Photonic Loop Microwave Distribution With Closed-Loop Phase Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for generating, transmitting, and distributing high-performance microwave frequency signals lack a systematic overall architecture, limiting performance and environmental adaptability, particularly in satellite navigation, aerospace, and deep space exploration.

Innovation Solution

An integrated source generation, transmission, and distribution system based on a photonic loop, comprising a central station unit and subscriber station units connected by optical fibers, where the central station generates and stabilizes microwave signals through closed-loop oscillation, and subscriber stations synchronize phases and frequencies using optical and electrical processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent systems are used for frequency source generation, remote transmission distribution, and phase stabilization, then each aspect can be optimized separately, but the overall system performance is limited and lacks systematic architecture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges frequency source generation, remote transmission distribution, and phase stabilization into a single integrated photonic loop system. The central station generates microwave signals that circulate through the photonic loop while simultaneously performing transmission and phase stabilization functions, eliminating the need for separate independent systems and achieving systematic architecture optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The photonic loop system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the frequency source, the transmission medium, and the phase stabilization reference. The optical carrier radio frequency signals traveling in clockwise and counterclockwise directions enable the system to achieve generation, distribution, and stabilization in a unified multi-functional architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transmission systems are used, then implementation is straightforward, but environmental adaptability and signal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical transmission systems with an optical-based photonic loop system. By using optical carriers and photonic transmission, the system achieves superior environmental adaptability including immunity to electromagnetic interference and better stability under varying environmental conditions, while maintaining practical implementability through established optical technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If simple point-to-point transmission is used, then system complexity is low, but phase synchronization and frequency stability across multiple stations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase synchronizationVSAvoidtransmission architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photonic loop creates a closed-loop feedback system where microwave signals circulate continuously through the optical transmission path. The central station transmits signals in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and the loop structure provides inherent feedback for phase and frequency stabilization, ensuring synchronized operation across all subscriber stations without requiring complex external synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 achieves stable frequency and synchronized phase microwave signals, enhancing performance and adaptability for applications in satellite navigation, aerospace, and deep space exploration.

Implementation Method 1

A microwave signal is generated based on closed-loop oscillation of the photonic loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotonic loop oscillation: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

obtain first microwave frequency signals through the optical processing and the electrical processing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical processing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12556288B2Integrated source generation, transmission, and distribution system based on photonic loop

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 THE 44TH INST OF CHINA ELECTRONICS TECH GROUP CORP

AI summary

An integrated source generation, transmission, and distribution system based on a photonic loop includes a central station unit and subscriber station units. The central station unit and the subscriber station units are connected to form the photonic loop. The central station unit transmits carrier radio frequency signals respectively into the photonic loop in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction of the photonic loop, and receives the optical carrier radio frequency signals respectively transmitted in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction to form a closed loop after an optical processing and an electrical processing. The central station unit stabilizes transmission delays of the photonic loop in combination with an external reference signal, and locks a frequency or a phase of microwave signals. The subscriber station units receive and process the optical carrier radio frequency signals to obtain first microwave frequency signals.