Patent US4571576A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4571576A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High speed analog-to-digital converter
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
•
Filing: 1983-10-31
•
Granted: 1986-02-18
•
Expires: 2003-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An analog-to-digital converter using a frequency tunable laser having output radiation of a frequency determined by the input voltage to the laser is described.
Inventors
- 👤 Nils A. Olsson
- 👤 Chandra K. N. Patel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:55
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F7/00; H; H03; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
An analog-to-digital converter comprising a laser, said laser having at least one electrode for receiving an input voltage, and emitting radiation at a frequency determined by said input voltage to said laser; an array of photodetectors; and wavelength dispersive means directing said radiation from said laser to said array photodetectors, each photodetector receiving radiation of one wavelength, said array giving rise to signal outputs representing a digitized signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
An analog-to-digital converter comprising a laser, said laser having at least one electrode for receiving an input voltage, and emitting radiation at a frequency determined by said input voltage to said laser; an array of photodetectors; and wavelength dispersive means directing said radiation from said laser to said array photodetectors, each photodetector receiving radiation of one wavelength, said array giving rise to signal outputs representing a digitized signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An analog-to-ditital converter as recited in claim 1 in which said laser frequency depends upon the drive current to said laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 1 in which said frequency tunable laser comprises a coupled cavity laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 3, in which said coupled cavity laser comprises a cleaved coupled cavity laser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 3 further comprising a second frequency tunable laser and a resistance, said resistance being connected between said input voltage and said second laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 5 comprising a second photodetector array, said wavelength dispersive means directing radiation from said second laser to said second array, said second array giving rise to signal outputs representing a digitized signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 1 in which said wavelength dispersive means comprises a grating.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 7 in which said frequency tunable laser comprises a coupled cavity laser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 8 in which said coupled cavity laser comprises a cleaved coupled cavity laser.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 9 further comprising a second frequency tunable laser and a resistance, said resistance being connected between said input voltage and said second laser.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
An analog-to-digital converter as recited in claim 10 comprising a second photodetector array, said wavelength dispersive means directing radiation from said second laser to said second array, said second array giving rise to signal outputs representing a digitized signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-17 | 1989-08-19 | 1990-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-17 | 1993-08-19 | 1994-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-17 | 1997-08-19 | 1998-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |