Phased-Array RF Receiver Using Optical Upconversion Against Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF receivers are limited in dynamic range by spurious intermixing of signals and/or jamming, either intentional or unintentional, which cannot be distinguished from genuine signals.
Innovation Solution
An RF receiver system that upconverts RF signals to the optical domain using electro-optic modulators, separating signal sources spatially before detection, allowing for improved dynamic range and resistance to jamming by processing in the optical domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RF receivers process signals directly in the RF domain, then the receiver structure is simple, but spurious intermixing of signals occurs and dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional RF signal processing system with an optical system. RF signals are converted to optical signals through electro-optic modulators, allowing signals to be processed in the optical domain rather than the RF domain. This substitution eliminates spurious intermixing products that limit dynamic range in conventional RF receivers, while the optical processing architecture provides the necessary signal separation and processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical domain as an intermediary between RF signal reception and detection. Optical signals serve as mediators that carry RF signal information without suffering from RF domain interference issues. The optical signals are generated by modulating optical carriers with RF signals, then processed optically before being converted back to electrical signals for detection, thus avoiding direct RF signal intermixing.
2Productivity
If multiple RF signals are processed simultaneously in conventional receivers, then signal reception capability is maintained, but spurious intermixing products increase and signal discrimination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from processing multiple RF signals in the same RF domain to processing them in the optical domain, which provides additional dimensional separation. Optical signals from different RF sources can be spatially separated and processed independently through optical beam forming and interference techniques, enabling precise angle of arrival measurement and signal discrimination that is not achievable in the conventional RF domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing function across multiple optical channels, each corresponding to a specific spatial direction or angle of arrival. By using an array of optical detectors and beam forming techniques, the system divides the incoming optical signal field into discrete spatial components, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple RF signals from different directions without mutual interference.
3Reliability
If optical upconversion and spatial processing are implemented, then dynamic range and jamming resistance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional optical processing system that simultaneously achieves several objectives: upconversion of RF to optical frequencies, spatial filtering of signals from different directions, beam forming for angle of arrival measurement, and rejection of jamming signals. This universal optical platform handles multiple signal processing tasks that would require separate systems in conventional architecture, making the increased complexity worthwhile by achieving superior performance in a single integrated system.
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 enhances dynamic range and resistance to jamming by preserving phase and amplitude information, enabling real-time angle of arrival determination and spatial discrimination of RF sources, with potential for simultaneous processing of multiple RF signals.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electro-optic modulators, each electro-optic modulator may be in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna elements to receive a corresponding one of the RF signals. The plurality of electro-optic modulators may also be configured to generate a corresponding upconverted optical signal by mixing the corresponding RF signal with an optical carrier beam.
Implementation Method 2
a transmission array including a first bundle of optical waveguides, each optical waveguide may have an end and be in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of electro-optic modulators to receive and transmit a respective upconverted optical signal.
Implementation Method 3
an interference space to receive the plurality of upconverted optical signals transmitted by the first bundle of optical fibers to form a composite beam.
Implementation Method 4
a sensor array including a plurality of sensors that are arranged in a detection plane. The detection plane may be in optical communication with the interference space to receive the composite beam, and each of the sensors of the sensor array may be positioned to receive a respective portion of the composite beam impinged thereon.
Data Source
AI summary
An RF receiver may include antenna elements to receive RF signals, and electro-optic modulators to generate corresponding upconverted optical signals by mixing an RF signal with an optical carrier beam. The RF receiver may include a transmission array having a first bundle of optical waveguides that receive and transmit upconverted optical signals from their ends. The ends may be arranged in a first pattern. The RF receiver may include an interference space to receive the upconverted optical signals to form a composite beam, and an array of single mode optical fibers that have lenses positioned in a detection plane to receive a portion of the composite beam. The first pattern of the ends generates an RF emitter interference pattern at the detection plane, and the single mode optical fiber lenses have a geometric arrangement that corresponds to the first RF emitter interference pattern.