Fiber optic signal amplifier using thermoelectric power generation
US5408356A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/1608
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A remote fiber optic signal amplifier for use as a repeater/amplifier, such as in transoceanic communications, powered by a Pu.sub.238 or Sr.sub.90 thermoelectric generator. The amplifier comprises a unit with connections on the receiving and sending sides of the communications system, and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier connecting each sending fiber to each receiving fiber. The thermoelectric generator, preferably a Pu.sub.238 or Sr.sub.90 thermoelectric generator delivers power to the amplifiers through a regulator. The heat exchange surfaces of the thermoelectric generator are made of materials resistant to corrosion and biological growth and are directly exposed to the outside, such as the ocean water in transoceanic communications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.