Intelligent Photonic Signal Processing System for High-Speed Radar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic signal processing systems face limitations in processing high-frequency, ultra-wideband signals due to speed and bandwidth restrictions, necessitating a breakthrough to enhance performance in next-generation electronic information systems like radar and communications.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent decision-making photonic signal processing system combining photonic technology with deep learning, utilizing a multi-functional input unit, electro-optical conversion module, signal processing module, photoelectric conversion module, and an artificial intelligence chip to enable simultaneous digital and analog signal processing, leveraging heterogeneous photoelectron hybrid integration and packaging for real-time processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional electronic technologies are used for signal processing, then the system can be implemented with current technology, but the processing speed and bandwidth are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing speedVSAvoidelectronic device capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electronic signal processing systems with a photonic signal processing system. The core substitution involves using photonic components (light-based) instead of electronic components (electricity-based) to process signals. This is achieved through photonic analog-to-digital converters, photonic correlators, and other photonic processing units that operate at optical frequencies, thereby breaking the electronic bottleneck and achieving ultra-wideband and ultra-high-speed signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If photonic technology is used to break the electronic bottleneck, then ultra-wideband and ultra-high-speed processing is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing throughputVSAvoidphotonic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges photonic technology with electronic technology to create a hybrid photonic-electronic signal processing system. The photonic components handle high-speed analog signal processing and conversion, while electronic components provide control, digital processing, and system management. This integration is realized through photonic analog-to-digital converters that combine photonic signal paths with electronic digital logic, allowing the system to leverage the high bandwidth of photonic systems while maintaining the programmability and control capabilities of electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signal processing function into distinct photonic and electronic subsystems. The photonic subsystem handles analog signal processing, frequency conversion, and high-speed data movement, while the electronic subsystem handles digital processing, control functions, and memory operations. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If photonic and electronic technologies are integrated, then miniaturization is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidheterogeneous integration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops universal photonic-electronic integrated circuit platforms that can perform multiple signal processing functions. These integrated circuits incorporate both photonic waveguides and electronic transistors on the same chip, allowing a single platform to handle analog processing, digital processing, frequency conversion, and data movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate photonic and electronic components, thereby reducing overall system size while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized integration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This system achieves efficient and real-time processing of signals, improving performance by utilizing photonic technology's high-speed and wide-band capabilities, enabling intelligent decision-making in complex environments with low power consumption and small size.

Implementation Method 1

electro-optical conversion module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optical conversion: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

photoelectric conversion module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11526742B2Method and system for intelligent decision-making photonic signal processing

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SHANGHAI JIAOTONG UNIV

AI summary

Method and system for intelligent decision-making photonic signal processing, where the system comprises a multi-functional input unit, an electro-optical conversion module, a signal processing module, a photoelectric conversion module, a multi-functional output unit, and an artificial intelligence chip. The invention combines the advantages of photonic high-speed, wide-band, and electronic flexibility, combined with heterogeneous photoelectron hybrid integration, packaging and other processes, along with deep learning algorithm, is an intelligent electronic information system that may simultaneously realize digital and analog signal processing.