Modular Optical Transceiver Arrays for Non-Mechanical Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems using radio frequencies for data transmission from low Earth orbit small satellites face limitations in data rates and mechanical constraints, requiring large mechanical means for scanning angles, which are impractical for space-constrained applications like airplanes and UAVs.

Innovation Solution

A modular integrated optical transceiver system with multiple sub-transceivers, allowing non-mechanical beam steering and flexible installation, enabling wider angle coverage and higher bandwidth communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RF transceivers use single aperture antennas for signal capture, then device complexity is reduced, but the field of view coverage and angular range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidtransceiver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver is divided into multiple sub-transceivers, each with its own aperture antenna and signal processing chain. Each sub-transceiver handles a specific angular sector, collectively providing wide field of view coverage without requiring a single complex movable antenna system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point antenna approach to a distributed array of multiple aperture antennas positioned at different locations and orientations. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables wide angular coverage while keeping each individual antenna element relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical gimbals are used to scan the field of view, then angular coverage is improved, but weight and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular coverageVSAvoidtransceiver weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical gimbal systems with a fixed array of multiple aperture antennas. Instead of mechanically moving a single antenna to scan the field of view, multiple stationary antennas simultaneously cover different angular sectors, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical scanning components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The angular coverage function is segmented across multiple fixed sub-transceivers rather than achieved through mechanical movement of a single antenna. Each sub-transceiver is optimally oriented for its specific angular sector, providing comprehensive coverage without mechanical scanning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sub-transceivers are used to expand field of view, then angular coverage and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view and bandwidthVSAvoidtransceiver system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each sub-transceiver in the array is designed with universal functionality to perform both transmission and reception operations. The modular design allows each unit to be independently configured and controlled, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing enhanced field of view and bandwidth capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic signal processing and beamforming techniques to coordinate multiple sub-transceivers. The control system dynamically adjusts phase and amplitude parameters across sub-transceivers to achieve constructive interference patterns, enabling electronic beam steering and signal enhancement without mechanical movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If fixed mounting angles are used for sub-transceivers, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but field of view coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting mechanismVSAvoidfield of view coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions multiple aperture antennas at different fixed spatial locations and orientations, utilizing three-dimensional spatial distribution to achieve wide field of view coverage. Instead of relying on mechanical movement in one dimension, the system exploits multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12451965B2Modular integrated optical transceivers and arrays formed therewith

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 BRIDGECOMM INC

AI summary

An optical transceiver system for transmitting and receiving optical signals includes a plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers and a control system for controlling components within the plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers. Each one of the plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers is configured for receiving and transmitting optical signals over a range of angles. Additionally, the control system is configured for providing transmit and receive signals to the plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers. Further, the plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers, collectively, allow transmitting and receiving of optical signals over a wider range of angles than the range of angles for each one of the plurality of modular integrated optical transceivers.