Patent ID: 6957020
Filing Date: 2005-10-18
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for directing a beam-steering mirror in an optical communications system comprising: an azimuth drive housing; a substantially cylindrical azimuth shaft connected to said azimuth drive housing defining an internal aperture, said azimuth shaft being rotatable about a first axis with respect to said azimuth drive housing; a beam-steering mirror connected to said azimuth shaft, said beam-steering mirror being rotatable about a second axis with respect to said azimuth shaft; an azimuth motor operable to drive the rotation of the azimuth shaft about said first axis, said azimuth motor comprising a motor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a motor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing; and an azimuth position sensor comprising a sensor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a sensor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing, wherein said azimuth position sensor comprises a capacitive sensor and wherein said capacitive sensor includes a disk mounted co-axially to said azimuth shaft, wherein said disk includes a central aperture through which optical signals pass.