RU2666577C1 - Receiving multi-beam active phased antenna array - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: antenna equipment.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to antenna devices having at least two directional patterns, and can be used in communication systems to receive broadband microwave signals, including the millimeter range, for example, in on-board space communication systems. Receiving multi-beam active phased array antenna (APAA) is configured to supply the required supply voltage to all circuit elements requiring power and contains an input module and an output module. Input module contains at each n-th input (N≥n≥2) the corresponding n-th group of the series-connected emitter (module inputs and APAA as a whole), low-noise amplifier, M-channel power divider (M≥2) and in parallel connected to it the first inputs M of phase shifter. Second inputs of the phase shifters are connected in parallel to the control unit to obtain certain phase programs. Input module also contains M beam adders. Output of each m-th phase shifter of each n-th group is connected to the n-th input of the m-th beam adder. Outputs of the totalizers are the outputs of the input module. In each n-th group, the first input of the down-mixer is connected to the output of the low-noise amplifier, the second input of which is connected to the local oscillator, and the output through the compensating amplifier is connected to the input of the divider.EFFECT: technical result consists in expanding the APAA working band.4 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The technical solution proposed as an invention relates to antennas having at least two radiation patterns and can be used in communication systems for receiving broadband signals, including in microwave systems, for example, in space communication systems.

The closest analogue to the technical solution of the receiving multipath active phased antenna array (hereinafter AFAR) is the receiving multipath active phased antenna array according to the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2352034 (MKI H01Q 3/36, VCO of Moscow SPC "SPURT", published April 10, 2009). The input AFAR module contains on each of the N (N≥2) inputs (M by description) the nth group of series-connected emitter, low-noise amplifier, M-channel (N-channel by description) power divider (where M≥2.) , as well as parallel to the last, the first inputs of M phase shifters, parallel connected in addition by the second (control) inputs to the control unit, and the beam adder. In this case, the output of each of the M × N phase shifters is connected to the corresponding input of the corresponding beam adder, that is, the output of each mth phase shifter of each n-th group is connected to the n-th input of the m-th beam adder.

The output AFAR module contains M (N by description) output channels. Each m-channel contains a series-connected narrow-band beam pass-pass filter and an output amplifier.

When receiving high frequency signals (in the millimeter range), the described device has small geometric dimensions, which can be reduced in proportion to the wavelength. However, the cost of such AFARs increases significantly mainly due to the complex implementation of its main elements - phase shifters. In addition, in passive elements (dividers, combiners, transmission lines) during the passage and processing of high-frequency signals there is more loss. For reliable reception of the signal by the consumer, the introduction of additional elements into the circuit, also leading to additional complication and appreciation of the device, is required.

The aim of the proposed technical solution as an invention is to create a receiving multipath active phased antenna array, which allows without increasing the cost of AFAR and while maintaining the manufacturability of the product assembly to expand the working band of known AFARs for reliable and stable reception of microwave signals, namely, the millimeter range, over 30 GHz

The goal is achieved in the receiving multipath active phased array antenna (AFAR) by increasing the upper limit of the operating band of the AFAR due to the fact that the frequency of the received high frequency signal is converted to a lower frequency, at which further processing and transmission to consumers is carried out. To do this, in the input part of the structural diagram of the AFAR include in accordance with the number of N inputs for N step-down mixers with local oscillators and compensating amplifiers. When processing a signal at a reduced frequency, there is no need to use expensive phase shifters in the AFAR; additional losses in passive elements can also be avoided. Thus, reception of a signal of a significantly higher level (millimeter range) is realized without significant costs. In addition, no refinement of the equipment of each of the M consumers is required.

A receiving multipath active phased array antenna, configured to supply the necessary supply voltage to all circuit elements requiring power, comprises an input module and an output module. The input module contains at each n-th input (N≥n≥2) of the AFAR the corresponding n-th group of series-connected emitter (inputs of the module and the AFAR as a whole), a low-noise amplifier, an M-channel power divider (M≥2) and in parallel connected to it the first inputs of M phase shifters. The second inputs of the phase shifters are connected in parallel to the control unit to obtain certain phase programs. The input module also contains M beam adders. The output of each m-th phase shifter of each n-th group is connected to the n-th input of the m-th beam adder (the output of each of the M phase shifters of each of the N channels is connected to the corresponding input of the corresponding beam adder). The outputs of the adders are the outputs of the input module. Moreover, in each n-th group, the first input of the step-down mixer is connected to the output of the aforementioned low-noise amplifier, the second input of which is connected to the local oscillator, and the output through the compensating amplifier is connected to the input of the M-channel power divider. The lowering convector (from the lowering mixer and the local oscillator) allows further use of the known signal processing schemes.

The mth inputs of the output module are connected to the m-th outputs of the input module to deliver the received signal to consumers through its M outputs. The output module delivers the received AFAR signal to the consumer equipment, as well as, for example, converts it in accordance with the required characteristics (amplification to a certain level, suppression of spurious reception channels, etc.).

Preferably, the output module contains M narrow-band beam pass-pass filters and output amplifiers. In this case, the mth input of the output module is connected to its mth output through the mth beam pass-pass filter and the mth output amplifier connected in series.

Preferably, the output module contains M electron-optical converters (ICs), the input of the m-th ICs is connected to the corresponding input of the output module, and the output to the corresponding input of the optical adder (OS). The OS output is connected to the input of the optical divider (OD). M selective photodetectors (TFP) are connected in parallel to the OD output. The output of each mth TFP is connected to the corresponding output of the AFAR through the corresponding output amplifier (U) to transmit the received information to the mth consumer. At the same time, M total analog (electrical) signals formed in the phase shifters and beam adders are converted into optical signals, all M signals are summarized, the total optical signal is transmitted via HVAC, and before amplification and transmission to the consumer, they perform inverse optoelectronic conversion and extraction of all M formed analog signals. Due to this construction, AFARs achieve an increase in the noise immunity and stability of the received multi-frequency analog signal to electromagnetic interference during extended transmission of the received signal to the AFAR, ensure high reliability of its operation, as well as reduce weight and increase the manufacturability of the product assembly.

Preferably, at least one of the TFP of the above-described output module contains a serially connected broadband photodetector (FP) connected to the input of the TFP and a narrow-band filter (F) connected to the output of the TFP.

As an image intensifier tube, for example, an electron-optical modulator excited by an optical laser of a certain wavelength, for example, based on gallium arsenide or indium phosphide, or based on lithium niobate (LiNbO3), which provides not only a unique combination of functional characteristics, can be used, but also stable operation in harsh conditions, including in outer space.

For inverse optoelectronic signal conversion and signal extraction of a certain frequency, both one selective photodetector based on a photodiode and two elements can be used - a broadband photodetector based on a photodiode and a narrow-band filter.

In addition, the output module AFAR can be performed according to any other of the known schemes. Including:

- AFAR output module (RF patent for utility model No. 123586, "Module for receiving an active phased array antenna", published on December 27, 2012, FSBE UVPO Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav the Wise), each input of which is connected in parallel with a corresponding gyrator, amplifier, and detector . In this case, M and N coincide;

- the output module according to the patent for US invention No. 6169513 (02.01.2001) "Thinned multiple beam phased array antenna".

Next, the composition and operation of the AFAR will be described in both preferred embodiments.

In FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a receiving multipath active phased array antenna.

In FIG. Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the output AFAR block for signal transmission via fiber optic cables (HVAC).

The receiving multipath active phased array antenna (AFAR) shown in FIG. 1, contains an input module 1 with N (N≥2) inputs and M (M≥2) outputs connected to the corresponding M inputs of an output module 2 having M outputs. The inputs of the input module (AFAR as a whole) are N emitters 3 (Izl), each of which is connected in series with the corresponding low-noise amplifier 4 (LNA), the down-mixer 5 (SM) - through its first input and output, compensating amplifier 6 (KU) and M-channel divider 7 (D). A local oscillator 8 is connected to the second input of CM 5, which, in this implementation of the technical solution, uses a frequency synthesizer. To the output D 7 connected to the first inputs of the M phase shifters 9 (PV). The output of the mth phase shifter in the described nth channel is the mth output of the nth group (nth input receive channel). Module 1 also contains M beam adders 10 (Σ) with N inputs. Each output of the m-th phase shifter of each n-th channel is connected to the n-th input of the m-th adder, the output of which is the m-th output of the input module 1. The phase shifters are controlled by the control unit 11 (BC) through the second inputs of the PV 9.

The outputs of the input module 1 are connected to the corresponding inputs of the output module 2, each containing M narrow-band beam pass-pass filters 12 (PPF) and output amplifiers 13 (U). In this case, the mth input of the output module is connected to its mth output through the mth PPF 12 and the mth U 13 connected in series. Through the M outputs of the module (AFAR as a whole), information M is transmitted to consumers.

AFAR begins to function when the necessary supply voltage is applied to all elements of the circuit that require power.

The received signal is sent simultaneously to N Iz 3 and then to LNA 4. The passband of the low-noise amplifier is the sum of the bands of all beams and is determined by the ratio

ΔF - bandwidth of the input receiving path

M is the number of rays

Δf is the band of each ray.

That is, the bandwidth of the LNA 4 includes the frequency ranges of all Δf.

Next, the received signal is converted into a signal with a lower (intermediate) frequency by means of a step-down convector - step-down mixer 5 with a frequency synthesizer 8, to which the reference frequency is supplied. The signal at a reduced frequency is amplified by a compensating amplifier 6. Next, the signal is divided into D 7 by M rays (signal in the frequency band Δf) according to the number of output channels in the system - the number of consumers. Thus, after KU 6, the signal processing and its further delivery to consumers is carried out at a reduced frequency. In order for the AFAR to receive millimeter-wave microwave signals, it is necessary to replace LNA 4, and additional installation of SM 5, Get 8 and KU 6 in the input module, which is much more economical to replace all expensive M × N FV 9 and additional passive elements.

The selected signals are fed to the first inputs of the PV 9 of the corresponding nth group. In PV 9 of all groups, M independent beams are formed for reception by setting the phase distribution by supplying the corresponding phase programs from BU 11 to all the second inputs of M × N phase shifters 9. Phase programs for PV 9 can be adaptive. M outputs PV 9 are the m-th outputs of the n-th group.

From the output of each m-th phase shifter of each n-th group, the electric (analog) signals of the generated beams are fed to the nth input of the m-th Σ 10, where N analog signals of m-beams formed in the input receiving channels are summed. Get the m-th total analog signal for the m-th output receiving channel with phase addressing provided by the phase programs BU 11. The total analog signals with phase addressing are transmitted from the m-th outputs of module 1 to the corresponding inputs of module 2.

In the latter, the total signal belonging to a certain m-th beam is isolated by narrow-band PPF 12 with a beam passband Δf, transmitted to Y 13 to amplify to the desired level and transmitted through the m-th output of module 2 (as a whole, AFAR).

The receiving multipath active phased array antenna (AFAR) shown in FIG. 2, contains an input module 1, made as described above, with N (N≥2) inputs and M (M≥2) outputs connected to the corresponding M inputs of output module 2.

The output module 2 contains M electron-optical converters 20 (image intensifier tubes). The input of each m-th image intensifier tube 20 is connected to the corresponding input of module 2, and the output is connected via the HVAC to the corresponding input of the optical adder 21 (OS).

The output of the OS 21 is connected through the HVAC to the input of the optical divider 22 (OD).

M selective photodetectors 23 (TFP) are connected to the output of OD 22. In this embodiment, each of the TFP 23 contains a serially connected broadband photodetector 24 (FP), the input of which is the input of the SPF 23, and a narrow-band filter 25 (F). An output amplifier 26 (V) is connected to the output of each TFP 23 (in this embodiment, to the output of F 25). Outputs 26 are M outputs of the output receiving channels AFAR for transmitting information to consumers M.

Thus, the signal is transmitted from the image intensifier tube 20 to the TFP 23 by the HVAC, which gives an additional technical result - a significant gain in the mass and stability of the signal transmission with extended transmission lines in the AFAR or at a remote location of consumers (processing devices for signals received in the AFAR).

AFAR begins to function when the necessary supply voltage is applied to all elements of the circuit that require power.

The reception and processing of the signal in module 1 is carried out as described above.

Next, each of the M total signals from the mth input of module 2 is transmitted to the corresponding image intensifier tube 20 for converting the electrical signal into an optical one. In this case, the optical signal of a certain wavelength emitted in the m-th image intensifier tube 20 is modulated by the incoming electric signal of the m-th beam. Get M modulated optical output signals, each of which has a corresponding wavelength m (nm) and a level of output power of the same order (mW). All M output signals through the HVAC are transmitted to OS 21 for summation. The total optical signal is transmitted through OVK to OD 22. Next, through the output of OD 22, a signal is transmitted via OVK to each of the M SPF 23 for reverse allocation of output receiving signals.

In SFP 23 of each m-th output receiving channel, the inverse optoelectronic conversion of the signal of the m-th modulated optical signal and the allocation of the frequency band Δƒ are performed. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 embodiment of the claimed invention, the optical signal from the output of the OD 22 is fed to the inputs of all the FP 24 (inputs of the TFP 23), where the optical signal is demodulated, and then to F 25, where the frequency band specified in the system is isolated. As a result, at the output of each m-th Ф 25 (SFP 23 outputs), the electric m-th total signal of the m-th output receiving channel, obtained earlier in the m-th Σ 10 from the received AFAR information signal, is obtained. Selected in the TFP 23, the total signal amplifier 26 is adjusted to the level required by the consumer.

By converting the analog output signal with phase addressing to optical in each m-th image intensifier tube 20, summing these optical signals, transmitting information through the HVAC, at the outputs of the SPF 23, after the inverse transformation, the signals generated in the corresponding beam adders are received without loss and distortion. At the same time, the laboriousness of installing HVAC between OS 21 and OD 22 (only one cable) is significantly reduced (by M times), which significantly reduces costs.

Despite the fact that the proposed invention as a technical solution for receiving a multipath active phased array antenna is described with reference to its specific embodiments, specialists in the art should understand that various changes in form and content can be made without departing from the essence and scope inventions defined by the appended claims.

For example, in the input module, additional cascades of low-noise amplifiers can be introduced to increase the sensitivity of the receiving path and additional bandpass filters to increase the noise immunity.

The described construction of a receiving multipath active phased array antenna is characterized by high reliability and stability of the received signal, which provides significant cost savings for devices receiving millimeter-wave signals, which is especially important in on-board space devices and satellite communication systems for promising frequency ranges (Ka (27:40 GHz) and Q (36:46 GHz)).

Claims (4)

1. The receiving multi-beam active phased antenna array (AFAR), configured to supply the necessary supply voltage to all circuit elements requiring power, including an input module containing on each of the N (N≥2) inputs that are inputs of the AFAR, n-th a group of series-connected emitter, low-noise amplifier, M-channel power divider (M≥2) and parallel to it the first inputs of M phase shifters, the second inputs of which are connected in parallel to the control unit, and the output of each m-th the phase shifter of each nth group is connected to the nth input of the mth beam adder, the outputs of the M adders are the mth outputs of the input module, connected to the corresponding mth inputs of the output module to deliver the received signal to consumers through its mth outputs, which are the outputs of the AFAR, characterized in that each n-th group of the input module additionally contains a corresponding step-down mixer, a local oscillator and a compensating amplifier, and in the said group the first input is connected to the output of the low-noise amplifier it mixer, a second input coupled to a local oscillator, and the output from the compensating amplifier is connected to the input of the divider. 2. The receiving multipath active phased active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that each m-th input of the output module is connected to its m-th output through the m-th beam-pass filter and the m-th output amplifier connected in series. 3. The receiving multipath active phased active antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that the mth inputs of the output module are connected in parallel through the corresponding electron-optical converters to the optical adder, the output of which is connected to the input of the optical divider, to the output of which M selective are connected photodetectors (TFP) connected through the corresponding output amplifiers to the corresponding m-th outputs of the output module. 4. The receiving multi-beam active phased antenna array according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the TFP contains a serially connected broadband photodetector connected to the input of the TFP and a narrow-band filter connected to the output of the TFP.

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