Optical Reception Device for Phased Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phased antenna arrays face limitations in adjustable emission patterns and 'squinting' phenomena, particularly in the optical domain, where channel frequencies are in the range of several tens of GigaHertz, leading to complex and costly electronic drivers and restricted receiver placement due to integrated photodiodes and phase shift control requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical reception and emission device system using phase-locked lasers, beam-forming networks, and modulators to generate and control phased optical beams, allowing for adjustable emission patterns and independent control of radiofrequency beams, enabling dynamic steering and placement of the antenna array away from the optical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical beam formation array is used with defined delays and coupling coefficients, then emission pattern is obtained, but the emission pattern becomes frozen and adjustable range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical delay lines adjustable through optical ring resonators. The resonators allow dynamic tuning of the optical phase by changing the resonance condition, enabling the emission pattern to be adjusted rather than frozen. This is achieved by controlling the optical path length in the ring resonators to match specific resonance frequencies, allowing flexible beamforming patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by tuning the resonance frequencies of optical ring resonators to adjust the optical delays. By varying the resonance condition of the ring resonators, the system can dynamically change the phase relationships between different optical channels, thereby adjusting the emission pattern without changing the physical structure of the optical network.
2Productivity
If channel frequencies are in the range of several tens of GigaHertz, then space-division multiplexing capacity is increased, but electronic drivers become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with optical control mechanisms. Instead of using complex electronic drivers to control high-frequency radiofrequency signals, the system uses optical ring resonators to control the phase and amplitude of optical carriers. This substitution of electronic systems with optical systems eliminates the complexity and cost associated with high-frequency electronic drivers while maintaining the capacity for space-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical carriers as intermediaries between the control system and the antenna array. Rather than directly controlling radiofrequency signals with electronic drivers, the system modulates optical carriers which then control the antenna elements. This intermediary optical control layer simplifies the driver requirements while enabling high-capacity space-division multiplexing.
3Measurement precision
If photodiodes and phase shift control are integrated, then receiver placement is restricted, but phase control precision is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical reception system into separate functional modules: optical ring resonators for phase control, optical beam combining network, and photodiode detection. This segmentation allows the phase control function to be distributed along the optical paths rather than being concentrated at a single integrated point, enabling flexible receiver placement while maintaining phase control precision through the distributed optical resonance control.
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
The system achieves adjustable emission patterns, reduces 'squinting' effects, and allows for dynamic control of radiofrequency beams, enhancing tracking capabilities and bandwidth in radar and telecommunications applications while enabling the antenna array to be positioned at a distance from the optical device.
Implementation Method 1
the fact is used that when an optical carrier is modulated using a radiofrequency signal and propagates through an optical waveguide, the actual propagation time of the radiofrequency signal is determined by the group delay of the optical waveguide. The group delay is the derivative of the phase response of the optical waveguide. To use such a property, the frequencies of the optical beams should be adapted to the resonance frequencies of the resonators.
Implementation Method 2
each path including a modulator able to modulate at least one of the phase and the amplitude of an incident signal according to a modulation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical reception device for receiving a signal from an antenna array comprising:a light source generating an optical carrier and M phased optical beams which are frequency-shifted relative to the optical carrier;a collection circuit comprising N paths connected to an antenna, and comprising a modulator of an incident signal;a beam-forming network connecting (M+1) first ports to N second ports connected to one path, M first ports being connected to the optical beams and a control port connected to the other ports so that a maximum optical intensity on the control port corresponds to phased signals on the N second ports.