The present invention relates to an integrated device for transmitting
and/or receiving information by means of millimetric waves (wavelength 1
mm-10 mm), i.e. electromagnetic waves corresponding to frequencies of 30
to 300 GHz. In particular, the present invention relates to a device
constituted by an optoelectronic integrated circuit that interfaces with
an antenna able to transmit and/or receive millimetre wave signals. In
turn the device, associated to the appropriate biasing and control
electronics, constitutes a transceiver module to be used in a wireless or
mobile radio local area network. rhe transmitter circuit is constituted
by a laser in passive mode-locking. The optical signal thus generated is
amplified, modulated and converted into radio frequency signal through a
guide photodiode, to be lastly transmitted through an antenna. The
receiver circuit is constituted by an antenna, a photodiode and a laser
identical to that of the transmitter. The photodiode, by means of
appropriate bias, performs a dual function of optical and electrical
mixer. In particular, the first function converts to electrical frequency
the optical beat signal between two modes generated by the laser, the
second function takes place by means of the non linear voltage/current
characteristic of the photodiode and allows to bring back to base band
the received signal, thereby allowing to extract the modulating signal
from the weak signal received through the antenna.