FSOC Signal Loss Detection via Power Supply Current Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional free space optical communication (FSOC) systems are large, heavy, and power-intensive, and often unreliable in detecting signal loss due to atmospheric fades, which can compromise data signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-power FSOC system with a power supply unit, current sensor, signal conditioning unit, comparator, and photodiode that monitors current to detect signal loss and quickly restore communication by freezing the data signal at a previous instance, ensuring reliable detection without compromising the data signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection systems are used in FSOC, then signal loss detection capability is provided, but the system size, weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal loss detection function with the existing power supply unit by monitoring the current drawn from it. The photodiode's operational status directly affects the current consumption, allowing the same power supply to serve both power delivery and signal presence detection purposes, thereby eliminating separate detection hardware and reducing system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is given dual functionality: it not only provides electrical power to the photodiode but also serves as the detection mechanism for signal presence. By monitoring current variations, the same component performs both energy supply and diagnostic functions, reducing overall system complexity and weight.
2Reliability
If conventional detection systems are used in FSOC, then signal loss detection capability is provided, but the system becomes more complex and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational characteristics (current consumption) to detect signal loss without requiring external detection equipment. The power supply unit monitors its own current output, and the photodiode's operational state naturally modulates this current, creating a self-diagnostic capability that eliminates additional power-hungry detection subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged into the power supply circuitry, using the same electrical pathways and components for both power delivery and signal monitoring. This integration eliminates the need for separate detection electronics, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If detection is performed in conventional locations, then signal loss can be detected, but data signal integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the data signal pathway and placed in the power supply circuitry. By monitoring current rather than directly intercepting or processing the optical or electrical data signal, the system detects signal loss without introducing interference, noise, or distortion into the data transmission path, thereby preserving signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current signal serves as an intermediary indicator of photodiode operational status rather than directly processing the data-carrying signal. This indirect monitoring approach allows detection of signal loss through a separate pathway (power consumption) that does not interfere with the integrity of the primary data signal.
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
The system effectively detects signal loss and rapidly restores communication after atmospheric fades, maintaining data signal integrity while reducing size, weight, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving terminal may subsequently convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be configured to monitor current of the power supply unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present application at least describes a system for detecting loss in free space optical communications (FSOCs). The FSOC may include a sensor located downstream of the power supply unit. The FSOC may also include a signal conditioning unit (SCU) located downstream of the sensor. The FSOC may also include a comparator located downstream of the SCU. The comparator may be configured to receive the first signal from the SCU and determine an indication of signal loss based upon the first signal being below a predetermined threshold. The FSOC may further include a photodiode located downstream of the sensor. The photodiode may be configured to receive power from the power supply, receive an optical signal from a source, and output a second signal based on the optical signal.