초록 ▼

An optical inter-satellite link (OISL) gimbal 10 that is particularly suited for directing an optical beam in an optical inter-satellite communications system is disclosed. The OISL gimbal 10 includes an azimuth drive housing 20, a generally cylindrical azimuth shaft 22 rotatably connected to the az

An optical inter-satellite link (OISL) gimbal 10 that is particularly suited for directing an optical beam in an optical inter-satellite communications system is disclosed. The OISL gimbal 10 includes an azimuth drive housing 20, a generally cylindrical azimuth shaft 22 rotatably connected to the azimuth drive housing 20 and an optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 rotatably connected to the azimuth shaft 22. The azimuth shaft 22 has a clear aperture through which one or more optical beams may be directed to and from a stationary optical payload 30. A capacitive azimuth position sensor 40 detects the rotational position of the azimuth shaft 22 and a direct drive azimuth motor 50 drives rotation of the azimuth shaft 22. The OISL gimbal 10 preferably provides two-axis rotation of the optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 through approximately +/?180 degrees of inboard (azimuth) travel and +/?30 degrees of line-of-sight outboard (elevation) travel. Rotation of the optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 about the elevation axis may be driven by a direct-drive elevation motor 160. Also, a capacitive elevation position sensor 130 may be provided for detecting the rotational position of the optical payload or beam-steering mirror about the elevation axis.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for directing a beam-steering mirror in an optical communications system comprising:an azimuth drive housing;a substantially cylindrical azimuth shaft connected to said azimuth drive housing defining an internal aperture, said azimuth shaft being rotatable about a first axis with res

1. An apparatus for directing a beam-steering mirror in an optical communications system comprising:an azimuth drive housing;a substantially cylindrical azimuth shaft connected to said azimuth drive housing defining an internal aperture, said azimuth shaft being rotatable about a first axis with respect to said azimuth drive housing;a beam-steering mirror connected to said azimuth shaft, said beam-steering mirror being rotatable about a second axis with respect to said azimuth shaft;an azimuth motor operable to drive the rotation of the azimuth shaft about said first axis, said azimuth motor comprising a motor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a motor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing; andan azimuth position sensor comprising a sensor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a sensor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing,wherein said azimuth position sensor comprises a capacitive sensor and wherein said capacitive sensor includes a disk mounted co-axially to said azimuth shaft, wherein said disk includes a central aperture through which optical signals pass.2. An apparatus for directing an optical payload in an optical communications system comprising:an azimuth drive housing;a substantially cylindrical azimuth shaft connected to said azimuth drive housing, said azimuth shaft being rotatable about a first axis with respect to said azimuth drive housing;an optical payload connected to said azimuth shaft, said optical payload being rotatable about a second axis with respect to said azimuth shaft;an azimuth motor operable to drive the rotation of the azimuth shaft about said first axis, said azimuth motor comprising a motor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a motor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing; andan azimuth position sensor comprising a sensor rotor connected to and encircling said azimuth shaft and a sensor stator connected to said azimuth drive housing,wherein said azimuth position senor comprises a capacitive sensor and wherein said capacitive sensor includes a disk mourned co-axially to said azimuth shaft, wherein said disk includes a central aperture through which optical signals pass.3. An apparatus comprising:an optical payload mounted on a two-axis gimbal;a first rotating means for rotating said gimbal about a first axis;a second rotating means for rotating said gimbal about a second axis;a first sensor means for sensing the rotational position of the gimbal about said first axis; anda second sensor means for sensing the rotational position of the gimbal about said second axis,wherein said first sensor means includes a position sensor comprising a capacitive sensor and wherein said capacitive sensor includes a disk mounted co-axially to said first axis,wherein said disk includes a central aperture through which optical signals pass.4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first rotating means comprises a direct-drive, constant reluctance motor.5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first sensor means comprises a capacitive sensor.6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second rotating means comprises a direct-drive, constant reluctance motor.7. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising connector means for providing an electrical connection to the first or second rotation means.8. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said optical payload comprises a beam-steering mirror.