An unattended radar detection and array monitoring integrated method

Abstract

The application discloses an unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method, which comprises the following steps: 10) establishing a digital array monitoring system; 20) designing a radar detection and array monitoring integrated working mode; and 30) designing a radar detection and array monitoring integrated scheduling. In the working mode, the target detection mode and the array monitoring mode are considered and designed compatibly, the target detection performance is maintained, the array channel monitoring can be performed in real time on line, and the antenna array health state can be mastered in real time. The application provides an implementation approach for real-time on-line automatic array channel monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to radar system technology, and in particular to a method for integrating unattended radar detection and array monitoring. Background Technology

[0002] Radar detection works by emitting electromagnetic signals into space, receiving echoes from targets within its coverage area, and extracting the target's location and other information from the echo signals.

[0003] Radar antenna array monitoring involves monitoring and calibrating the entire circuit, including antenna elements, transceiver components, digital frequency converters, and RF cables, to diagnose faults and perform channel calibration. The array system employs a combination of internal and external monitoring methods, complementing each other to ensure antenna array characteristics. Both internal and external monitoring coverage reaches the element level, enabling element-level fault location and amplitude / phase compensation. The main functions of array monitoring include the following:

[0004] a) Diagnose and locate faults in the array's transceiver channels;

[0005] b) Test the amplitude and phase of the transmit channel and the receive channel of the antenna array to obtain the amplitude and phase data of the array, and calibrate the amplitude and phase error of the array to ensure the narrowband and broadband performance of the antenna.

[0006] c) Assess the performance status of the antenna array, guide its maintenance, and maintain antenna performance.

[0007] For traditional radar, radar detection and array monitoring are designed as two distinct operating modes. Radar detection is used for routine duty and is the most frequently used and most important operating mode. Array monitoring is used to test the health status of the antenna array channels, and generally does not play a very high frequency of use, serving a supplementary role.

[0008] Traditional array monitoring methods have limitations, as they can only be performed during radar detection intervals or maintenance shutdowns. Array monitoring and radar detection are mutually exclusive; when the radar is detecting targets, it's impossible to monitor the array channel performance in real time. With the development of radar technology, unattended radars characterized by high reliability and automated operation have emerged. Unattended radars operate continuously for extended periods, some even for months on end, 24 / 7. In response to this trend, on the one hand, radars need to perform high-frequency, real-time array monitoring to monitor the antenna array's health status, detect faults promptly, and support long-term, highly reliable operation. On the other hand, because radars need to continuously detect targets, array monitoring through shutdowns or any method that interferes with radar detection is unsuitable.

[0009] No specific solutions have yet been reported to address the aforementioned usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an integrated method for unattended radar detection and array monitoring. In terms of operating modes, it comprehensively considers and compatiblely designs target detection and array monitoring modes, enabling real-time online monitoring of array channels while maintaining target detection performance, thus providing a real-time understanding of the antenna array's health status. This provides a means to achieve real-time, automated online array channel monitoring.

[0011] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0012] A method for integrating unattended radar detection and array monitoring includes the following steps:

[0013] 10) Establish a digital array monitoring system: The digital array monitoring system includes digital monitoring components, a monitoring network, and a monitoring antenna. When the array receives internal and external monitoring signals, it generates test signals for array reception. At the same time, the monitoring components generate a reception reference signal. When the array transmits internal and external monitoring signals, the monitoring components receive the test signals generated by the array and convert them into digital signals through amplification, filtering, frequency conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, etc. At the same time, the monitoring components generate a transmission reference signal.

[0014] 20) Design an integrated radar detection and array monitoring working mode: The antenna mechanically rotates at a set speed in a 360° direction. The radar beam scans and searches the 360° space position by position as the mechanical beam rotates. Each time the antenna rotates, the radar completes one cycle of detection of the target in the 360° space. In one scanning cycle, in addition to target detection, time is reserved for array monitoring. In each scanning cycle, the radar first transmits detection signals position by position for scanning the target in the 360° space. At the last position of each scanning cycle, a set of array monitoring signals is transmitted to evaluate the health status of the antenna array in real time. Then, the next scanning cycle begins, and so on.

[0015] 30) Design an integrated scheduling system for radar detection and array monitoring: After the radar powers on and self-tests normally, the time and space management board generates corresponding instruction codes and timing beats based on the control commands generated by the system's adaptive control and the set working mode. These are then sent to the frequency source, antenna array, and monitoring components, respectively, so that the entire radar can work synchronously under unified timing control.

[0016] The frequency source generates a local oscillator, which is then transmitted to the antenna array and monitoring components via a transmission network.

[0017] Except for the last wave position, in each scanning cycle, the digital chip in the antenna array generates the required excitation radio frequency signal according to the instruction. The radio frequency transmission front end completes phase shifting and amplification, and radiates it into the air through the antenna array to synthesize the predetermined transmission beam in space.

[0018] After the radar illumination beam is reflected by the air target, the echo signal is received by the antenna array, enters the radio frequency receiving channel through the antenna unit, passes through the low noise amplifier, undergoes down-conversion mixing and filtering, and then undergoes analog-to-digital conversion. After channel equalization and time delay compensation, the data is packaged and sent to the digital beamforming module.

[0019] The digital beamforming module receives data from the full array of digital channels, synthesizes the beam, and transmits it to the information processing equipment to complete pulse compression, clutter suppression, constant false alarm detection, spot filtering, and track generation processing. The target detection results are then sent to the display and control terminal for display.

[0020] After receiving the command code and timing sequence, the monitoring component transmits the array monitoring signal according to the predetermined settings at the last wave position of each scanning cycle, while the other transceiver channels are under load. The radiated signal of the transceiver channel under test is received by the antenna and transmitted to the receiving channel of the monitoring component via the feeder cable. After receiving, amplifying, filtering, down-converting, and analog-to-digital conversion, the signal is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is transmitted to the digital beamforming equipment via optical fiber, and finally the array monitoring results are sent to the display and control terminal for display.

[0021] In each subsequent scan cycle, the radar resumes operation according to the aforementioned scheduling procedure.

[0022] Step 10) includes:

[0023] During transmission monitoring, the transmit / receive channel under test transmits a monitoring signal, while the other transmit / receive channels are under load. The transmitted signal of the tested channel is coupled part of the signal through the internal monitoring coupler, enters the receiving channel of the monitoring component through the monitoring network, and is converted into a digital signal after receiving, amplification, filtering, down-conversion, and analog-to-digital conversion. The digital signal is transmitted to the digital beamforming equipment through optical fiber, and then transmitted to the display and control terminal to calculate and display the amplitude and phase data. The amplitude and phase data of all transmit channels are obtained through cyclic testing.

[0024] Step 10) includes: during monitoring, the monitoring component transmits a monitoring signal through its transmission channel. The monitoring signal is then output to the input of all components via the monitoring network. All components are in normal receiving state. The monitoring signal enters the receiving channel of each component through the internal monitoring coupler. After receiving, amplifying, filtering, down-converting, and analog-to-digital conversion in the receiving channel, the signal is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is controlled by the fiber optic transmission array and finally transmitted to the display and control terminal. The amplitude and phase information of the receiving channels of all components on the array is calculated and displayed. The receiving channel test is performed simultaneously on all channels.

[0025] In step 20), the antenna is set to rotate at 6 revolutions per minute, and the detection period corresponding to 6 revolutions per minute is 10 seconds.

[0026] In step 20), the time reserved for array monitoring within one scanning cycle is 1% to 5%.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are:

[0028] 1. It is compatible with radar detection and array monitoring, resulting in high work efficiency.

[0029] This invention adopts an integrated design of detection and array monitoring, which can perform online array monitoring while the radar detects targets. It has good real-time performance and makes it easy to grasp the status of the array channel at any time.

[0030] 2. High degree of automation.

[0031] This invention adopts an integrated design of detection and array monitoring. Both target detection and array monitoring operate automatically according to a predetermined scheduling logic without human intervention. It has a high degree of automation and is particularly suitable for unattended radar. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the digital array monitoring system of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the timing of the array monitoring signal of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the radar detection signal timing of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated radar detection and array monitoring operation of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated scheduling architecture for radar detection and array monitoring of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the integrated scheduling process for radar detection and array monitoring in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] A method for integrating unattended radar detection and array monitoring includes the following steps:

[0040] 10) Establish a digital array monitoring system:

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the digital array monitoring system consists of digital monitoring components, a monitoring network, and monitoring antennas. During internal and external monitoring of the array, test signals are generated for array reception. Simultaneously, the monitoring components generate a reception reference signal. During internal and external transmission monitoring, the monitoring components receive the test signals generated by the array and convert them into digital signals through amplification, filtering, frequency conversion, and analog-to-digital conversion. Simultaneously, the monitoring components generate a transmission reference signal. The timing sequence of the array monitoring test signals is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0042] During transmission monitoring, the transmit / receive channel under test transmits a monitoring signal, while the other transmit / receive channels are under load. The transmitted signal from the tested channel is partially coupled through the internal monitoring coupler and enters the receiving channel of the monitoring component via the monitoring network. It is then converted into a digital signal through receiving, amplification, filtering, down-conversion, and analog-to-digital conversion. The digital signal is transmitted via optical fiber to a digital beamforming device, and then to a display and control terminal, where amplitude and phase data are calculated and displayed. This cyclic testing obtains amplitude and phase data for all transmit channels.

[0043] During monitoring, the monitoring component's transmitting channel outputs a monitoring signal. This signal is then transmitted through the monitoring network to the input terminals of all components. All components are in normal receiving mode. The monitoring signal passes through the internal monitoring coupler and enters the receiving channel of each component. After receiving, amplifying, filtering, down-converting, and analog-to-digital converting, the signal is transformed into a digital signal. This digital signal is then transmitted via the fiber optic transmission array and finally sent to the display and control terminal, where the amplitude and phase information of all receiving channels on the array is calculated and displayed. All receiving channels can be tested simultaneously.

[0044] 20) Design an integrated working mode for detection and array monitoring:

[0045] The radar detection mode undertakes tasks such as searching, tracking, and identifying aerodynamic targets in the air, including timely interception of aerodynamic targets, stable tracking of detected targets, and accurate identification, thereby achieving air situation awareness. In unattended radar detection, the antenna mechanically rotates 360° in a specific direction (typically 6 revolutions per minute), and the radar beam scans the 360° space wave-by-wave as the antenna rotates. Each rotation of the antenna completes one cycle (a detection cycle of 10 seconds corresponds to a typical rotation of 6 revolutions per minute) of detection of targets in the 360° space. The detection signal timing is as follows... Figure 3 As shown.

[0046] To achieve integrated detection and array monitoring, sufficient time (approximately 1% to 5%) is reserved for array monitoring within a single scanning cycle, in addition to target detection. The timing sequence for integrated detection and array monitoring is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. In each scanning cycle, the radar first transmits detection signals wave-by-wave to scan for targets in the 360° spatial direction; at the last wave of each scanning cycle, it transmits a set of array monitoring signals to assess the health status of the antenna array in real time. Then it enters the next scanning cycle, and so on.

[0047] Since the last wave position is used for array monitoring, when the antenna array is pointed at the last wave position, all of the radar's time resources are devoted to array monitoring. Therefore, the time resources required for target detection at the last wave position need to be obtained from other wave positions in a coordinated manner, which is controlled by the radar's time and space management board and resource scheduling system.

[0048] To ensure the target detection time resources for the last (Nth) wave position, the (N-1)th detection wave position needs to perform beam forward scanning, allocating some time resources to target detection for the Nth wave position. The amount of time depends on the monitoring time required for each radar system array (mainly related to the number of array channels).

[0049] Therefore, the time resources available for target detection at the (N-1)th position are reduced, and the (N-2)th position must support the (N-1)th detection position through beamfront scanning. Similarly, the second position supports the third detection position through beamfront scanning, and the first position supports the second detection position through beamfront scanning.

[0050] By arranging the wave positions and time resources as described above, we can ensure the array monitoring time resources during target detection, and also ensure the uniformity of time resources for all detection wave positions.

[0051] In this way, during each scan, the radar can acquire air situation information in 360° azimuth and also monitor the health status of the antenna array, achieving integration of detection mode and array monitoring mode.

[0052] (30) Integrated scheduling design for detection and array monitoring.

[0053] Integrated scheduling architecture for detection and array monitoring, such as Figure 5 As shown.

[0054] After the radar powers on and self-tests normally, the time-space management board generates corresponding instruction codes and based on the control commands produced by the system's adaptive control and the set operating mode. Figure 4 The timing sequence shown is sent to the frequency source, antenna array, and monitoring components to ensure that the entire radar system operates synchronously under unified timing control.

[0055] The frequency source generates the local oscillator, which is then transmitted to the antenna array and monitoring components via a transmission network.

[0056] In each scan cycle (except the last wave position), the digital chip in the antenna array generates the required excitation radio frequency signal according to the instructions. The radio frequency transmission front end completes phase shifting and amplification, and radiates it into the air through the antenna array to synthesize the predetermined transmission beam in space.

[0057] After the radar illumination beam is reflected by the air target, the echo signal is received by the antenna array, enters the radio frequency receiving channel through the antenna unit, passes through the low noise amplifier, undergoes down-conversion mixing and filtering, and then undergoes analog-to-digital conversion. After channel equalization and time delay compensation, the data is packaged and sent to the digital beamforming module.

[0058] The digital beamforming module receives data from the full array of digital channels, synthesizes the beam, and transmits it to the information processing equipment. It performs pulse compression, clutter suppression, constant false alarm detection, spot filtering, and track generation, and sends the radar detection results to the display and control terminal for display.

[0059] The monitoring component received the command code and Figure 4 After the timing cycle shown, at the last wave position of each scanning cycle, the transceiver channel under test transmits the array monitoring signal according to the predetermined settings, while the other transceiver channels are under load. The radiated signal of the transceiver channel under test is received by the antenna and transmitted to the receiving channel of the monitoring component via the feeder cable. After receiving, amplification, filtering, down-conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, etc. in the receiving channel, it is transformed into a digital signal. The digital signal is transmitted to the digital beamforming equipment via optical fiber, and finally the array monitoring results are sent to the display and control terminal for display.

[0060] In each subsequent scan cycle, the radar resumes operation according to the aforementioned scheduling procedure. Thus, in each scan cycle, the radar scheduling automatically controls radar detection and array monitoring to operate in an integrated manner according to a predetermined timing sequence. The integrated scheduling procedure for detection and array monitoring is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

Claims

1. An unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: 10) Establishing a digital array monitoring system: the digital array monitoring system comprises a digital monitoring assembly, a monitoring network, and a monitoring antenna. When the array receives, test signals are generated for array receiving, and the monitoring assembly generates a receiving reference signal. When the array transmits, the monitoring assembly receives the test signals generated by the array for amplification, filtering, frequency conversion, and analog-to-digital conversion into digital signals, and the monitoring assembly generates a transmitting reference signal; 20) Designing a radar detection and array monitoring integrated working mode: the antenna is mechanically rotated at a set speed for 360° in the azimuth, and the radar beam scans and searches the space for 360° in the azimuth with the mechanical rotation. The antenna rotates one circle, and the radar completes one cycle of detection for the space target for 360° in the azimuth. In one scanning cycle, in addition to target detection, time is reserved for array monitoring. In each scanning cycle, the radar first transmits detection signals for scanning the target for 360° in the azimuth, and then transmits a group of array monitoring signals for evaluating the health status of the antenna array in real time, and then enters the next scanning cycle, and the process is repeated. 30) Designing a radar detection and array monitoring integrated scheduling: after the radar is powered on and self-checked, the time-space management board generates corresponding instruction codes and time sequences according to the control instructions generated by the system adaptive control and the set working mode, and sends the codes and sequences to the frequency source, the antenna array, and the monitoring assembly for synchronous working of the radar under unified beat control. The frequency source generates a working local oscillator, which is sent to the antenna array and the monitoring assembly through a transmission network. In each scanning cycle except the last one, the digital chips in the antenna array generate the required excitation radio frequency signals according to the instructions, the radio frequency transmitting front end completes phase shifting and amplification, and the signals are radiated into the air through the antenna elements to synthesize a predetermined transmitting beam in the space. After the radar irradiation beam is reflected by the target in the air, the return signal is received by the antenna array, enters the radio frequency receiving channel through the antenna elements, is processed by a low-noise amplifier, and then is subjected to down-conversion mixing and filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, channel equalization, and time delay compensation, and then the data is packaged and sent to the digital beam forming module. The digital beam forming module receives the full-array digital channel data, synthesizes the beam, and then transmits the beam to the information processing equipment to complete pulse compression, clutter suppression, constant false alarm detection, point trace filtering, and track generation processing, and then sends the target detection result to the display control terminal for display. After receiving the instruction codes and time sequences, the monitoring assembly transmits the array monitoring signals through the tested transceiver channel at the last wave position in each scanning cycle, and the remaining transceiver channels are in a load state. The radiated signal of the tested transceiver channel is received by the antenna, transmitted to the monitoring assembly receiving channel through the feeder cable, converted into a digital signal after being received, amplified, filtered, down-converted, and subjected to analog-to-digital conversion, transmitted to the digital beam forming equipment through an optical fiber, and finally sent to the display control terminal for display. In each subsequent scanning cycle, the radar reworks according to the above scheduling process.

2. The unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step 10) comprises: During transmission monitoring, the transmission monitoring signal is output by the transmission channel of the tested road transceiver, and the remaining transmission channels are in a load state. The tested road transmission signal is coupled through the internal monitoring coupler, enters the receiving channel of the monitoring assembly through the monitoring network, is converted into a digital signal after receiving, amplifying, filtering, frequency conversion and analog-to-digital conversion, is transmitted to the digital beam forming device through the optical fiber, is further transmitted to the display control terminal, amplitude and phase data are calculated and displayed, and the amplitude and phase data of all transmission channels are obtained through cyclic testing.

3. The unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step 10) comprises: during reception monitoring, the monitoring assembly transmits a monitoring signal through the transmission channel, the monitoring signal is output to the input end of all assemblies through the monitoring network, all assemblies are in a normal receiving state, the monitoring signal enters the receiving channel of each assembly through the internal monitoring coupler, is converted into a digital signal after receiving, amplifying, filtering, frequency conversion and analog-to-digital conversion through the receiving channel, is transmitted to the array control through the optical fiber, is finally transmitted to the display control terminal, amplitude and phase information of the receiving channel of all assemblies in the array are calculated and displayed, and all channels are tested simultaneously through the receiving channel.

4. The unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step 20), the set rotating speed of the antenna is 6 revolutions per minute, and the detection period corresponding to the 6 revolutions per minute is 10 seconds.

5. The unmanned radar detection and array monitoring integrated method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step 20), the time reserved for array monitoring accounts for 1% to 5% in one scanning cycle.

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