Phased array antenna: the core technology of modern communication and radar

Phased Array Antenna is an antenna system that uses electronic control to change the direction of a beam. It replaces the traditional mechanical antenna with flexible, efficient and reliable performance, and is widely used in the fields of communication, radar, satellite and automatic driving.

Working principle

Phased array antennas are composed of multiple antenna units, which are usually arranged in linear array, planar array or three-dimensional array. By adjusting the phase difference and amplitude of each antenna unit, the direction of the beam is controlled. The core principle is to use the coherent superposition of signals to form an enhanced main beam in the target direction while suppressing interference signals in other directions.

Phase control:

By electronically adjusting the phase difference of each unit signal, the beam can move quickly in two or three dimensions.

Interference effect:

in the target direction, the signal phase is added to form the main beam; In the non-target direction, the signals cancel each other out.

Advantages of phased array antenna:

Fast beam scanning:

Beam switching speed up to millisecond or faster, especially suitable for target tracking and dynamic communication.

High sensitivity and resolution:

Support accurate target detection and high-frequency signal processing.

Strong anti-interference ability:

avoid interference signals by flexibly adjusting beam shape.

High reliability:

no mechanical parts, longer life and lower maintenance costs.

Phased array antenna technology can be widely used in many fields, the following are some common applications:

1. Radar systems:

In modern aircraft, ships and ground air defense systems, phased array radars are used for target search, tracking and ranging. Through fast beam scanning and high sensitivity and resolution, the accurate detection of the target is realized.

2. Satellite communication:

Used for low-orbit satellite communication, supporting fast beam scanning and multi-user connection to ensure high-speed and stable communication links.

3. 5G/6G communication:

In high frequency band (such as millimeter wave) communication, with the help of dynamic beamforming technology, efficient resource allocation and user coverage are achieved.

4. Radio astronomy:

Plays a key role in radio telescopes, observing deep space radio signals through arrays.

5. Automatic driving:

High-precision phased array radar is used for vehicle perception of the environment, providing support for lane keeping and anti-collision functions in the automatic driving system.

In practical application, it is necessary to optimize the design and parameter adjustment of phased array antenna according to specific requirements and scenarios, so as to give full play to its performance advantages.