Multi-beam circularly polarized phased-array antenna test system and calibration and test method

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-beam circularly-polarized phased-array antenna test system and calibration and test methods, and belongs to the technical field of antenna test, the system comprises a real-time clock controller, a dual-linear-polarization horn antenna, a single-polarization horn antenna, a switch matrix, a six-axis mechanical arm, a mechanical arm pulse trigger and a vector network analyzer. And the real-time clock controller is used as a core controller, generates multiple groups of time sequence signals according to the received test parameters, synchronously triggers the switch matrix to carry out beam switching when the six-axis mechanical arm moves to each test position, and controls the vector network analyzer to carry out data sampling. Amplitude and phase information of horizontal polarization and vertical polarization is collected at a time through the dual-linear polarization horn antenna, and the directional diagram, the axial ratio and the gain of the antenna can be synchronously calculated in combination with a calibration method. According to the invention, the problems of low efficiency and tedious operation of the traditional test method are solved, the full-automatic rapid test of the radiation performance of the multi-beam and multi-frequency-point circularly polarized antenna is realized, and the test efficiency and precision are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna testing technology, and in particular to a multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna testing system, calibration and testing method. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antennas are one of the core payloads of low-Earth orbit communication satellites. They can generate multiple independent high-gain beams simultaneously using beamforming networks, thereby achieving wide-area coverage, broadband transmission, ubiquitous access, and multi-point communication. They have extremely broad application prospects in both military and civilian communication fields.

[0003] However, verifying and testing the performance of such antennas is a major challenge in their research and development and production. Due to their numerous operating frequencies, beam pointing angles, and beam numbers, the testing workload in a microwave anechoic chamber is exceptionally large. Traditional testing methods for multi-beam circularly polarized antennas have many shortcomings and deficiencies: First, traditional testing methods for multi-beam circularly polarized antennas typically employ fixed frequencies and fixed beams. Testers must manually set each frequency and beam direction, a tedious and time-consuming process.

[0004] Secondly, traditional methods suffer from efficiency bottlenecks in testing circular polarization parameters. One common approach is to use co-rotating circularly polarized horn antennas, but these are expensive and have limited bandwidth. Another approach is to use linearly polarized horn antennas, synthesizing circular polarization parameters (such as axial ratio) by physically rotating the antenna. Testing the axial ratio requires driving the linearly polarized horn to rotate at multiple angles for measurement; testing the gain requires repeated calibration using a standard gain horn. These mechanical rotations and repeated switching and calibration operations not only introduce significant errors but also drastically lengthen the single test cycle, resulting in low testing efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a testing scheme for multi-beam circularly polarized antennas that can achieve high efficiency, high precision, and full automation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the technical problems existing in the prior art and to provide a multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna testing system, calibration and testing method.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: In the first aspect, a multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna test system is provided, including a real-time clock controller (RTC), a dual-linearly polarized horn antenna, a single-polarized horn antenna, a switch matrix, a six-axis robotic arm, a robotic arm pulse trigger, and a vector network analyzer. The real-time clock controller is used to generate multiple sets of timing signals based on the received test signals. When the six-axis robotic arm moves to each test position, the real-time clock controller synchronously triggers the switching matrix to switch the switching channels and switch the beams of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna under test. It also controls the vector network analyzer to sample the beam test data to complete the multi-beam test. The dual-polarized horn antenna and the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test are arranged at relative intervals to test the amplitude and phase information of the horizontal and vertical polarization of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test, and to synthesize the radiation pattern and axial ratio data of the circularly polarized antenna under test. The single-polarized horn antenna is used to perform amplitude and phase calibration on the dual-polarized horn antenna and the test link. The common terminal of the switch matrix is ​​connected to the vector network analyzer, and its multiple output terminals are selectively connected to each beam port of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test. The six-axis robotic arm is used to carry and drive the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, dual-linearly polarized horn antenna, or single-polarized horn antenna under test to rotate within a preset plane. The robotic arm pulse trigger is used to generate a trigger pulse when the six-axis robotic arm moves to the test position; The vector network analyzer is used to generate test signals and receive amplitude and phase data from the dual-polarized horn antenna.

[0008] In some embodiments, the switch matrix employs microwave solid-state switches with high amplitude and phase consistency between each switch. The first end is connected to the vector network analyzer, and the second end is connected to each beam port of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna.

[0009] In some embodiments, the vector network analyzer is a four-port vector network analyzer or a two-port vector network analyzer with an extended port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the six-axis robotic arm is a mature industrial robot that can carry the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna and the horn antenna, and can drive the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna to rotate around a preset center in a preset plane.

[0011] In some embodiments, the real-time clock controller is based on an FPGA architecture and directly controls the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test, the vector network analyzer, the six-axis robotic arm, and the switch matrix through hard-triggered pulse timing.

[0012] Secondly, a testing and calibration method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the testing system described in the first aspect, including a transmitting antenna testing and calibration step: The first preset signal is emitted using the H polarization of the single-polarized horn antenna, and the first preset signal is received using the H polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna. The first calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer. Rotate the single-polarized horn antenna by 90° to make it V-polarized to emit the first preset signal, use the V-polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna to receive the first preset signal, and obtain the second calibration amplitude and phase data in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer. Record the first calibration amplitude and phase data and the second calibration amplitude and phase data as the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links of the test system in the transmission mode.

[0013] Thirdly, a test and calibration method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the test system described in the first aspect, including a receiving antenna test and calibration step: The second preset signal is emitted using the H polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna, and the second preset signal is received using the H polarization of the single-polarized horn antenna. The third calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer. The second preset signal is emitted using the V polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna, and the single-polarized horn antenna is rotated 90° to receive the second preset signal using its V polarization. The fourth calibration amplitude and phase data is obtained in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer. The third and fourth calibration amplitude and phase data are recorded as the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the receiving mode of the test system.

[0014] Fourthly, a testing method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the testing system described in the first aspect, including a transmitting antenna testing step: The transmitting antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test is controlled to emit a third preset signal, and the H polarization of the dual-line polarized horn antenna is used to receive the third preset signal. The first test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer. The third preset signal is received using the V-polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna, and the second test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer. Based on the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the transmission mode obtained in the second aspect, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, the first test amplitude and phase data, and the second test amplitude and phase data, the final left-handed signal, right-handed signal, axial ratio, and gain of the transmitting antenna are calculated.

[0015] Fifthly, a testing method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the testing system described in the first aspect, including a receiving antenna testing step: The H-polarization of the dual-line polarized horn antenna is controlled to emit a fourth preset signal. The receiving antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test is used to receive the fourth preset signal, and the third test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer. The V-polarization of the dual-line polarized horn antenna is controlled to emit a fourth preset signal. The receiving antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test is used to receive the fourth preset signal, and the fourth test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer. Based on the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the receiving mode obtained in the third aspect, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, the third test amplitude and phase data, and the fourth test amplitude and phase data, the final left-handed signal, right-handed signal, axial ratio, and gain of the receiving antenna are calculated.

[0016] It should be further noted that the technical features corresponding to the above-mentioned options and embodiments can be combined or substituted with each other to form new technical solutions without conflict.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention employs a dual-polarized horn antenna for data acquisition, combined with the multi-receiver characteristics of a vector network analyzer. It can simultaneously extract amplitude and phase data of both the H-plane and V-plane components of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test in a single scan, obtaining all data on the antenna's radiation performance. This effectively reduces repetitive scanning work during antenna testing, significantly improving testing efficiency. By electrically switching the multi-beam antenna beam switching through a switch matrix channel, it replaces the independent testing of single beams, greatly compressing testing time. Using an RTC instead of a traditional main control computer for software-based inter-device communication optimizes the best response speed of each device, enabling automated and rapid testing of phased array antenna multi-beam circular polarization, significantly improving the testing efficiency and workload of array antenna multi-beam circular polarization. The entire measurement device boasts high integration, high precision, good stability, small size, and light weight. This testing device is flexible in configuration, possesses strong versatility and scalability, and can be widely applied to test array multi-beam circularly polarized antennas of different standards and apertures in various test environments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna testing system according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is the RTC timing signal logic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the calibration method for testing the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array transmitting antenna of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the calibration method for testing the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array receiving antenna of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the rapid testing process for the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array transmitting antenna of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the rapid testing of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array receiving antenna of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution 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, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the defects in the solutions in the prior art are all the results of the inventors' practice and careful research. Therefore, the discovery process of the above problems and the solutions proposed by the embodiments of this application in the following text should be the inventors' contributions to this application in the process of invention and creation, and should not be understood as technical content known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] In view of the technical problems pointed out in the background art, the present invention provides the following embodiments: In one exemplary embodiment, a multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna testing system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes an RTC100, a dual-polarized horn antenna 140, a switch matrix 120, a six-axis robotic arm 150, a robotic arm pulse trigger 110, a vector network analyzer 130, and a single-polarized horn antenna.

[0022] A dual-polarized horn antenna 140 is used to be positioned relative to the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test. In this embodiment, the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 is a Ku-band dual-polarized horn antenna. Further, in this example, when testing the receiving multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, the two ports of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 are connected to the two output sources of the vector network analyzer 130, respectively. The receiver of the vector network analyzer 130 is selected as receiver A and connected to the common terminal of the switch matrix 120. The configuration parameters of the vector network analyzer 130 are (A / R1, 1) and (A / R2, 2). When testing the transmitting multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, the two ports of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 are connected to the two receivers of the vector network analyzer 130, respectively. The output source of the vector network analyzer 130 is selected as source 1 and connected to the common terminal of the switch matrix 120. The configuration parameters of the vector network analyzer 130 are (A / R1, 1) and (B / R1, 1).

[0023] The switch matrix 120 employs microwave solid-state switches with a channel isolation of 70 dB and a channel switching time of less than 100 ns. Furthermore, in this example, the switch matrix 120 is a 1-to-4 microwave solid-state switch configuration, with a total of four RF cables connecting the corresponding microwave solid-state switches and the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160.

[0024] The six-axis robotic arm 150 is fixedly equipped with a single-line polarized horn antenna, a dual-line polarized horn antenna 140, and a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 to be tested.

[0025] The common terminal of the switch matrix 120 is connected to the vector network analyzer 130, and the multiple output ports of the switch matrix 120 are selectively connected to each beam port of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test. The switch matrix 120 enables the selection of each beam of the antenna. During the test, the switch matrix 120 electrically switches the antenna beams to achieve time-division testing of each beam of the antenna.

[0026] The RTC100 is connected to the vector network analyzer 130, the six-axis robotic arm 150, and the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test 160. The RTC100 generates multiple sets of timing signals based on the received test parameters. When the six-axis robotic arm 150 moves to each test position, the corresponding timing signals are used to synchronously trigger the switch matrix 120 to switch the antenna beams and the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test 160 to switch beams. The RTC100 also controls the vector network analyzer 130 to sample the beams to complete the multi-beam circular polarization test.

[0027] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, in this example, the test system also includes a switch 170. The first end of the switch 170 is electrically connected to the host computer 180, and the second end of the switch 170 is electrically connected to the RTC 100, the vector network analyzer 130, and the six-axis robotic arm 150, respectively. The switch 170 can perform data packet exchange between the host computer 180 and the RTC 100, the vector network analyzer 130, and the six-axis robotic arm 150.

[0028] It should be noted that in this example, the RTC100, based on FPGA architecture and real-time control technology, directly controls the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna under test (DUT) 160, vector network analyzer 130, six-axis robotic arm 150, and switch matrix 120 in real time via hard-triggered pulse timing. This replaces the traditional interactive communication between the main control computer and the DUT 160 and vector network analyzer 130 in the testing system, enabling automated and rapid testing of the array antenna's multi-beam circular polarization. This effectively reduces the communication interaction time between devices, thereby significantly improving testing efficiency.

[0029] It should be noted that the RTC100 is also used for electrical connection with the host computer 180. In this example, the host computer 180 is the main control computer, but other host computers can also be used; this example does not impose specific limitations. The host computer 180 sends the initialization array antenna test parameters to the RTC100. The test parameters include the number of test frequencies, antenna transmit / receive states, number of test channels, number of waveforms, number of sampling points, and trigger delay, among other test information. The host computer 180 can complete the issuance of test commands for the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test and the reading of amplitude and phase data for the dual-linearly polarized horn antenna 140.

[0030] This invention presents a rapid testing system for multi-beam circularly polarized antennas. Combining the multi-receiver capabilities of a vector network analyzer 130, it can simultaneously extract amplitude and phase data of both the H-plane and V-plane components of the circularly polarized antenna in a single scan, obtaining all antenna radiation performance data. This effectively reduces repetitive scanning work during antenna testing, significantly improving testing efficiency. The system uses a 120-channel electrical switching matrix to control the beam switching of the multi-beam antenna, replacing independent testing of each beam and greatly reducing testing time. The system employs an RTC100 instead of a traditional main control computer for software-based inter-device communication, fully optimizing the optimal response speed of each device and achieving automated rapid testing of multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antennas. This significantly improves the testing efficiency and workload of multi-beam circularly polarized array antenna testing. The entire measurement device boasts advantages such as high integration, high precision, good stability, small size, and light weight. The testing device is flexible in configuration, possesses strong versatility and scalability, and can be widely applied to test multi-beam circularly polarized array antennas of different standards and apertures in various testing environments.

[0031] The working principle of this rapid testing system for multi-beam circularly polarized antennas is as follows: After receiving the test parameters configured by the host computer 180 through the LAN interface line, the RTC100 pre-stores multiple sets of encoded nested timing signals. Before the test begins, the main control computer combines the user-defined test information to form multiple test tasks and writes them into the RTC100. After the test begins, the six-axis robotic arm 150 passes through each test point according to the pre-set scanning trajectory. Simultaneously, the robotic arm pulse trigger 110 sends a trigger pulse to the RTC100, which then sends a series of beam control signals, timing signals, network division triggers, and matrix switch switching signals to coordinate and control the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test to work sequentially at different beams and different frequency points. This triggers the vector network analyzer in real time to perform synchronous sampling and data recording, ultimately realizing automated and rapid testing of the multi-beam circularly polarized array antenna.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, during the test, the six-axis robotic arm 150 moves to the scanning position point, and the robotic arm pulse trigger 110 sends a level trigger signal. After receiving the robotic arm position trigger pulse, the RTC determines whether the vector network trigger signal TRIG_RDY is in an idle state. Figure 2 Taking TRIG_RDY high level as an example (i.e. idle), when the TRIG_RDY signal is detected to be high, it is first confirmed twice. The confirmation time is a delay of "1". After the confirmation is completed, the SOB signal is pulled high. Then, according to the setting instructions of the host computer, the instructions stored in the flash memory are read and forwarded to the antenna through the serial port. There is an instruction interval delay used to isolate the transmission of multiple frames of instructions at a time. The time required for one instruction transmission plus the instruction interval delay is a delay of "2". After all instructions are transmitted, the TTL signal is pulled high after a delay of "3". The TTL high level is maintained for a delay of "4" before the TTL signal is pulled low. When TTL is pulled low, it indicates the end of a loop. After a delay of "5", the vector network analyzer (VNA) begins to collect data. The VNA data collection time is a delay of "6". After the VNA completes data collection, it enters the next loop. This process is repeated to traverse all frequency points. After all frequency points of a beam have been tested, the RTC sends a beam switching command to the antenna and switch matrix via the serial port, and enters the next beam loop. This process is repeated to traverse all beams.

[0033] In this embodiment, the RTC100 can use a serial port and a LAN port to initialize and configure test commands with the host computer. The RTC100's synchronous trigger line interface is BNC-J. The control interface between the RTC100 and the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test and the switch matrix 120 uses a standard 422 interface for beam and channel pin definitions. The robotic arm pulse trigger 110 communicates with the six-axis robotic arm 150 via a LAN port and with the host computer via a serial port. The host computer determines the position of the robotic arm in real time. When the robotic arm moves to the corresponding position, the host computer will send a level trigger signal to the RTC100 via the BNC port of the robotic arm pulse trigger through serial communication.

[0034] Furthermore, due to manufacturing and design errors and link differences, the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 exhibits inconsistencies between different polarizations. This can be addressed by using a standard single-polarized horn antenna for system calibration to obtain amplitude and phase inconsistencies between different polarizations. During data processing, the two polarizations are automatically calibrated accordingly, and the vector network analyzer 130 is configured with parameters based on customized test information.

[0035] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a test and calibration method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the test system of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna under test, including the following test and calibration steps for the transmitting antenna: The first preset signal is emitted using the H polarization of the single-polarized horn antenna, and the first preset signal is received using the H polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140. The first calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. Rotate the single-polarized horn antenna by 90° to make it V-polarized and emit the first preset signal. Use the V-polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 to receive the first preset signal. Obtain the second calibration amplitude and phase data in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. Record the first calibration amplitude and phase data and the second calibration amplitude and phase data, i.e. (Mag_H0, Phase_H0) and (Mag_V0, Phase_V0), as the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links of the test system in the transmission mode.

[0036] In one example, such as Figure 4 As shown, a test and calibration method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the test system of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna under test, including a receiving antenna test and calibration step: The second preset signal is emitted using the H polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140, and the second preset signal is received using the H polarization of the single-polarized horn antenna. The third calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. The second preset signal is emitted by the V polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140, and the single-polarized horn antenna is rotated 90° to receive the second preset signal by its V polarization. The fourth calibration amplitude and phase data is obtained by the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. The third and fourth calibration amplitude and phase data are recorded by computer as the amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the receiving mode of the test system.

[0037] In one example, such as Figure 5 As shown, a testing method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the test system of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna under test, including the following transmitting antenna testing steps: The transmitting antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test is controlled to emit a third preset signal, and the H polarization of the dual-line polarized horn antenna 140 is used to receive the third preset signal. The first test amplitude and phase data (Mag_H1, Phase_H1) are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. The third preset signal is received using the V polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140, and the second test amplitude and phase data (Mag_V1, Phase_V1) is obtained in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. Based on the obtained amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the transmission mode, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, the first test amplitude and phase data, and the second test amplitude and phase data, the final left-hand circular signal, right-hand circular signal, axial ratio, and gain of the transmitting antenna are calculated. Specifically, the final H and V polarization data of the antenna are Mag_H=(Mag_H1-Mag_H0), Phase_H=(Phase_H1-Phase_H0), Mag_V=(Mag_V1-Mag_V0), Phase_V=(Phase_V1-Phase_V0). When the calculated results of Phase_H and Phase_V are less than -180, 360 is added to the results of Phase_H and Phase_V. When the calculated results of Phase_H and Phase_V are greater than 180, 360 is subtracted from the results of Phase_H and Phase_V. The left-hand circular signal and right-hand circular signal can be obtained from the final H and V polarization data of the antenna.

[0038] The left-handed signal is Mag_L= The right-handed signal is Mag_R= The antenna radiation pattern data can be directly obtained, i.e., Mag_R. The antenna gain equals the standard horn gain G0 plus the synthesized left-hand circular polarization data, i.e., mag_R + G0. The antenna axial ratio can be calculated from the synthesized left-hand and right-hand circular polarization to determine the antenna's cross-polarization isolation. .

[0039] In one example, such as Figure 6 As shown, a testing method for a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna is provided, applied to the test system of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna under test, including the following receiving antenna testing steps: The H polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 is controlled to emit a fourth preset signal. The receiving antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test is used to receive the fourth preset signal. The third test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. The V polarization of the dual-polarized horn antenna 140 is controlled to emit a fourth preset signal. The receiving antenna of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna 160 under test is used to receive the fourth preset signal, and the fourth test amplitude and phase data are obtained in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer 130. Based on the obtained amplitude and phase difference parameters of the H and V polarization links in the received mode, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, and the third and fourth test amplitude and phase data, the final left-hand circular polarization signal, right-hand circular polarization signal, axial ratio, and gain of the receiving antenna are calculated. The specific calculation process is the same as that in the transmitting antenna test and will not be repeated here. The antenna pattern data can be directly obtained, i.e., Mag_L. The antenna gain equals the gain G0 of the standard horn antenna plus the synthesized left-hand circular polarization amplitude data, i.e., mag_L + G0. The antenna axial ratio can be calculated from the cross-polarization isolation of the synthesized left-hand and right-hand circular polarization. .

[0040] The above detailed embodiments are a description of the present invention. It should not be considered that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all of these should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna test system, characterized in that, The real-time clock controller, dual linear polarized horn antenna, single polarized horn antenna, switch matrix, six-axis mechanical arm, mechanical arm pulse trigger, and vector network analyzer; The real-time clock controller is configured to generate a plurality of groups of timing signals according to a received test signal, to trigger the switch matrix to switch the switch channels and to switch the beams of the multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna in synchronization with the real-time clock controller when the six-axis mechanical arm moves to each test position, and to control the vector network analyzer to sample the beam test data; The dual linear polarized horn antenna is arranged opposite to the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to be tested, and is configured to test the amplitude and phase information of the horizontal polarization and the vertical polarization of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to be tested; The single polarized horn antenna is configured to calibrate the amplitude and phase of the dual linear polarized horn antenna and the test link; The common end of the switch matrix is connected to the vector network analyzer, and the plurality of output ends of the switch matrix are selectively connected to each beam port of the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to be tested; The six-axis mechanical arm is configured to carry and drive the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to be tested, the dual linear polarized horn antenna, or the single polarized horn antenna to rotate in a preset plane; The mechanical arm pulse trigger is configured to generate a trigger pulse when the six-axis mechanical arm moves to a test position; The vector network analyzer is configured to generate a test signal and receive the amplitude and phase data from the dual linear polarized horn antenna.

2. The multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna test system of claim 1, wherein, The switch matrix adopts a microwave solid-state switch.

3. The multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna test system of claim 1, wherein, The vector network analyzer is a four-port vector network analyzer or a two-port vector network analyzer with an extended port.

4. The multi-beam circularly polarized phased array antenna test system of claim 1, wherein, The real-time clock controller is based on an FPGA architecture and directly controls the multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to be tested, the vector network analyzer, the six-axis mechanical arm, and the switch matrix through a hard trigger pulse timing.

5. A method for testing and calibrating a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, applied to the testing system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The test and calibration steps of the transmitting antenna include: A first preset signal is emitted by the H polarization of the single polarized horn antenna, and the first preset signal is received by the H polarization of the dual linear polarized horn antenna, and first calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained by a first receiving module of the vector network analyzer; The single polarized horn antenna is rotated by 90°, and the first preset signal is emitted by the V polarization of the single polarized horn antenna, and the first preset signal is received by the V polarization of the dual linear polarized horn antenna, and second calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained by a second receiving module of the vector network analyzer; The first calibration amplitude and phase data and the second calibration amplitude and phase data are recorded as the H and V polarization link amplitude and phase difference parameters of the test system in the transmitting mode.

6. A method for testing and calibrating a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, applied to the testing system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The test and calibration steps of the receiving antenna include: A second preset signal is emitted by the H polarization of the dual linear polarized horn antenna, and the second preset signal is received by the H polarization of the single polarized horn antenna, and third calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained by the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer; The second preset signal is emitted by the V polarization of the dual linear polarized horn antenna, and the second preset signal is received by the V polarization of the single polarized horn antenna after the single polarized horn antenna is rotated by 90°, and fourth calibration amplitude and phase data are obtained by the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer. record the third and fourth calibration amplitude-phase data as the H, V polarization link amplitude-phase difference parameters of the test system in the receiving mode.

7. A method for testing a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, applied to the testing system of any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further comprises a transmitting antenna test step: controlling the transmitting antenna of the to-be-tested multi-beam circularly polarized antenna to emit a third preset signal, receiving the third preset signal by using the H polarization of the dual-linear polarization horn antenna, and obtaining first test amplitude-phase data in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer; receiving the third preset signal by using the V polarization of the dual-linear polarization horn antenna, and obtaining second test amplitude-phase data in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer; based on the H, V polarization link amplitude-phase difference parameters in the transmitting mode, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, the first test amplitude-phase data and the second test amplitude-phase data obtained in claim 5, calculating the final left-handed signal, right-handed signal, axial ratio and gain of the transmitting antenna.

8. A method for testing a multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, applied to the testing system of any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further comprises a receiving antenna test step: controlling the H polarization of the dual-linear polarization horn antenna to emit a fourth preset signal, receiving the fourth preset signal by using the receiving antenna of the to-be-tested multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, and obtaining third test amplitude-phase data in the first receiving module of the vector network analyzer; controlling the V polarization of the dual-linear polarization horn antenna to emit a fourth preset signal, receiving the fourth preset signal by using the receiving antenna of the to-be-tested multi-beam circularly polarized antenna, and obtaining fourth test amplitude-phase data in the second receiving module of the vector network analyzer; based on the H, V polarization link amplitude-phase difference parameters in the receiving mode, the gain of the single-polarization horn antenna, the third test amplitude-phase data and the fourth test amplitude-phase data obtained in claim 6, calculating the final left-handed signal, right-handed signal, axial ratio and gain of the receiving antenna.

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