Photonic interconnect and photonic processing for communications and data handling satellites

摘要

A photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus (10) for use in a communication and data handling satellite (12) is disclosed. The photonic interconnect and photonic processing apparatus (10) includes a receiving device (14) for receiving a plurality of input RF signals. An optical conversion device (28) coupled to the receiving device (14) converts the plurality of input RF signals to a plurality of input optical signals. This plurality of input optical signals are coupled to a plurality of input optical fibers (30). A distribution device (32) optically coupled to the optical conversion device (28) distributes at least one output optical signal from the plurality of input optical signals coupled to the plurality of input optical fibers. The at least one output optical signal is coupled to at least one output optical fiber (30) such that the at least one output optical signal coupled to the at least one output optical fiber (30) is distributed within the communication and data handling satellite (12).