Abstract: A light driven remote system and power supply therefor that includes a laser diode that provides pulses of light to a fiber optic cable. The pulses of light are detected by a remote photodiode that is connected in parallel with a step-up transformer. The output of the step-up transformer is filtered to provide power for a remote system. Data transmission from the remote system is synchronized with transmission of light to the photodiode.

Abstract: An improved laser-driven, two-way optic communication system for atmosphe use and enabling communication between remote stations. The system is generally made up of a transmitter-receiver (TR) arrangement at one station and a cooperative transmitter-receiver (CTR) arrangement at another station. The TR arrangement is generally made up of laser source beam means, polarizer means, polarized beam rotater means and appropriate lens means. The CTR arrangement is generally made up of appropriate lens means, beam splitter means and first and second phase conjugate mirror (PCM) means. The PCM means are mounted on piezoelectric means that are selectively dithered so as to enable control of the return signal. The TR means causes propagation of a rotated laser source beam polarization output via the atmosphere to the CTR arrangement during system use.

Abstract: A system for extending the effective operational range of an infrared remote control system of the type having a remote control unit with an infrared transmitter and a controlled device having an infrared receiver. The system includes a first repeater positioned physically in the area where the remote contol unit will be used. An infrared receiver is contained within the first repeater and generates an electrical output signal representative of the infrared signal received from the remote control unit. A radio transmitter at the first repeater then transmits a radio signal to a radio receiver at a second repeater which is physically adjacent the controlled device(s). The radio receiver generates a second electrical signal representative of the received radio signal and this second electrical signal activates an infrared transmitter which transmits an infrared signal to the controlled device(s).

Abstract: A orderwire detector circuit operates to identify whether an orderwire signal is of a digital or of an analog format. The orderwire signal is conveniently combined with a high speed data signal. The circuit operates to filter the high speed data signal from the orderwire signal and then square and retime the orderwire signal by means of a stable clock source. The orderwire signal is delayed by one bit and these bits are then compared to determine whether or not over a long period a certain voltage exists. If the proper voltage level exists after a plurality of samples, then it is assumed that the orderwire signal is a digital signal. Depending on the voltage detected, at the end of a predetermined sampling period, one can therefore discriminate between a signal orderwire signal or a analog orderwire signal.