Patent ID: 6469815
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
In a communication terminal for acquiring an optical beam transmitted by a source located in a region of uncertainty containing subdivisions, an acquisition sensor for determining the subdivision of the region in which the source is located comprising;a multi-channel photodetector, at least some of the channels being arranged so that the channel receiving the optical beam depends at least on part on the subdivision in which the source is located, the photodetector converting at least a portion of the optical beam to a corresponding received signal having a signal component, a noise component, and an amplitude; channel circuitry responsive to the received signal including; a threshold circuit connected to generate a threshold signal; a comparator connected to compare the amplitude of the received signal to the threshold signal and to generate a result signal indicating the results of the comparison; and at least one filter connected to lower the noise component in the received signal.