Optical Signal Distribution With Self-Calibrated Phase Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic signal generators exhibit phase and frequency instability, particularly in high-frequency bands, and are often large, expensive, and unsuitable for portable applications, with inefficient signal distribution methods requiring significant electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A distributed signal generator utilizing a photonic integrated circuit to produce a stable soliton pulse train, which is split and distributed through optical paths with self-calibration to maintain phase synchronization, using a controller to adjust optical elements for environmental invariance and path-specific phase delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional electronic signal generators use frequency multiplication techniques, then signals can be generated in high-frequency bands, but phase and frequency instability noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic frequency multiplication mechanisms with an optical-based soliton pulse train generation system. The photonic integrated circuit generates stable optical soliton pulses that are converted to electrical signals, eliminating the phase noise inherent in electronic multiplication while achieving high-frequency output signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental operating parameter from electronic domain to optical domain. By generating signals through optical soliton pulse trains and using photodetectors for conversion, the system achieves high frequency stability and low phase noise that cannot be obtained through conventional electronic parameter adjustments.
2Reliability
If high-performance electronic signal generators are designed for low phase-noise in microwave band and higher frequencies, then signal quality improves, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy electronic components with a photonic integrated circuit that can be implemented on compact substrates. The optical-based signal generation eliminates the need for large electronic amplifiers and frequency multipliers, achieving high-performance low phase-noise signals in a lightweight, compact form factor suitable for portable applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrical reference signal is split along multiple paths for signal distribution, then multiple channels can be provided, but power loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal distribution with optical signal distribution using a photonic integrated circuit. Optical signals experience significantly lower attenuation and can be distributed over longer distances with minimal power loss. The system uses optical splitting and photodetector conversion to provide multiple channel outputs while maintaining high efficiency and low power consumption.
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 provides phase-stable and frequency-stable signals with low noise, suitable for high-frequency applications, in a compact and cost-effective form factor, enabling efficient distribution and use in various electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A distributed signal generator utilizes a photonic integrated circuit to produce a stable soliton pulse train
Implementation Method 2
A wavelength locking resonator, such as a ring resonator, can be positioned adjacent to the first waveguide
Implementation Method 3
received as optical input to one or more high-speed photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generator provides a periodic optical signal as output. The signal generator can be optically coupled to a splitter or other distribution network that transits the optical signal along multiple paths to terminate at different locations and/or for use by multiple electronic circuits. Each path can include a reflector element that reflects a portion of the signal back along the optical signal path. Reflections can be separated by operation of a circulator and photodiode. Output of the photodiode can be used to adjust phase and/or amplitude of optical signals traversing each optical signal path such that each electronic circuit receives an in-phase reference signal as input.