Broadband Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Detector

Abstract

The utility model relates to radio engineering, namely to radio receiving devices for detecting active radio signal sources within the operating range of the device, including the detection of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The technical result of the utility model is the creation of an energy-efficient, compact UAV detector suitable for personal wear, operating in a wide frequency range. The broadband UAV detector includes a housing with receiving radio frequency antennas (1), one radio signal receiver (4), an output video signal generation module (5), a control microcontroller (6), an indication module (7), and an autonomous power supply system. The detector contains a mixer (2) and a frequency synthesizer (3), located between the receiving radio frequency antennas and the radio signal receiver (4). The mixer (2) converts the incoming radio frequency into the operating range of the radio signal receiver (4). The frequency synthesizer (3) generates a reference frequency signal programmable by the microcontroller (6).The microcontroller (6) is matched to the frequency of the receiver (4) depending on the frequency of the detected signal. 1 fig.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to radio engineering, namely to radio receiving devices for detecting active sources of radio signals within the range of the device, including the detection of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

[0002] Ensuring personal safety in the face of unauthorized UAV flights is currently a pressing issue. It's important not only to signal UAV detection but also to intercept video transmitted from the UAV's camera so the user can determine its approximate trajectory. Furthermore, to enhance safety, it's crucial to scan the radio airwaves across a wide frequency range.

[0003] The prior art includes compact UAV detection devices suitable for personal wear and field use. A personal UAV detector is known (patent 233140, priority date October 4, 2024 [1]). The receivers in this device operate using a classic superheterodyne reception scheme, employing narrowband receivers—specifically, two—that receive frequencies of 2400 and 5800 MHz. To expand the frequency range, the device's design requires an increased number of receivers, which would increase the device's size, weight, and power consumption.

[0004] The prior art includes solutions using a software-defined radio (SDR) receiver that accepts a wide frequency range. A compact radio channel monitoring device (patent RU 232959, priority dated 24.12.2024)[2] is known. According to this device, the SDR receiver is used to scan the radio frequency spectrum of radio channel signals in the 900-1700 MHz, 2400-2500 MHz, 3300-3500 MHz, and 4980-5950 MHz ranges. The receiver used is the USRP B210, a single-board universal software radio peripheral platform with continuous frequency coverage from 70 MHz to 6 GHz. For analog radio channels of FPV drones, the form has a "Video" button that allows you to receive video from the detected radio channel.The use of an SDR receiver requires the use of a high-performance computer, while the device can remain portable (in the form of a case), but it seems impractical to use it for carrying and use in field conditions to ensure the personal safety of the user.

[0005] Also known is a device for receiving and processing analog video signals from unmanned aerial vehicles (patent RU 239533, priority dated September 29, 2025)[3], which includes a modular video receiver unit containing four video signal receivers with corresponding antennas, amplifiers and video signal filters, as well as a programmable microcontroller, a video signal control and visualization unit (with means for controlling and switching the radio frequency ranges of the video signal receivers, a display for outputting information on radio frequency ranges, and four video image output monitors). The known device intercepts video signals in separate ranges due to four radio receiving modules, which increase power consumption and also require space for placement, which takes them out of the category of compact devices suitable for individually wearable wearable for detecting UAVs in field conditions.

[0006] The objective of the utility model is to create a UAV detector that operates in a wide frequency range, with the ability to intercept a video signal and at the same time with relatively low power consumption, compact and lightweight.

[0007] The technical result consists in creating an energy-efficient, compact and wearable UAV detector operating in a wide frequency range.

[0008] To achieve the technical result, a broadband detector of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is declared, including a housing with

[0009] receiving radio frequency antennas;

[0010] radio signal receiver;

[0011] output video signal generating module;

[0012] control microcontroller;

[0013] indication module;

[0014] autonomous power supply system,

[0015] characterized by the fact that it contains a mixer located between the receiving radio frequency antennas and the radio signal receiver, configured to transfer the incoming radio frequency to the operating range of the radio signal receiver, and a frequency synthesizer configured to generate a reference frequency signal, programmable by a microcontroller, matched to the frequency of the receiver depending on the frequency of the detected signal.

[0016] Unlike known solutions, the claimed utility model achieves an expansion of the scanned frequency range not by increasing the number of receiving modules—as in solutions [1] and [3]—or by using an SDR receiver—as in solution [2], which naturally leads to an increase in power consumption, as well as the weight and size of the device. Instead, it achieves frequency conversion through the use of an external mixer and frequency synthesizer (not an internal part of the radio signal receiver). This ensures the smooth coverage of the entire required frequency range (from 200 MHz to 8400 MHz).

[0017] Unlike solution [1], which also utilizes superheterodyne reception, the proposed solution utilizes a classic frequency conversion circuit to shift the input frequency to the receiver's operating range using a mixer external to the receiver. This solution utilizes only a single receiver, allowing the device to operate over a wide frequency range. This allows for the creation of a compact and energy-efficient detector. The receiver itself in the proposed device can be implemented using any known circuit design. It can be, for example, either a direct-conversion receiver or a superheterodyne receiver. In the latter case, the device utilizes double frequency conversion.

[0018] It's worth noting that the relatively high power consumption figures of the analog [2] are due to the use of high-performance components operating at frequencies above 1 GHz: radio frequency components, RAM, and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Considering that portable embedded computers consume at least 10 W during active operation, and a 5-7-inch embedded display also consumes around 5 W, the total power consumption of a radio receiving system built around an SDR receiver will consume at least 15-20 W, depending on the selected components.

[0019] It is known that the analogue [3] contains 4 independent receiving modules. Current consumption of the modules is known from open sources (https: / / glozzio.ru / fpvspeed-vrx-vm1373r-12g-13g-9ch-rssi); (https: / / glozzio.ru / fpvspeed-fs3364r-33g-vrx-64ch-3060-3500mhz); (https: / / www.wildberries.ru / catalog / 243378242 / detail.aspx), which are not less than 350*4=1400 mA. At the same time, the circuit contains additional components: LNA, processor, indication system. Consequently, the total current consumption can be over 1500 mA. Indirect confirmation of the device's relatively high power consumption is the presence of a 4.2 V, 10 Ah battery in the prototype. Power consumption will be at least 6 W. At the calculated current consumption, the device's operating time should be approximately 8 hours.

[0020] In the claimed utility model, the range of scanned radio frequencies is expanded by using a mixer and frequency synthesizer installed between the receiving antennas and the receiving module. The solution utilizes only a single radio signal receiver and frequency conversion, ensuring smooth, gap-free coverage of the entire required frequency range. The device's power consumption is low. The measured current consumption in scanning mode is no more than 600 mA from a 4.2 V source (battery), and the power consumption is no more than 2.5 W. Furthermore, these components are miniature in size.

[0021] Therefore, the declared solution allows to reduce the power consumption of the device by more than 2 times (compared to analogues), expand the band of received radio frequencies and at the same time is compact, lightweight, suitable for personal wearing and use.

[0022] The essence of the utility model is explained by the figures: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the device, where:

[0023] 1 - receiving radio frequency antennas;

[0024] 2 - mixer;

[0025] 3 - frequency synthesizer;

[0026] 4 - radio signal receiver;

[0027] 5 - output video signal generation module;

[0028] 6 - ​​control microcontroller;

[0029] 7 - indication module.

[0030] The wideband UAV detector includes a housing with receiving radio frequency antennas (1), a radio signal receiver (4), an output video signal generation module (5), a control microcontroller (6), an indication module (7), and an autonomous power supply system (not shown in the figure). A mixer (2) and a frequency synthesizer (3) are located in the radio frequency path between the receiving radio frequency antennas (1) and the radio signal receiver (4). The mixer (2) transfers the input radio frequency to the operating range of the radio signal receiver (4), and the frequency synthesizer (3), working in conjunction with the mixer, is used as a local oscillator and generates a signal of a reference frequency, programmable by the microcontroller (6), matched to the frequency of the receiver (4) depending on the frequency of the detected signal. This makes it possible to expand the range of received radio frequencies.

[0031] Example

[0032] The wideband UAV detector is housed in a housing with two receiving radio frequency antennas (1): one for the low range (200 to 1500 MHz) and one for the high range (1500 to 8400 MHz) with two input low-noise radio signal amplifiers. Bandpass filters corresponding to the input radio signal frequency band are connected to the radio signal amplifiers. In the case of a 2-channel implementation, low-pass and high-pass filters are used. The detector contains an electronic mixer (2) and a digital frequency synthesizer (3), located in the radio frequency path between the antennas (1) and the radio signal receiver (4). The digital frequency synthesizer (3) is controlled by a microcontroller (6) and generates a reference frequency signal in the range of 54-6800 MHz for the mixer (2). The radio signal receiver (4) is also controlled by a microcontroller and is equipped with the necessary amplification, filtering and demodulation circuits.The detector also includes a video output module (5) with a video inversion unit to comply with various standards. This module (5) is equipped with an output for connection to an external monitor. All components of the radio receiving circuit are controlled by a control microcontroller (6). The detector also includes an indicator module (7) with sound, light, and vibration visualization units and may be equipped with one or more microphones for analyzing the audio environment, as well as an analog-to-digital converter of the audio signal into a digital stream. The detector may also include a graphic display for visualizing processes and messages, a keyboard, and a bidirectional interface for interacting with an external server within the system. The autonomous power supply system generates all the necessary supply voltages for the detector from a 5000 mAh battery, which allows the device to operate autonomously for at least 8 hours, and also includes a charge controller.All circuit elements and radio frequency components are assembled on a single printed circuit board (PCB), in this case measuring 53 x 58 mm, minimizing the detector's size. The detector's miniature design allows for various mounting options: on the arm, on a helmet, on a mast, or on a vehicle.

[0033] The claimed utility model operates as follows. Once turned on, the UAV detector continuously scans the radio airwaves in the frequency range of 200 to 8400 MHz using receiving antennas operating in the frequency range of 200 to 1500 MHz and in the range of 1500 to 8400 MHz.

[0034] The device uses a frequency synthesizer (3), external to the radio signal receiver (4), with a range from 54 to 6800 MHz, and only one radio signal receiver (4) with a frequency range from 3100 to 3800 MHz (the choice of this range is due to the availability of common industrial receiving modules and allows for complete coverage of the declared characteristics of the device in terms of the range of detected frequencies). The radio frequency path is designed in such a way that the signal from the receiving antennas (1), after amplification, goes to the first input of the electronic mixer (2). The reference frequency signal from the frequency synthesizer (3), the frequency adjustment range of which is from 54 to 6800 MHz, is fed to the second input of the mixer (2). As a result of the mixer operation, the sum and difference of the input and reference frequencies Fпч = | Frf ± Fsyn | are formed at the mixer output,

[0035] where Fпч is the intermediate frequency;

[0036] Frf - input frequency;

[0037] Fsyn - reference frequency of the synthesizer.

[0038] During continuous scanning of the radio airwaves, the device is tuned (via the microprocessor) to detect signals, for example, checking for a 1200 MHz signal. For this purpose, a low-band antenna is connected to the input path. After pre-amplification, the input signal is fed to the first input of the electronic mixer. The microprocessor programs the reference frequency from the available range (from 54 to 6800 MHz) and the receiver's reception frequency (from 3100 to 3800 MHz), taking into account that a 1200 MHz signal is being checked. Thus, the reference frequency signal of 2000 MHz from the synthesizer is fed to the second input of the mixer. The radio signal receiver is tuned to a frequency of 3200 MHz. If there is any signal at the desired frequency of 1200 MHz, then a set of frequencies is formed at the mixer output: Fпч1=2000-1200=800 MHz, Fпч2=1200+2000=3200 MHz.The first frequency is outside the receiver's operating range and is ignored, while the second frequency is detected by the receiver. Thus, using a mixer, any frequency between 200 and 3100 MHz can be brought within the receiver's operating range.

[0039] In a similar way, we can transfer higher frequencies.

[0040] For example, when testing a signal at a frequency of 7200 MHz, a high-band antenna is connected to the input path. A reference frequency of 3400 MHz is set, and the radio signal receiver is tuned to a frequency of 3800 MHz. If there is a signal at the desired frequency of 7200 MHz, then a set of intermediate frequencies is obtained at the mixer output: FIF1 = 7200 - 3400 = 3800 MHz, FIF2 = 7200 + 3400 = 10600 MHz. The first frequency is decoded by the radio signal receiver, and the second is discarded. This transfers the investigated frequencies of 3800-8400 MHz into the operating range of the radio signal receiver and, consequently, similarly expands the range of radio frequencies received by the detector. The input range of 3100-3800 MHz is covered using the receiver itself, by connecting the receiving antenna directly to its input.

[0041] As can be seen from the examples, the intermediate frequency value, which can be selected from the range of 3100 to 3800 MHz, corresponds to the input range of the radio signal receiver used.

[0042] In addition to the useful frequencies at the mixer output, a set of harmonics from the input signal and synthesizer is also generated. The intermediate frequency can be formed by higher-order harmonics of the original frequencies, as well as by intermodulation distortion. This feature does not significantly affect the device's performance, as it is not a measuring device. However, detecting additional harmonics can, in some cases, improve statistics when deciding whether a hazard exists.

[0043] After the mixer (2), the intermediate frequency signal is fed to the radio signal receiver (4), where the input radio signal is frequency demodulated and the useful signal is extracted. The useful signal is then fed to the video output module (5), where the video signal is filtered, inverted, and amplified if necessary, with the option of transmitting it to an external monitor.

[0044] Thus, the claimed utility model enables the creation of an energy-efficient and compact UAV detector operating over a wide frequency range with the ability to intercept video signals. The solution is implemented in devices scanning the radio airwaves in the frequency range of 200 to 8400 MHz, weighing 180 grams and measuring (without antennas) 70 x 75 x 28 mm, with continuous operation for 10-12 hours, depending on the settings.

Claims

A broadband detector of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) comprising a housing with receiving radio frequency antennas (1), one radio signal receiver (4), a module for generating an output video signal (5), a control microcontroller (6), an indication module (7), an autonomous power supply system, characterized in that it contains a mixer (2) located between the receiving radio frequency antennas and the radio signal receiver (4), configured to transfer the incoming radio frequency to the operating range of the radio signal receiver (4), and a frequency synthesizer (3) configured to generate a signal of a reference frequency, programmable by the microcontroller (6), matched to the frequency of the receiver (4) depending on the frequency of the detected signal.

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