A radar performance diagnosis system and method based on a unmanned aerial vehicle platform

Abstract

The application provides a kind of radar performance diagnosis system based on unmanned aerial vehicle platform, including unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem, radio frequency signal link subsystem, receiving link subsystem and radar performance diagnosis subsystem;Wherein, radio frequency signal link subsystem is carried on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem, and the radio frequency signal link subsystem is connected with the receiving link subsystem communication.The unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem in the application has the characteristics of flexible and changeable, and the operation form is various, can accurately simulate the flight characteristics of real object, improves the accuracy of radar antenna array radiation characteristic test, realizes more accurate inspection of radar overall performance, and can be widely applied to the detection of various radar devices.A kind of radar performance diagnosis method based on unmanned aerial vehicle platform is also disclosed, the array pattern of radar antenna is obtained by controlling unmanned aerial vehicle main body from different heights and different angles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar detection and antenna array measurement technology, and in particular to a radar performance diagnostic system and method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. Background Technology

[0002] Radar uses radio waves to detect targets and determine their spatial location. It uses electromagnetic waves to illuminate targets and receive their reflected echoes to obtain positional information such as the target's distance, speed, azimuth, and altitude.

[0003] With the emergence of numerous new technologies and applications, radar technology is constantly advancing. In the military, weapons development is accelerating, and attack methods are becoming increasingly diverse. The ability to effectively detect various air-based weapons presents a new challenge for radar development. In the civilian sector, precise radar detection is also required for drones and autonomous vehicles. Given the widespread application of radar, accurately understanding its performance is crucial. Verifying the actual performance of a radar, and whether the field detection structure matches the actual application results, largely depends on the realism of the electromagnetic scattering simulated by the test target. Targets that can simulate real targets, are small in size, simple, convenient, and cost-effective are highly advantageous for radar detection.

[0004] Antennas are an important component of radar, and the performance of radar is closely related to the performance of radar antenna arrays. Accurate knowledge of antenna performance is crucial for understanding radar. Therefore, when testing radar detection performance, it is necessary to test the performance of radar antenna arrays.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a radar performance diagnostic system and method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. The system uses a UAV carrying a target to simulate a flying object in real-world conditions, tests the radar's detection performance, and fits the antenna array radiation pattern.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, comprising an UAV platform subsystem, a radio frequency (RF) signal link subsystem, a receiving link subsystem, and a radar performance diagnostic subsystem. The RF signal link subsystem is mounted on the UAV platform subsystem and is communicatively connected to the receiving link subsystem. The data terminal of the receiving link subsystem is data-connected to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem. The receiving link subsystem includes a radar, and the RF signal link subsystem includes a radar target.

[0008] The radio frequency signal link subsystem is used to generate electromagnetic signals and send them to the radar.

[0009] Radar is used to send electromagnetic signals to a radar target, and the radar target is used to reflect electromagnetic signals back to the radar.

[0010] The receiving link subsystem is used to acquire, record, and sweep electromagnetic signals in free space at peak values, synchronize the electromagnetic signals with time information, obtain result information, and transmit the result information to the radar performance diagnosis subsystem.

[0011] The radar performance diagnostic subsystem is used to analyze and process the result information, fit the antenna array radiation pattern, and obtain the radar detection performance, which includes the radar's maximum range and azimuth, elevation angle accuracy, and resolution.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: a stable and high-precision UAV platform subsystem, characterized by flexibility and diverse operation modes, capable of high-precision flight from different altitudes and angles, accurately simulating the flight characteristics of real objects, while also improving the accuracy of radar antenna array radiation characteristic testing, thus enabling more accurate verification of overall radar performance. As a radar testing system, it can be widely applied to the testing of various radar devices, providing a flexible, efficient, and low-cost new testing approach.

[0013] A further preferred embodiment is that the UAV platform subsystem includes the UAV body, an RTK (Real-Time Differential) positioning system, a lithium battery, and a flight control terminal. The RTK positioning system includes a base station and a rover station. The rover station is fixed on the UAV body, and the base station is placed at any location on the ground within the area to be measured. The flight control terminal is communicatively connected to both the UAV body and the RTK positioning system. The lithium battery is housed within the UAV body and is electrically connected to the radio frequency signal link subsystem.

[0014] A gimbal is mounted on the lower part of the drone body, and the gimbal is connected to one end of the radio frequency signal link subsystem. Inside the drone body are a low-voltage transformer module and a flight control unit. The low-voltage transformer module is fixed within the drone's inner wall and provides power to the radio frequency signal link electronic system. The flight control unit is connected to a first antenna, which is connected to a data signal link. The flight control terminal contains ground control software, signal source control software, and a second antenna. The data signal link communicates with both the first and second antennas and is used to transmit the drone's flight trajectory.

[0015] The ground control software is used to set the flight mission of the UAV, control and monitor its flight status, which refers to the UAV's flight area, altitude, and flight parameters for each flight. The data transmission module transmits the flight status as data to the ground control software. The signal source control software is used for remotely controlling signal transmission.

[0016] Using the above technical solutions, the differential positioning technology of the RTK positioning system enables the UAV to achieve centimeter-level positioning, improving testing accuracy. The gimbal ensures the stability of the antenna attitude and radar target when the UAV is subjected to vibration, further improving accuracy. The low-voltage transformer module, powered by the UAV's lithium battery, supplies power to the Mini unit and amplifier, outputting 5V, 12V, and 28V voltages to provide necessary power to the RF signal link subsystem, reducing the weight of the UAV's onboard equipment and increasing the system's effective measurement time. The flight control terminal and data transmission module work together to control the UAV's flight mode, mission, and status.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment is that the radio frequency signal link subsystem also includes a Mini host, a probe antenna, an amplifier, and a filter.

[0018] One end of the Mini unit is electrically connected to the low-voltage transformer module, and the other end is connected to a VSG6G1 signal generator (VSG6G1 is an RF signal generator, hereinafter referred to as VSG6G1). The output of the VSG6G1 signal generator is electrically connected to a filter, the output of the filter is electrically connected to an amplifier, and the output of the amplifier is electrically connected to a probe antenna. The probe antenna is positioned below the pan-tilt unit and connected to the pan-tilt unit. The probe antenna is used to collect or transmit electromagnetic signals.

[0019] The signal source control software is also installed on the Mini main unit. This software is used for remote control of the signal source. The signal source is set in the flight control terminal using the signal source control software, and the settings are updated synchronously in the signal source control software on the Mini main unit.

[0020] Using the above technical solution, the radar target can simulate the electromagnetic scattering, light reflection, and radiation characteristics of a real target. The radar target, carried by a UAV, can perform various maneuvers, simulating the spatial and motion characteristics of a real target. Using a radar target instead of a real target for radar performance detection and evaluation is more flexible, convenient, economical, and practical. The radio frequency signal link subsystem provides the necessary transmission signal, enables remote real-time control, and provides frequency sweeping functionality. The signal source remote control software allows for arbitrary adjustment of the signal source at any UAV flight state and distance, achieving real-time remote control of the signal source frequency and power, and providing multi-frequency output functionality.

[0021] A further preferred embodiment is that the receiving link subsystem includes a frequency sweep receiving module and a peak detection module. The frequency sweep receiving module is used to retain any point of the frequency sweep within the receiving time and add a GPS (Global Positioning System) time stamp to each test frequency point. The peak detection module is used to save the received power level value and the corresponding frequency value at the peak during a single frequency sweep trace measurement and add a GPS time stamp to each test value.

[0022] Using the above technical solution, the receiving link subsystem is controlled by the flight control terminal. During the test, it can record the maximum power level of the signal and its corresponding frequency information, and synchronize this set of signals with the time information to improve the sensitivity of the system.

[0023] Further optimization results in the following: The receiver link subsystem includes a receiver and a radar. One end of the receiver is connected to the flight control terminal, and the other end is connected to the radar output. The radar receiver is connected to both the radar target and the probe antenna.

[0024] The radio frequency signal link subsystem is used to generate electromagnetic signals and send them to the radar. The electromagnetic signals are then transmitted to the receiver, which records the maximum power level and corresponding frequency information of the electromagnetic signals at the peak value and synchronizes them with the time information to obtain the result information. The receiver then transmits the result information to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem through the flight control terminal.

[0025] The radar is used to emit electromagnetic signals to the radar target, receive electromagnetic signals reflected from the radar target, and transmit the electromagnetic signals to the receiver. The receiver is used to record the maximum power level value and corresponding frequency information of the electromagnetic signal at the peak value, and synchronize it with the time information to obtain the result information. The receiver is used to transmit the result information to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem through the flight control terminal.

[0026] Using the above technical solution, the receiver operates at a frequency of 9kHz-6GHz and is controlled by the flight control terminal. It has peak detection capability and frequency sweep function. During the test, the receiver can record the maximum power level of the signal and its corresponding frequency information, and synchronize this set of signals with time information to obtain result information. The result information is then transmitted to the data transmission module and the data preprocessing module respectively. The result information is transmitted to the flight control unit for storage through the data transmission module, and the result information is further analyzed in the data preprocessing module.

[0027] Further optimization is as follows: The radar performance diagnosis subsystem is set in the flight control terminal. The radar performance diagnosis subsystem includes a data processing module, an error correction module, a radar detection performance analysis module, and a radar pattern processing module.

[0028] The data processing module is used to acquire result information, import and organize the result information according to flight logs, test simulation devices, and receiver test data, perform time alignment and correction, and obtain time series test data.

[0029] The error correction module is used to input the error compensation level values ​​corresponding to the attitude error and distance error of the UAV body, and to process and compensate for the errors generated by the UAV body according to the test data to obtain correction information. The correction information is then transmitted to the radar detection performance analysis module and the radar pattern processing module respectively.

[0030] The radar detection performance analysis module is used to extract, calculate, analyze and compare the correction information to obtain the radar detection performance.

[0031] The radar pattern processing module extracts the correction information, calculates the angle of the array antenna, and fits the antenna array pattern.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, test data screening, error compensation, radar accuracy calculation and radiation pattern fitting are achieved, the radar detection performance and error analysis are verified, and the antenna array radiation pattern is obtained.

[0033] This invention also discloses a radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, comprising the following steps:

[0034] The S710 deploys the UAV platform subsystem, adjusts the main body of the UAV to flight status, and carries the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target. Static power-on debugging is then performed to ensure that the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition.

[0035] The S720 allows setting the output status of the signal source, including output frequency, output power, and pulse width signal source, on the flight control terminal.

[0036] The S730 uses ground control software to set the flight mission of the UAV, including the flight area, flight altitude, and flight parameters for each flight.

[0037] The S740 UAV body flies to the designated flight area, and the control and reception link subsystem receives electromagnetic signals.

[0038] The S750 uses radar to transmit electromagnetic signals to a radar target. The electromagnetic signals are sent to the radar target, and the radar target reflects the electromagnetic signals back to the target.

[0039] The S760 imports the flight logs and radar-received electromagnetic signals of the UAV into the radar performance diagnostic subsystem, where the error correction module processes and compensates for them to obtain correction information.

[0040] The S770 radar detection performance analysis module extracts, calculates, analyzes, and compares the correction information to obtain the radar detection performance; the radar pattern processing module extracts the correction information, calculates the angle of the array antenna, and fits the antenna array pattern.

[0041] Using the above technical solution, the spatial and motion characteristics of the real target are simulated by the radar target carried by the UAV platform subsystem. The UAV platform subsystem can be controlled from different heights and angles by utilizing its flexible and varied operation modes. The receiving link subsystem performs frequency sweeping and detection on the transmitted signal provided by the radio frequency signal link subsystem. The antenna array pattern is obtained after screening and calculation by the radar performance diagnosis subsystem.

[0042] Further optimization is needed: the flight parameters for the voyage include the test radius, azimuth angle, pitch initial angle, and flight angle range.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the flight mission of the UAV can be clearly controlled through the flight control terminal.

[0044] Further optimizations include radar detection performance such as maximum operating range, accuracy of azimuth and elevation angle values, and resolution.

[0045] Using the above technical solution, the final radiation pattern is generated by detecting the maximum effective range, azimuth and elevation angle working range, accuracy and resolution, and the maximum radiation direction of the antenna array is given by the radiation pattern.

[0046] Further optimization involves deploying the S710 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform subsystem, adjusting the main body of the UAV to a flight state, equipping it with the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target, and performing static power-on debugging to ensure the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition. This includes the following steps:

[0047] The S1010 utilizes a component-assembled drone body, which is positioned using an RTK positioning system. Ground control software controls the drone body's hovering and point-to-point flight.

[0048] The S1020 installs the radio frequency signal link subsystem on the bottom of the drone body, controlling the receiving link subsystem to transmit electromagnetic signals and receive electromagnetic signals reflected from radar targets.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem can be activated and put into normal working condition. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules in Embodiment 1;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the RTK positioning system in Example 1;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of signal transmission in Example 1;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle and process of Example 1;

[0054] Figure 5 The radar antenna array pattern is shown in Example 1.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the method in Example 2;

[0056] Figure 7 The following is a flowchart of the unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] A radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform subsystem, a radio frequency (RF) signal link subsystem, a receiving link subsystem, and a radar performance diagnostic subsystem. The RF signal link subsystem is mounted on the UAV platform subsystem and is communicatively connected to the receiving link subsystem. The data terminal of the receiving link subsystem is connected to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem. The receiving link subsystem includes a radar, and the RF signal link subsystem includes a radar target.

[0060] The radio frequency signal link subsystem is used to generate electromagnetic signals and transmit them to the radar.

[0061] Radar is used to send electromagnetic signals to a radar target, and the radar target is used to reflect electromagnetic signals back to the radar.

[0062] The receiving link subsystem is used to acquire and record electromagnetic signals in the frequency sweep free space at the peak, synchronize the electromagnetic signals with time information, obtain the result information, and transmit the result information to the radar performance diagnosis subsystem.

[0063] The radar performance diagnostic subsystem is used to analyze and process the result information, fit the antenna array radiation pattern, and obtain the radar detection performance, which includes the radar's maximum range and azimuth, elevation angle accuracy, and resolution.

[0064] Please combine Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The principle is:

[0065] A radar target is attached to the UAV body, forming a connection method where the UAV carries the radar target. The radar target on the UAV body simulates the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of a real aerial target. The radar detection performance is tested by processing radar detection data, target data, and flight data. During radar antenna array pattern testing, the signal source outputs a frequency sweep through the RF signal link subsystem, with the output frequency changing periodically while the corresponding voltage level remains constant. The UAV platform subsystem controls the onboard transmitting signal source, records GPS time and location information, and generates a log. The receiving link subsystem continuously records the power level and corresponding frequency value received by the radar, loads time information, and generates test data. The radar performance diagnostic subsystem calculates the azimuth of the transmitting signal source at different times based on a pre-set flight trajectory. Finally, the radiation pattern and radar detection performance are obtained by combining the output response of the received signal.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, the UAV platform subsystem includes the UAV body, RTK positioning system, lithium battery, and flight control terminal, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the RTK positioning system includes a base station and a rover station. The rover station is fixed on the UAV body, and the base station is placed at any location on the ground within the area to be measured. The flight control terminal is communicatively connected to both the UAV body and the RTK positioning system. A lithium battery is housed in the UAV body and is electrically connected to the radio frequency signal link subsystem. It should be noted that the RTK positioning system in this embodiment uses a multi-mode positioning system combining BeiDou, GPS, and Galileo positioning systems to adapt to different positioning needs, giving the UAV platform subsystem flexible positioning modes and enabling positioning at different altitudes and angles during flight. It should also be noted that the flight control terminal in this embodiment is a device capable of storing acquired electromagnetic signals and controlling them via communication. Any control device capable of simultaneously storing and controlling data falls within the scope of a flight control terminal; in this embodiment, a computer is used as the flight control terminal.

[0067] A gimbal is mounted on the lower part of the drone's main body, and the gimbal is connected to one end of the radio frequency signal link subsystem. Inside the drone's main body are a low-voltage transformer module and a flight control unit. The low-voltage transformer module is fixed within the drone's inner wall; one end of the low-voltage transformer module is connected to a lithium battery, and the other end is electrically connected to the radio frequency signal link electronic system. The low-voltage transformer module provides power to the radio frequency signal link electronic system. The flight control unit is connected to a first antenna, which is connected to a data signal link. The flight control terminal contains ground control software, signal source control software, and a second antenna. The data signal link communicates with both the first and second antennas and is used to transmit the drone's flight trajectory.

[0068] The ground control software is used to set the flight mission of the UAV, control and monitor its flight status, which refers to the UAV's flight area, altitude, and flight parameters for each flight. The data transmission module transmits the flight status as data to the ground control software. The signal source control software is used for remotely controlling signal transmission.

[0069] The differential positioning technology of the RTK positioning system enables centimeter-level positioning of the UAV, improving testing accuracy. The gimbal ensures stable antenna attitude and radar target positioning when the UAV is subjected to vibration, further enhancing accuracy. A low-voltage transformer module, powered by the UAV's lithium battery, supplies 5V, 12V, and 28V to the Mini unit and amplifier, providing necessary power to the RF signal link subsystem, reducing the weight of the UAV's onboard equipment and extending the system's effective measurement time. The flight control terminal and data transmission module work together to control the UAV's flight mode, mission, and status.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the radio frequency signal link subsystem also includes a Mini host, a probe antenna, an amplifier, and a filter.

[0071] One end of the Mini host is electrically connected to the low-voltage transformer module, and the other end is connected to a VSG6G1 signal source. The output of the VSG6G1 signal source is electrically connected to a filter, the output of the filter is electrically connected to an amplifier, and the output of the amplifier is electrically connected to a probe antenna. The probe antenna is positioned below the gimbal and connected to the gimbal. The probe antenna is used to collect or transmit electromagnetic signals. The radar target is used to simulate the electromagnetic scattering, light reflection, and radiation characteristics of a real target. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of a real target are simulated. After receiving the electromagnetic signal emitted by the radar, the radar target reflects the electromagnetic signal back to the radar.

[0072] The signal source control software is also installed on the Mini host. This software is used to remotely control the signal source to generate electromagnetic signals. The generation and transmission process of the electromagnetic signal is as follows: The signal source generates electromagnetic signals by operating the control software on the Mini host, and these signals are sent to a filter. The filter processes the received electromagnetic signals and outputs them to an amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the electromagnetic signals and sends them to the probe antenna. The probe antenna then transmits the electromagnetic signals to the radar. The radar receives the electromagnetic signals and sends them to the radar target, which reflects the signals back to the radar. The signal source is set in the flight control terminal via the signal source control software, and the settings are updated synchronously in the signal source control software on the Mini host.

[0073] Radar targets can simulate the electromagnetic scattering, light reflection, and radiation characteristics of real targets. Aboard UAVs, radar targets can perform various maneuvers, simulating the spatial and motion characteristics of real targets. Using radar targets instead of real targets for radar performance detection and evaluation is more flexible, convenient, economical, and practical. The radio frequency signal link subsystem provides the necessary transmission signals, enabling remote real-time control and frequency sweeping functionality. The signal source remote control software allows for arbitrary adjustment of the signal source at any UAV flight state and distance, achieving real-time remote control of the signal source frequency and power, and providing multi-frequency output capabilities.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, the receiving link subsystem includes a frequency sweep receiving module and a peak detection module. The frequency sweep receiving module is used to retain any point of the frequency sweep within the receiving time and add a GPS time stamp to each test frequency point. The peak detection module is used to save the received power level value and the corresponding frequency value at the peak during a single frequency sweep trace measurement and add a GPS time stamp to each test value.

[0075] The receiving link subsystem is controlled by the flight control terminal. During the test, it can record the maximum power level of the signal and its corresponding frequency information, and synchronize this set of signals with the time information to improve the sensitivity of the system.

[0076] Specifically, in this embodiment, the receiving link subsystem includes a receiver and a radar. One end of the receiver is connected to the flight control terminal, and the other end is connected to the output of the radar. The radar's receiving end is communicatively connected to both the radar target and the probe antenna.

[0077] The radio frequency signal link subsystem is used to generate electromagnetic signals and send them to the radar. The electromagnetic signals are then transmitted to the receiver, which records the maximum power level and corresponding frequency information of the electromagnetic signals at the peak value and synchronizes them with the time information to obtain the result information. The receiver then transmits the result information to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem through the flight control terminal.

[0078] The radar emits electromagnetic signals towards a radar target and receives the reflected electromagnetic signals. These signals are then transmitted to a receiver, which records the maximum power level and corresponding frequency information of the electromagnetic signal at its peak value, synchronizing it with time information to obtain the result information. The receiver then transmits this result information to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem. It should be noted that the result information is transmitted to the radar performance diagnostic subsystem in the form of a power level signal. The flight control terminal converts the result information into data and transmits it to the data processing module.

[0079] The receiver operates at a frequency of 9kHz-6GHz and is controlled by the flight control terminal. It has peak detection capability and frequency sweep function. During the test, the receiver can record the maximum power level of the signal and its corresponding frequency information, and synchronize this set of signals with time information to obtain the result information. The result information is then transmitted to the data transmission module and the data preprocessing module respectively. The result information is transmitted to the flight control unit for storage through the data transmission module. The result information is further analyzed in the data preprocessing module to improve the sensitivity of the system.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment, the radar performance diagnosis subsystem is set in the flight control terminal. The radar performance diagnosis subsystem includes a data processing module, an error correction module, a radar detection performance analysis module, and a radar pattern processing module.

[0081] The data processing module is used to acquire result information, import and organize the result information according to flight logs, test simulation devices, and receiver test data, perform time alignment and correction, and obtain time series test data.

[0082] The error correction module is used to input the error compensation level values ​​corresponding to the attitude error and distance error of the UAV body, and to process and compensate for the errors generated by the UAV body based on the test data.

[0083] The radar detection performance analysis module performs time alignment and error compensation on the electromagnetic signals received by the radar, and extracts, calculates, analyzes, and compares flight log information to obtain the radar's detection accuracy. Specifically, it performs time alignment and error compensation on the electromagnetic signals acquired by the radar, extracts flight log information, and calculates the corresponding distance from the acquired echo data using radar equations, thereby calculating the radar's detection range in space. Finally, it compares the UAV's three-dimensional position information extracted from the flight log with the three-dimensional information obtained from radar detection to measure the radar's detection accuracy.

[0084] The radar pattern processing module extracts test data and flight log information, performs pattern calculations to determine the angles of the array antennas, and fits the antenna array pattern. It performs test data filtering, error compensation, radar accuracy calculation, pattern fitting, verifies the radar's detection performance and analyzes its errors, and obtains the antenna array pattern.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] A radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, such as Figure 6 As shown, the specific steps include:

[0087] The S710 deploys the UAV platform subsystem, adjusts the main body of the UAV to flight status, and carries the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target. Static power-on debugging is then performed to ensure that the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition.

[0088] The S720 allows setting the output status of the signal source, including output frequency, output power, and pulse width signal source, on the flight control terminal.

[0089] The S730 uses ground control software to set the flight mission of the UAV, including the flight area, flight altitude, and flight parameters for each flight.

[0090] The S740 UAV body flies to the designated flight area, and the control and receiving link subsystem receives electromagnetic signals and electromagnetic signals.

[0091] The S750 uses radar to transmit electromagnetic signals to a radar target. The electromagnetic signals are sent to the radar target, and the radar target reflects the electromagnetic signals back to the target.

[0092] The S760 imports the UAV's flight logs and radar-received electromagnetic signals into the radar performance diagnostic subsystem, where the error correction module processes and compensates for them to obtain correction information.

[0093] The S770 uses a radar detection performance analysis module to extract, calculate, analyze, and compare the corrected information to obtain the radar detection performance. The radar pattern processing module extracts the corrected information, calculates the angle of the array antenna, and fits the antenna array pattern.

[0094] The radar target mounted on the UAV platform subsystem simulates the spatial and motion characteristics of a real target. Utilizing the flexible and versatile operation of the UAV platform subsystem, the UAV can be controlled from different altitudes and angles. The radio frequency signal link subsystem transmits electromagnetic signals, and the receiving link subsystem collects these signals. The receiving link subsystem performs frequency sweeping and detection on the transmitted signals provided by the radio frequency signal link subsystem. The radar performance diagnostic subsystem extracts the time-aligned and error-compensated test data and flight log information from the electromagnetic signals, performs radiation pattern calculation, and finally calculates the angle of each point relative to the antenna array under test, depicting a two-dimensional radiation pattern of the antenna array in real space, i.e., the antenna array radiation pattern.

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the flight parameters include the test radius, azimuth angle, pitch initial angle, and flight angle range. The flight mission of the UAV is clearly controlled through the flight control terminal.

[0096] Specifically, in this embodiment, the radar detection performance includes maximum operating range, azimuth and elevation angle operating range, accuracy, and resolution.

[0097] Specifically, in this embodiment, step S710 involves deploying the UAV platform subsystem, adjusting the UAV body to a flight state, equipping it with the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target, and performing static power-on debugging to ensure the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition. This includes the following steps: Figure 7 As shown:

[0098] The S1010 utilizes a component-assembled drone body, which is positioned using an RTK positioning system. Ground control software controls the drone body's hovering and point-to-point flight.

[0099] The S1020 installs the radio frequency signal link subsystem at the bottom of the drone body, controls the receiving link subsystem to transmit electromagnetic signals and receive electromagnetic signals reflected from radar targets, thereby activating the drone platform subsystem and putting it into normal working condition.

[0100] In summary, the stable and high-precision UAV platform subsystem is flexible and versatile in operation, capable of high-precision flight from different altitudes and angles. It accurately simulates the flight characteristics of real objects and improves the accuracy of radar antenna array radiation characteristic testing, enabling more precise verification of overall radar performance. As a radar testing system, it provides a flexible, efficient, and low-cost new testing approach that can be widely applied to the testing of various radar devices.

[0101] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but as long as they are within the scope of protection of this invention, they are protected by patent law.

[0102] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, characterized in that, This includes the UAV platform subsystem, the radio frequency signal link subsystem, the receiving link subsystem, and the radar performance diagnostic subsystem. The radio frequency signal link subsystem is mounted on the UAV platform subsystem, and the radio frequency signal link subsystem is communicatively connected to the receiving link subsystem. The data terminal of the receiving link subsystem is data connected to the radar performance diagnosis subsystem. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform subsystem includes the UAV body, RTK positioning system, lithium battery, and flight control terminal. The radio frequency signal link subsystem includes a radar target, a Mini host, a probe antenna, an amplifier, and a filter; The receiving link subsystem includes a receiver, radar, a frequency sweep receiving module, and a peak detection module; The radar performance diagnostic subsystem is located in the flight control terminal. The radar performance diagnostic subsystem includes a data processing module, an error correction module, a radar detection performance analysis module, and a radar pattern processing module. Signal source control software is installed in both the flight control terminal and the Mini host.

2. The radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 1, characterized in that; The RTK positioning system includes a base station and a rover station. The rover station is fixed on the main body of the UAV, and the base station is placed in the area to be measured on the ground. The flight control terminal is communicatively connected to the main body of the UAV and the RTK positioning system. The lithium battery is disposed in the main body of the UAV and is electrically connected to the radio frequency signal link subsystem. A gimbal is mounted on the lower part of the drone body. The gimbal is connected to one end of the radio frequency signal link subsystem. A low-voltage transformer module and a flight control unit are respectively installed inside the drone body. The low-voltage transformer module is fixed in the inner wall of the drone. The flight control unit is connected to a first antenna. The first antenna is connected to a data signal link. Ground control software, signal source control software and a second antenna are installed in the flight control terminal. The data signal link is communicatively connected to the first antenna and the second antenna. The data signal link is used to transmit the flight trajectory of the drone body. The ground control software is used to set the flight mission of the UAV body, control and monitor the flight status of the UAV body, and the data transmission module is used to transmit the flight status to the ground control software in the form of data information.

3. The radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the Mini host is electrically connected to the low-voltage transformer module, and the other end of the Mini host is connected to a VSG6G1 signal source. The output end of the VSG6G1 signal source is electrically connected to a filter, the output end of the filter is electrically connected to an amplifier, the output end of the amplifier is electrically connected to a probe antenna, and the probe antenna is connected to the pan-tilt unit.

4. The radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency sweep receiving module is used to retain any point of the frequency sweep within the receiving time and add a GPS time stamp to each test frequency point. The peak detection module is used to save the received power level value and the corresponding frequency value at the peak in a single frequency sweep trace measurement and add a GPS time stamp to each test value.

5. The radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the receiver is connected to the flight control terminal, and the other end of the receiver is connected to the output end of the radar; the receiving end of the radar is communicatively connected to the radar target and the probe antenna respectively. The radio frequency signal link subsystem is used to send the generated electromagnetic signal to the radar, and then transmit it to the receiver. The receiver is used to record the maximum power level value and corresponding frequency information of the electromagnetic signal at the peak value, and synchronize it with the time information to obtain the result information. The result information is then transmitted to the radar performance diagnosis subsystem through the flight control terminal.

6. The radar performance diagnostic system based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing module is used to acquire the result information, import and organize the result information according to the flight log, the simulation device under test and the receiver test data, perform time alignment and correction, and obtain time series test data. The error correction module is used to input the error compensation level values ​​corresponding to the attitude error and distance error of the UAV body, process and compensate for the error generated by the UAV body according to the test data, obtain correction information, and transmit the correction information to the radar detection performance analysis module and the radar pattern processing module respectively. The radar detection performance analysis module is used to extract, calculate, analyze and compare the correction information to obtain the radar detection performance. The radar pattern processing module extracts the correction information, calculates the angle of the array antenna, and fits the antenna array pattern.

7. A radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, used in the radar performance diagnosis system based on an UAV platform as described in claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The S710 deploys the unmanned aerial vehicle platform subsystem, adjusts the main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle to a flight state, and carries the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target. Static power-on debugging is performed to ensure that the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition. The S720 sets the output status of the signal source, including output frequency, output power, and pulse width signal source, in the flight control terminal. The S730 uses ground control software to set the flight mission of the UAV body, including the flight area, flight altitude, and flight parameters for each flight. S740 The main body of the UAV flies to the predetermined flight area, and the control and receiving link subsystem receives electromagnetic signals; S750 uses radar to transmit electromagnetic signals to the radar target, the electromagnetic signals are sent to the radar target, and the radar target reflects the electromagnetic signals back to the radar. S760 imports the flight log of the UAV body and the electromagnetic signals received by the radar into the radar performance diagnosis subsystem, where the error correction module processes and compensates for the errors to obtain correction information. The S770 radar detection performance analysis module extracts, calculates, analyzes, and compares the correction information to obtain the radar detection performance; the radar pattern processing module extracts the correction information, calculates the angle of the array antenna, and fits the antenna array pattern.

8. The radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flight parameters for the voyage include the test radius, azimuth angle, pitch initial angle, and flight angle range.

9. The radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The radar detection performance includes maximum operating range, accuracy of azimuth and elevation angle values, and resolution.

10. The radar performance diagnosis method based on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The S710 deploys the UAV platform subsystem, adjusts the main body of the UAV to a flight state, equips the radio frequency signal link subsystem and radar target, and performs static power-on debugging to ensure that the radio frequency signal link subsystem and flight control unit are in normal working condition. This includes the following steps: S1010 uses the assembled and integrated UAV body to locate the position of the UAV body through an RTK positioning system; and controls the hovering and point-circling flight of the UAV body through ground control software. S1020 installs the radio frequency signal link subsystem at the bottom of the UAV body and controls the receiving link subsystem to transmit electromagnetic signals and receive electromagnetic signals reflected by the radar target.

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