Managed Optical Communication Array for Agile Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, particularly those using radio frequencies for Low Earth Orbit small satellites and free space optical systems, face limitations in data rates and mechanical constraints, susceptibility to environmental obstructions, and difficulties in tracking moving objects due to single aperture designs and mechanical scanning requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Managed Optical Communication Array (MOCA) with multiple sub-transceivers that can transmit and receive optical signals over a range of angles and data rates, allowing for agile acquisition and tracking of moving objects without mechanical movement, and providing higher data rates and resistance to environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single aperture telescope is used for capturing and transmitting data signals, then the device structure is simplified, but the field of view scanning capability and tracking performance deteriorate due to mechanical gimbal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single aperture telescope is segmented into multiple sub-apertures or optical elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve field of view scanning and tracking without requiring a single large mechanical gimbal, as each sub-aperture can be steered electronically or with smaller actuators to cover different angular ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical gimbal system is replaced with an electronically controlled optical switching network. Instead of physically rotating a single large telescope aperture using mechanical gimbals, the system uses electronic control to direct optical signals through different sub-apertures and waveguide paths, achieving the same field of view scanning capability without the mechanical complexity and weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gimbals are used for physically scanning the field of view, then the tracking capability is improved, but the weight and space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy mechanical gimbal system is completely replaced with an electronically controlled optical switching network using waveguides and sub-apertures. This substitution eliminates the need for large rotating mechanical structures while maintaining the ability to track and scan across the field of view, dramatically reducing the weight of moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking function is segmented across multiple fixed sub-apertures rather than requiring a single moving aperture. Each sub-aperture remains fixed in position, and tracking is achieved by electronically switching between sub-apertures and controlling the optical paths, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical tracking mechanisms.
3Productivity
If RF frequencies are used for communication, then the data transmission capability is maintained, but the data rate and data capacity are limited by frequency range and mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system transitions from RF frequencies to optical frequencies, representing a fundamental change in the operating parameter (frequency/wavelength). This parameter change enables significantly higher data rates and data capacity because optical frequencies carry much more information, while simultaneously eliminating the mechanical constraints that limit RF systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating from a transceiver including a sub-transceiver array includes setting the sub-transceiver array to emit an optical signal at an initial pointing angle, and modifying at least one of the sub-transceivers to emit a first optical sub-signal at a first pointing angle having a first offset from the initial pointing angle. The method further includes, during a first transmit period, transmitting to a receiving transceiver from the sub-transceiver array a first optical signal including the first optical sub-signal, at a first data rate. The method also includes further modifying the sub-transceiver to emit a second optical sub-signal at a second pointing angle having a second offset from the initial pointing angle, the second offset being smaller than the first offset, and, in a second transmit period, transmitting to the receiving transceiver from the sub-transceiver array a second optical signal including the second optical sub-signal.