Subarray architecture of phased-array antenna
By employing a layered arrangement of RF boards and control power supply boards in the millimeter-wave phased array antenna subarray, combined with orthogonal polarization and dual-feed design, the problem of crosstalk between RF signals and control signals is solved, achieving a system design with high isolation and low cost.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEFEI JIUSHENG SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing millimeter-wave phased array antenna subarray architectures cannot be expanded in two dimensions when used on a large scale, and there is severe crosstalk between radio frequency signals and control and power signals, which affects system performance.
The antenna RF board and control power supply board are arranged in layers and fixed by structural components to form a physical isolation space. The stacked module structure is optimized to reduce signal crosstalk, and the signal isolation is further improved by orthogonal polarization and dual feed point design.
It improves the isolation between radio frequency signals and control power signals, reduces signal crosstalk, simplifies printed circuit board design, reduces costs, and enhances system stability and performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN122000684A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and particularly to a phased array antenna subarray architecture. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid iteration of wireless communication technology, millimeter-wave communication is also being updated and upgraded at a rapid pace. Millimeter-wave phased array antenna technology is gradually highlighting its position in the field of millimeter-wave communication. The demand for millimeter-wave phased arrays is increasing day by day, and the demand for high performance, miniaturization and ultra-low cost is also increasing.
[0003] With the increasing integration of chips, the existing millimeter-wave phased array antenna subarray architecture is mainly board-type phased array, which has gradually become the main architecture of millimeter-wave phased array antennas due to its high integration. However, board-type phased array antennas also have their shortcomings. When board-type phased arrays are used on a large scale, they cannot be used for two-dimensional expansion. There is also crosstalk between radio frequency signals and control signals and power signals on the board, resulting in more radio frequency signal spurious signals when used on a large scale, which affects the use of the system. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this application proposes a phased array antenna subarray architecture to solve the aforementioned technical problems.
[0005] This application proposes a phased array antenna subarray architecture, including: an antenna RF board, a structural component, and a control power supply board; the antenna RF board and the control power supply board are interconnected, and the structural component is located between the antenna RF board and the control power supply board; the antenna RF board is mounted on the upper surface of the structural component, and the control power supply board is mounted on the lower surface of the structural component, and the height H of the structural component is configured to form a physical isolation space between the antenna RF board and the control power supply board; wherein, the structural component serves as a heat dissipation channel and electromagnetic shielding layer for the phased array antenna subarray, and is used to isolate the RF signals of the antenna RF board from the control power supply signals of the control power supply board.
[0006] In the above technical solution, the antenna RF board and the control power board are arranged in layers and fixed by structural components to form a standardized stacked module, which simplifies the process. The extended assembly structure of the n subarray achieves isolation between the radio frequency circuit and the control power supply circuit through physical layering, reducing signal crosstalk between the two types of circuits from the structural root. At the same time, the precise control of the height H of the structural components further optimizes the rationality of the stacking structure, taking into account both structural compactness and anti-interference requirements.
[0007] Specifically, the antenna RF board includes: a first printed circuit board, antenna units, an RF chip, and a first connector; antenna units are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the first printed circuit board, and an RF chip and a first connector are arranged on the lower surface, with the RF chip connected to the antenna units.
[0008] By using the above-mentioned technical means, the antenna unit, RF chip and first connector are integrated on the same rigid microwave substrate, which optimizes the integrated design of the RF board in the stacked structure, shortens the signal transmission path between the antenna unit and the RF chip, and reduces loss and crosstalk during signal transmission. At the same time, the use of rigid microwave material ensures the structural stability of the RF board in the stacked state, avoids signal offset and crosstalk caused by structural deformation, and adapts to the overall architecture requirements of the stacked board.
[0009] Specifically, the control power board includes: a second printed circuit board, a control power supply, a control chip, a power chip, and a second connector; the control power supply is located on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board, and the control chip and power chip are integrated on the lower surface of the second printed circuit board and electrically connected to the control power supply; the second connector is located on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board and corresponds one-to-one with the first connector.
[0010] By employing the aforementioned technical means and adopting an integrated design with partitioned layout on the upper and lower surfaces, the control power supply, connectors, and control / power chips are respectively arranged on both sides of the second printed circuit board. This optimizes the space utilization of the control power supply board in the stacked structure, enabling it to form an efficient layered stack with the RF board. The physical separation of the control power supply and RF circuit reduces crosstalk of power supply noise to RF signals, while the integrated layout simplifies the wiring in the stacked board, reduces the risk of interference between lines, and improves the reliability of the stacked system.
[0011] Specifically, multiple antenna elements are arranged in an array on the antenna radio frequency board, and the antenna elements in adjacent areas are arranged in an orthogonal polarization or rotational symmetry manner.
[0012] The above technical solution adopts a symmetrical antenna element layout in the XY plane of the stacked RF board, which optimizes the radiation structure of the RF board in the stacked board. The symmetrical arrangement ensures the performance consistency of the stacked array. The vertical polarization design of adjacent areas not only improves the diversity of signal reception / transmission, but also reduces crosstalk between adjacent antenna elements through polarization isolation. At the same time, the symmetrical polarization distribution adapts to the expansion requirements of the stacked subarray and avoids the problem of crosstalk accumulation after large-scale stacking.
[0013] Specifically, the antenna element is dual-feeded, with the geometric center of the antenna element as the origin. An xy plane is constructed on the antenna element, and the feed points are set on the x-axis and y-axis respectively.
[0014] In the above technical solution, an orthogonal dual-feed point is set in a single antenna element, which optimizes the signal excitation structure of the antenna element on the stacked RF board. The independent control of the dual-feed point avoids crosstalk caused by signal coupling in the single-feed point design. At the same time, the orthogonal feeding method can accurately control the polarization state, reduce the interference caused by cross-polarization components, adapt to the layout requirements of high-density antenna elements in the stacked board, and ensure the signal purity of the stacked array while improving polarization flexibility.
[0015] Specifically, the shape of the antenna element includes circular or square.
[0016] Specifically, the phased array antenna subarrays are connected by pins or screws.
[0017] Specifically, the height H is 9~13mm.
[0018] The above technical solution controls the distance between the RF board and the control power board to 9~13mm, optimizes the layered spacing structure of the stacked board, and the reasonable gap not only ensures the compactness of the stacked structure, but also forms a natural isolation space, reducing electromagnetic signal crosstalk between boards; at the same time, this distance reserves space for the connection harnesses and heat dissipation channels in the stack, avoiding signal interference caused by wiring congestion, and achieving a balance between stacked structure optimization, heat dissipation requirements and anti-crosstalk performance.
[0019] Specifically, the antenna radio frequency board uses rigid microwave materials.
[0020] Rigid materials ensure the flatness and structural stability of the RF board during stacking, avoiding antenna element offset and signal crosstalk caused by deformation; the low-loss and high-stability material properties reduce the transmission attenuation of high-frequency signals, while enhancing the electromagnetic isolation effect between the RF board and the control power board, thereby improving the anti-crosstalk capability of the stacking system from the material level.
[0021] Specifically, the control power supply board uses FR-4 material, which not only ensures the performance requirements of the control power supply but also features mature technology, reliable performance, and low cost.
[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The phased array antenna subarray architecture adopts a stacked board design. This architecture greatly improves the isolation between radio frequency signals and control power signals, avoids signal crosstalk during large-scale arraying, reduces RF signal spurious signals, and improves system stability. The antenna radio frequency and control power are designed separately, which allows for separate printed circuit board layouts, reducing the difficulty and cycle of printed circuit board design. It also reduces the difficulty and cycle of printed circuit board processing, lowers system cost, and improves system performance. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of these embodiments will readily be recognized as they become better understood through reference to the following detailed description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection height of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a top view of a phased array antenna with a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a phased array antenna with a phased array subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna element layout of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application.
[0024] The meaning of each number in the diagram: 101. Antenna RF board; 102. Control power board; 103. Structural components. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the relevant application and not intended to limit the application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the application are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0027] This application proposes a phased array antenna subarray architecture. Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1As shown, the phased array antenna adopts a stacked board design. The front of the antenna subarray architecture is the antenna RF board 101, which uses a rigid printed circuit board as a carrier. The antenna is arranged on top, and the RF chip is arranged on the back. The back of the antenna subarray architecture is the control power board 102, which also uses a rigid printed circuit board as a carrier. The control power connector is arranged on top, and the control and power chips are arranged on the back. A structural component 103 is provided between the antenna RF board 101 and the control power board 102, and the two are interconnected through connectors. The architecture uses the structural component 103 as a mounting carrier, with the antenna RF board 101 mounted on its front and the control power board 102 mounted on its back. The structural component 103 serves as both a mounting structure carrier and a heat dissipation channel for the subarray.
[0028] Preferably, in order to meet the requirements of system heat dissipation and connector adaptation height, this application further limits the interconnection height H (i.e., the height H of the antenna RF board 101 and the control power board 102). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection height of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, by limiting the interconnect height to between 9 and 13 mm, this application, through experimental calculations, determined that setting the interconnect height H between 9 mm and 13 mm is a balanced choice based on multi-physics coupling. If the height H is less than 9 mm, the thermal capacity of the structural components is insufficient, and the distance between the two boards is too close. Although the structure is compact, this leads to increased near-field radiation interference of high-frequency signals to the power board. If the height H is greater than 13 mm, although the isolation is improved, it results in an excessively long transmission path for the inter-board connectors, increasing the transmission impedance of low-frequency control signals and hindering the overall ultra-thin design of the phased array. Therefore, 9-13 mm is the optimal parameter range to meet the requirements of heat dissipation, connector compatibility, and electromagnetic isolation.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application, combined with... Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the antenna RF board 101 includes: a first printed circuit board, antenna units, an RF chip, and a first connector; antenna units are evenly spaced on the upper surface of the first printed circuit board, and the RF chip and the first connector are disposed on the lower surface, with the RF chip connected to the antenna units; the control power board 102 includes: a second printed circuit board, a control power supply, a control chip, a power chip, and a second connector; the control power supply is disposed on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board, and the control chip and the power chip are integrated on the lower surface of the second printed circuit board and electrically connected to the control power supply; the second connector is disposed on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board and corresponds one-to-one with the first connector.
[0030] Preferred, such as Figure 5As shown, multiple antenna elements are arranged in an array on the antenna RF board, and the antenna elements in adjacent areas are arranged in an orthogonal polarization or rotational symmetry manner to improve polarization isolation. Specifically, the antenna elements are disposed in the XY plane on the upper surface of the first printed circuit board, and the antenna elements are symmetrically disposed on the upper surface of the first printed circuit board with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis; the polarization directions of the antenna elements in the +OX and +OY regions are rotationally symmetric with respect to the polarization directions of the antenna elements in the -OX and -OY regions about the origin, respectively, and the polarization directions of the antenna elements in adjacent regions are perpendicular to each other; wherein, the origin O is the geometric center of the first printed circuit board; the antenna elements are dual-feeded, with the geometric center of the antenna element being the origin, and an xy plane is constructed on the antenna elements, with the feed points respectively disposed on the x-axis and y-axis.
[0031] By adopting a symmetrical antenna element layout in the XY plane of the stacked RF board, the radiation structure of the RF board in the stacked board is optimized, and the symmetrical arrangement ensures the performance consistency of the stacked array. The vertical polarization design of adjacent areas not only improves the diversity of signal reception / transmission, but also reduces crosstalk between adjacent antenna elements through polarization isolation. At the same time, the symmetrical polarization distribution adapts to the expansion requirements of the stacked subarray and avoids the problem of crosstalk accumulation after large-scale stacking.
[0032] More preferably, this embodiment consists of 4 In this embodiment, the phased array antenna subarray formed by 4 antenna elements is arranged symmetrically along the geometric center lines X and Y. The antenna elements 1 in the ±OX and ±OY regions are arranged at equal intervals by translation, so that the horizontal polarization structure (H) and the vertical polarization structure (V) satisfy the characteristic of symmetrical distribution along the X and Y axes on a larger scale.
[0033] By further optimizing the arrangement of horizontal and vertical polarization structures on the antenna elements, the cross-polarization components are always in a state of reverse cancellation, ensuring that the array has good polarization isolation.
[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a phased array antenna subarray architecture according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, phased array antenna subarrays can be expanded and assembled into phased array surfaces of arbitrary size, such as using m... n subarrays are spliced together in two dimensions to form a larger array.
[0035] Furthermore, by employing the technical means of this application, the presence of structural component 103 completely isolates the antenna RF board 101 and the control power board 102. Only the antenna and RF components are arranged on the front of structural component 103, with only RF signals present in the space; only the control and power components are arranged on the back of structural component 103, with only control and power signals present in the space. Thus, during array formation, the isolation between RF signals and control power signals can be greatly improved, avoiding signal crosstalk during large-scale array formation, reducing RF signal spurious signals, and improving system stability. The separate design of antenna RF and control power allows for separate drawing of printed circuit board layouts, reducing the difficulty and cycle of printed circuit board design, as well as the processing difficulty and cycle of printed circuit boards, thereby reducing system cost and improving system performance.
[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described application concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A phased array antenna subarray architecture, characterized in that, include: The system comprises an antenna RF board, a structural component, and a control power board; the antenna RF board and the control power board are interconnected, and the structural component is located between the antenna RF board and the control power board; the antenna RF board is mounted on the upper surface of the structural component, and the control power board is mounted on the lower surface of the structural component; the height H of the structural component is configured to form a physical isolation space between the antenna RF board and the control power board; wherein, the structural component serves as a heat dissipation channel and electromagnetic shielding layer for the phased array antenna subarray, and is used to isolate the RF signals of the antenna RF board from the control power signals of the control power board.
2. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna RF board includes: a first printed circuit board, antenna units, an RF chip, and a first connector; the antenna units are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the first printed circuit board, and the RF chip and the first connector are arranged on the lower surface, with the RF chip connected to the antenna units.
3. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control power board includes: a second printed circuit board, a control power supply, a control chip, a power chip, and a second connector; the control power supply is disposed on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board, and the control chip and the power chip are integrated on the lower surface of the second printed circuit board and electrically connected to the control power supply; the second connector is disposed on the upper surface of the second printed circuit board and corresponds one-to-one with the first connector.
4. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple antenna elements are arranged in an array on the antenna radio frequency board, and the antenna elements in adjacent areas are arranged in an orthogonal polarization or rotational symmetry manner.
5. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The antenna element is dual-feeded, with the geometric center of the antenna element being the origin. An xy plane is constructed on the antenna element, and the feed points are respectively set on the x-axis and y-axis.
6. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shape of the antenna element can be circular or square.
7. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phased array antenna subarrays are connected by pins or screws.
8. The phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height H is 9~13mm.
9. A phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna radio frequency board is made of rigid microwave material.
10. A phased array antenna subarray architecture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control power board is made of FR-4 material.