D.Yu. Kryukov1, Yu.G. Pasternak2, V.A. Pendyurin3, I.V. Popov4, V.I. Shtephan5

1,2 Voronezh State Technical University (Voronezh, Russia)

2,3 JSC «Automated communication systems» (Voronezh, Russia)

4 JSC “Concern “Sozvezdie” (Voronezh, Russia)

5 JSC «Voronezh research institute «Vega» (Voronezh, Russia)

Formulation of the problem. Antenna systems are the main component of radio relay repeaters. The placement of repeaters on flight-lifting devices has a whole advantage, including mobility of deployment, a significantly longer range of communication coverage, the duration of continuous operation, as well as a fairly high survivability at a relatively low cost. However, to ensure the effective operation of highly elevated repeaters, antenna systems are required that provide the ability to scan with a beam with a narrow radiation pattern, in accordance with the required radius of coverage areas, in the entire frequency range, retention of spatial orientation of antenna system directional pattern during movement of terrestrial subscribers, in order to organize communication sessions with different subscribers (including in relay mode). At the same time, due to the peculiarities of functioning under conditions of constant wind loads, it is necessary to additionally provide spatial stabilization of the antenna systems directivity pattern during oscillations of the repeater flying platform. Thus, the problem of research and development of phased antenna arrays with a system of electronic orientation and stabilization of the radiation pattern for use as repeater modules located on flight-lifting devices seems to be very urgent.

Purpose. Research and development of prototypes of phased antenna arrays for the onboard complex of communication repeaters and options for constructing communication systems using relay equipment located on flight lifting facilities.

Results. Versions of ultra-wideband symmetric and microstrip antenna elements of the structure of phased antenna arrays have been developed. On the basis of a symmetrical element, the design of a phased antenna array with switching scanning in the range of angles from 0 to 360° is developed, consisting of 4 sectors installed on the sides of the square. Each sector provides azimuth (horizontal) switching scanning within 90°. The coefficient is 20-23 dBi in the range of operating frequencies 5.6-6.2 GHz. On the basis of the microstrip element, an alternative phased antenna array with switching scanning in the range of angles from 0 to 360° is developed, consisting of six sectors installed on the sides of the hexagon. Each sector, in this case, implements azimuth (horizontal) switching scanning within 60° and ensures the formation of two beams simultaneously in the frequency range 5.6-6.2 GHz. To power the emitters of both types of sheet of phased antenna arrays, a diagram-forming circuit based on the Rothman lens was used. Features of antenna layout placement on balloon platform were investigated. The technology of electronic orientation and stabilization of the directional pattern of the phased antenna array was developed by measuring the coordinates of radiation sources of antenna array elements using electronic maps and GPS/GLONASS satellite navigation equipment.

Practical importance. The manufactured models and results of their electrodynamic modeling make it possible to evaluate the main electrical and structural parameters of antenna systems of highly elevated communication repeaters, as well as the features of their placement on aerostat platforms. Practical recommendations on selection of antenna elements of phased antenna array sheets and presented algorithm of directivity pattern stabilization system operation can be used for construction of promising radio relay communication systems based on active multipath phased antenna array with dynamic directivity pattern.

Kryukov D.Yu., Pasternak Yu.G., Pendyurin V.A., Popov I.V., Shtephan V.I. Antenna arrays with switching scanning of onboard repeaters
of radio relay communication systems. Radiotekhnika. 2022. V. 86. № 3. P. 88−103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j00338486-202203-09 (In Russian)

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