Control system and control method for synthesis of multiple paths of high-power transmitters

Abstract

The invention discloses a control system and a control method for synthesis of multiple paths of high-power transmitters, and relates to the technical field of high-power microwave transmission, the system comprises a radar master control module, a transmitter master control module, a radar microwave excitation module, N transmitter control modules, N transmitters, N waveguide directional couplers, a microwave monitoring module and a power synthesizer, and N is greater than or equal to 2; when the power synthesis of multiple paths of high-power transmitters is carried out, the synchronization of the power output and closing of the multiple paths of transmitters in time can be realized; when any transmitter breaks down, microwave power output of all the transmitters is closed at the same time, the advantages of being good in synchronism and high in response speed are achieved, the duration time of large standing waves generated by inconsistent input of the power combiner is shortened, and an expensive and delicate final amplifier klystron is protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-power microwave transmission technology, and more specifically to a control system and control method for synthesizing multiple high-power transmitters. Background Technology

[0002] Since 1946, radar has been a tool for exploring the vast solar system. Utilizing ground-based planetary radar to detect relevant targets within the solar system while simultaneously performing deep-space spatiotemporal reference missions offers unique technological advantages.

[0003] The coherent transmission system is a core component of a ground-based planetary radar system, responsible for generating radio waves for detecting celestial bodies. For ground-based planetary radar, radio waves are typically continuous waves, usually in the microwave band. The output power of the transmission system directly affects the radar's observation range. To improve the detection capability of ground-based planetary radar, the continuous wave output power of the transmission system needs to be further increased to the MW level.

[0004] Generating such high power requires multiple high-power continuous wave klystron transmitters to output high-power microwave signals for waveguide combining, merging them into a common waveguide to achieve signal addition and power synthesis. For effective coherent superposition, the signals involved in the synthesis must be strictly synchronized in time. If they are not synchronized, the waveguide inputs of the power combiner will be inconsistent, resulting in significant standing waves (VSWs). Generally, high-power continuous wave klystrons have weak VSW tolerance; prolonged VSWs can damage expensive high-power continuous wave klystrons, thus affecting radar mission execution.

[0005] Therefore, when combining multiple high-power continuous wave speed modulated transmitters, it is necessary to ensure the synchronization of power output and shutdown in time; in case of a fault, all transmitter microwave power outputs should be shut down simultaneously.

[0006] Patent CN116014393A, entitled "A Multi-channel Magnetron Frequency-Controlled Power Synthesis Microwave Source System," discloses a magnetron power synthesis microwave source. However, its content reveals that the microwave source power is relatively low, and it does not consider the synchronization issues of signals during power-on / off and in case of malfunctions.

[0007] Reference 1: Bhanji, AM; Hoppe, DJ; Conroy, BL; Freiley, AJ. "Conceptual design of a 1-MW CW X-band transmitter for planetary radar," 1990.7, 147-152, introduces a design concept for a 1-MW X-band continuous wave transmitter for planetary radar. No description of microwave signal synchronization control is provided.

[0008] Reference 2: Ge Yuanyuan, Xie Ying. Characteristics and Development Applications of Radar Transmitter Monitoring Technology, Information Research, 2009 35(9):42-44, introduces a vacuum tube transmitter monitoring system, which is suitable for vacuum tubes with low power and strong standing wave resistance.

[0009] Existing literature shows that current multi-channel high-power klystron transmitter synthesis does not consider microwave signal synchronization when microwave power output is off or malfunctioning. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, the objective of this invention is to provide a control system and method for combining multiple high-power transmitters. This system enables synchronization of power output and shutdown times for multiple transmitters during power combining; in the event of a fault in any transmitter, all transmitter microwave power outputs are simultaneously shut down. It features good synchronization and fast response, shortens the duration of large standing waves caused by inconsistencies in the power combiner inputs, and protects the expensive klystrons of the transmitter's final stage power amplifier.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters, comprising a radar main control module, a transmitter master control module, a radar microwave excitation module, N transmitter control modules, N transmitters, N waveguide directional couplers, a microwave monitoring module, and a power combiner, where N≥2.

[0012] The radar main control module is connected to the transmitter master control module and each transmitter control module via a network; each transmitter control module is connected to the transmitter master control module via a TTL signal; each transmitter control module is connected to its corresponding transmitter via a cable; the excitation control signal of the transmitter master control module is connected to the output control of the radar microwave excitation module via a TTL signal; multiple outputs of the radar microwave excitation module are connected to the input of the preamplifier of each transmitter via high-frequency cables; the output of the klystron of the final amplifier of each transmitter is connected to the input of the corresponding waveguide directional coupler, and the output of each waveguide directional coupler is connected to the input of the power combiner; the coupling output of each waveguide directional coupler is connected to the corresponding input of the microwave monitoring module via a high-frequency cable; one output of the radar microwave excitation module is connected to the corresponding input of the microwave monitoring module via a high-frequency cable; the monitoring status of the microwave monitoring module is connected to the transmitter master control module via a TTL signal.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each transmitter includes a peripheral module, a preamplifier, and a final-stage amplifier klystron. The peripheral module is connected to the preamplifier and the final-stage amplifier klystron, respectively, providing power and cooling for them. Under the control of the corresponding transmitter control module, each transmitter preheats and applies high voltage, preparing to amplify the small microwave signal output from the radar microwave excitation module through the preamplifier and the final-stage amplifier klystron. In case of a fault, the high-voltage power supply to the corresponding final-stage amplifier klystron is promptly shut off, stopping the output of high-power microwave signals.

[0014] As a preferred structure of the present invention, the TTL signal format is such that "high level" indicates normal operation or working, represented by "1"; and "low level" indicates fault or stop, represented by "0".

[0015] Each transmitter control module monitors the status of its corresponding transmitter in real time and reports the status to the transmitter master control module in real time via TTL signals. When the corresponding transmitter is normal, the TTL signal is "1"; when the corresponding transmitter is faulty, the TTL signal is "0". Each transmitter control module reports the status of its corresponding transmitter to the radar master control module via the network and responds to the radar master control module's commands for preheating, turning on the high voltage, and turning off the high voltage of the corresponding transmitter.

[0016] As a preferred structure of the present invention, the microwave monitoring module monitors the excitation signal output by the radar microwave excitation module and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by each transmitter microwave in real time; when there is no excitation signal, the microwave monitoring module outputs "1"; when there is an excitation signal, and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by all transmitter microwaves exceeds the set threshold successively, and the time for exceeding the set threshold successively is within the set time, the microwave monitoring module outputs "1"; otherwise, the microwave monitoring module outputs "0".

[0017] As a preferred structure of the present invention, when the radar main control module sends an "excitation on" command to the transmitter master control module via the network, and the TTL signals of the microwave monitoring module and all transmitter control modules are "1", the transmitter master control module outputs "1", allowing the radar microwave excitation module to output an excitation signal; when any one of them is "0", the transmitter master control module outputs "0", turning off the radar microwave excitation module from outputting an excitation signal.

[0018] This invention also provides a control method for combining multiple high-power transmitters, the specific process of which is as follows: The entire system is powered on. The radar main control module sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module via the network. The transmitter master control module outputs "0" to shut down the output of the radar microwave excitation module. At this time, the microwave monitoring module outputs a "1" TTL signal according to its own judgment logic. Each transmitter control module controls the corresponding transmitter to start preheating the filament of the klystron in the final stage amplifier and then cooling it before powering on. After each transmitter has cooled down and preheated, its control module reports the "preheated" and "cooled" statuses to the radar main control module via the network. Based on mission requirements, the radar main control module sends a "turn on high voltage" command to all transmitter control modules via the network. All transmitter control modules respond to this command, controlling their corresponding transmitters to turn on high voltage, preparing for amplification and microwave power output. When all transmitters are fault-free, all transmitter control modules have a TTL status signal of "1" and simultaneously report the "transmission status good" status to the radar main control module via the network.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when all the transmitters are in "good transmission status", the radar main control module sends an excitation start command to the transmitter master control module via the network; the transmitter master control module integrates the input signals and outputs "1" according to its own judgment logic, and the radar microwave excitation module simultaneously outputs an excitation signal, and all transmitters simultaneously output high-power microwaves, which are sent to the power combiner to be combined into a higher-power microwave signal.

[0020] As required by the mission, the radar main control module sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module via the network. The transmitter master control module outputs "0" and simultaneously shuts down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module. All transmitters simultaneously stop sending high-power microwave signals.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during operation, when a power supply, arc, or reflection fault occurs in any transmitter, the corresponding transmitter control module shuts off the power supply to the final stage amplifier klystron, stops outputting microwave signals, and simultaneously outputs "0" for the TTL signal and "0" for the transmitter master control module, shutting down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module, and all transmitters simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals. When the amplitude of the coupling signal of the microwave output by any transmitter is less than a set value and remains less than the set value after a certain period of time, the microwave monitoring module outputs "0", the transmitter master control module outputs "0", shutting down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module, and all transmitters simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution adopted in this invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. In the present invention, when combining multiple high-power klystron transmitters, the high-power microwave signals of all transmitters are synchronized in time when they are output and turned off.

[0023] 2. When combining multiple high-power klystron transmitters in this invention, if any transmitter fails, the microwave power output of all transmitters will be shut down simultaneously.

[0024] 3. This invention can protect high-power klystrons and extend their service life.

[0025] 4. This invention can be adapted to multiple platforms and has practicality and scalability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a control system for synthesizing multiple high-power transmitters in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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. Any modifications made to the technical solutions based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] In this embodiment, the number of transmitter channels is 2. A control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters includes: a radar main control module 1, a transmitter master control module 2, a first transmitter control module 31, a second transmitter control module 32, a radar microwave excitation module 4, a first transmitter 61, a second transmitter 62, a first waveguide directional coupler 71, a second waveguide directional coupler 72, a microwave monitoring module 8, and a power combiner 5, wherein the transmitter is a 250kW X-band continuous wave velocity modulated tube transmitter.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 The connection relationships between the modules are as follows: The radar main control module 1 is connected to the transmitter master control module 2, the first transmitter control module 31, and the second transmitter control module 32 via a network. The first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 are connected to the transmitter master control module 2 via TTL signals. The first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 are respectively connected to the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 via cables. The excitation control signal of the transmitter master control module 2 is connected to the output control of the radar microwave excitation module 4 via TTL signals. The two outputs of the radar microwave excitation module 4 are respectively connected to the first preamplifier 611 and the second preamplifier 621 of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 via high-frequency cables. The outputs of the first final stage amplifier klystron 612 and the second final stage amplifier 622 of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 are respectively connected to the inputs of the corresponding first waveguide directional coupler 71 and the second waveguide directional coupler 72; the outputs of the first waveguide directional coupler 71 and the second waveguide directional coupler 72 are connected to the input of the power combiner through a BJ84 waveguide; the coupling output ports of the first waveguide directional coupler 71 and the second waveguide directional coupler 72 are connected to the corresponding input terminals of the microwave monitoring module through high-frequency cables; one output of the radar microwave excitation module 4 is connected to the corresponding input terminal of the microwave monitoring module 8 through a high-frequency cable; the monitoring status of the microwave monitoring module 8 is connected to the transmitter master control module 2 in the form of a TTL signal.

[0030] Furthermore, in the TTL signal format, a voltage above 3.5V indicates normal operation or working, represented by "1"; a voltage below 0.5V indicates a fault or stop, represented by "0".

[0031] Furthermore, the first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 constantly monitor the status of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62, and report the transmitter status to the transmitter master control module 2 in real time via TTL signal; when the first transmitter 61 or the second transmitter 62 is normal, the TTL signal is "1", and when the first transmitter 61 or the second transmitter 62 malfunctions, the TTL signal is "0"; at the same time, the TTL signal is reported to the radar master control module 1 via network, and the radar master control module 1 responds to the preheating, high voltage opening, and high voltage closing commands of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62.

[0032] Furthermore, the microwave monitoring module 8 monitors in real time the amplitude of the excitation signal output by the radar microwave excitation module 4 and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by the microwaves of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62. When there is no excitation signal, the microwave monitoring module 8 outputs "1". When there is an excitation signal, and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by the microwaves of the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 exceeds the set threshold successively, and the time for exceeding the set threshold successively is within 1µs, the microwave monitoring module 8 outputs "1". Otherwise, the microwave monitoring module 8 outputs "0".

[0033] Furthermore, when the radar main control module 1 sends an "excitation on" command to the transmitter master control module 2 via the network, and the TTL signals of the microwave monitoring module 8, the transmitter control module 31, and the transmitter control module 32 are all "1", the transmitter master control module outputs "1", allowing the radar microwave excitation module 4 to output an excitation signal; when any one of them is "0", the transmitter master control module 2 outputs "0", turning off the radar microwave excitation module 4 from outputting an excitation signal.

[0034] Furthermore, the first peripheral module 613 and the second peripheral module 623 in the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 are respectively connected to the first preamplifier 611 and the second preamplifier 621, the first final amplifier klystron 612 and the second final amplifier klystron 622; under the control of the first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32, the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 amplify the microwave small signal output by the radar microwave excitation module 4 through two-stage amplification, and the average power reaches a power value greater than 250kW.

[0035] This embodiment also provides a control method for combining multiple high-power transmitters, the specific process of which is as follows: The entire system is powered on. The radar main control module 1 sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module 2 via the network. The transmitter master control module 2 outputs "0" to shut down the output of the radar microwave excitation module 4. At this time, the microwave monitoring module 4 outputs a "1" TTL signal according to its own judgment logic. The first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 control the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 to start preheating the filaments of the first final stage amplifier klystron 612 and the second final stage amplifier klystron 622, and then cool them down before powering on. After the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 have completed cooling startup and preheating, the first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 report their "preheating complete" and "cooling complete" statuses to the radar main control module 1 via the network. According to mission requirements, the radar main control module 1 sends a "turn on high voltage" command to the first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 via the network. The first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 respond to this command, controlling the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 to turn on the high voltage, preparing for amplification and microwave power output. When the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 are fault-free, the TTL status signals of the first transmitter control module 31 and the second transmitter control module 32 are both "1", and they simultaneously report their "transmission status good" status to the radar main control module 1 via the network.

[0036] When the first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 are in "good transmission status", the radar main control module 1 sends an excitation start command to the transmitter master control module 2 through the network. The transmitter master control module 2 integrates the input signals and makes its own logic judgment. The transmitter master control module 2 outputs "1", and the radar microwave excitation module 4 simultaneously outputs an excitation signal. The first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 simultaneously output high-power microwaves, which are sent to the power combiner 5 to be combined into a higher-power microwave signal.

[0037] According to the mission requirements, the radar main control module 1 sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module 2 via the network. The transmitter master control module 2 outputs "0" and simultaneously shuts down the output of the radar microwave excitation module 4. The first transmitter 61 and the second transmitter 62 simultaneously stop outputting microwaves.

[0038] During operation, if a power supply, arcing, or reflection fault occurs in either the first transmitter 61 or the second transmitter 62, the first transmission control module 31 or the second transmission control module 32 will shut down the power supply to the corresponding final stage amplifier klystron, stop outputting microwave signals, and simultaneously output "0" for the TTL signal; the transmitter master control module 2 will output "0", shutting down the excitation signal of the radar microwave excitation module 4, and the other transmitter will also simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals; When the amplitude of the coupled signal of the microwave output by either the first transmitter 61 or the second transmitter 62 is less than the set value and remains less than the set value after 1µs, the microwave monitoring module 8 outputs "0", the transmitter master control module 2 outputs "0", the excitation signal of the radar microwave excitation module 4 is turned off, and both channels simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals.

[0039] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the embodiments and accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and these changes will also be within the protection scope of the invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters, characterized in that: It includes a radar main control module, a transmitter master control module, a radar microwave excitation module, N transmitter control modules, N transmitters, N waveguide directional couplers, a microwave monitoring module, and a power combiner, where N≥2; The radar main control module is connected to the transmitter master control module and each transmitter control module via a network; each transmitter control module is connected to the transmitter master control module via a TTL signal; each transmitter control module is connected to the corresponding transmitter via a cable; the excitation control signal of the transmitter master control module is connected to the output control of the radar microwave excitation module via a TTL signal. Multiple outputs of the radar microwave excitation module are connected to the inputs of the preamplifiers of each transmitter via high-frequency cables; the outputs of the klystrons of the final amplifiers of each transmitter are connected to the inputs of the corresponding waveguide directional couplers, and the outputs of each waveguide directional coupler are connected to the inputs of the power combiner; the coupling outputs of each waveguide directional coupler are connected to the corresponding inputs of the microwave monitoring module via high-frequency cables; one output of the radar microwave excitation module is connected to the corresponding input of the microwave monitoring module via a high-frequency cable; the monitoring status of the microwave monitoring module is connected to the transmitter master control module via a TTL signal.

2. The control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microwave monitoring module monitors the excitation signal output by the radar microwave excitation module and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by each transmitter in real time. When there is no excitation signal, the microwave monitoring module outputs "1". When there is an excitation signal, and the amplitude of the coupling signal output by all transmitters exceeds the set threshold successively, and the time for exceeding the set threshold successively is within the set time, the microwave monitoring module outputs "1". In addition, the microwave monitoring module outputs "0".

3. The control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the radar main control module sends an "excitation on" command to the transmitter master control module via the network, and the TTL signals of the microwave monitoring module and all transmitter control modules are "1", the transmitter master control module outputs "1", allowing the radar microwave excitation module to output an excitation signal; when any one of them is "0", the transmitter master control module outputs "0", turning off the radar microwave excitation module from outputting an excitation signal.

4. The control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each transmitter control module monitors the status of its corresponding transmitter in real time and reports the status to the transmitter master control module in real time via a TTL signal. When the corresponding transmitter is normal, the TTL signal is "1"; when the corresponding transmitter is faulty, the TTL signal is "0". Each transmitter control module reports its corresponding transmitter status to the radar main control module via a network and responds to the radar main control module's commands for preheating, turning on the high voltage, and turning off the high voltage for the corresponding transmitter. In the TTL signal format, a "high level" indicates normal operation or working, represented by "1"; a "low level" indicates a fault or stop, represented by "0".

5. The control system for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each transmitter includes a peripheral module, a preamplifier, and a final amplifier klystron. The peripheral module is connected to the preamplifier and the final amplifier klystron, respectively, providing power and cooling for them. Under the control of the corresponding transmitter control module, each transmitter preheats and turns on the high voltage, preparing to amplify the small microwave signal output by the radar microwave excitation module through the preamplifier and the final amplifier klystron. In case of a fault, the high voltage power supply to the corresponding final amplifier klystron is turned off in time, stopping the output of high-power microwave signals.

6. A control method for synthesizing multiple high-power transmitters based on any one of the control systems of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The entire system is powered on. The radar main control module sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module via the network. The transmitter master control module outputs "0" to turn off the output of the radar microwave excitation module. At this time, the microwave monitoring module outputs a "1" TTL signal according to its own judgment logic. Each transmitter control module controls the corresponding transmitter to start preheating the filament of the klystron of the final stage amplifier and then cooling it before powering on. After each transmitter has cooled down and preheated, its control module reports the "preheated" and "cooled" status of the radar main control module via the network. Based on mission requirements, the radar main control module sends a "turn on high voltage" command to all transmitter control modules via the network. All transmitter control modules respond to this command, controlling the corresponding transmitter to turn on the high voltage, preparing to amplify and output microwave power. When all transmitters are fault-free, the TTL status signal of all transmitter control modules is "1", and they simultaneously report the "transmission status good" status of the radar main control module via the network.

7. The control method for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 6, characterized in that: When all transmitters are in "good transmission status", the radar main control module sends an excitation start command to the transmitter master control module through the network. The transmitter master control module integrates the input signals and outputs "1" according to its own judgment logic. At the same time, the radar microwave excitation module outputs an excitation signal, and all transmitters simultaneously output high-power microwaves, which are sent to the power combiner to be combined into a higher-power microwave signal. As required by the mission, the radar main control module sends an "excitation off" command to the transmitter master control module via the network. The transmitter master control module outputs "0" and simultaneously shuts down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module. All transmitters simultaneously stop sending high-power microwave signals.

8. The control method for combining multiple high-power transmitters according to claim 6, characterized in that: When a power supply, arcing, or reflection fault occurs in any transmitter, the corresponding transmitter control module shuts down the power supply to the final stage amplifier, stops outputting microwave signals, and simultaneously outputs "0" for the TTL signal. The transmitter master control module also outputs "0", shutting down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module, and all transmitters simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals. When the amplitude of the coupling signal of the microwave output by any transmitter is less than the set value and remains less than the set value after a certain period of time, the microwave monitoring module outputs "0", the transmitter master control module outputs "0", shutting down all excitation signals of the radar microwave excitation module, and all transmitters simultaneously stop outputting high-power microwave signals.

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