A self-directing directional antenna array

Abstract

The application discloses a self-adjusting directional antenna array, which comprises an antenna unit, a master module, a communication port, a radio frequency port, a power supply port and a radome. The array realizes the optimal antenna selection strategy of each node through the real-time sharing of GPS / BD positioning position information between each mobile ad hoc communication node. Compared with the omnidirectional antenna adopted by the common mobile ad hoc communication node, the array scheme improves the effectiveness of the radio frequency energy of wireless communication, improves the transmission distance, and reduces the cost, computing power and power consumption pressure brought by the complex beam shaping technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a self-directing antenna array. Background Technology

[0002] An array antenna refers to a type of antenna consisting of an "antenna array" (rather than a single antenna). Each antenna in an array antenna is called an "antenna element." There are many different types of array antennas. The primary motivation for using array antennas is their ability to focus the radiation of wireless signals in a specific direction. Focusing radiation into a specific beam is called "beamforming."

[0003] When the field phase of an aperture antenna changes linearly, its beam pointing will shift. Phased array antennas operate on this principle, using electronic control to change the excitation phase of each element in the array, making it uniformly variable (i.e., linearly variable), thus causing the beam pointing to continuously shift and achieving antenna directional scanning. Common phased array antennas refer to antennas that change their radiation pattern shape by controlling the feed phase of the radiating elements in the array. Controlling the phase can change the direction of the antenna's maximum radiation value, achieving beam scanning. Phased array antennas have high beam scanning speeds; their feed phases are generally computer-controlled, allowing for rapid phase changes and enabling rapid changes in the antenna's maximum radiation value direction or other parameters.

[0004] Phased array radars first appeared in the late 1960s. Currently, phased array technology is increasingly used in various tactical radars, such as search, guidance, fire control, and guidance radars. Some civilian radars, such as landing radars in air traffic control systems, and even weather radars, have also begun to adopt phased array technology.

[0005] MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology uses multiple transmit and receive antennas at both the transmitting and receiving ends, allowing signals to be transmitted and received through these antennas, thereby improving communication quality and capability. MIMO enhances the channel capacity of communication systems through multi-antenna diversity and spatial multiplexing.

[0006] Distance and reliability are crucial performance indicators for ad hoc network communication, and antenna performance has a significant impact, especially in vehicle-mounted and shipborne ad hoc network communication systems. Due to mobility requirements, the relative positions between communication nodes are not fixed, so omnidirectional antennas are used. Due to cost and size constraints, MIMO technology and omnidirectional whip antennas are commonly employed. However, MIMO technology and omnidirectional whip antennas have the following problems:

[0007] 1) Compared to directional antennas, omnidirectional whip antennas have lower gain, resulting in shorter coverage distance and smaller communication bandwidth. If a power divider is used to combine directional antennas into an omnidirectional antenna, the power divider's losses will offset the increase in gain of the directional antennas.

[0008] 2) In hilly or undulating sea environments, it is necessary to increase the omnidirectional antenna elevation angle. However, the increase in elevation angle will inevitably lead to a decrease in antenna gain, which in turn will result in a shorter coverage distance and a smaller communication bandwidth.

[0009] 3) When self-organizing network devices need to be wirelessly silent, the current technology is to turn off the power or radio frequency of each self-organizing device, which takes a long time to restart the device and reorganize the network.

[0010] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an antenna array that can overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this application is to provide an antenna array with high gain and high communication reliability in harsh sea conditions and mountainous environments.

[0012] This application discloses a self-directing antenna array, including an antenna element, a main control module, a communication port, a radio frequency (RF) port, a power supply port, and an antenna radome. The main control module consists of a control unit, a communication unit, an RF switching unit, and a power supply unit. The antenna element is connected to the RF port via the RF switching unit, and the RF port is connected to RF input / output signals. The control unit is connected to the communication port via the communication unit, and communicates with the outside world through the communication unit to receive information from each communication node in the wireless ad hoc network and array strategies issued externally, and outputs the status and configuration information of the antenna array. The control unit also performs firmware upgrades for the antenna array. The control unit drives the RF switching unit according to the built-in or received array strategies. The power supply unit is connected to the power supply port and supplies power to the control unit, the communication unit, and the RF switching unit. The antenna element is installed inside the antenna radome.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the antenna unit includes four directional antennas, the horizontal azimuth angle of the directional antennas is 90°, and the four directional antennas are arranged circumferentially to form 360° coverage.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the RF switching unit includes RF switches, power dividers, and resistors. The RF switches include four 4-input 1-output RF switches, two 1-input 4-output RF switches, and one 1-input 7-output RF switch. The power dividers include one 2-power divider and one 4-power divider. The resistor is an RF power absorption grounding resistor. The four 4-input 1-output RF switches are respectively the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th RF switches. The two 1-input 4-output RF switches are respectively the 71st and 72nd RF switches. The one 1-input 7-output RF switch is the 3rd RF switch. The one 2-power divider is the 4th power divider. The one 4-power divider is the 5th power divider. The resistor is the 6th resistor.

[0015] The input terminal of the third RF switch is connected to the RF port; the output terminals of the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th RF switches are connected to the antenna unit; the first input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the first output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the second output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the third output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the fourth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the input terminal of the 4th power divider is connected to the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the input terminal of the 5th power divider is connected to the sixth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; and the seventh output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is grounded through the sixth resistor.

[0016] The input terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the first output terminal of the 4th power divider; the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 21st RF switch; the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch; the third output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 23rd RF switch; and the fourth output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 24th RF switch.

[0017] The input terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 2nd output terminal of the 4th power divider; the 1st output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 21st RF switch; the 2nd output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 22nd RF switch; the 3rd output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 23rd RF switch; and the 4th output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 24th RF switch.

[0018] The first output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 21st RF switch, the second output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 23rd RF switch, and the fourth output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 24th RF switch.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the array strategy is the radiation azimuth coverage strategy of the antenna array, which includes a 360° coverage strategy, a unidirectional 90° coverage strategy, a bidirectional 90° coverage strategy, a 180° coverage strategy, and a silent strategy; the 360° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 360°, the unidirectional 90° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 90°, the bidirectional 90° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 90° in two opposite directions, the 180° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 180°, and the silent strategy means that the antenna array has no radio frequency input.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the step of setting the array strategy for the antenna array includes:

[0021] Power on the device and set the initial array strategy to a 360° coverage strategy.

[0022] Obtain the location information of the communication node where the antenna array is located and other communication nodes;

[0023] Using the location of the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, calculate the azimuth angles between other communication nodes and the communication node where the antenna array is located;

[0024] Determine if it is a single 90° direction. If so, execute the unidirectional 90° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

[0025] Determine if it is 2 facing away from 90°. If so, execute the bidirectional 90° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

[0026] Determine if it is a 180° direction; if so, execute the 180° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

[0027] Determine if it is a 360° direction; if so, execute the 360° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

[0028] Determine if radio silence is enabled; if so, execute the silence policy.

[0029] The method for determining a single 90° direction is that other communication nodes are within a 90° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin;

[0030] The method for determining the 2nd direction away from 90° is that other communication nodes are within two 90° azimuth angles in the opposite direction of the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin.

[0031] The method for determining the 180° direction is that other communication nodes are within a 180° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin;

[0032] The method for determining the 360° direction is that other communication nodes are within the 360° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the information of each communication node in the ad hoc network includes the location, topology, distance, and communication link quality information between each communication node.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the location information is latitude and longitude location information.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the latitude and longitude location information is obtained through the Global Positioning System or the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the communication link quality information includes the signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate of the wireless link between communication node devices in an ad hoc network.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the step of the control unit driving the radio frequency switching unit according to a built-in or received array strategy includes:

[0038] When executing the unidirectional 90° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to one of the following driving modes from the first to the fourth:

[0039] First driving method: The first input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, and the first output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0040] Second driving method: The first input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, and the second output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0041] Third driving method: The first input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, and the third output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0042] Fourth driving method: The first input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, and the fourth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0043] When implementing the bidirectional 90° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the RF switching unit according to either the fifth or sixth driving method:

[0044] Fifth driving method: The second input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the third input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the third output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0045] The sixth driving method: the second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0046] When executing a unidirectional 180° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the RF switching unit according to one of the following driving modes from the 7th to the 10th:

[0047] 7th driving method: The second input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the third input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the second output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0048] 8th driving method: The second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the third output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0049] 9th driving method: The second input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the third output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0050] 10th driving method: The second input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the third input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the first output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0051] When executing the 360° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to the 11th driving mode:

[0052] 11th driving method: The 4th input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, and the 6th output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch;

[0053] When executing the silent strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to the 12th driving mode:

[0054] 12th driving method: The 7th output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the self-adjusting directional antenna array further includes a pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism for mounting the directional antenna. The pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism includes an antenna mounting bracket, a cross shaft, a bearing, a bearing fixing bracket, a shaft support frame, and an outer casing base plate. The directional antenna is mounted on the antenna mounting bracket, which is fixedly connected to the cross shaft. The cross shaft is supported above the outer casing base plate by means of the bearing, the bearing fixing bracket, and the shaft support frame.

[0056] The technical solution disclosed in this application achieves optimal antenna selection for each node through real-time sharing of GPS (Global Positioning System) / BD (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) positioning information among various mobile ad hoc network communication nodes. Each mobile ad hoc network communication node employs a combination of directional antennas and RF switching switches to achieve strategic selection of directional antennas in the antenna array. Compared with commonly used omnidirectional antennas, this improves the effectiveness of RF energy, increases transmission distance, and reduces the cost, computing power, and power consumption pressure caused by complex beamforming techniques. The combination of multiple RF switching switches and RF power dividers enables automatic adaptation to various topologies of the communication links between the ad hoc network communication nodes, meeting the needs of diverse communication scenarios.

[0057] The technical solution disclosed in this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0058] (1) Increased communication distance.

[0059] Directional antennas have higher gain than omnidirectional antennas. For example, a 1400MHz omnidirectional whip antenna with a 30° elevation angle has a gain of 6dBi, while a 1400MHz directional antenna with a 90° horizontal angle and a 30° elevation angle has a gain of 14dBi. If a power divider is used to replace one omnidirectional antenna with four 90° directional antennas, the 8dB loss of the power divider will negate the gain provided by the directional antenna. By using a directional array antenna instead of an omnidirectional whip antenna, the power divider loss can be reduced by 8dB when the relative positions of the ad hoc network communication nodes are in a unidirectional 90° coverage scenario; and by 4dB when the relative positions of the ad hoc network communication nodes are in a unidirectional 180° or bidirectional 90° scenario. The communication distance can be significantly improved in non-omnidirectional scenarios. Only when a node is in the center position and requires 360° omnidirectional communication does the array antenna's performance become the same as that of an omnidirectional antenna. The communication links between communication nodes in a self-organizing network are mostly chain-type or star-type, while mesh-type topology links serve as backup links.

[0060] (2) Improved communication reliability in harsh sea conditions and mountainous environments.

[0061] The pitch angle can be increased by 30° through the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism. Taking an omnidirectional antenna as an example, the gain of an omnidirectional antenna with a pitch angle of 60° is 3dBi lower than that of an omnidirectional antenna with a pitch angle of 30°. Attached Figure Description

[0062] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0063] Figure 1 A block diagram of a self-directing antenna array according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0064] Figure 2 One of the radio frequency switching unit structure diagrams according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0065] Figure 3 A second structural diagram of a radio frequency switching unit according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0066] Figure 4 The third diagram shows the structure of the radio frequency switching unit according to the example embodiment.

[0067] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the antenna array configuration strategy according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0068] Figure 6 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in a single 90° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0069] Figure 7 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in the 90° opposite direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0070] Figure 8 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in a 180° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0071] Figure 9 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in the 360° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0072] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism in a self-adjusting directional antenna array according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 10 (a) is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism; Figure 10 (b) is a front view schematic diagram of the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism. 11 is the first directional antenna, 12 is the second directional antenna, 13 is the third directional antenna, 14 is the fourth directional antenna, 112 is the cross shaft, 113 is the antenna mounting bracket, 114 is the bearing, 115 is the bearing fixing bracket, 116 is the shaft support frame, and 117 is the outer cover base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] Those skilled in the art should understand that the following specific embodiments or implementation methods are a series of optimized configurations listed in this application to further explain the specific application content. These configuration methods can be combined or used in conjunction with each other, unless this application explicitly states that some or a specific embodiment or implementation method cannot be associated with or used in conjunction with other embodiments or implementation methods. Furthermore, the following specific embodiments or implementation methods are only considered as optimized configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] Example 1:

[0076] Figure 1 A block diagram of a self-directing antenna array according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, a self-adjusting directional antenna array includes an antenna element 101, a main control module 102, a communication port 104, an RF port 105, a power supply port 106, and an antenna radome 103.

[0078] Antenna element 101 includes four directional antennas with a radiation azimuth angle of 90°. The four directional antennas are arranged in a ring around the central axis. The main radiation azimuth angles of two adjacent directional antennas are spaced 90° apart. The main radiation directions of the four directional antennas point to four directions: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively, forming an antenna array with 360° azimuth coverage.

[0079] The main control module 102 consists of a control unit 107, a communication unit 110, an RF switching unit 108, and a power supply unit 109. The antenna unit 101 is connected to the RF port 105 via the RF switching unit 108, and the RF port 105 is connected to RF input / output signals. The control unit 107 is connected to the communication port 104 via the communication unit 110. The control unit 107 communicates with the outside world through the communication unit 110, receiving information on the location, topology, distance, and communication link quality of each communication node in the ad hoc network, as well as array strategies issued externally. The location information is latitude and longitude information, obtained through the Global Positioning System (GPS) or the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The communication link quality information includes the signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate of the wireless link between communication nodes in the ad hoc network. The control unit 107 communicates with the outside world through the communication unit 110, outputting the status and configuration information of the antenna array. The control unit 107 also performs firmware upgrades for the antenna array. The control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to the built-in or received array strategies. The power supply unit 109 is connected to the power port 106 and supplies power to the control unit 107, the communication unit 110 and the radio frequency switching unit 108.

[0080] Antenna unit 101 and main control module 102 are installed inside antenna radome 103.

[0081] Figure 2 One of the radio frequency switching unit structure diagrams according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0082] Figure 3 A second structural diagram of a radio frequency switching unit according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0083] Figure 4 The third diagram shows the structure of the radio frequency switching unit according to the example embodiment.

[0084] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, antenna element 101 includes a first directional antenna 11, a second directional antenna 12, a third directional antenna 13, and a fourth directional antenna 14. The horizontal -6dB angle of the first directional antenna 11, the second directional antenna 12, the third directional antenna 13, and the fourth directional antenna 14 is 90°. Each directional antenna covers one 90° direction, and the four directional antennas are combined to form full coverage in the 360° direction.

[0085] The RF switching unit 108 includes four 4-input 1-output RF switches, two 1-input 4-output RF switches, one 1-input 7-output RF switch, one two-way power divider, one four-way power divider, and one RF power absorption grounding resistor. The four 4-input 1-output RF switches are RF switch 21, RF switch 22, RF switch 23, and RF switch 24; the two 1-input 4-output RF switches are RF switch 71 and RF switch 72; the one 1-input 7-output RF switch is RF switch 3; the two-way power divider is power divider 4; the four-way power divider is power divider 5; and the RF power absorption grounding resistor is resistor 6.

[0086] The input terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to RF port 105. The output terminals of RF switches 21, 22, 23, and 24 are connected to the first directional antenna 11, the second directional antenna 12, the third directional antenna 13, and the fourth directional antenna 14, respectively. The first input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the first output terminal of RF switch 3, the first input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the second output terminal of RF switch 3, the first input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the third output terminal of RF switch 3, the first input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the fourth output terminal of RF switch 3, the input terminal of power divider 4 is connected to the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3, the input terminal of power divider 5 is connected to the sixth output terminal of RF switch 3, and the seventh output terminal of RF switch 3 is grounded through resistor 6. Control signals from control unit 107 are sent to RF switches 3, 21, 22, 23, 24, 71, and 72, respectively.

[0087] The input terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the first output terminal of power divider 4. The first output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the second input terminal of RF switch 21. The second output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the second input terminal of RF switch 22. The third output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the second input terminal of RF switch 23. The fourth output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the second input terminal of RF switch 24.

[0088] The input terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the second output terminal of power divider 4, the first output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the third input terminal of RF switch 21, the second output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the third input terminal of RF switch 22, the third output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the third input terminal of RF switch 23, and the fourth output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the third input terminal of RF switch 24.

[0089] The first output terminal of power divider 5 is connected to the fourth input terminal of RF switch 21, the second output terminal of power divider 5 is connected to the fourth input terminal of RF switch 22, the third output terminal of power divider 5 is connected to the fourth input terminal of RF switch 23, and the fourth output terminal of power divider 5 is connected to the fourth input terminal of RF switch 24.

[0090] The control unit 107 calculates the required coverage direction based on the relative positions of each communication node in the ad hoc network and dynamically selects the radiation azimuth coverage strategy of the antenna array in real time, i.e., the array strategy. The array strategies include a 360° coverage strategy, a one-way 90° coverage strategy, a two-way 90° coverage strategy, a 180° coverage strategy, and a silent strategy. The 360° coverage strategy means the antenna array's horizontal radiation azimuth range is 360°; the one-way 90° coverage strategy means the antenna array's horizontal radiation azimuth range is 90°; the two-way 90° coverage strategy means the antenna array's horizontal radiation azimuth range is 90° in two opposite directions; the 180° coverage strategy means the antenna array's horizontal radiation azimuth range is 180°; and the silent strategy means the antenna array has no radio frequency input.

[0091] Figure 6 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in a single 90° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, and +27.5° directly in front of it, four 90° regions are divided. When other communication nodes (communication node 82 to communication node 85) are within the 90° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located (communication node 81) as the origin, this relative position relationship is a single 90° direction.

[0093] Figure 7 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in the 90° opposite direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, and +27.5° directly in front of it, four 90° regions are divided. When other communication nodes (communication nodes 82 to 85) are within two 90° azimuth angles in the opposite direction from the communication node (communication node 81) where the antenna array is located as the origin, this relative position relationship is 2 opposite to 90° direction.

[0095] Figure 8 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in a 180° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, and +27.5° directly in front of it, four 90° regions are divided. When other communication nodes (communication node 82 to communication node 85) are within the 180° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located (communication node 81) as the origin, this relative position relationship is the 180° direction.

[0097] Figure 9 A diagram showing the relative positions of nodes in the 360° direction according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin and +27.5° directly in front of it, four 90° regions are divided. When other communication nodes (communication nodes 82 to 85) are within the 360° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located (communication node 81) as the origin, that is, when the communication node where the antenna array is located (communication node 81) is located in the central region of other communication nodes (communication nodes 82 to 85), this relative positional relationship is in the 360° direction.

[0099] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the antenna array configuration strategy according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the steps to set up the array strategy are as follows:

[0101] S501, antenna array powered on.

[0102] S502, the array strategy is initialized as a 360° coverage strategy. The control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to the 11th driving mode.

[0103] 11th driving mode: The 4th input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 21, the 4th input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 22, the 4th input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 23, the 4th input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 24, and the 6th output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0104] S503 obtains the latitude and longitude location information of the communication node where the antenna array is located, as well as other communication nodes, through the Global Positioning System or the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System.

[0105] S504, taking the location of the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, calculates the azimuth angle between other communication nodes and the communication node where the antenna array is located.

[0106] S505, determine whether it is a single 90° direction. If yes, proceed to step S506; otherwise, proceed to step S507.

[0107] S506, the antenna array executes a unidirectional 90° coverage strategy, and the control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to one of the first to fourth driving modes. After completion, return to step S503.

[0108] First driving mode: The first input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 21, and the first output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0109] Second driving method: The first input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 22, and the second output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0110] Third driving method: The first input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 23, and the third output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0111] Fourth driving method: The first input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 24, and the fourth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0112] The output terminals of RF switches 21 to 24 are respectively connected to their corresponding first output terminals. RF switch 3 can select the first directional antenna 11 to the fourth directional antenna 14 in the specified direction by selecting the first to fourth output terminals (4 to 1).

[0113] S507, determine if it is 2 facing away from 90° direction. If yes, proceed to step S508; otherwise, proceed to step S509.

[0114] S508, the antenna array executes a bidirectional 90° coverage strategy, and the control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to either the 5th or 6th driving mode. After completion, return to step S503.

[0115] Fifth driving method: The second input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 21, the third input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 23, the first output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the third output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 72, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0116] 6th driving method: The second input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 22, the third input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 24, the second output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the fourth output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0117] In other words, when two back-to-back 90° directional coverages are required, it consists of two spaced directional antennas, with two possible directions: the first directional antenna 11 and the third directional antenna 13, and the second directional antenna 12 and the fourth directional antenna 14.

[0118] S509, determine if it is a 180° direction. If yes, proceed to step S510; otherwise, proceed to step S511.

[0119] S510, the antenna array executes a 180° coverage strategy, and the control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to one of the 7th to 10th driving modes. After completion, return to step S503.

[0120] 7th driving mode: The second input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 21, the third input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 22, the first output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the second output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 72, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0121] 8th driving mode: The second input terminal of RF switch 22 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 22, the third input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 23, the second output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the third output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 72, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0122] 9th driving mode: The second input terminal of RF switch 23 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 23, the third input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 24, the third output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the fourth output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 72, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0123] 10th driving mode: The second input terminal of RF switch 24 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 24, the third input terminal of RF switch 21 is connected to the output terminal of RF switch 21, the fourth output terminal of RF switch 71 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 71, the first output terminal of RF switch 72 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 72, and the fifth output terminal of RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of RF switch 3.

[0124] S511, determine if it is a 360° direction. If yes, proceed to step S512; otherwise, proceed to step S513.

[0125] S512, the antenna array executes a 360° coverage strategy. After completion, return to step S503.

[0126] S513, determine whether it is radio silence. If yes, proceed to step S514; otherwise, return to step S503.

[0127] S514, the antenna array executes a silent strategy, and the control unit 107 drives the RF switching unit 108 according to the 12th driving mode. After completion, return to step S503. 12th driving mode: The 7th output terminal of the RF switch 3 is connected to the input terminal of the RF switch 3.

[0128] Example 2:

[0129] Figure 10 A structural diagram of a pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 10 (a) is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism; Figure 10 (b) is a front view schematic diagram of the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism. 11 is the first directional antenna, 12 is the second directional antenna, 13 is the third directional antenna, 14 is the fourth directional antenna, 112 is the cross shaft, 113 is the antenna mounting bracket, 114 is the bearing, 115 is the bearing fixing bracket, 116 is the shaft support frame, and 117 is the outer cover base plate.

[0130] Based on Embodiment 1, a self-adjusting directional antenna array further includes an elevation adaptive adjustment mechanism. The elevation adaptive adjustment mechanism is used to mount the directional antenna.

[0131] like Figure 10As shown, the pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism includes an antenna mounting bracket 113, a cross shaft 112, a bearing 114, a bearing fixing bracket 115, a shaft support frame 116, and an outer cover base plate 117.

[0132] The first directional antenna 11, the second directional antenna 12, the third directional antenna 13, and the fourth directional antenna 14 are fixedly mounted on the antenna mounting bracket 113. The antenna mounting bracket 113 is connected to the cross shaft 112 via bearings 114. Both ends of the cross shaft 112 are mounted on a shaft support frame 116 via bearings 114 and bearing fixing brackets 115, respectively. The shaft support frame 116 is arranged on the outer casing base plate 117. The entire antenna array is located on the upper part of the outer casing base plate. The antenna mounting bracket 113 can swing relative to the shaft support frame 116 with the cross shaft 112, achieving overall pitch adjustment of the four antennas. When the antenna array mounting platform shakes, the antenna array will tilt backward due to gravity via the bearings, minimizing the angle of its sway.

[0133] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-directional antenna array, characterized in that, It includes antenna units, main control module, communication port, radio frequency port, power port and antenna cover; The main control module consists of a control unit, a communication unit, an RF switching unit, and a power supply unit; The antenna unit is connected to the radio frequency port through the radio frequency switching unit, and the radio frequency port is connected to radio frequency input and output signals; The control unit is connected to the communication port through the communication unit. The control unit communicates with the outside through the communication unit, receives information from each communication node in the ad hoc network and array policies issued by the outside, and outputs the status and configuration information of this antenna array. The control unit also performs firmware upgrades for this antenna array. The control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to the built-in or received array policies. The power supply unit is connected to the power port, and the power supply unit supplies power to the control unit, the communication unit and the radio frequency switching unit. The antenna unit is installed inside the radome.

2. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes four directional antennas, each with a horizontal azimuth angle of 90°. The four directional antennas are arranged circumferentially to form 360° coverage.

3. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radio frequency switching unit includes radio frequency switches, power dividers, and resistors. The radio frequency switches include four 4-input 1-output radio frequency switches, two 1-input 4-output radio frequency switches, and one 1-input 7-output radio frequency switch. The power dividers include one 2-power divider and one 4-power divider. The resistor is a radio frequency power absorption grounding resistor. The four 4-input 1-output radio frequency switches are respectively the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th radio frequency switches. The two 1-input 4-output radio frequency switches are respectively the 71st and 72nd radio frequency switches. The one 1-input 7-output radio frequency switch is the 3rd radio frequency switch. The one 2-power divider is the 4th power divider. The one 4-power divider is the 5th power divider. The resistor is the 6th resistor. The input terminal of the third RF switch is connected to the RF port; the output terminals of the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th RF switches are connected to the antenna unit; the first input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the first output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the second output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the third output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the first input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the fourth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the input terminal of the 4th power divider is connected to the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; the input terminal of the 5th power divider is connected to the sixth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch; and the seventh output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is grounded through the sixth resistor. The input terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the first output terminal of the 4th power divider; the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 21st RF switch; the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch; the third output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 23rd RF switch; and the fourth output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the second input terminal of the 24th RF switch. The input terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 2nd output terminal of the 4th power divider; the 1st output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 21st RF switch; the 2nd output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 22nd RF switch; the 3rd output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 23rd RF switch; and the 4th output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the 3rd input terminal of the 24th RF switch. The first output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 21st RF switch, the second output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 23rd RF switch, and the fourth output terminal of the fifth power divider is connected to the fourth input terminal of the 24th RF switch.

4. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The array strategy refers to the radiation azimuth coverage strategy of the antenna array, which includes a 360° coverage strategy, a unidirectional 90° coverage strategy, a bidirectional 90° coverage strategy, a 180° coverage strategy, and a silent strategy. The 360° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 360°. The unidirectional 90° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 90°. The bidirectional 90° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 90° in two opposite directions. The 180° coverage strategy means that the radiation horizontal azimuth range of the antenna array is 180°. The silent strategy means that the antenna array has no radio frequency input.

5. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steps for setting the array strategy for the antenna array include: Power on the device and set the initial array strategy to a 360° coverage strategy. Obtain the location information of the communication node where the antenna array is located and other communication nodes; Using the location of the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin, calculate the azimuth angles between other communication nodes and the communication node where the antenna array is located; Determine if it is a single 90° direction. If so, execute the unidirectional 90° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step. Determine if it is 2 facing away from 90°. If so, execute the bidirectional 90° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step. Determine if it is a 180° direction; if so, execute the 180° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step. Determine if it is a 360° direction; if so, execute the 360° coverage strategy; otherwise, proceed to the next step. Determine if radio silence is enabled; if so, execute the silence policy. The method for determining a single 90° direction is that other communication nodes are within a 90° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin; The method for determining the 2nd direction away from 90° is that other communication nodes are within two 90° azimuth angles in the opposite direction of the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin. The method for determining the 180° direction is that other communication nodes are within a 180° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin; The method for determining the 360° direction is that other communication nodes are within the 360° azimuth range with the communication node where the antenna array is located as the origin.

6. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that, The information of each communication node in the self-organizing network includes the location, topology, distance between each communication node, and communication link quality information.

7. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 6, characterized in that, The location information is latitude and longitude location information, which is obtained through the Global Positioning System or the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

8. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication link quality information includes the signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate of the wireless links between communication node devices in the ad hoc network.

9. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of the control unit driving the radio frequency switching unit according to the built-in or received array strategy includes: When executing the unidirectional 90° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to one of the following driving modes from the first to the fourth: First driving method: The first input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, and the first output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; Second driving method: The first input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, and the second output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; Third driving method: The first input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, and the third output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; Fourth driving method: The first input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, and the fourth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; When implementing the bidirectional 90° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the RF switching unit according to either the fifth or sixth driving method: Fifth driving method: The second input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the third input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the third output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; The sixth driving method: the second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; When executing a unidirectional 180° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the RF switching unit according to one of the following driving modes from the 7th to the 10th: 7th driving method: The second input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the third input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the first output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the second output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; 8th driving method: The second input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the second output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the third output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; 9th driving method: The second input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the third input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the third output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; 10th driving method: The second input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, the third input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the fourth output terminal of the 71st RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 71st RF switch, the first output terminal of the 72nd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 72nd RF switch, and the fifth output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; When executing the 360° coverage strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to the 11th driving mode: 11th driving method: The 4th input terminal of the 21st RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 21st RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 22nd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 22nd RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 23rd RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 23rd RF switch, the 4th input terminal of the 24th RF switch is connected to the output terminal of the 24th RF switch, and the 6th output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch; When executing the silent strategy, the control unit drives the radio frequency switching unit according to the 12th driving mode: 12th driving method: The 7th output terminal of the 3rd RF switch is connected to the input terminal of the 3rd RF switch.

10. The self-directing directional antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism, which is used to install the directional antenna. The pitch adaptive adjustment mechanism includes an antenna mounting bracket, a cross shaft, a bearing, a bearing fixing bracket, a shaft support frame, and an outer cover base plate. The directional antenna is mounted on the antenna mounting bracket, which is fixedly connected to the cross shaft. The cross shaft is supported above the outer cover base plate by means of the bearing, the bearing fixing bracket, and the shaft support frame.

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