US4369371A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Broadband high speed optoelectronic semiconductor switch
Assignee: Canada Minister of Communications
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Filing: 1980-11-24
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Granted: 1983-01-18
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Expires: 2000-11-24
Abstract
Abstract The optoelectronic switch includes a photosensitive GaAs FET onto which an optical signal may be directed. The optical signal is derived from an RF modulated light source. A voltage circuit is connected to the FET to switch the FET "on" or "off" by placing a positive or zero voltage respectively on the drain. An isolation of over 70 dB is obtained in this FET switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Elmer H. Hara
- 👤 R. Ian MacDonald
- 👤 Robert S. H. Hum
- 👤 Brian S. Kawasaki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:04
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/51; H03K17/78; H03K17/785; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/42; H04Q3/52; H04Q3/526
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
An optoelectronic switch comprising: a photosensitive FET; means for directing a modulated optical signal onto the photosensitive FET; and voltage means connected to bias the photosensitive FET to selectively render the photosensitive FET responsive or nonresponsive to the optical signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
An optoelectronic switch comprising: a photosensitive FET; means for directing a modulated optical signal onto the photosensitive FET; and voltage means connected to bias the photosensitive FET to selectively render the photosensitive FET responsive or nonresponsive to the optical signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
An optoelectronic switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the FET includes a source and a drain and the voltage means applies a bias voltage at one of two predetermined levels between the source and the drain, the lower voltage level rendering the FET non-responsive to the optical signal and the higher voltage level rendering the FET responsive to the optical signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optoelectronic switch as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the FET is a GaAS FET.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
An optoelectronic switch as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the voltage means includes a voltage source connected to the photosensitive FET and a semi-conductor switch connected across the voltage source to ground.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optoelectronic switch as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the voltage means includes a semiconductor switch and a voltage source connected in series with the photosensitive FET.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4242595A
Cited
US4286171A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-17 | 1986-07-19 | 1987-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-17 | 1990-07-19 | 1991-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-17 | 1994-07-19 | 1995-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |