Multi-link Optical Terabit Terminal for Spacecraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transfer technologies, such as RF signals, are limited in speed and become bottlenecks as data demands increase, especially for spacecraft and future terrestrial applications requiring high-speed, multiple-link communications, while laser communications face beam pointing issues and single-link limitations.

Innovation Solution

The development of multiple-link optical terabit terminals (MLOTT) using a multifaceted structure with strategically positioned optical telescopes, angle-of-arrival detectors, and steerable apertures to achieve omnidirectional coverage and high-speed data transfer, enabling simultaneous multiple links and overcoming beam pointing challenges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If laser communications are used to provide higher data rates, then data transfer speed is improved, but beam pointing accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidbeam pointing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is divided into multiple facets (e.g., 6 facets arranged in a hexagonal pattern), with each facet containing an independent optical telescope and transceiver. This segmentation allows the system to achieve omnidirectional coverage while maintaining precise beam pointing through angle-of-arrival detectors on each facet that independently track incoming beams from different directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If single-link laser terminals are used to achieve high data rates, then data transfer speed is improved, but system versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidmulti-link capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each facet in the multifaceted structure is designed with universal functionality, containing both transmit and receive capabilities with identical optical telescopes and transceivers. This allows any facet to serve as either transmitter or receiver depending on communication needs, enabling the system to establish multiple simultaneous links in different directions and adapt to various communication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If RF signals are used for data transfer, then system complexity is reduced, but data transfer speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata transfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces RF electromagnetic wave transmission with optical laser beam transmission. By substituting the mechanical/electrical RF signal generation and modulation systems with optical components (lasers, optical modulators, photodetectors), the system achieves terabit-per-second data rates while managing complexity through integrated optical transceivers on each facet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional coverage is implemented using multiple optical telescopes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveomnidirectional coverageVSAvoidterminal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple identical optical telescope-transceiver units into a single integrated multifaceted terminal structure. By combining these standardized modules into a compact polyhedral configuration with shared control and processing resources, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage while reducing overall complexity compared to having separate independent terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

MLOTTs enable near terabit per second data transfer rates over long distances, providing 2-4 orders of magnitude higher data rates than existing technologies, with modular architecture suitable for various platforms, including spacecraft and terrestrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

transmit and receive optical beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

Each transceiver includes a laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

an array of angle-of-arrival (AoA) detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

Each facet includes a steerable mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

a receiving lens on each facet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12095508B2Multi-link optical terabit terminal

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

Multiple-link optical terabit terminals (MLOTT) allowing high speed data transfer rates in terabit per second range in an omnidirectional fashion are disclosed. The described terminals have multifaceted structure, provide full coverage, implement single laser or laser arrays, and single detector or detector arrays to achieve higher transmission rates. Wavelength division multiplexing schemes can also be used when implementing the disclosed terminals for higher data rates. Steerable mirrors and lenses can be implemented as part of the terminals and based on angle-of-arrival calculations performed in real time.