Microwave over Fiber

Microwave/ RF Optical Link Modules

RF and Microwave Fiber Optic Transmitters and Receivers with linear, broadband response open a wide range of capabilities for photonic transport of communications signals. Photonic transport over fiber eliminates many of the inimical signal degradations that plague electrical transport over copper for high-frequency (RF & Microwave) signals.  Transmitter and receiver modules form the backbone of any link architecture.  Modules produced by  Linear Photonics, Inc., a firm based in Hamilton, New Jersey, USA, can transmit and receive RF & Microwave signals from DC to 30GHz.  A few key applications are listed here.

Microwave Fiber Optic Interfacility Links (IFL)

Microwave photonic links permit the distribution of communication and sensing signals over large distances between facilities, or within a single facility, on optical fiber, without the signal degradation found in coax copper signal distribution.   Electromagnetic susceptibility is eliminated, longer distances can be traversed without signal loss, and the communications traffic is more secure. 

Microwave Fiber Optic Antenna Remoting

Antenna assets for military and commercial satellite communications as well as radar applications may be easily located at a distance from ground stations using microwave fiber optic links. Frequency ranges up to 20 GHz and link lengths up to 25 km provide secure communications and signal transport with the benefits of low loss vs. length, EMI immunity and freedom from line-of-sight and atmospheric fade.

Typical applications include GPS antenna remoting, radar antenna remoting, and satellite antenna remoting.

Time Distribution over Fiber

Distribution of time and frequency standard signals can be performed over optical fiber in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configuration.  The use of single-mode optical fiber offers the advantage of very los loss and stable group delay over very long distances.