Method and device for optimizing static power consumption of phased-array antenna

Abstract

The invention relates to a phased-array antenna static power consumption optimization method and device. According to the method, the phased-array antenna is divided into a control module and a plurality of service modules, and each service module comprises a radio frequency TR assembly and a baseband processing module; independent power supply conversion modules are configured for the control module and each service module, and the power supply conversion modules are connected in parallel through a power supply bus; receiving a power-on and power-off instruction sent by external overall equipment, and controlling power-on and power-off of a power supply of the control module; when the control module does not receive a transmitting / receiving service instruction sent by the external overall equipment, the power supplies of all the service modules are controlled to be kept in a closed state, and the control module is in a standby state; and when the control module receives a transmitting / receiving service instruction sent by the external overall equipment, the power supplies of all the service modules are controlled to be turned on. By reasonably dividing the functional modules and independently supplying power, the power supply of the control module is only kept when no service exists, the static power consumption of the phased-array antenna is effectively reduced, and the energy efficiency of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna systems, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] A phased array antenna is an antenna system composed of multiple radiating elements. By controlling the phase and amplitude of each radiating element, it achieves electronic beam scanning and beamforming functions. With the increasing demand for high-performance antennas in modern communication and radar systems, phased array antennas, due to their advantages such as fast beam scanning and multi-beamforming, are widely used in satellite communication, aerospace and other fields.

[0003] As the complexity of phased array antenna systems continues to increase, their power consumption becomes increasingly prominent. This is especially true in spaceborne applications where power optimization is crucial due to limited energy supply. However, existing large-scale phased array antenna systems for spaceborne applications still face several technical challenges in power control. First, current systems typically employ multiple power supply modules for individual power conversion, inevitably resulting in power loss during the step-down conversion process. Second, even when the antenna system is in standby mode, the cumulative static power consumption of multiple power supply modules significantly increases the standby power consumption. For battery-powered phased array antennas that operate in standby mode for extended periods, this drastically reduces system uptime. Furthermore, due to the bus-type power supply architecture, external equipment only provides one power-on / power-off command. After the power-on command is issued, multiple power conversion modules simultaneously enable output, further increasing the overall standby power consumption of the antenna system as a result of the accumulated static power consumption of these modules. These problems are particularly pronounced in resource-constrained spaceborne environments, severely impacting system efficiency and lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, in order to solve the technical problems of power loss, high standby power consumption and short system working time when using multiple power supply modules to switch power supply in a spaceborne large-scale phased array antenna system, and to achieve the technical effect of reducing system static power consumption and extending system working time, this invention provides a method for optimizing system static power consumption using a distributed power supply phased array antenna.

[0005] A method for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna includes dividing the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules, wherein each service module includes an RF TR component and a baseband processing module; configuring an independent power conversion module for each control module and each service module, with each power conversion module connected in parallel via a power supply bus; receiving power-on / off commands from an external overall device, the power-on / off commands being used to control the power-on / off of the control module; when the control module does not receive a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, controlling all service modules to remain powered off, and the control module being in a standby state; when the control module receives a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, controlling all service modules to power on.

[0006] Furthermore, the phased array antenna includes multiple antenna elements; dividing the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules includes: dividing the phased array antenna into a preset number of sub-units according to the arrangement of the antenna elements, each sub-unit corresponding to one of the service modules, and each service module including a preset number of antenna elements, a radio frequency TR component corresponding to each antenna element, and a supporting baseband processing module.

[0007] Preferably, the main controller of the control module is a large-scale programmable logic device.

[0008] Furthermore, the large-scale programmable logic device outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on and power-off of each of the service modules.

[0009] Optionally, when the control module receives a transmit / receive service instruction sent by the external overall device, it controls the power-on of all the service modules, including: when the control module receives the transmit / receive service instruction sent by the external overall device, it sequentially determines whether each service module is powered on, until all service modules are powered on.

[0010] This invention also provides a phased array antenna static power consumption optimization device, comprising: a partitioning module for dividing the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules; wherein the service modules include RF TR components and a baseband processing module; a power supply line connection module for configuring an independent power conversion module for the control module and each service module, wherein each power conversion module is connected in parallel via a power supply bus; an instruction judgment module for receiving power-on / off instructions sent by an external overall device, wherein the power-on / off instructions are used to control the power supply of the control module; a standby module for controlling all service modules to remain in a standby state when the control module does not receive a transmit / receive service instruction sent by the external overall device; and a power-on module for controlling all service modules to turn on when the control module receives a transmit / receive service instruction sent by the external overall device.

[0011] The aforementioned method and apparatus for optimizing the static power consumption of phased array antennas effectively reduces the static power consumption of the entire system by splitting the phased array antenna system into a combination of a control system and multiple service systems. The control module outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on / off of the service modules. When no external command is received to execute transmit / receive services, the service modules remain powered off, and only the control module system is in standby mode. Furthermore, by rationally controlling the power supply of each system, the static power consumption of the system is optimized, extending the system's operating time. Particularly for battery-powered phased array antennas that operate in standby mode for extended periods, this invention significantly extends the operating time of the phased array antenna system, demonstrating significant practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the partitioning of the phased array antenna modules in one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of distributed power supply control for a phased array antenna in one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control module processing flow in one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a phased array antenna static power consumption optimization device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna is provided. This method effectively reduces the static power consumption of the system by rationally dividing the functional modules of the antenna system and optimizing the power supply strategy.

[0019] The specific steps are as follows:

[0020] Step 102: Divide the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control module is responsible for the overall control and coordination of the system, while the service module is responsible for the actual signal transmission and reception processing. Each service module includes an RF TR component and a baseband processing module, used to complete the signal transmission and reception functions.

[0022] Step 104: Configure an independent power conversion module for the control module and each service module, and connect the power conversion modules in parallel through the power supply bus.

[0023] This power architecture design allows each module to be powered on and off independently, avoiding unnecessary power consumption caused by the entire system being powered on simultaneously.

[0024] Step 106: Receive power-on / off commands from external system devices.

[0025] Power-on / off commands are used to control the power supply of the control module. When the phased array antenna system is working, it first receives power-on / off commands from external equipment, which are used to control the power supply of the control module. After power-on, the control module enters the working state, ready to receive and process subsequent commands.

[0026] Step 108: When the control module does not receive a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, it keeps the power supply of all service modules off and the control module is in standby mode.

[0027] In this state, only the control module consumes a small amount of power to maintain basic operation, while the service modules, which account for most of the system's power consumption, are completely powered off, thereby significantly reducing the system's static power consumption.

[0028] Step 110: When the control module receives a transmit / receive service command sent by the external overall device, it controls the power supply of all service modules to be turned on.

[0029] The aforementioned method for optimizing the static power consumption of phased array antennas decomposes the phased array antenna system into a combination of a control system and multiple service systems. The control module outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on / off of the service modules. When no external command is received to execute transmit / receive services, the service modules remain powered off, and only the control module system is in standby mode, thus effectively reducing the static power consumption of the entire system. By rationally controlling the power supply of each system, the static power consumption of the system is optimized, extending the system's operating time. Particularly for battery-powered phased array antennas that operate in standby mode for extended periods, this method significantly extends the operating time of the phased array antenna system, demonstrating significant practical value.

[0030] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a phased array antenna comprises multiple antenna elements. During the partitioning process, the phased array antenna is divided into a predetermined number of sub-units according to the arrangement of the antenna elements. Each sub-unit corresponds to a service module, and each service module includes a predetermined number of antenna elements, RF TR components corresponding to each antenna element, and a matching baseband processing module. This partitioning method gives the system good modularity and facilitates partitioned power supply control.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the main controller of the control module uses a large-scale programmable logic device (MLD). This device offers high flexibility and programmability, enabling the implementation of complex control logic while maintaining low power consumption in standby mode. The MLD outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on and power-off of each service module, achieving precise power management.

[0032] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the control module receives the transmit / receive service command sent by the external overall device, it sequentially determines whether each service module is powered on, until all service modules are powered on.

[0033] Using the above method, the phased array antenna system keeps only the control module in standby mode when not in operation, while completely powering down the high-power service modules, effectively reducing the system's static power consumption. Simultaneously, when a transmit or receive task is required, the system can quickly wake up all service modules, ensuring uninterrupted normal operation.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the control module receives a transmit / receive service command from an external overall device, it sequentially checks whether each service module should be powered on until all service modules are powered on. This sequential power-on method avoids the instantaneous high current surge caused by simultaneous power-on, thus improving system reliability.

[0035] This power optimization method is particularly suitable for phased array antenna systems mounted on platforms with strict power consumption requirements, such as satellites and drones. It can effectively extend the system's operating time and improve energy efficiency.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, a phased array antenna static power consumption optimization device is provided, including a partitioning module 502, a power supply line connection module 504, an instruction judgment module 506, a standby module 508, and a power-on module 510.

[0037] The partitioning module divides the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules. The control module is responsible for receiving and processing various commands sent by external overall equipment, and controlling the power status of each service module according to these commands. Each service module contains an RF TR component and a baseband processing module. The RF TR component is responsible for signal transmission and reception, while the baseband processing module is responsible for signal processing and conversion.

[0038] The power supply connection module configures an independent power conversion module for the control module and each service module, with these modules connected in parallel via a power supply bus. This design allows for independent power control of each module; when a module is not in operation, its power can be shut off individually without affecting the normal operation of other modules. The power conversion module converts the externally input power voltage to the operating voltage required by each module and provides a stable power supply. The power supply bus serves as the main power distribution backbone, ensuring efficient power distribution to all modules.

[0039] The instruction judgment module receives power-on / off commands from external devices. These commands control the power supply of the control module. The module can identify and parse different types of commands, including power-on commands, power-off commands, and transmit / receive service commands. Upon receiving a power-on command, the module activates the control module's power supply; upon receiving a power-off command, it deactivates the control module's power supply.

[0040] The standby module's function is to keep all service modules powered off when the control module does not receive transmit / receive service commands from external equipment, thus placing the control module in standby mode. In standby mode, the control module maintains only basic functions and remains responsive to external commands, while all service modules are completely powered off, significantly reducing the system's static power consumption. This design allows the phased array antenna to maximize energy savings when not performing transmit / receive tasks.

[0041] The power-on module's function is to control the power-on of all service modules when the control module receives transmit / receive service commands from external equipment. When a transmit or receive task needs to be performed, the power-on module selectively powers on the corresponding service module according to the service command requirements, putting it into working condition. After the service module power-on, the RF TR components and baseband processing module begin working, performing signal transmission, reception, and processing tasks.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a power-down module for controlling the power-off of all service modules when the control module receives a service termination command from an external overall device. The service termination command indicates that the current transmit / receive task has been completed and the service modules no longer need to operate. Upon receiving this command, the power-down module immediately shuts down the power of all service modules, returning the system to a low-power standby state, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the device further includes a selective power-on module, used to control the power-on of the corresponding service module according to the service module indicated by the selective service instruction when the control module receives a selective service instruction from the external overall device. The selective service instruction explicitly specifies the particular service module that needs to be turned on, rather than all service modules. This refined power control method further improves the energy efficiency of the system, as only the service modules that actually need to work are powered on, while the remaining modules remain off.

[0044] This phased array antenna static power consumption optimization device achieves optimized control of system power consumption through modular design and a refined power management strategy. In the absence of service, the system maintains a standby state with minimal power consumption; when service demand arises, the appropriate modules are selectively activated based on specific needs. This design not only significantly reduces the system's static power consumption but also improves energy efficiency and extends equipment operating time, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with strict energy consumption requirements, such as satellite communications and mobile communication sites.

[0045] Specifically, a phased array antenna comprises multiple antenna elements. The partitioning module not only divides the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules, but also divides it into a predetermined number of sub-units according to the arrangement of the antenna elements. Each sub-unit corresponds to a service module, and each service module contains a predetermined number of antenna elements, RF TR components corresponding one-to-one with each antenna element, and a supporting baseband processing module.

[0046] This method of dividing the system by antenna element arrangement results in a higher degree of modularity in the phased array antenna, allowing each sub-unit to operate independently, greatly improving the system's flexibility and reliability. When one sub-unit fails, other sub-units can still function normally, without affecting the basic functionality of the entire system. Simultaneously, this design facilitates selective power control, enabling the activation of only necessary sub-units based on actual service requirements, further optimizing energy efficiency.

[0047] The one-to-one correspondence between antenna elements and RF TR components ensures the accuracy and efficiency of signal processing. The signal received by each antenna element is processed by a dedicated RF TR component, avoiding signal aliasing and interference. The accompanying baseband processing module is responsible for further digital processing of these signals, including signal demodulation and data extraction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the functionality of the power-on module has also been expanded. When the control module receives a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, the power-on module sequentially checks whether each service module should be powered on, until all service modules are powered on. This step-by-step checking mechanism ensures that all necessary service modules can be powered on correctly, preventing the entire system from malfunctioning due to the failure of a single module to power on.

[0049] The power-on process employs a sequential judgment approach, enabling timely detection and handling of potential power-on anomalies. If a service module fails to power on successfully, the system can attempt a restart or mark the module as faulty, notifying the control module to take appropriate countermeasures, such as reallocating services or adjusting the operating mode. This mechanism significantly improves the system's reliability and robustness.

[0050] Through the above design, the phased array antenna static power consumption optimization device in this embodiment further improves the system's flexibility, reliability, and energy efficiency by implementing more detailed modular division and a more reliable power-on mechanism. This design is particularly suitable for phased array antenna systems requiring high reliability and flexibility, such as satellite communications, radar systems, and high-end mobile communication equipment.

[0051] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0052] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna, characterized in that, The method includes: The phased array antenna is divided into a control module and multiple service modules; wherein, the service module includes an RF TR component and a baseband processing module; Each control module and each service module is configured with an independent power conversion module, and the power conversion modules are connected in parallel via a power supply bus. Receive power-on / off commands from external overall devices, the power-on / off commands being used to control the power-on / off of the control module; When the control module does not receive a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, it controls all the service modules to keep their power off, and the control module is in standby mode. When the control module receives a transmit / receive service command sent by the external overall device, it controls the power supply of all the service modules to turn on.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phased array antenna comprises multiple antenna array elements; The phased array antenna is divided into a control module and multiple service modules, including: The phased array antenna is divided into a preset number of sub-units according to the arrangement of the antenna elements. Each sub-unit corresponds to a service module, and each service module includes a preset number of antenna elements, a radio frequency TR component corresponding to each antenna element, and a supporting baseband processing module.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller of the control module is a large-scale programmable logic device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The large-scale programmable logic device outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on and power-off of each of the service modules.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the control module receives a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, it controls the power-on of all the service modules, including: When the control module receives a transmit / receive service command sent by the external overall device, it sequentially determines whether each service module is powered on, until all service modules are powered on.

6. A device for optimizing the static power consumption of a phased array antenna, characterized in that, The device includes: A partitioning module is used to divide the phased array antenna into a control module and multiple service modules; wherein, the service modules include radio frequency TR components and baseband processing modules; A power supply line connection module is used to configure an independent power conversion module for the control module and each of the service modules, and the power conversion modules are connected in parallel through a power supply bus. The instruction judgment module is used to receive power-on / off instructions sent by external overall devices, and the power-on / off instructions are used to control the power-on / off of the control module. The standby module is used to control all the service modules to keep their power off when the control module does not receive a transmit / receive service command from the external overall device, and the control module is in standby mode. The power-on module is used to control the power-on of all the service modules when the control module receives a transmit / receive service command sent by the external overall device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The phased array antenna comprises multiple antenna array elements; The partitioning module is also used to divide the phased array antenna into a preset number of sub-units according to the arrangement of the antenna array elements. Each sub-unit corresponds to one of the service modules, and each service module includes a preset number of antenna array elements, a radio frequency TR component corresponding to each antenna array element, and a supporting baseband processing module.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main controller of the control module is a large-scale programmable logic device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The large-scale programmable logic device outputs multiple power control signals to control the power-on and power-off of each of the service modules.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The power-on module is also used to determine whether each service module is powered on in sequence when the control module receives a transmit / receive service instruction sent by the external overall device, until all service modules are powered on.

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