Integrated Microwave Photonic Transceiver for Phased Array Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array systems face limitations in operating band range and instantaneous bandwidth due to the 'aperture effect' caused by frequency-dependent phase shift in microwave phase shifters, and existing true time delay technologies either have limited bandwidth or require large, complex networks of discrete devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated microwave photonic transceiver front-end is developed, incorporating an electro-optical conversion unit, photon true time delay unit, and amplitude adjustment on a silicon-based chip, utilizing photonic integration to eliminate the aperture effect and reduce physical size, featuring a control integrated circuit, photonic integrated chip, power and low noise amplifying chipsets, and microwave switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microwave phase shifters are used for beam pointing, then the phased array system can achieve beam scanning, but the aperture effect occurs causing beam deflection when operating band changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microwave phase shifters with photonic true time delay devices. Instead of using microwave signals to control phase shift, the invention converts microwave signals to optical signals, processes them through photonic delay lines, and converts back to microwave signals. This substitution eliminates the frequency-dependent phase shift characteristic of microwave phase shifters, thereby resolving the aperture effect while maintaining beam scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of time delay implementation from microwave domain to photonic domain. By using photonic true time delay devices with fixed physical path length differences, the system achieves frequency-independent delay characteristics. This parameter change in the domain of signal processing fundamentally resolves the beam deflection issue across different operating bands
2Adaptability or versatility
If photonic technology is used for true time delay, then ultra-wideband operation is achieved, but the system volume becomes huge due to discrete devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete photonic components (lasers, modulators, detectors, optical delays) into an integrated photonic chip. By combining these previously separate functional units into a single integrated device, the invention maintains the ultra-wideband true time delay capability while dramatically reducing the physical volume from a large-scale discrete component arrangement to a compact integrated circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photonic chip performs multiple functions within a single device: optical signal generation, modulation, time delay processing, and detection. This multi-functional integration allows the system to achieve true time delay across ultra-wide bandwidths without requiring separate discrete components for each function, thereby reducing overall system volume
3Device complexity
If microwave waveguides or microstrip lines are used for true time delay, then the system structure is simple, but the operating bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes microwave transmission lines (waveguides or microstrip lines) with photonic transmission media. By converting the signal domain from microwave to optical, the system exploits the ultra-wideband characteristics of photonic technology while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure through photonic integration techniques
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 enables beam pointing without deflection across ultra-wide bands, expanding the operating bandwidth and reducing the size of the true time delay network, allowing phased array systems to operate effectively in larger bandwidths with reduced physical space.
Implementation Method 1
electro-optical conversion unit, a photon true time delay unit
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion unit
Implementation Method 3
silicon-based photonic integrated chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of microwave and optoelectronic technologies, and in particular to an integrated microwave photon transceiving front-end for a phased array system, including: a ceramic substrate, on which a control integrated circuit, a silicon-based photonic integrated chip, a first amplifying chipset, a second amplifying chipset, and a microwave switch chipset are carried. The control integrated circuit is configured to control the silicon-based photonic integrated chip and the microwave switch chipset by means of an input control signal. The silicon-based photonic integrated chip is connected at one end with an input/output optical fiber, and at the other end with the first amplifying chipset and the second amplifying chipset. The two amplifying chipsets are connected to the microwave switch chipset respectively, and the microwave switch chipset is further connected with a phased array antenna.