Bi-directional amplifier module for insertion between microwave transmission channels
AssigneePhase IV Systems, Inc.
InventorsBrandon J. Wolfson, Larry T. Lowe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A waveguide bi-directional amplifier module is illuminated by a downstream illumination source and an upstream illumination source. The illumination sources are coupled to an array having waveguide to microstrip converters that provide for upstream and downstream electrical signals. Switchable amplifiers provide for amplification in both directions for the electrical signals and the converters coherently combine the output of the amplifiers to provide increased power to the electromagnetic wave entering the waveguide.
Claims32
A bi-directional amplifier module comprising:
- a downstream illumination source in a first microwave channel;
- an upstream illumination source in a second microwave channel;
- an array of converters for receiving illuminations and for illuminating said microwave channels;
- and
- an array of bi-directional amplifiers coupled between said converters and configured to amplify downstream signals and to amplify upstream signals in response to control signals from a logic control unit.
A method for providing bi-directional amplification comprising the steps of:
- illuminating an array of upstream converters and downstream converters;
- converting, via the upstream and downstream converters, illuminations to downstream electrical signals and upstream electrical signals;
- receiving the downstream electrical signals at downstream amplifiers;
- combining downstream amplified signals at the upstream converters for downstream amplified illumination;
- receiving the upstream electrical signals at upstream amplifiers;
- and
- combining upstream amplified signals at the downstream converters for upstream amplified illumination.
A system for providing bi-direction amplification:
- an array of switchable downstream and upstream amplifiers;
- illumination sources for a downstream direction and a upstream direction;
- and
- an array of converters for coupling the illumination sources to and from said amplifiers.
An apparatus for providing bi-directional amplification comprising:
- a first electromagnetic signal;
- a second electromagnetic signal;
- and
- a module having a first and second port, wherein the first port receives said first electromagnetic signal and the second port receives the second electromagnetic signal, the module configured to convert said electromagnetic signals into first electrical signals for amplification by first amplifiers and into second electrical signals for amplification by second amplifiers wherein the first amplified signals illuminate said second port and the second amplified signals illuminate said first port.
A microwave communication system, comprising:
- a first waveguide;
- a second waveguide;
- and
- a bi-directional amplifier module coupled to the first and second waveguides, the bi-directional amplifier module configured to receive a downstream electromagnetic signal from the first waveguide, to amplify the downstream electromagnetic signal, and to transmit the amplified downstream signal to the second waveguide, the bi-directional amplifier module further configured to receive an upstream electromagnetic signal from the second waveguide, to amplify the upstream electromagnetic signal, and to transmit the amplified upstream signal to the first waveguide.
A bi-directional processing module comprising:
- a downstream illumination source in a first microwave channel;
- an upstream illumination source in a second microwave channel;
- an array of converters for receiving illuminations and for illuminating said microwave channels;
- and
- an array of processing elements coupled between said converters and adapted to process downstream and upstream signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.