Broad-band (>/-20 GHz) laser-diode-based optoelectronic microwave phase shifter

We demonstrate a new type of broad-band microwave phase shifter with superior performance at frequencies up to 20 GHz. This is implemented by simply adding an offset voltage prior to the loop filter (LF) in a laser-diode-based digital optoelectronic phase-locked loop (OEPLL). Accurate control of the phase of microwave signals with a continuously tunable range exceeding 640 [degrees] ([approximately]3.6[Pi]) is achieved. The phase fluctuation and long-term drift of any desired phase shift are as small as 5 [+ or -] 0.4 [degrees] and 0.08 [degrees], respectively, at 20 GHz. The relative phase instability can be maintained within 0.09 [degrees] while operating in a phase-shift-keying (PSK) scheme. We also demonstrate accurate control of relative phase difference between dual phase-locked microwave sources using the phase shifter. Our results indicate potential application of this broad-band optoelectronic phase shifter in a phased-array antenna system. Index Terms - Microwave, optoelectronic, phase shifter.