Laser Conversion Module for Bidirectional Satellite Optical Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems, particularly those using Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, lack the ability to uplink data from a ground site to a satellite or downlink data from a satellite, and face challenges with high latency, limited connectivity, and signal degradation due to noise buildup in long communication paths.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Laser Conversion Modules (LCMs) that provide optical-to-electrical (O-E) and electrical-to-optical (E-O) conversion capabilities, enabling flexible and robust network operations, supporting longer paths and data relay missions by performing full 3R regeneration and incorporating Forward Error Correction (FEC) to maintain high signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion capabilities are integrated into laser relay satellites, then bidirectional data communication ability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical-to-electrical conversion, electrical-to-optical conversion, 3R regeneration, and FEC functions into a single integrated Laser Conversion Module (LCM). This merging of multiple functions into one module achieves bidirectional communication capability while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCM is designed as a universal module that performs multiple functions: optical-to-electrical conversion, electrical-to-optical conversion, signal regeneration, and error correction. This multi-functional design enables the same hardware to support both uplink and downlink communications, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If 3R regeneration and FEC are implemented in the LCM, then signal quality and reliability are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCM performs 3R regeneration (re-amplification, re-shaping, re-phasing) and FEC operations autonomously on the optical signal without requiring external intervention or additional ground-based processing. This self-service capability maintains signal quality across long communication paths while managing energy consumption through efficient on-board processing rather than requiring repeated ground station interventions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laser conversion modules are added to enable uplink and downlink communication, then connectivity and application scope are improved, but mass of the satellite increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication functions (uplink, downlink, regeneration, error correction) are merged into a single LCM module, achieving expanded application scope without the mass penalty of separate dedicated hardware for each function. The integrated design reduces overall mass compared to having independent modules for optical conversion, regeneration, and error correction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical communication paths are extended to reach underserved regions, then connectivity is improved, but signal degradation due to noise buildup worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The LCM performs 3R regeneration and FEC operations proactively at intermediate points in the communication path (on-board satellite) before signal degradation becomes severe. This preliminary action prevents noise buildup from compromising signal quality over extended communication distances, enabling connectivity to underserved regions while maintaining signal integrity.
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 LCMs enhance the utility of laser relay satellites by allowing bidirectional data communication, reducing bit error rates, and expanding their application scope without increasing power demands or mass, thereby improving connectivity and reliability in underserved regions and deep space missions.
Implementation Method 1
Laser Conversion Modules (LCMs) that provide optical-to-electrical (O-E) and electrical-to-optical (E-O) conversion capabilities
Implementation Method 2
Laser Conversion Modules (LCMs) that provide optical-to-electrical (O-E) and electrical-to-optical (E-O) conversion capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electro -optical payload for free space optical communication includes: a plurality of optical beam expanders, each for receiving a respective optical signal of incoming optical signals; an optical cross-connect switch for directing respective optical input signals to respective optical output signals; an electrical-to-optical conversion circuit coupled to an input of the optical cross-connect switch for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal for inputting to the optical cross-connect switch; an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit coupled to an output of the optical cross-connect switch for converting an optical signal output from the optical cross-connect switch to an electrical signal; and an electrical regeneration circuit including a second optical-to-electrical conversion circuit coupled to an output of the optical cross-connect switch and a second electrical-to-optical conversion circuit coupled to an input of the optical cross-connect switch for converting an optical out signal of the optical cross-connect switch to an electrical signal.