Comparison of CPU level data mixing to T/R level data mixing architectures in optically controlled phased arrays

A performance comparison of a CPU level data mixing architecture and a T/R (transmit/receive) level data mixing at C-band is presented. The fiberoptic link used for transmission of the modulated carrier at 5.65+or-0.15 GHz has demonstrated insertion loss of approximately=11 dB, a compression dynamic range of 72 dB-MHz, and a spurious free dynamic range of 53 dB-MHz/sup 2/3/. The achieved results for the CPU level data mixing architecture using InGaAsP/InP-based components are higher than the results obtained for the AlGaAs/GaAs-based components for the T/R level data mixing architecture. This difference is a result of advances in the 1300 nm based components as opposed to the components available at the obsolete wavelength of 850 nm. In fact, when a T/R level data mixing architecture was constructed using the same type of devices used in the CPU level data mixing, a higher dynamic range was attained.<>