Low-cost split-type phased-array antenna based on chimera structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a low-cost split-type phased-array antenna based on a chimera structure, and belongs to the technical field of antennas. The phased-array antenna is composed of a plurality of antenna units. The antenna unit comprises a first radiation dielectric layer, a first feed dielectric layer, a semi-cured layer, a second feed dielectric layer and a metal floor which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom; a chimera structure convex part is printed on the lower surface of the first radiation dielectric layer, a metal layer is printed on the upper surface of the first feed dielectric layer, a chimera structure concave part is arranged in the metal layer, and the chimera structure convex part and the chimera structure concave part can be completely embedded to form a chimera structure. According to the invention, the radiation part and the feed part are independently processed and then assembled, so that the pressing frequency is reduced; meanwhile, antenna performance deterioration caused by an uncontrollable air gap introduced by split assembly is avoided through the embedded body structure. On the premise of ensuring the broadband wide-angle scanning capability of the phased-array antenna, the processing cost is effectively reduced, and the problem of high manufacturing cost of the broadband wide-angle circularly polarized phased-array antenna is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of antennas, and in particular relates to a low-cost split-type phased array antenna based on a chimera structure. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of Ka-band satellite communications, higher requirements have been placed on the antennas that support them. As an antenna with broadband, high gain, and wide-angle scanning capabilities, the Ka-band two-dimensional scanning circularly polarized phased array antenna is undoubtedly an excellent choice for satellite communication applications. Currently, there are many research cases for its application in satellite communication systems. The circular polarization characteristics give it the ability to resist interference from rain, snow, and Faraday rotation effects, effectively overcoming the influence of the atmospheric environment, while the phased array characteristics give it high gain and fast scanning capabilities, effectively maintaining a stable connection with the satellite. However, the high processing cost of the Ka-band two-dimensional scanning circularly polarized phased array antenna has become a significant obstacle to its large-scale popularization and application.

[0003] The circularly polarized phased array antenna is one of the core front-end structures of the satellite communication terminal system. It is usually processed using a PCB process that presses together multiple layers of plates. With each additional press, the material and processing costs of the entire phased array antenna will increase exponentially. For example, patent CN115810917A, "A Spaceborne Ka-Band Circularly Polarized Antenna Unit, Antenna Array, and Phased Array," discloses a circularly polarized phased array antenna for satellite communications. Although it has wide-bandwidth and angular scanning capabilities, its stacked structure is complex and requires multiple plate presses, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Therefore, how to enable the circularly polarized phased array antenna to have wide-bandwidth and angular scanning capabilities while reducing the overall number of presses and thus reducing processing costs has become one of the problems that urgently need to be solved in circularly polarized phased array antenna technology, and it has great application value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a low-cost split phased array antenna and a phased array antenna array based on a chimera structure, which are used to solve the problem of high processing cost of existing wide-bandwidth circularly polarized phased array antennas.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure, consisting of a number of antenna units arranged periodically;

[0007] The antenna unit includes a first radiation dielectric layer, a first feeding dielectric layer, a prepreg layer, a second feeding dielectric layer, and a metal floor, which are stacked in sequence from top to bottom;

[0008] The upper surface of the first radiation medium layer is printed with a radiation patch, and the lower surface is printed with a convex part of a chimera structure;

[0009] A metal layer is printed on the upper surface of the first feeding dielectric layer, and a chimera structure concave portion and at least one coupling slot are provided in the metal layer, and the chimera structure concave portion and the coupling slot partially overlap; the chimera structure convex portion and the chimera structure concave portion can be completely embedded and together form a chimera structure, and at the same time, the chimera structure convex portion is provided with an avoidance opening at a position corresponding to the coupling slot, so that energy can be normally transmitted to the radiation patch through the coupling slot;

[0010] A feeding network is provided on the lower surface of the first feeding dielectric layer or the upper surface of the second feeding dielectric layer; an output end of the feeding network is located below the coupling slot for coupling feeding;

[0011] A circular groove is provided on the metal floor; the outer conductor of the coaxial feeding structure is connected to the metal floor, and the inner conductor passes through the circular groove and the second feeding dielectric layer to be connected to the input end of the feeding network.

[0012] Preferably, a through metalized via array is provided in the first feeding dielectric layer, the prepreg layer and the second feeding dielectric layer to reduce electromagnetic leakage of the feeding network.

[0013] Preferably, the antenna unit is divided into a radiation part and a feeding part, and the two parts are independently processed and formed and then assembled by mechanical assembly; wherein, the radiation part includes a first radiation dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces; the feeding part includes a first feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, a semi-cured layer, a second feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, and a metal through-hole array.

[0014] Preferably, the mechanical assembly method includes threaded connection and snap connection.

[0015] Preferably, the chimeric structure is in the shape of a circular ring, a square ring, a rectangular ring, or a triangular ring.

[0016] Preferably, the number of output terminals of the feeding network is consistent with the number of coupling slots.

[0017] Preferably, the coupling gap is I-shaped, straight-shaped, cross-shaped, or L-shaped.

[0018] Preferably, the phased array antennas are arranged in a rotationally fed manner.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] The present invention provides a millimeter-wave, low-cost, split-type phased array antenna. The radiation part and the feed part are designed to be independently processed and reassembled, effectively reducing the number of times the conventional phased array antenna is pressed together. At the same time, the present invention designs a chimera structure to address the uncontrollable air gap introduced by the split assembly. The chimera structure can switch between two working states, with and without an air gap, thereby achieving transmission link matching in both cases. It has a significant compensatory effect and high tolerance for the performance degradation caused by the air gap, effectively avoiding the deterioration of antenna performance caused by the air gap during installation. While ensuring the wide-bandwidth and wide-angle scanning capability of the millimeter-wave circularly polarized phased array antenna, the present invention effectively reduces processing costs and solves the problem of high manufacturing costs of existing wide-bandwidth and wide-angle circularly polarized phased array antennas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the stacked structure of the low-cost split phased array antenna unit according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the upper surface of the first radiation medium layer.

[0024] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the lower surface of the first radiation medium layer.

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the upper surface of the first feeding dielectric layer.

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the upper surface of the second feeding dielectric layer.

[0027] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the sub-array structure of the embodiment array.

[0028] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the array of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the array installation results of the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a scanning pattern within the working frequency band provided by the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 The scanning axis ratio within the working frequency band provided by the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 A comparison chart of the reflection coefficient tolerance capabilities provided by the embodiments.

[0033] Figure 12 The scanning pattern of the array under the extreme error condition provided by the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 13 The array limit error case scan axis ratio is provided for the embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. First radiation dielectric layer, 2. Metal layer on the upper surface of the first feeding dielectric layer, 3. First feeding dielectric layer, 4. Semi-cured layer, 5. Second feeding dielectric layer, 6. Metal floor, 7. Radiation patch, 8. Chimera structure, 81. Convex portion of the chimera structure, 82. Convex portion of the chimera structure, 9. Coupling slot, 91. First coupling slot, 92. Second coupling slot, 10. Metal through-hole array, 101. First metal through-hole array, 102. Second metal through-hole array, 11. Feeding network, 12. Conductor inside the feeding structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0038] This embodiment provides a low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure, such as Figure 7 As shown, the array is arranged in a rotational feeding manner, and 8×8 antennas form a 64-element antenna array with an antenna unit spacing of 4.7mm.

[0039] The antenna unit, such as Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, it includes a first radiation medium layer, a first feeding medium layer, a semi-cured layer, a second feeding medium layer, and a metal floor which are stacked in sequence from top to bottom.

[0040] The upper surface of the first radiation medium layer is printed with a radiation patch, and the lower surface is printed with a chimera structure convex part. Specifically, the first radiation medium layer is made of TLY-5 material with a thickness of 0.508mm, a dielectric constant of 2.2, and a side length W1=4.7mm. Figure 2 As shown, the radiation patch is a circular patch with a radius R1 = 1.58 mm. Four evenly spaced rectangular slots are set on the outside of the circular patch. The rectangular slot width W0 = 0.2 mm and the slot length l0 = 0.25 mm. Figure 3 As shown, the convex part of the chimera structure is in the shape of a circular ring as a whole, with an inner radius R2 = 1.22mm and an outer radius R3 = 1.43mm. A metal layer is printed on the upper surface of the first feeding dielectric layer, and a concave part of the chimera structure and two I-shaped coupling gaps are provided in the metal layer; the first I-shaped coupling gap is arranged horizontally, and the second I-shaped coupling gap is arranged vertically, and the two I-shaped coupling gaps partially overlap with the concave part of the chimera structure. The convex part of the chimera structure and the concave part of the chimera structure can be completely embedded and together form a chimera structure. At the same time, the convex part of the chimera structure is provided with an avoidance opening at the corresponding position of the coupling gap, so that energy can be normally transmitted to the radiation patch through the coupling gap. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the sizes of the coupling gaps are: a1 = 0.11 mm, b1 = 1.16 mm, c1 = 0.26 mm, d1 = 0.63 mm, a2 = 0.11 mm, b2 = 1.25 mm, c2 = 0.22 mm, d2 = 0.86 mm.

[0041] The upper surface of the second feeding dielectric layer is provided with a one-to-two feeding network; the two output ends of the feeding network are respectively located below the coupling gap to perform coupled feeding. Figure 5 As shown, the dimensions of the power divider are: l1 = 1.05 mm, l2 = 2.29 mm, l3 = 1.8 mm, l4 = 0.69 mm, l5 = 0.68 mm, l6 = 0.72 mm, l7 = 0.76 mm, W2 = 0.15 mm, W3 = 0.15 mm, and W4 = 0.5 mm.

[0042] The first feeding dielectric layer and the second feeding dielectric layer are both made of TSM-DS 3 material with a thickness of 0.254 mm and a dielectric constant of 3. The two are bonded and fixed by a semi-cured layer 4 with a thickness of 0.11 mm.

[0043] The metal floor is provided with a circular groove with a radius of 0.42 mm; the outer conductor of the coaxial feeding structure is connected to the metal floor, with a diameter of D via1 =0.2mm inner conductor passes through the circular slot and the second feeding dielectric layer and is connected to the input end of the feeding network.

[0044] The first feeding dielectric layer, the semi-cured layer and the second feeding dielectric layer are provided with a through metalized via array to reduce electromagnetic leakage of the feeding network; specifically, Figure 5As shown, the metallized via array is divided into a second metallized via array of square shape arranged periodically around the antenna unit, and a first metallized via array arranged linearly between the two output ends of the feed network. via2 =0.2mm, D via3 =0.3mm.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, the antenna unit is divided into a radiating part and a feeding part. The radiating part includes a first radiating dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces; the feeding part includes a first feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, a semi-cured layer, a second feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, and a metal through-hole array. After the radiating part and the feeding part are independently processed and formed, they are assembled by threaded connection without the use of adhesive materials or lamination processes. The assembled antenna array has air layers of different thicknesses in different areas, and the corresponding chimeric structure also operates in different states. The chimeric structure can produce two working states: a coupling gap and a coupling-impedance matching gap for the two situations of whether there is an air layer, thereby achieving transmission link matching in both situations.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, in the 2×2 antenna subarray with rotational feeding, with antenna unit 100a as the reference point, the additional phase of the phase shifter 13a connected to antenna unit 100a is 0°; the antenna unit 100b is rotated 90° relative to the antenna unit 100a, and the additional phase of the phase shifter 13b connected to the antenna unit 100b is 90°; the antenna unit 100c is rotated 180° clockwise relative to the antenna unit 100a, and the additional phase of the phase shifter 13c connected to the antenna unit 100c is 180°; the antenna unit 100d is rotated 270° clockwise relative to the antenna unit 100a, and the additional phase of the phase shifter 13d connected to the antenna unit 100d is 270°.

[0047] like Figure 9 As shown, it is the scanning pattern of the antenna array provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the working frequency range of 27.5 to 31 GHz. It can be seen that the 64-element array has a scanning capability of ±60°.

[0048] like Figure 10 As shown, the scanning axis ratio of the antenna array provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the working frequency range of 27.5 to 31 GHz. It can be seen that the in-band axis ratio is less than 4.5 dB within the scanning range of ±60°.

[0049] like Figure 11As shown in the figure, the tolerance capability comparison of the chimera structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention shows that, compared with the structure without chimera, the chimera structure has a significant improvement effect on the deterioration of the reflection coefficient caused by the air layer. In the operating frequency band of 27.5 to 31 GHz, it can tolerate an air layer within 0.8 mm and always keep the reflection coefficient less than -10 dB, and the relative tolerance capability reaches 157%.

[0050] like Figure 12 As shown, the scanning pattern comparison of the antenna array provided by the embodiment of the present invention under the extreme installation error state shows that, in the extreme case where there is a 0.8 mm air layer, the 64-element array still has a scanning capability of ±60°.

[0051] like Figure 13 As shown, the scanning axis ratio comparison of the antenna array provided by the embodiment of the present invention under the extreme installation error state can be seen. It can be seen that in the extreme case of the presence of a 0.8mm air layer, the in-band axis ratio of the 64-element array within the ±60° scanning range is still less than 4.5dB.

[0052] Table 1 shows the scanning performance of the 64-element antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present invention under extreme error conditions. It can be seen that this low-cost split phased array antenna array based on a chimera structure can maintain a large-angle scanning performance of ±60° in the operating frequency band (27.5-31 GHz) under extreme error conditions, and has strong engineering feasibility.

[0053] Table 1 Scanning axis ratio within the working frequency band under extreme error conditions

[0054]

[0055] Through the above design, the present invention solves the problem of high manufacturing cost faced by existing wide-bandwidth circularly polarized phased arrays. Through the low-cost split phased array antenna, the radiator and the feeder are independently processed and reassembled, effectively reducing the number of overall pressing times of conventional phased array antennas. At the same time, in response to the uncontrollable air layer introduced by the split assembly, a new chimeric structure is designed to match the two situations with and without an air layer, respectively. It has a significant compensation effect and high tolerance for the performance deterioration caused by the air layer. Under the premise of ensuring the wide-bandwidth scanning capability of the millimeter-wave circularly polarized phased array antenna, its processing cost is effectively reduced, solving the problem of high manufacturing cost of existing wide-bandwidth circularly polarized phased array antennas. Therefore, compared with the existing technology, the present invention has outstanding substantive features and significant progress.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field, within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, who makes equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure, consisting of several antenna units arranged periodically; Its characteristics are: The antenna unit includes a first radiation dielectric layer, a first feeding dielectric layer, a prepreg layer, a second feeding dielectric layer, and a metal floor, which are stacked in sequence from top to bottom; The upper surface of the first radiation medium layer is printed with a radiation patch, and the lower surface is printed with a convex part of a chimera structure; A metal layer is printed on the upper surface of the first feeding dielectric layer, and a chimera structure concave portion and at least one coupling slot are provided in the metal layer, and the chimera structure concave portion and the coupling slot partially overlap; The convex part of the chimera structure and the concave part of the chimera structure can be completely embedded and together form a chimera structure. At the same time, the convex part of the chimera structure is provided with an avoidance opening at a position corresponding to the coupling gap, so that energy can be normally transmitted to the radiation patch through the coupling gap; A feeding network is provided on the lower surface of the first feeding dielectric layer or the upper surface of the second feeding dielectric layer; an output end of the feeding network is located below the coupling slot for coupling feeding; A circular groove is provided on the metal floor; the outer conductor of the coaxial feeding structure is connected to the metal floor, and the inner conductor passes through the circular groove and the second feeding dielectric layer to be connected to the input end of the feeding network.

2. The low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first feeding dielectric layer, the semi-cured layer and the second feeding dielectric layer are provided with a through metalized via array to reduce electromagnetic leakage of the feeding network.

3. The low-cost split-type phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The antenna unit is divided into a radiation part and a feeding part. The two parts are independently processed and formed and then assembled by mechanical assembly. The radiation part includes a first radiation dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces; the feeding part includes a first feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, a prepreg layer, a second feeding dielectric layer and metal parts on its upper and lower surfaces, and a metal through-hole array.

4. The low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mechanical assembly method includes threaded connection and snap connection.

5. The low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shape of the chimeric structure is a circular ring, a square ring, a rectangular ring, or a triangular ring.

6. The low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of output terminals of the feed network is consistent with the number of coupling slots.

7. The low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The coupling gap is in an I-shape, a straight-line shape, a cross shape, or an L-shape.

8. A low-cost split phased array antenna based on a chimera structure according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The phased array antennas are arranged in a rotationally fed manner.

Images