Free Space Optical Phase Synchronization for Remote Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for phase synchronization between remote measuring instruments, such as vector network analyzers, face challenges when the distance between the instruments is large, as signal attenuation and phase shifts become significant, making it difficult to accurately measure phase information in telecommunications networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of a narrow band, low frequency synchronization signal transmitted over fiber optic cables or free space, utilizing phase-locked loops and optical transceivers to maintain synchronization between measuring instruments, allowing for longer transmission paths without significant attenuation or phase noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a synchronization signal is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver over a large distance, then the transmitter and receiver can be separated by a large distance, but the synchronization signal experiences significant attenuation and phase shifts making phase information difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical transceiver as an intermediary device that converts electrical synchronization signals to optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables. This mediator allows the synchronization signal to travel long distances without the attenuation and phase shifts that plague electrical signal transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between large separation distance and phase measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical signal transmission system with an optical signal transmission system. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals transmitted through fiber optic cables, the system eliminates the problems of electrical signal attenuation and phase shifts over long distances, enabling both large transmitter-receiver separation and accurate phase measurements.
2Length of stationary object
If electrical signals are transmitted over long distances through fiber optic cables, then large separation is enabled, but signal attenuation and phase shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. Optical signals experience significantly lower attenuation than electrical signals over long distances, enabling transmission path lengths of many kilometers while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing energy loss.
3Ease of operation
If electrical synchronization signals are transmitted over long paths, then remote receiver operation is enabled, but phase noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission to enable remote receiver operation while maintaining low phase noise. Optical fiber transmission provides excellent signal integrity over long distances, allowing the receiver to be operated remotely without introducing significant phase noise that would degrade measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate phase synchronization over extended distances, reducing signal attenuation and phase shifts, thereby enabling precise phase measurements in telecommunications networks.
Implementation Method 1
The synchronization signal is configured to be converted to an optical signal by the optical transceiver and transmitted from the first free space transceiver to the second free space transceiver over free space
Implementation Method 2
transmitted from the first free space transceiver to the second free space transceiver over free space
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a measuring instrument adapted to be connected with the DUT for transmitting tests signals to the DUT, a receiver adapted to be connected with the DUT and arranged remote from the measuring instrument, an optical transceiver having a first coupler electrically connectable with the measuring instrument and a second coupler electrically connectable with the receiver, and a first and second free space transceivers connected to respective couplers by fiber optic cable. The measuring instrument includes a clock signal generated from a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is converted to an optical signal by the optical transceiver and transmitted from the first free space transceiver to the second free space transceiver. The second coupler converts the optical signal to the synchronization signal and a clock signal of the receiver is locked to the synchronization signal.