Optoelectronic system for the testing of an antenna

Details Optoelectronic system for the testing of an antenna Optoelectronic system for the testing of an antenna

1998-12-22

2001-06-05

Wimer, Michael C. (Department: 2821)

Communications: radio wave antennas

Antennas

Measuring signal energy

Reexamination Certificate

active

06243042

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an optoelectronic system for the testing of an antenna. It relates more particularly to an optoelectronic device that is alternatively a transmitter and a detector of a radiofrequency signals and enables the testing of an antenna (for example a radar antenna) without disturbing its radiation pattern.
2. Discussion of the Background
Devices for performing optoelectronic tests on antennas have already been made. To carry out tests on an antenna in both transmission and in reception, these devices make use of an assembly of several electronic components dedicated firstly to testing in transmission and secondly to testing in reception. They may therefore comprise:
either a photodiode and a laser diode,
or a photodiode and an electro-optical modulator.
The supplies for these devices are generally obtained by local means (cells for example).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a testing system enabling the use of a single optoelectronic component providing for a remote supply.
The device is essentially formed by an antenna connected to a single semiconductor component that is alternatively a modulator or a detector of light radiation connected by optical fibers to transmitters and adapted detectors located outside the field of the antenna to be tested.
The cables formed by dielectric materials do not disturb the radiation pattern of the antennas.
An optoelectronic system makes it possible to overcome variations in the characteristics of the semiconductor component, preventing especially the temperature stabilization of this component.
The invention therefore relates to an optoelectronic system for the testing of a main antenna, comprising:
a test antenna designed to be placed in the field of transmission/reception of the main antenna;
an optoelectronic detector/modulator component for the detection and modulation of a light wave capable of detecting a first light wave and giving an electrical control current and also capable of modulating a second light wave under the control of an electronic modulation current;
an electric matching circuit connected between the optoelectronic component and the test antenna receiving, firstly, the electrical control current from the optoelectronic component and activating the transmission of the test antenna and receiving, secondly an electrical current from the test antenna and controlling the optoelectronic component in modulation mode;
a first optical source sending the first light wave to the optoelectronic component;
a second optical source sending the second light wave towards the optoelectronic component;
an optoelectronic detector optically coupled to the optoelectronic component and detecting a wave modulated by this component.


REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 35736 (1998-02-01), Powell
patent: 3879733 (1975-04-01), Hansen et al.
patent: 4091327 (1978-05-01), Larsen et al.
patent: 4303300 (1981-12-01), Pressiat et al.
patent: 4529986 (1985-07-01), d'Auria et al.
patent: 4833476 (1989-05-01), Dutcher
patent: 4954834 (1990-09-01), Buck
patent: 5057848 (1991-10-01), Rankin et al.

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