| 摘要 |
<p>A communications system (400) that includes one or more free space electron switches (12). The free space electron switch (12) employs an array (70) of electron emitters (72), where each emitter (72) is responsive to an RF or optical input signal on an input channel. Each emitter (72) includes a cathode (88) that emits electrons (82) in response to the input signal. Each emitter (72) further includes a focussing/accelerating electrode (98) for collecting and accelerating the emitted electrons into a electron beam (82). Each emitter further includes an aiming anode (102) that directs the beam of electrons (82) to a desired detector (80) within an array of detectors (76) that converts the beam of electrons (82) to a representative RF or optical signal on an output channel. Each emitter (72) may include a modulating electrode (94) that generates an electric field to modulate data onto the beam of electrons (82). The communications systems employing the switch can be an ISDN, DSLAM networks, packet routing systems, ADSL networks, PBX systems, local exchange systems, etc.</p> |
