Broadband phased-array antenna integrated with internal calibration function

Abstract

The invention discloses a broadband phased-array antenna integrated with an internal calibration function, which relates to the technical field of wireless communication system antennas and comprises a plurality of basic units and plated-through holes arranged in the corresponding basic units. Each basic unit sequentially comprises a first metal layer, a second metal layer, a third metal layer and a fifth metal layer which are sequentially arranged from bottom to top; the first metal layer is provided with a plurality of square metal patches and a rectangular metal patch; the second metal layer is provided with a rectangular metal patch; the rectangular metal patch of the first metal layer and the rectangular metal patch of the second metal layer are mutually orthogonal; the metal areas of the third metal layer and the fifth metal layer completely occupy the area where the unit is located; and the fourth metal layer is a calibration network, the y polarization feed patches of all the basic units are connected together through the calibration network by a feeder line positioned on the fourth metal layer, and the y polarization feed patches are connected with a calibration module through a calibration interface positioned in the phased-array antenna, so that internal calibration is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology for wireless communication systems, and more specifically to the field of broadband phased array antenna technology with integrated internal calibration function. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, particularly military technology, the requirements for antenna performance in applications such as wireless communication, satellite navigation, and weapon guidance are constantly increasing. Broadband phased array antennas, as an advanced antenna technology with wide applicability, can achieve flexible beam control and efficient transmission over a wide frequency range. Existing patents disclose the following technologies: Patent publication number CN109994818A, entitled "A Broadband Phased Array Antenna," discloses the following: A broadband phased array antenna, by adding a parasitic patch layer on a radiating patch layer, and setting an annular slot and a cross slot on the two patches respectively, and employing a center-fed method. This achieves improved performance in terms of wide-axis ratio, circular polarization, and high isolation while meeting the antenna's broadband requirements, thus enhancing the applicability of the phased array antenna.

[0003] Patent publication CN117525828A, entitled "A Broadband Thin-Film Phased Array Antenna," discloses the following: The phased array antenna includes: a thin-film antenna radiating layer printed on the upper surface of a first dielectric; a thin-film slot layer printed on the upper surface of a second dielectric; an air layer disposed between the thin-film antenna radiating layer and the thin-film slot layer; a thin-film beamforming network layer printed on the lower surface of the second dielectric; a supporting frame disposed between the first dielectric and the second dielectric; and a roll-up structure located on one side of the phased array antenna. By employing switched phased array and air-coupled antenna technology, full-space beam coverage is achieved, exhibiting a wide standing wave bandwidth and axial ratio bandwidth. Furthermore, the thin-film structure results in lightweight and compact design, allowing for efficient roll-up and thus achieving a larger radiating aperture.

[0004] The aforementioned patents do not enable real-time detection of errors between antenna elements and self-calibration, and cannot guarantee that the antenna system maintains optimal radiation performance under different environments and operating frequencies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function, comprising a plurality of basic units and metallized holes disposed inside the corresponding basic units. The basic units sequentially include, from bottom to top, a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a first adhesive layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a second adhesive layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, a third adhesive layer, a fourth metal layer, a fourth dielectric layer, and a fifth metal layer. The first metal layer has multiple square metal patches and one rectangular metal patch; the second metal layer has one rectangular metal patch; the rectangular metal patches of the first and second metal layers are orthogonal to each other; the metal regions of the third and fifth metal layers completely occupy the area where the unit is located, with only circular holes in specific positions; the fourth metal layer is a calibration network, and the feed lines on the fourth metal layer connect the y-polarized feed stripline structures of all basic units together through the calibration network, and connect to the calibration module through the calibration interface located in the phased array antenna, thereby realizing internal calibration.

[0007] Specifically, the phased array antenna can self-calibrate the electrical performance of the cells by verifying the cross-polarization level through a calibration network located on the fourth metal layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, each basic unit has 13 metallized vias penetrating from the first metal layer to the fifth metal layer; the basic unit has one metallized blind via penetrating from the first metal layer to the fourth metal layer; multiple square metal patches constitute an electric dipole structure, and the metallized vias on each square metal patch constitute a magnetic dipole structure. The electric dipole structure and the magnetic dipole structure together form a magnetoelectric dipole antenna with broadband characteristics.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first metal layer is provided with four square metal patches of the same size symmetrically distributed around the center of the basic unit. The four square metal patches are respectively a first square patch, a second square patch, a third square patch, and a fourth square patch.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first square patch, the second square patch, the third square patch, and the fourth square patch are respectively provided with three first metallized through holes, three second metallized through holes, three third metallized through holes, and three fourth metallized through holes.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sum of the thicknesses of the first dielectric layer, the first adhesive layer, the second dielectric layer, and the second adhesive layer is one-quarter of the waveguide resonant wavelength.

[0012] In one embodiment, an L-shaped feed structure with x-polarization mode and an L-shaped feed structure with y-polarization mode are respectively provided inside the basic unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the L-shaped feed structure of the x-polarization mode includes an x-polarization feed pad on a first metal layer, an x-polarization feed patch on a second metal layer, and an x-polarization feed probe penetrating the first metal layer and the fifth metal layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the L-shaped feed structure of the y-polarization mode includes a y-polarization feed patch located on a first metal layer and a y-polarization feed probe penetrating through the first metal layer and a fourth metal layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the calibration network includes a power divider connected to a y-polarized feed stripline structure located on a fourth metal layer, the power divider being connected to a calibration interface that runs through the fourth and fifth metal layers, and the calibration interface being connected to a calibration module.

[0016] Specifically, the phased array antenna operates in x-polarization mode, and its y-polarization mode is cross-polarization, with a relatively stable level of cross-polarization.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention integrates a broadband phased array antenna with internal calibration functionality. It uses a built-in internal calibration network to detect and adjust the amplitude and phase of antenna elements. This internal calibration network enables real-time detection of errors between antenna elements and self-calibration, ensuring the antenna system maintains optimal radiation performance under different environments and operating frequencies. Due to its high precision and flexibility, the broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration functionality has broad application prospects in radar, communication satellites, and mobile communications.

[0018] Its antenna unit utilizes a magnetoelectric dipole antenna structure composed of metal patches and metallized vias, employing an L-shaped probe feeding structure to ensure good matching within the operating frequency band. By constructing a dual-polarization unit, the amplitude and phase of the excitation within the channel are checked using cross-polarization levels to ensure that the antenna system maintains optimal radiation performance under different environments and operating frequencies. Calibration is performed via a built-in network without disassembling the antenna, achieving considerable improvements in maintainability and saving maintenance time. Furthermore, the built-in calibration program can read the number of damaged channels online and predict antenna lifespan, allowing users sufficient time to prepare spare parts, ensuring timely replacement when the antenna fails and needs replacement, without waiting for spare parts. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view; Figure 4 This is a top view of the calibration network feed structure in Example 1; Figure 5 The simulation result curve of the port reflection coefficient in Example 1; Reference numerals: 1. First metal layer; 2. First dielectric layer; 3. First adhesive layer; 4. Second metal layer; 5. Second dielectric layer; 6. Second adhesive layer; 7. Third metal layer; 8. Third dielectric layer; 9. Third adhesive layer; 10. Fourth metal layer; 11. Fourth dielectric layer; 12. Fifth metal layer; 13. Metallized via; 14. Y-polarized feed patch; 15. X-polarized feed pad; 16. X-polarized feed patch; 17. Y-polarized feed probe; 18. X-polarized feed probe; 19. Square metal patch; 20. Metallized via; 21. Y-polarized feed stripline structure; 22. Calibration network; 23. Calibration interface. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and technical effects of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "upper", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function, including several basic units and metallized holes 13 disposed inside the corresponding basic units. The basic units sequentially include, from bottom to top, a first metal layer 1, a first dielectric layer 2, a first adhesive layer 3, a second metal layer 4, a second dielectric layer 5, a second adhesive layer 6, a third metal layer 7, a third dielectric layer 8, a third adhesive layer 9, a fourth metal layer 10, a fourth dielectric layer 11, and a fifth metal layer 12. The first metal layer 1 is provided with multiple square metal patches 19 and one rectangular metal patch; the second metal layer 4 is provided with one rectangular metal patch; the rectangular metal patch of the first metal layer 1 and the rectangular metal patch of the second metal layer 4 are orthogonal to each other; the metal regions of the third metal layer 7 and the fifth metal layer 12 completely occupy the area where the unit is located, with only circular holes in specific positions; the fourth metal layer 10 is a calibration network 22, and the feed line on the fourth metal layer 10 connects the y-polarized feed stripline structure 21 of all basic units together through the calibration network 22, and connects to the calibration module through the calibration interface 23 located in the phased array antenna, thereby realizing internal calibration.

[0026] Specifically, the phased array antenna can self-calibrate the electrical performance of the cells by verifying the cross-polarization level through the calibration network 22 located on the fourth metal layer 10.

[0027] Example 2 This embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1, specifically: Each basic unit has 13 metallized vias 20 penetrating from the first metal layer 1 to the fifth metal layer 12; each basic unit has one metallized blind via penetrating from the first metal layer 1 to the fourth metal layer 10; multiple square metal patches 19 constitute an electric dipole structure, and the metallized vias 20 on each square metal patch 19 constitute a magnetic dipole structure. The electric dipole structure and the magnetic dipole structure together form a magnetoelectric dipole antenna with broadband characteristics.

[0028] Example 3 This embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1, specifically: The first metal layer 1 is provided with four square metal patches 19 of the same size, which are symmetrically distributed around the center of the basic unit. The four square metal patches 19 are respectively the first square patch, the second square patch, the third square patch, and the fourth square patch.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first square patch, the second square patch, the third square patch, and the fourth square patch are respectively provided with three first metallized through holes 20, three second metallized through holes 20, three third metallized through holes 20, and three fourth metallized through holes 20.

[0030] Example 4 This embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1, specifically: The sum of the thicknesses of the first dielectric layer 2, the first adhesive layer 3, the second dielectric layer 5, and the second adhesive layer 6 is one-quarter of the waveguide resonant wavelength. Compared to commonly used broadband array antennas or broadband patch antennas, the profile is relatively low.

[0031] Example 5 This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 3, specifically: The basic unit contains L-shaped feed structures for x-polarization mode and y-polarization mode, respectively.

[0032] The L-shaped feed structure of the x-polarization mode includes an x-polarization feed pad 15 on the first metal layer 1, an x-polarization feed patch 16 on the second metal layer 4, and an x-polarization feed probe 18 that penetrates the first metal layer 1 and the fifth metal layer 12.

[0033] The L-shaped feed structure of the y-polarization mode includes a y-polarization feed patch 14 located on the first metal layer 1 and a y-polarization feed probe 17 penetrating through the first metal layer 1 and the fourth metal layer 10.

[0034] Specifically, the phased array antenna operates in x-polarization mode, and its y-polarization mode is cross-polarization, with a relatively stable level of cross-polarization.

[0035] Example 6 This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 5, specifically: The calibration network 22 includes a y-polarized feed stripline structure 21 located on the fourth metal layer 10 and a power divider connected to the y-polarized feed stripline structure 21. The power divider is connected to a calibration interface 23 that runs through the fourth metal layer 10 and the fifth metal layer 12. The calibration interface 23 is connected to a calibration module.

[0036] Figure 5 The figure shows the simulation results of the port reflection coefficient of a broadband phased array antenna element with integrated internal calibration function. It indicates that the antenna element has broadband radiation characteristics in the main polarization direction, and its cross-polarization level is stable, enabling broadband calibration function.

Claims

1. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function, characterized in that, It includes several basic units and metallized holes (13) disposed inside the corresponding basic units. The basic units are arranged in sequence from bottom to top as follows: a first metal layer (1), a first dielectric layer (2), a first adhesive layer (3), a second metal layer (4), a second dielectric layer (5), a second adhesive layer (6), a third metal layer (7), a third dielectric layer (8), a third adhesive layer (9), a fourth metal layer (10), a fourth dielectric layer (11), and a fifth metal layer (12). The first metal layer (1) is provided with multiple square metal patches (19) and one rectangular metal patch; the second metal layer (4) is provided with one rectangular metal patch; the rectangular metal patch of the first metal layer (1) and the rectangular metal patch of the second metal layer (4) are orthogonal to each other; the metal regions of the third metal layer (7) and the fifth metal layer (12) completely occupy the area where the unit is located; the fourth metal layer (10) is a calibration network (22), and the feed line on the fourth metal layer (10) connects the y-polarized feed stripline structure (21) of all the basic units together through the calibration network (22), and connects to the calibration module through the calibration interface (23) located in the phased array antenna, thereby realizing internal calibration.

2. The broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the basic units has 13 metallized vias (20) penetrating from the first metal layer (1) to the fifth metal layer (12); each basic unit has one metallized blind via penetrating from the first metal layer (1) and the fourth metal layer (10); a plurality of square metal patches (19) constitute an electric dipole structure, and the metallized vias (20) on each square metal patch (19) constitute a magnetic dipole structure. The electric dipole structure and the magnetic dipole structure together form a magnetoelectric dipole antenna with broadband characteristics.

3. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first metal layer (1) is provided with four square metal patches (19) of the same size symmetrically distributed around the center of the basic unit. The four square metal patches (19) are respectively the first square patch, the second square patch, the third square patch and the fourth square patch.

4. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first square patch, the second square patch, the third square patch and the fourth square patch are respectively provided with three first metallized through holes (20), three second metallized through holes (20), three third metallized through holes (20) and three fourth metallized through holes (20).

5. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sum of the thicknesses of the first dielectric layer (2), the first adhesive layer (3), the second dielectric layer (5), and the second adhesive layer (6) is one-quarter of the waveguide resonant wavelength.

6. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic unit contains an L-shaped feed structure for the x-polarization mode and an L-shaped feed structure for the y-polarization mode.

7. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The L-shaped feed structure of the x-polarization mode includes an x-polarization feed pad (15) on the first metal layer (1), an x-polarization feed patch (16) on the second metal layer (4), and an x-polarization feed probe (18) penetrating the first metal layer (1) and the fifth metal layer (12).

8. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The L-shaped feed structure of the y-polarization mode includes a y-polarization feed patch (14) located on the first metal layer (1) and a y-polarization feed probe (17) penetrating the first metal layer (1) and the fourth metal layer (10).

9. A broadband phased array antenna with integrated internal calibration function according to claim 8, characterized in that, The calibration network (22) includes a power divider connected to a y-polarized feed stripline structure (21) located on the fourth metal layer (10) and the y-polarized feed stripline structure (21). The power divider is connected to a calibration interface (23) that runs through the fourth metal layer (10) and the fifth metal layer (12). The calibration interface (23) is connected to a calibration module.

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