Integrated Optical Mirror and RF Antenna Pointing for FSO Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free space optical (FSO) communication systems face challenges in maintaining efficient communication due to line-of-sight dependency and susceptibility to weather conditions, while separate RF and FSO terminals increase weight, space, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A pointing unit integrating a mirrored surface and a directional RF antenna, allowing for both FSO and RF communications, with a controller switching between modes based on link performance, and optionally using a phased array for precise beam direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate RF and FSO terminals are used, then communication reliability is improved through redundancy, but weight, space, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF antenna and FSO optical components into a single integrated terminal structure. The RF antenna elements are positioned to also serve as mounting structures for optical lenses and detectors, allowing both communication systems to share the same physical platform and achieve redundancy without duplicating entire terminal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the same housing and mounting structure support both RF antenna elements and FSO optical components. The terminal can switch between RF and FSO communication modes or operate both simultaneously, making the structure universal for different communication protocols and reducing overall system mass.
2Reliability
If separate RF and FSO terminals are used, then communication reliability is improved through redundancy, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RF and FSO communication functions into a single terminal volume. The housing structure accommodates both RF antenna elements and FSO optical components in a compact arrangement, where space is efficiently utilized by placing components in different spatial zones within the same terminal envelope rather than requiring separate terminal volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests FSO optical components within or alongside RF antenna structures. For example, optical lenses and detectors are mounted on the same housing structures that contain RF antenna elements, creating a nested arrangement where one communication system's structural elements also serve the other system, thereby reducing total volume.
3Reliability
If separate RF and FSO terminals are used, then communication reliability is improved through redundancy, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply and control systems for RF and FSO communications into a shared architecture. A single power management unit distributes energy to both communication systems, and a unified control processor manages both RF and FSO operations, reducing redundant power consumption from duplicate control electronics and improving overall energy efficiency.
4Productivity
If FSO communication is used, then data rate and security are improved, but line of sight dependency and susceptibility to weather conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF communication as an intermediary system that operates when FSO communication is blocked by weather or obstructions. The terminal automatically switches to or combines with RF communication mode when optical path conditions deteriorate, providing a fallback mechanism that maintains communication reliability without sacrificing FSO's high data rate capabilities when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between FSO and RF communication modes based on environmental conditions. When weather conditions or line of sight parameters indicate poor FSO performance, the system transitions to RF mode with different transmission parameters, thereby adapting to changing conditions and maintaining reliable communication across varying operational environments.
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
Provides efficient, lightweight, and space-saving communication capabilities with reliable backup modes, enhancing communication flexibility and reliability in vehicles like drones and spacecraft.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion (106) comprising a mirrored surface (108), the first portion being orientable relative to an optical beam (110) produced by the optical source (104) and incident on the mirrored surface to direct a reflection (112) of the optical beam from the mirrored surface towards a target
Implementation Method 2
the first portion (106) further comprises a directional radio frequency antenna (114), and the directional radio frequency antenna is a patch antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
A pointing unit 102 is for use with a free space optical communications terminal 100 comprising an optical source 104. The pointing unit 102 comprises a first portion 106 comprising a mirrored surface 108, the first portion 106 being orientatable relative to an optical beam 110 produced by the optical source 104 and incident on the mirrored surface 108 in use to direct a reflection 112 of the optical beam 110 from the mirrored surface 108 towards a target 107. The first portion 106 further comprises a directional radio frequency antenna 114. Also disclosed is a pointing system 105, a free space optical communications terminal 100, a vehicle 900, and a method.