Optical RF Phased-Array Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
As phased arrays increase in size, the distribution of high-speed data and clock signals becomes complex, costly, power-intensive, and massive, posing challenges in wireless communication networks, particularly in space-based systems where traditional metal impedance-controlled transmission lines are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The system employs optical signals with different wavelengths to carry data and clock signals, using optical modulators, multiplexers, photodiodes, and amplifiers integrated on a monolithic photonic integrated circuit substrate to simplify data and clock transmission, eliminating the need for electrical connectivity among array elements and reducing complexity, cost, and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the phased array size increases to improve gain and beamforming capabilities, then the transmission distance and communication performance are improved, but the complexity, cost, and power consumption of distributing high-speed data and clock signals to all elements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal distribution systems with optical signal distribution. Optical signals are used to carry both data and clock references to phased array elements, eliminating the need for complex electrical interconnects and reducing signal distribution complexity while supporting larger array configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary carrier to transmit both data and timing information to phased array elements. This optical intermediary simplifies the distribution architecture by consolidating multiple signal types into a single transmission medium, reducing the overall system complexity
2Reliability
If the phased array size increases to improve gain and EIRP, then the transmission distance is extended, but the mass and size of the system increase due to larger metal transmission lines and more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy metal impedance-controlled transmission lines with lightweight optical waveguides or optical cables. This replacement dramatically reduces the mass of the signal distribution infrastructure while enabling larger phased array configurations for extended transmission distances
3Reliability
If the phased array size increases to improve beamforming capabilities, then the electronics capabilities are enhanced, but the power consumption increases due to more elements and complex signal distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal distribution with optical signal distribution, which has lower loss and lower power consumption. Optical signals require less amplification and regeneration over distance, reducing the overall power consumption of the signal distribution network while supporting larger arrays with enhanced beamforming capabilities
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 simplifies the construction and scaling of phased arrays, lowers mass and size, and enables efficient synchronization of data and clock signals across large arrays, reducing complexity and power consumption while eliminating the need for massive metal transmission lines, making it suitable for space and aerial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical modulator adapted to modulate a first optical signal with a first data to generate a first modulated optical signal, a second optical modulator adapted to modulate a second optical signal with a first clock signal to generate a second modulated optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a first photodiode adapted to generate a first electrical current in response to the first wavelength of the multiplexed optical signal, and a second photodiode adapted to generate a second electrical current in response to the second wavelength of the multiplexed optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes, in part, a first optical modulator adapted to modulate a first optical signal with a first data to generate a first modulated optical signal, a second optical modulator adapted to modulate a second optical signal with a first clock signal to generate a second modulated optical signal, an optical multiplexer adapted to multiplex the first and second optical signals to generate a multiplexed optical signal, and an optical fiber adapted to carry the multiplexed optical signal. The second optical signal has a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength.