A Photonics-Assisted Binary/Quaternary Phase-Coded Microwave Signal Generator Applicable to Digital I/O Interfaces

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Microwave Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Traditional microwave signal generators are often complex and expensive.
• Integration with digital interfaces requires specialized hardware.
• Phase-coded signals are crucial for various communication systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally verify a photonics-assisted microwave signal generator.
• To achieve reconfigurable fundamental/doubling carrier frequencies.
• To enable binary/quaternary phase-coded signal generation compatible with digital I/O interfaces.

Main Methods:

• A cascade modulation scheme for reconfiguring carrier frequency and loading phase codes.
• Control of radio frequency (RF) switch and modulator bias voltages for frequency switching.
• Generation of binary/quaternary phase-coded signals using independent coding signals and FPGA IO interfaces.

Main Results:

• Successful experimental verification of the proposed photonics-assisted signal generator.
• Demonstration of reconfigurable fundamental and doubling carrier frequencies.
• Generation of binary and quaternary phase-coded signals applicable to digital I/O interfaces.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for microwave signal generation.
• The system's compatibility with FPGA IO interfaces simplifies integration and reduces system costs.
• Further analysis includes performance evaluation and the impact of non-ideal conditions on phase shifting.