High performance, high efficiency fiber optic link for analog and RF systems
OwnerArthur Paolellainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fiber optic link is provided that is receptive of an AM RF input signal, includes an analog comparator for comparing the input signal with a triangle waveform to convert the input signal to a PWM signal. The PWM signal is converted into an optical signal, and transmitted over a fiber optic cable to an optical receiver. The optical receiver converts the optical signal back into a PWM signal, which is amplified via a Class D amplifier. The amplified PWM signal is passed through a low pass filter for converting it into an AM RF output signal having a predetermined power level, the output signal corresponding to the AM RF input signal.
Claims30
A fiber optic link comprising:
- a pulse width modulator generator for receiving an amplitude modulated (AM) radio frequency (RF) input signal and converting it into a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal;
- an optical transmitter for receiving said PWM signal, converting it into an optical output signal;
- a first fiber optic cable for receiving said optical output signal at one end and conveying it to another end;
- an optical receiver for receiving said optical signal from the said another end of said first fiber optic cable, and converting said optical output signal into an electrical PWM signal;
- and
- a high efficiency high frequency power amplifier for receiving said electrical PWM signal to both amplifier and convert it into an RF output signal having a predetermined wattage.
A method for providing a fiber optic link comprising the steps of:
- converting an amplitude modulated (AM) radio frequency (RF) input signal into an electrical first PWM signal;
- converting the first PWM signal into an optical signal;
- transmitting said optical signal over a fiber optic cable;
- converting the optical signal from said fiber optic cable back into an electrical second PWM signal;
- amplifying said second PWM signal;
- and
- converting the amplified said second PWM signal into an AM RF output signal having a predetermined power level.
An optically driven phased array antenna system comprising:
- a plurality of photonic modules;
- a plurality of RF radiating elements each mounted in an individual one of said plurality of photonic modules;
- respectively;
- a main fiber optic cable;
- means for converting an AM RF input signal into a corresponding first PWM optical signal, for connection to said main fiber optic cable;
- optical power divider means for receiving said first PWM optical signal from said main fiber optic cable, for dividing said first PWM optical signal into a plurality of second PWM optical signals each of lower power than but corresponding to said first PWM optical signal;
- a plurality of photoreceiver 6 means for converting said plurality of second PWM optical signals into a plurality of RF analog output signals;
- a plurality of secondary fiber optic cables connected between said optical power divider and said plurality of photoreceivers, respectively, for transmitting said plurality of second PWM optical signals therebetween;
- and
- a plurality of electrical conductors or cables for conducting said RF analog output signals to said plurality of RF radiating elements, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.