Phase Correction in Deployable HF Radar Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rapidly deployable HF radar phased array antenna systems face challenges in synchronizing and phase correcting antenna elements accurately, especially when positioned by hand without scientific instruments, and require precise positioning and phase alignment to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a master control unit and separate antenna elements with RF signal processing, where relative positions are determined, a phase reference signal is transmitted, and corrected phase signals are generated based on these positions, using techniques like satellite navigation systems for accurate alignment and phase correction, allowing for automatic synchronization and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If antenna elements are positioned by hand without scientific instruments, then deployment speed is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses satellite navigation receivers integrated into each antenna element to automatically determine their own positions without requiring external measurement instruments or skilled operators. This self-positioning capability enables rapid deployment while maintaining precise location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with electronic satellite-based navigation systems. Instead of using physical measuring instruments and manual alignment, the system uses GPS/GLONASS receivers to electronically determine positions, eliminating the need for scientific instruments while maintaining precision.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are spaced far apart, then coverage area is improved, but phase synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits phase reference signals from a master control unit to all antenna elements and uses the known positions (from satellite navigation) to calculate and apply appropriate phase corrections. This feedback mechanism compensates for phase differences caused by large spacing between elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts phase parameters of each antenna element based on its determined position. By changing the phase parameter according to the element's location relative to the master unit, the system maintains coherent signal combination despite large spatial separations.
3Power
If receivers are placed at the base of elements, then signal processing capability is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of each receiver using satellite navigation before signal processing begins. By determining positions in advance and pre-calculating the required phase corrections based on these positions, the system simplifies the synchronization process rather than complicating it.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and corresponding apparatus are provided for phase correction in a deployable antenna system, in particular a redeployable HF surface wave radar phased array antenna system, the antenna system including a master control unit and a plurality of separate antenna elements which are relatively moveable to desired spaced-apart locations, wherein each antenna element is provided with RF signal processing means, the method including the steps of:(i) determining the relative positions of the antenna elements and the master control unit;(ii) transmitting a phase reference signal; and(iii) determining, on receiving the phase reference signal and using the relative positions determined at step (i), phase correction signals for each of the plurality of antenna elements.