Abstract: A photonic frequency converter includes an electro-optical intensity modulator having an optical input, one optical output and at least one RF input for receiving two modulation radiofrequency signals at different frequencies; a set of optical sources that are configured to generate optical signals at at least two different wavelengths, the signals being modulated by respective local-oscillator signals at least two of which have different frequencies; and an optical multiplexer arranged to multiplex the optical signals and to inject them into the optical input of the modulator. A method for converting frequency by means of such a converter is also provided.

Abstract: A photonic frequency converter includes an electro-optical intensity modulator having an optical input, one optical output and at least one RF input for receiving two modulation radiofrequency signals at different frequencies; a set of optical sources that are configured to generate optical signals at at least two different wavelengths, the signals being modulated by respective local-oscillator signals at least two of which have different frequencies; and an optical multiplexer arranged to multiplex the optical signals and to inject them into the optical input of the modulator. A method for converting frequency by means of such a converter is also provided.

Abstract: A photonic radiofrequency signal cross-connect and frequency conversion device comprises: electronic/optical converters, for transferring radiofrequency input signals to optical carriers; optical combiners for grouping together in one and the same optical path several optical signals generated by the electronic/optical converters; electro-optical modulators for mixing the optical signals being propagated in a same optical path with a respective radiofrequency carrier; optical splitters for splitting the optical signals at the output of the modulators; optical combiners for grouping together the optical signals deriving from different optical paths; and optical/electronic converters, associated with these optical combiners. A space-borne telecommunications payload comprising such a photonic device is also provided.

Abstract: A photonic radiofrequency signal cross-connect and frequency conversion device comprises: electronic/optical converters, for transferring radiofrequency input signals to optical carriers; optical combiners for grouping together in one and the same optical path several optical signals generated by the electronic/optical converters; electro-optical modulators for mixing the optical signals being propagated in a same optical path with a respective radiofrequency carrier; optical splitters for splitting the optical signals at the output of the modulators; optical combiners for grouping together the optical signals deriving from different optical paths; and optical/electronic converters, associated with these optical combiners. A space-borne telecommunications payload comprising such a photonic device is also provided.