Photonic interconnect and photonic processing for communications and data handling satellites
First Claim
1. A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus for use in onboard distribution and routing of optical signals in a communication and data handling satellite, said apparatus comprising:
- receiving means for receiving a plurality of input RF signals;
optical conversion means coupled to said receiving means for converting said plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals, said plurality of input optical signals being coupled to at least one input optical fiber; and
distribution means optically coupled to said optical conversion means for distribution and routing of the optical signals onboard the communications and data handling satellite, said distribution means distributing at least one output optical signal from said plurality of input optical signals coupled to said at least one input optical fiber, said at least one output optical signal being coupled to at least one output optical fiber, wherein said at least one output optical signal coupled to said at least one output optical fiber is distributed within said communication and data handling satellite.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus (10) for use in a communication and data handling satellite (12) is disclosed. The photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus (10) includes a receiving device (14) for receiving a plurality of input RF signals. An optical conversion device (28) coupled to the receiving device (14) converts the plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals. This plurality of input optical signals are coupled to a plurality of input optical fibers (30). A distribution device (32) optically coupled to the optical conversion device (28) distributes at least one output optical signal from the plurality of input optical signals coupled to the plurality of input optical fibers. The at least one output optical signal is coupled to at least one output optical fiber (30) such that the at least one output optical signal coupled to the at least one output optical fiber (30) is distributed within the communication and data handling satellite (12).
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus for use in onboard distribution and routing of optical signals in a communication and data handling satellite, said apparatus comprising:
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receiving means for receiving a plurality of input RF signals; optical conversion means coupled to said receiving means for converting said plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals, said plurality of input optical signals being coupled to at least one input optical fiber; and distribution means optically coupled to said optical conversion means for distribution and routing of the optical signals onboard the communications and data handling satellite, said distribution means distributing at least one output optical signal from said plurality of input optical signals coupled to said at least one input optical fiber, said at least one output optical signal being coupled to at least one output optical fiber, wherein said at least one output optical signal coupled to said at least one output optical fiber is distributed within said communication and data handling satellite. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus for use in onboard distribution and routing of optical signals in a communication and data handling satellite which receives a plurality of input RF signals, said apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of optical modulators being responsive to the plurality of input RF signals so as to convert the plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals, said plurality of input optical signals being coupled to a plurality of input optical fibers; and a distribution module operable to distribute and route the optical signals onboard the communication and data handling satellite, said distribution module including, an optical combiner optically coupled to said plurality of optical modulators with said plurality of input optical fibers, said optical combiner being responsive to said plurality of input optical signals so as to sum said plurality of input optical signals to generate at least one summed output optical signal, said at least one summed output optical signal coupled to at least one output optical fiber; and a passive splitter optically coupled to said optical combiner with said at least one output optical fiber, said passive splitter being responsive to said summed output optical signal so as to power divide said summed output optical signal into a plurality of summed output optical signals. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus for use with onboard distributing and routing of optical signals in a communication and data handling satellite which receives a plurality of input RF signals, said apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of optical modulators being responsive to the plurality of input RF signals so as to convert said plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals, said plurality of input optical signals being coupled to a plurality of input optical fibers; and a distribution module operable to distribute and route the optical signals onboard the communication and data handling satellite, said distribution module including, an optical power divider and switching unit optically coupled to said plurality of optical modulators with said plurality of input optical fibers, said optical power divider and switching unit being responsive to said plurality of input optical signals so as to route any one of said plurality of input optical signals to any one of a plurality of optical outputs from said optical power divider and switching unit. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification