C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna unit and array antenna thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna unit and an array antenna thereof. Due to double limitation of the size of a radiation opening surface and the material of a substrate, the number of array elements integrated by the phased-array antenna and conformal installation limitation are difficult to solve at the same time; a balance micro-strip plate, a conversion plate and a waveguide transmission plate are sequentially arranged on a loading floor, the conversion plate is sequentially decreased from one end close to the waveguide transmission plate to the other end far away from the waveguide transmission plate, the balance micro-strip plate is provided with a coaxial line feeder connector, and the waveguide transmission plate is provided with a dielectric rod. The width of the medium rod is gradually reduced from the connecting end to the suspended end; a plurality of air holes are formed in the medium rod, the air holes are round holes, and the hole diameter of the air holes is smaller than or equal to one fifth of the maximum width of the medium rod; a gradually-changing notch is formed between the top side of the loading floor and the lower side of the medium rod, and the width of the gradually-changing notch is sequentially decreased from the connecting end to the suspended end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element and its array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] A directional antenna is an important device in wireless communication systems. It possesses directional radiation characteristics, concentrating signals in a specific direction to improve communication quality and transmission efficiency. The principle of a directional antenna is based on the antenna's radiation characteristics and signal transmission principles. It achieves directional radiation by altering the antenna's structure and shape, making its radiation capability stronger in a specific direction and weaker in other directions. This directional radiation characteristic can be achieved in several ways: first, through reflectors to enhance radiation capability; second, through beamforming technology to achieve directional radiation; and third, through phased arrays, which control the radiation direction by changing the phase difference between antenna elements. In wireless communication systems, directional antennas can enhance coverage and transmission distance. Concentrating the signal in a specific direction increases transmission power and receiving sensitivity, thereby improving communication quality and stability. In wireless networks, concentrating the signal in the area to be covered improves network coverage and capacity, meeting users' demands for high-speed, stable network connections. In UAV communication, concentrating the signal in the direction of the UAV improves communication quality and stability between the UAV and the ground station, enabling reliable data transmission and control. In satellite communication, concentrating signals within the satellite's coverage area improves transmission efficiency and capacity, meeting the communication service needs of a wide range of users. Directional antennas typically have a main beam, the direction and width of which are determined by the antenna's design and construction. Mobile platforms such as UAVs require antennas to perform beam scanning for communication, detection, and other functions. Due to platform size limitations, antennas must be mounted on the nose or other parts of the aircraft to achieve forward and backward beam pointing. Currently, existing phased array antenna elements often use microstrip designs. This structure has two drawbacks: firstly, it has lower gain, and in space-constrained applications, the limited number of integrateable elements due to the radiating aperture size restricts the antenna array gain; secondly, since the antenna array must be mounted on the surface of the mobile platform, conformal installation is required to meet aerodynamic standards. Microstrip antennas, due to limitations in substrate material, are difficult to conformally install and maintain stable performance. Furthermore, the rigid substrate material of microstrip antennas makes it difficult to achieve a tight fit with the nose during manufacturing and installation. This alters the stress characteristics of the aircraft during flight, affecting its speed, attitude, and stability. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the conformal mounting characteristics of antennas while meeting the original aerodynamic requirements of aircraft. Due to the dual limitations of the radiating aperture size and substrate material, it is difficult to simultaneously address the limitations in the number of integrated array elements and conformal mounting. Currently, under the constraints of small aperture and small size conformal mounting, the problem of achieving sustained high gain and high performance beam scanning characteristics is becoming increasingly prominent, and it is difficult to reconcile the dual characteristics of small size and high gain. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element and its array antenna are provided to solve the above problems.

[0004] A C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element includes a coaxial feed connector, a balanced microstrip board, a conversion board, a waveguide transmission board, a dielectric rod, and a ground plane. The ground plane is a long strip-shaped plate, which is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip board, the conversion board, and the waveguide transmission board are vertically arranged on the ground plane along its length. The balanced microstrip board is a thin plate, the waveguide transmission board is a thick plate, and the conversion board is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion board decreases from one end near the waveguide transmission board to the other end away from the waveguide transmission board. A coaxial feed connector is provided on one side of the balanced microstrip board, and the other side of the balanced microstrip board is connected to one end of the conversion board. The other end of the conversion board is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission board, and a dielectric rod is provided at the other end of the waveguide transmission board.

[0005] One end of the dielectric rod is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate. The other end of the dielectric rod is a suspended end. The width of the dielectric rod decreases from the connecting end to the suspended end. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. Multiple air holes are machined along its thickness direction, and the multiple air holes are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the dielectric rod.

[0006] A gradient notch is formed between the top side of the loading floor and the bottom side of the medium rod, and the width of the gradient notch decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end.

[0007] The C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna is composed of the aforementioned C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements. It includes multiple rows of antenna assemblies arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Each row of antenna assemblies includes multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements, which are arranged sequentially at intervals. A first gap is formed between every two adjacent C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements. In two adjacent antenna assemblies, multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements in the upper row of antenna assemblies are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements in the lower row of antenna assemblies. A second gap is formed between one C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna element in the upper row of antenna assemblies and its corresponding one C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna element in the lower row of antenna assemblies.

[0008] Each C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna element includes a coaxial feed connector, a balanced microstrip board, a conversion board, a waveguide transmission board, a dielectric rod, and a ground plane. The ground plane is a long strip-shaped plate, which is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip board, the conversion board, and the waveguide transmission board are vertically arranged on the ground plane along its length. The balanced microstrip board is a thin plate, the waveguide transmission board is a thick plate, and the conversion board is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion board decreases from the end closest to the waveguide transmission board to the end furthest from the waveguide transmission board. A coaxial feed connector is provided on one side of the balanced microstrip board, and the other side of the balanced microstrip board is connected to one end of the conversion board. The other end of the conversion board is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission board, and a dielectric rod is provided at the other end of the waveguide transmission board.

[0009] One end of the dielectric rod is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate. The other end of the dielectric rod is a suspended end. The width of the dielectric rod decreases from the connecting end to the suspended end. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. Multiple air holes are machined along its thickness direction, and the multiple air holes are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the dielectric rod.

[0010] A gradient notch is formed between the top side of the loading floor and the bottom side of the medium rod, and the width of the gradient notch decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0012] The C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna unit of this invention achieves high gain under small aperture conditions through the interplay of coaxial feed connectors, balanced microstrip boards, conversion boards, waveguide transmission boards, dielectric rods, and loading ground planes. This allows for the simultaneous consideration of both small aperture and high gain characteristics, minimizes the impact of the surrounding environment, adapts to different installation conditions and curved installation surfaces, enhances rapid emergency response capabilities, and is suitable for harsh or other rapid-response environments.

[0013] The C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna of this invention is an array antenna with a reasonable structural arrangement. It can electronically control the antenna pattern to achieve beam scanning. In use, it is mounted on a support structure conforming to the nose of the aircraft and can be attached to any curved surface. This C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna has minimal impact on the original aerodynamic characteristics of the carrier, making it more suitable for aircraft applications and adaptable to emergency or other harsh extreme environments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional structure of a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second three-dimensional structure of a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element.

[0016] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a coaxial cable feeder connector;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna. The figure shows a 5×5 C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of a C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna, showing a 5×5 C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna. The diagram shows a 5×5 C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna.

[0020] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the reflection coefficient and center operating frequency gain of a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning gain direction of a 1×5 antenna array;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning gain direction of a 5×5 antenna array, showing the xoz plane.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning gain direction of a 5×5 antenna array, showing the yoz plane.

[0024] In the figure: 1-Coaxial feeder connector; 1-1-Connector body; 1-2-Inner core strip; 1-3-Sleeve; 2-Balanced microstrip board; 3-Conversion board; 4-Waveguide transmission board; 5-Dielectric rod; 5-1-Suspended end; 5-2-Air hole; 6-Loading ground plane; 6-1-Outward convex end; 7-Graduated notch; 10-C-band small aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element; 11-First gap; 12-Second gap. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model.

[0026] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figures 1 to 10 This embodiment describes a C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10, which includes a coaxial feed connector 1, a balanced microstrip plate 2, a conversion plate 3, a waveguide transmission plate 4, a dielectric rod 5, and a loading ground plate 6. The loading ground plate 6 is a long strip plate, which is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip plate 2, the conversion plate 3, and the waveguide transmission plate 4 are vertically arranged on the loading ground plate 6 along its length. The balanced microstrip plate 2 is a thin plate, the waveguide transmission plate 4 is a thick plate, and the conversion plate 3 is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion plate 3 decreases from one end near the waveguide transmission plate 4 to the other end away from the waveguide transmission plate 4. The balanced microstrip plate 2 is provided with a coaxial feed connector 1 on one side, and the other side of the balanced microstrip plate 2 is connected to one end of the conversion plate 3. The other end of the conversion plate 3 is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission plate 4, and the other end of the waveguide transmission plate 4 is provided with a dielectric rod 5.

[0027] One end of the dielectric rod 5 is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate 4. The other end of the dielectric rod 5 is a suspended end 5-1. The width of the dielectric rod 5 decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end 5-1. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod 5 along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. Multiple air holes 5-2 are machined along its thickness direction of the dielectric rod 5. The multiple air holes 5-2 are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the dielectric rod 5.

[0028] A gradient notch 7 is formed between the top side of the loading ground plate 6 and the lower side of the dielectric rod 5. The width of the gradient notch 7 decreases sequentially from the connection end to the suspended end 5-1. The opening direction and form of the gradient notch 7 are conducive to matching the structural forms of the coaxial feeder connector 1, the balanced microstrip board 2, the conversion board 3, the waveguide transmission board 4, the dielectric rod 5, and the loading ground plate 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, the C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10 consists of a coaxial feed connector 1, a balanced microstrip board 2, a conversion board 3, a waveguide transmission board 4, a dielectric rod 5, and a ground plane 6. The balanced microstrip board 2 is a balanced feeding structure, fabricated on a dielectric substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a dielectric constant of 2.2. The balanced microstrip board 2 is connected to the 50Ω coaxial feed connector 1. The waveguide transmission board 4 has dimensions of 15 mm × 6 mm × 20 mm and is filled with the same dielectric material for easy integrated processing. The sidewalls are encased in metal or use a metallized via array to achieve the boundary conditions of the waveguide. The conversion board 3 has a width that is a linear gradient from the width of the balanced microstrip board 2 to the width of the waveguide transmission board 4, and a thickness that is a linear or layered gradient from the thickness of the balanced microstrip board 2 to the height of the waveguide transmission board 4. The length is 30 mm, which realizes impedance matching and mode conversion from the balanced microstrip board 2 to the waveguide transmission board 4.

[0030] Furthermore, the structural dimensions of the C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10 can be manufactured as 15 mm, 6 mm, and 160 mm, respectively, with an operating frequency band of 5.8-7.0 GHz, a typical standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2 within the frequency band, a minimum value of 1.0, and a directional radiation gain of 9.35 dBi at the typical operating frequency of 6.4 GHz within the band.

[0031] Specific Implementation Method Two: This implementation method further defines Specific Implementation Method One. One end of the loading ground plane 6 is flush with one side of the balanced microstrip board 2, and the other end of the loading ground plane 6 is a convex end 6-1. The horizontal distance between the convex end 6-1 and the suspended end 5-1 is less than or equal to one-quarter of the length of the loading ground plane 6. The above dimensional relationship is the optimal dimensional relationship summarized during modeling and manufacturing, which is beneficial to improving the gain of the antenna element. In this implementation method, the loading ground plane 6 is flush with one side of the balanced microstrip board 2, which is beneficial to improving the regularity of the overall structure of the antenna element.

[0032] Specific Implementation Method 3: This implementation method is a further limitation of Specific Implementation Method 1 or 2. The coaxial feeder connector 1 is connected to one outer wall of the balanced microstrip plate 2. The coaxial feeder connector 1 includes a connector body 1-1, an inner core strip 1-2, and a retaining sleeve 1-3. The connector body 1-1 is a cylinder, and the retaining sleeve 1-3 is a square outer and round inner sleeve. The retaining sleeve 1-3 is fitted onto one end of the connector body 1-1 near the balanced microstrip plate 2. The balanced microstrip plate 2 is connected to both the retaining sleeve 1-3 and the connector body 1-1. One end of the inner core strip 1-2 passes through the connector body 1-1, and the other end of the inner core strip 1-2 rests against one outer wall of the balanced microstrip plate 2. In this implementation method, the coaxial feeder connector 1 can quickly receive signals, reduce signal interference, and is suitable for harsh or other rapid-response environments, effectively improving the performance of rapid emergency signal reception.

[0033] Specific Implementation Method Four: Combining with as shown in 1 to Figure 10 This embodiment describes a C-band small-aperture directional surface wave array antenna comprising multiple rows of antenna assemblies arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Each row of antenna assemblies includes multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10, which are arranged at intervals. A first gap 11 is formed between every two adjacent C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10. In two adjacent antenna assemblies, multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10 in the upper row of antenna assemblies correspond one-to-one with multiple C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10 in the lower row of antenna assemblies. A second gap 12 is formed between one C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna element 10 in the upper row of antenna assemblies and its corresponding one in the lower row of antenna assemblies.

[0034] Each C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10 includes a coaxial feed connector 1, a balanced microstrip plate 2, a conversion plate 3, a waveguide transmission plate 4, a dielectric rod 5, and a loading ground plate 6. The loading ground plate 6 is a long strip plate and is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip plate 2, the conversion plate 3, and the waveguide transmission plate 4 are vertically arranged on the loading ground plate 6 along its length. The balanced microstrip plate 2 is a thin plate, the waveguide transmission plate 4 is a thick plate, and the conversion plate 3 is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion plate 3 decreases from one end near the waveguide transmission plate 4 to the other end away from the waveguide transmission plate 4. The balanced microstrip plate 2 is provided with a coaxial feed connector 1 on one side, and the other side of the balanced microstrip plate 2 is connected to one end of the conversion plate 3. The other end of the conversion plate 3 is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission plate 4, and the other end of the waveguide transmission plate 4 is provided with a dielectric rod 5.

[0035] One end of the dielectric rod 5 is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate 4. The other end of the dielectric rod 5 is a suspended end 5-1. The width of the dielectric rod 5 decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end 5-1. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod 5 along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. Multiple air holes 5-2 are machined along its thickness direction of the dielectric rod 5. The multiple air holes 5-2 are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the dielectric rod 5.

[0036] A gradient notch 7 is formed between the top side of the loading ground plate 6 and the lower side of the dielectric rod 5. The width of the gradient notch 7 decreases sequentially from the connection end to the suspended end 5-1. The opening direction and form of the gradient notch 7 are conducive to matching the structural forms of the coaxial feeder connector 1, the balanced microstrip board 2, the conversion board 3, the waveguide transmission board 4, the dielectric rod 5, and the loading ground plate 6.

[0037] In this embodiment, the value of the first gap 11 ranges from 10 to 18 mm, and the value of the second gap 12 ranges from 10 to 30 mm. The gaps can be aligned according to specific requirements.

[0038] In this embodiment, the coaxial cable feeder connector 1 includes a connector body 1-1, an inner core strip 1-2, and a retaining sleeve 1-3. The connector body 1-1 is cylindrical, and the retaining sleeve 1-3 is a square outer and round inner sleeve. The retaining sleeve 1-3 is fitted onto one end of the connector body 1-1 near the balancing microstrip plate 2. The balancing microstrip plate 2 is connected to both the retaining sleeve 1-3 and the connector body 1-1. One end of the inner core strip 1-2 passes through the connector body 1-1, and the other end of the inner core strip 1-2 rests against one side of the outer wall of the balancing microstrip plate 2. The coaxial cable feeder connector 1 can quickly receive signals, reduce signal interference, and is suitable for harsh or other rapid-response environments, effectively improving the performance of rapid emergency signal reception.

[0039] In this embodiment, the balanced microstrip board 2 is a balanced feeding structure. The balanced microstrip board 2 is connected to the coaxial feed line connector 1. The waveguide transmission board 4 has a size of 15mm×6mm×20mm, which is convenient for integrated processing. The sidewalls are wrapped with metal to realize the boundary conditions of the waveguide. The conversion board 3 has a width that gradually changes from the width of the balanced microstrip board 2 to the width of the waveguide transmission board 4, thereby realizing impedance matching and mode conversion from the balanced microstrip board 2 to the waveguide transmission board 4.

[0040] In this embodiment, the conversion plate 3 is a conversion structure. Its width is a linear gradient from the width of the balanced microstrip plate 2 to the width of the waveguide transmission plate 4, and its thickness is a linear or layered gradient from the thickness of the balanced microstrip plate 2 to the height of the waveguide transmission plate 4. Its length is 30mm, which realizes the impedance matching and mode conversion functions from the balanced microstrip plate 2 to the waveguide transmission plate 4.

[0041] In this embodiment, the optimal length of the waveguide transmission plate 4 is 20 mm, the optimal height of the waveguide transmission plate 4 is 15 mm, and the optimal thickness of the waveguide transmission plate 4 is 6 mm. The sidewalls of the waveguide transmission plate 4 are wrapped with metal or use a metallized via array, which is beneficial to the formation of the waveguide boundary conditions.

[0042] In this embodiment, the dielectric rod 5 is essentially a radiating structure, composed of a linearly tapered metal extending from the waveguide aperture. This structure achieves a gradient from the waveguide aperture to free space, serving as an impedance matching structure between the waveguide and free space, thus improving radiation efficiency and reducing the standing wave ratio (VSWR). Multiple air holes 5-2 are machined along the thickness direction of the dielectric rod 5, and these air holes 5-2 are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the dielectric rod 5. Each air hole 5-2 is circular, and its diameter is less than or equal to one-fifth of the maximum width of the dielectric rod 5. The above dimensional relationship represents the optimal dimensional processing relationship, which is beneficial for improving the gain of the antenna element.

[0043] In this embodiment, the loading floor 6 serves as a bottom support, providing a placement position for balancing the microstrip board 2, the conversion board 3, the waveguide transmission board 4, and the dielectric rod 5.

[0044] In this embodiment, the balanced microstrip board 2, the conversion board 3, and the waveguide transmission board 4 are all hollow plates filled with the same medium, facilitating integrated fabrication. The filling principle and the filling medium are existing technologies, and are the same as the relevant filling principles and media of existing antenna elements.

[0045] In this embodiment, the C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10 can be configured into a one-dimensional antenna array to achieve one-dimensional beam scanning under space-constrained conditions. Taking a 1×5 array as an example, the spacing between the C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10 is selected as 18 mm, and the C-band small-aperture directional surface wave antenna elements 10 are configured into a 1×5 array. By controlling the feed phase to change from -60° to 60°, beam scanning function within a range of ±20° in a one-dimensional plane can be achieved, with a gain greater than 9.5 dBi. Through simulation of the antenna gain versus frequency curve, the overall gain of the array antenna is greater than 13.5 dBi.

[0046] Combination Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element 10 can form a two-dimensional array antenna to achieve two-dimensional beam scanning under space-constrained conditions. Taking a 5×5 array as an example, the array spacing in the x-direction is 22.5 mm, and the spacing in the y-direction is 18 mm. Based on the structural dimensions of the C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element 10, the aperture size of the array antenna is 105 mm in the x-direction and 78 mm in the y-direction. When the phase gradient is -60 to 60°, the antenna element of this invention can achieve a scanning range of ±20° in the xoz and yoz planes, with an overall gain higher than 16 dBi.

[0047] Specific Implementation Method 5: This implementation method is a further limitation of Specific Implementation Method 4. In this implementation method, the width of the dielectric rod 5 decreases sequentially from one end near the waveguide transmission plate 4 to the other end away from the waveguide transmission plate 4. The dielectric rod 5 is a directional radiation antenna composed of a slender dielectric rod 5. Its gain is positively correlated with the longitudinal length of the dielectric rod 5. It can achieve high gain characteristics under the constraint of small aperture. Furthermore, due to its flexible processing method, it can integrate mechanical, electronic and 3D printing processing technologies, and can achieve conformal installation under the condition of ensuring stable performance.

[0048] Furthermore, the dielectric rod 5 has a wedge-shaped structure, and multiple air holes 5-2 are machined along its thickness direction to achieve better antenna characteristics.

[0049] This invention achieves high-gain directional radiation characteristics by using multiple matching structures under the constraint of a small aperture. The C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10 is radiated by the front-end radiation structure through a coaxial feed connector 1, a balanced microstrip plate 2-waveguide transmission plate 4 conversion structure, and a loading dielectric rod 5 to realize a small-aperture traveling wave array, which significantly improves the gain of the C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element 10. In addition, a loading ground plate 6 is loaded on one side of the wide side of the antenna to achieve better impedance and radiation characteristics.

[0050] The balanced microstrip board 2 has a size of 10mm, the conversion board 3 has a length of 30mm, the waveguide transmission board 4 has a length of 20mm, the dielectric rod 5 has a length of 80mm, and the loading ground plane 6 has a length of 160mm. The balanced microstrip board 2, conversion board 3, waveguide transmission board 4, and dielectric rod 5 have a thickness of 6mm. The balanced microstrip board 2, conversion board 3, waveguide transmission board 4, and dielectric rod 5 have a width of 15mm.

[0051] This invention incorporates the influence of array element radiation patterns into the phased array optimization process. The array element radiation patterns obtained from full-wave simulation software are exported, multiplied by the array factor, and then optimized directly using artificial intelligence technology. The resulting optimization meets the performance requirements. Compared to existing optimization schemes, this method offers a simpler optimization process and allows for targeted optimization based on the radiation characteristics of the array element antennas, further improving antenna performance. It is adaptable to various emergency or extreme operating conditions.

Claims

1. A C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element, characterized in that: The system includes a coaxial feeder connector (1), a balanced microstrip plate (2), a conversion plate (3), a waveguide transmission plate (4), a dielectric rod (5), and a loading ground plate (6). The loading ground plate (6) is a long strip plate and is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip plate (2), the conversion plate (3), and the waveguide transmission plate (4) are vertically arranged on the loading ground plate (6) along the length of the loading ground plate (6). The balanced microstrip plate (2) is a thin plate, the waveguide transmission plate (4) is a thick plate, and the conversion plate (3) is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion plate (3) decreases from one end close to the waveguide transmission plate (4) to the other end away from the waveguide transmission plate (4). The balanced microstrip plate (2) is provided with a coaxial feeder connector (1) on one side, and the other side of the balanced microstrip plate (2) is connected to one end of the conversion plate (3). The other end of the conversion plate (3) is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission plate (4). The other end of the waveguide transmission plate (4) is provided with a dielectric rod (5). One end of the dielectric rod (5) is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate (4). The other end of the dielectric rod (5) is a suspended end (5-1). The width of the dielectric rod (5) decreases from the connecting end to the suspended end (5-1). The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod (5) along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. The dielectric rod (5) has multiple air holes (5-2) processed along its thickness direction. The multiple air holes (5-2) are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the dielectric rod (5). A gradient notch (7) is formed between the top side of the loading floor (6) and the bottom side of the medium rod (5), and the width of the gradient notch (7) decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end (5-1).

2. The C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each air hole (5-2) is a round hole, and the diameter of the air hole (5-2) is less than or equal to one-fifth of the maximum width of the medium rod (5).

3. The C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: One end of the loading floor (6) is flush with one side of the balancing microstrip plate (2), and the other end of the loading floor (6) is a convex end (6-1). The horizontal distance between the convex end (6-1) and the suspended end (5-1) is less than or equal to one-quarter of the length of the loading floor (6).

4. The C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element according to claim 3, characterized in that: The coaxial feeder connector (1) is connected to one side of the outer wall of the balanced microstrip plate (2). The coaxial feeder connector (1) includes a connector body (1-1), an inner core strip (1-2), and a retainer (1-3). The connector body (1-1) is a cylinder, and the retainer (1-3) is a square outer and round inner sleeve. The retainer (1-3) is fitted onto one end of the connector body (1-1) near the balanced microstrip plate (2). The balanced microstrip plate (2) is connected to the retainer (1-3) and the connector body (1-1) respectively. One end of the inner core strip (1-2) is inserted into the connector body (1-1), and the other end of the inner core strip (1-2) is attached to one side of the outer wall of the balanced microstrip plate (2).

5. A C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave array antenna, comprising the C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The system includes multiple rows of antenna assemblies arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Each row of antenna assemblies includes multiple C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna elements (10). The multiple C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna elements (10) are arranged sequentially at intervals. A first gap (11) is formed between every two adjacent C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna elements (10). The multiple C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna elements (10) in the upper row of the two adjacent antenna assemblies are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna elements (10) in the lower row of the antenna assemblies. A second gap (12) is formed between one C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element (10) in the upper row of the antenna assemblies and its corresponding one C-band small aperture directional radiating surface wave antenna element (10) in the lower row of the antenna assemblies. Each C-band small-aperture directional radiation surface wave antenna element (10) includes a coaxial feed connector (1), a balanced microstrip plate (2), a conversion plate (3), a waveguide transmission plate (4), a dielectric rod (5), and a loading ground plate (6). The loading ground plate (6) is a long strip plate and is horizontally arranged. The balanced microstrip plate (2), the conversion plate (3), and the waveguide transmission plate (4) are vertically arranged on the loading ground plate (6) along its length. The balanced microstrip plate (2) is thin. The waveguide transmission plate (4) is a thick plate, and the conversion plate (3) is a plate with a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness of the conversion plate (3) decreases from one end close to the waveguide transmission plate (4) to the other end far away from the waveguide transmission plate (4). A coaxial feed line connector (1) is provided on one side of the balanced microstrip plate (2), and the other side of the balanced microstrip plate (2) is connected to one end of the conversion plate (3). The other end of the conversion plate (3) is connected to one end of the waveguide transmission plate (4), and a dielectric rod (5) is provided on the other end of the waveguide transmission plate (4). One end of the dielectric rod (5) is a connecting end, which is connected to the waveguide transmission plate (4). The other end of the dielectric rod (5) is a suspended end (5-1). The width of the dielectric rod (5) decreases from the connecting end to the suspended end (5-1). The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the dielectric rod (5) along its thickness direction is wedge-shaped. The dielectric rod (5) has multiple air holes (5-2) processed along its thickness direction. The multiple air holes (5-2) are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the dielectric rod (5). A gradient notch (7) is formed between the top side of the loading floor (6) and the bottom side of the medium rod (5), and the width of the gradient notch (7) decreases sequentially from the connecting end to the suspended end (5-1).

6. The C-band small-aperture directional radiating surface wave array antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: The value of the first gap (11) is 10~18mm.

Images