Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/TWI515970B/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-05 20:11:36
Document Index: 365767117

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61']

TWI515970B - Active Phased Array architecture - Google Patents
TWI515970B
TWI515970B TW099111389A TW99111389A TWI515970B TW I515970 B TWI515970 B TW I515970B TW 099111389 A TW099111389 A TW 099111389A TW 99111389 A TW99111389 A TW 99111389A TW I515970 B TWI515970 B TW I515970B
TW099111389A
TW201136026A (en
Del Rio Daniel Llorens
2011-10-16 Publication of TW201136026A publication Critical patent/TW201136026A/en
2016-01-01 Publication of TWI515970B publication Critical patent/TWI515970B/en
Active phase array architecture
This case is about the active phase array architecture.
[Reciprocal Reference of Related Applications]
The US application for this application is a formal application for US Provisional Application No. 61/237,967, entitled "ACTIVE BUTLER AND BLASS MATRICES", filed on August 28, 2009. The US application for this application is also the official application of US Provisional Application No. 61/259,375, entitled "ACTIVE HYBRIDS FOR ANTENNA SYSTEMS", which was filed on November 9, 2009. The US application for this application is a formal application for US Provisional Application No. 61/234,513, entitled "ACTIVE FEED FORWARD AMPLIFIER", which was filed on August 17, 2009. The US application of this application is a formal application of US Provisional Application No. 61/222,354, entitled "ACTIVE PHASED ARRAY ARCHITECTURE", filed on July 1, 2009. The US application of this application is a formal application of US Provisional Application No. 61/168,913, entitled "ACTIVE COMPONENT PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA", filed on April 13, 2009. This application is also a formal application for US Provisional Application No. 61/259,049, entitled "DYNAMIC REAL-TIMEPOLARIZATION FOR ANTENNAS", which was filed on November 6, 2009. The US application for this application is a formal application for US Provisional Application No. 61/234,521, entitled "MULTI-BAND MULTI-BEAM PHASED ARRAY ARCHITECTURE", on August 17, 2009. Application. The US application of this application is a formal application of US Provisional Application No. 61/265,605, entitled "HALF-DUPLEX PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA SYSTEM", which was filed on December 1, 2009. The US application for this application is a formal application for US Provisional Application No. 61/222,363, entitled "BIDIRECTIONAL ANTENNA POLARIZER", filed on July 1, 2009. All of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Phase array antennas use multiple radiating elements to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive radio frequency (RF, "Radio Frequency") signals. Phase shifters used in phased array antennas manipulate the beams of the signals by controlling the respective phases of the RF signals transmitted through the phase shifters. Phased array antennas are used for a variety of purposes, including COTM (Communications on the move) antennas, SATCOM (Satellite communication) air terminals, SATCOM mobile communications and SATCOM terrestrial terminals. The application of mobile terminals basically requires the use of an automatic tracking antenna that is capable of steering the beam with azimuth, altitude and polarization for following the position of the satellite as the terminal moves. Furthermore, a phased array antenna basically needs to be "low profile", small and lightweight, thereby meeting the stringent aerodynamic and weight limitations encountered in typical installations.
A well known phased array antenna is an electronically steerable phased array antenna. The electronically steerable phased array antenna has full electronic maneuverability and a smaller and lower profile than comparable mechanically operated antennas. The main disadvantage of full electronic maneuvers is that the antenna typically requires the integration of a large number of expensive analog RF electronic components that can overly increase the cost of commercial applications.
In a typical prior art embodiment, a phased array antenna includes a radiating element that transmits a dual linear signal to a hybrid coupler with a phase shift of 90 or 180 and then passes through a low noise amplifier (LNA) , "Low noise amplifier"). Moreover, the dual linear signals are adjusted by the phase shifter prior to passing through a power combiner.
In the prior art, a typical digital phase shifter uses switched delay lines that are physically large and operate on a narrow frequency band due to their decentralized nature. Another typical digital phase shifter implements a switched high pass low pass filter architecture that has a better operating bandwidth than a switched delay line, but its entity is still large. At the same time, the phase shifter is typically fabricated on gallium arsenide (GaAs). While other materials can be used, gallium arsenide is a higher quality material that is designed and controlled to provide good performance for electronic devices. However, gallium arsenide is more expensive and more difficult to manufacture than materials that have higher quality than other possible materials. These typical phase array components require many areas on gallium arsenide, resulting in higher costs. Furthermore, a standard phase shifter has a high RF power loss that is substantially approximately n+1 dB, where n is the number of phase bits in the phase shifter. Another prior art embodiment uses RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches with lower power losses, but still consumes similar space and is generally incompatible with monolithic solution. Moreover, such a typical component in a phased array antenna is a decentralized component that is susceptible to frequency and is designed for a particular frequency band.
Quadrature hybrid circuits or other differential phase generation hybrid circuits are used in a variety of RF applications, including phased array antennas. For example, quadrature hybrid circuits are used to generate circularly polarized signals, power combinations, or power separations. In summary, the outputs of a quadrature hybrid circuit have equal amplitudes and a phase difference of 90°. The quadrature hybrid circuit is typically implemented as a distributed structure, such as a Lange coupler, a branch line coupler, or a ring hybrid circuit. Other RF hybrid circuits, such as, for example, a magical T circuit or a ring hybrid circuit, produce a phase shift of 180°. In summary, an RF hybrid circuit uses a decentralized component that is limited by the frequency band and requires a substantial physical space that is inversely proportional to an operating frequency. Furthermore, the quadrature hybrid circuit is substantially made of gallium arsenide and, when used as a power splitter, has an associated RF power loss of 3-4 dB per hybrid circuit.
A phase hybrid circuit can be used in a variety of RF applications as a power combiner or power splitter, including phased array antennas. In an exemplary embodiment, the outputs of the in-phase hybrid circuit have equal amplitudes and a substantially zero differential phase difference. In another exemplary embodiment, the inputs of the in-phase hybrid circuit of a power combiner have a substantially zero differential phase and a sum of the amplitudes of the two input signals. In a typical embodiment of a power combiner, the in-phase hybrid circuit is implemented as a distributed structure, such as a Wilkinson hybrid. In summary, the phase hybrid circuit is limited by the frequency band and requires a large physical space that is inversely proportional to the operating frequency. Similar to the quadrature hybrid circuit, the in-phase hybrid circuit is basically fabricated on gallium arsenide. Furthermore, the in-phase hybrid circuit has an associated RF power loss of 3-4 dB per hybrid circuit when used as a power splitter and has a correlation of approximately 1 dB when used as a power combiner. RF power loss.
Therefore, there is a need for a phase array antenna architecture without frequency limitation or specific polarization. Furthermore, the antenna architecture must be able to be fabricated in a variety of materials with little or no associated RF power loss. At the same time, there is a need for a phased array antenna that takes up less space in a prior art architecture with similar capabilities, which antenna architecture can be adapted for a single implementation.
In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array solid state architecture has a dual polarized feed and is fabricated, for example, on a highly elastic germanium (SiGe). The dual polarized feed is implemented to facilitate the operation of the phase array, wherein the polarization can be controlled statically or dynamically on a primary array or component basis. In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-component control is used to optimize a performance characteristic associated with polarization, such as phase or amplitude adjustment.
An active phased array architecture replaces traditional decentralized and gallium arsenide implementations for the necessary functions required to operate an electronically steerable phased array antenna. The architecture combines active versions of vector generators, power splitters, power combiners, and RF hybrid circuits in an innovative way to implement a full or substantially monolithic solution for a wide range of antenna applications. A radiating element with a single polarization or dual polarization is implemented.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna is in communication with a radiating element, and the phased array antenna includes a 90° hybrid circuit for using the radiating element, a first vector generator and a second vector The generator receives a dual linearly polarized RF signal. The 90° hybrid circuit emits a 90° phase offset and produces a right-hand circular polarization (RHCP, “Right-hand circular polarization”) intermediate signal and a left-hand circular polarization (LHCP, “Left-hand” Circular polarization") Intermediate signal. The first vector generator is configured to receive the RHCP intermediate signal, phase adjust the RHCP intermediate signal for beam steering, and output a first RF signal. The second vector generator is configured to receive the LHCP intermediate signal, phase adjust the LHCP intermediate signal for beam steering, and output a second RF signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna is in communication with a radiating element, and the phased array antenna includes a first vector generator, a second vector generator, and a hybrid circuit. The first vector generator is configured to receive a first signal from the radiating element, provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the first signal for polar tracking tracking and beam steering, and output a first intermediate signal. The second vector generator is configured to receive a second signal from the radiating element, provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the second signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and output a second intermediate signal. The hybrid circuit is configured to receive the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal and generate two RF output signals having a phase difference. Furthermore, each of the two RF output signals is a composite of the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal.
In another exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna is in communication with a radiating element, and the phased array antenna includes a first vector generator, a second vector generator, and a combiner. The first vector generator is configured to receive a first signal from the radiating element, provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the first signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and output a first intermediate signal. The second vector generator is configured to receive a second signal from the radiating element, provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the second signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and output a second intermediate signal. The combiner is configured to receive the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal, and combine the two signals into an RF output signal.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna is in communication with a radiating element, and the phased array antenna includes a hybrid circuit, a first vector generator, a second vector generator, and a combiner. The hybrid circuit is configured to receive a dual linearly polarized RF signal from the radiating element, emit a phase offset, and generate an RHCP intermediate signal and an LHCP intermediate signal. The first vector generator is configured to receive the RHCP intermediate signal, the phase adjusted RHCP intermediate signal is used for beam steering, and a first RF intermediate signal is output. The second vector generator is configured to receive the LHCP intermediate signal, the phase adjusted LHCP intermediate signal is used for beam steering, and a second RF intermediate signal is output. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the combiner is configured to receive the first RF intermediate signal and the second RF intermediate signal, and combine the two signals into an RF output signal.
Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna is in communication with a radiating element, and the phased array antenna includes a hybrid circuit, a first vector generator, a second vector generator, and an output mix. Circuit. The hybrid circuit is configured to receive a dual linearly polarized RF signal from the radiating element, emit a phase offset, and generate an RHCP intermediate signal and an LHCP intermediate signal. The first vector generator is configured to receive the RHCP intermediate signal, the phase adjusted RHCP intermediate signal is used for beam steering, and a first RF intermediate signal is output. The second vector generator is configured to receive the LHCP intermediate signal, the phase adjusted LHCP intermediate signal is used for beam steering, and a second RF intermediate signal is output. Furthermore, the output mixing circuit is configured to receive the first RF intermediate signal and the second RF intermediate signal and generate two RF output signals having a phase difference. The two RF output signals are a composite of the first and second RF intermediate signals.
The detailed description of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be construed in detail and the embodiments of the invention , electrical and mechanical changes. Accordingly, the following embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only.
A phased array antenna generally includes a plurality of radiating elements, each of which has a polarizing component. In an exemplary embodiment, the radiating element has spatial orthogonal linear polarization, spatial and electronic orthogonal circular polarization, or spatial orthogonal and electronic non-orthogonal elliptical polarization.
The polarization component of each radiating element can have one or more signals fed to the communication ports. In an exemplary embodiment, each radiating element has two feed turns and produces an unbalanced feed system. In yet another exemplary embodiment, each radiating element has three feed turns and produces a partially balanced feed system. In another exemplary embodiment, each radiating element has four feed turns and produces a fully balanced feed system.
In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna having two feed ports is used to generate and control different polarizations. Exemplary polarization states include a single circular polarization state, a single elliptical polarization state, a single linear polarization state, and two orthogonal polarization states.
The radiating elements can communicate with an RF integrated circuit (RFIC, "Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit"). In an exemplary embodiment, the RFIC is used to separate, change, and remix the component RF signals to generate or detect multiple polarization states. For receiver applications, RF signals corresponding to the polarization states detected in the RFIC may additionally be combined in the beamforming network of the array. Conversely, for transmitter applications, the RFIC can receive input signals from a beamforming network of the array and produce any desired polarization states.
In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna includes a variety of components. The various components can include a vector generator, an active power splitter, an active power combiner, an active RF hybrid circuit, or the like.
<Active Separator>
1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary active power splitter. In an exemplary embodiment, active power splitter 100 includes a differential input sub-circuit 110, a first differential output sub-circuit 120, and a second differential output sub-circuit 130. The differential input sub-circuit 110 has a pair of transistors 111, 112 having a common emitter node and a fixed current bias, as is typically located within the differential amplifier. An input signal is delivered to the bases of the pair of transistors 111, 112 in the differential input sub-circuit 110. The first and second differential output sub-circuits 120, 130 each include a pair of transistors having a common base node, and each common base is connected to a ground.
The first differential output sub-circuit 120 has a collector of a first transistor 121 emitter connected to one of the input sub-circuit transistors 112. The emitter of the second output sub-circuit transistor 122 is coupled to the collector of another input sub-circuit transistor 111. In the exemplary embodiment, the first output is drawn from the collectors of the transistors 121, 122 of the first differential output sub-circuit 120. Moreover, the second differential output sub-circuit 130 is connected in a similar manner except that the emitters of the transistors 131, 132 are connected in reverse to the collectors of the input sub-circuit transistors 111, 112 with respect to the transistors 121, 122.
The first output terminal and the second output terminal are approximately 180° out of phase with each other by inverting the input sub-circuit transistor collector connections between the first and second differential output sub-circuits. In another exemplary embodiment, the emitters 131, 132 are non-invertedly coupled to the collectors of the input sub-circuit transistors 111, 112, causing the first output and the second output to be approximately in phase with each other. . In summary, the absolute phase shift of the output signals through the power splitter is not as important as the relative phase between the first and second output signals.
In an exemplary embodiment, active power splitter 100 converts an input RF signal into two output signals. The output signal levels can be equal in amplitude, although not necessarily. For a prior art passive power splitter, each output signal is approximately 3 dB lower in power than the input signal. Conversely, an exemplary active splitter, such as active power splitter 100, can provide gain, and the relative power level between the input signal and the output signal can be adjusted and can be selectively designed. In an exemplary embodiment, the output signal is used to achieve a substantial neutral or positive power gain above the input signal. For example, the output signal can achieve a 3 dB signal power gain above the input signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the output signal achievable power gain ranges from 0 dB to 5 dB. Again, the output signal can be used to achieve any suitable power gain.
According to an exemplary embodiment, active power splitter 100 produces an output signal having a differential phase between two signals that are zero or substantially zero. The absolute phase offset of the output signal via the active power splitter may not be as important as the differential phase between the output signals.
In another exemplary embodiment, active power splitter 100 additionally provides matched impedances to the input and output ports. The matched impedances can be 50 ohms, 75 ohms, or other suitable impedance. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, active separator 100 provides insulation between the output turns of the active power splitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the active power splitter 100 is fabricated as a compact single crystal microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) that is devoid of the operating frequency due to the lack of discrete components.
<active combiner>
In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 2, the active power combiner 200 includes a first differential input sub-circuit 210, a second differential input sub-circuit 220, a single-ended output sub-circuit 230, and a differential output. Circuit 240. Each of the differential input sub-circuits 210, 220 includes two pairs of transistors, each of the differential input sub-circuits 210, 220 including a common emitter node having a fixed current bias, which is typically located in the differential Inside the amplifier.
A first input signal is passed to the bases of the transistors in the first differential input sub-circuit 210. For example, a first line ln1 of the input signal is supplied to one of the transistors in each of the first differential input sub-circuits 210, and a second line ln1 of the input signal is supplied to the other of each of the transistor pairs Transistor. Similarly, a second input signal is passed to the bases of the transistors in the second differential input sub-circuit 220. For example, a first line ln2 of the input signal is provided to one of the transistors in each of the second differential input sub-circuits 220, and a second line ln2 of the input signal is provided to the other of each of the transistor pairs Transistor. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, a differential output signal is formed by a combination of signals from the collectors of the transistors in the first and second differential input sub-circuits 210, 220.
In an exemplary embodiment, active power combiner 200 converts the two input RF signals into a single output signal. The output signal can be a single endpoint output at a single endpoint output sub-circuit 230, or a differential output at a differential output sub-circuit 240. In other words, the active power combiner 200 performs the inverse function of the active power splitter 100. The input signal levels can be any amplitude and phase. Similar to an active power splitter, the active power combiner 200 can provide gain, and the relative power levels between the inputs and outputs can be adjusted and selectively designed. In an exemplary embodiment, the output signal reaches a substantially neutral or positive signal power gain above the input signals. For example, the output signal can achieve a power gain of 3 dB over the sum of the input signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the output signal achievable power gain ranges from 0 dB to 5 dB. Again, the output signal can achieve any suitable power gain.
In an exemplary embodiment, active power combiner 200 additionally provides a matched impedance at the input and output ports. The matched impedances can be 50 ohms, 75 ohms, or other suitable impedance. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, active power combiner 200 provides insulation between the input turns of the power combiner.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, active power combiner 200 implements the same building block components, such as a user in an exemplary active phase array architecture. In an exemplary embodiment, the active power combiner 200 is fabricated as a small MMIC that is unrelated to the operating frequency due to the lack of discrete components. In general, the active power combiner described in the various exemplary embodiments may be similar to the active power combiner described with reference to Figures 6, 8 through 9, and Figures 12 through 13.
<Active RF Hybrid Circuit>
In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 3, the active RF hybrid circuit 300 includes a first active power splitter 310, a second active power splitter 311, a first vector generator 320, and a second vector generator. 321 , a first active power combiner 330 , a second active power combiner 331 , a first digital to analog converter (DAC, “Digital-to-analog converter”) 340 and a second DAC 341 . In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, first active power splitter 310 receives an input at communication port 1 and passes the input to first vector generator 320 and second active power combiner 331. Similarly, the second active power splitter 311 receives an input at the communication port 2 and passes the input to the second vector generator 321 and the first active power combiner 330. Vector generators 320, 321 are partially controlled by respective DACs 340, 341. In an exemplary embodiment, a 4-bit DAC is used, but any number of bits can be used.
Again, the output of the first vector generator 320 is passed to the first active power combiner 330, and the output of the second vector generator 321 is passed to the second active power combiner 331. In the exemplary embodiment, first active power combiner 330 receives inputs from first vector generator 320 and second active power splitter 311 and outputs a signal to communication port 3. Similarly, the second active power combiner 331 receives the input from the second vector generator 321 and the first active power splitter 310 and outputs a signal to the communication port 4.
The active RF hybrid circuit 300 can be used to replace a variety of distributed components, such as a branch line coupler, a Lange coupler, a directional coupler, or a 180° hybrid circuit. According to an exemplary embodiment, an active RF hybrid circuit provides similar functionality as compared to a conventional distributed hybrid circuit. For example, active RF hybrid circuit 300 can be dynamically utilized to have a variable phase difference between the output turns, which can be 90°, 180°, or some other phase difference. Another example is the active RF hybrid circuit 300 providing the insulated and matched impedance of the pair of input/output turns. Additional information regarding active RF hybrid circuits is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 3,695, 6.7, entitled "Active RF Hybrid Circuit" (ACTIVE RF HYBRIDS), which is filed on the same day as the US counterpart of this application. They are hereby incorporated by reference.
Furthermore, active RF hybrid circuit 300 has a number of benefits over conventional passive distributed hybrid circuits. In an exemplary embodiment, the active RF hybrid circuit 300 does not cause power loss, but instead has a gain, or at least gain neutrality. In another exemplary embodiment, active RF hybrid circuit 300 does not rely on distributed components and is capable of operating over a very wide bandwidth. In yet another exemplary embodiment, active RF hybrid circuit 300 implements the same building block components, such as a user in an exemplary active phase array architecture. In an exemplary embodiment, the active RF hybrid circuit 300 is fabricated as a small MMIC that is devoid of the operating frequency due to the lack of discrete components.
In general, the active RF hybrid circuit described in the various exemplary embodiments may be similar to the active RF hybrid circuit described with reference to Figures 8 through 11, Figure 16, Figures 18 through 20 and 22.
<vector generator>
In an exemplary embodiment, a vector generator converts an RF input signal into an output signal (sometimes referred to as an output vector) that is offset in phase and/or amplitude to a desired level. . This replaces the functionality of a typical phase shifter and adds the ability to amplitude control. In other words, a vector generator is an intensity and phase control circuit. In the exemplary embodiment, the vector generator achieves this function by feeding the RF input signal into an orthogonal network that produces two output signals having a phase difference of about 90°. The two output signals are fed into a parallel quadrant selection circuit and then passed through a parallel variable gain amplifier (VGA, "Variable gain amplifier"). In an exemplary embodiment, the quadrant selection circuit receives commands and can be used to transmit the output signals without additional relative phase offset therebetween, or to reverse the outputs by an additional 180° Any or both of the signals. In this manner, all four possible quadrants of the 360° continuum can be used for two orthogonal signals simultaneously. The resultant output signal from the current adder is modulated in at least one of amplitude and phase.
According to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 4, vector generator 400 includes a passive in-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q, "In-phase/Quadrature-phase") generator 410, a first variable gain amplifier ( VGA) 420 and second VGA 421, first quadrant selection 430 and second quadrant selection 431, each of which is provided for phase inversion switching, and current adder 440. The first quadrant selection 430 is in communication with the I/Q generator 410 and the first VGA 420. The second quadrant selection 431 communicates with the I/Q generator 410 and the second VGA 421. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, vector generator 400 includes a digital controller 450 that controls a first digit to analog converter (DAC) 460 and a second DAC 461. The first and second DACs 460, 461 control the first and second VGAs 421, 420, respectively. In addition, digital controller 450 controls first and second quadrant selections 430, 431.
In an exemplary embodiment, vector generator 400 controls the phase of the RF signal by separating an RF signal into two independent vectors, ie, the in-phase (I) vector and the quadrature phase (Q) vector. With amplitude. In a specific embodiment, the RF signal is differentially transmitted. The differential RF signal communication can be throughout the vector generator 400 or limited to portions of the vector generator 400. In another exemplary embodiment, the RF signals are non-differential. The I vector is processed in parallel with the Q vector, and each phase inversion switching is performed by the first and second quadrant selections 430, 431. The outputs resulting from the phase inversion switching include four possible signals: an uninverted I, an inverted I, an uninverted Q, and an inverted Q. In this manner, all four quadrants of a phasor diagram can be used for further processing by VGAs 420, 421. In an exemplary embodiment, the four possible signals are not inverted I, inverted I, not inverted Q, and two of the inverted Q are processed via VGA 420, 421, respectively, until the two The selected signals are combined in current adder 440 to form a composite RF signal. The current adder 440 outputs an RF signal having a combined phase and amplitude adjustment. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite RF signal is in the form of a differential signal. In another exemplary embodiment, the synthesized RF signals are in the form of a single endpoint.
In an exemplary embodiment, the control of the quadrant offset and the VGA function are provided by a pair of DACs. In an exemplary embodiment, the resetting of the digital controller 450 allows the number of phase bits to be digitally controlled after the vector generator 400 is fabricated, which is when there is an appropriate DAC resolution and automatic gain control ( AGC, "Automatic gain control") In the case of dynamic range. In an exemplary embodiment with appropriate DAC resolution and AGC dynamic range, any desired vector phase and amplitude can be generated using a selectable fine quanitization step using digital control. In another exemplary embodiment, the resetting of the DACs 460, 461 may be performed after the vector generator 400 is fabricated to facilitate adjustment of the vector amplitudes.
<phase array architecture>
According to an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna includes an active component fabricated on a germanium (SiGe) in a monolithic solution. Other materials may be used, such as gallium arsenide, twins, or other suitable materials known or later designed. A single-chip SiGe implementation using one of the active components can yield certain advantages over the prior art, the distributed/passive network, including lower cost, smaller physical size regardless of operating frequency, Wide operating bandwidth and the ability to provide power gain instead of power loss.
Moreover, other advantages over the prior art embodiments are possible in accordance with the phase array architecture. Some of these benefits include a wide range of system resilience and very small antenna systems because they do not require a decentralized structure. Moreover, some embodiments use differential signaling to improve signal isolation when the RF signal is in analog form.
Some of the main benefits include that the RF signal, when passed through the antenna system, can experience a neutral or slight positive power gain without the power loss in the passive prior art system. Another benefit is that the antenna system is not limited to frequency bands. In other words, the antenna system can be applied to all frequency bands, including the X, K, Ku, Ka, and Q bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna system operates over a particular frequency range, such as 2-20 GHz, 20-40 GHz, or 30-45 GHz. In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-band antenna is a practical option as a product.
The reconfiguration of the antenna system is also a benefit. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna system includes the ability to reset the number of phase bits in a DAC during a full product lifetime. In another exemplary embodiment, the antenna system is capable of resetting the amplitude reduction of the system during the full product life. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the antenna system is capable of resetting the system polarization during a full product life. In an exemplary embodiment with appropriate DAC resolution and AGC dynamic range, any arbitrary vector phase and amplitude can be generated using any of the fine quantization steps using digital control.
In general, the vector generators described in the various exemplary embodiments may be similar to the vector generators described with reference to Figures 5-24.
<Active Antenna Polarizer>
According to an exemplary embodiment, an active antenna polarizer includes a monolithic, digitally controlled active implementation for processing an RF signal. The two output RF signals are transmitted using a single radiating element and are digitally controlled to provide any desired polarization phase or amplitude to the radiating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the active antenna polarizer includes active components and results in no power loss in the transmitted signals. Moreover, in another exemplary embodiment, the active antenna polarizer is operative to operate over a plurality of frequency bands.
In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 5, the transmit active antenna polarizer 500 includes an active power splitter 510, two vector generators 520, 521, and two DACs 530, 531. An input signal is actively separated and transmitted via two vector generators 520, 521 in parr. Vector generators 520, 521 are controlled by DACs 530, 531, and each vector generator produces a linear output signal. These two linear outputs can then be used to excite the two spatial orthogonal feeds of a radiating element (not shown). In another exemplary embodiment, the feeds to the radiating elements may be differential in nature, which produces four feeds to the radiating elements. In yet another exemplary embodiment, one of the feeds of the radiating elements may be differential while the other maintains a single endpoint in nature that produces three feeds to the radiation element.
The transmit active antenna polarizer 500 can be viewed as a basic transfer embodiment for implementing in a variety of different phase array antenna architectures. In an exemplary embodiment, the basic transfer embodiment can be used in any frequency band and have different polarizations. For example, as described below, the basic transfer embodiment can be used as the basis for a phased array antenna that is transmitted in linear, circular, or elliptical polarization. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, to operate among these different polarizations, vector generators 520, 521 control the phase of the antenna signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, the resetting of the DACs 530, 531 allows the number of phase bits to be digitally controlled after the transmit active antenna polarizer 500 is fabricated, which is when there is an appropriate DAC resolution and In the case of automatic gain control (AGC) dynamic range. In an exemplary embodiment with appropriate DAC resolution and AGC dynamic range, any desired vector phase and amplitude can be generated using any of the fine quantization steps using digital control. In another exemplary embodiment, the DACs 530, 531 can be operatively reset after the transmit active antenna polarizer 500 is fabricated to facilitate adjustment of the signal amplitudes.
A receiving active antenna polarizer (not shown) can be considered as a basic receiving embodiment for implementing a plurality of different phase array antenna architectures. In an exemplary embodiment, the basic receiving embodiment can be used in any frequency band and have different polarizations. For example, as described below, the basic receiving embodiment can be used as the basis for a phased array antenna that is received in linear, circular, or elliptical polarization. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, to operate among these different polarizations, the vector generators control the phase of the antenna signal as described herein.
Specific embodiments of various specific phase array antenna systems are described below. Variations of these specific embodiments are the use of architecture, passive or active components, and whether to implement differential or non-differential signaling. Although an exemplary embodiment of a phased array architecture is illustrated in a receive architecture, a similar architecture can be used to transmit signals in a phased array antenna. For example, the RF power splitter will replace the RF power combiner in these particular embodiments to facilitate the transmission of an RF signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, a combiner communicates with two vector generators. The combiner can be active or passive (see Figures 6 and 7). In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 6, phase array antenna 600 includes an active combiner 610, two vector generators 620, 621, and two DACs 630, 631. Radiation element 601 is in communication with phase array antenna 600. The two spatial orthogonal feeds of the radiating element 601 carry two input signals to the vector generators 620, 621. The input signals are passed via parallel two vector generators 620, 621 and actively summed to produce an RF output signal. The input signals can be linear, right handed circular, left handed circular or elliptical polarized. The linear input signals can also be vertical and horizontal. The vector generators 620, 621 cause the phase array antenna 600 to have two degrees of freedom to allow detection of the required polarization and to perform beam steering. In an exemplary embodiment, vector generator 620 can be used for beam steering, while vector generator 621 offsets the phase of generator vector 620 by ±90 degrees to provide detection of RHCP signals or LHCP signals. Similar embodiments may also allow for beam steering and polarization tracking of elliptically polarized signals.
Passive components can also be implemented in phased array antennas. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 7, phase array antenna 700 includes a passive power combiner 710, two vector generators 720, 721, and two DACs 730, 731. The input signals are passed via parallel two vector generators 720, 721 and passively combined at passive power combiner 710 to produce an RF output signal. In one embodiment, passive power combiner 710 can be a Wilkinson power splitter to combine the outputs of the two vector generators. In another embodiment, passive power combiner 710 can be any suitable power combiner known or later designed. The input signals can be linear, right handed circular, left handed circular or elliptical polarized. The linear input signals can also be vertical and horizontal. Furthermore, the phase array antenna 700 can perform the beam steering described above with respect to the phase array antenna 600.
In an exemplary embodiment, an RF hybrid circuit is coupled to two parallel vector generators and a combiner. The addition of an RF hybrid circuit enables simultaneous detection of LHCP and RHCP signals. The combiner can be active or passive. Similarly, the hybrid circuit can be active or passive. Furthermore, the hybrid circuit can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. 8 shows an exemplary phased array antenna 800 that includes an active RF hybrid circuit 810 having a 90[deg.] phase offset, two vector generators 820, 821, two DACs 830, 831 and an active combiner 840. . The output signal is a composite of the two input signals.
Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an exemplary phased array antenna 900 that includes an active RF hybrid circuit 910 having a phase shift of 180°, two vector generators 920, 921, two DACs 930, 931 and an active combination 940. In one embodiment, the two outputs of the 180° active RF hybrid circuit 910 have a phase difference of 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input ramps of the active RF hybrid circuit 910. The output signal is a composite of the two input signals.
In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 10, phase array antenna 1000 includes a 90° active RF hybrid circuit 1010, two vector generators 1020, 1021, two DACs 1030, 1031, and a passive power combiner 1040. This particular embodiment and the components are similar to the embodiment of Figure 8, except that the passive power combiner 1040 is implemented instead of the active power combiner. The output signal is a composite of the two input signals. Moreover, phase array antenna 1000 has higher loss and narrower bandwidth than phase array antenna 800.
As mentioned above, the active hybrid circuit can also be implemented as a 180° active hybrid circuit. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 11, phase array antenna 1100 includes a 180° active RF hybrid circuit 1110, two vector generators 1120, 1121, two DACs 1130, 1131, and a passive power combiner 1140. For example, passive power combiner 1140 can be a Wilkinson power splitter. In another embodiment, the passive power combiner 1140 can be any suitable power combiner known or later designed. In one embodiment, the two outputs of the active RF hybrid circuit 1110 have a phase difference of 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input ramps of the active RF hybrid circuit 1110. In an exemplary embodiment, the two outputs of the active RF hybrid circuit 1110 can be any combination of phase tilts that cause a phase difference of 90°. The output signal is a composite of the two input signals.
In addition to the passive combiner, a hybrid circuit can also be a passive component. Figure 12 shows a phased array antenna 1200 comprising a 90° passive hybrid circuit 1210, two vector generators 1220, 1221, two DACs 1230, 1231 and an active combiner 1240. These are 90° passive hybrid circuits 1210. The output signal can be a right handed circular, left handed circular or elliptical polarized signal. The 90° passive hybrid circuit 1210 can be, for example, a branch line coupler or a Lange coupler. Each of the output signals of the 90° passive hybrid circuit 1210 is a composite of two input signals received from a radiating element. The main difference between the 90° passive hybrid 1210 and the 90° active RF hybrid 1010 is the size of the components, except for the various benefits of the active components described above, the 90° active RF hybrid 1010 is essentially Smaller.
In another exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 13, phase array antenna 1300 includes a 180° passive hybrid circuit 1310, two vector generators 1320, 1321, two DACs 1330, 1331, and an active combiner 1340. In one embodiment, the two outputs of the 180° passive hybrid circuit 1310 have a phase difference of 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input ramps of the passive hybrid circuit 1310. The output signal is a single linearly polarized signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the 180° passive hybrid circuit 1310 can be a ring hybrid circuit or a magic tee circuit.
Referring now to Figure 14, phase array antenna 1400 includes a 90° passive hybrid circuit 1410, two vector generators 1420, 1421, two DACs 1430, 1431, and a passive power combiner 1440. The output of the passive hybrid circuit 1410 can be a right hand circular, left hand circular or elliptical polarized signal. The 90° passive hybrid circuit 1410 can be a branch line coupler or a Lange coupler. Moreover, the passive power combiner 1440 can be a Wilkinson power splitter. In another embodiment, the passive power combiner 1440 can be any suitable power combiner known or later designed. For other exemplary power combiners, the output of the passive power combiner 1440 is a composite of the two input signals.
Similarly, FIG. 15 shows a phased array antenna 1500 that includes a 180° passive hybrid circuit 1510, two vector generators 1520, 1521, two DACs 1530, 1531, and a passive power combiner 1540. In one embodiment, the two outputs of the 180° passive hybrid circuit 1510 have a phase difference of 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input tilt of the 180° passive hybrid circuit 1510. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the 180° passive hybrid circuit 1510 can be a ring hybrid circuit or a magic T circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, passive power combiner 1540 can be a Wilkinson power splitter. In another embodiment, the passive power combiner 1540 can be any suitable power combiner known or later designed. At the same time, the output signal of the passive power combiner 1540 is a composite of the two input signals.
In addition to the linearly polarized signals as described above, an active phased array antenna can also be provided for dual linear polarization with polarization tracking and beam steering. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown a phase array antenna having two parallel vector generators and a hybrid circuit. The hybrid circuit can be active or passive. Furthermore, the hybrid circuit can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. According to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 16, phase array antenna 1600 includes two vector generators 1620, 1621, two DACs 1630, 1631, and an active RF hybrid circuit 1640. The active RF hybrid circuit 1640 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The two output signals of the active RF hybrid circuit 1640 are a combination of the two input signals with a phase difference between the output signals. In a specific embodiment of an active RF hybrid circuit 1640 that includes a 90° hybrid circuit, the output signals have a phase difference of approximately 90°. In a particular embodiment of an active RF hybrid circuit 1640 that includes a 180° hybrid circuit, the output signals have a phase difference of approximately 180°. Vector generators 1620, 1621 can be used to provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the RF signal for polarization tracking and beam steering.
Similarly, FIG. 17 shows a phased array antenna 1700 that includes two vector generators 1720, 1721, two DACs 1730, 1731, and a passive hybrid circuit 1740. The passive RF hybrid circuit 1740 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The passive hybrid circuit 1740 can be at least one of a Lange coupler or a branch line coupler for a 90° hybrid circuit, or can be at least one of a ring hybrid circuit or a magic T circuit for a 180° hybrid circuit. . Furthermore, the output signals of the passive hybrid circuit 1740 are a combination of the two input signals with a phase difference between the output signals. In a particular embodiment of a passive hybrid circuit 1740 that includes a 90° hybrid circuit, the output signals have a phase difference of approximately 90°. In a particular embodiment of a passive hybrid circuit 1740 that includes a 180° hybrid circuit, the output signals have a phase difference of approximately 180°. Vector generators 1720, 1721 can be used to provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the RF signal for polarization tracking and beam steering.
Referring to Figures 18 through 21, a phased array antenna can include two parallel vector generators and two hybrid circuits. The hybrid circuits can be active or passive. Furthermore, the hybrid circuits can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit.
In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 18, phase array antenna 1800 includes a first active RF hybrid circuit 1810, two vector generators 1820, 1821, two DACs 1830, 1831, mixed with a second active RF. Circuit 1840. The first active RF hybrid circuit 1810 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The second active RF hybrid circuit 1840 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The first active RF hybrid circuit 1810 is configured to receive a polarized input signal from the radiating element 1801. In one embodiment, the first active RF hybrid circuit 1810 produces an intermediate signal having a right hand and left hand circular polarization. In another embodiment, the first active RF hybrid circuit 1810 produces an intermediate signal having a phase difference of approximately 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input tilt of the active RF hybrid circuit 1810. Vector generators 1820, 1821 can be used to provide phase adjustment for polarization tracking and beam steering. At the same time, the second active RF hybrid circuit 1840 is configured to generate an output signal that is a composite of the input signals.
Similarly, FIG. 19 shows a phased array antenna 1900 that includes an active RF hybrid circuit 1910, two vector generators 1920, 1921, two DACs 1930, 1931, and a passive hybrid circuit 1940. The active RF hybrid circuit 1910 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The passive hybrid circuit 1940 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The active RF hybrid circuit 1910 is configured to receive a polarized input signal from the radiating element 1901. In one embodiment, the active RF hybrid circuit 1910 produces an intermediate signal having a right handed and left handed circular polarization. In another embodiment, active RF hybrid circuit 1910 produces an intermediate signal having a phase difference of approximately 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input tilt of the active RF hybrid circuit 1910. Furthermore, vector generators 1920, 1921 can be used to provide phase adjustment for polarization tracking and beam steering. At the same time, passive hybrid circuit 1940 is used to generate an output signal that is a composite of the input signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the passive hybrid circuit 1940 can be at least one of a Lange coupler or a branch line coupler for a 90° hybrid circuit, or can be a ring hybrid circuit for a 180° hybrid circuit. Or at least one of a magical T circuit.
Furthermore, the hybrid circuit in communication with a radiating element can be a passive hybrid circuit. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 20, phase array antenna 2000 includes a passive hybrid circuit 2010, two vector generators 2020, 2021, two DACs 2030, 2031, and an active RF hybrid circuit 2040. The passive hybrid circuit 2010 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The active RF hybrid circuit 2040 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The passive hybrid circuit 2010 is used to receive a polarized input signal from the radiating element 2001. In one embodiment, the passive hybrid circuit 2010 produces an intermediate signal having a right handed and left handed circular polarization. In another embodiment, passive hybrid circuit 2010 produces an intermediate signal having a phase difference of approximately 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input ramps of the passive hybrid circuit 2010. The passive hybrid circuit 2010 can be at least one of a Lange coupler or a branch line coupler for a 90° hybrid circuit, or can be at least one of a ring hybrid circuit or a magic T circuit for a 180° hybrid circuit. . Furthermore, vector generators 2020, 2021 can be used to provide phase adjustment for polarization tracking and beam steering. At the same time, active RF hybrid circuit 2040 is used to generate an output signal that is a composite of the input signals.
Another configuration of the phased array antenna can include two passive hybrid circuits. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 21, phase array antenna 2100 includes a first passive hybrid circuit 2110 having a 90° or a 180° phase offset, two vector generators 2120, 2112, and two DACs 2130. 2131, and a second passive hybrid circuit 2140 having a 90° or a 180° phase offset. The first passive hybrid circuit 2110 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The second passive hybrid circuit 2140 can be a 90° hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. The first passive hybrid circuit 2110 is configured to receive the polarized input signals from the radiating element 2101. In one embodiment, the first passive hybrid circuit 2110 produces an intermediate signal having a right handed and left handed circular polarization. In another embodiment, the first passive hybrid circuit 2110 produces an intermediate signal having a phase difference of approximately 90°. More specifically, the phases of the two outputs are +/- 45 degrees from the input ramps of the first passive hybrid circuit 2110. In an exemplary embodiment, vector generator 2120 receives a first intermediate signal transmitted from first passive hybrid circuit 2110. Vector generator 2121 receives a second intermediate signal that is also passed from first passive hybrid circuit 2110. The vector generators 2120, 2121 are respectively configured to adjust at least one of a phase and an amplitude of a received signal and generate an adjusted signal. The second passive hybrid circuit 2140 is configured to receive the adjusted signals from the vector generators 2120, 2121 and to generate an output signal for the composite of the adjusted signals. The first and second passive hybrid circuits 2110, 2140 may be at least one of a Lange coupler or a branch line coupler for a 90° hybrid circuit, or may be a ring hybrid circuit or a 180° hybrid circuit. At least one of the magical T circuits.
In addition to the specific embodiments described above, an active phased array antenna can also be provided for dual circular polarization with beam steering. Referring briefly to Figures 22 and 23, in an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna includes a 90° hybrid circuit in communication with a radiating element and a parallel vector generator. In an exemplary embodiment, the 90° hybrid circuit can be active or passive. According to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 22, phase array antenna 2200 includes an active 90° RF hybrid circuit 2210, two vector generators 2220, 2221, and two DACs 2230, 2231. An active 90° RF hybrid circuit 2210 is used to receive signals from radiating element 2201 and to generate an intermediate signal having right handed and left handed circular polarization. Each of the intermediate signals is a composite signal of one of the signals received from the radiating element 2201. The two vector generators 2220, 2221 communicate with the active 90° RF hybrid circuit 2210. Vector generator 2220 and vector generator 221 individually generate an RF output signal having one of circular polarizations. In an exemplary embodiment, vector generators 2220, 2221 provide phase adjustment for beam steering.
Similarly, referring to FIG. 23, in an exemplary embodiment, phase array antenna 2300 includes a passive 90° hybrid circuit 2310, two vector generators 2320, 2321, and two DACs 2330, 2331. The passive 90° hybrid circuit 2310 can be a branch line coupler or a Lange coupler and/or the like. In addition, a passive 90° hybrid circuit 2310 is used to receive signals from the radiating element 2301 and to generate an intermediate signal having a right handed and left handed circular polarization. The two vector generators 2320, 2321 communicate with the passive 90° hybrid circuit 2310, each of which receives an additional intermediate signal. In an exemplary embodiment, vector generators 2320, 2321 individually output an RF output signal that is a composite of the intermediate signals. In an exemplary embodiment, vector generators 2320, 2321 provide phase adjustment for beam steering.
According to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to Figure 24, multi-beam architecture 2400 includes a plurality of radiating elements (RE 1 , RE 2 , ... RE N ), each of which is associated with an active polarization control (PC 1 , PC 2 , ... PC N ) for communication. 2400 multi-beam architecture further comprises at least one beam forming network (BFN 1, BFN 2, ... BFN M), there is connected to each of the beam forming network (BFN 1, BFN 2, ... BFN M) to the active formula At least one phase shifter of polarization control (PC 1 , PC 2 , ... PC N ). In an exemplary embodiment, each radiating element communicates with M phase shifters, and each phase shifter communicates with M beam forming networks such that each beam forming network The radiating elements receive a signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, the phase shifters may be active vector generators similar to vector generator 400, or any other component suitable for phase shifting such signals. Furthermore, the beamforming networks and summing junctions can be passive or active. Furthermore, a multi-beam architecture can be similarly implemented to transmit RF signals.
Referring additionally to Figure 24, the active polarization control functions (PC 1 , PC 2 , ... PC N ) may be any of the specific embodiments previously listed herein. Each of the active polarization control functions connected to is a power splitter (for receiving applications) or a power combiner (for transmitting applications). The power splitter or power combiner can be implemented as a passive or active structure as previously described herein. Communicating with the power splitter/combiner is a set of vector generators, wherein each vector generator provides a phase offset to support a particular beam. M vector generators are needed to support M independently steerable beams. In an exemplary embodiment, the set of vector generators communicates with a power combiner (for receiving applications) or a power splitter (for transmitting applications) to complete the beamforming procedure. The power splitter or power combiner can be implemented as a passive or active structure as previously described herein.
The following applications are all related to the subject matter of the present invention: US Patent Application No. , entitled "ACTIVE BUTLER AND BLASS MATRICES", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.7100); US patent application number , "ACTIVE HYBRIDS FOR ANTENNA SYSTEMS", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.7200); US patent application number , entitled "ACTIVE FEED FORWARD AMPLIFIER", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.7300); US patent application number , called "MULTI-BEAM ACTIVE PHASED ARRAY ARCHITECTURE", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.6500); US patent application number , called "PRESELECTOR AMPLIFIER", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.6800); US patent application number , entitled "ACTIVE POWER SPLITTER", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.8700); US patent application number , "HALF-DUPLEX PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA SYSTEM", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 55424.0500); US patent application number The name is "DIGITAL AMPLITUDE CONTROL OF ACTIVE VECTOR GENERATOR", which is applied at the same time as the US counterpart of this application (internal number 36956.9000); the contents of the aforementioned application are here. Completely merged for any purpose.
Advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, any advantages, benefits or solutions and any components that may result in any advantage, benefit or imminent or may become a more specific solution shall not be considered as a critical, essential or essential feature or component of any or all of the scope of the patent application. . As used herein, the terms "include", "including", "include" ("comprises", "comprising") or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a component is included The program, method, article, or device of the list includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed or implicit in the procedures, methods, articles, or devices. In addition, the elements described herein are not essential to the implementation of the invention unless otherwise explicitly described as "basic" or "critical".
100. . . Active power splitter
110. . . Differential input subcircuit
111,112. . . Transistor
111. . . Input subcircuit transistor
112. . . Input subcircuit transistor
120. . . First differential output subcircuit
121. . . First transistor
122. . . Second output sub-circuit transistor
121,122. . . Transistor
130. . . Second differential output subcircuit
131,132. . . Transistor
200. . . Active power combiner
210. . . First differential input subcircuit
220. . . Second differential subcircuit
230. . . Single endpoint output subcircuit
240. . . Differential output subcircuit
300. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
310. . . First active power splitter
311. . . Second active power splitter
320. . . First vector generator
321. . . Second vector generator
330. . . First active power combiner
331. . . Second active power combiner
340. . . First digit to analog converter
341. . . Second digit to analog converter
400. . . Vector generator
410. . . Passive I/Q generator
420. . . First variable gain amplifier
421. . . Second variable gain amplifier
430. . . First quadrant selection
431. . . Second quadrant selection
440. . . Current adder
450. . . Digital controller
460. . . First digit to analog converter
461. . . Second digit to analog converter
500. . . Transmitting active antenna polarizer
510. . . Active power splitter
520,521. . . Vector generator
530,531. . . Digital to analog converter
600. . . Phase array antenna
601. . . Radiation element
610. . . Active combiner
620,621. . . Vector generator
630,631. . . Digital to analog converter
700. . . Phase array antenna
710. . . Passive power combiner
720,721. . . Vector generator
730,731. . . Digital to analog converter
800. . . Phase array antenna
810. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
820,821. . . Vector generator
830,831. . . Digital to analog converter
840. . . Active combiner
900. . . Phase array antenna
910. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
920,921. . . Vector generator
930,931. . . Digital to analog converter
940. . . Active combiner
1000. . . Phase array antenna
1010. . . 90 degree active RF hybrid circuit
1020,1021. . . Vector generator
1030, 1031. . . Digital to analog converter
1040. . . Passive power combiner
1100. . . Phase array antenna
1110. . . 180 degree active RF hybrid circuit
1120, 1121. . . Vector generator
1130,1131. . . Digital to analog converter
1140. . . Passive power combiner
1200. . . Phase array antenna
1210. . . 90 degree passive hybrid circuit
1220, 1221. . . Vector generator
1230, 1231. . . Digital to analog converter
1240. . . Active combiner
1300. . . Phase array antenna
1310. . . 180 degree passive hybrid circuit
1320, 1321. . . Vector generator
1330, 1331. . . Digital to analog converter
1340. . . Active combiner
1400. . . Phase array antenna
1410. . . 90 degree passive hybrid circuit
1420, 1421. . . Vector generator
1430, 1431. . . Digital to analog converter
1440. . . Passive power combiner
1500. . . Phase array antenna
1510. . . 180 degree passive hybrid circuit
1520, 1521. . . Vector generator
1530, 1531. . . Digital to analog converter
1540. . . Passive power combiner
1600. . . Phase array antenna
1620,1621. . . Vector generator
1630,1631. . . Digital to analog converter
1640. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
1700. . . Phase array antenna
1720,1721. . . Vector generator
1730, 1731. . . Digital to analog converter
1740. . . Passive RF hybrid / passive hybrid
1800. . . Phase array antenna
1801. . . Radiation element
1810. . . First active RF hybrid circuit
1820,1821. . . Vector generator
1830, 1831. . . Digital to analog converter
1840. . . Second active RF hybrid circuit
1900. . . Phase array antenna
1901. . . Radiation element
1910. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
1920,1921. . . Vector generator
1930, 1931. . . Digital to analog converter
1940. . . Passive hybrid circuit
2000. . . Phase array antenna
2001. . . Radiation element
2010. . . Passive hybrid circuit
2020, 2021. . . Vector generator
2030, 2031. . . Digital to analog converter
2040. . . Active RF hybrid circuit
2100. . . Phase array antenna
2101. . . Radiation element
2110. . . First passive hybrid circuit
2120,2121. . . Vector generator
2130, 2131. . . Digital to analog converter
2140. . . Second passive hybrid circuit
2200. . . Phase array antenna
2201. . . Radiation element
2210. . . Active 90 degree RF hybrid circuit
2220,2221. . . Vector generator
2230, 2231. . . Digital to analog converter
2300. . . Phase array antenna
2301. . . Radiation element
2310. . . Passive 90 degree hybrid circuit
2320, 2321. . . Vector generator
2330, 2331. . . Digital to analog converter
2400. . . Multi-beam architecture
PC 1 , PC 2 , ... PC N . . . Active Polarization Control / Active Polarization Control
RE 1 , RE 2 ,...RE N . . . Radiation element
BFN 1 , BFN 2 ,...BFN M . . . Beamforming network
A more complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the embodiments and the appended claims.
1 is an exemplary embodiment of an active power splitter;
2 is an exemplary embodiment of an active power combiner;
3 is an exemplary embodiment of an active RF hybrid circuit;
4 is an exemplary embodiment of an active vector generator;
Figure 5 is an exemplary embodiment of an active antenna signal polarizer;
6 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
7 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive power combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
8 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and an active combiner configured for 90° operation, the phase array antenna being configured for phase adjustment;
9 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and an active combiner configured for 180° operation, the phase array antenna being configured for phase adjustment;
10 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and a passive power combiner configured for 90° operation, the phase array antenna being configured for phase adjustment;
11 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and a passive power combiner configured for 180° operation, the phase array antenna being configured for phase adjustment;
12 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive 90° hybrid circuit and an active combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
13 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive 180° hybrid circuit and an active combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
14 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive 90° hybrid circuit and a passive power combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
15 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive 180° hybrid circuit and a passive power combiner and configured for phase adjustment;
16 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and provided for phase adjustment;
17 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive hybrid circuit and provided for phase adjustment;
18 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including two active RF hybrid circuits and configured for phase adjustment;
19 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and a passive hybrid circuit and provided for phase adjustment;
20 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and a passive hybrid circuit and provided for phase adjustment;
21 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including two passive hybrid circuits and configured for phase adjustment;
22 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including an active RF hybrid circuit and configured for phase adjustment;
23 is an exemplary embodiment of a phased array antenna including a passive hybrid circuit and provided for phase adjustment; and
24 is an exemplary embodiment of a multi-beam architecture.
A phased array antenna for communicating with a radiating element, the phased array antenna comprising: a 90° hybrid circuit for receiving a dual linearly polarized RF signal from the radiating element, wherein the 90° hybrid circuit is used to emit a 90° phase offset and generating an RHCP intermediate signal and an LHCP intermediate signal; a first vector generator for receiving the RHCP intermediate signal, wherein the first vector generator is used for phase adjustment of the RHCP intermediate signal for Beam steering and outputting a first RF signal; and a second vector generator for receiving the LHCP intermediate signal, wherein the second vector generator is configured to phase adjust the LHCP intermediate signal for beam steering and output a a second RF signal; wherein the first vector generator and the second vector generator individually comprise a first quadrant selection parallel to a second quadrant selection and a first variable parallel to a second variable gain amplifier Gain amplifier.
The phase array antenna of claim 1, wherein the 90° hybrid circuit is a 90° active hybrid circuit.
The phase array antenna of claim 1, wherein the 90° hybrid circuit is a 90° passive hybrid circuit, and wherein the 90° passive hybrid circuit is one of a branch line hybrid circuit and a Lange coupler.
A phased array antenna for communicating with a radiating element, the phased array antenna comprising: a first vector generator for receiving a first signal from the radiating element, The first vector generator is configured to provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the first signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and output a first intermediate signal; a second vector generator for receiving from the radiating element a second signal, wherein the second vector generator is configured to provide phase and amplitude adjustment of the second signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and output a second intermediate signal; and a hybrid circuit for receiving the a first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal, and generating two RF output signals having a phase difference, wherein each of the two RF output signals is a composite of the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal The first vector generator and the second vector generator individually include a first quadrant selection in parallel with a second quadrant selection and a first variable gain amplifier in parallel with a second variable gain amplifier.
The phase array antenna of claim 4, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° active hybrid circuit for generating a 90° phase difference.
The phase array antenna of claim 4, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 180° active hybrid circuit for generating a 180° phase difference.
The phase array antenna of claim 4, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° passive hybrid circuit, and wherein the 90° passive hybrid circuit is one of a branch line hybrid circuit and a Lange coupler.
The phase array antenna of claim 4, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 180° passive hybrid circuit, and wherein the 180° passive hybrid circuit is one of a magic T circuit and a ring hybrid circuit.
A phased array antenna for communicating with a radiating element, the phased array antenna comprising: a first vector generator for receiving a first signal from the radiating element, wherein the first vector generator is configured to provide the first Phase and amplitude adjustment of the signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and outputting a first intermediate signal; a second vector generator for receiving a second signal from the radiating element, wherein the second vector generator is Adjusting the phase and amplitude of the second signal for polarization tracking and beam steering, and outputting a second intermediate signal; and a combiner for receiving the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal, wherein The first and second intermediate signals are combined in an RF output signal; wherein the first vector generator and the second vector generator individually comprise a first quadrant selection parallel to a second quadrant selection and A second variable gain amplifier is parallel to the first variable gain amplifier.
A phased array antenna for communicating with a radiating element, the phased array antenna comprising: a hybrid circuit for receiving a dual linearly polarized RF signal from the radiating element, wherein the hybrid circuit is configured to emit a phase offset, And generating a first polarization intermediate signal and a second polarization intermediate signal; a first vector generator for receiving the first polarization intermediate signal, wherein the first vector generator is configured to phase adjust the first The polarized intermediate signal is used for beam steering and outputs a first RF intermediate signal; a second vector generator is configured to receive the second polarized intermediate signal, wherein the second vector generator is configured to phase adjust the second The polarized intermediate signal is used for beam steering and outputs a second RF intermediate signal; a combiner for receiving the first RF intermediate signal and the second RF intermediate signal, wherein the first and second RF intermediate signals are combined in an RF output signal; wherein the first vector generator is The second vector generator individually includes a first quadrant selection in parallel with a second quadrant selection and a first variable gain amplifier in parallel with a second variable gain amplifier.
The phase array antenna of claim 10, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° active hybrid circuit for emitting a 90° phase shift.
The phase array antenna of claim 10, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 180° active hybrid circuit for emitting a 180° phase offset.
The phase array antenna of claim 10, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° passive hybrid circuit or a 180° passive hybrid circuit.
A phased array antenna for communicating with a radiating element, the phased array antenna comprising: a hybrid circuit for receiving a dual linearly polarized RF signal from the radiating element, wherein the hybrid circuit is configured to emit a phase offset, And generating a first polarization intermediate signal and a second polarization intermediate signal; a first vector generator for receiving the first polarization intermediate signal, wherein the first vector generator is configured to phase adjust the first The polarized intermediate signal is used for beam steering and outputs a first RF intermediate signal; a second vector generator is configured to receive the second polarized intermediate signal, wherein the second vector generator is configured to phase adjust the second Polarized intermediate signal for beam steering And outputting a second RF intermediate signal; and an output mixing circuit for receiving the first RF intermediate signal and the second RF intermediate signal, and generating two RF output signals having a phase difference, wherein the Each of the two RF output signals is a composite of the first and second RF intermediate signals; wherein the first vector generator and the second vector generator individually comprise a parallel to a second quadrant selection A first quadrant selection and a first variable gain amplifier in parallel with a second variable gain amplifier.
The phase array antenna of claim 14, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° active hybrid circuit or a 180° active hybrid circuit.
The phase array antenna of claim 14, wherein the hybrid circuit is a 90° passive hybrid circuit or a 180° passive hybrid circuit.
The phased array antenna of any one of clauses 10 to 16, wherein the first polarized intermediate signal is an RHCP intermediate signal and the second polarized intermediate signal is an LHCP intermediate signal.
The phased array antenna according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first polarized intermediate signal is a +45° obliquely polarized intermediate signal, and the second polarized intermediate signal is A -45° tilt-polarized intermediate signal.
The phased array antenna of any one of clauses 9 to 13, wherein the combiner is an active combiner.
The phased array antenna of any one of clauses 9 to 13, wherein the combiner is a passive combiner, wherein the passive combiner is a Wilkinson combiner.
For example, in the phase array antenna of claim 18, the hybrid circuit is a 180° active hybrid circuit.
For example, in the phase array antenna of claim 18, the hybrid circuit is a 180° passive hybrid circuit.
The phased array antenna of any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the output hybrid circuit is a 90° active hybrid circuit or a 180° active hybrid circuit.
The phased array antenna of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the output hybrid circuit is a 90° passive hybrid circuit or a 180° passive hybrid circuit.
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TW201136026A TW201136026A (en) 2011-10-16
TWI515970B true TWI515970B (en) 2016-01-01
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