Oscillators – With device responsive to external physical condition – Temperature or light responsive
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-18
2001-09-11
Lam, Tuan T. (Department: 2816)
Oscillators
With device responsive to external physical condition
Temperature or light responsive
C331S115000, C327S169000, C327S195000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06288617
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to synchronization and more particularly to a system and method for phase-locking an electronic oscillator with an optical pulse.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Systems for synchronizing optical and electronic clocks have been formed in a variety of architectures. Conventionally, these architectures have been implemented with transistors. For example, one common implementation uses a conventional optical detector in combination with a number of transistors. However, there are several disadvantages associated with using transistors to implement a synchronization system.
First of all, devices used in digital circuits are becoming smaller and smaller. As these devices decrease in size, quantum mechanical effects begin to appear. The electrical properties of conventional transistors may be altered in an unacceptable way by these quantum mechanical effects. Secondly, a synchronization system implemented with transistors is limited by the switching speed of the transistors, which may be too slow for some applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for phase-locking an electronic oscillator with an optical pulse are provided that substantially eliminate or reduce the disadvantages or problems associated with previously developed systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides a high-speed synchronization system that utilizes resonant tunneling diodes instead of transistors.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a phase-locking system is provided that includes a bridge, a light source and an optical pulse injector. The bridge includes a plurality of negative differential resistance devices for storing an input signal. The light source is capable of producing an optical pulse. The optical pulse injector receives the optical pulse and transmits an optical signal to trigger the bridge in response to receiving the optical pulse.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for triggering a bridge with an optical pulse. The bridge includes a plurality of negative differential resistance devices. An optical pulse injector is coupled to the bridge. An optical pulse is received at the optical pulse injector. In response to receiving the optical pulse, an optical signal is generated in the optical pulse injector. The bridge is triggered with the optical signal.
Technical advantages of the present invention include providing an improved, high-speed synchronization system. In particular, resonant tunneling diodes are included as a part of the synchronization system. Accordingly, reliance on transistors is avoided. As a result, the detrimental effects of quantum mechanics are minimized or not present and switching speed is increased.
Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Murata, K., et al, “Optoelectric Clock Recovery Circuit Using Resonant Tunneling Diode and Unitraveling-Carrier Photodiode”,Electronics Letters, vol. 34, No. 14, Jul. 9, 1998, pp. 1424 and 1425.
Kan, S.C., et al, “Optical Control of Resonant Tunneling Diode Monolithically Integrated with PIN Photodiode”,IEEE Photonics Technolgy Letters, vol. 8, No. 5, May 1996, XP000589262, pp. 641-643.
PCT International Search Report dated May 25, 2001 for PCT/US01/01961 filed Jan. 19, 2001.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Lam Tuan T.
Raytheon Company
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