Patent ID: 7024120
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: H04B,H04J

Abstract:
1. A phase tracking multichannel apparatus, comprising: a plurality of RF channels wherein each of said RF channels has a phase separation relative to each adjacent RF channel, and an output coupled to each of said RF channels for applying an RF output signal; a plurality of fixed output light sources, each of said fixed output light sources having an output for applying an optical carrier; a plurality of modulators, wherein each said modulator includes a first input for receiving a corresponding optical carrier, a second input for receiving a corresponding RF output signal, a third input for receiving a bias control signal, and an output for applying an RF modulated optical output signal; a plurality of fiber couplers, each said fiber coupler including an input for receiving one of said RF modulated optical output signals, a first output for applying an initial fiber coupler output signal, and a second output for applying a bias-adjusted optical modulator output signal; a plurality of monitor photodetectors, each said monitor photodetector including an input for receiving a corresponding fiber coupler output signal and an output for applying a monitor photodetector output control signal; a plurality of bias control circuits, each said bias control circuit including an input for receiving a corresponding monitor photodetector output control signal and an output for applying a bias control signal at said third input of a corresponding optical modulator and thereby bias-adjust each said fiber coupler second output; a multiplexer having an input for receiving each of said modulator output signals and an output for applying a multiplexed optical output signal having multiple RF modulation components with substantially the same phase separation as between corresponding said RF output signals; a common optical link having an input for receiving the multiplexed optical output signal and an output for applying the multiplexed optical output signal, said common optical link substantially maintaining the phase separation between RF modulation components on the multiplexed optical signal at said common optical link output as received at said common optical link input; and an optical signal receiving system having an input for receiving the multiplexed optical output signal.