divider network 1 through the common terminal (C) of the RF switch 2; (5)The transmit excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 1 and is respectively input to the combining ends (C) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional modules 1 to 16; (6)After being switched between transmit and receive, phase-shifted by six bits, attenuated by six bits, and driven and amplified by the transmit amplifier in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output to the transmit end (T) of the transmit-receive RF front end through the transmit end (T); (7)In the transmit-receive RF front end, it is power-amplified by the power amplifier and then output to the input end (I) of the coupler through the transmit-receive switch and the combining end (C); (8)The transmit excitation signal is coupled to the coupling end (C) by the coupler and output to the splitting ports of the 16-port power divider network 2; (9)The transmit excitation signals at the splitting ports 1 to 16 are combined by the 16-port power divider network 2 and then output to the common terminal (C) of the RF switch 4 through the combining end (∑); (10)The path of the RF switch 4 is set to the common terminal (C) to port 2, and the transmit excitation signal is output to port 2 of the RF switch 3; (11)The 3-way setting of the RF switch is set to Port 2 to the common terminal (C), and the transmit excitation signal is output to the receive down-converted RF terminal (RF). (12)The local oscillator signal of 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receive down-converted local oscillator terminal (LO). (13)The 16 GHz to 17 GHz transmit excitation signal (RFRX) and the 7.93 GHz to 8.43 GHz local oscillator signal (LORX) are mixed in the receive down-conversion (IFRX = RFRX - 2×LORX) to generate a 140 MHz receive intermediate frequency signal (IFRX), which is output through the intermediate frequency terminal (IF) to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing. (14)When the transmit auto-calibration mode is enabled, one of the 16 transmit channels operates at a time, and the remaining transmit channels are turned off. (15)The radar signal processing unit processes the receive intermediate frequency signals output when the 16 transmit channels operate independently to achieve amplitude and phase calibration of the transmit channels.

[0034] In this embodiment, the receive manual calibration mode specifically includes the following steps: Use a vector network analyzer to test the amplitude and phase consistency from the input port to the output port of the receive channel.

[0035] (1)Connect the signal input port of the vector network analyzer to the common terminal (C) of the RF switch 1 of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, and connect the signal output ports to the output terminals (O) of couplers 1 to 16 of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module respectively. (2)The vector network analyzer outputs a radio frequency calibration signal with a frequency of 16 GHz to 17 GHz from the signal output port, inputs it to the output terminal (O) of the coupler, and outputs it through the input terminal (I) to the receive and transmit RF front-end combiner terminal (C). (3)In the receive and transmit RF front-end, select the transmission path from the combiner terminal (C) to the receive terminal (R) through the transmit-receive switch, output it through the receive terminal (R) after low-noise amplification, and input it to the receive terminal (R) of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module. (4)In the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after six-bit attenuation control, receive amplifier amplification, six-bit phase shift control, and transmit-receive switch, it is output from the common terminal (C) to the split port of the 16-port power divider network 1. (5)The signals of split port 1 to split port 16 are combined through the 16-port power divider network 1 and output through the combiner terminal (∑) to the common terminal (C) of the RF switch 2. (6)The RF switch 2 path is set to the common terminal (C) to port 1, and the radio frequency calibration signal is output to port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier. (7) The bidirectional amplifier is set to work in a through mode from port 2 to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 1 of RF switch 1. (8) The path of RF switch 2 is set to be from port 1 to the common terminal (C), and the RF calibration signal is output to the signal input terminal of the vector network analyzer through RF switch 2. (9) Use the vector network analyzer to measure the amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of each of the 16 receiving channels respectively. (10) When in the receive manual calibration mode, only one of the 16 receiving channels works at a time, and the remaining 15 receiving channels are turned off.

[0036] In this embodiment, the transmit manual calibration mode includes the following steps: Use the vector network analyzer to measure the amplitude and phase consistency from the input port to the output port of the transmit channel.

[0037] (1) The signal output port of the vector network analyzer is connected to the common terminal (C) of RF switch 1 of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, and the signal input port is respectively connected to the output terminals (O) of couplers 1 to 16 of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module after passing through a high-power attenuator. (2) The vector network analyzer outputs an RF calibration signal with a frequency of 16 GHz to 17 GHz, which is input to the common terminal (C) of RF switch 1. (3) The path of RF switch 1 is set to be from the common terminal (C) to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier. (4) The bidirectional amplifier is set to the amplification mode from port 1 to port 2. After being driven and amplified in the bidirectional amplifier, the RF calibration signal is output to port 1 of RF switch 2 through port 2. (5) The path of RF switch 2 is set to be from port 1 to the common terminal (C), and the RF calibration signal is output to the combining end (∑) of the 16-port power divider network 1 through the common terminal (C) of RF switch 2. (6) The RF calibration signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 1 with equal power, and is respectively input to the combining ends (C) of amplitude-phase multifunctional modules 1 to 16. (7) After the transceiver switch, six-bit phase shifter control, six-bit attenuator control, and the transmit amplifier drive and amplify in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output to the transmit end (T) of the transceiver RF front end through the transmit end (T). (8) In the transceiver RF front end, after being power-amplified by the power amplifier and passing through the transceiver switch, it is output to the input terminal (I) of the coupler through the combining end (C). (9) The RF calibration signal is output through the output terminal (O) of the coupler, and is input to the signal input terminal of the vector signal analyzer after passing through a high-power attenuator. (10) The amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of 16 transmitting channels are respectively measured by a vector network analyzer; (11) When the transmitting manual calibration mode is in operation, one of the 16 transmitting channels works each time, and the remaining 15 transmitting channels are turned off.

[0038] For the foregoing embodiments, for the sake of simple description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that the present application is not limited by the described action sequence, because according to the present application, some steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also know that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily essential to the present application.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention are described. Those skilled in the art of this industry should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. What is described in the above embodiments and the specification only illustrates the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, any modifications and changes made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, characterized in that It includes 16 transceiver channels, 2 sixteen-port power divider networks, 4 RF switches, a bidirectional amplifier, and a receive downconverter. Each of the transceiver channels consists of an amplitude-phase multifunctional module, a transceiver RF front-end, and a coupler. The output end of the coupler is connected to a transceiver antenna, the coupled end of the coupler is connected to the branch port of the second sixteen-port power divider network, and the input end of the coupler is connected to the combined end of the transceiver RF front-end. The receive end and the transmit end of the transceiver RF front-end are respectively connected to the receive end and the transmit end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, and the combined end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module is connected to the branch port of the first sixteen-port power divider network.

2. The Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that The combined end of the first sixteen-port power divider network is connected to the common end of the second RF switch. The port 1 and port 2 of the RF switch are respectively connected to the port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier and the port 1 of the third RF switch. The port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier is connected to the port 1 of the first RF switch. The common end of the first RF switch is connected to the transmit excitation signal port of the radar signal processing unit. The port 2 of the first RF switch is connected to the port 1 of the fourth RF switch. The combined end and the port 2 of the fourth RF switch are respectively connected to the combined end of the second sixteen-port power divider network and the port 2 of the third RF switch. The common end of the third RF switch is connected to the RF end of the receive downconverter. The intermediate frequency end and the local oscillator end of the receive downconverter are respectively connected to the receive intermediate frequency signal port and the local oscillator signal port of the radar signal processing unit.

3. The Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 1, wherein The coupling degree from the input end to the coupled end of the coupler is 30 dB, and the losses from the input end to the output end and from the output end to the input end are 0.2 dB. Between the combined end and the receive end of the transceiver RF front-end is a receive amplification circuit, which successively includes a transceiver switch, a limiter, and a low-noise amplifier. Between the transmit end and the combined end is a transmit amplification circuit, which successively includes a power amplifier and a transceiver switch.

4. The Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplitude-phase multifunctional module internally integrates a receive amplifier, a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, and a six-bit attenuator, and is packaged in a metal-ceramic package and led out through BGA balls. The RF interfaces of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module include a combined end, a receive end, and a transmit end. Between the receive end and the combined end is a receive amplification circuit, which successively includes a six-bit attenuator, a receive amplifier, a six-bit phase shifter, and a transceiver switch. Between the combined end and the transmit end is a transmit amplification circuit, which successively includes a transceiver switch, a six-bit phase shifter, a six-bit attenuator, and a transmit amplifier.

5. The Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that The RF interfaces of the sixteen-port power divider network all include 16 branch ports and 1 combined end. The signals of branch port one to branch port sixteen are combined through the sixteen-port power divider network and output through the combined end. The signal of the combined end is divided through the sixteen-port power divider network and output with equal power through branch port one to branch port sixteen.

6. The Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the RF switches conducts the signals of the corresponding Port 1, Port 2, and the common terminal according to the timing control; the bidirectional amplifier sets the signal transmission direction. When it is set to the amplification mode from Port 1 to Port 2, the signal transmission is amplified by the drive amplifier, and the RF switch from Port 2 to Port 1 is disconnected; when it is set to the through mode from Port 2 to Port 1, the RF switch is conducted, the signal transmission is in the through state, and the drive amplifier from Port 1 to Port 2 is turned off.

7. A calibration method for a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, implemented based on the Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module described in any one of claims 1 to 6, including the receiving working mode and the transmitting working mode of the Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, characterized in that, It also includes a receive automatic calibration mode, a transmit automatic calibration mode, a receive manual calibration mode, and a transmit manual calibration mode; the receive automatic calibration mode includes the following steps: Step A1: The radar signal processing unit outputs a transmit excitation signal, which is input to the common terminal of RF switch 1. The path of RF switch 1 is set to the common terminal to Port 2, and the output is sent to Port 1 of RF switch 4; the path of RF switch 4 is set to Port 1 to the common terminal, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the combining end of the 16-port power divider network 2 after passing through RF switch 4. Step A2: The transmit excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths by the 16-port power divider network 2 and is respectively input to the coupling ends of 16 couplers; the transmit excitation signal is coupled to the input end of the coupler and output to the combining end of the transmit-receive RF front end. Step A3: After selecting the received echo signal through the transmit-receive switch in the transmit-receive RF front end, it is output through the receiving end after low-noise amplification and is input to the receiving end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module; in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after six-bit attenuation control, receiving amplifier amplification, six-bit phase shift control, and the transmit-receive switch, it is output from the common terminal to the splitting ports of the 16-port power divider network 1. Step A4: The signals of splitting ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power divider network 1 are combined through the 16-port power divider network 1 and output to the common terminal of RF switch 2 through the combining end. Step A5: The path of RF switch 2 is set to the common terminal to Port 2, and the output is sent to Port 1 of RF switch 3. The path of RF switch 3 is set to Port 1 to the common terminal, and the output is sent to the receive down-conversion RF end; the local oscillator signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receive down-conversion local oscillator end. Step A6: The received echo signal and the local oscillator signal are mixed in the receive down-conversion to generate a receive intermediate frequency signal, which is output through the intermediate frequency end to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing; in the receive automatic calibration mode, only one of the 16 receive channels works each time, and the remaining receive channels are closed; the radar signal processing unit processes the intermediate frequency signals of the 16 receive channels to achieve amplitude and phase calibration.

8. A calibration method for a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The transmit automatic calibration mode includes the following steps: Step B1: The radar signal processing unit outputs a transmit excitation signal, which is input to the common terminal of RF switch 1. The path of RF switch 1 is set to the common terminal to Port 1, and the output is sent to Port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier; the bidirectional amplifier is set to the amplification mode from Port 1 to Port 2, and the transmit excitation signal is driven and amplified in the bidirectional amplifier and then output to Port 1 of RF switch 2 through Port 2; the path of RF switch 2 is set to the common terminal to Port 1, and the transmit excitation signal is output to the combining end of the 16-port power divider network 1 through the common terminal of RF switch 2. Step B2: The transmitted excitation signal is equally divided into 16 paths with equal power by a 16-port power divider network and respectively input into the combining ends of 16 amplitude-phase multifunctional modules; Step B3: After being switched by the transmit-receive switch, controlled by six-bit phase shifters, controlled by six-bit attenuators, and driven and amplified by the transmit amplifier in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output to the transmit end of the transmit-receive RF front end through the transmit end; in the transmit-receive RF front end, after being power-amplified by the power amplifier and switched by the transmit-receive switch, it is output to the input end of the coupler through the combining end; the transmitted excitation signal is coupled to the coupling end by the coupler and output to the branching ports of the 16-port power divider network two; Step B4: The transmitted excitation signal is sent from the branching ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power divider network two, combined by the 16-port power divider network two, and then output to the common end of the RF switch four through the combining end; Step B5: The RF switch four is set to have a path from the common end to port 2, and the transmitted excitation signal is output to port 2 of the RF switch three; the RF switch three is set to have a path from port 2 to the common end, and the transmitted excitation signal is output to the receive down-conversion RF end; Step B6: The local oscillator signal from the radar signal processing unit is input to the receive down-conversion local oscillator end. The transmitted excitation signal and the local oscillator signal are mixed in the receive down-conversion to generate a receive intermediate-frequency signal, which is output through the intermediate-frequency end to the radar signal processing unit for radar signal processing; in the transmit automatic calibration mode, each time only 1 of the 16 transmit channels works, and the other transmit channels are closed. The radar signal processing unit processes the receive intermediate-frequency signals output when the 16 transmit channels work independently to achieve amplitude and phase calibration of the transmit channels.

9. The calibration method for a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 7, characterized in that The described receive manual calibration mode includes the following steps: Step C1: Use a vector network analyzer to test the amplitude and phase consistency from the input port to the output port of the receive channel; the signal input port of the vector network analyzer is connected to the common end of the RF switch one of the 16-channel transmit-receive frequency conversion module, and the signal output ports are respectively connected to the output ends of 16 couplers of the 16-channel transmit-receive frequency conversion module; the signal output port of the vector network analyzer outputs an RF calibration signal, which is input to the output end of the coupler and output to the combining end of the transmit-receive RF front end through the input end; Step C2: In the transmit-receive RF front end, select the transmission path from the combining end to the receive end through the transmit-receive switch, amplify it through the low-noise amplifier, and then output it through the receive end and input it to the receive end of the amplitude-phase multifunctional module; in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, after being controlled by six-bit attenuators, amplified by the receive amplifier, controlled by six-bit phase shifters, and switched by the transmit-receive switch, it is output from the common end to the branching ports of the 16-port power divider network one; Step C3: The signals from the branching ports 1 to 16 of the 16-port power divider network one are combined by the 16-port power divider network one and then output to the common end of the RF switch two through the combining end; Step C4: The RF switch two is set to have a path from the common end to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 2 of the bidirectional amplifier; the bidirectional amplifier is set to work in a direct-through mode from port 2 to port 1, and the RF calibration signal is output to port 1 of the RF switch one; Step C5: Set one path of the RF switch to the port 1 to the common end, output the RF calibration signal through the RF switch one to the signal input end of the vector network analyzer; respectively test the amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of 16 receiving channels through the vector network analyzer; when in the receive manual calibration mode, one channel of the 16 receiving channels works each time, and the remaining 15 receiving channels are closed.

10. A calibration method for a Ku-band multi-channel transceiver frequency conversion module according to claim 7, characterized in that The transmit manual calibration mode includes the following steps: Step D1: Connect the signal output port of the vector network analyzer to the common end of the RF switch one of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module, and connect the signal input port to the output ends of the 16 couplers of the 16-channel transceiver frequency conversion module respectively after passing through the high-power attenuator; the vector network analyzer outputs the RF calibration signal from the signal output port and inputs it to the common end of the RF switch one. Step D2: Set one path of the RF switch to the common end to the port 1, output the RF calibration signal to the port 1 of the bidirectional amplifier; set the bidirectional amplifier to the amplification mode from the port 1 to the port 2, drive and amplify the RF calibration signal in the bidirectional amplifier and output it to the port 1 of the RF switch two through the port 2; set one path of the RF switch two to the port 1 to the common end, and output the RF calibration signal to the combining end of the 16-port power distribution network one through the common end of the RF switch two. Step D3: The RF calibration signal is equally divided into 16 paths through the 16-port power distribution network one and input to the combining ends of 16 amplitude-phase multifunctional modules respectively; after passing through the transceiver switch, six-bit phase shift control, six-bit attenuation control and the transmit amplifier in the amplitude-phase multifunctional module, it is output to the transmit end of the transceiver RF front end through the transmit end; in the transceiver RF front end, after being power-amplified by the power amplifier and passing through the transceiver switch, it is output to the input end of the coupler through the combining end. Step D4: The RF calibration signal is output through the output end of the coupler, and input to the signal input end of the vector signal analyzer after passing through the high-power attenuator. Step D5: Respectively test the amplitude and phase from the input port to the output port of 16 transmitting channels through the vector network analyzer. When in the transmit manual calibration mode, one channel of the 16 transmitting channels works each time, and the remaining 15 transmitting channels are closed.

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