Full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with same-frequency signal separation

Abstract

This invention discloses a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation capability, belonging to the field of radio monitoring technology. The antenna system includes a direction-finding antenna array, a calibration antenna, a multi-channel matrix switch, and a dual-mode correction system. The direction-finding antenna array adopts a three-layer structure, with each layer consisting of vertically and horizontally polarized dual-polarized subarrays. Each subarray contains nine horizontal omnidirectional antenna elements, covering a frequency band from 20MHz to 8GHz. The system supports spatial spectrum and correlation interferometer direction-finding algorithms, enabling effective separation of at least three co-frequency signals. Through a dual-mode correction mechanism combining internal matrix switch calibration and external calibration antenna, system link errors are significantly reduced, improving direction-finding accuracy to ≤2.5°RMS. This invention solves the technical problems of incomplete frequency band coverage, lack of co-frequency signal separation capability, and lack of support for full-polarization monitoring in traditional equipment, making it suitable for high-precision direction finding in complex electromagnetic environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radio monitoring technology, specifically to a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation. Background Technology

[0002] In the complex modern electromagnetic environment, accurate direction finding and identification of space radio signals is a critical task in fields such as spectrum management and signal reconnaissance. Traditional direction finding systems, especially those based on horizontally polarized antennas, face numerous technical bottlenecks in practical applications:

[0003] 1. Incomplete frequency band coverage: Due to limitations in antenna design and device performance, its effective operating frequency band usually cannot cover high-frequency bands above 6GHz, resulting in blind spots in the monitoring of high-frequency signals and failing to meet the increasingly broad spectrum application requirements.

[0004] 2. Insufficient ability to separate co-channel signals: Traditional direction-finding antenna arrays mostly adopt directional antenna structures. Although such structures can achieve basic direction of arrival estimation, their inherent mode characteristics make it difficult to separate the components of different sources from the mixed signal when multiple radiation sources are present at the same time. In other words, traditional antenna arrays severely lack the ability to separate co-channel signals. When multiple signals of the same channel are present, direction-finding errors or even functional failures will occur, making them unable to adapt to complex electromagnetic scenarios where multiple signals coexist.

[0005] 3. Limited Polarization: Electromagnetic waves have two basic polarization modes: horizontal and vertical. These modes differ significantly in propagation characteristics and anti-interference capabilities. Most existing direction-finding devices only support reception and direction finding of a single polarization (mostly horizontal), and cannot monitor signals of both polarizations simultaneously. This not only leads to a lack of monitoring information but also reduces the flexibility of the equipment when dealing with signals of different polarizations.

[0006] In summary, the existing technology has three interrelated core defects: incomplete frequency band coverage, lack of co-frequency signal separation capability, and lack of support for full polarization monitoring.

[0007] Therefore, in the face of the above-mentioned technical shortcomings and the increasingly complex electromagnetic environment, the industry urgently needs a high-performance direction-finding antenna that can achieve full-band coverage, support dual-polarization reception, and have the ability to separate signals of the same frequency. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a full-band dual-polarization direction finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation. Through innovative array architecture and correction mechanism, it solves the problems of narrow frequency band coverage, inability to separate co-frequency signals, and limited polarization monitoring capabilities of traditional equipment.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation includes a direction-finding antenna array, a calibration antenna, a multi-channel matrix switch, and a dual-mode correction system. The direction-finding antenna array has a three-layer structure, corresponding to three operating frequency bands: 20-1300MHz, 1.3-3GHz, and 3-8GHz, respectively, for dual-polarized direction monitoring and direction finding of radio signals. The calibration antenna consists of a matching network and electrically small antenna elements; in external correction mode, it is controlled by the system to transmit a known standard signal. The multi-channel matrix switch is composed of cascaded PIN diode switching units and low-noise amplifiers (LNAs). The PIN diode switching units are used for... The system enables channel selection and switching for different polarization directions and grouping units in the antenna array. The low-noise amplifier (LNA) amplifies the weak radio frequency signals received by the antenna units with low noise to compensate for power attenuation during channel switching and signal transmission. The dual-mode correction system includes an internal correction module and an external correction module. The internal correction module combines the multi-channel matrix switch with a built-in calibration source to calibrate the consistency of the matrix switch itself. The external correction module uses the calibration antenna to transmit a standard calibration signal to obtain the amplitude and phase consistency parameters of each antenna unit and synchronize them to the calculation model of the direction finding algorithm.

[0011] Furthermore, each layer of the direction-finding antenna array consists of vertically polarized antenna subarrays and horizontally polarized antenna subarrays.

[0012] Furthermore, the direction-finding antenna array is compatible with both spatial spectrum direction-finding algorithms and correlated interferometer direction-finding algorithms, and has the ability to separate co-frequency signals, supporting the separation of no less than three co-frequency signals in the 20MHz to 8GHz frequency band.

[0013] Furthermore, the antenna subarray consists of 9 antenna elements, all of which are evenly distributed on the same circumference in an "equally spaced ring array".

[0014] Furthermore, all of the antenna elements are horizontal omnidirectional antennas, capable of receiving radio signals in a 360° horizontal direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the direction-finding antenna integrates a calibration antenna and uses an internal and external dual-mode correction mechanism. The internal correction is used to ensure the consistency of the matrix switch, while the external correction updates the amplitude and phase parameters of the antenna element to the direction-finding algorithm model in real time. This significantly reduces the phase error at the system link level, thereby stably improving the direction-finding accuracy to ≤2.5°RMS.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This utility model achieves blind-spot-free coverage across the entire frequency band from 20MHz to 8GHz through a three-layer partitioned direction-finding antenna array, and achieves simultaneous reception and monitoring of horizontal and vertical polarized signals through a dual-polarized subarray design, filling the gap in the capability of traditional equipment for full polarization monitoring.

[0018] 2. This utility model adopts an innovative ring array architecture and high-performance antenna unit, which effectively alleviates the problems of antenna blockage and mutual coupling. By using the spatial spectrum direction finding algorithm, the system has a strong ability to separate co-frequency signals and can process no less than 3 co-frequency signals at the same time. It effectively solves the technical bottlenecks of traditional direction finding arrays, such as limited frequency band coverage, blind spots in direction finding angles, and inability to separate co-frequency signals.

[0019] 3. This utility model innovatively integrates an internal and external dual-mode correction mechanism. The internal correction ensures the consistency of the matrix switch, while the external correction updates the amplitude and phase parameters of the antenna element to the algorithm model in real time. This significantly reduces the phase error at the system link level, thereby stably improving the direction finding accuracy to ≤2.5°RMS.

[0020] 4. The overall structure of this utility model is suitable for complex electromagnetic environments such as fixed stations, and has high reliability and wide adaptability, meeting the urgent needs of modern radio monitoring for high precision and multi-functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with same-frequency signal separation proposed in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This invention presents a schematic diagram of the working principle of a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with same-frequency signal separation.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the 20-1300MHz dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the 1.3-3GHz dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the 3-8GHz dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This invention proposes a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the four parts;

[0027] Figure 7This invention proposes a full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of its 5-part enlarged structure.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array (20-1300MHz); 2. Dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array (1.3-3GHz); 3. Dual-polarized direction-finding antenna array (3-8GHz); 4. Calibration antenna; 5. Multi-channel matrix switch. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of this utility model can be more easily understood. However, the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the following description:

[0030] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model consists of a direction-finding antenna array (1-3), a calibration antenna (4), a multi-channel matrix switch (5), and a dual-mode correction system. This direction-finding antenna array, in conjunction with a multi-channel receiver, can achieve dual-polarization direction finding in the 20MHz-8000MHz frequency band, and supports wide-beam elevation angles and separation of signals at the same frequency (separation quantity ≥ 3).

[0031] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connection relationship of each component of this utility model is as follows: the three-layer direction-finding antenna array (1, 2, 3) is arranged vertically in space, the calibration antenna (4) is located near the geometric center of the antenna array structure, all antenna elements are connected to the multi-channel matrix switch (5) through radio frequency cables, and the output terminal of the multi-channel matrix switch is connected to the input terminal of the receiver.

[0032] Functional implementation of the direction-finding antenna array (see...) Figure 3 - Figure 5 The direction-finding antenna array has a three-layer structure, covering the 20-1300MHz, 1.3-3GHz, and 3-8GHz frequency bands respectively. Each layer of the direction-finding antenna array consists of 18 high-performance antenna elements in a symmetrical layout, including 9 horizontally polarized elements and 9 vertically polarized elements. All elements are evenly distributed on the same circumference in an "equally spaced ring array" to ensure excellent omnidirectional radiation characteristics. Each antenna element is a horizontal omnidirectional antenna, supporting 360° signal reception.

[0033] Implementation of antenna calibration function (see) Figure 6 The calibration antenna is designed based on the principle of electrically small antennas, and its structure consists of a matching network and electrically small antenna elements. In external calibration mode, it is controlled by the system to transmit a standard calibration signal with known amplitude and phase.

[0034] Implementation of the function of a multi-channel matrix switch (see) Figure 7 This module consists of a cascaded PIN diode switching unit and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The PIN switching unit employs a 9-channel independent 7-to-1 RF switch topology, receiving remote control commands to select and switch channels for different polarization directions and group units within the antenna array. The LNA, connected in series at the output of the PIN switching unit, amplifies the weak RF signals received by the antenna units with low noise, effectively compensating for power attenuation during channel switching and signal transmission, ensuring signal transmission quality.

[0035] The dual-mode calibration system functions as follows: During internal calibration, the built-in calibration source performs self-tests on each channel via a matrix switch to ensure switch consistency. During external calibration, the calibration antenna transmits a signal, which is received by the direction-finding antenna array. The system then analyzes the amplitude and phase response of each element and updates the algorithm model parameters, thereby ensuring high direction-finding accuracy (≤2.5°RMS) and co-frequency signal separation capability across the entire frequency band and during long-term operation.

[0036] The parts not covered in this utility model are applicable to the prior art.

Claims

1. A full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation, characterized in that, Includes a direction-finding antenna array, a calibration antenna, a multi-channel matrix switch, and a dual-mode correction system; The direction-finding antenna array has a three-layer structure, corresponding to three working frequency bands: 20-1300MHz, 1.3-3GHz, and 3-8GHz, respectively, and is used for dual-polarized direction monitoring and direction finding of radio signals; The calibration antenna consists of a matching network and electrically small antenna elements. In external calibration mode, it is controlled by the system to transmit a known standard signal. The multi-channel matrix switch is composed of a PIN diode switching unit and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) cascaded together. The PIN diode switching unit is used to select and switch channels for different polarization directions and different grouping units in the antenna array. The low-noise amplifier (LNA) is used to amplify the weak radio frequency signals received by the antenna unit with low noise to compensate for power attenuation during channel switching and signal transmission. The dual-mode calibration system includes an internal calibration module and an external calibration module. The internal calibration module combines the multi-channel matrix switch with a built-in calibration source to calibrate the consistency of the matrix switch itself. The external calibration module uses the calibration antenna to transmit a standard calibration signal to obtain the amplitude and phase consistency parameters of each antenna element and synchronize them to the calculation model of the direction finding algorithm.

2. The full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each layer of the direction-finding antenna array consists of vertically polarized antenna subarrays and horizontally polarized antenna subarrays.

3. The full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction-finding antenna array is compatible with both spatial spectrum direction-finding algorithms and related interferometer direction-finding algorithms, and has the ability to separate co-frequency signals, supporting the separation of no less than three co-frequency signals in the 20MHz to 8GHz frequency band.

4. A full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction-finding antenna employs an internal and external dual-mode correction mechanism, which stably improves the direction-finding accuracy to ≤2.5°RMS.

5. A full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna subarray consists of 9 antenna elements, all of which are evenly distributed on the same circumference in an "equal-spacing circular array".

6. A full-band dual-polarized direction-finding antenna with co-frequency signal separation according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the antenna elements is a horizontal omnidirectional antenna, capable of receiving radio signals in a 360° horizontal direction.

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