Attenuation and calibration systems and methods for use with a laser detector in an optical communication system
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a movable optical detector configured to convert an incoming communication beam into a photo current;
an amplifier configured to convert the photo current into a voltage signal;
a processing circuit configured to convert the voltage signal into a received signal strength indicator (RSSI);
a current sense module configured to measure a receive (Rx) power signal for the optical detector;
an actuator configured to move the optical detector; and
one or more processors configured to execute program instructions to control the alignment of the optical detector with the incoming communication beam based on the RSSI and the Rx power signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for use with an optical communication beam are disclosed. The system allows the beam of light to operate at an adequate power level that provides a robust optical link while minimizing any safety risk to humans. The system calibrates and controls the gain for an avalanche photodiode detector (APD). A detector circuit is used to calibrate the APD. Once calibrated, the detector circuit further provides an electrical bias to the APD to process or condition the electrical signal to produce a detector output. The systems and methods disclosed herein attenuate the power level of an incoming communication beam to prevent oversaturation of an APD. The system further provides an alignment signal, which is effective over a wide dynamic range of incoming power levels.
27 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a movable optical detector configured to convert an incoming communication beam into a photo current; an amplifier configured to convert the photo current into a voltage signal; a processing circuit configured to convert the voltage signal into a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); a current sense module configured to measure a receive (Rx) power signal for the optical detector; an actuator configured to move the optical detector; and one or more processors configured to execute program instructions to control the alignment of the optical detector with the incoming communication beam based on the RSSI and the Rx power signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system comprising:
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a receiver configured to receive a communication beam, the receiver comprising; a movable optical detector configured to convert the communication beam into a photo current; an amplifier configured to convert the photo current into a voltage signal; a processing circuit configured to convert the voltage signal into a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); and a current sense module configured to measure a receive (Rx) power signal for the optical detector; an actuator coupled to the receiver and configured to move the optical detector; and a control module coupled to the receiver and configured to control the alignment of the optical detector with the communication beam based on the RSSI and the Rx power signal. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system comprising:
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a receiver configured to receive a communication beam, the receiver comprising; a movable optical detector configured to convert the communication beam into a photo current; an amplifier configured to convert the photo current into a voltage signal; a processing circuit configured to convert the voltage signal into a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); and a current sense module configured to measure a receive (Rx) power signal for the optical detector; an actuator coupled to the receiver and configured to move the optical detector; and a control means for controlling the alignment of the optical detector with the communication beam based on the RSSI and the Rx power signal.
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21. A system comprising:
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a first node including a receiver, an actuator, and a first control module; wherein the receiver is configured to receive an incoming communication beam, and comprises; a movable optical detector configured to convert the incoming communication beam into a photo current; an amplifier configured to convert the photo current into a voltage signal; a processing circuit configured to convert the voltage signal into a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); a current sense module configured to measure a receive (Rx) power signal for the optical detector; wherein the actuator is coupled to the receiver and is configured to move the optical detector; wherein the first control module is coupled to the receiver and is configured to control the alignment of the optical detector with the incoming communication beam based on the RSSI and the Rx power signal. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification