Optical Routing Network for Multi-Function Array Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave array antennas lack the ability to support multiple functions simultaneously and have limited flexibility in selecting antenna elements for specific functions, which restricts their operational versatility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An optical routing network that uses wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing to route modulated RF signals to function-specific outputs by switching between multiple lasers, enabling rapid selection and routing of signals across different wavelengths for various antenna functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single microwave array antenna is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support multiple functions simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single microwave array antenna system that can perform multiple functions simultaneously through the use of multiple optical carrier wavelengths. Each wavelength is associated with a different function, allowing the same physical antenna to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for signal routing and function selection. By using wavelength division multiplexing, the system can distinguish between different functions and route signals to appropriate receivers based on the optical carrier wavelength, effectively adding a spectral dimension to the traditional spatial antenna system.
2Reliability
If dedicated antennas are provided for each function, then function-specific performance is optimized, but the quantity of equipment and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple function-specific antenna systems into a single shared microwave array antenna. By combining the physical antenna resources while maintaining separate optical carrier wavelengths for each function, the system achieves the performance of dedicated antennas without requiring multiple physical antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical carrier signals as an intermediary between the shared microwave antenna and function-specific receivers. The optical carriers act as mediators that carry function-specific information through the shared antenna system, enabling reliable function-specific performance without dedicated physical antennas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are fixed for specific functions, then routing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing of antenna elements to functions through optical switching. The system can rapidly reconfigure which antenna elements serve which functions by switching optical carriers between different wavelength divisions, allowing flexible adaptation without physical reconfiguration of the antenna elements themselves.
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 solution allows for simultaneous operation of multiple functions, reduces the need for dedicated antennas, and enhances flexibility by enabling rapid switching and sampling of antenna functions, thereby improving the efficiency and versatility of microwave array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
modulation means comprising at least one opto-electronic modulator linked to the at least one input
Implementation Method 2
an optical driver linked to the modulation means for generating an optical carrier signal comprising light of one or more of a plurality of different selectable wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
the optical routing means comprise wavelength division demultiplexing means for separately directing modulated light in the modulated optical carrier signals to a different one of the plurality of function-specific optical outputs for each of the one or more selectable wavelengths of light comprised in the optical carrier signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical routing network provides function-specific routing, in the optical domain, of radio frequency (RF) signals between inputs to the network and function-specific outputs from the network. RF signals input to the network may comprise signals received by elements of a multi-function array antenna for routing to function-specific receiving equipment or signals from function-specific transmitting equipment for routing to selected elements of the antenna for transmission. The optical routing path through the optical routing network is chosen by selecting one or more predetermined optical carrier wavelengths in the optical routing network, each carrier wavelength being associated with a particular function of the antenna. The optical routing network comprises opto-electronic modulators for modulating the selected optical carrier or carriers with received radio frequency (RF) signals and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices for separating and directing modulated carriers to respective optical outputs according to the selected carrier wavelengths. However, if routing in respect of only one function is required at any one time, a single carrier wavelength may be used and optical switches may be used in place of WDM devices to achieve the required optical routing on a time division basis, if preferred.