Lockheed Martin Corporation

Wilber Andrew Williams

Michael Gregory Abernathy

G Allan Whittaker

Thomas John Rohrer

Jean Wu

Optical network interface systems and devices are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical transport system comprises an optical bus capable of transmitting data signals, a plurality of optical bus interface modules connected to the optical bus, wherein each optical bus interface module is capable of inputting data signals on the optical bus and outputting data signals from the optical bus, a plurality of electronic devices, and a plurality of electro-optical network interfaces, wherein each electro-optical network interface is associated with a single electronic device and is contained in a single structure, wherein each electro-optical interface is capable of receiving data signals from an associated optical bus interface module and passing the data signals to the associated electronic device according to a variety of suitable protocols such as Ethernet, FiberChannel, and Infiniband, and each electro-optical interface is capable of receiving data signals from the associated electronic device and passing the data signals to the associated optical bus interface module according to a variety of suitable protocols such as Ethernet, FiberChannel, and Infiniband.

Optical network interface systems and devices

A communication system includes an optical transmitter which is differentially driven and an optical receiver that outputs a differential signal. The optical transmitter creates the differential drive signal from an input signal and delivers the differential drive signal to a laser. The differential drive signal is generated with a transformer and RF chokes for floating the laser above ground. The signal detected by the receiver is input as a differential signal to a transformer which then passes the signal through amplifiers and a filter. The optical communication system provides an increased spurious-free dynamic range which is well suited for RF signals and other analog signals.

High dynamic range radio frequency to optical link

An optical interface devices (OID) routes signals entering each of its ports to all other ports. The OID passively routes the optical signals and performs no conversion of the signals into the electrical domain. In addition to signal routing, the OID also performs bi-directional amplification of the optical signals to compensate for splitting losses, coupling losses, signal variations, and to provide additional gain. As a result, the power level of a signal entering one port is the same power level at which corresponding signals exit all other ports of the OID. The OID is useful in a number of network topologies, including but not limited to bus, point-to-point, star, ring, broken ring, hub, and a tree-like topology. The OID enables signal quality to be maintained throughout the network which is especially beneficial in the transmission of Radio Frequency and other analog signals.

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Acworth, GA, United States of America

Wilber Andrew Williams