Simple photonics-based microwave frequency and power measurement system

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Microwave Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Accurate measurement of radio frequency (RF) signal parameters is crucial in modern communication systems.
• Existing methods for RF signal frequency and power measurement can be complex or limited in range.
• Microwave photonic systems offer potential for high-performance signal analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel microwave photonic system for simultaneous RF signal frequency and power measurement.
• To demonstrate a system with a simple structure, fast response, and wide operating range.
• To validate the system's performance through experimental measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM) and an optical bandpass filter (OBPF).
• Employing a sawtooth wave to sweep modulator bias voltage, generating a low-frequency sinusoidal wave post-photodetection.
• Measuring the peak voltage and phase of the sinusoidal wave using a gain and phase detector.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured RF signal frequencies in the range of 5 to 20 GHz.
• Accurately determined RF signal power levels from -10 to 17 dBm.
• The system exhibited a simple, compact design with robust performance.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microwave photonic system provides an effective solution for RF signal frequency and power measurement.
• The system's design offers advantages in terms of simplicity, speed, and operational range.
• Experimental validation confirms the system's capability for practical RF signal analysis.