US 5,291,569 A · Fiberoptic delay line for generating replicas of an RF signal with variable replica-to replica time resolution

Abstract

A fiberoptic delay line architecture for generating multiple replicas of an input RF signal with variable replica-to-replica time resolution is provided in which the required hardware is kept to a minimum. A series of cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay lines is used in which each cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay line has an equal and defined number of segments but variable minimum time resolution. The minimum time resolution of each cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay line increases by a multiple of two compared to the prior cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay line. In this manner, the required number of segments and switches increases in a log.sub.2 .times.log.sub.2 relationship as the number of desired replicas and possible replica-to-replica delay values increases.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A signal processor for generating multiple replicas of a signal having variable replica-to-replica time resolution comprising:

a. means for receiving said signal to be replicated;
b. a plurality of serially connected cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay lines, wherein (i) the first of said plurality of cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay lines is connected to said signal receiving means, (ii) each of said plurality of cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay lines has a different minimum delay time, and (iii) said plurality of cascaded binary fiberoptic segment delay lines create a plurality of replicated signals;
and
c. means for transmitting said plurality of replicated signals.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fiberoptic delay line for generating replicas of an RF signal with variable replica-to replica time resolution

Life of this patent

Fiberoptic delay line for generating replicas of an RF signal with variable replica-to replica time resolution

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14