Frequency synthesiser
US6980353B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03B21/02
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A frequency synthesiser for generating wideband signals for zero Hz up to frequencies in the millimetre wave band provides the ability for arbitrarily fine increments in output frequency. The synthesiser has an optical comb generator that provides a set of reference signals at predetermined intervals. These reference signals are fed to two or more laser devices, at least one of which is a frequency selection and translation device capable of selecting a particular output line from the comb generator and shifting it by some desired frequency. The outputs from the laser devices are then combined and detected using a photodetector. The output from this is the system output. Various methods of producing the frequency selection and translation device are disclosed, as are various methods of producing the optical comb reference signal. Some possible applications of the invention are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.