A phased array antenna structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of phased array antenna structure, including setting radome, antenna radiation patch film, honeycomb support and antenna feed network and radio frequency layer from top to bottom;The radome thickness is not more than 2mm, and the radome lower surface is provided with multiple grooves;The antenna radiation patch film is provided with through-hole in the corresponding position of radome groove;The protruding column is provided in the corresponding position of radome groove on the upper surface of honeycomb support;Antenna feed network and radio frequency layer are used to complete the electrical connection of antenna structure to outside;After the assembly of radome, antenna radiation patch film, honeycomb support, the protruding column on honeycomb support is inserted into the groove of radome after passing through the through-hole of antenna radiation patch film, and fixed is completed.The utility model can obviously improve the gain roll-off problem when phased array antenna large off-axis angle scanning, and the circular polarization antenna axial ratio AR is also obviously improved when large off-axis angle scanning, so as to improve the receiving sensitivity of receiving system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wireless communication antenna technology, and in particular to a phased array antenna structure. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite terminal product design, overall structural reliability, leading technical specifications, and controllable R&D and production costs are important criteria for evaluating the success of a product design. Overall structural reliability primarily includes environmental adaptability such as impact resistance, dust and water resistance, and usability under extreme temperatures. Leading technical specifications mean that key technical indicators meet design specifications with sufficient margins.

[0003] To ensure the stability and reliability of satellite communication links, according to the requirements of satellite communication industry standards, as shown in Equation (I), the satellite terminal system indicators... and The roll-off specifications for different off-axis scanning angles are as described in Table (I). Furthermore, the axial ratio AR, a key indicator of phased array antennas, reflects the purity of circular polarization characteristics. A deterioration in the axial ratio AR will reduce the sensitivity of the receiving system. According to the specifications, the axial ratio AR roll-off as the off-axis scanning angle increases is as described in Table (II).

[0004] (Formula 1) Table (I) Roll-off Specifications of G / T and EIRP as Off-axis Angle Increases

[0005] Table (II) Specifications for AR as Off-Axis Angle Increases

[0006] according to and As can be seen from the definition of the indicators (Equations 2 and 3), they are respectively related to the receiving gain of the phased array antenna surface. and transmit gain Therefore, in the design of satellite terminal systems, it is required that the phased array antenna not only meet the system specifications in terms of normal transmit and receive gain, but also that the transmit and receive gain roll-off be as gradual as possible when the off-axis scanning angle gradually increases.

[0007] (Formula 2) (Formula 3) In equations two and three above, Antenna receiving array gain (unit: dBi). This represents the antenna transmitting array gain (unit: dBi). The equivalent noise temperature of the receiving system (unit: K). Total transmit power of the radio frequency channel (unit: dBW). This is the sum of the insertion loss from the antenna element to the RF front end, the dielectric loss of the radome, and the gain roll-off at different scanning off-axis angles (unit: dB).

[0008] Based on the basic design requirements for the overall structural reliability of satellite terminal products, phased array radomes with large areas are often designed with a relatively thick structure (generally 5-8mm). Furthermore, to ensure the stability of the phased array antenna performance, the distance between the radome and the antenna radiating patch needs to remain constant. Therefore, ribs are added inside the radome to form a honeycomb structure. The advantages of this radome design are: reliable overall structural strength; and a constant distance between the radome and the antenna radiating patch under high and low temperature operating conditions, resulting in stable overall system performance. However, this radome design also has significant disadvantages: due to the dielectric loss of the radome, the overall gain loss of Ku and Ka band satellite terminal phased array antennas is relatively large (approximately 1.0dB); simultaneously, due to the distribution of ribs inside the radome, multiple beam reflections and mutual coupling during large off-axis scanning lead to a significant gain roll-off (-8~-10dB), and the axial ratio (AR) of circularly polarized antennas is poor (8~12dB). This makes it difficult to meet the G / T and EIRP roll-off specifications required in Table (I), and it is also clear that the shaft ratio AR specifications required in Table (II) are not met. Utility Model Content

[0009] To address the problems existing in the prior art, a phased array antenna structure is provided that can effectively improve the gain roll-off and axial ratio performance of phased array antennas at large off-axis angles.

[0010] The first aspect of this utility model proposes a phased array antenna structure, comprising, from top to bottom, an radome, an antenna radiating patch film, a honeycomb bracket, an antenna feed network, and an RF layer; the radome has a thickness of no more than 2 mm, and multiple grooves are formed on the lower surface of the radome; the antenna radiating patch film has through holes at corresponding positions of the grooves in the radome; protruding posts are provided on the upper surface of the honeycomb bracket at corresponding positions of the grooves in the radome; the antenna feed network and RF layer are used to complete the electrical connection of the antenna structure to the outside; after the radome, antenna radiating patch film, and honeycomb bracket are assembled, the protruding posts on the honeycomb bracket pass through the through holes in the antenna radiating patch film and are inserted into the grooves in the radome for fixation.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the radome is 1~2mm.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the grooves of the radome are coated with adhesive.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the grooves of the radome, the through holes of the antenna radiating patch film, and the protruding pillars of the honeycomb bracket are evenly distributed on the surface.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the grooves, through holes, and protruding posts are correspondingly distributed in the central areas of the radome, the antenna radiating patch film, and the cellular support.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the groove, through hole, and protruding post are cylindrical.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the groove, through hole, and protruding post are cross-shaped.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the adhesive has a temperature resistance range of -40℃ to 120℃.

[0018] The second aspect of this utility model proposes a phased array antenna structure, including an antenna radome, an antenna radiating patch film, a honeycomb bracket, an antenna feed network, and an RF layer arranged from top to bottom; the thickness of the antenna radome is less than 2mm, and the antenna radome, the antenna radiating patch film, and the honeycomb bracket are fixed together by distributed application of adhesive, and the honeycomb bracket is assembled with the antenna feed network and the RF layer.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the adhesive has a temperature resistance range of -40℃ to 120℃.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model can significantly improve the gain roll-off problem when the phased array antenna is scanned at a large off-axis angle, and the axial ratio AR of the circularly polarized antenna is also significantly improved when scanned at a large off-axis angle, thereby improving the receiving sensitivity of the receiving system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the phased array antenna structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the phased array antenna structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1-Radar cover, 2-Groove, 3-Antenna radiating patch film, 4-Protruding post, 5-Honeycomb bracket, 6-Antenna feed network and RF layer, 7-Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar modules or modules having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. Rather, the embodiments of this application include all variations, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0025] Example 1 Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 This embodiment proposes a phased array antenna structure, including, from top to bottom, an radome 1, an antenna radiating patch film 3, a honeycomb bracket 5, and an antenna feed network and radio frequency layer 6. The thickness of the radome 1 is no more than 2 mm, and multiple grooves 2 are formed on the lower surface of the radome 1. The antenna radiating patch film 3 has through holes 7 at corresponding positions of the grooves 2 of the radome 1. The upper surface of the honeycomb bracket 5 has protruding posts 4 at corresponding positions of the grooves 2 of the radome 1. The antenna feed network and radio frequency layer 6 are used to complete the electrical connection of the antenna structure to the outside. They are conventional structures and are not the focus of this application, so they will not be described in detail here. After the radome 1, the antenna radiating patch film 3, and the honeycomb bracket 5 are assembled, the protruding posts 4 on the honeycomb bracket 5 pass through the through holes 7 of the antenna radiating patch film 3 and are inserted into the grooves 2 of the radome 1 to complete the fixation.

[0026] In this embodiment, by reducing the thickness of the radome 1, the overall gain loss of the phased array antenna for Ku and Ka band satellite terminals can be effectively reduced. However, the thinner radome 1 reduces the structural strength and reliability of its assembly. Therefore, this application provides a groove 2 on the lower surface of the radome 1, which is then assembled with the protruding post 4 on the honeycomb bracket 5. The protruding post 4 of the honeycomb bracket 5 and the groove 2 on the inner side of the radome 1 are in a corresponding "concave-convex" assembly structure. The protruding post 4 can hold the radome 1 in place to ensure that the radome 1 does not bulge or warp.

[0027] In one embodiment, the thickness of the radome 1 is 1~2mm.

[0028] To enhance the reliability of the assembly and fastening between the protruding post 4 of the honeycomb bracket 5 and the inner groove 2 of the radome 1, adhesive can be applied to the groove 2 of the radome 1. Preferably, the adhesive is a high- and low-temperature resistant adhesive with a temperature resistance range of -40℃ to 120℃.

[0029] In another embodiment, the grooves 2 of the radome 1, the through holes 7 of the antenna radiating patch film 3, and the protruding pillars 4 of the honeycomb support 5 are evenly distributed on the surface, and the number can be selected as needed. Preferably, the grooves 2, through holes 7, and protruding pillars 4 are correspondingly distributed in the central areas of the radome 1, the antenna radiating patch film 3, and the honeycomb support 5.

[0030] In one embodiment, the groove 2, the through hole 7, and the protruding post 4 are cylindrical. In another embodiment, the groove 2, the through hole 7, and the protruding post 4 are cross-shaped.

[0031] Example 2 This embodiment proposes a phased array antenna structure, which includes, from top to bottom, an antenna radome, an antenna radiating patch film, a honeycomb bracket, an antenna feed network, and an RF layer; the thickness of the antenna radome is less than 2mm, and the antenna radome, antenna radiating patch film, and honeycomb bracket are fixed together by distributed application of adhesive, and the honeycomb bracket is assembled with the antenna feed network and RF layer.

[0032] In one embodiment, the adhesive is a high and low temperature resistant adhesive with a temperature range of -40℃ to 120℃.

[0033] In this embodiment, adhesive is used to bond and secure the radome and the cellular support, resulting in a simpler structure compared to the assembly method in Embodiment 1.

[0034] The phased array antenna structures proposed in both embodiments of this utility model can significantly improve the gain roll-off problem of phased array antennas during large off-axis angle scanning while ensuring the overall structural reliability of the radome. Simultaneously, the axial ratio AR of the circularly polarized antenna is also significantly improved during large off-axis angle scanning, aiming to meet the overall performance specifications. Specifically, it can greatly improve the gain roll-off problem of phased array antennas during large off-axis angle scanning (maximum roll-off within -5dB), while the axial ratio AR of the circularly polarized antenna is within 4dB during large off-axis angle scanning.

[0035] The following simulations compare the phased array antenna structure with a thin radome proposed in the utility model with the phased array antenna structure with a traditional thick radome. Since both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 use the same radome structure, the simulation results are the same.

[0036] Please refer to Table (III), which shows the Ku-band gain difference between the thin radome of this application and the traditional thick radome. In the table, the larger the antenna gain, the better. A positive difference indicates an improved gain. It can be seen that the thin radome phased array antenna structure proposed in this utility model has a slower gain roll-off under different beam pointing scans, which significantly improves the performance of practical applications.

[0037] Table (III) Ku-band Gain Difference Table

[0038] Please refer to Table (IV), which shows the difference in Ku-band axial ratio between the thin radome of this application and the traditional thick radome. In the table, the smaller the axial ratio, the better. The difference between the two is negative, which indicates that the axial ratio is improved. It can be seen that the thin radome phased array antenna structure proposed in this utility model has a smaller overall axial ratio under different beam pointing scans, which meets the index specifications (<4dB) and can significantly improve the receiver sensitivity.

[0039] Table (IV) Axis ratio difference of Ku-band

[0040] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. The accompanying drawings in the embodiments are used to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0041] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A phased array antenna structure, characterized in that, The antenna includes, from top to bottom, an radome, an antenna radiating patch film, a honeycomb support, an antenna feed network, and an RF layer. The radome is no more than 2 mm thick, and its lower surface has multiple grooves. The antenna radiating patch film has through holes at corresponding positions in the grooves of the radome. The upper surface of the honeycomb support has protruding posts at corresponding positions in the grooves of the radome. The antenna feed network and RF layer are used to complete the electrical connection of the antenna structure to the outside. After the radome, antenna radiating patch film, and honeycomb bracket are assembled, the protruding post on the honeycomb bracket passes through the through hole of the antenna radiating patch film and is inserted into the groove of the radome to complete the fixation.

2. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the radome is 1~2mm.

3. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves in the radome are coated with adhesive.

4. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves of the radome, the through holes of the antenna radiating patch film, and the protruding pillars of the honeycomb bracket are evenly distributed on the surface.

5. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The grooves, through holes, and protruding pillars are correspondingly distributed in the central area of ​​the radome, antenna radiating patch film, and cellular support.

6. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove, through hole, and protruding post are cylindrical.

7. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove, through hole, and protruding post are cross-shaped.

8. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature resistance range of the adhesive is -40℃ to 120℃.

9. A phased array antenna structure, characterized in that, The device includes, from top to bottom, an antenna radome, an antenna radiating patch film, a honeycomb bracket, an antenna feed network, and an RF layer; the thickness of the antenna radome is less than 2mm, and the antenna radome, antenna radiating patch film, and honeycomb bracket are fixed together by distributed application of adhesive, and the honeycomb bracket is assembled with the antenna feed network and RF layer.

10. The phased array antenna structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature resistance range of the adhesive is -40℃ to 120℃.

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