A phased array antenna unit

Abstract

The application discloses a phased array antenna unit and belongs to the technical field of antenna engineering, which comprises a radiation patch, a cross-coupled patch, a back cavity structure and two power dividers arranged in sequence; the radiation patch comprises a plurality of radiation sub-patches; the cross-coupled patch comprises four coupling sub-patches; the power dividers comprise one input port and two output ports; the two output ports of one power divider are respectively electrically connected with two opposite coupling sub-patches through feeding probes; and the two output ports of the other power divider are respectively electrically connected with the other two coupling sub-patches through feeding probes. The application can effectively expand the working bandwidth of the phased array antenna and improve the overall radiation efficiency of the phased array antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna engineering technology, and specifically to a phased array antenna element. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of modern communication technologies and radar systems, the strategic value of electromagnetic spectrum resources is becoming increasingly prominent. Among numerous frequency bands, the Ku band (12~18GHz), with its unique physical characteristics, has become one of the core operating frequency bands of modern wireless systems. Compared to lower frequency bands, the high-frequency characteristics of the Ku band give it a wider usable bandwidth (typically 500MHz~2GHz), supporting high-speed data transmission requirements; its shorter wavelength (approximately 2.5~1.7cm) facilitates more compact antenna array designs, which is a significant advantage for the miniaturization of satellite communication payloads. These characteristics make the Ku band play an important role in satellite communications (such as DBS satellite broadcasting and VSAT systems), weather radar, aviation navigation, military communications, and 5G / 6G millimeter-wave relay scenarios. In particular, in high-throughput satellite (HTS) systems, the Ku band has become a key technological support for achieving multi-beam coverage and frequency reuse.

[0003] As a core component of modern radio frequency systems, phased array antenna technology is undergoing revolutionary breakthroughs. This technology achieves millisecond-level beam pointing switching (typically scanning speeds on the order of 100 μs) by precisely controlling the phase difference between array elements, offering a three-order-of-magnitude advantage in response speed compared to mechanically scanned antennas. Semiconductor-based T / R component integration technologies (such as GaN power amplifier modules) not only improve system reliability (MTBF exceeding 100,000 hours) but also achieve wide-angle scanning capabilities exceeding ±60°. In terms of architectural innovation, breakthroughs in digital beamforming (DBF) and hybrid beamforming technologies have made simultaneous multi-beam shaping (typically supporting 8-64 independent beams) and adaptive null suppression possible, which plays a crucial role in improving the spectral efficiency and anti-interference capabilities of satellite communication systems.

[0004] Ku-band phased array antennas have the following main characteristics in practical applications:

[0005] Enhancing Communication and Radar System Performance: Researching and optimizing Ku-band phased array antenna elements can significantly improve the performance of systems such as satellite communication, radar imaging, and weather monitoring. Especially in scenarios requiring rapid and precise beam scanning, phased array antennas can provide higher resolution, better anti-jamming capabilities, and a wider operating range.

[0006] Support for high-frequency, high-bandwidth communication: As communication technologies evolve towards higher frequency bands, the Ku band, as a key band, has the potential to support high-speed data transmission and high-capacity communication. Research into efficient design and integration technologies for phased array antenna elements can further promote the development of high-speed broadband communication, meeting the wireless communication needs of future 5G, 6G, and even further into the future.

[0007] Advancing military and aerospace applications: Phased array antennas have wide applications in military radar, aerospace, and satellite remote sensing. Researching Ku-band phased array antenna elements can improve the accuracy and reliability of these systems. Especially in modern electronic warfare and complex combat environments, precise, flexible beam pointing and rapid response capabilities are crucial.

[0008] Promoting Technological Innovation and Industrial Development: Advances in integrated circuits, microwave technology, and phased array control technology will drive innovation in Ku-band phased array antenna elements, including wireless communication equipment, miniaturized antennas, and intelligent systems, thereby boosting related industries. Particularly in mobile devices, satellite communications, and unmanned systems, research in this area will contribute to the realization of next-generation, efficient, and intelligent wireless systems.

[0009] However, existing Ku phased array antennas have drawbacks such as insufficient relative bandwidth, scanning blind zone, and poor polarization purity. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a phased array antenna element to solve one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0011] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0012] A phased array antenna element includes: a radiating patch, a cross-coupled patch, a cavity structure, and two power dividers arranged sequentially.

[0013] A radiating patch consists of multiple radiating sub-patches, and a cross-coupled patch consists of four coupling sub-patches.

[0014] The power divider includes one input port and two output ports. The two output ports of one power divider are electrically connected to two opposite coupler patches via feed probes, respectively. The two output ports of the other power divider are electrically connected to the other two coupler patches via feed probes, respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned radiating patch is divided into four radiating sub-patches along the two diagonals of the antenna element, and the four radiating sub-patches are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned cross-type coupling patch is divided into four coupling sub-patches along the two diagonals of the antenna, and the four coupling sub-patches are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna.

[0017] Furthermore, the aforementioned back cavity structure includes a sixth dielectric layer and a metal ring layer disposed outside the sixth dielectric layer; the sixth dielectric layer has an inner cavity, and the outer side of the metal ring layer has a ring of edge metal through holes for the isolation metal conductor to pass through; the power supply probe passes through the inner cavity of the back cavity structure.

[0018] Furthermore, the two power dividers mentioned above are positioned vertically opposite to the inner cavity of the back cavity structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the two power dividers mentioned above are offset in the vertical direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the two power dividers mentioned above have the same structure and are arranged perpendicularly and orthogonally.

[0021] Furthermore, the two output ports of the power divider are connected to the input port of the power divider via two feed lines of unequal length.

[0022] Furthermore, the two unequal-length feed lines mentioned above differ by 1 / 4 of the dielectric wavelength.

[0023] Furthermore, an isolation resistor is provided between the two output ports of the power divider, and the isolation resistor is located near the input port of the power divider.

[0024] Furthermore, several metallized vias are provided on the outer sides of both the input and output terminals of the aforementioned power divider.

[0025] Furthermore, the phased array antenna unit also includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a fourth dielectric layer, and a fifth dielectric layer arranged sequentially; a radiating patch and a cross-coupled patch are respectively laid on the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer; two power dividers are respectively laid on the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer; and the back cavity structure is located between the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer.

[0026] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] (1) The present invention uses a feeding probe and a cross-type coupling patch to couple the power to the symmetrical radiation patch above, thereby achieving double circular polarization radiation.

[0028] (2) The present invention creates a cavity in the dielectric substrate on the back of the cross-coupled patch to form a back cavity structure, which can effectively broaden the working bandwidth of the antenna. At the same time, a ring of edge metal through holes is added to the edge of the cavity to prevent radiation energy leakage and improve the overall radiation efficiency of the phased array antenna unit.

[0029] (3) The two power dividers of the present invention are staggered in the vertical direction to avoid mutual interference caused by the power divider wiring. At the same time, the two output ports of each power divider are connected to a pair of feed probes at opposite positions, which directly feed the cross-coupled patch and the coupled feed radiating patch, respectively, effectively realizing dual circular polarization coupled feed and further widening the working bandwidth of the phased array antenna element.

[0030] (4) The two output ports of the power divider are fed by a pair of feed probes with equal amplitude and 90° phase difference through feed lines of unequal length. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the phased array antenna unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the cross-shaped radiating patch provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of four polygonal metal patches for the radiant patch provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the cross-coupled patch provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the back cavity structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of one of the power dividers provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of another power divider provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 The simulated S-parameter curves of the phased array antenna element provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 The axial ratio simulation curve of the phased array antenna element provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the phased array antenna array provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 The simulated radiation direction curve of the phased array antenna array provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is shown.

[0042] In the diagram: 10-First dielectric layer; 20-Second dielectric layer; 30-Third dielectric layer; 40-Fourth dielectric layer; 50-Fifth dielectric layer; 100-Cross-shaped radiating patch; 101-Feed probe; 102-Cross-shaped coupling patch; 103-Back cavity structure; 104-Power divider; 106-Isolation resistor; 107-Metallized via; 108-Sixth dielectric layer; 109-Metal ring layer; 110-Inner cavity; 111-Edge metal via; 112-Zero-order filter resonant patch; 113-Metal strip patch. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a phased array antenna unit, including a first dielectric layer 10, a second dielectric layer 20, a cavity structure 103, a third dielectric layer 30, a fourth dielectric layer 40, and a fifth dielectric layer 50 arranged sequentially from top to bottom, with each layer bonded to the others. A radiating patch is disposed on the first dielectric layer 10, a cross-coupled patch 102 is disposed on the second dielectric layer 20, and a power divider 104 is disposed on the third dielectric layer 30 and the fourth dielectric layer 40, respectively. The power divider 104 is connected to the cross-coupled patch 102 through a feed probe 101. Current flows through the power divider 104 and the feed probe 101 to the cross-coupled patch 102, and finally couples to feed the radiating patch.

[0046] Alternatively, the radiating patch can be multiple circular, annular, or polygonal metal patches, which can be made from thin layers of metal such as copper, aluminum, or tin, and are used to radiate circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0047] The shape of the aforementioned radiating patch is not limited to a circle, ring, or polygon. It can also be a rectangle, a rectangular ring, a circle, a circular ring, a hexagon, a hexagonal ring, a hexagonal star, a hexagonal star ring, a rhombus, a rhombus ring, a cross, a cross ring, etc., as well as any irregular shape composed of rectangles and triangles.

[0048] There are no specific restrictions on the number and size of the metal patches. The number can correspond to or not correspond to the cross-coupled patch 102; the number can be even or odd; the resulting shape can be a regular shape such as a circle, square, or rectangle, or an irregular shape.

[0049] Preferably, the radiating patch is a cross-shaped radiating patch 100.

[0050] like Figure 2 The image shown is a top view of the cross-shaped radiating patch 100 provided in this embodiment. The cross-shaped radiating patch 100 is divided into four radiating sub-patches of the same shape and size along the two diagonals of the antenna. The four radiating sub-patches are evenly spaced around the center of the antenna, that is, the four radiating sub-patches are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna.

[0051] In this embodiment, the shape of the radiating sub-pattern includes, but is not limited to, triangles, rectangles, polygons, strips or other irregular shapes. Preferably, the radiating sub-pattern is triangular.

[0052] Alternatively, a metal layer may be provided around the periphery of the radiating patch to surround the radiating patch. The shape of the metal layer may be square, round, or rhomboid, and is not limited herein.

[0053] Preferably, the outer metal layer can also be a zero-order filter resonator, which is located at the four corners of the first dielectric layer 10 and is L-shaped.

[0054] Specifically, the shape of the metal strip formed by the aforementioned zero-order filter resonator can be either a regular straight line or a wavy shape. Furthermore, the internal structure of the metal strip can be a grid, a completely seamless metal strip, or a dotted shape or a shape with various internal gaps.

[0055] A zero-order filter resonator is placed around the radiating patch to form a spatial radiation zero point, thereby improving out-of-band suppression capability.

[0056] Preferred, such as Figure 3 The illustration shows an embodiment of a radiating patch consisting of four polygonal metal patches. In this embodiment, a zero-order filter resonator is located around the central square radiating patch. The zero-order filter resonators are arranged regularly along each side of the polygonal metal patches and have identical structures.

[0057] The zero-order filter resonator includes multiple zero-order filter resonant patches 112. Each zero-order filter resonant patch 112 is electrically connected to the metal ring layer 109 on the sixth dielectric layer 108 via a short-circuit probe connected to a metallized via located at its center, thereby achieving grounding electromagnetic isolation. Preferably, each zero-order filter resonator includes two zero-order filter resonant patches 112, which are arranged adjacent to each other at intervals. They can be arranged horizontally or vertically side by side, and no particular limitation is made here.

[0058] More preferably, when multiple zero-order filter resonant patches 112 are arranged laterally, a metal strip patch 113 is also provided between the zero-order filter resonator and the radiating patch, wherein the center of the metal strip patch 113 is aligned with the center of the gap between two adjacent zero-order filter resonant patches 112 and the arrangement direction is the same.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the cross-type coupling patch 102 is divided into four identical coupling sub-patches along the two diagonals of the antenna. The four coupling sub-patches are evenly spaced around the center of the antenna, meaning they are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna. The four coupling sub-patches correspond one-to-one with the four radiating sub-patches in the vertical direction. The cross-type coupling patch 102 couples and feeds the cross-shaped radiating patch 100, achieving dual circular polarization radiation.

[0060] The aforementioned dual-circular polarization antenna can achieve both single-frequency switchable circular polarization radiation (left-hand / right-hand rotation switching) and dual-frequency circular polarization radiation (different frequency bands support independent or opposite rotation directions of circular polarization), thus facilitating simultaneous or flexible access to satellites in different orbits, as well as satellites in different frequency bands in the same orbit.

[0061] Preferably, the shape of the coupler patch is an arrow with a rounded end. The arrows of the four coupler patches are spaced apart and aligned with the center of the antenna element. The rounded ends are provided with metal vias to allow the feed probe 101 to pass through.

[0062] Alternatively, the cross-coupled patch 102 can be a trapezoidal gradient patch with a wider radiating end; it can also be a rectangle, rectangular ring, circle, circular ring, hexagon, hexagonal ring, hexagonal star, hexagonal star ring, rhombus, rhombus ring, cross, cross ring, etc., as well as any irregular shape composed of rectangles and triangles, that is, ensuring that each radiating sub-patch is a whole patch through which current can pass.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the back cavity structure 103 includes a sixth dielectric layer 108 and a grounding metal ring layer 109 disposed outside the sixth dielectric layer 108. The back cavity structure 103 has an inner cavity 110 in the middle, which is filled with dielectric, and the power supply probe 101 passes through the inner cavity 110.

[0064] The medium filled in the inner cavity 110 can be a low dielectric constant material such as foam or plastic, or air, which ensures electromagnetic isolation performance while reducing the cost and weight of antenna design.

[0065] The metal ring 109 is preferably made of copper. A ring of edge metal through-holes 111 is provided on the outer side of the metal ring 109 to prevent radiated energy leakage and improve the overall radiation efficiency of the phased array antenna element. The specific opening in the back cavity structure 103 can generate additional resonant points, thereby further expanding the operating bandwidth of the phased array antenna element.

[0066] The size and shape of the inner cavity 110 with the central opening of the back cavity structure 103 are not limited here. It can be rectangular, circular, rhomboid, fan-shaped, pentagonal, quadrangular, annular, or any irregular shape, based on the passage of all the power supply probes 101.

[0067] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity 110 is rectangular.

[0068] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the two power dividers 104 have identical structures and are located on the third dielectric layer 30 and the fourth dielectric layer 40, respectively. That is, the two power dividers 104 are staggered in the vertical direction to avoid mutual wiring interference. Each power divider 104 includes one input port and two output ports. The two output ports are connected to the input port through two feed lines of unequal length. Preferably, the two unequal length output feed lines are 1 / 4 of the dielectric wavelength apart, thereby achieving equal amplitude 90° phase difference coupling feed of the radiating patch.

[0069] Preferably, an isolation resistor 106 is provided between the two output ports. The isolation resistor 106 is close to the input port, that is, the isolation resistor 106 is close to the junction of the two output feed lines. More preferably, the distance between the isolation resistor 106 and the junction of the two output feed lines is the same as the distance between the junction of the two output feed lines.

[0070] Two power dividers 104 are arranged perpendicularly at a 90° angle in the vertical direction. One power divider 104 has its two output ports electrically connected to two opposite coupler patches via feed probes 101, while the other power divider 104 has its two output ports electrically connected to the remaining two coupler patches via feed probes 101. This effectively achieves dual-circular polarization coupling feed and further broadens the operating bandwidth of the phased array antenna element. Preferably, both the input and output ports of the power divider 104 are provided with a ring of metallized vias 107 for coaxial-like external conductors to pass through, serving to isolate electromagnetic radiation.

[0071] The input port of the power divider 104 is connected to the rear feed point of the antenna element via a coaxial inner conductor.

[0072] Preferably, the power divider 104 is a Wilkinson power divider.

[0073] In this embodiment, the two power dividers 104, the radiating patch and the cross-coupled patch 102 are all vertically aligned with the inner cavity 110 of the back cavity structure 103, that is, the two power dividers 104, the radiating patch and the cross-coupled patch 102 are all projected into the inner cavity 110.

[0074] Figure 8The figure shows the S-parameter simulation curves of the phased array antenna element provided in this embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the operating frequency band of the antenna element in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the S-parameter index of the antenna element in dB. It can be seen that in the frequency band of 10.8~14.5GHz, the reflection coefficient S11 is always less than -10 dB, which has good port impedance matching performance; at 11.5GHz, the port isolation of the antenna element reaches nearly -45dB, and the crosstalk between channels is small.

[0075] Figure 9 The figure shows the scanning axial ratio simulation curve of the phased array antenna element provided in this embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the operating frequency band of the antenna element in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the axial ratio value of the radiated circularly polarized wave of the antenna element in dB. It can be seen that the axial ratio value of the circularly polarized wave radiated by the antenna element is always less than 1.5 in the 10.8~14.5GHz frequency band, indicating that the axial ratio performance of the radiated signal of the antenna element is good.

[0076] Example 2:

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment provides a phased array antenna array, including several phased array antenna elements as in Embodiment 1. All phased array antenna elements are in the form of a rectangular array, and the horizontal and vertical directions of the rectangular array are the same as the horizontal and vertical directions of the phased array antenna elements.

[0078] Figure 11 The simulation curve of the radiation pattern of the phased array antenna array provided in this embodiment shows that the gain of the antenna array drops by about 3dB when it scans to 60° compared to the normal direction, which meets the requirement that the performance of large-angle scanning does not decrease significantly.

[0079] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phased array antenna element, characterized in that, include: The radial patch, the cross-coupled patch (102), the cavity structure (103), and the two power dividers (104) are arranged in sequence. The radiating patch includes multiple radiating sub-patches, and the cross-coupled patch (102) includes four coupling sub-patches; The power divider (104) includes one input port and two output ports. The two output ports of one power divider (104) are electrically connected to two opposite coupler patches via a power feed probe (101); the two output ports of the other power divider (104) are electrically connected to the other two coupler patches via a power feed probe (101).

2. The phased array antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiating patch is divided into four radiating sub-patterns along the two diagonals of the antenna element, and the four radiating sub-patterns are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna.

3. The phased array antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-type coupling patch (102) is divided into four coupling sub-patches along the two diagonals of the antenna, and the four coupling sub-patches are symmetrically arranged about the two diagonals of the antenna.

4. The phased array antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back cavity structure (103) includes a sixth dielectric layer (108) and a metal ring layer (109) disposed outside the sixth dielectric layer (108); the sixth dielectric layer (108) is provided with an inner cavity (110), and the outer side of the metal ring layer (109) is provided with a ring of edge metal through holes (111) for the isolation metal conductor to pass through; the power supply probe (101) passes through the inner cavity (110) of the back cavity structure (103).

5. The phased array antenna element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two power dividers (104) are arranged vertically opposite to the inner cavity (110) of the back cavity structure (103).

6. The phased array antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two power dividers (104) are staggered in the vertical direction.

7. The phased array antenna element according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two power dividers (104) have the same structure and are arranged perpendicularly and orthogonally.

8. The phased array antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two output ports of the power divider (104) are connected to the input port of the power divider (104) through two feed lines of unequal length.

9. The phased array antenna element according to claim 8, characterized in that, The two feed lines of unequal length are 1 / 4 of the dielectric wavelength apart.

10. The phased array antenna element according to claim 8, characterized in that, An isolation resistor (106) is provided between the two output ports of the power divider (104), and the isolation resistor (106) is close to the input port of the power divider (104).

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