Producing lab simulations of observed radio frequency (RF) phenomenon requires fabrication of RF filters that support variable per-decade slopes rather than multiples of 10 dB over a multi-octave frequency range. Existing technology supports intermediate-value slopes but only over a small fraction of an octave.
Photonics technology enables a multi-octave, continuously variable slope filter
This technology uses photonic components to create a variable slope, multi-octave low-pass/high-pass filter that could be used to modify an RF signal to remove noise, minimize distortion, or enhance signal quality for high-frequency communications. The system filters multi-octave RF signals using a photonics up-converter that can operate on an RF signal that spans a fractional octave in relation to the optical carrier. The slope can be continuously varied before the RF signal is extracted from the combined signal.
- Customizable: The combined signal may be applied to a standard low-pass, band pass, or high-pass optical filter. The filter can be implemented with any number of poles for a maximum defined-slope, and the choice of pass type may be made according to the desired slope direction.
- Variable: By moving the optical carrier up and down in frequency through the transition band, the slope of the RF signal can be continuously varied.
- Versatile: The technology can be used as is or it can augment existing RF lab equipment.
Potential uses include:
- Two-way encrypted radio products
- Military radios/telephones that require voice-recognition quality audio
- Encoding/decoding voice signals in telephony-related Bluetooth devices such as wireless headsets and mobile phones
- Simulating observed RF transmission or RF coupling phenomenon that requires an unusual spectrum shaping