Satellite Payload Optical Processing Modules for Photonic Lambda Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite payloads typically operate in the electronic domain and lack modular design principles, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in bandwidth switching and signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A satellite payload system incorporating optical processing modules with dynamic gain equalizers, tunable optical filters, and optical fiber rings for photonic wavelength switching, enabling on-board signal processing and inter-satellite communication with selectable routing and aggregation of signals using time division multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical processing modules with dynamic gain equalizers and tunable optical filters are used, then routing capabilities and signal processing efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite payload is divided into multiple identical optical processing modules, each capable of independent wavelength-selective switching. These modules are connected in series through optical fiber rings, allowing distributed routing functionality across the system rather than requiring a single complex switching unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic gain equalizers and tunable optical filters in each module, enabling real-time adjustment of signal parameters. This dynamic configuration allows the same modular structure to adapt to different routing requirements and signal conditions without increasing physical complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If optical processing modules are used instead of electronic domain processing, then size, weight, and power properties are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical processing module is designed with identical architecture and functionality, serving multiple purposes: wavelength-selective switching, signal routing, and gain equalization. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using standardized components and assembly procedures across all modules, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to custom-built electronic systems.
3Productivity
If multiple optical processing modules are connected in series, then signal processing capabilities are improved, but loss of signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dynamic gain equalizers are incorporated in each optical processing module to provide real-time feedback control over signal amplitude. These equalizers compensate for insertion losses introduced by optical filters and splitters, maintaining signal strength throughout the cascade of modules without requiring excessive power or adding significant complexity.
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 solution provides superior size, weight, and power properties, enhanced routing capabilities, and improved signal immunity, allowing for efficient switching and processing of signals within a satellite constellation, reducing the need for ground-based processing and enabling single-hop communication.
Implementation Method 1
a module input including an optical splitter
Implementation Method 2
a module output including an optical coupler
Implementation Method 3
a dynamic gain equalizer interposed between a first output of the optical splitter and a first input to the optical coupler
Implementation Method 4
an output bank of optical filters coupled to a second output of the optical splitter, and an input bank of optical filters coupled to a second input of the optical coupler
Implementation Method 5
at least one optical fiber ring configured to convey a plurality of photonic wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
A satellite payload system is disclosed. The satellite payload system includes a plurality of optical processing modules, each including: a module input including an optical splitter, a module output including an optical coupler, a dynamic gain equalizer, an output bank of optical filters, and an input bank of optical filters; where the plurality of optical processing modules include ring-connected optical processing modules and inter-satellite optical processing modules; and at least one optical fiber ring communicatively coupled to each of the ring-connected optical processing modules; where at least one of the ring-connected optical processing modules is configured to provide on-board signal processing of wavelengths; where a plurality of the ring-connected optical processing modules are each communicatively coupled to a respective inter-satellite optical processing module; where each inter-satellite optical processing module is configured to optically communicatively couple to a respective remote satellite via its module input and via its module output.