Fiber-optic Synchronization and Data Transmission Subsystem of Multichannel Phased Array

Abstract

The article deals with the practical aspects of synchronization and data transferring in multichannel phased array systems, especially in systems with big antenna dimensions. In multichannel passed array antenna commonly used an optical analog signals distribution scheme for RF and heterodyne signals and wired interfaces for control and digital data. For modern digital antennas the data transferring and synchronization method, based on digital fiber optic channels, was presented. The schemes, constructions, and algorithms of the method are described. The method was realized as SDR system using FPGA with soft-processor core. For data transferring the 8b/10b code is used. The following result of experiment are discussed: digital optical lines are resistant to signals distortions, can transfer big data massive with minimal delay, have excellent synchronization capabilities at quite low cost.