System integration and radiation pattern measurements of a phased array antenna employing an integrated photonic beamformer for radio astronomy applications

In this paper we describe the system integration and the experimental demonstration of a photonically beamformed four-element receiving array antenna for radio astronomy applications. To our knowledge, the work described here is the first demonstration of the squint-free, continuously tunable beamsteering capability offered by an integrated photonic beamformer based on optical ring resonator true-time-delay units, with measured radiation patterns. The integrated beamformer is realized in a low loss, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible optical waveguide technology. The measurements show a wideband, continuous beamsteering operation over a steering angle of 23.5 degrees and an instantaneous bandwidth of 500 MHz limited only by the measurement setup.     

拖曳阵阵形估计的自适应Kalman滤波算法

柔性拖曳阵在水下拖动时受拖船拖动及海流等的扰动,因此拖曳阵的阵形估计问题是个存在未知输入的系统状态估计问题。文中采用了一个自适应的KALMAN滤波算法来解决这一问题。自适应Kalman滤波器包括两部分:一部分是没有输入的Kalman滤波,另一部分是自适应加权的Kalman滤波用于估计快时变的余量偏差。在迭代的每一步,均利用M-估计器和Huber函数相结合构造作为更新偏差函数的遗忘因子。数值仿真与海试结果表明,该方法比传统的状态估计方法估计效果好。     

Phase-only adaptive nulling with neural networks for antenna array synthesis

A new approach to adaptive phase-only nulling with phased arrays is described. An efficient method is presented to synthesise directive beam and multi-beam patterns and create adaptive nulls in interference direction. The proposed method is based on iterative minimisation of a function that incorporates constraints imposed in each direction with respect to excitation phases and neural network technique. Various results are presented to show the advantages and limitations of this approach. The back-propagation algorithm proves to be better than previous phase-only adaptive algorithms. To verify the performances of the proposed technique, an eight-element array has been realised and tested for various types of beam configurations.     

Frequency-invariant pattern synthesis of conformal array antenna with low cross-polarisation

Despite their potential and promising advantages over classical planar arrays, conformal arrays also present many challenges to the antenna designer, including varying element normal due to curvature, serious cross-polarisation effect, limited operational bandwidth and so on. A uniform method for the element polarised pattern transformation of arbitrary 3D conformal arrays is presented based on Euler rotation. A space-time-polarisation filter structure is proposed for the pattern synthesis of conformal array, in which the finite impulse response (FIR) filters assigned to every element are used to acquire the frequency-invariant array pattern and the element polarisation diversity in array global coordinates is used to depress the cross-polarisation level. The optimal weight vector is obtained by alternating projection method. The alternating projection method is a powerful and attractive method for the pattern synthesis in that it requires relatively smaller amount of computation burden and a wide variety of desirable constraints can be freely implemented in a -visible- way, which is usually impossible for other optimisation method. The pattern synthesis method proposed has established a unified frame for the frequency-invariant and low cross-polarisation pattern synthesis of conformal array. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and behaviour of the proposed method.     

Eigenspace-based blind pattern optimisations of steerable antenna array for interference cancellation

A novel adaptive algorithm for an array using directional elements called a hybrid smart antenna system is proposed. The algorithm controls the element patterns on the basis of an objective function composed of eigenvalues of a covariance matrix. A high and stable array output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is achieved by improving both the received powers and the spatial correlation coefficient between incident waves, without prior knowledge such as directions-of-arrival, channel state information or training signals. The characteristics of the proposed algorithm are theoretically and numerically clarified for a simple case involving two incident waves. Convergence with least mean squares algorithm is found to be as fast as that with recursive least squares algorithm in this system. Also, simulation for statistical performance evaluation is carried out in comparison with a conventional system. Furthermore, a method to implement the proposed eigenspace control algorithm without having to solve the eigenvalue problem is shown.     

Dynamic null steering in an ultrawideband time-steered array antenna

We develop a method for forming squint-free wideband nulls in the antenna pattern of an ultrawideband array antenna. The technique uses an optical dispersive-prism beam former to provide time-delayed microwave signals to each antenna element for forming a squint-free main beam. The amplitude-modulated optical carrier is propagated through a set of optical links. Each link feeds an array element and includes an amount of dispersion proportional to element position. Tuning the wavelength of the optical carrier controls the microwave signal's arrival-time delay gradient across the array. A dispersive-prism tapped delay-line microwave filter is used to frequency shape a nulling signal. The wideband nulls do not significantly distort the main beam and are steered independently of the main beam. The technique is applied to sidelobe nulling for a transmitter and for jammer suppression for a receiver array.     

Experimental demonstration of an optical phased array antenna for laser space communications

The feasibility of an optical phased array antenna applicable for spaceborne laser communications was experimentally demonstrated. Heterodyne optical phase-locked loops provide for a defined phase relationship between the collimated output beams of three single-mode fibers. In the far field the beams interfere with a measured efficiency of 99%. The main lobe of the interference pattern can be moved by phase shifting the subaperture output beams. The setup permitted agile beam steering within an angular range of 1 mr and a response time of 0.7 ms. We propose an operational optical phased array antenna fed by seven lasers, featuring high transmit power and redundance.     

Correlation between antenna radiation pattern and field performance for global positioning systems in telematics as a function of antenna placement

The effect of antenna placement on the global positioning system (GPS) performance in telematics is investigated. Two sets of measurements were conducted. The first set consisted of measuring the vehicle-level antenna radiation pattern at three distinct antenna locations on a sedan vehicle. The second set consisted of a series of drive tests in three distinct driving environments. The field data were collected in parallel for each antenna location in all driving environments. GPS availability and accuracy results from the field testing are correlated to the vehicle-level antenna radiation pattern measurements. Results are presented to show the impact of the antenna placement on the GPS system performance and to demonstrate the good correlation between the vehicle-level radiation pattern measurements and the performance in the field.     

Evaluation of the radiation pattern of a split aperture linear phased array for high frequency imaging

Developing transducer arrays for high frequency medical imaging is complicated because of the extremely small size and spacing of the array elements. For example, a 50 MHz linear phased array requires a center-to-center spacing of only 15 mum (one-half wavelength in water) to avoid the formation of grating lobes in the radiation pattern of the array. Fabricating an array with these dimensions is difficult using conventional technology. A split aperture design that permits much larger element spacing (3 to 4 times) while avoiding the formation of grating lobes is described. The 3-D radiation pattern of a 1.9x1.4 mm, 50-MHz split aperture linear phased array with 33 transmit elements and 33 receive elements has been evaluated theoretically. The azimuthal beam width is 90 mum at a distance of 4.0 mm. Grating lobes are suppressed by at least 60 dB at distances >4.0 mm (~f/2). The elevation beam width is 220 mum at 4.0 mm, and a useful depth of field over the axial range from 4 to 10 mm is obtained.     

Analysis of the effect of the shape of the radiation pattern on the accuracy of azimuth measurements by the monopulse method

The effect of the shape of the radiation pattern of the difference channel of a monopulse antenna on the accuracy of angular-coordinate measurements is estimated. The least root mean square deviation is obtained using a radiation pattern with a Chebyshev amplitude distribution. Of the practical amplitude distributions a “parabola on a pedestal” of 0.1–0.316 is preferable. Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 4, pp. 53–54, April, 1998.     

Enhanced radiation from an electrically small radiator using an array of sub-wavelength holes

An experimental demonstration of radiation enhancement from an electrically small antenna (ESA) using an array of sub-wavelength holes engraved on a metallic plate is presented in this paper. A weakly radiating, chip inductor loaded open coplanar waveguide transmission line is used as the reference ESA. We show that an array of sub-wavelength hole loaded metallic aperture, placed near the antenna, can significantly enhance radiated power from the source. The hole array converts the high spatial reactive spectrum existing in the near-field of the antenna into a far-field propagating spectrum. The theory is validated by experiments and simulations in the microwave frequency regime. This novel radiation enhancement scheme is seen to enhance the gain of the antenna from ?8.5 to ?2.5?dBi and radiation efficiency from 13 to 33% around resonance.     

基于时延估计的海底线阵阵形估计方法研究

阵形估计是水听器阵列应用中的关键问题,基于时延估计的阵形估计方法比基于传感器测量和基于匹配场处理的方法具有更强的适应性和较高的精度。针对浅海水听器阵列中水平长线阵存在的纵向相关振荡现象引起的不能简单以某一阵元为基准求相对时延的问题,充分利用了阵元信号的高相关性,提出了基于子阵时延的阵形估计方法,针对子阵间时延估计误差向阵端累积的问题,该方法以时延估计的克拉美罗界为依据提出了合理的子阵方式,在一定程度上减小了误差传递。对已有海试数据阵形估计处理的结果表明,相对于单源固定间距方法和未分子阵的双源时延估计方法,基于子阵时延的阵形估计方法满足阵元间距的约束,有较好的空间谱特性,减小了阵形估计误差,对长水听器阵列的应用及阵形估计具有较大应用价值。     

长线阵联合阵形估计系统研究

针对长线阵易发生阵形畸变问题,提出一种基于非声传感器和水动力模型求解的联合阵形估计系统。该系统在充分利用非声传感器信息的基础上,进一步根据拖线阵水动力模型,求解实时阵形,实现阵形估计。仿真实验及数据分析表明,与传统的阵形估计算法相比,该系统的估计精度提高10%以上,对工程实践具有较高的指导意义。     

Preliminary study of an adaptive wing with shape memory alloy torsion actuators

This paper presents a preliminary design study aimed to verify the feasibility of an adaptive wing for a small unmanned aircraft (UAV), which is entirely actuated by shape memory alloy devices (SMA). The capability of the wing to bear the aerodynamic loads, the power required by the actuators and their force and torque during flight are assessed by finite element simulations. The wing consists of a sandwich box sub-structure with laminated faces, flexible ribs and a flexible skin. The adaptation capability to the changing flight conditions is obtained via airfoil shape change and local shape adjustments. Counter rotating, concentric torsion SMA tubes are employed for wing camber control, while levers powered by SMA wires are employed for local shape control. The external and the internal tubes control, respectively, the downward and the upward motions. They are connected to the flexible ribs through an electro-mechanical clutch and a positioning piezoelectric motor. Actuation occurs heating a tube at a time and making free the other by the clutch. With deformation limited to 4%, to allow a complete shape recovery by SMA, the wing appears capable to smoothly deform, with small stresses. A mean rotation of 21.7° of the flexible ribs and a rotation of 40° at the tip can be obtained, which are equivalent to a rotation of 30° of an aileron or flap of a conventional wing. A variable camber variation can be obtained at cruise speed, with a variation at least of 10° from the tip to the root. Also a local shape variation can be obtained, corresponding to a 4.5% increase of the thickness of the airfoil at 55% of the chord, while at 40% of the chord the thickness is reduced by 3.9%. The torque applied by the actuator tubes, which is up to 200 N m, and the peak power of 1223 W required for actuation appear compatible for an UAV.     

Wi-Fi/WiMAX双极化阵列天线研究

提出一种应用于Wi-Fi/WiMAX的宽带高增益双极化阵列天线.它由+45°和-45°正交极化的两个天线组成。当频率为2.38~2.72 GHz时,天线的回波损耗大于-10 dB;端口1与端口2之间隔离度大于20 dB;端口1在2.45 GHz时获得最大增益为17.14 dBi,端口2在2.483 GHz时获得最大增益为17.15 dBi.仿真和测试很好相吻合,该双极化天线能满足Wi-Fi/WiMAX通信网络要求.     

基于阵列分解的星载相控阵天线波束成形网络设计

根据"子阵列"理论,对星载阵列相控阵多波束天线的阵元空间和波束空间进行子阵分割,分析天线阵元空间成形系数的复用情况,并结合分布式算法,在阵列分解基础上提出了一种波束成形网络的复用结构,节省了67%以上的资源。最后实现了波束成形网络的试验验证平台,并完成了算法的移植和验证。结果表明,该波束成形网络比常规方法节省了大量资源,并实现了多波束等通量覆盖的设计目标。     

Gradient-based shape optimisation of conformal array antennas

We present and test a gradient-based shape optimisation method for the minimisation of the active reflection coefficient for conformal array antennas. The goal function is an average of the active reflection coefficient with respect to all antenna elements, a prespecified frequency interval, and a set of excitation modes. The sensitivity of the goal function with respect to changes of the antenna's shape is based on the continuum form of Maxwell's equations, which provides good flexibility for the choice of field solver. The sensitivity is formulated in terms of the field solution of the original antenna problem and a similar adjoint field problem, which gives the sensitivity for an arbitrary number of design parameters given the solution of Maxwell's equations. We test the optimisation method in two dimensions for array antennas that conform to a circular cylinder, where both uniform arrays and arrays that occupy a part of the cylinder's circumference are considered. For some cases, we find that it is feasible to reduce the active reflection coefficient for arrays that partially cover the circumference of the cylinder by means of end elements that differ from the bulk elements of the array. In general, substantial reductions in the active reflection coefficient can be achieved by relatively small shape changes of the antenna elements. For the test cases considered in this article, the optimisation method typically converges to an optimised design within 5-15 iterations.     

Diagnostics of a short-wave transmitting antenna array in the near-field zone

An electrodynamic calculation is presented of the field of an antenna-feeder device. This calculation is used as the basis for proposing a diagnostic method for determining the operation of a feeder device in which probes are introduced into the aperture zone of the antenna. The diagnostic signals measuring the state of the feeder are considered together with an algorithm for processing them. Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 1, pp. 41–48, January, 2000.     

新型折叠卷收式反射阵天线的设计与制作

 设计了一种新型折叠卷收式反射阵天线,减少了天线展开前的质量和体积．为了使反射面得到最好的平面精度,从理论上证明反射面的边界形状应当为圆形．给出了悬索详细的设计计算方法．在此结构中使用了一种新型的、通过钢卷尺强化的充气可展开铝箔圆管．通过非线性屈曲分析,研究了钢卷尺的厚度、圆心角角度以及铝箔厚度等因素对圆管承载力的影响,并通过实验验证了非线性屈曲分析结果的正确性．最终制作了这种新型天线,并对其展开后的形面精度进行了测试,实验证明此种新型天线完全可以满足反射阵天线的精度要求．     

Investigation on ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, exhibiting large recoverable strain and rapid frequency response, appear to be promising shape memory actuator material. These materials exhibit large shape memory effect associating with martensitic transformation, and magnetic-field-induced strain in the martensite state. The recent development in researches on NiMnGa, NiFeGa, and CoNiGa in our group is briefly reviewed. The perspectives of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy are also described.