WO2021178746A1 - Systèmes de communication optique en espace libre et procédés de commande qos - Google Patents

Systèmes de communication optique en espace libre et procédés de commande qos Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021178746A1
WO2021178746A1 PCT/US2021/021001 US2021021001W WO2021178746A1 WO 2021178746 A1 WO2021178746 A1 WO 2021178746A1 US 2021021001 W US2021021001 W US 2021021001W WO 2021178746 A1 WO2021178746 A1 WO 2021178746A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sub
transceiver
optical
transceivers
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/021001
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Searcy
Barry Matsumori
Original Assignee
Bridgecomm, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bridgecomm, Inc. filed Critical Bridgecomm, Inc.
Publication of WO2021178746A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021178746A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
    • H04B7/18515—Transmission equipment in satellites or space-based relays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/07—Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems
    • H04B10/075—Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems using an in-service signal
    • H04B10/079—Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems using an in-service signal using measurements of the data signal
    • H04B10/0795—Performance monitoring; Measurement of transmission parameters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
    • H04B10/112—Line-of-sight transmission over an extended range
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
    • H04B10/118—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum specially adapted for satellite communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/50—Transmitters
    • H04B10/572—Wavelength control
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/18502—Airborne stations
    • H04B7/18506—Communications with or from aircraft, i.e. aeronautical mobile service
    • H04B7/18508—Communications with or from aircraft, i.e. aeronautical mobile service with satellite system used as relay, i.e. aeronautical mobile satellite service

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to laser communications and, more particularly, to free space optical communication systems.
  • RF for the data downlink from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellite (SmallSat).
  • GEO Geostationary Equatorial Orbit
  • UAV unmanned autonomous vehicle
  • UAV unmanned autonomous vehicle
  • the transceivers and ground stations of current systems require gimbals and other large mechanical means for physically scanning the field of view of the devices through a range of angles in order to be able to capture signal over those angles.
  • This requirement is due to the fact that the currently available transceivers include a single aperture telescope for capturing and transmitting data signals between them.
  • Such mechanical implementations are impractical or even detrimental for physical space and weight constrained applications such as on airplanes and UAVs.
  • Free space optical (FSO) systems generally provide lower probability of detection and higher jamming resistance than RF systems.
  • FSO systems when used in the atmosphere, FSO systems are susceptible to blockage by clouds, fog, and other obstructions, and FSO systems can suffer from deep fades even in clear atmosphere due to turbulence.
  • FSO systems are implemented with moving terminals, e.g., those mounted on airplanes or UAVs is that agile acquisition systems are needed to quickly acquire and continuously track the intended moving terminal. There is difficulty in rapidly moving and accurately positioning optical components to effectively acquire and track moving objects.
  • an optical communication transceiver is configured for free space communication between a satellite, ground station, or a flying object.
  • the transceiver includes multiple sub- transceivers for transmitting and receiving signal over a plurality of angles, and quickly acquiring a receiver and maintaining a link with the receiver while reconfiguring sub-transceivers so that the optical signals maximize link margin and provide higher data rates than otherwise possible.
  • Such an arrangement of multiple sub-transceivers thus controlled is referred to as a Managed Optical Communication Array (MOCA), which is distinct from a single aperture free space optical communication device, such as a conventional telescope.
  • MOCA Managed Optical Communication Array
  • a method for initiating communication from an optical communications transceiver for use in free space communication includes a plurality of sub transceivers forming a sub-transceiver array, each one of the plurality of sub transceivers within the sub-transceiver array being capable of transmitting optical signals at over a range of pointing angles and data rates.
  • the method includes setting the sub-transceiver array to emit an optical signal at an initial pointing angle, and modifying at least one of the plurality of sub -transceivers in the sub-transceiver array to emit a first optical sub -signal at a first pointing angle having a first offset from the initial pointing angle.
  • the method further includes, during a first transmit period, transmitting to a receiving transceiver from the sub -transceiver array a first optical signal, the first optical signal including the first optical sub -signal, at a first data rate.
  • the method also includes further modifying the at least one of the plurality of sub-transceivers in the sub-transceiver array to emit a second optical sub-signal at a second pointing angle having a second offset from the initial pointing angle, the second offset being smaller than the first offset.
  • the method further includes, in a second transmit period, following the first transmit period, transmitting to the receiving transceiver from the sub -transceiver array a second optical signal, the second optical signal including the second optical sub -signal.
  • a method for initiating communication from an optical communications transceiver for use in free space communication including a plurality of sub- transceivers forming a sub-transceiver array, each one of the plurality of sub transceivers within the sub-transceiver array being capable of transmitting optical signals over a range of pointing angles, wavelengths, pulse delays, polarizations, timing offsets, phases, and data rates.
  • the method includes setting the sub transceiver array to emit an optical signal at an initial setting for pointing angle, wavelength, pulse delay, polarization, timing offset, phase, and data rate.
  • the method further includes modifying at least one of the plurality of sub-transceivers in the sub-transceiver array to emit a first optical sub-signal at a first setting for pointing angle, wavelength, pulse delay, polarization, timing offset, phase, and data rate, the first setting being different from the initial setting.
  • the method still further includes, during a first transmit period, transmitting to a receiving transceiver a first optical signal, the first optical signal including the first optical sub -signal, then further modifying the at least one of the plurality of sub-transceivers in the sub transceiver array to emit a second optical sub-signal at a second setting for pointing angle, wavelength, pulse delay, polarization, timing offset, phase, and data rate, the second setting being different from the first setting.
  • the method yet further includes, in a second transmit period, transmitting to the receiving transceiver a second optical signal, the second optical signal including the second optical sub- signal.
  • an optical communications transceiver for use in free space communication includes a plurality of sub-transceivers forming a sub-transceiver array, each one of the plurality of sub -transceivers within the sub transceiver array being capable of transmitting optical signals at over a range of pointing angles and data rates.
  • the optical communications transceiver also includes a processor configured for controlling transmission settings of optical signals from each one of the plurality of sub -transceivers within the sub-transceiver array.
  • the processor is configured to set the sub -transceiver array to emit an optical signal at an initial pointing angle and an initial data rate.
  • the processor is also configured to modify at least one of the plurality of sub -transceivers in the sub transceiver array to emit a first optical sub -signal at a first pointing angle having a first offset from the initial pointing angle such that, during a first transmit period, and the sub-transceiver array emits a first optical signal, the first optical signal including the first optical sub-signal.
  • the processor is further configured to modify the at least one of the plurality of sub -transceivers in the sub transceiver array to emit a second optical sub-signal at a second pointing angle having a second offset from the initial pointing angle, the second offset being smaller than the first offset, such that, during a second transmit period, the sub -transceiver array emits a second optical signal, the second optical signal including the second optical sub-signal.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary MOCA transceiver arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 shows multiple arrays of MOCA sub-transceivers arranged on a curved surface, in accordance with an embodiment
  • FIG. 3 shows simulated non-return to zero (NRZ) eye diagrams, in accordance with an embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a NRZ eye diagram, shown here including a mask that can be used to determine optical signal quality, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary array of MOCA sub transceivers, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system of multiple arrays of MOCA sub-transceivers, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a signal acquisition protocol, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of quality of service improvement for data rate increase, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process of quality of service monitoring and improvement, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram of a group of MOCA sub-transceivers of a sub transceiver array, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
  • Space-based optical communication systems are poised to take a breakthrough role in commercial satellite missions, as well as inter-satellite links (e.g., links between large GEO and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites) and space- to-ground links.
  • inter-satellite links e.g., links between large GEO and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites
  • MEO medium earth orbit
  • N ew technology developments are enabling the migration from traditional RF designs to optical communications to provide a significant leap in the data downlink capabilities even of space and power constrained LEO SmallSats.
  • optical communications enable small satellites with greater than 1 gigabits per second (Gbps) data links, which is physically impossible with RF systems due to antenna size and power requirements.
  • Gbps gigabits per second
  • FIG. 1 An exemplary embodiment of a transceiver with multiple MOCA sub transceivers is shown in FIG. 1.
  • the sub- transceivers are fixedly located on a surface that may be planar or curved.
  • optical transceiver 100 is designed with a low profile to allow three sub-transceivers (i.e., sub-transceivers TX1, TX2, and TX3) to be mounted pointing at different angles (Oi, 02, and 0 3 , respectively). This configuration allows the overall transceiver to send and receive signals over a larger field of view without mechanically moving the transceiver.
  • a desired field of view is covered by Oi to ON such that the transceiver does not need to be mechanically translated in order to enable optical communication over the desired field of view.
  • only a portion of the desired field of view is covered by Oi to ON, and a mirror, gimbal, piezoelectric motor, or other mechanical or optical arrangement is used to cover the remainder of the desired field of view by providing a motion that is equal to or greater than Oi to ON .
  • additional functionality is integrated into the overall network operations.
  • each one of sub -transceivers TX1 is one of sub -transceivers TX1,
  • TX2, and TX3 is configured to send and/or receive signals with different beam parameters.
  • each one of sub-transceivers TX1, TX2, and TX3 can be configured to transmit optical signals at different frequencies. Consequently, in shaded regions 110A and HOB shown in FIG. 1, where the emissions from TX1 and TX2 as well as TX2 and TX3 respectively overlap, a beat frequency is created in each overlapping region.
  • the beat frequency can be modulated, for example, by adding a phase modulation term at TX2 or TX3. That is, as an example, the modulation of the beat frequency provides an additional modulation term that can be laid into a mixing circuit driving the phase modulator. In this way, the beat frequencies in the shaded regions caused by an interference effect due to the overlap of signals with different frequencies can be used to provide additional modulation control such that essentially an extra data channel can be encoded into the beat frequency signals.
  • each one of sub transceivers TX1 and TX3 transmits an optical beam having a right-hand circular (RHC) polarization
  • sub-transceiver TX2 transmits an optical beam having a left-hand circular (LHC) polarization, such that adjacent sub-transmitters transmit optical beams with orthogonal polarization states.
  • RHC right-hand circular
  • LHC left-hand circular
  • the detector would not be able to distinguish between the two distinct data streams, thus scrambling the transmitted information and potentially providing an additional layer of security from interception of the data streams by unauthorized receivers.
  • each one of TX1, TX2, and TX3 is configured to send/receive signals at a different wavelength from each other.
  • TX1 is configured to emit/receive signals at a first wavelength li
  • TX2 is configured to emit/receive signals at a second wavelength l2
  • TX3 is configured to emit/receive signals at a third wavelength l 3 .
  • WDM wavelength-division multiplexing
  • a mechanical or non-mechanical means for further steering the pointing direction of TX1, TX2, and TX3 is incorporated.
  • a liquid crystal polymer grating (LCPG) can be used for coarse adjustment of the beam angle, and another device such as a fast steering mirror, electrowetting materials, wedged liquid crystal (LC) cell, or other suitable modulators are used for fine adjustment.
  • LCPG liquid crystal polymer grating
  • another device such as a fast steering mirror, electrowetting materials, wedged liquid crystal (LC) cell, or other suitable modulators are used for fine adjustment.
  • one or more LCPGs at each sub -transceiver is used to simultaneously combine or separate beams from distinct sub -transceivers. For instance, beams from separate sub-transceivers can be combined using LCPGs to increase the power delivered in a particular direction. Alternatively, specific LCPGs can be used to direct specific beams to different receiving transceivers, thus enabling dynamic networking implementations such as pass through, bent pipe, star networks and other configurations. Further details regarding system adjustments using beam steering and other configurations are described at an appropriate point in the present disclosure hereinafter.
  • sub-transceiver array configurations also allows the placement of multiple MOCA sub-transceivers on a curved surface, such as the fuselage of an aircraft.
  • An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, showing three separate transceivers 210-1 (XCVR1), 210-2 (XCVR2), and 210-3 (XCVR3), each transceiver including multiple sub -transceivers 220, being mounted on different portions of an aircraft fuselage.
  • the transceivers as disclosed herein can be mounted on other locations of an aircraft or UAV, such as on the top, sides, and bottom.
  • the design of the transceivers, as described herein allow flexibility in mounting the transceivers on various locations of an aircraft or UAV without adversely affecting aerodynamics.
  • transceivers 210-1 is emitting optical signals 225 toward a satellite 230A
  • transceiver 210-2 is emitting optical signals 227 toward a satellite 230B.
  • aircraft In initiating transmission to a receiving transceiver, such as a ground station, aircraft (e.g.
  • a group of sub- transceivers of an array of sub-transceivers is designated to transmit optical beams toward the receiving transceiver.
  • the direction of the optical beams would be determined based upon known or expected locations of the transmitting transceiver and receiving transceiver.
  • the information regarding the known or expected location may be determined based upon global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of one or both of the transmit and receive sides, which may be stored by the transmitting transceiver or communicated with the rest of the possible receiving transceivers in the field of view of the transmitting transceiver.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • predetermined route or orbital information may be used to determine the initial direction of the optical beams from each sub- transceiver. The transmission angle is then adjusted to improve the throughput and quality of service for the link.
  • changes can be made dynamically to the network.
  • different transceivers can be used as a bent pipe, a broadcast source, or independent communications links with different sources. If the power output from several lower power lasers are combined, the need for additional components, such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) can be reduced. For instance, Freedom Photonics offers low-cost 0.5W 1550nm laser packages, which leads to a lower system cost compared to using EDFAs.
  • EDFAs erbium-doped fiber amplifiers
  • One consideration in the implementation of the transceiver with multiple sub-transceivers is the timing alignment of the signals being transmitted from spatially distinct sub -transceivers. For instance, when a receiving transceiver is not located equidistantly from the array of sub -transceivers, each transmitting a series of optical signal pulses, the signal pulses from each sub -transceiver will not arrive at the receiving transceiver at the receiver simultaneously and can lead to unwanted interference. In a specific example, for a 10 Gbps signal, the relative timing error between different sub-transceivers should be kept below 10 to 15 picoseconds in order to preserve the fidelity of the signal.
  • One way to adjust the signal pulses is by using a delay device, such as adaptive optics or delay lines, at the transmitter or the receiver.
  • a delay device such as adaptive optics or delay lines
  • the time of emission from various sub -transceivers can be proactively or dynamically adjusted in order to account for the curvature of the sub -transceiver array configuration.
  • FIG. 3 a series of different non-return to zero (NRZ) diagrams illustrate the timing issue with even a 20-picosecond error, which would blur the data together and reduce the chance to transfer data at 10 Gbps.
  • NRZ non-return to zero
  • the effective distance error (see Ad and Ad in FIG. 2) from opposing edges of a sub-transceiver array as well as between sub -transceivers must be adjusted to no more than 5 picoseconds (i.e., 1.5mm in effective distance error) to enable effective transmission of a 10 Gbps data signal.
  • the effective distance error between sub -transceivers must be kept below 5 picoseconds worth of distance (i.e., 1.5mm in effective distance error).
  • the eye of the NRZ diagram does close if the sub -transceiver emissions are not appropriately adjusted in accordance with the physical curvature of the surface on which the sub -transceiver array is mounted. While these timing errors depend on the data rate, for signals faster than 10 Gbps, higher resolution adjustment will likely be needed for clear transmission.
  • standard telecommunication masks such as those outlined by ITU-T and ANSI T1.102, can be used to analyze an NRZ diagram.
  • the mask is defined by the hexagonal shaded area between points 1, 2 and 3 and above and below points 4 and 5, respectively.
  • the shaded areas represent “keep out” areas where, if the electrical signal corresponding to the data transmission impinges in these areas, then there will be possible error in the identity of a “1” bit versus a "0” bit and reduces the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the signal.
  • BER Bit Error Rate
  • Such effects may be due to, for instance, transmitter - receiver misalignment, signal attenuation, signal interference, or other problems.
  • the mask edges closest to the horizontal axis indicating the lower bound of the target amplitude are labeled 1 and 5. If the noise of the signal is too large, such that trace becomes large enough to allow the signal to touch the hexagonal inner mask above point 1 or the bottom mask below point 5, then the noise within the signal is likely to be above the decoder thresholds, thus resulting in errors in the data transmission. Impingement of the electrical signals in the mask between points 2 indicate signal jitter or other signal timing problems, which would likely impact the ability to decode adjacent signals in a waveform due to interference between bits. For instance, attenuation from atmospheric dropouts or interference from poorly aligned beams could collapse the detected waveform below point 3.
  • the signal can oscillate and stray within the mask into the area below point 3 or above point 4.
  • the signal may be further errors and problems with the signal that cause the electrical signal to be observed within the mask, and the above examples are only a subset of the potential errors that the analysis of the mask can capture.
  • the signal processing and error analysis is performed, for example, using standard digital sampling techniques that use the timing and magnitude of the received signal.
  • the technique uses a combined signal from all of the receiving sub -transceivers, a subset of the receiving sub-transceivers, or determined individually for each sub -transceiver of the plurality of sub-transceivers, or subset thereof.
  • each sub-transceiver 510 includes a sub-transceiver (shown as 512-1, 512-2 ... 512-N), a phase modulator (shown as 514-1, 514-2 ... 514-N), an angle modulator (shown as 516-1, 516-2 ...
  • Each sub-transceiver includes, for example, one or more of an optical window, an optical filter, a lens system, an aperture stop, and a shutter.
  • Sub -transceivers 512-1 through 512-N can be formed as a single, connected apparatus (e.g., a single large pane of glass, covering an array of opto -electronics components below, or as separate, individual sections.
  • Each phase modulator includes, for example, one or more of a liquid crystal (LC) cell, a lithium niobate (LiNbOS) electro -optic modulator, a piezoelectric modulator, a micro -electromechanical mirror system (MEMs) modulator, a Pockels cell, a polarization modulator, and other electro -optic, mechanical, and thermal modulators.
  • LC liquid crystal
  • LiNbOS lithium niobate
  • MEMs micro -electromechanical mirror system
  • Pockels cell a polarization modulator
  • Each angle modulator includes, for example, one or more of a fast-steering mirror modulator, a MEMs modulator, LC switch, and a holographic switch.
  • Each wavelength modulator includes, for example, one or more of an acoustic modulator, a MEMs modulator, and other ways of providing laser wavelength tuning, such as mechanisms for modulating the laser temperature, current, etc.).
  • Each timing modulator includes, for example, one or more of an electronic delay circuit and a programmable circuit (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and other mechanisms for modulating the data rate.
  • an amplitude modulator (not shown), such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, can be included at each or selected sub -transceiver to provide additional signal modulation capability at each sub-transceiver.
  • a light beam shown as 530-1 through 530-N in FIG.
  • a light source such as a laser
  • a timing modulator a wavelength modulator, an angle modulator, a phase modulator, and/or an amplitude modulator, then emitted through a sub -transceiver at each sub-transceiver.
  • each one of sub-transceivers 510 is independently addressable such that each sub-transceiver is configurable to emit at a different optical beam phase, polarization, angle, wavelength, timing, and amplitude (e.g., if an amplitude modulator is incorporated into the system) different from each other sub-transceiver.
  • transceiver 510-1 is emitting an optical signal at a wavelength li at a beam angle 0i, aimed at a target a distance Di away.
  • transceiver 510-2 is emitting an optical signal at a wavelength l2 at a beam angle 02, aimed at a different target (or a different portion of the same target) a distance D2 away. Even if sub-transceiver 510-1 and 510-2 are aimed at the same target, a coarse timing adjustment to account for the small difference in signal timing due to the spatial offset between sub -transceiver 510-1 and 510-2 (indicated by a double-sided arrow labeled Xspacmg ) can be accounted for by adjusting one or the other of the signal timing by the following equation: where c is the speed of light.
  • the sub -transceiver array is mounted on a curved surface
  • optical path length differences across curved surfaces can be compensated, especially for high data rates such as 10 Gbps or higher.
  • Such compensation can be implemented, for instance, by the timing modulator 520 at each sub-transceiver, or by using a delay system following the fiber link at each sub- transceiver.
  • the transmission laser can be split among the different sub- transceivers for transmission, if a high-power laser is used.
  • the outputs from the plurality of sub- transceivers are connected via fiber link to be combined at a single transceiver/modem module to increase the effective surface area and signal-to- noise ratio (SNR).
  • the signals can be aimed toward separate detectors to create simultaneous and distinct links carrying distinct data streams.
  • sub-transceiver 510-1 can be configured to transmit at an angle Oi
  • sub-transceiver 510-2 transmits at an angle 02
  • sub-transceiver 510-N transmitting at an angle ON such that Oi 1 02 1 ON with each sub-transceiver transmitting an optical signal with different optical characteristics from each other sub -transceiver.
  • an analysis can be performed to determine the optical signal with the strongest reception, thus indicating the sub -transceiver with the optimal transmission characteristics.
  • the offset angle can be calculated for each sub-transceiver by using the mask analysis described with respect to FIG.
  • the variations in the transmission angles from the different sub- transceivers provides a way to determine an optimal transmission angle, and other transmission beam parameters, for all or part of a communication session between the transmitting transceiver and receiving transceiver.
  • the offset angle calculation can be repeated at predetermined intervals during data transmission, or as needed as the quality of service (QOS) drops below a specific threshold due to, for instance, atmospheric conditions and obstructions.
  • QOS quality of service
  • a look-up table can be provided at a processor or controller to select specific offset angles based upon known parameters, such as orbital parameters of the target transceiver, the defined flight path of an aircraft, and meteorological data.
  • QOS parameters such as SNR, BER, or mask analysis, can be analyzed to adjust the transmission configurations of the sub-transceivers on a running basis.
  • FIG. 6 shows transceiver system 500 controlled by a processor 600.
  • Processor 600 also controls a node 610 as well as delay systems 612A - 612E.
  • delay systems 612A - 612E After being processed through each of delay systems 612A - 612E, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the optical signal emerging from each of transceiver systems 500A - 500E is transmitted through a fiber link 620, a beam splitter 622, a position sensitive detector (PSD)
  • PSD position sensitive detector
  • Each of fiber links 620A through 620E, beam splitters 622A through 622E, PSDs 624A through 624E, FSMs 626A through 626E, turning mirrors 628A through 628E, and curved mirror 630 can be identical to each other or set up with different configurations from each other.
  • Plurality of rays 640A - 640E emerging from each of transceiver systems 500A - 500E establish separate communication channels 650A - 650E, respectively, with a faraway target (shown in FIG. 6 as a satellite 660).
  • processor 600 controls each the phase, angle, wavelength, time delay, and amplitude of the plurality of rays 640A - 640E. That is, each sub -transceiver within transceiver system 500 is instructed by processor 600 to transmit, or not transmit, an optical beam having a specifically defined wavelength, pulse delay, polarization, timing offset and phase during a given transmit period.
  • This selective approach to improving the specific parameters of the optical signal beam allow high data connections by increasing the data rate and reducing the bit error rate (BER) in a highly granular, dynamic loop.
  • BER bit error rate
  • a transmitting transceiver in an optical free space communication system has some a priori knowledge regarding the potential location of one or more receiving transceivers.
  • This a priori information is derived from, for instance, beacons received from the one or more receiving transceivers, based upon known GPS coordinates of one or both of the transmitting transceiver and receiving transceiver, identification of aircraft (e.g., flight numbers), or predetermined route information (e.g., orbital information for satellites, or flight paths) when one or both the transmitting transceiver or receiving transceiver is in motion.
  • the a priori information is used to determine initial transmission angles, wavelengths, and other transmission parameters from the transmitting transceiver to the receiving transceiver (e.g., satellites in FIG. 2).
  • the a priori information is used to determine an initial data rate, or the data rate is selected as a lowest or other low data rate that the transmitting transceiver is configured to transmit.
  • a process 700 begins an input 710 with a priori knowledge about the target receiver, such as previously received beacons from the target receiver, known GPS coordinates of one or both of the transmitting transceiver and target transceiver, identification of the aircraft on which the transmitting or target transceiver is mounted (e.g., flight number, predetermined route information), aircraft flight paths, and satellite orbit information. Additionally, a priori knowledge about the preset optical signal beam angle, phase, wavelength, distance to target transceiver, and other parameters are noted by the processor as well.
  • a step 712 optical signal beams from a plurality of sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver are directed toward the target transceiver based on the a priori knowledge.
  • the transmitting transceiver is scanned over a preset angular range in a step 714.
  • the transmitting transceiver is spiral scanned over a range of angles until the optical signal strength received at the target transceiver has been maximized.
  • the target transceiver is also scanned over a preset angular range.
  • a QOS signal is measured at the target transceiver in a step 718 to determine whether there has been an improvement in the QOS upon angular modulation of the transmitting or target transceiver.
  • QOS signal measured includes, for example, one or more of a received power, mask analysis (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 4 above), and BER.
  • a determination is made in a decision 720 to determine if an improvement has been obtained in the QOS compared to the previous measurement. If the answer to decision 720 is YES an improvement was seen over the immediately previous QOS measurement, then process 700 returns to step 716 to see whether further QOS improvement can be attained by further adjustment of the target transceiver pointing angle.
  • process 700 proceeds to a step 722, in which optical signal transmission parameter settings between different sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver are systematically adjusted. For instance, the wavelength of the optical signal transmitted by the transmitting transceiver can be adjusted by a specific amount in a step 724, the QOS signal measured again in a step 726, and a determination is made in a decision 728 whether a QOS improvement was seen due to the wavelength adjustment.
  • process 700 returns to step 722 for further adjustment of wavelength in step 724, adjustment of the optical signal phase in a step 730, or adjustment of the signal timing in a step 732.
  • process 700 proceeds to a step 740, in which optical signal transmission parameter settings for one or more specific sub-transceivers within the transmitting transceiver are systematically adjusted.
  • the wavelength, phase, and/or timing of the optical signal transmission are adjusted by a specific amount in a step 742, 744, and 746, respectively.
  • the QOS is again measured in a step 750, then a determination is made in a decision 752 whether an improvement in the measured QOS was seen as a result of the adjustment. If the answer to decision 752 is YES, a QOS improvement was seen as a result of the wavelength, phase, and/or timing adjustment, then process 700 returns to step 744 for further adjustment of wavelength, phase, and/or timing.
  • process 700 proceeds to a step 760 to dynamically monitor the QOS periodically.
  • a decision 762 a determination is made whether the periodically measured QOS is still satisfactory for data transmission. If the answer to decision 762 is YES, the QOS is satisfactory for data transmission, then process 700 returns to step 760. If the answer to decision 762 is NO, the QOS is no longer good enough for data transmission, then process 700 proceeds to a step 770 to analyze the cause of the QOS drop.
  • an analysis of factors such as too much or too little signal, destructive interference fringes seen at the target transceiver, or the collapse of the eye diagram in the mask analysis, can be noted. If the cause is identified, then the adjusted transmission settings are noted in the processor to update the a priori knowledge in a step 772, and the process returns to the a priori knowledge at input 710 to specifically address the identified cause. If a specific cause cannot be identified, then process 700 can be repeated in an attempt to reestablish acceptable data transmission conditions.
  • Process 800 begins with an input 810 to set the initial values of the parameters for optical beam transmission, such as transmission angle, wavelength, pulse delay, polarization, timing offset, and phase.
  • the data rate is set to be less than the maximum data rate theoretically possible for the given type of data transmission, with the expectation that process 800 will help optimize the combination of transmission parameters.
  • the optical beam transmission angle for all sub -transceivers are adjusted by a specified amount.
  • certain subset of the sub -transceivers such as those known to have the highest SNR, BER, or mask analysis results, can be left unaltered.
  • the QOS is analyzed in a step 822.
  • the analysis of QOS includes, for instance, SNR, BER, and/or mask analysis.
  • information related to the impingement of the mask or voltage difference across multiple intervals can be provided in feedback messages from the target transceiver, either periodically, upon request from the transmitting transceiver, or when there is a change at a group of sub-transceivers the receiving transceiver below a threshold. For instance, a change in SNR or BER to below a predefined threshold, or when the mask is impinged upon over a single or multiple transmission periods, a request can be sent to the receiving transceiver to send QOS-related information.
  • process 800 returns to step 820 for further adjustment of the angle parameter for all sub -transceivers in the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 824 is NO, no improvement in the QOS was seen after the angle adjustment or the QOS degraded after the angle adjustment, then process 800 proceeds to a step 830, in which an adjustment is made to the data transmission timing parameters between different sub-transceivers within the transmitting transceiver.
  • the QOS is measured again in a step 842, and a determination is made in a decision 844 whether the QOS improved following the wavelength adjustment in step 840. If the answer to decision 844 is YES, an improvement in the QOS was detected after the wavelength adjustment, then process 800 returns to step 840 for further adjustment of wavelengths transmitted by different sub- transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 844 is NO, no improvement or a degradation in the QOS was seen after the wavelength adjustment, then process 800 proceeds to a step 850 for adjustment of the phase of the transmitted optical beams between the sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver.
  • the QOS is again measured in a step 852, and a determination is made in a decision 854 whether the QOS improved following the phase adjustment. If the answer to decision 854 is YES, an improvement in the QOS was detected after the phase adjustment, then process 800 returns to step 840 for further adjustment of phase of the optical signal beam transmitted from different sub-transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 854 is NO, no improvement or a degradation in the QOS was seen after the phase adjustment, then process 800 proceeds to a decision 860 whether the data rate is at a maximum data rate as theoretically calculated given the system constraints.
  • the current data rate is the maximum allowed given the system constraints, then the data transmission and QOS are periodically monitored in a step 862 until the link is no longer needed. If the answer to decision 860 is NO, the data rate could still be increased before hitting a theoretical maximum, then the data rate is increased by a predetermined amount (e.g., by N Gbps), and the process returns to step 820 to systematically adjust the transmission parameters once again.
  • the increase in data rate may be by fixed increments, e.g. by a factor of 10, from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, or dynamically calculated based upon SNR or BER thresholds that correspond to specific data rates.
  • the second, third and fourth parameters may be reordered, or less than three parameters may be used.
  • the process described with respect to FIG. 8 stepped through parameter adjustments in the order of angle, timing, wavelength, and phase
  • other orders and combinations of parameters are contemplated and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the order of the parameter adjustment can be, for example, angle, wavelength, phase, then timing for one or more sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver.
  • a process 900 can be utilized to further improve the QOS parameters of the communication session with MOCA transceivers.
  • the optical beam transmission angle for one or more specific sub-transceivers are adjusted by a specified amount.
  • the QOS is again measured in a step 912.
  • a determination is then made in a decision 914 whether the QOS improved following the sub-transceiver specific angle adjustment.
  • process 900 returns to step 910 for further adjustment of the optical beam angle for one or more sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 914 is NO, no improvement or a degradation in the QOS was seen after the angle adjustment, then process 900 proceeds to a step 920 to adjust the signal transmission timing for the optical signal from one or more of the sub- transceivers in the transmitting transceiver. After the timing adjustment, the QOS is measured again in a step 922, and a determination is made in a decision 924 whether the QOS improved following the timing adjustment.
  • process 900 returns to step 920 for further adjustment of timing of the optical signal beam transmitted from one or more sub-transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 924 is NO, no improvement or a degradation in the QOS was seen after the phase adjustment, then process 920 proceeds to a step 930 to adjust the phase parameter for one or more sub-transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. Again, after the phase adjustment, the QOS is measured in a step 932, and a determination is made in a decision 934 whether the QOS improved following the phase adjustment.
  • process 900 returns to step 930 for further adjustment of phase of the optical signal beam transmitted from different sub -transceivers within the transmitting transceiver. If the answer to decision 934 is NO, no improvement or a degradation in the QOS was seen after the phase adjustment, then process 900 proceeds to a step 940 to periodically monitor the QOS at predetermined intervals. Then, a decision 942 is made after a certain time interval to determine whether the communication link is still needed. If the answer to decision 942 is YES, the communication link is still needed and the data transmission is still active, then process 900 returns to a step 940 to continue monitoring the QOS. If the answer to decision 942 is NO, the link is no longer needed, then the process is ended in a step 950.
  • the order and selection of the parameters adjusted can be altered in accordance with specific communication systems.
  • Other transmission parameters, such as pulse delays, angular direction, beam polarization, wavelength, and phase of the one or more sub-transceivers can accomplish a number of objectives, including, but not limited to, increasing the data rate, improving the interference patterns between the transmitted beam from the subset of sub- transceivers, reducing atmospheric attenuation, and a number of other issues. All of these changes can improve the link margin and provide higher data rates for any given receiving transceiver, thus resulting in improved QOS for the overall data transmission.
  • the optical beams transmitted from each of the transmitting sub-transceiver can be encoded with identifying characteristics particular to that sub -transceiver.
  • each sub transceiver can be characterized by one or more of a phase, angle, wavelength, timing, or amplitude modulation at a rate that is slower than the data transmission rates.
  • the sub-transceiver can also be identified in its transmission by including optional bits available in a TCP header that identifies the transmitting sub- transceiver. Alternatively, a packet may be inserted into the beam that identifies the transmitting sub-transceiver.
  • the QOS information for each transmitting sub-transceiver can be extracted from the feedback signal. Furthermore, each of the operations described with respect to FIGS. 7 - 9 that change the transmission parameters of a specific sub-transceiver can use the feedback information to provide the adjustments based upon the characteristics of that specific sub transceiver.
  • the transmission angle may be changed to form and adjust a predetermined interference pattern between the beams emitted from different sub-transceivers, such as described with reference to FIG. 1.
  • a beat frequency is created such that the beat frequency can modulated by adding a phase modulation, for instance.
  • the interference effect can be used to provide additional modulation control such that essentially an extra data channel can be encoded into the beat frequency signal.
  • the individual improvements of the beam transmission parameters of each sub-transceiver may be done in order to improve the communication session, e.g., providing the highest available data rate, bit- error rate or dealing with atmospheric or physical attenuation.
  • the determination to change one or more beam parameters may be based upon multiple criteria including, but not limited to, a "best" eye-diagram, feedback instructions from the receiving transceiver, SNR, BER, or derived information from beacons that are received from the receiving transceiver.
  • the change may be based upon the transmission parameters of one or more sub-transceivers that have the best channel conditions or throughput, e.g. based upon the eye-diagram, SNR, BER or other parameters.
  • a system 1000 includes several MOCA transceivers directed at users located in disparate directions.
  • transceivers 1010-1, 1010- 2, and 1010-3 are directed toward user 1
  • transceivers 1010-4, 1010-5, and 1010-6 are directed toward user 2
  • transceivers 1010-7, 1010-8, and 1010-9 are directed toward user 3.
  • the transceivers are controlled by a central control 1020, which includes components such as sub -transceiver control functions, modems, and routers for controlling the various data sources, transceiver configurations, as well as parameters related to the phase, amplitude, and time at each of the transceivers.
  • a central control 1020 which includes components such as sub -transceiver control functions, modems, and routers for controlling the various data sources, transceiver configurations, as well as parameters related to the phase, amplitude, and time at each of the transceivers.
  • each transceiver can also be configured to function solely as a transmitter or a receiver, not both.
  • Such specialized transmitter or receiver systems can be less costly than dual-use transmitter systems.
  • rough adjustment of the pointing angles of the multiple sub -transceivers can be performed using a switching mechanism, such as a liquid crystal polymer grating, while fine adjustment can be performed using a finer mechanism, such as fast steering mirrors.
  • Alternative mechanisms for providing such angular adjustment are, and not limited to, retro -reflectors with a back-facet modulator, two- dimensional implementations such as the liquid crystal modulators available from Vescent Photonics, MEMS modulators, electro -wetting materials from University of Colorado at Boulder, and acousto -optic modulators, each of which may be used for either coarse or fine adjustment.
  • the optical signal can simultaneously contain two or more polarization states, each polarization state carrying a stream of data.
  • Each of the multiple sub-transceivers can be configured to receive one of the two or more polarization states, while ignoring optical signals with other polarization states, such that the optical signals with different polarization states are separately detected at different sub-transceivers.
  • the optical signal can contain multiple polarization states such that the different polarization states are detected by different sub-transceivers.
  • the optical signals of different polarization states can then be compared using a comparative mechanism. The comparison can be used, for example, to verify the authenticity of a given optical signal.
  • the optical communications transceiver in an embodiment, can include first and second sub transceivers configured for receiving optical signals containing first and second polarization states, respectively.
  • the transceiver can further include a comparative mechanism for comparing the optical signal received at the first and second sub transceivers for, as an example, verifying the authenticity of the optical signal received by encoding an additional channel of data onto the comparison signal between the sub-transceivers. Additionally, with a priori knowledge of the physical arrangement of the transmitting transceiver sending the data as well as the encoding of the comparison signal, the receiving transceiver can verify the authenticity of the received optical signal to avoid being spoofed by a false transmitting transceiver. For instance, the authenticity of the received optical signal can be ensured by encoding an additional channel of data onto a comparison signal between sub-transceivers as an authenticity "fingerprint.”
  • the number of sub -transceivers modulated within the sub-transceiver array is dynamically adjustable during any given transmit period. For example, during a first transmit period, the transmission characteristics (e.g., power, direction, phase, polarization, timing) of at least one of the sub -transceivers in the sub-transceiver array is modified with respect to other sub-transceivers in the array. Then, during a second transmit period, the transmission characteristics of the at least one or another group of sub -transceivers can be modified. That is, the overall transmission characteristics of the transceiver can be dynamically adjusted over time as needed by modifying the transmission characteristics at the sub-transceiver level.
  • the transmission characteristics e.g., power, direction, phase, polarization, timing
  • inventions described herein are also applicable for aeronautical use, such as satellite-to-plane, plane-to-plane, plane-to-ground, air-to- underwater and space-to-underwater communications, as well as communications between underwater locations.
  • aeronautical use such as satellite-to-plane, plane-to-plane, plane-to-ground, air-to- underwater and space-to-underwater communications, as well as communications between underwater locations.
  • other aerial, terrestrial, and nautical moving objects include, but are not limited to, balloons, aerostats, dirigibles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cars, trucks, ships, submarines, missiles, and rockets.
  • UAVs unmanned aerial vehicles
  • terrestrial applications such as automotive, person-to-person or person-to-satellite communications are also contemplated.
  • the embodiments described herein can be used to set up ad hoc networks between a user and nearby ground stations, or even for commercial purposes such as for directing communications at pedestrians with specialized equipment (e.g., wearable transceivers) and sending advertising information to installed electronic signs or even light posts.
  • the sub-transceivers can be arranged in a flat configuration with the same orientation angle, akin to a solar panel, and installed on flat surfaces, such as on stealth planes or other flat surfaces.
  • the present embodiments provide the ability to dynamically add or remove distortion to widen the beam or create several beams (e.g., multi-spots) and then scan these "distorted" profiles to cover more area or to improve throughput, SNR, BER and other beam parameters of any of the individual beams.
  • This functionality allows the system to quickly acquire a target terminal and maintain a link while the sub-transceiver array is configured to provide higher data transfer rates, BER, SNR, and eye diagrams with reduced mask impingement or other beam parameters.

Abstract

Un procédé de communication à partir d'un émetteur-récepteur comprenant un réseau de sous-émetteurs-récepteurs consiste à régler le réseau de sous-émetteurs-récepteurs pour émettre un signal optique à un angle de pointage initial, et à modifier au moins un des sous-émetteurs-récepteurs pour émettre un premier sous-signal optique à un premier angle de pointage ayant un premier décalage à partir de l'angle de pointage initial. Le procédé consiste en outre, pendant une première période de transmission, à transmettre à un émetteur-récepteur de réception à partir du réseau de sous-émetteurs-récepteurs un premier signal optique comprenant le premier sous-signal optique, à un premier débit de données. Le procédé consiste également à modifier en outre le sous-émetteur-récepteur pour émettre un second sous-signal optique à un second angle de pointage ayant un second décalage à partir de l'angle de pointage initial, le second décalage étant plus petit que le premier décalage, et, dans une seconde période de transmission, à transmettre à l'émetteur-récepteur de réception à partir du réseau de sous-émetteurs-récepteurs un second signal optique comprenant le second sous-signal optique.
PCT/US2021/021001 2020-03-05 2021-03-05 Systèmes de communication optique en espace libre et procédés de commande qos WO2021178746A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202062985437P 2020-03-05 2020-03-05
US62/985,437 2020-03-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021178746A1 true WO2021178746A1 (fr) 2021-09-10

Family

ID=77612804

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2021/021001 WO2021178746A1 (fr) 2020-03-05 2021-03-05 Systèmes de communication optique en espace libre et procédés de commande qos

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021178746A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040033078A1 (en) * 2002-08-13 2004-02-19 Lightpointe Communications, Inc. Apparatus and method for free-space optical communication
US20130315604A1 (en) * 2011-02-07 2013-11-28 The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma Mobile bi-directional free-space optical network
US20140376914A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Raytheon Company Free-space optical mesh network
US20150349881A1 (en) * 2014-05-31 2015-12-03 Cisco Technology Inc. Control system for multi-beam free space optical endpoint
US20190326984A1 (en) * 2018-04-23 2019-10-24 X Development Llc Method For Transmitting An FSOC Supervisor Channel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040033078A1 (en) * 2002-08-13 2004-02-19 Lightpointe Communications, Inc. Apparatus and method for free-space optical communication
US20130315604A1 (en) * 2011-02-07 2013-11-28 The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma Mobile bi-directional free-space optical network
US20140376914A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Raytheon Company Free-space optical mesh network
US20150349881A1 (en) * 2014-05-31 2015-12-03 Cisco Technology Inc. Control system for multi-beam free space optical endpoint
US20190326984A1 (en) * 2018-04-23 2019-10-24 X Development Llc Method For Transmitting An FSOC Supervisor Channel

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11381314B2 (en) Free space optical communication systems and methods for QOS control
Kaymak et al. A survey on acquisition, tracking, and pointing mechanisms for mobile free-space optical communications
AU2014238370B2 (en) Free-space optical network with agile beam-based protection switching
EP3014792B1 (fr) Réseau à maillage optique en espace libre
US7292788B2 (en) Multi-beam laser communications system and method
Edwards Overview of the laser communications relay demonstration project
ES2873111T3 (es) Método y sistema para el sistema de comunicación ad-hoc de formación de haz móvil adaptativo de largo alcance con posicionamiento integrado
Das et al. Requirements and challenges for tactical free-space lasercomm
CN103748812A (zh) 使用射频和自由空间光学数据通信的集成商用通信网络
WO2005033744A2 (fr) Systeme optique de bord sans fil comprenant un guidage ultrafin a trois elements
US10659146B2 (en) Methods and apparatus for airborne synthetic antennas
US9215008B2 (en) Low-latency, high-bandwidth long range communication system
US6839520B1 (en) Method and arrangement for an interruption-proof optical satellite linkage
JP2001016155A (ja) ワイヤレスデータ通信網とデータ通信網の運用方法
US10298327B1 (en) Pointing control with fiber nutation
Carrasco-Casado et al. Design and early development of a UAV terminal and a ground station for laser communications
WO2021178746A1 (fr) Systèmes de communication optique en espace libre et procédés de commande qos
US20230091751A1 (en) Multi-link optical terabit terminal
Moon et al. Pointing-and-Acquisition for Optical Wireless in 6G: From Algorithms to Performance Evaluation
US11750286B2 (en) Laser communication apparatus and associated methods
Wilfert et al. Optical communication in free space
Walsh et al. The Western Australian optical ground station
US11677466B1 (en) Radio frequency—free space optical hybrid transceivers
Carrasco-Casado et al. Free-space laser communications with UAVs
Hemmati Laser communications: From terrestrial broadband to deep-space

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21763876

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21763876

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1