Asynchronous and difference signal operation device and angle measurement method

Abstract

The application relates to an asynchronous and difference-based sum-difference signal operation device and an angle measurement method. The device comprises an antenna array composed of a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, a first combiner, a second combiner, a sum-difference device and a double-channel digital transceiver. By configuring different phases of the subarrays at two time points, sum signals and two difference signals are obtained at the two time points based on one basic sum-difference device, the bottleneck of reducing the hardware complexity and the size of the sum-difference network is broken, and new technical support is provided for further reducing the size of the sum-difference network, reducing the hardware complexity of the sum-difference network and reducing the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to phased array radar angle measurement technology, specifically to an asynchronous sum and difference signal processing device and angle measurement method. Background Technology

[0002] Monopulse sum-difference amplitude-ratio angle measurement technology based on phased array systems can measure the angle of a target and has been widely used in various radars requiring angle measurement capabilities. Measuring the spatial angle of a target requires obtaining azimuth and elevation angle information. Traditional monopulse sum-difference amplitude-ratio angle measurement technology divides the antenna array into four subarrays and processes the signals received from these subarrays through a sum-difference network consisting of four summers and differencers to obtain the sum signal, azimuth difference signal, and elevation difference signal. Finally, the azimuth and elevation angle information is obtained based on these signals.

[0003] The literature "Kong Yinghui et al. Design of Ka-band Monopulse Sum-Difference Network. Modern Radar. 2015" and the invention patent with application number CN201510336757.2 use waveguide design to create sum-difference networks to obtain sum signals, azimuth difference signals, and elevation difference signals. Waveguide-type sum-difference networks are large in size and difficult to integrate into systems. Therefore, the literature "Yu Zhongwu et al. A Novel Dual-Plane Sum-Difference Network Design. Modern Radar. 2016" and the invention patent with application number CN200910120697.5 use microstrip or stripline design to create sum-difference networks to obtain sum signals, azimuth difference signals, and elevation difference signals. Sum-difference networks based on microstrip and stripline designs reduce size and achieve planar design that facilitates system integration. The paper "Wang Hui et al. Miniaturized sum and difference network design based on 90° bridge chip. Journal of Terahertz Science and Electronic Information. 2022" uses chip design to create a sum and difference network to obtain the sum signal, azimuth difference signal, and pitch difference signal, further reducing the size of the device.

[0004] The aforementioned literature and patents employ different implementation methods to design a single basic sum and difference unit, thereby achieving a planar sum and difference network with a smaller size. However, the sum and difference networks in these studies all consist of four basic sum and difference units, and the implementation methods based on microstrip lines, striplines, or chips have already reached the current limits of microwave circuit miniaturization.

[0005] However, with the increase in radar operating frequency, the emergence of new slow-moving detection targets, and the reduction in the size of the entire radar system, the research on new low-hardware-complexity sum-difference network topologies and angle measurement methods that can further reduce the size has become extremely urgent.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a sum and difference signal processing device and angle measurement method based on asynchronous sum and difference, which solves the defects of large size and high hardware complexity of the sum and difference network design scheme corresponding to the existing angle measurement method, thereby realizing a new sum and difference network design scheme that can further reduce the size of the sum and difference network and reduce hardware complexity.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of the invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device is provided, the device comprising an antenna array composed of a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, a first combiner, a second combiner, a sum-difference device and a dual-channel digital transceiver;

[0010] The antenna array is used to transmit directional beams and receive signals in a specific direction; wherein, the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray have independent phase modulation functions, and the acquisition of the first difference signal and the second difference signal is achieved by configuring different phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at different times.

[0011] The first combiner is used to combine two of the four subarrays; the second combiner is used to combine the other two of the four subarrays.

[0012] The sum and difference converter is used to perform sum and difference processing on the output signals of the two combiners to obtain the desired sum and difference signals;

[0013] The dual-channel digital transceiver is used to receive the sum and difference signals output by the sum and difference converter.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray, and the fourth subarray are arranged in a grid pattern. The method of selecting two subarrays to merge can be two subarrays merging horizontally, two subarrays merging vertically, or two subarrays merging at an intersection.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the sum and difference device is a waveguide type sum and difference device, a microstrip line type sum and difference device, a stripline type sum and difference device, or a bridge chip type sum and difference device.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an asynchronous sum-difference-based angle measurement method is provided, the method comprising:

[0017] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the first time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the first time step;

[0018] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step;

[0019] The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum and difference results at the first and second time points.

[0020] Configure the phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively;

[0021] Input s(1) and s(2) into the first combiner, and input s(3) and s(4) into the second combiner;

[0022] The sum and difference unit performs sum and difference operations on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal (s(1)+s(2))+(s(3)+s(4)) and the first difference signal (s(1)+s(2))-(s(3)+s(4));

[0023] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), -s(2), s(3), and -s(4), respectively.

[0024] Input s(1) and -s(2) into the first combiner, and input s(3) and -s(4) into the second combiner;

[0025] The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the second difference signal (s(1)-s(2))+(s(3)-s(4));

[0026] The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, when the first and third subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes:

[0028] When the first and third subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes:

[0029] Configure the phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively;

[0030] Input s(1) and s(3) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and s(4) into the second combiner;

[0031] The sum and difference unit performs sum and difference operations on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal (s(1)+s(2))+(s(3)+s(4)) and the second difference signal (s(1)+s(3))-(s(2)+s(4));

[0032] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), s(2), -s(3), and -s(4), respectively.

[0033] Input s(1) and -s(3) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and -s(4) into the second combiner;

[0034] The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the first difference signal (s(1)-s(3))+(s(2)-s(4));

[0035] The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, when the first and fourth subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and third subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes:

[0037] Configure the phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively;

[0038] Input s(1) and s(4) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and s(3) into the second combiner;

[0039] The sum-difference unit performs sum-difference operations on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal (s(1)+s(2))+(s(3)+s(4));

[0040] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), s(2), -s(3), and -s(4), respectively.

[0041] Input s(1) and -s(4) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and -s(3) into the second combiner;

[0042] The sum-difference unit performs sum-difference operations on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the first difference signal (s(1)-s(4))+(s(2)-s(3)) and the second difference signal (s(1)-s(4))-(s(2)-s(3));

[0043] The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, obtaining the azimuth and elevation angles based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal includes:

[0045] When the first difference signal is the azimuth difference signal;

[0046] The ratio of the first difference signal to the sum signal is taken as the difference-sum ratio of the azimuth direction;

[0047] The azimuth angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the azimuth direction with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve;

[0048] The ratio of the second difference signal to the sum signal is used as the difference-sum ratio in the pitch direction;

[0049] The pitch angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the pitch directions with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, obtaining the azimuth and elevation angles based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal includes:

[0051] When the first difference signal is the pitch difference signal;

[0052] The ratio of the first difference signal to the sum signal is used as the difference-sum ratio in the pitch direction;

[0053] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the azimuth direction with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve;

[0054] The ratio of the second difference signal to the sum signal is taken as the difference-sum ratio of the azimuth direction;

[0055] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the azimuth direction with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve.

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention provide a low-hardware-complexity sum and difference signal processing device and angle measurement method based on asynchronous sum and difference. By configuring different phases of the subarray at two times, it achieves the acquisition of sum signals and two difference signals based on a basic sum and difference device at two times. This breaks through the bottleneck that limits the reduction of hardware complexity and size of sum and difference networks, and provides new technical support for further reducing the size of sum and difference networks, reducing hardware complexity, and reducing costs.

[0057] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0059] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the working mechanism of the sum and difference signal processing device in exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention: (a) obtaining the sum signal and the first difference signal at a first time; (b) obtaining the second difference signal at a second time;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the asynchronous sum-difference-based angle measurement method described in this invention;

[0061] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working mechanism of the sum and difference signal processing device in exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention: (a) obtaining the sum signal and the second difference signal at a first time; (b) obtaining the first difference signal at a second time;

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the working mechanism of the sum and difference signal processing device in exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention: (a) obtaining the sum signal at a first time; (b) obtaining the first difference signal and the second difference signal at a second time. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0064] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0065] In the existing technology, the sum and difference network composed of four basic sum and difference units has high hardware complexity and difficulty in further reducing its size. Inspired by the principle of sum and difference operation and vector signal superposition, a new asynchronous sum and difference operation mechanism was proposed. Based on asynchronous sum and difference, a low hardware complexity sum and difference signal operation device and angle measurement method were proposed.

[0066] To address the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies, this example embodiment provides a low-hardware-complexity sum-difference signal processing device based on asynchronous sum-difference, including an antenna array composed of a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray, and a fourth subarray, a first combiner, a second combiner, a basic sum-difference unit, and a dual-channel digital transceiver.

[0067] The antenna array, consisting of four subarrays, is used to transmit directional beams and receive signals from specific directions.

[0068] Preferably, the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray, and the fourth subarray have independent phase modulation functions. By configuring different phases for the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray, and the fourth subarray at different times, the acquisition of the signal and the first difference signal, as well as the acquisition of the second difference signal, are achieved.

[0069] The first combiner is used to combine two of the four subarrays;

[0070] The second combiner is used to combine the other two subarrays out of the four subarrays;

[0071] The basic sum and difference converter is used to perform sum and difference processing on the output signals of two combiners to obtain the desired sum and difference signals;

[0072] A dual-channel digital transceiver is used to receive the sum and difference signals output by the basic sum and difference circuit.

[0073] For example, the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray, and the fourth subarray are arranged in a grid pattern. The way to merge two subarrays can be by merging two subarrays horizontally, two subarrays vertically, or two subarrays crossing each other.

[0074] For example, the basic sum and difference circuit can be a waveguide type sum and difference circuit, a microstrip line type sum and difference circuit, a stripline type sum and difference circuit, or a bridge chip type sum and difference circuit.

[0075] In response to the aforementioned low-hardware-complexity sum-difference signal processing device based on asynchronous sums and differences, this invention proposes a new angle measurement method based on asynchronous sums and differences, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0076] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the first time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the first time step;

[0077] Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step;

[0078] The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum and difference results at the first and second time points.

[0079] For example, a sum signal and a first difference signal can be obtained at a first time, and a second difference signal can be obtained at a second time; alternatively, a sum signal and a second difference signal can be obtained at a first time, and a first difference signal can be obtained at a second time; alternatively, a sum signal can be obtained at a first time, and a first difference signal and a second difference signal can be obtained at a second time.

[0080] For example, the subarray phase configuration and the obtained signal at the first moment and the array phase configuration and the obtained signal at the second moment can be interchanged.

[0081] For example, the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal can be obtained at two times, or the sum signal and the first difference signal can be obtained at only one time, or the sum signal and the second difference signal can be obtained at only one time.

[0082] The steps in this exemplary embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0083] Example 1:

[0084] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 1, the first and second subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the third and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner. Based on the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device shown in Figure 1, the proposed asynchronous sum-difference angle measurement method includes the following steps:

[0085] S1. Configure the subarray phase at the first moment.

[0086] Set the target's azimuth angle at this time as Pitch angle is Based on the azimuth angle Pitch angle is Target direction and array calibration data are used to obtain the phase settings corresponding to the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 when the antenna array is pointed in the target direction. and Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. After the phase configuration is completed at the first moment, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively.

[0087] Where n1, n2, n3, and n4 represent the number of active channels in the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4, respectively.

[0088] S2. Obtain the sum and difference results at the first moment.

[0089] After the first subarray 1 and the second subarray 2 are configured with phase at the first moment, they are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)+s(2); after the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are configured with phase at the first moment, they are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(3)+s(4); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the first moment are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result (s(1)+s(2))+(s(3)+s(4)) and the difference operation result (s(1)+s(2))-(s(3)+s(4)) output by the basic sum and difference unit at the first moment. Among them, the sum operation result (s(1)+s(2))+(s(3)+s(4)) at the first moment is the sum signal s ∑ The result of the difference operation at the first moment: (s(1)+s(2))-(s(3)+s(4)) is the first difference signal: s Δ1 .

[0090] S3. Configure the subarray phase at the second time step.

[0091] Based on the characteristics of sum and difference operations and the topology of the sum and difference signal processing device based on asynchronous sum and difference, the phase settings of the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 at the second time moment are calculated. and Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. After the phase configuration is completed at the second time, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are s(1), -s(2), s(3) and -s(4), respectively.

[0092] S4. Obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step.

[0093] After the phase configuration at the second moment, the first subarray 1 and the second subarray 2 are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)-s(2); after the phase configuration at the second moment, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(3)-s(4); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the second moment are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result of the basic sum and difference unit at the second moment: (s(1)-s(2))+(s(3)-s(4)) and the difference operation result: (s(1)-s(2))-(s(3)-s(4)). The sum operation result of the output at the second moment: (s(1)-s(2))+(s(3)-s(4)) is the second difference signal: s Δ2 .

[0094] S5. Obtain azimuth and elevation angles

[0095] If s is set Δ1 For the azimuth difference signal, s Δ2 If the pitch difference signal is used, then the sum of the differences and ratios of the azimuth directions is:

[0096] ε a =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0097] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0098] ε e =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0099] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0100] If s is set Δ1 For pitch difference signal, sΔ2 If the azimuth difference signal is given, then the sum and ratio of the differences in the azimuth directions are:

[0101] ε a =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0102] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0103] ε e =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0104] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0105] Example 2:

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3, the first and third subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner. Based on the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device shown in Figure 3, the proposed asynchronous sum-difference angle measurement method includes the following steps:

[0107] S1. Configure the subarray phase at the first moment.

[0108] Set the target's azimuth angle at this time as Pitch angle is Based on the azimuth angle Pitch angle is Target direction and array calibration data are used to obtain the phase settings corresponding to the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 when the antenna array is pointed in the target direction. Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. After the phase configuration is completed at the first moment, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively.

[0109] Where n1, n2, n3, and n4 represent the number of active channels in the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4, respectively.

[0110] S2. Obtain the sum and difference results at the first moment.

[0111] After the phase configuration at the first moment, the first subarray 1 and the third subarray 3 are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)+s(3); after the phase configuration at the first moment, the second subarray 2 and the fourth subarray 4 are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(2)+s(4); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the first moment are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result (s(1)+s(3))+(s(2)+s(4)) and the difference operation result (s(1)+s(3))-(s(2)+s(4)) output by the basic sum and difference unit at the first moment. The sum operation result (s(1)+s(3))+(s(2)+s(4)) at the first moment is the sum signal s. ∑ The result of the difference operation at the first moment: (s(1)+s(3))-(s(2)+s(4)) is the second difference signal: s Δ2 .

[0112] S3. Configure the subarray phase at the second time step.

[0113] Based on the characteristics of sum and difference operations and the topology of the sum and difference signal processing device based on asynchronous sum and difference, the phase settings of the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 at the second time moment are calculated. and Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. After the phase configuration is completed at the second time, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are s(1), s(2), -s(3) and -s(4) respectively.

[0114] S4. Obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step.

[0115] After the phase configuration at the second time, the first subarray 1 and the third subarray 3 are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)-s(3); after the phase configuration at the second time, the second subarray 2 and the fourth subarray 4 are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(2)-s(4); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the second time are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result (s(1)-s(3))+(s(2)-s(4)) and the difference operation result (s(1)-s(3))-(s(2)-s(4)) output by the basic sum and difference unit at time 2. Among them, the sum operation result (s(1)-s(3))+(s(2)-s(4)) output at the second time is the first difference signal: s Δ1 .

[0116] S5. Obtain azimuth and elevation angles

[0117] If s is set Δ1 For the azimuth difference signal, s Δ2 If the pitch difference signal is used, then the sum of the differences and ratios of the azimuth directions is:

[0118] ε a =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0119] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0120] ε e =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0121] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0122] If s is set Δ1 For pitch difference signal, s Δ2 If the azimuth difference signal is given, then the sum and ratio of the differences in the azimuth directions are:

[0123] ε a =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0124] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0125] ε e =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0126] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0127] Example 3:

[0128] like Figure 4 As shown in Figure 4, the first and fourth subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and third subarrays are connected to the second combiner. Based on the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device shown in Figure 4, the proposed asynchronous sum-difference angle measurement method includes the following steps:

[0129] S1. Configure the subarray phase at the first moment.

[0130] Set the target's azimuth angle at this time as Pitch angle is Based on the azimuth angle Pitch angle is Target direction and array calibration data are used to obtain the phase settings corresponding to the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 when the antenna array is pointed in the target direction. and Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. After the phase configuration is completed at the first moment, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively.

[0131] Where n1, n2, n3, and n4 represent the number of active channels in the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4, respectively.

[0132] S2. Obtain the sum and difference results at the first moment.

[0133] After the phase configuration at the first moment, the first subarray 1 and the fourth subarray 4 are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)+s(4); after the phase configuration at the first moment, the second subarray 2 and the third subarray 3 are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(2)+s(3); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the first moment are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result (s(1)+s(4))+(s(2)+s(3)) and the difference operation result (s(1)+s(4))-(s(2)+s(3)) output by the basic sum and difference unit at the first moment. The sum operation result (s(1)+s(4))+(s(2)+s(3)) at the first moment is the sum signal s. ∑ .

[0134] S3. Configure the subarray phase at the second time step.

[0135] Based on the characteristics of sum and difference operations and the topology of the sum and difference signal processing device based on asynchronous sum and difference, the phase settings of the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3, and the fourth subarray 4 at the second time moment are calculated. and Based on the above four phase vectors, the phases of the four subarrays are configured respectively. At time 2, the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray 1, the second subarray 2, the third subarray 3 and the fourth subarray 4 after the phase configuration is completed are s(1), s(2), -s(3) and -s(4) respectively.

[0136] S4. Obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step.

[0137] After the first subarray 1 and the fourth subarray 4 are configured with phase at the second time, they are combined by the first combiner 1 to obtain the received signal s(1)-s(4); after the second subarray 2 and the third subarray 3 are configured with phase at the second time, they are combined by the second combiner 2 to obtain the received signal s(2)-s(3); after the output signals of the first combiner 1 and the second combiner 2 at the second time are subjected to sum and difference operations in the basic sum and difference unit, the dual-channel digital transceiver collects the sum operation result of the basic sum and difference unit at the second time: (s(1)-s(4))+(s(2)-s(3)) and the difference operation result: (s(1)-s(4))-(s(2)-s(3)). The sum operation result of the output at the second time: (s(1)-s(4))+(s(2)-s(3)) is the first difference signal: s Δ1 The result of the difference operation at the second time step: (s(1)-s(4))-(s(2)-s(3)) is the second difference signal: s Δ2 .

[0138] S5. Obtain azimuth and elevation angles

[0139] If s is set Δ1 For the azimuth difference signal, s Δ2 If the pitch difference signal is used, then the sum of the differences and ratios of the azimuth directions is:

[0140] ε a =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0141] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0142] ε e =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0143] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0144] If s is set Δ1 For pitch difference signal, s Δ2 If the azimuth difference signal is given, then the sum and ratio of the differences in the azimuth directions are:

[0145] ε a =s Δ2 ÷s ∑

[0146] The azimuth angle of the detected target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve. The difference and ratio of pitch directions is

[0147] ε e =s Δ1 ÷s ∑

[0148] The elevation angle of the target is obtained by comparing it with a pre-acquired "difference-ratio-angle" curve.

[0149] This invention relates to a low-hardware-complexity sum-difference signal processing device and angle measurement method based on asynchronous sum-difference. The device includes an antenna array composed of a first subarray 1, a second subarray 2, a third subarray 3, and a fourth subarray 4; a first combiner 1; a second combiner 2; a basic sum-difference converter; and a dual-channel digital transceiver. By configuring different phases of the subarrays at two different times, it achieves the acquisition of sum signals and two difference signals at two different times based on a single basic sum-difference converter. This overcomes the bottlenecks limiting the reduction of hardware complexity and size of sum-difference networks, providing new technical support for further reducing the size, hardware complexity, and cost of sum-difference networks.

[0150] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the claims.

[0151] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An angle measurement method implemented by an asynchronous and difference-based sum-difference signal operation device, the asynchronous and difference-based sum-difference signal operation device comprising an antenna array consisting of a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, a first combiner, a second combiner, a differencer and a dual-channel digital transceiver; the antenna array is used to emit a directional beam and receive signals in a specific direction; wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth subarrays have independent phase modulation functions. By configuring different phases for the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at different times, the acquisition of the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal are achieved. The first combiner is used to combine two subarrays out of the four subarrays. The second combiner is used to combine the remaining two subarrays out of the four subarrays. The sum-difference converter is used to perform sum-difference processing on the output signals of the two combiners to obtain the desired sum-difference signal. The dual-channel digital transceiver is used to receive the sum-difference signal output by the sum-difference converter. The method is characterized by comprising: Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the first time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the first time step; Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step, and obtain the sum and difference results at the second time step; The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum and difference results at the first and second time points. When the first and second subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the third and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes: Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), s(2), and s(2), respectively. s(3) and s(4); Input s(1) and s(2) into the first combiner, and input s(3) and s(4) into the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal. s (1)+ s (2))+( s (3)+ s (4)) and the first difference signal (s(1)+s(2))-(s(3)+s(4)); Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), -s(2), s(3), and -s(4), respectively. Input s(1) and -s(2) into the first combiner, and input s(3) and -s(4) into the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the second difference signal (s(1)-s(2))+(s(3)-s(4)); The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are arranged in a grid pattern. The way to merge two subarrays can be either merging two subarrays horizontally, merging two subarrays vertically, or merging two subarrays at an intersection.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sum / differential is a waveguide type sum / differential, a microstrip line type sum / differential, a stripline type sum / differential, or a bridge chip type sum / differential.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first and third subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and fourth subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes: Configure the phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively; s(1) and Input s(3) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and s(4) into the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal. s (1)+ s (4))+( s (3)+ s (2)) and the second difference signal (s(1)+s(3))-(s(2)+s(4)); Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), s(2), -s(3), and -s(4), respectively. s(1) and s(3) input to the first combiner, and s(2) and -s(4) are input to the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the first difference signal (s(1)-s(3))+(s(2)-s(4)); The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first and fourth subarrays of the asynchronous sum-difference signal processing device are connected to the first combiner, and the second and third subarrays are connected to the second combiner; the method specifically includes: Configure the phases of the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray at the first moment so that the incoming wave signals received by the first subarray, the second subarray, the third subarray and the fourth subarray are s(1), s(2), s(3) and s(4) respectively; Input s(1) and s(4) into the first combiner, and input s(2) and s(3) into the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs a sum-difference operation on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the sum signal. s (1)+ s (4))+( s (3)+ s (2)); Configure the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays at the second time step so that the incoming wave signals received by the first, second, third, and fourth subarrays are s(1), s(2), -s(3), and -s(4), respectively. Input s(1) and -s(4) into the first combiner, and... s(2) and s(3) Input to the second combiner; The sum-difference unit performs sum-difference operations on the outputs of the first combiner and the second combiner to obtain the first difference signal (s(1)-s(4))+(s(2)-s(3)) and the second difference signal (s(1)-s(4))-(s(2)-s(3)); The azimuth and elevation angles are obtained based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal.

6. The method according to any one of claim 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The acquisition of azimuth and elevation angles based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal includes: When the first difference signal is the azimuth difference signal; The ratio of the first difference signal to the sum signal is taken as the difference-sum ratio of the azimuth direction; The azimuth angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the azimuth direction with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve; The ratio of the second difference signal to the sum signal is used as the difference-sum ratio in the pitch direction; The pitch angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the pitch directions with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve.

7. The method according to any one of claim 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The acquisition of azimuth and elevation angles based on the sum signal, the first difference signal, and the second difference signal includes: When the first difference signal is the pitch difference signal; The ratio of the first difference signal to the sum signal is used as the difference-sum ratio in the pitch direction; The pitch angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the pitch directions with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve; The ratio of the second difference signal to the sum signal is taken as the difference-sum ratio of the azimuth direction; The direction angle of the target is obtained by comparing the difference and ratio of the azimuth direction with the pre-acquired difference and ratio-angle curve.

Images