Multi-channel optical receiver for processing tri-cell polarization diversity detector outputs

An optical receiver system for processing signals output from a polarization diversity detector array that includes a plurality of polarization diversity detectors, each of the plurality of polarization diversity detectors including a plurality of photodetector cells that each provide a detector signal that includes a phase generated carrier signal having a modulation frequency and a corresponding sensor signal that has an in-phase component I and a quadrature phase component Q superimposed on the phase generated carrier signal, comprising:

• a plurality of channels arranged in corresponding relationship with polarization diversity detector, each channel comprising:
• a plurality of variable gain amplifiers arranged in corresponding relationship to the photodetector cells in each polarization diversity detector and arranged to produce a plurality of amplified signals;
• a feedback circuit arranged in corresponding relationship to the plurality of variable gain amplifiers for controlling the gains thereof;
• and
• a plurality of demodulator circuits connected arranged to receive corresponding amplified signals, each of the demodulators circuit being formed to provide and I signal output that indicates an amplitude of the in-phase component I and a Q signal output that indicates an amplitude of the quadrature phase component Q;
• a first shift register arranged to receive the I signal output from each of the demodulator circuits;
• a second shift register arranged to receive the Q signal output from each of the demodulator circuits;
• and
• a rectangular to polar converter connected to the first and second shift registers for calculating a phase angle for each corresponding I signal and Q signal.