Study on generation and distribution of microwave signals based on optoelectronic oscillator for satellite applications

In order to reduce the volume and weight of a satellite communication system and enhance its temperature stability and anti electromagnetic interference ability, a new method was adopted. A photoelectric oscillator was used as microwave local oscillator on the satellite. Microwave signal was transmitted by the fiber. The generation, distribution, transmission and frequency conversion of microwave signal were integrated into the system. After theoretical analysis and experimental verification, the results show that the method is feasible. Based on an optoelectric oscillator, the microwave signal of 11.5GHz was generated and distributed by low-loss optical fiber through multi-channel output experimentally. The first output signal has the same frequency with the local oscillator, with phase noise of -100.5dBc/Hz@10kHz. The second output signal's frequency is twice of local oscillator's frequency with phase noise of -86.6dBc/Hz@10kHz. Compared with the conventional electrical method, the new method to transmit microwave signal has significant effect in improving transmit efficiency, reducing volume, weight and cost, enhancing anti-jamming power and temperature stability, improving signal quality and bandwidth of the system.