Optically Driven Multi-Port Radiator for High-Frequency Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas face challenges in radiating electromagnetic signals at high millimeter-wave frequencies due to inefficiencies in power transfer and impedance matching, particularly when integrated with CMOS technology, as they require dimensions at least half the wavelength of the signal and often rely on ineffective traditional power transfer techniques like bonding wires or solder bumps.
Innovation Solution
An optically driven multi-port radiator system that utilizes N optical paths with different wavelengths to generate electromagnetic signals, where frequency conversion elements convert optical signals to electrical signals and distribute them across multiple ports of an antenna, allowing for efficient radiation and phase control through phase modulators and non-linear optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional antennas are used at high millimeter-wave frequencies, then radiation capability is achieved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to ineffective traditional power transfer techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical power transfer methods (bonding wires, solder bumps) with an optical system using photodiodes and optical signals to drive the antenna elements, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections at high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium to transfer power and control signals to the antenna elements, using photodiodes as converters between optical and electrical domains, thereby avoiding direct high-frequency electrical power transfer
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional antennas are integrated with CMOS technology, then integration is achieved, but impedance matching deteriorates at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independently controllable elements, each driven by separate optical signals, allowing individual impedance optimization and phase control without affecting other elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase modulators to dynamically adjust the phase and amplitude of optical signals driving each antenna element, enabling real-time impedance matching and beam forming adaptation at high frequencies
3Loss of energy
If antenna dimensions are reduced to half wavelength at high frequencies, then radiation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using optical frequencies (much higher than RF) to drive the antenna elements, allowing the physical antenna dimensions to remain larger while achieving effective radiation at high frequencies through optical modulation
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
This approach enables efficient radiation of electromagnetic signals across a wide frequency range (100 MHz to 10 THz) with improved impedance matching and reduced signal degradation, enhancing the radiator's efficiency and effectiveness at high frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
M frequency conversion elements each adapted to convert an associated optical signal to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one phase modulator adapted to modulate the phase of the optical signals travelling through at least two of the N optical paths
Implementation Method 3
the radiator radiates an electromagnetic signal whose frequency is defined by the difference between the first and second wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port radiator radiates electromagnetic signal in response to a beat frequency of a pair of optical signals. The radiator includes a multitude of optical paths each carrying an optical signal having first and second wavelengths. A multitude of frequency conversion elements convert the optical signals to electrical signals and deliver them to the radiator's multiple ports. The frequency of the electrical signals, and hence the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, is defined by the difference between the first and second wavelengths. The phases of the optical signals received by the frequency conversion elements are shifted with respect to one another. Optionally, the difference between the phases of the optical signals travelling through each pair of adjacent paths is 90°. The first and second wavelengths are generated by a pair of optical sources and are optionally modulated before being combined and delivered to the optical paths.