Self-aligning infra-red communication link

摘要

An optical port with directional control. The port includes a transmitterÄ23, 302Ü, receiverÄ22, 303Ü, and first actuatorÄ30, 50, 301Ü. The transmitterÄ23, 302Ü generates an outgoing light signal that propagates in a transmission direction in response to an outgoing electrical signal. The receiverÄ22, 303Ü receives an incoming light signal and generating an incoming electrical signal therefrom, the receiverÄ22, 303Ü having a reception direction aligned with the transmission direction. The first actuatorÄ30, 50, 301Ü alters the transmission direction of the outgoing light signal in response to a first control signal. In one embodiment, the first actuatorÄ30, 50, 301Ü determines the direction of the outgoing light signal in a first plane, and a second actuatorÄ30, 50Ü controls the direction of the outgoing light signal by an amount determined by a second control signal. The second actuatorÄ30, 50Ü controls the direction of the outgoing light signal in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane. The actuators can be constructed from beam deflectors that utilize moveable mirrorsÄ32Ü to alter the transmission direction. In one embodiment, the deflector includes an array of mirrors, each mirror rotating about an axis through the mirror. Actuators that rotate the transmitterÄ23, 302Ü and reflector may also be utilized.