The global electromagnetic spectrum has become increasingly congested due to widespread deployment of radar systems, satellite communications, wireless radio frequency transmission, and next-generation dynamic communication networks (e.g., 5G/6G). Frequency-hopping (FH) signals, characterized by dynamically varying carrier frequencies, present significant advantages in anti-jamming, anti-interception, and spectral efficiency optimization, establishing them as an optimal solution for addressing spectrum scarcity. Contemporary FH communications require ultra-wide bandwidth at high-frequency bands and rapid hopping speeds to enhance anti-jamming capabilities. Traditional radio frequency (RF) frontend technologies face inherent limitations due to the “electronic bottleneck”, constraining their operational frequency range, bandwidth, and hopping speed. Current systems typically achieve hopping rates at millisecond levels, with signal bandwidths restricted to several GHz and operational bands limited to the centimeter-wave regime. These limitations impede the development of next-generation ultra-wideband fast FH communication systems. This paper introduces a photonics-based FH signal generation and channelized reception architecture to address these challenges. The proposed solution utilizes photonics-assisted microwave technology, capitalizing on the inherent advantages of optical-domain processing, including broad bandwidth, high-speed operation, low power consumption, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This approach effectively overcomes the constraints of conventional electronic methods, thereby advancing FH systems in high-density spectral environments.

This paper proposes a photonics-based FH signal generation and channelized reception architecture, employing symmetrical structures and identical operating principles for both transmitter and receiver. The methodology encompasses three primary phases. Initially, dual optical frequency combs (OFCs) with distinct free spectral ranges (FSRs) are generated using Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), functioning as broadband FH local oscillator (LO) sources and signal reception LO sources, respectively. The system then achieves parallel separation of FH channels and signal reception channels through the integration of dual OFCs with wavelength demultiplexers at both transmitter and receiver ends, enabling ultra-wideband FH bandwidth and channelized reception. High-speed optical switches control synchronous switching of FH and reception channels, facilitating rapid FH signal generation and synchronized reception. Additionally, carrier-suppressed single-sideband modulation (CS-SSB) is implemented for both optical carrier and LO signals, enabling small-range frequency shifting and reconfigurable hopping channel allocation. The architecture’s feasibility is validated through theoretical analysis and comprehensive functional verification via simulation experiments on the Optisystem 15.0 platform.

The system’s functionality is validated through a simulation platform established for both transmitter and receiver components, following the architecture in Fig. 1 and parameter settings in Table 1. The bandwidth and quality assessment of transmitted FH signals reveals seven hopping channels spanning 35?65 GHz, achieving a 30 GHz operational bandwidth with 5 GHz channel spacing, when configured with a 0 GHz LO branch frequency shift and 5 GHz single-tone input signal (Fig. 5). All channels demonstrate a carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) exceeding 50 dB with power fluctuations of approximately 2 dB. Channel switching simulation, configured with a 100 ns optical switch transition time and 1 μs dwell time per channel, yields a measured switching time of 101.2 ns (Fig. 6), aligning with the optical switch specifications. Receiver performance evaluation utilizing a 4QAM signal (5 GHz carrier frequency, 2.048 Gbit/s data rate) demonstrates transmitter output channels with amplitude fluctuations of ~1.93 dB and error vector magnitude (EVM) values below 4.0%. Post-dehopping signals exhibit amplitude fluctuations of ~3.70 dB and EVM values <8.5%, indicating approximately 5 percentage points EVM degradation. Transmission performance analysis through bit error rate (BER) curves shows saturation below -30 dBm and above -15 dBm received power, achieving a BER of 1.9×10^-3 at -21.52 dBm, remaining below the 7% forward error correction (FEC) threshold.

This paper presents a photonic HF signal generation and reception system designed for high-speed broadband signal transmission and channelized reception. The system architecture and operating principles of frequency hopping/de-hopping are theoretically analyzed and validated through simulation experiments. The experimental results demonstrate several significant advantages. First, the system generates ultra-wideband (35?65 GHz with 30 GHz bandwidth), high-frequency (millimeter-wave), and rapid FH (100 ns) signals. Second, it demonstrates robust broadband signal transmission and reception capabilities, effectively processing 5 GHz-carrier 4QAM signals at 2.048 Gbit/s. The EVM at the transmitter and receiver remains below 4.0% and 8.5%, respectively. At a received power of -21.52 dBm, the system achieves a BER of 1.9×10^-3, below the 7% FEC threshold. Moreover, an electrically controlled precision frequency tuning mechanism enables arbitrary frequency switching throughout the operational band, ensuring exceptional adaptability. The architecture demonstrates remarkable reconfigurability. Modification of OFC generation parameters enables dynamic reconfiguration of hopping channel allocation, while expansion of the OFC spectral width effectively extends the hopping coverage range. Compared to conventional approaches, this system successfully generates millimeter-wave ultra-wideband rapid FH signals while achieving channelized reception. Additionally, it supports high-rate transmission of broadband signals, integrating ultra-wide bandwidth, rapid hopping agility, and enhanced data throughput. The system’s inherent flexibility and reconfigurability make it suitable for various application scenarios in complex electromagnetic environments. These features establish it as a promising solution for anti-jamming secure communications, electronic warfare systems, and next-generation radar architectures.