Series control method for subarrays of phased-array antenna
By using a phased array antenna subarray series control method, the problem of increased main control interface number when connecting multiple subarrays in a large array is solved, achieving the effects of reducing costs and improving flexibility.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
When existing phased array antennas are connected to multiple subarrays on a large array surface, the number of communication interfaces of the main controller increases, leading to increased design costs and the number of PCB versions, and a lack of flexibility.
The phased array antenna subarray series control method is adopted, in which N antenna subarrays are connected to the main controller in series, and the subarrays are numbered and sorted by sending numbering commands through the transmitting port. The main controller controls each subarray by series or individual connection, reducing the number of communication interfaces.
It reduces the complexity and cost of the main controller's communication interface and increases the flexibility of configuring the number of subarrays in the main controller.
Smart Images
Figure CN121663218A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of antennas, and more particularly to a method for controlling the series connection of phased array antenna subarrays. Background Technology
[0002] Phased array antennas are typically composed of multiple phased array subarrays. The communication interfaces of each subarray are usually directly connected to the communication interface of the main controller. As the array size increases and the number of subarrays increases, the main array needs to add corresponding communication interfaces, which increases the number of interfaces of the main controller. Different array sizes of phased arrays will correspond to different numbers of interfaces for the main array, which undoubtedly increases the design cost of the main controller and the number of PCB versions of the main controller. Therefore, how to solve the connection and control of large arrays with multiple subarrays is a problem that needs to be considered. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a phased array antenna subarray series control method, which solves the deficiencies of the prior art.
[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a phased array antenna subarray series control method, the control method comprising: Step 1: Connect N antenna subarrays to the main control unit in series, and then interconnect the transmit and receive interfaces of the last series-connected antenna subarrays. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Step 2: When N > 1, after power-on, all antenna subarrays send numbering instructions through the transmitting port, thereby determining their own subarray numbers in sequence and completing the subarray link numbering sorting. Step 3: The main controller connects the subarrays in series for control.
[0005] The main control includes at least one pair of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx and a receive interface Rx. Each pair of transceiver interfaces is connected to the transceiver interfaces of a set of antenna subarrays in series. Each antenna subarray includes two pairs of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx1 and a receive interface Rx1, and a transmit interface Tx2 and a receive interface Rx2. In each group of cascaded antenna subarrays, the transmit interface Tx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the receive interface Rx1 of the following antenna subarray, and the receive interface Rx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the transmit interface Tx1 of the following subarray. The receive Rx1 interface and transmit Tx1 interface of the first antenna subarray are connected to the transmit interface Tx and receive interface Rx of the main control, respectively. The transmit Tx2 interface of the last antenna subarray is connected to its own receive Rx2 interface. Each group of cascaded antenna subarrays forms a closed loop with the main control.
[0006] Step two specifically includes the following: A1. All antenna subarrays transmit interface Tx2 and send instruction number 0. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna subarray receives instruction number 0, then the antenna subarray is determined to be the farthest antenna subarray, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 1. A2. The antenna subarray numbered 1 sends the command numbered 1 through the transmitting interface Tx1. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna receives the command numbered 1, it is determined that the antenna subarray is connected in series with the antenna subarray numbered 1, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 2. A3. Repeat steps A2. The antenna subarray numbers are propagated from the farthest end to the main controller until the main controller receives the number N instruction. Then the sorting of all antenna subarray numbers is completed.
[0007] The series connection control includes: After obtaining its own number from the receiving interface Rx2, the antenna subarray enters the serial connection mode. The transmitting interface Tx2 of all antenna subarrays transparently transmits the data of the receiving interface Rx1, so that all antenna subarrays receive the information sent by the master control. At the same time, the receiving interface Rx1 is depacked at the link layer. If broadcast information or information matching the link number is identified, the information is the information sent to this antenna subarray. Otherwise, the information is discarded. The information returned by the antenna subarray is packaged at the link layer, and after being judged with the information returned by the subsequent antenna subarray, it is returned through the transmitting interface Tx1.
[0008] When N=1, that is, there is only one antenna subarray in a certain group of cascaded antenna subarrays, and the master controller performs separate connection control on that antenna subarray.
[0009] The individual connection control includes: If the main controller and the antenna subarray are connected separately, and the transmitting interface Tx2 and the receiving interface Rx2 of the antenna subarray are not interconnected, the antenna subarray cannot obtain its own number. The main controller sends a connection type command to put the antenna subarray into a separate connection mode. In the separate connection mode, only the receiving interface Rx1 and the transmitting interface Tx1 are working.
[0010] The present invention has the following advantages: a phased array antenna subarray series control method reduces the number of communication interfaces of the main controller, reduces the complexity of the communication interfaces, reduces the cost of the main controller and wiring harness, and increases the flexibility of the main controller in configuring the number of subarrays. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing that the main controller and the subarray are physically connected in series, as described in this invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the application layer subarray protocol is encapsulated through physical layer serial connection and link layer protocol in this invention. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the control structure of the link layer software during serial connection according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control structure of the link layer software when the present invention is connected alone; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the series connection and individual connection control of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the 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. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention specifically relates to a phased array antenna subarray series control method, which includes the following contents.
[0014] Step 1: Connect N antenna subarrays to the main control unit in series, and then interconnect the transmit and receive interfaces of the last series-connected antenna subarrays, where N is an integer greater than 1. Step 2: After power-on, all antenna subarrays send numbering instructions through the transmitting port to determine their own subarray numbers in sequence, thus completing the subarray link numbering sorting. Step 3: The main controller connects the subarrays in series for control.
[0015] Furthermore, the main control includes at least one pair of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx and a receive interface Rx. Each pair of transceiver interfaces is connected to the transceiver interfaces of a set of cascaded antenna subarrays. Each antenna subarray includes two pairs of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx1 and a receive interface Rx1, and a transmit interface Tx2 and a receive interface Rx2. In each group of cascaded antenna subarrays, the transmit interface Tx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the receive interface Rx1 of the following antenna subarray, and the receive interface Rx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the transmit interface Tx1 of the following subarray. The receive Rx1 interface and transmit Tx1 interface of the first antenna subarray are connected to the transmit interface Tx and receive interface Rx of the main control, respectively. The transmit Tx2 interface of the last antenna subarray is connected to its own receive Rx2 interface. Each group of cascaded antenna subarrays forms a closed loop with the main control.
[0016] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the master control and subarrays add a link protocol layer on top of the original subarray protocol; The link protocol frame structure is shown in the table below:
[0017] Frame length: The number of bytes excluding the frame header, frame length and frame tail.
[0018] Checksum: Checksum of frame length, type, and data.
[0019] Type 00: Subarray numbering instruction.
[0020]
[0021] Data is represented by a number.
[0022] Type 01: Subarray connection type instruction.
[0023]
[0024] A value of 00 indicates a series connection. Subarrays Rx1, Tx1, Rx2, and Tx2 are activated.
[0025] Data values of 0 or 1 indicate a single connection. Subarrays Rx1 and Tx1 are active. Rx2 and Tx2 are disabled.
[0026] Type 02: Data broadcast mode.
[0027]
[0028] Broadcast the data to all subarrays.
[0029] Type 03: Data specification mode.
[0030]
[0031] Data - Number: Each bit represents a subarray. The least significant bit represents subarray number 1.
[0032] Data-Number: 00000000_00000000_00000000_00000110 indicates that the data-command is sent to subarrays numbered 2 and 3 simultaneously.
[0033] Type 04: Data Reply Mode.
[0034]
[0035] This indicates that the subarray numbered N replies to the master with the instruction XX…XX.
[0036] Furthermore, step two specifically includes the following: A1. All antenna subarrays transmit interface Tx2 and send instruction number 0. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna subarray receives instruction number 0, then the antenna subarray is determined to be the farthest antenna subarray, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 1. A2. The antenna subarray numbered 1 sends the command numbered 1 through the transmitting interface Tx1. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna receives the command numbered 1, it is determined that the antenna subarray is connected in series with the antenna subarray numbered 1, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 2. A3. Repeat steps A2. The antenna subarray numbers are propagated from the farthest end to the main controller until the main controller receives the number N instruction. Then the sorting of all antenna subarray numbers is completed.
[0037] Specifically, after power-on, the Tx2 of the three subarrays periodically sends the subarray number 0 instruction: A5 5A 00 03 00 00 03A6 6A. The farthest subarray Rx2 is interconnected with Tx2 and therefore can receive this instruction, thus obtaining its own number 1.
[0038] Subarray number 1 sends instruction number 1 on its Tx1 interface: A5 5A 00 03 00 01 04 A6 6A. The preceding subarray's Rx2 receives this instruction and thus obtains its own instruction number 2.
[0039] Subarray number 2 sends instruction number 2 on its Tx1 interface: A5 5A 00 03 00 02 05 A6 6A. The Rx2 of the preceding subarray receives this instruction and thus obtains its own number 3.
[0040] Subarray number 3 sends instruction number 3 on its Tx1 interface: A5 5A 00 03 00 03 06 A6 6A. The master controller Rx receives the instruction, thus completing the numbering of the three subarrays in the entire link.
[0041] The series connection control includes: like Figure 3 As shown, after obtaining its own number from the receiving interface Rx2, the antenna subarray enters the serial connection mode. The transmitting interface Tx2 of all antenna subarrays transmits the data of the receiving interface Rx1, so that all antenna subarrays receive the information sent by the master control. At the same time, the receiving interface Rx1 is depacked at the link layer. If broadcast information or information matching the link number is identified, the information is the information sent to this antenna subarray. Otherwise, the information is discarded. The information returned by the antenna subarray is packaged at the link layer and then sent to the return arbitration module to arbitrate with the return information of the subsequent subarrays before being returned through Tx1.
[0042] When the master controller simultaneously sends the subarray command "F1 F2 F3" to three subarrays, it first performs data broadcast mode link layer packaging: A5 5A 00 05 02 F1 F2 F3 DD A6 6A. After sending, the three subarrays receive the command, unpack it at the link layer, and find that the command is broadcast data. All three subarrays process the "F1 F2 F3" subarray command. The three subarrays then perform subarray feedback. When packaging the feedback command, it includes its own number. The feedback link sends it back to the master controller one by one through buffering and arbitration. After receiving it, the master controller parses the subarray number and can then determine which subarray the feedback command belongs to.
[0043] When the master controller sends the subarray command "E1 E2 E3" to subarray number 2, it first performs link-layer packetization in the specified data mode: A5 5A 00 09 02 00 00 00 02 E1 E2 E3 B3 A6 6A. After sending, the three subarrays receive the command, unpack it at the link layer, and determine that the command belongs to subarray number 2. Subarray number 2 processes the "E1 E2 E3" subarray command, while the other subarrays ignore the command. When the return command is packaged, it includes its own number 2. After receiving and parsing the return command, the master controller can determine that the command belongs to the return command of subarray 2 by obtaining the subarray number 2.
[0044] Furthermore, the control method also includes: when there is only one antenna subarray in a certain group of cascaded antenna subarrays, the main controller performs separate connection control on that antenna subarray.
[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the individual connection control includes: if the main controller and the antenna subarray are individually connected, and the transmitting interface Tx2 and the receiving interface Rx2 of the antenna subarray are not interconnected, the antenna subarray cannot obtain its own number. The main controller sends a connection type command to make the antenna subarray enter the individual connection mode. In the individual connection mode, only the receiving interface Rx1 and the transmitting interface Tx1 work.
[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and improvements, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for controlling the series connection of phased array antenna subarrays, characterized in that: The control method includes: Step 1: Connect N antenna subarrays to the main control unit in series, and then interconnect the transmit and receive interfaces of the last series-connected antenna subarrays. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Step 2: When N > 1, after power-on, all antenna subarrays send numbering instructions through the transmit port to determine their own subarray numbers in sequence, thus completing the subarray link numbering sorting. Step 3: The main controller connects the subarrays in series for control.
2. The phased array antenna subarray series control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control includes at least one pair of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx and a receive interface Rx. Each pair of transceiver interfaces is connected to the transceiver interfaces of a set of antenna subarrays in series. Each antenna subarray includes two pairs of transceiver interfaces, namely a transmit interface Tx1 and a receive interface Rx1, and a transmit interface Tx2 and a receive interface Rx2. In each group of cascaded antenna subarrays, the transmit interface Tx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the receive interface Rx1 of the following antenna subarray, and the receive interface Rx2 of the preceding antenna subarray is connected to the transmit interface Tx1 of the following subarray. The receive Rx1 interface and transmit Tx1 interface of the first antenna subarray are connected to the transmit interface Tx and receive interface Rx of the main control, respectively. The transmit Tx2 interface of the last antenna subarray is connected to its own receive Rx2 interface. Each group of cascaded antenna subarrays forms a closed loop with the main control.
3. The phased array antenna subarray series control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step two specifically includes the following: A1. All antenna subarrays transmit interface Tx2 and send instruction number 0. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna subarray receives instruction number 0, then the antenna subarray is determined to be the farthest antenna subarray, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 1. A2. The antenna subarray numbered 1 sends the command numbered 1 through the transmitting interface Tx1. If the receiving interface Rx2 of a certain antenna receives the command numbered 1, it is determined that the antenna subarray is connected in series with the antenna subarray numbered 1, and the number of the antenna subarray is set to 2. A3. Repeat steps A2. The antenna subarray numbers are propagated from the farthest end to the main controller until the main controller receives the number N instruction. Then the sorting of all antenna subarray numbers is completed.
4. The phased array antenna subarray series control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The series connection control includes: After obtaining its own number from the receiving interface Rx2, the antenna subarray enters the serial connection mode. The transmitting interface Tx2 of all antenna subarrays transparently transmits the data of the receiving interface Rx1, so that all antenna subarrays receive the information sent by the master control. At the same time, the receiving interface Rx1 is depacked at the link layer. If broadcast information or information matching the link number is identified, the information is the information sent to this antenna subarray. Otherwise, the information is discarded. The information returned by the antenna subarray is packaged at the link layer, and after being judged with the information returned by the subsequent antenna subarray, it is returned through the transmitting interface Tx1.
5. The phased array antenna subarray series control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When N=1, that is, there is only one antenna subarray in a certain group of cascaded antenna subarrays, and the master controller performs separate connection control on that antenna subarray.
6. The phased array antenna subarray series control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The individual connection control includes: If the main controller and the antenna subarray are connected separately, and the transmitting interface Tx2 and the receiving interface Rx2 of the antenna subarray are not interconnected, the antenna subarray cannot obtain its own number. The main controller sends a connection type command to put the antenna subarray into a separate connection mode. In the separate connection mode, only the receiving interface Rx1 and the transmitting interface Tx1 are working.