Active Phased Array Antenna Research Articles

Wideband microstrip dual polarization radiator for X-band APAA

In this paper the model and the construction of a wideband microstrip X-band radiator of active phased antenna arrays have been presented. The basic demands to the radiator have been formulated. The results of computer electromagnetic simulation of the radiator in free space and in the infinite array have been given, as well as the results of radiator experimental testing in the waveguide simulator. The characteristics of a proposed radiator such as VSWR, decoupling coefficient and losses have been simulated and estimated experimentally on the test sample. Experiment has shown good agreement with numerical simulation results. Particularly, 20% bandwidth with VSWR no greater than 2 has been achieved. Sample testing in a waveguide simulator gives 0,5 dB loss (active and return loss in radiator without loss in simulator itself). Scan angle at 3 dB gain loss, as it follows from numerical simulation results, should be no less than ±40° or ±45° in the main planes. So, proposed microstrip radiator may be used for X-band active phased arrays, which should work in 20% bandwidth with steerable polarization.

Subarrays method for nulls forming in radiation patterns of special kind of active phased antenna arrays using properties of Hermitian forms ratio

Subarrays method for nulls forming in radiation patterns of special kind of active phased antenna arrays using properties of Hermitian forms ratio

Technology for controlling the output power of transceiver modules as a means of optimizing the energy characteristics of active phased antenna arrays

Technology for controlling the output power of transceiver modules as a means of optimizing the energy characteristics of active phased antenna arrays

Development of a method and determination of requirements for reliability indicators of channels and modules of an active phased antenna array

Development of a method and determination of requirements for reliability indicators of channels and modules of an active phased antenna array

Active Phased Array Antenna Control Scheme for Improving the Performance of Monopulse Tracking Algorithm

모노펄스 추적 알고리즘은 대국의 송신 신호를 기반으로 대국의 위치를 추정하는 추적 알고리즘이다. 모노펄스 추적 알고리즘에 의한 추정 위치는 안테나의 합 및 차 신호 패턴에 의한 모노펄스 비율 곡선(MR-C; Monopulse Ratio curve)을 기반으로 산출된다. 따라서 MR-C의 선형 구간에 비례하여 높은 정확도의 추정 위치를 산출할 수 있는 범위가 증가하게 된다. 본 논문에서는 능동위상배열안테나가 적용된 추적 안테나 시스템에 있어, 능동위상배열안테나의 빔 형성 기법을 적용하여 MR-C의 선형 구간을 확장하는 방법을 제안하였다. 동일한 안테나 시스템을 기반으로 모의실험을 수행한 결과, 제안된 기법의 적용 유/무에 따라 MR-C의 선형 구간이 약 2배 정도 차이가 남을 확인하였다.

Features of signal transmission through a fiber-optic system for an interference compensation module for an active phased array antenna

The article describes the operation of the X-band radar under the influence of active and passive interference. The rationale for using the interference compensation module in a radar station with a small-sized active phased array antenna is presented. A fiber-optic system has been developed for transmitting a signal from a compensation module. The results of experimental studies of the transmission system are presented. The advantages of using a fiber-optic system in a radar station in comparison with a coaxial cable are shown.

Analysis of hydraulic resistance in a rotating junction of the cooling system of an active phased array antenna of a circular view

A hydraulic rotating transition is used to ensure the supply of coolant to the fuel elements when the antenna system is fully rotated. One of the main actuators of the antenna liquid cooling system is the hydraulic rotating transition. The SolidWorks Flow Simulation software package simulates the change in hydraulic resistance in a hydraulic rotating transition in various modes of operation. The process of transferring the coolant through a hydraulic rotating transition to the antenna, with full rotation, taking into account the influence of the geometric shape of the channels on the fluid flow, was modeled. The maximum values of resistances are analyzed in different operating modes. The dependence of hydraulic resistance on the quality of surface treatment of parts is given. The value of the hydraulic resistance in different modes of operation of the hydraulic rotating transition (HRT) is less than the value allowed to ensure the circulation of the working fluid in the cooling system. Based on the data obtained, an assessment of the feasibility of using the design of a hydraulic rotating transition for an active phased antenna array of a circular view at the design stage is made.

Application of 3d technologies for microwave range electronic components creating

This paper presents the results of the study of microwave radio-electronic components electrophysical parameters manufactured on a 3D printer. Laser sintering technologies for metal semiconductor and ceramic powders were used as experimental research methods. The resonant properties of one-sided surfaces in the form of a Mobius sheet made on the 3D printer are analyzed. An explanation of a traveling and standing wave formation in the oscillatory contours of the microwave range of one-sided surfaces in the form of a Mobius sheet is presented. The possibility to create digital active phased antenna arrays based on onesided surfaces in the form of a Mobius sheet is shown.

평면 부배열로 구성되는 컨포멀 송신 능동위상배열안테나의 설계 및 시험

평면 부배열로 구성되는 컨포멀 송신 능동위상배열안테나의 설계 및 시험

Skeleton Array를 이용한 능동 위상배열 안테나 교정

본 논문에서는 skeleton array 이용하여 능동 위상배열 안테나 채널간의 오차를 교정하는 방법을 제안한다. 상호 간섭을 이용한 내부 교정 방법은 추가적인 시스템이 필요하지 않지만, 상호 간섭 측정에 많은 시간이 소요된다는 단점이 있다. 이러한 상호 간섭 측정에 소요되는 시간을 최소화하기 위하여 skeleton array를 도입하였다. 또한, 11×11 배열 교정을 통하여 제안된 방법을 검증하였다.

Ku-대역 위성이동통신을 위한 능동 위상배열안테나용 4-채널 GaAs MMIC 다기능 칩

Ku-대역 위성이동통신을 위한 능동 위상배열안테나용 4-채널 GaAs MMIC 다기능 칩

Mathematical modelling of the spatial excitation system of a cylindrical active phased antenna array with electronic commutation

This article discusses the excitation system of a cylindrical active phased antenna array with a spatial power supply system for the emitters. A brief historical comparison of the presented system with those based on the use of mechanical antenna rotation and a conformal phased antenna array with a matrix excitation system was performed. The advantages of an active phased antenna array with a spatial excitation system, its operational principles and the results of mathematical modelling are presented.

Status and Development Trend of Active Sub-arrays Structure Design in Active Phased Array Antenna

Active sub-arrays structure design is an important part of phased array radar design. The basic architecture and composition are introduced, especially the different between brick, tile and chip sub-arrays are discussed. Integrated design of radiating unit and sub-array, intelligent health detection system and electromagnetic compatibility, microelectronics and topology optimization design, application of new materials, which considered to be four key technologies, are also pointed out.

Simulating a microstrip vibrator emitter

There has been a shift from omnidirectional antennas in the azimuth plane to active phased antenna arrays with wide-angle scanning in ground communication systems. The report presents models of such antenna arrays and demonstrates the possibility of increasing the energy potential by using spatial schemes for constructing such antennas. To practically implement spatial antenna arrays, omnidirectional emitters in the azimuthal plane are used: balanced and unbalanced unipoles. It is advisable to manufacture vibrators using printed technology. The report presents the design of a micro-strip vibrator emitter for a cylindrical or concentric cylindrical antenna array. The results of numerical electrodynamic modeling are presented. The parameters and main characteristics of the emitter in the antenna array are determined.

능동위상배열안테나 시스템의 초기 빔 형성에 관한 연구

능동위상배열안테나 시스템의 초기 빔 형성에 관한 연구

Effect of Temperature on Electromagnetic Performance of Active Phased Array Antenna

Active phased array antennas (APAAs) can suffer from the effects of harsh thermal environments, which are caused by the large quantity of power generated by densely packed T/R modules and external thermal impacts. The situation may be worse in the case of limited room and severe thermal loads, due to heat radiation and a low temperature sink. The temperature field of the antenna can be changed. Since large numbers of temperature-sensitive electronic components exist in T/R modules, excitation current output can be significantly affected and the electromagnetic performance of APAAs can be seriously degraded. However, due to a lack of quantitative analysis, it is difficult to directly estimate the effect of temperature on the electromagnetic performance of APAAs. Therefore, this study investigated the electromagnetic performance of APAAs as affected by two key factors—the uniformly distributed temperature field and the temperature gradient field—based on different antenna shapes and sizes, to provide theoretical guidance for their thermal design.

Mathematical model of optimization of preventive maintenance of transmitting active phased antenna arrangements of multifunctional radars

In the article, the authors discuss the issues of determining the reliability indicators and maintenance of transmitting active phased array antennas (AFAR) of multifunctional radars. The analysis of the existing models of reliability and maintenance of AFAR radar. It is shown that the most interesting models of transmitting AFAR reliability are the reliability model with a two-level block diagram of the AFAR and the reliability model according to the criterion of permissible reduction of the maximum radar range. Among the AFAR maintenance models, the most interesting ones were identified: the AFAR optimal preventive maintenance (ON) model with a single-level structure and the AFAR maintenance model by technical condition. Using the results of the analysis, models of reliability and optimal preventive maintenance of a multi-functional radar transmitting AFAR are constructed. The analytical expressions of the reliability indicators of a two-level AFAR are presented: the average operating time to failure and the probabilities of failure-free operation of the antenna transmitting sublattice and the transmitting AFAR as a whole. Analytical expressions are constructed for the criteria for the effectiveness of optimal software (coefficient of technical use and mathematical expectation of specific operating costs) and the criteria for gaining from software optimization. The work considers an illustrative example of calculating the reliability and optimal software of a two-level AFAR, including 6400 microwave emitting channels, arranged in 100 sublattices with 64 channels each. The mean operating time to failure and the optimal periodicity of the AFAR software were determined for three versions of the reliability indicators of the emitting channels. The graphs of the probability of failure-free operation, the coefficient of technical use and the mathematical expectation of the specific operational costs of the AFAR were constructed and analyzed. The values of the optimal periodicity and the gain from optimization are obtained. It is shown that the results of optimal software should be used at the initial stage of operation of radars with AFAR — at the stage of warranty service. At further stages of operation - the stages of post-warranty service, it is recommended to use the AFAR maintenance method according to the technical condition. The models proposed by the authors can be useful to engineers and scientists developing radars with AFAR and employees of operating organizations.

Space Phased Array Antenna Developments: A Perspective on Structural Design

As the “right-hand man” to space communications, navigation, environmental monitoring, and other satellite systems, the space active phased array antenna is capable of scanning and covering long distances and large scale ranges through its complex deployment mechanism, large physical aperture, and lightweight structural design. In comparison with mechanical scanning antennas, the space active phased array antennas can realize flexible beam scanning through the active phased array principle, while simultaneously achieving a high gain, low sidelobe, high resolution, and high reliability. Improving the comprehensive performance of the satellite is crucial with the rapid development requirement and large application field. In this article, the development history of the space active phased array antennas is summarized, and these antennas are characterized by the following structural features: large aperture, deployment mechanism, and lightweight configuration. The state of the art of space deployable active phased array antennas is also presented. Furthermore, seven crucial design technologies of antenna essential components are discussed, and the development trends of structural technologies of the space deployable active phased array antenna are demonstrated.

From active phased array antenna to antenna array microsystem in post-Moore era

In this review, we analyze and study the characteristics, current status, developing trend, and bottleneck technologies of active phased array antennas by highlighting the high-resolution earth observation microwave imaging radar demands for highly-efficient, low-profile, and lightweight antennas. We present the concept and contents of antenna array microsystem and several leading-edge technology issues based on predications of integrated circuits (ICs) development in the post Moore era. The multi-physics coupling model under the micro-nano scale involved in antenna array microsystem, critical technologies such as microwave semiconductor ICs, hybrid/heterogeneous integration, packaging and functional materials, and their solutions are described and explored. This study prospects the antenna array microsystem potentially applied in the next generation of microwave imaging radar.

The Prototype Incoherent Scatter Radar System of Nanchang University

The incoherent scattering radar (ISR) is the only ground device on Earth that can detect the parameters of the ionospheric plasma because of its large detection range, high detection accuracy, and high spatial resolution. The prototype ISR system of Nanchang University has been completed now. Compared to the existing ISR systems in the world, which have a high radio frequency (RF) power and antenna array, high power consumption, expensive equipment operation, and maintenance costs, the radar has the advantages of low power consumption, low cost, and modularity. This radar system uses novel techniques of software-defined radio (SDR) and active phased array antennas to detect changes in the ionosphere. This article introduces the system design and antenna array of the software-defined radar prototype. The built-in radar transmitting and receiving equipment and specific radar parameters are described in detail and the radar detection results under different detection conditions are presented.