Optical power distribution system

• US 4,692,683 A
• Filed: 02/24/1986
• Issued: 09/08/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sanders Associates, INC. (BAE Systems Plc)
• Inventors: Lalmond, Richard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hickey, R. J.
• Application Number:
  US06/832,119
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 350/96.10, 350/96.18, 323/906, 368/205, 320/2, 322/2 R, 322/2 A
• US Class Current: 322/2.00R
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0543 comprising light concentrating means of the refractive type, e.g. lenses
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/167 the light sources and the devices sensitive to radiation all being semiconductor devices characterised by potential barriers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 4/00 Circuit arrangements for mains or distribution networks not specified as ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/52 PV systems with concentrators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/291 Applications
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/293 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 323/906 Solar cell systems

Abstract

An optical power distribution system for supplying power to low power electrical devices includes an electrically powered source of optical radiation the output of which is applied to a photovoltaic cell array arranged on the device to be powered and electrically connected thereto.

Claims

1. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical components mounted on a circuit board, comprising:

a printed circuit board;

a plurality of electrical components mounted on said printed circuit board;

a plurality of electrically powered sources of optical energy;

a plurality of photovoltaic cell arrays;

each photovoltaic cell array being mounted on a corresponding one of said electrical components to provide electrical power to the electrical component on which it is mounted; and

means for coupling the optical energy from said plurality of electrically powered sources of optical energy to said photovoltaic cell arrays.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said electrical components are integrated circuits.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said electrical components are hybrid circuits.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein each integrated circuit is mounted in a housing in which each photovoltaic cell array is the cover for said housing.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each hybrid is mounted in a housing in which each photovoltaic cell array is the cover for said housing.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said coupling means includes a fiberoptic bundle.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, which said coupling means includes optics to redirect the direction of the optical energy.