Optically-Fed Phased-Array Antenna for Multi-User Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays face limitations in efficiently transmitting multiple communication channels to different locations with focused radio-frequency beams, particularly in achieving wideband and conformal phased arrays for various applications like radar and communications.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optically-fed transmitting phased-array architecture that converts RF signals between the electrical and optical domains using electro-optic modulators and photodiodes, allowing for the generation of multiple RF beams that can be focused on selectable locations, utilizing phase-locked optical sources and spatial light modulators to control the phase and amplitude of optical beams for precise RF signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional antenna arrays are used to transmit multiple communication channels to different locations, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the beam focusing precision and frequency agility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic phase shifters and signal processing circuits with an optical domain system. Optical modulators modulate optical carrier signals with RF signals, and optical beams are processed through optical waveguides and photodetectors to generate precisely focused RF beams. This optical-mechanical substitution enables superior beam focusing precision and frequency agility while maintaining a manageable system structure through modular optical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optically-fed transmitting phased-array architecture is used to achieve high frequency agility and precision beamforming, then the beam focusing precision and frequency flexibility are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical domain processing system serves multiple functions: optical modulators simultaneously perform signal modulation and frequency conversion, optical waveguides provide both signal transmission and phase control, and photodetectors convert optical signals back to RF while enabling frequency aggregation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity while achieving superior frequency flexibility and adaptability for diverse communication channels.
3Productivity
If multiple RF beams are generated simultaneously to different locations, then the communication channel capacity increases, but the energy consumption and system power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RF signals into a single optical domain for processing. Multiple RF signals modulate a common optical carrier, and the modulated optical signals are combined and transmitted through shared optical waveguides. At the receiving end, photodetectors convert the combined optical signal back to multiple RF beams simultaneously directed to different locations. This merging approach increases communication channel capacity while reducing power consumption by eliminating the need for separate power-intensive RF signal processing chains for each channel.
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 the simultaneous transmission of multiple RF beams to distinct locations with high frequency agility and precision, overcoming the limitations of conventional antenna arrays by leveraging optical domain processing for enhanced beamforming and frequency flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting signals are converted between the electrical domain and the optical domain by using electro-optic (EO) modulators and photodiodes
Implementation Method 2
Desired RF signals may be recovered by photo-mixing at the photodiodes whose wired RF outputs are then transmitted to radiating elements of the antennas
Data Source
AI summary
In the disclosed optically-fed transmitting phased-array architecture, transmitting signals are converted between the electrical domain and the optical domain by using electro-optic (EO) modulators and photodiodes. RF signal(s) generated from a relatively low frequency source modulate an optical carrier signal. This modulated optical signal can be remotely imparted to photodiodes via optical fibers. Desired RF signals may be recovered by photo-mixing at the photodiodes whose wired RF outputs are then transmitted to radiating elements of the antennas. The antenna array may generate a physical RF beam that transmits an RF signal that is focused on one or more selectable locations. Multiple RF beams may be simultaneously generated, each RF beam being capable of being directed to focus on a unique location or set of locations.