Polarization form heterogeneous antenna array

Abstract

The invention discloses a polarized heterogeneous antenna array, which comprises a first antenna sub-array, a second antenna sub-array and a third antenna sub-array which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, and the working frequency bands of the three antenna sub-arrays are overlapped, so that the same-frequency work of the three sub-arrays is realized. The polarization form heterogeneous antenna array disclosed by the invention has four ground state polarization modes of + 45 degrees,-45 degrees, vertical and horizontal, the polarization types are increased by more than one time, and obvious polarization mode advantages are shown; compared with a traditional broadband heterogeneous antenna array, the broadband heterogeneous antenna array provided by the invention provides various working modes of independent working, cooperative working and high transceiving isolation, and the multifunctional characteristic of a phased array system is greatly enriched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of ultra-wideband array antennas, and in particular relates to a polarization heterogeneous antenna array. Background Art

[0002] In modern radar and electronic warfare systems, antenna arrays are often required to possess broadband radiation capabilities to achieve superior microwave performance and multi-functional modes within limited cost, weight, and platform space. However, due to the requirements for broadband and wide-angle scanning capabilities, the element spacing of traditional ultra-wideband phased array antennas is typically small, resulting in a significant increase in the number of antenna array elements. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of broadband phased array systems is very high.

[0003] To address the high hardware costs of traditional ultra-wideband phased array antenna systems, frequency-domain overlapping heterogeneous antenna arrays have been widely researched in recent years. Rick W. Kindt of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory systematically introduced a 6 GHz to 48 GHz frequency-domain overlapping heterogeneous antenna array in "Analysis of a Wavelength-Scaled Array (WSA) Architecture." In this paper, the antenna array is divided into three antenna subarrays with unit aperture sizes: 6 GHz to 12 GHz, 6 GHz to 24 GHz, and 6 GHz to 48 GHz. While achieving 8x ultra-wideband, the number of antenna array channels is reduced by 84%. Based on the planar current element principle, Michael Y. Lee of the University of Massachusetts reported a low-profile frequency-domain overlapping heterogeneous antenna in "Planar Ultrawideband Modular Antenna (PUMA) Wavelength-Scaled Array." In this paper, the antenna array is divided into two antenna subarrays with unit aperture sizes: 3:1 and 6:1.

[0004] As can be seen from the above, existing research on broadband heterogeneous antenna arrays primarily focuses on using wavelength scaling to reduce the number of unit antennas. These antennas typically use a single polarization scheme, either vertical or horizontal. However, different functional application platforms have different polarization requirements for broadband antenna arrays. For example, in radar systems, antenna arrays typically use vertical polarization, while in electronic warfare systems, antenna arrays typically use slant polarization. Existing broadband heterogeneous antennas cannot effectively meet the multi-polarization requirements of ultra-wideband multi-function phased array systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems raised in the background technology and propose a polarization heterogeneous antenna array to meet the multi-polarization requirements of a broadband antenna array, thereby realizing a set of multi-polarization and multi-working modes of a broadband phased array system, further effectively promoting the reduction of the types of platform equipment, thereby contributing to the reduction of the overall cost of the system.

[0006] To achieve the objective of the present invention, the present invention discloses a polarization heterogeneous antenna array, wherein the antenna array includes three sub-arrays: a first antenna sub-array, a second antenna sub-array, and a third antenna sub-array, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom; the three antenna sub-arrays have overlapping operating frequency bands, thereby achieving co-frequency operation of the three sub-arrays.

[0007] Furthermore, the first antenna subarray is composed of M1×N1 +45°, -45° dual-slant polarization first unit antennas, and the first unit antennas are arranged in a triangular grid with M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1≥0, N1≥0, and the unit spacings are d1 and d2 respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, the second antenna subarray is composed of M2×N2 vertically polarized and horizontally polarized second unit antennas, and the second unit antennas are arranged in a rectangular grid of M2 rows and N2 columns, where M2>0, N2>0, and the unit spacings are d3 and d4 respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the third antenna subarray is composed of M3×N3 +45°, -45° dual-slant polarization third unit antennas, and the third unit antennas are arranged in a triangular grid with M3 rows and N3 columns, where M3≥0, N3≥0, and the unit spacing is d5 and d6 respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, by controlling the excitation method of the antenna array unit antenna, multiple polarization reconfiguration working modes of the antenna array are realized, including independent working mode, cooperative working mode and high transmit-receive isolation working mode.

[0011] Furthermore, the independent working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the antenna array is in the transmitting state or the receiving state, and the first antenna subarray, the second antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray freely select the power output state and phase of the unit antenna polarization port, so that the polarization type and beam pointing of each antenna subarray can be independently adjusted.

[0012] Furthermore, the collaborative working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the antenna array is in a transmitting state or a receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray are excited with equal amplitude, and the vertical polarization unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray is excited with equal amplitude; the first antenna subarray, the second antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray are configured with the same wave position scanning phase, and at this time the antenna array works collaboratively to reconstruct the vertical polarization mode.

[0013] Furthermore, the collaborative working mode is specifically as follows: during operation, the antenna array is in a transmitting state or a receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray are excited with equal amplitude and a phase difference of 180°, the horizontal polarization unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray is excited with equal amplitude, and the first antenna subarray, the second antenna subarray, and the third antenna subarray are configured with the same wave position scanning phase. At this time, the antenna array works collaboratively in a reconstructed horizontal polarization mode;

[0014] When working together, when the antenna array is in the transmitting state, the effective radiation power of the system is significantly improved. When the antenna array is in the receiving state, the increase in array gain brought about by the increase in antenna array aperture improves the system sensitivity.

[0015] Furthermore, the high transmit / receive isolation working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the first antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray respectively work in the transmitting state / receiving state, the polarization type of the unit antenna of the two antenna subarrays is selected to be orthogonal, and each unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray is in a 50 ohm load matching state. Due to the polarization orthogonal isolation effect of the transmit / receive subarray and the surface creeping wave suppression effect of the second antenna subarray, the first antenna subarray and the third antenna subarray present high transmit / receive isolation characteristics.

[0016] Compared with the existing technology, the significant progress of the present invention is: 1) The polarization heterogeneous antenna array described in the present invention has four base polarization modes: +45°, -45°, vertical, and horizontal. The number of polarization types has more than doubled, showing significant polarization mode advantages; 2) Compared with traditional broadband heterogeneous antenna arrays, the present invention provides multiple working modes such as independent operation, collaborative operation, and high transmit and receive isolation, greatly enriching the multifunctional characteristics of the phased array system.

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the functional characteristics and structural parameters of the present invention, further description is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of an embodiment of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view of an embodiment of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of antenna subarray ports in an embodiment of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a simulated directional pattern of the second antenna subarray in an independent working mode of an embodiment of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a simulated radiation pattern of the third antenna subarray in an independent working mode of an embodiment of a polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A polarization heterogeneous antenna array embodiment of the present invention provides a collaborative working mode simulation pattern.

[0026] The reference numerals in the figure are: first antenna subarray 1, second antenna subarray 2, third antenna subarray 3, first unit antenna 4, second unit antenna 5, and third unit antenna 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] 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; based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a polarization-type heterogeneous antenna array is characterized by comprising three subarrays: a first antenna subarray 1, a second antenna subarray 2, and a third antenna subarray 3, arranged in order from top to bottom. The three antenna subarrays have overlapping operating frequency bands, enabling co-frequency operation of the three subarrays. The first antenna subarray 1 is composed of M1×N1 dual-polarized first element antennas 4 with +45° and -45° angles. These first element antennas 4 are arranged in a triangular grid with M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 ≥ 0 and N1 ≥ 0, and the element spacings are d1 and d2, respectively. The second antenna subarray 2 is composed of M2×N2 vertically and horizontally polarized second element antennas 5, arranged in a rectangular grid with M2 rows and N2 columns, where M2 > 0 and N2 > 0, and the element spacings are d3 and d4, respectively. The third antenna subarray 3 is composed of M3×N3 +45°, -45° dual-slant polarization third unit antennas 6. The third unit antennas 6 are arranged in a triangular grid with M3 rows and N3 columns, where M3≥0, N3≥0, and the unit spacings are d5 and d6 respectively.

[0029] By controlling the excitation method of the antenna array unit antenna, multiple polarization reconstruction working modes of the antenna array are realized, including independent working mode, collaborative working mode and high transmit and receive isolation working mode.

[0030] Specifically, the independent working mode is as follows: when the antenna array is in the transmitting state or the receiving state, the first antenna subarray 1, the second antenna subarray 2, and the third antenna subarray 3 can freely select the power output state and phase of the unit antenna polarization port, so that the polarization type and beam pointing of each antenna subarray can be independently adjusted.

[0031] Specifically, the collaborative working mode is as follows: during operation, the antenna array is in the transmitting state or the receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray 1 and the third antenna subarray 3 are excited with equal amplitude, and the vertically polarized unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray 2 is excited with equal amplitude; the first antenna subarray 1, the second antenna subarray 2, and the third antenna subarray 3 are configured with the same wave position scanning phase. At this time, the antenna arrays work collaboratively to reconstruct the vertical polarization mode.

[0032] Specifically, the collaborative working mode is as follows: when the antenna array is in the transmitting state or the receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray 1 and the third antenna subarray 3 are excited with equal amplitude and a phase difference of 180°, the horizontal polarization unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray 2 is excited with equal amplitude, and the first antenna subarray 1, the second antenna subarray 2, and the third antenna subarray 3 are configured with the same wave position scanning phase. At this time, the antenna arrays work collaboratively in a reconstructed horizontal polarization mode;

[0033] Specifically, the high transmit / receive isolation working mode is as follows: during operation, the first antenna subarray 1 and the third antenna subarray 3 respectively operate in the transmitting state / receiving state, the polarization type of the two antenna subarray unit antennas are selected to be orthogonal, and each unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray 2 is in a 50-ohm load matching state. Due to the polarization orthogonal isolation effect of the transmit / receive subarrays and the surface creeping wave suppression effect of the second antenna subarray 2, high transmit / receive isolation characteristics are presented between the first antenna subarray 1 and the third antenna subarray 3.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the scale of the first antenna sub-array 1 is 0 rows and 0 columns, the scale of the second antenna sub-array 2 is 21 rows and 8 columns, and the scale of the antenna sub-array 3 is 7 rows and 8 columns.

[0035] In the embodiment, the second antenna sub-array 2 and the third antenna sub-array 3 both adopt metal Vivaldi antennas, and both have an operating bandwidth of f1 GHz to f2 GHz (f1 / f2=3).

[0036] Figure 4 The unit spacing dimensions of the second antenna sub-array 2 and the third antenna sub-array 3 are given as d3 = L1, d4 = L2, d5 = L1, and d6 = L2.

[0037] By controlling the excitation method of the second antenna sub-array 2 and the third antenna sub-array 3 in the embodiment, the antenna array in the embodiment can operate in multiple polarization reconfiguration modes.

[0038] All vertically polarized unit antenna ports in the second antenna subarray 2 are given equal amplitude and in-phase excitation, and the operating frequency is f3 GHz. At the same time, all +45° polarized unit antenna ports in the antenna subarray 3 are given equal amplitude and in-phase excitation, and the operating frequency is f4 GHz. At this time, the polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the embodiment works in independent working mode. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The radiation patterns of each antenna subarray in independent working mode are given respectively.

[0039] All vertically polarized unit antenna 2 ports in antenna subarray 2 are given equal amplitude and in-phase excitation, and the operating frequency is f3 GHz. At the same time, all +45° polarized unit antenna 3 and -45° polarized unit antenna 3 ports in antenna subarray 3 are given equal amplitude and in-phase excitation, and the operating frequency is f3 GHz. At this time, the polarization heterogeneous antenna array of the embodiment works in the cooperative working mode. Figure 7 The radiation pattern of the antenna array in cooperative working mode is given.

[0040] from Figures 5 and 6 It can be seen that the polarization heterogeneous antenna array described in the present invention has four base polarizations: +45°, -45°, vertical, and horizontal. Through the reconstruction of the polarization form, it has multiple working modes, which greatly enriches the multifunctional characteristics of the phased array system.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A polarization heterogeneous antenna array, characterized in that: The antenna array comprises three sub-arrays, namely a first antenna sub-array (1), a second antenna sub-array (2) and a third antenna sub-array (3), which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom; the three antenna sub-arrays have overlapping operating frequency bands, thereby achieving the same-frequency operation of the three sub-arrays.

2. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first antenna subarray (1) is composed of M1×N1 +45°, -45° dual-slant polarized first unit antennas (4), and the first unit antennas (4) are arranged in a triangular grid with M1 rows and N1 columns, wherein M1≥0, N1≥0, and the unit spacings are d1 and d2 respectively.

3. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second antenna subarray (2) is composed of M2×N2 vertically polarized and horizontally polarized second unit antennas (5), and the second unit antennas (5) are arranged in a rectangular grid with M2 rows and N2 columns, wherein M2>0, N2>0, and the unit spacings are d3 and d4 respectively.

4. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third antenna subarray (3) is composed of M3×N3 +45°, -45° dual-slant polarized third unit antennas (6), and the third unit antennas (6) are arranged in a triangular grid with M3 rows and N3 columns, wherein M3≥0, N3≥0, and the unit spacings are d5 and d6 respectively.

5. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: By controlling the excitation method of the antenna array unit antenna, multiple polarization reconstruction working modes of the antenna array are realized, including independent working mode, collaborative working mode and high transmit and receive isolation working mode.

6. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that: The independent working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the antenna array is in a transmitting state or a receiving state, and the first antenna subarray (1), the second antenna subarray (2) and the third antenna subarray (3) freely select the power output state and phase of the unit antenna polarization port, so that the polarization type and beam direction of each antenna subarray can be independently adjusted.

7. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that: The collaborative working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the antenna array is in a transmitting state or a receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray (1) and the third antenna subarray (3) are excited with equal amplitude, and the vertical polarization unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray (2) is excited with equal amplitude; the first antenna subarray (1), the second antenna subarray (2) and the third antenna subarray (3) are configured with the same wave position scanning phase, and at this time the antenna array works collaboratively to reconstruct the vertical polarization mode.

8. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that: The collaborative working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the antenna array is in a transmitting state or a receiving state, the +45° and -45° polarization unit antenna ports of the first antenna subarray (1) and the third antenna subarray (3) are excited with equal amplitude and a phase difference of 180°, the horizontal polarization unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray (2) is excited with equal amplitude, and the first antenna subarray (1), the second antenna subarray (2) and the third antenna subarray (3) are configured with the same wave position scanning phase, and at this time the antenna arrays work collaboratively in a reconstructed horizontal polarization mode.

9. The polarization heterogeneous antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that: The high transmit-receive isolation working mode is specifically as follows: when working, the first antenna subarray (1) and the third antenna subarray (3) respectively work in the transmitting state / receiving state, the polarization types of the two antenna subarray unit antennas are selected to be in the orthogonal state, and each unit antenna port of the second antenna subarray (2) is in a 50 ohm load matching state. Due to the polarization orthogonal isolation effect of the transmit-receive subarray and the surface creeping wave suppression effect of the second antenna subarray (2), the first antenna subarray (1) and the third antenna subarray (3) present a high transmit-receive isolation characteristic.

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