Distributed control method, system and apparatus for liquid crystal phased array antenna radio-frequency module

Through the distributed control system of the RF module of the LCD phased array antenna, the parallel configuration and control of the LCD phased array unit is realized, solving the problem of slow beam scanning speed in complex arrays by traditional phased array antennas, and improving transmission efficiency and control speed.

WO2025175562A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-08-28BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/078362
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-23
Publication Date
2025-08-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional phased array antennas have complex operations when there are many array units, resulting in slow beam scanning speed and difficult to meet the needs of fast control.

Method used

The distributed control system of the LCD phased array antenna radio frequency module adopts the distributed control method of the antenna array control module, the transmitting and receiving radio frequency module, the sub-array wave control module and the LCD phased array can realize the parallel configuration and control of multiple LCD phased array units, reducing the need for synchronization and delay calibration.

Benefits of technology

It improves the transmission efficiency of LCD phased array antennas, is suitable for complex distributed arrays, shortens beam scanning time, and improves control speed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A distributed control method, system and apparatus for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio-frequency module. The system comprises an antenna array control module, a receiving / transmitting radio-frequency module, a sub-array beam control module and a liquid crystal phased array; the liquid crystal phased array comprises a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units; the antenna array control module receives external control information or an external control instruction, sends first internal control information or a first internal control instruction to the receiving / transmitting radio-frequency module on the basis of the external control information or the external control instruction, and sends second internal control information or a second internal control instruction to the sub-array beam control module on the basis of the external control information or the external control instruction; the receiving / transmitting radio-frequency module transmits and / or receives a carrier on the basis of the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction; the sub-array beam control module concurrently sends configuration information or a configuration instruction to the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units on the basis of the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction; and the liquid crystal phased array realizes antenna beamforming on the basis of the configuration information or the configuration instruction.
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Description

Distributed control method, system and device for liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, but are not limited to, the field of liquid crystal phased array technology, and in particular to a distributed control method, system, and device for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid rise of 5G millimeter-wave communications and broadband low-orbit satellite communications, phased array antennas have experienced unprecedented growth and are widely used in satellite communications and radar systems. Phased array antenna beam steering primarily relies on receiving beam steering commands from a host computer. A beamforming algorithm and calibration unit calculate the phase difference and amplitude of the phase shifter module or wireless transceiver (T / R) chip to achieve phased array antenna beam steering.

[0003] Traditional phased array antennas generally use a centralized beam steering scheme, characterized by a beam steering module that centrally calculates the amplitude and phase values ​​of each antenna element in the array and then transmits the resulting amplitude and phase control code to each element. This scheme requires minimal hardware and is suitable for planar array antennas with a small number of elements and relatively simple calculations. However, for distributed array antennas with a large number of elements and relatively complex calculations, the calculation time is often long, seriously affecting the beam scanning speed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a distributed control system for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module, comprising: an antenna array control module, a transceiver radio frequency module, a sub-array wave control module, and a liquid crystal phased array, wherein the liquid crystal phased array comprises a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units, wherein:

[0007] The antenna array control module is configured to receive external control information or external control instructions, send first internal control information or first internal control instructions to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or external control instructions, and send second internal control information or second internal control instructions to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or external control instructions;

[0008] The radio frequency transceiver module is configured to transmit and / or receive a carrier according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction;

[0009] The sub-array wave control module is configured to send configuration information or configuration instructions to the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, and the configuration information or configuration instructions of the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel;

[0010] The liquid crystal phased array is configured to implement antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instruction.

[0011] The present disclosure also provides a distributed control method for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module, wherein the liquid crystal phased array includes: a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units; the method includes:

[0012] The antenna array control module receives external control information or external control instructions, sends first internal control information or first internal control instructions to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or external control instructions, and sends second internal control information or second internal control instructions to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or external control instructions;

[0013] The sub-array wave control module sends configuration information or configuration instructions to multiple liquid crystal phased array units in the liquid crystal phased array according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, and the configuration information or configuration instructions of the multiple liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel;

[0014] The liquid crystal phased array implements antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instruction;

[0015] The transceiver RF module transmits and / or receives a carrier according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction.

[0016] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the distributed control method as described in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a distributed control device for a liquid crystal phased array antenna RF module, comprising a memory; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the steps of the distributed control method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory.

[0018] Other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the drawings and detailed description.

[0019] Summary of the Figures

[0020] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the technical solutions of the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation of the technical solutions of the present disclosure. The shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect the actual scale and are intended only to illustrate the contents of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a distributed control system of a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of another distributed control system of a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a distributed control process of the distributed control system shown in FIG2 ;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another distributed control system of a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of another distributed control system of a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a distributed control process of the distributed control system shown in FIG5 ;

[0027] FIG7 is a flow chart of a distributed control method for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a distributed control device for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Details

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other in any manner.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should have the ordinary meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" indicate that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word, and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects.

[0032] A liquid crystal phased array antenna consists of a phase shifter, a metal ground (including a slot structure), a dielectric substrate, and a metal radiating patch. The operating principle of a liquid crystal phased array antenna is briefly described as follows: By applying different voltage signals to control the deflection state of the liquid crystal, when an electromagnetic wave signal radiates outward through the adjusted liquid crystal cell, the phase shifter unit corresponds to different phase delays under different voltage signals. By controlling the phase delay parameters, the electromagnetic waves couple with each other in the external space, forming a main beam in the target direction, completing the transmission of the electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, external electromagnetic waves pass through the radiating patch, the metal ground slot structure, and the adjusted liquid crystal cell. By applying different voltages to control the deflection state of the liquid crystal, signal processing with different phase delays of the external electromagnetic wave is achieved, thereby fully receiving the signal from the external space and completing the electromagnetic signal reception.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, a distributed control system for a liquid crystal phased array antenna RF module includes: an antenna array control module, a transceiver RF module, a sub-array wave control module, and a liquid crystal phased array. The liquid crystal phased array includes multiple periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units, wherein:

[0034] The antenna array control module is configured to receive external control information or external control instructions, send first internal control information or first internal control instructions to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or external control instructions, and send second internal control information or second internal control instructions to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or external control instructions;

[0035] a radio frequency transceiver module, configured to transmit and / or receive a carrier wave according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction;

[0036] The sub-array wave control module is configured to send configuration information or configuration instructions to the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, and the configuration information or configuration instructions of the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel;

[0037] The liquid crystal phased array is configured to implement antenna beamforming according to configuration information or configuration instructions.

[0038] The distributed control system for a liquid crystal phased array antenna RF module provided by the disclosed embodiments utilizes a fully parallel transmission method to transmit configuration information or configuration instructions to multiple liquid crystal phased array units. This eliminates the need for strict synchronization or delay calibration systems, resulting in higher transmission efficiency and suitability for liquid crystal phased array antenna RF modules. The signal flow between modules shown in Figure 1 only involves the flow of control signals and does not involve the flow of RF signal links.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array control module communicates and interacts with other modules outside the system through protocols such as RS232, RS422, RS485, TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or Ethernet, thereby realizing information input, conversion and decomposition of the liquid crystal phased array RF module by external commands, and outputting information feedback of the liquid crystal phased array RF module.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array control module and the transceiver RF module are connected via a first control line. Exemplarily, the first control line may be a serial communication interface control line, and the serial communication interface may be a serial communication interface such as RS232, RS422, or RS485.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array control module and the sub-array beam control module are connected via a second control line. Exemplarily, the second control line may be a serial communication interface control line, and the serial communication interface may be a serial communication interface such as RS232, RS422, or RS485.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the sub-array wave control module and the liquid crystal phased array are connected via a third control line. Exemplarily, the third control line may be a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface control line.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal phased array is composed of at least one liquid crystal phased array sub-array, and each liquid crystal phased array sub-array is composed of a plurality of liquid crystal phased array units arranged periodically;

[0044] The sub-array wave control modules are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays in the liquid crystal phased array through multiple groups of control lines. Each group of control lines includes multiple fully parallel control lines, so that the sub-array wave control modules are connected to each liquid crystal phased array unit in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, each liquid crystal phased array sub-array is formed by a periodic arrangement of M×K liquid crystal phased array units, where M≥2 and K≥2.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of liquid crystal phased array units included in different liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays may be the same or different, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose a limitation on this.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver RF module includes: a transmitting RF module and a receiving RF module;

[0048] The transmitting RF module and the receiving RF module are connected via an intermediate frequency line and perform frequency synchronization.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, frequency synchronization is performed between the transmitting RF module and the receiving RF module. The transmitting RF module may send frequency synchronization information to the receiving RF module, so that the receiving RF module performs frequency synchronization with the transmitting RF module according to the received frequency synchronization information; or, the receiving RF module may send frequency synchronization information to the transmitting RF module, so that the transmitting RF module performs frequency synchronization with the receiving RF module according to the received frequency synchronization information.

[0050] In the disclosed embodiments, frequency synchronization between different RF modules refers to adjusting the frequency values ​​of frequency sources distributed in different locations to a certain degree of accuracy or consistency through frequency comparison. For example, the transmitting RF module outputs a frequency synchronization signal to the receiving RF module via an intermediate frequency line, and the frequency synchronization signal can be a 10 MHz, 50 MHz, or 100 MHz signal.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmitting RF module and the receiving RF module are connected via a fourth control line. Exemplarily, the fourth control line can be a serial communication interface control line or an Ethernet signal line, and the serial communication interface can be a serial communication interface such as RS232, RS422, or RS485.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the receiving radio frequency module includes: a single-channel low noise amplifier or an N1-channel low noise amplifier, where N1 is the number of receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays included in the liquid crystal phased array, and N1 is a natural number greater than or equal to 1;

[0053] The transmitting radio frequency module includes: a single-channel power amplifier or an N2-channel power amplifier, wherein N2 is the number of transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays included in the liquid crystal phased array, and N2 is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0054] In the disclosed embodiments, the receiving RF module may include a receiving control circuit in addition to a low-noise amplifier; the transmitting RF module may include a transmitting control circuit in addition to a power amplifier. Each of the N1 receiving liquid crystal phased array subarrays may be connected to a corresponding single-channel low-noise amplifier, or each of the N1 receiving liquid crystal phased array subarrays may be connected to a corresponding low-noise amplifier in one of the N1 channels. Each of the N2 transmitting liquid crystal phased array subarrays may be connected to a corresponding single-channel power amplifier, or each of the N2 transmitting liquid crystal phased array subarrays may be connected to a corresponding power amplifier in one of the N2 channels.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal phased array includes: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array;

[0056] The sub-array wave control module includes a first sub-array wave control module and a second sub-array wave control module, the first sub-array wave control module is connected to the receiving liquid crystal phased array, and the second sub-array wave control module is connected to the transmitting liquid crystal phased array;

[0057] The first sub-array wave control module and the second sub-array wave control module are connected via a fifth control line, and perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, time synchronization between different sub-array wave control modules refers to making the times of the sub-array wave control modules consistent; frequency synchronization between different sub-array wave control modules refers to making the processing rhythms of the sub-array wave control modules consistent.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the fifth control line may be a serial communication interface control line or an Ethernet signal line, and the serial communication interface may be a serial communication interface such as RS232, RS422, or RS485.

[0060] In the disclosed embodiment, the number of sub-array beam control modules is not limited to two, and may be more than two. The two or more sub-array beam control modules achieve time and frequency synchronization between the sub-array beam control modules via a control line. The synchronization protocol includes, but is not limited to, RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, time synchronization is to adjust the time values ​​of clocks distributed in different places to a certain accuracy or a certain degree of consistency through time comparison.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the receiving liquid crystal phased array includes one or more receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-array including a plurality of periodically arranged receiving liquid crystal phased array units;

[0063] The first sub-array wave control module and each receiving liquid crystal phased array unit are connected via a third control line.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the emissive liquid crystal phased array includes one or more emissive liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each of which includes a plurality of periodically arranged emissive liquid crystal phased array units;

[0065] The second sub-array wave control module and each transmitting liquid crystal phased array unit are connected via a third control line.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIG2 . The distributed control system of the liquid crystal phased array radio frequency module includes: an antenna array control module 11, a receiving radio frequency module 21, a transmitting radio frequency module 22, two sub-array wave control modules 31 and 32, and a receiving liquid crystal phased array 41 and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array 42, wherein: the receiving liquid crystal phased array 41 is composed of N1 receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 to 41N1 (in this embodiment, N1 can be 4, however, this is not limited in this embodiment of the present disclosure), and the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 42 is composed of N2 transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 421 to 42N2 (in this embodiment, N2 can be 4, however, this is not limited in this embodiment of the present disclosure); further, each receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-array 411 to 41N1 and each transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-array 421 to 42N2 is respectively composed of M×K liquid crystal phased array units arranged periodically, where M ≥ 2 and K ≥ 2.

[0067] The antenna array control module 11 communicates and interacts with other modules outside the system through protocols such as RS232, RS422, RS485, TTL, UDP, or Ethernet, realizing the information input, conversion and decomposition of the liquid crystal phased array RF module by external commands, and outputting information feedback of the liquid crystal phased array RF module.

[0068] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the receiving RF module 21 and the transmitting RF module 22 via the first control lines 51 and 52, respectively. The control protocols generally include but are not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485. The receiving RF module 21 is composed of N1 low noise amplifiers (LNAs), which correspond to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 to 41N1 in the receiving liquid crystal phased array 41. The transmitting RF module 22 is composed of N2 power amplifiers (Power The antenna array control module 11 is composed of an antenna array sub-array 421 to an antenna amplifier (PA), which correspond one-to-one to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 421 to 42N2 in the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 42; the transmitting RF module 22 outputs a frequency synchronization signal to the receiving RF module 21 through the intermediate frequency line 55, and the frequency synchronization signal includes but is not limited to a 10MHz, 50MHz or 100MHz signal; further, the antenna array control module 11 has the function of controlling whether the transmitting RF module 22 is allowed to transmit a carrier. When a situation occurs in which the carrier transmission is not allowed, such as when the received signal cannot be demodulated, the beacon receiver cannot be locked, or the beam pointing deviates, the RF transmission can be shut down.

[0069] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the two sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32 via control lines 53 and 54, respectively. The control protocols generally include but are not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485. The sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32 achieve time and frequency synchronization between the sub-array beam control modules via control line 56. The synchronization protocols include but are not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0070] Furthermore, the sub-array wave control modules 31 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 to 41N1 in the receiving liquid crystal phased array 41 via N1 groups of control lines 57 in a one-to-one correspondence (in this embodiment, N1 is 4), and the sub-array wave control modules 32 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 421 to 42N2 in the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 42 via N2 groups of control lines 57 in a one-to-one correspondence (in this embodiment, N2 is 4). The control lines 57 are fully parallel, and each group of control lines 57 has at least M×K independent parallel drive and control bits.

[0071] It should be noted that the features described in this solution are intended to illustrate the control signal flow and do not involve the flow direction of the RF signal link.

[0072] The control method of the distributed control system of the liquid crystal phased array RF module in the above example is described below with reference to FIG3 .

[0073] Step 1: The antenna array control module 11 receives external control information or external control instructions: the external control information or external control instructions mentioned here can come from a baseband device / module, a beacon receiver, a combined inertial navigation module, a temperature sensor, or other external devices or equipment.

[0074] Step 2: The antenna array control module 11 converts and decomposes the external control information or external control instructions into internal control information or internal control instructions.

[0075] Step 31: The antenna array control module 11 simultaneously sends internal control information or control instructions to the sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32: The antenna array control module 11 simultaneously sends information or instructions to the sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32 through protocols such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32 feed back relevant status information to the antenna array control module 11.

[0076] Step 41: At the same time as step 31, the antenna array control module 11 sends internal control information or control instructions to the receiving RF module 21 and the transmitting RF module 22: the antenna array control module 11 sends information or instructions to the receiving RF module 21 and the transmitting RF module 22 at the same time through protocols such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the receiving RF module 21 and the transmitting RF module 22 feedback relevant status information to the antenna array control module 11.

[0077] Step 32: The sub-array beam control module 31 and the sub-array beam control module 32 perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization: The sub-array beam control module 31 and the sub-array beam control module 32 achieve time synchronization and frequency synchronization between the sub-array beam control modules via the control line 56. The synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0078] Step 42: Simultaneously with step 32, the transmitting RF module 22 sends frequency synchronization information to the receiving RF module 21, and the transmitting RF module 22 is not allowed to transmit a carrier. The frequency synchronization signal here includes but is not limited to 10 MHz, 50 MHz or 100 MHz signals.

[0079] Step 33: The sub-array wave control module 31 and the sub-array wave control module 32 respectively solve the array code table in real time or query the array code table stored in the memory.

[0080] Step 34: According to the array code table, the sub-array wave control module 31 simultaneously sends configuration information or configuration instructions to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 to 41N1. The configuration information or configuration instructions are sent in full parallel, and each of the above phased array units is independently configured.

[0081] Step 35: The liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 - 41N1 drive the liquid crystal cells in each phased array unit through the configuration information or configuration instructions, thereby simultaneously realizing phased array beamforming.

[0082] Step 36: When the carrier transmission conditions are met, the antenna array control module 11 sends information or instructions. According to the array code table, the subarray wave control modules 31 and 32 simultaneously send configuration information or configuration instructions to the liquid crystal phased array subarrays 411-41N1 and 421-42N2. The characteristic is that the configuration information or configuration instructions are sent in full parallel, and each of the above-mentioned phased array units is independently configured.

[0083] Step 43: At the same time as step 36, when the carrier transmission condition is met, the antenna array control module 11 sends information or instructions, and the transmitting RF module 22 is allowed to transmit the carrier.

[0084] Step 37: The liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 - 41N1 and 421 - 42N2 respectively drive the liquid crystal cells in each phased array unit through configuration information or configuration instructions, thereby simultaneously achieving phased array beamforming.

[0085] In some other exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal phased array includes: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the receiving liquid crystal phased array includes one or more receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-array including a plurality of periodically arranged receiving liquid crystal phased array units; the transmitting liquid crystal phased array includes one or more transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-array including a plurality of periodically arranged transmitting liquid crystal phased array units;

[0086] The sub-array wave control module is connected to each receiving liquid crystal phased array unit and the transmitting liquid crystal phased array unit through control lines.

[0087] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below in conjunction with FIG4 . The distributed control system of the liquid crystal phased array radio frequency module includes: an antenna array control module 11, a receiving radio frequency module 21, a transmitting radio frequency module 22, a subarray wave control module 31, and a receiving liquid crystal phased array composed of liquid crystal phased array subarrays 411 and 412, and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array composed of liquid crystal phased array subarrays 421. The liquid crystal phased array subarrays 411, 412, and liquid crystal phased array subarray 421 are each composed of M×K liquid crystal phased array units arranged periodically (M ≥ 2, and K ≥ 2).

[0088] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the receiving RF module 21 and the transmitting RF module 22 through control lines 51 and 52 respectively. The above-mentioned control protocol generally includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485; wherein, the receiving RF module 21 is composed of a single-channel LNA; the transmitting RF module 22 is composed of a single-channel PA; the transmitting RF module 22 outputs a frequency synchronization signal to the receiving RF module 21 through the intermediate frequency line 55, and the frequency synchronization signal includes but is not limited to 10MHz, 50MHz or 100MHz signals; further, the antenna array control module 11 has the function of controlling whether the transmitting RF module 22 is allowed to transmit a carrier. When situations such as the received signal cannot be demodulated, the beacon receiver cannot be locked, or the beam pointing is deviated, etc., which do not allow the carrier to be transmitted, the RF transmission can be shut down.

[0089] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the sub-array beam control module 31 via a control line 53. The above control protocol generally includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485.

[0090] Furthermore, the sub-array wave control module 31 is connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 and 412, and the liquid crystal phased array sub-array 421 through multiple groups of control lines 57, one-to-one. The control lines 54 are fully parallel, and each group of control lines 54 has at least M×K independent parallel drive and control bits.

[0091] The control method of the distributed control system embodiment shown in FIG4 is similar to the process shown in FIG3 , except that the time synchronization and frequency synchronization between two or more sub-array wave control modules (ie, step 32 in FIG3 ) are omitted.

[0092] In some further exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal phased array includes X, each liquid crystal phased array includes: a plurality of liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each liquid crystal phased array sub-array includes a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units, and X is a natural number greater than 1;

[0093] The sub-array wave control modules include X, and each sub-array wave control module is connected to each liquid crystal phased array unit in a liquid crystal phased array through a control line;

[0094] At least one sub-array beam control module is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line; multiple sub-array beam control modules are connected via control lines and perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver RF modules include X, at least one of which is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line; the multiple transceiver RF modules are connected to each other via control lines and perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, each transceiver RF module includes at least one PA channel and at least one LNA channel, and each transceiver RF module can be independently configured.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple transceiver RF modules are synchronized with each other in time and frequency via control lines, where the time synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet, and the frequency synchronization signal can be a 10 MHz, 50 MHz, or 100 MHz signal.

[0098] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIG5 . The distributed control system of the liquid crystal phased array radio frequency module includes: an antenna array control module 11, four transceiver / transmitter radio frequency modules 21, 22, 23, and 24, four sub-array wave control modules 31, 32, 33, and 34, and liquid crystal phased arrays 41, 42, 43, and 44, wherein the liquid crystal phased arrays 41, 42, 43, and 44 are respectively composed of multiple liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411-41N1, 421-42N2, 431-43N3, and 441-44N4 (in this embodiment, N1, N2, N3, and N4 can each be 4, however, this is not limited to this disclosure); further, each liquid crystal phased array sub-array 411-41N1, 421-42N2, 431-43N3, and 441-44N4 is respectively composed of M×K liquid crystal phased array units arranged periodically (M≥2, and K≥2).

[0099] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the transceiver / RF module 21 via a control line 51. The control protocol generally includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485. The transceiver / RF module 21 is connected to the transceiver / RF module 22, the transceiver / RF module 22 is connected to the transceiver / RF module 23, and the transceiver / RF module 23 is connected to the transceiver / RF module 24 via a control line 55 to achieve time synchronization and frequency synchronization. The time synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet. The frequency synchronization signal can be a 10MHz, 50MHz, or 100MHz signal. Each of the transceiver / RF modules 21 to 24 includes a PA channel and an LNA channel, and the RF modules can be independently configured. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control line 55 for achieving time synchronization and the control line 55 for achieving frequency synchronization between different RF modules can be a multiplexed type of control line or a separate type of control line, which is not limited by the present disclosure. Exemplarily, the control line 55 for achieving time synchronization may be an Ethernet signal line, and the control line 55 for achieving frequency synchronization may be an intermediate frequency line.

[0100] The antenna array control module 11 is connected to the sub-array beam control module 31 via a control line 53. The control protocol generally includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, or RS485. The sub-array beam control modules 31 and 32, the sub-array beam control module 32 and 33, and the sub-array beam control module 33 and 34 are respectively connected via control lines 56 to achieve time synchronization and frequency synchronization between the sub-array beam control modules. The synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0101] Furthermore, the sub-array wave control modules 31 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 to 41N1 in the liquid crystal phased array 41 via N1 groups of control lines 57, respectively. The sub-array wave control modules 32 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 421 to 42N2 in the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 42 via N2 groups of control lines 57, respectively. The sub-array wave control modules 33 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 431 to 43N3 in the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 43 via N3 groups of control lines 57, respectively. The sub-array wave control modules 34 are connected to the liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 441 to 44N4 in the transmitting liquid crystal phased array 44 via N4 groups of control lines 57, respectively. The control lines 53 are fully parallel, and each group of control lines 53 has at least M×K independent parallel drive and control bits.

[0102] The control method of the distributed control system of the liquid crystal phased array RF module in the above example is described below with reference to FIG6 .

[0103] Step 1: The antenna array control module 11 receives external control information or external control instructions: the external control information or external control instructions mentioned here can come from a baseband device / module, a beacon receiver, a combined inertial navigation module, a temperature sensor, or other external devices or equipment.

[0104] Step 2: The antenna array control module 11 converts and decomposes the external control information or external control instructions into internal control information or internal control instructions.

[0105] Step 31: The antenna array control module 11 sends internal control information or control instructions to the sub-array beam control module 31: The antenna array control module 11 simultaneously sends information or instructions to the sub-array beam control module 31 through protocols such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the sub-array beam control module 31 feeds back relevant status information to the antenna array control module 11.

[0106] Step 41: At the same time as step 31, the antenna array control module 11 sends internal control information or control instructions to the transceiver / RF module 21: the transceiver antenna array control module 11 sends information or instructions to the transceiver / RF module 21 through protocols such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the transceiver / RF module 21 feeds back relevant status information to the antenna array control module 11.

[0107] Step 32: The sub-array beam control module 31 performs time synchronization and frequency synchronization with the sub-array beam control modules 32, 33, and 34: The sub-array beam control module 31 and the sub-array beam control module 32, the sub-array beam control module 32 and the sub-array beam control module 33, and the sub-array beam control module 33 and the sub-array beam control module 34 respectively achieve time synchronization and frequency synchronization between the sub-array beam control modules via the control line 55. The synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0108] Step 42: At the same time as step 32, the transceiver / RF module 21 performs time synchronization and frequency synchronization with the transceiver / RF module 22, the transceiver / RF module 23, and the transceiver / RF module 34: the transceiver / RF module 21 and the transceiver / RF module 22, the transceiver / RF module 22 and the transceiver / RF module 23, and the transceiver / RF module 23 and the transceiver / RF module 24 respectively realize time synchronization and frequency synchronization between the transceiver / RF modules through the control line 54, and the synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0109] Step 33: The sub-array wave control modules 31, 32, 33, and 34 respectively solve the array code table in real time or query the array code table stored in the memory.

[0110] Step 34: Based on the array code table, subarray wave control modules 31, 32, 33, and 34 simultaneously send configuration information or configuration instructions to liquid crystal phased array subarrays 411-41N1, 421-42N2, 431-43N3, and 441-44N4, respectively. This configuration information or configuration instructions are sent in full parallel, and each phased array unit is independently configured.

[0111] Step 35: The liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays 411 - 41N1 , 421 - 42N2 , 431 - 43N3 , and 441 - 44N4 respectively and simultaneously drive the liquid crystal cells in each phased array unit, thereby simultaneously achieving phased array beamforming.

[0112] Step 43: Simultaneously with step 35, while completing phased array beamforming, the RF transceiver module 21, the RF transceiver module 22, the RF transceiver module 23, and the RF transceiver module 24 transmit and receive carriers.

[0113] The liquid crystal phased array itself is a passive phased array, and only phase modulation can be achieved within the unit or sub-array. Traditional passive phased arrays all use a centralized power distribution system. The liquid crystal phased array RF module adopts a hybrid architecture of sub-array-level power synthesis + unit-level phase modulation distribution (due to the existence of air interface power synthesis and sub-array-level calibration, the amplitude synchronization of the liquid crystal phased array module is implemented in the antenna array control module). Therefore, the distributed control system proposed in this disclosure also has a hybrid architecture, with the array amplitude calibration in the array-level antenna array control module and the unit-level phase control in the sub-array-level sub-array wave control module.

[0114] Active phased arrays based on T / R chips or T / R components typically rely on FPGAs or dedicated application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to drive their T / R subarrays. Their control capabilities are limited by input / output (I / O) interface resources, and therefore are often controlled using bus or serial methods such as a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The subarray control based on a liquid crystal phased array proposed in this disclosure uses a fully parallel architecture. Therefore, unlike active phased arrays, which require strict synchronization or delay calibration systems, this system offers higher transmission efficiency and better leverages the technical advantages of liquid crystal phased arrays.

[0115] As shown in FIG7 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a distributed control method for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module. The liquid crystal phased array includes: a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units; the distributed control method includes:

[0116] Step 701: The antenna array control module receives external control information or an external control instruction, sends first internal control information or a first internal control instruction to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or the external control instruction, and sends second internal control information or a second internal control instruction to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or the external control instruction.

[0117] Step 702: The sub-array wave control module sends configuration information or configuration instructions to multiple liquid crystal phased array units in the liquid crystal phased array according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction. The configuration information or configuration instructions of the multiple liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel.

[0118] Step 703: The liquid crystal phased array implements antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instructions.

[0119] Step 704: The transceiver RF module transmits and / or receives a carrier according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction.

[0120] In some exemplary embodiments, the external control information or external control instruction may come from a baseband device / module, a beacon receiver, a combined inertial navigation module, a temperature sensor, or other external devices or equipment.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array control module sends the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction to the transceiver RF module via a protocol such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the transceiver RF module feeds back relevant status information to the antenna array control module.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array control module simultaneously sends the second internal control information or second internal control instruction to the sub-array beam control module via protocols such as RS232, RS422, or RS485, and the sub-array beam control module feeds back relevant status information to the antenna array control module.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, the sub-array wave control module sends configuration information or configuration instructions to the liquid crystal phased array according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, including:

[0124] The sub-array wave control module solves the array code table in real time according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction or queries the array code table stored in the memory, and generates multiple configuration information or configuration instructions according to the array code table;

[0125] The sub-array wave control module sends each piece of configuration information or configuration instruction to the corresponding liquid crystal phased array unit in parallel.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver RF module includes: a transmitting RF module and a receiving RF module; and the distributed control method further includes:

[0127] Frequency synchronization is performed between the transmitting RF module and the receiving RF module.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, frequency synchronization is performed between the transmitting RF module and the receiving RF module. The transmitting RF module may send frequency synchronization information to the receiving RF module, so that the receiving RF module performs frequency synchronization with the transmitting RF module according to the received frequency synchronization information; or, the receiving RF module may send frequency synchronization information to the transmitting RF module, so that the transmitting RF module performs frequency synchronization with the receiving RF module according to the received frequency synchronization information.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, the frequency synchronization information includes, but is not limited to, a 10 MHz, 50 MHz, or 100 MHz frequency synchronization signal.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, a liquid crystal phased array includes: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the subarray wave control module includes a first subarray wave control module and a second subarray wave control module, the first subarray wave control module is connected to the receiving liquid crystal phased array, and the second subarray wave control module is connected to the transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the distributed control method further includes:

[0131] The first sub-array beam control module and the second sub-array beam control module perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal phased array and the sub-array wave control module each include a plurality of modules, and each sub-array wave control module is connected to each liquid crystal phased array unit in a liquid crystal phased array via a control line;

[0133] The distributed control method further includes: performing time synchronization and frequency synchronization among the multiple sub-array wave control modules.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple sub-array beam control modules are synchronized in time and frequency via control lines, and synchronization protocols include but are not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver RF module includes a plurality of transceiver RF modules, and at least one transceiver RF module is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line;

[0136] The distributed control method further includes: performing time synchronization and frequency synchronization among the multiple transceiver radio frequency modules.

[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, time synchronization and frequency synchronization are performed between multiple transceiver RF modules via control lines. The time synchronization protocol includes but is not limited to RS232, RS422, RS485, or Ethernet, and the frequency synchronization signal can be a 10 MHz, 50 MHz, or 100 MHz signal.

[0138] This disclosure provides a distributed control method for the RF module of a liquid crystal phased array antenna. The subarray control of the liquid crystal phased array utilizes fully parallel distributed control, with both the RF module and the subarray beam control module achieving time and frequency synchronization. This distributed control method is particularly well-suited for hybrid architectures combining subarray-level power combining with element-level phase modulation and distribution.

[0139] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a distributed control device for a liquid crystal phased array antenna RF module, comprising a memory; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the steps of the distributed control method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory.

[0140] As shown in FIG8 , in one example, the distributed control device may include: a processor 810, a memory 820, a bus system 830, and a transceiver 840. The processor 810, the memory 820, and the transceiver 840 are connected via the bus system 830. The memory 820 is used to store instructions, and the processor 810 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 820 to control the transceiver 840 to transmit and receive signals. Specifically, the transceiver 840 may receive external control information or external control instructions under the control of the processor 810. The processor 810 generates first internal control information or a first internal control instruction based on the external control information or the external control instruction, and generates second internal control information or a second internal control instruction based on the external control information or the external control instruction; transmits and / or receives a carrier based on the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction; and sends configuration information or a configuration instruction to multiple liquid crystal phased array units based on the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction. The configuration information or configuration instructions of the multiple liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel, so that the liquid crystal phased array implements antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instructions.

[0141] It should be understood that the processor 810 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0142] The memory 820 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor 810. A portion of the memory 820 may also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory 820 may also store information about the device type.

[0143] In addition to the data bus, the bus system 830 may also include a power bus, a control bus, a status signal bus, etc. However, for the sake of clarity, various buses are labeled as the bus system 830 in FIG.

[0144] During implementation, the processing performed by the processing device can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor 810 or by instructions in the form of software. That is, the method steps of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 820, and the processor 810 reads the information in the memory 820 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0145] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the distributed control method for a liquid crystal phased array antenna RF module as described in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The method for driving distributed control by executing executable instructions is substantially the same as the distributed control method provided in the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure and is not further described here.

[0146] In some possible implementations, various aspects of the distributed control method provided by the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a program product, which includes program code. When the program product is run on a computer device, the program code is used to enable the computer device to execute the steps of the distributed control method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above in this specification. For example, the computer device may execute the distributed control method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] The program product may employ any combination of one or more readable media. The readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. The readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or component, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0148] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps, systems, and functional modules / units in the methods disclosed above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and appropriate combinations thereof. In hardware implementations, the division between the functional modules / units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed by several physical components in cooperation. Some or all components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a digital signal processor or a microprocessor, or implemented as hardware, or implemented as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include a computer storage medium (or non-transitory medium) and a communication medium (or temporary medium). As is well known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media generally embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media.

[0149] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments or implementations are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described herein. Various modifications, substitutions, or omissions may be made to the forms and details of the implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A distributed control system for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module, comprising: Antenna array control module, transceiver RF module, sub-array wave control module and liquid crystal phased array, the liquid crystal phased array includes multiple periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units, wherein: The antenna array control module is configured to receive external control information or external control instructions, send first internal control information or first internal control instructions to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or external control instructions, and send second internal control information or second internal control instructions to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or external control instructions; The radio frequency transceiver module is configured to transmit and / or receive a carrier according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction; The sub-array wave control module is configured to send configuration information or configuration instructions to the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, and the configuration information or configuration instructions of the plurality of liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel; The liquid crystal phased array is configured to implement antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instruction.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transceiver RF module includes a transmitting RF module and a receiving RF module; The transmitting radio frequency module and the receiving radio frequency module are connected via an intermediate frequency line and perform frequency synchronization.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transceiver RF module includes a transmitting RF module and a receiving RF module; The transmitting radio frequency module and the receiving radio frequency module are connected via a control line and perform frequency synchronization and time synchronization.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The receiving radio frequency module includes: a single-channel low noise amplifier or an N1-channel low noise amplifier, wherein N1 is the number of receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays included in the liquid crystal phased array; The transmitting radio frequency module includes: a single-channel power amplifier or an N2-channel power amplifier, wherein N2 is the number of transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays included in the liquid crystal phased array.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal phased array comprises: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array; The sub-array wave control module includes a first sub-array wave control module and a second sub-array wave control module, the first sub-array wave control module is connected to the receiving liquid crystal phased array, and the second sub-array wave control module is connected to the transmitting liquid crystal phased array; The first sub-array wave control module and the second sub-array wave control module are connected via a control line and perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The receiving liquid crystal phased array includes one or more receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, and each of the receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays includes a plurality of periodically arranged receiving liquid crystal phased array units; The first sub-array wave control module and each receiving liquid crystal phased array unit are connected via a control line.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The emissive liquid crystal phased array includes one or more emissive liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, and each of the emissive liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays includes a plurality of periodically arranged emissive liquid crystal phased array units; The second sub-array wave control module and each of the transmitting liquid crystal phased array units are connected via a control line.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal phased array includes: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the receiving liquid crystal phased array includes one or more receiving liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each of which includes a plurality of periodically arranged receiving liquid crystal phased array units; the transmitting liquid crystal phased array includes one or more transmitting liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each of which includes a plurality of periodically arranged transmitting liquid crystal phased array units; The sub-array wave control module is connected to each of the receiving liquid crystal phased array units and the transmitting liquid crystal phased array unit through control lines.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal phased array includes X, each of which includes: N liquid crystal phased array sub-arrays, each of which includes a plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units, X is a natural number greater than 1, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1; The sub-array wave control modules include X, and each sub-array wave control module is connected to each liquid crystal phased array unit in the liquid crystal phased array via a control line; At least one of the sub-array beam control modules is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line; a plurality of the sub-array beam control modules are connected to each other via a control line, and time synchronization and frequency synchronization are performed.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The transceiver RF modules include X, at least one of which is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line; multiple transceiver RF modules are connected via control lines and perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

11. A distributed control method for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module, the liquid crystal phased array comprising: A plurality of periodically arranged liquid crystal phased array units; the method comprising: The antenna array control module receives external control information or external control instructions, sends first internal control information or first internal control instructions to the transceiver RF module according to the external control information or external control instructions, and sends second internal control information or second internal control instructions to the sub-array beam control module according to the external control information or external control instructions; The sub-array wave control module sends configuration information or configuration instructions to multiple liquid crystal phased array units in the liquid crystal phased array according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, and the configuration information or configuration instructions of the multiple liquid crystal phased array units are sent in parallel; The liquid crystal phased array implements antenna beamforming according to the configuration information or configuration instruction; The transceiver RF module transmits and / or receives a carrier according to the first internal control information or the first internal control instruction.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The sub-array wave control module sends configuration information or configuration instructions to the liquid crystal phased array according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, including: The sub-array wave control module solves the array code table in real time according to the second internal control information or the second internal control instruction, or queries the array code table stored in the memory, and generates a plurality of configuration information or configuration instructions according to the array code table; The sub-array wave control module sends each piece of configuration information or configuration instruction to the corresponding liquid crystal phased array unit in parallel.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The transceiver RF module includes: a transmitting RF module and a receiving RF module; the method further includes: The transmitting radio frequency module and the receiving radio frequency module are frequency synchronized.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein The liquid crystal phased array includes: a receiving liquid crystal phased array and a transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the sub-array wave control module includes a first sub-array wave control module and a second sub-array wave control module, the first sub-array wave control module is connected to the receiving liquid crystal phased array, and the second sub-array wave control module is connected to the transmitting liquid crystal phased array; the method further includes: The first sub-array beam control module and the second sub-array beam control module perform time synchronization and frequency synchronization.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The liquid crystal phased array and the sub-array wave control modules each include a plurality of modules, and each sub-array wave control module is connected to each liquid crystal phased array unit in the liquid crystal phased array via a control line; The method further includes: performing time synchronization and frequency synchronization among the plurality of sub-array wave control modules.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein The transceiver RF modules include a plurality of transceiver RF modules, at least one of which is connected to the antenna array control module via a control line; The method further includes: performing time synchronization and frequency synchronization among the plurality of transceiver radio frequency modules.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, the distributed control method according to any one of claims 11 to 16 is implemented.

18. A distributed control device for a liquid crystal phased array antenna radio frequency module, comprising a memory; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the steps of the distributed control method according to any one of claims 11 to 16 based on the instructions stored in the memory.

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