Photonic Integrated Chip for Ultra Wide Band RF Transceiver
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency transceivers in satellite and mobile communications lack the necessary agility and integration to efficiently handle the increasing bandwidth demands and complex electromagnetic spectrum environments, particularly in satellite-ground communication and future 6G systems, where frequency agility and compact size are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated chip for an ultra-wide band (UWB) radio frequency (RF) photonic transceiver is developed, utilizing photonic integration technology with a laser light source, optical splitters, and a photonic frequency conversion unit to achieve up-conversion, down-conversion, and local oscillation generation, enabling flexible frequency switching and high integration levels through a closed photoelectric oscillation loop and multi-chip micro-assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional radio frequency transceiver architecture is used, then the system can process signals, but the frequency agility and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical RF signal processing with optical field processing. The photonic frequency conversion unit uses optical carriers and photodetection to achieve frequency conversion, substituting electrical mechanics with optical physics. This enables ultra-wide bandwidth processing (10^14 Hz order) while maintaining system functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between frequency agility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electrical frequency (10^9-10^12 Hz) to optical frequency (10^14 Hz). By using optical carriers and photodetection, the system achieves frequency conversion in the optical domain, enabling ultra-wide bandwidth operation. The closed-loop photoelectric oscillation allows dynamic tuning of the optical local oscillator frequency, providing flexible frequency switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photonic integration technology is adopted to achieve ultra-wide bandwidth, then frequency agility is improved, but integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photonic functions (laser light source, optical splitting, frequency conversion, local oscillation generation) onto a single photonic integrated chip. The photonic frequency conversion unit integrates optical modulators, photodetectors, and signal processing elements. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components and interconnections, making the system more manufacturable despite the advanced photonic integration required.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated chip is designed to perform multiple functions: generating optical carriers, splitting optical signals, performing frequency conversion (both up-conversion and down-conversion), and generating local oscillation signals. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and integration difficulty compared to implementing separate dedicated components for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If compact size and high integration are required, then the transceiver can be integrated into various terminals, but the processing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from electrical domain processing to optical domain processing, effectively adding a new dimension (optical frequency) to the signal processing capability. The photonic frequency conversion unit operates at optical frequencies (10^14 Hz), providing ultra-wide bandwidth processing capability in a compact photonic integrated chip format. This dimensional transition enables both compact size and high processing capability simultaneously.
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 solution provides an ultra-wide working bandwidth, flexible frequency switching, and high integration levels, effectively addressing the need for frequency agility and compactness in satellite and mobile communication terminals, enhancing stability and reliability in satellite-ground communication and future 6G systems.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source LD configured to generate an optical carrier
Implementation Method 2
a first optical splitter OC1 configured to split the optical carrier generated by the laser light source LD into a first optical carrier and a second optical carrier
Implementation Method 3
The photonic frequency conversion unit is configured to convert a first intermediate frequency (IF) signal input by the first input port into a first radio frequency signal. The first radio frequency signal is output by the first output port through photonic up-conversion
Implementation Method 4
The photonic frequency conversion unit is further configured to convert a second radio frequency signal input by the second input port into a second intermediate frequency signal. The second intermediate frequency signal is output by the second output port through photonic down-conversion
Implementation Method 5
a closed photoelectric oscillation loop is applied to generate the optical local oscillator signal
Data Source
AI summary
The photonic integrated chip includes a laser light source configured to generate an optical carrier, a first optical splitter configured to split the optical carrier into a first optical carrier and a second optical carrier, an optical local oscillation generation unit, and a photonic frequency conversion unit. The first optical splitter sends the first optical carrier and the second optical carrier to the photonic frequency conversion unit and the optical local oscillation generation unit. The optical local oscillation generation unit generates an optical local oscillation signal and send the optical local oscillation signal to the photonic frequency conversion unit. The photonic frequency conversion unit converts a first intermediate frequency signal into a first radio frequency signal through photonic up-conversion. The photonic frequency conversion unit converts a second radio frequency signal into a second intermediate frequency signal through photonic down-conversion.