Use of a free space electron switch in a telecommunications network
First Claim
1. A communications system for transmitting a signal from one location to another location on a communications link, said system comprising:
- a source generating the signal and transmitting the signal on the link;
a sink receiving the signal on the link transmitted by the source; and
at least one free space electron switch positioned within the link between the source and the sink, said free space electron switch receiving the signal on one of a plurality of input channels coupled to the switch, said switch including a cathode array having a plurality of cathodes, one of the cathodes receiving the signal and emitting an electron beam in response thereto, said switch further including an aiming anode and an array of electron beam detectors positioned to receive the electron beam from the cathode, said electron beam traveling from the cathode through free space and said aiming anode directing the electron beam from the cathode to one of the detectors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communications system that includes one or more free space electron switches. The free space electron switch employs an array of electron emitters, where each emitter is responsive to an RF or optical input signal on an input channel. Each emitter includes a cathode that emits electrons in response to the input signal. Each emitter further includes a focussing/accelerating electrode for collecting and accelerating the emitted electrons into an electron beam. Each emitter further includes an aiming anode that directs the beam of electrons to a desired detector within an array of detectors that converts the beam of electrons to a representative RF or optical signal on an output channel. Each emitter may include a modulating electrode that generates an electric field to modulate data onto the beam of electrons. The communications systems employing the switch can be an ISDN, DSLAM networks, packet routing systems, ADSL networks, PBX systems, local exchange systems, etc.
188 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A communications system for transmitting a signal from one location to another location on a communications link, said system comprising:
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a source generating the signal and transmitting the signal on the link;
a sink receiving the signal on the link transmitted by the source; and
at least one free space electron switch positioned within the link between the source and the sink, said free space electron switch receiving the signal on one of a plurality of input channels coupled to the switch, said switch including a cathode array having a plurality of cathodes, one of the cathodes receiving the signal and emitting an electron beam in response thereto, said switch further including an aiming anode and an array of electron beam detectors positioned to receive the electron beam from the cathode, said electron beam traveling from the cathode through free space and said aiming anode directing the electron beam from the cathode to one of the detectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A communications system for transmitting a signal from one location to another location on a series of communications links, said system comprising:
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a plurality of switching offices interconnected by the communications links, each communications office including at least one free space electron switch, said at least one free space electron switch receiving the signal on one of a plurality of input channels coupled to the switch, said switch including a plurality of emitters and a detector array including a plurality of detectors, each emitter including a cathode where the cathode of a selected emitter receives the signal and emits an electron beam in response thereto, said selected emitter further including an aiming anode positioned relative to the cathode and aiming the electron beam to one of the detectors in the detector array, said electron beam traveling through free space from the cathode to the detector; and
a communications terminal in signal communication with the links and the at least one switch, said communications terminal receiving the signal from the switch. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A communications system for transmitting an optical signal from one location to another location on a communications link, said system comprising:
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a source generating the signal and transmitting the signal on the link;
a sink receiving the signal on the link transmitted by the source; and
at least one free space electron switch positioned within the link between the source and the sink, said free space electron switch being responsive to an optical input signal on one of a plurality of input channels coupled to the switch, said switch including at least one photocathode being responsive to the optical signal and emitting an electron beam in response thereto, said switch further including an aiming anode and an array of e-beam lasers, said electron beam traveling from the photocathode through free space and said aiming anode directing the electron beam from the photocathode to one of the lasers, said one of the lasers generating an optical output signal in response to the electron beam. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A free space electron device for transmitting a communications signal comprising:
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at least one cathode responsive to an input signal, said cathode converting the input signal to a beam of electrons; and
a detector array including a plurality of detectors, said electron beam being directed through free space from the cathode to one of the detectors, said detector outputting a modulated communications signal. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification