Array Antenna Signal Synchronization for Aperture Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array antenna apparatuses face limitations in aperture division, where different transmission signals cannot be simultaneously directed to individual antenna elements, and high-frequency signal distribution leads to significant transmission loss.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna apparatus is designed with multiple antenna elements, each equipped with a transmission signal generator, a local oscillation signal generator, and a mixer for frequency conversion, synchronized by a reference signal, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through vector synthesis of transmission high-frequency signals from multiple local oscillation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high frequency signals are distributed to antenna elements, then transmission loss increases, but if intermediate frequency signals are used, then aperture division capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing function into separate modules at each antenna element. Each antenna element is equipped with its own transmission signal generator, local oscillation signal generator, and mixer, allowing independent frequency conversion. This segmentation enables different frequency signals to be generated and distributed to different antenna groups, achieving aperture division while maintaining low transmission loss through intermediate frequency signal distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same transmission intermediate frequency signal is distributed to all transmission and reception modules, then aperture division cannot be performed, but if different signals are used, then system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal transmission module that can be configured for different functions. Each module contains a transmission signal generator, local oscillation signal generator, and mixer that can be programmed to generate different intermediate frequency signals and perform frequency conversion accordingly. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware architecture to support both unified signal distribution and aperture division modes, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple local oscillation signals are used for frequency conversion, then SN ratio improves, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reference signal distribution system that provides a common reference signal to all local oscillation signal generators. Each local oscillation signal generator uses this reference signal to synchronize its frequency and phase, ensuring coherent signal combination across multiple antenna elements. This feedback mechanism maintains high SN ratio through multiple independent local oscillation signals while managing synchronization complexity through a centralized reference signal approach.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the SNR by n times compared to amplifying a single local oscillation signal, enabling efficient use of the array antenna for multiple communication and electronic warfare systems while reducing transmission loss.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission mixer that mixes the transmission intermediate frequency signal and the local oscillation signal with each other thereby to carry out frequency conversion to a transmission high frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna apparatus in which an SN ratio is improved. Antenna elements having transmission modules, respectively, are arranged in plurality, wherein the plurality of transmission modules respectively have transmission signal generators that each output a transmission intermediate frequency signal, local oscillation signal generators that each output a local oscillation signal, and transmission mixers that each mix the transmission intermediate frequency signal and the local oscillation signal with each other, thereby to carry out frequency conversion to a transmission high frequency signal. A reference signal source inputs a reference signal to the transmission signal generators and the local oscillation signal generators. The transmission intermediate frequency signal and the local oscillation signal are synchronized with each other by the reference signal.