High bandwidth optical links for micro-satellite support
US9413461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B10/118
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method, systems, apparatus and device enable high bandwidth satellite communications. An onboard tracking detector, installed in a low-earth orbit satellite, detects a position of an incoming optical beam received/transmitted from a first ground station of one or more ground stations. Tracker electronics determine orientation information of the incoming optical beam based on the position. Control electronics receive the orientation information from the tracker electronics, and control a waveguide drive electronics. The waveguide drive electronics control a voltage that is provided to an electro-optic waveguide beam steering device. The electro-optic waveguide beam steering device steers an outgoing optical beam to one of the one or more ground stations based on the voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.