Optical Tracking Module Chip for Wireless Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless optical communication systems face challenges in maintaining beam alignment over long distances due to environmental disturbances and require complex and costly mechanisms for beam steering, which limits their efficiency and scalability in high-throughput applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking module integrated with an optical phased array (OPA), analog drive, and processors that electronically steer beams without moving parts, allowing for compact and cost-effective beam control and wavefront extraction in free-space optical communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beam steering mechanisms (MEMS or voice-coil based mirrors) are used to maintain beam alignment, then beam pointing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms (MEMS mirrors, voice-coil actuators) with an optical phased array that uses electro-optic phase shifting to steer beams. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining beam pointing accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position/angle to electro-optic phase shift. By controlling the phase of light waves at each array element, the system achieves precise beam steering without mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between beam pointing accuracy and mechanism complexity
2Productivity
If narrow angular width beams are used for high gain communication, then communication throughput is improved, but beam alignment stability deteriorates due to environmental disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the integrated photodetector monitors the incoming beam position and provides error signals to the processors. The processors adjust the phase shifters in real-time to correct alignment deviations caused by environmental disturbances, maintaining both high throughput and alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photodetector serves dual functions: receiving communication signals and providing feedback for beam alignment correction. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain narrow beam widths for high throughput while automatically compensating for alignment instability
3Volume of moving object
If integrated photodetector is used to receive light from OPA, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photodetector with the optical phased array into a single integrated circuit module. This combination reduces the overall module volume and eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment between separate components, as the components are fabricated together using standard integrated circuit processes
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
Enables high-throughput, compact, and cost-effective wireless optical communication with reduced interference and logistical issues, achieving robust and scalable point-to-point/multipoint links with high availability, overcoming traditional fiber infrastructure limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The OPA includes a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters. The analog drive is configured to adjust the plurality of phase shifters
Implementation Method 2
The integrated photodetector is configured to receive light from the OPA
Data Source
AI summary
The optical tracking module includes an optical phased array (OPA), an analog drive, an integrated photodetector, and one or more processors. The OPA includes a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters. The analog drive is configured to adjust the plurality of phase shifters. The integrated photodetector is configured to receive light from the OPA. The one or more processors is configured to extract signal information of an incoming beam via the OPA, and control an outgoing beam using the analog drive based on the signal information. The OPA, the analog drive, the integrated photodetector and the one or more processors are in an integrated circuit.