Optical switching and electrical powering architecture for undersea mesh networking

Abstract

An optical switching and electrical power feeding architecture for subsea mesh networking is disclosed, wherein a subsea power routing device includes a first coupling port, a high voltage converter, a second coupling port. The first coupling port can be configured to couple to a power conductor and a fiber optic cable of a subsea branch cable. The high voltage converter can be coupled to the first coupling port and operable to connect to the power conductor via the first coupling port. The high voltage converter is further operable to convert high voltage power supplied by the power conductor to an output voltage having a lower voltage power than the high voltage power. The second coupling port can be configured to couple the high voltage converter to an interconnect cable. When coupled to the interconnect cable, the high voltage converter is operable to distribute the lower voltage power to the interconnect cable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to the field of optical communication systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to improved optical switching and electrical powering architectures for undersea mesh networking in optical communication systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Long-haul optical communication systems, such as undersea optical communication systems, can include many interconnected optical cables to facilitate the communication transfer of data and information. The optical cables can be trunk optical cables and can include pairs of bidirectional trunk optical fibers that enable bidirectional communication.

[0003] In undersea optical communication systems, an interconnecting cable via a branching unit can be used to connect a first trunk optical cable to a second trunk optical cable. In order to function, the interconnecting cable must be powered. When a network is powered only between in-station power feeding equipment (PFE) and undersea ground, it can not be possible to power all spans of the network when a shunt fault occurs in any one span. SUMMARY

[0004] A subsea power routing device is disclosed, including a first coupling port, a high voltage converter, a second coupling port. The first coupling port can be configured to couple to a power conductor and a fiber optic cable of a subsea branching cable. The high voltage converter can be coupled to the first coupling port and operable to connect to the power conductor via the first coupling port. The high voltage converter is further operable to convert high voltage power supplied by the power conductor to an output voltage having a lower voltage power than the high voltage power. The second coupling port can be configured to couple the high voltage converter to an interconnecting cable. When coupled to the interconnecting cable, the high voltage converter is operable to distribute the lower voltage power to the interconnecting cable.

[0005] A subsea cable branching architecture is provided, including a switching branching unit, a branching cable, and a power termination unit. The switching branching unit can be coupled to at least one trunk subsea fiber optic cable. The branching cable can be coupled to the switching branching unit. The branching cable can include at least two pairs of optical fibers and at least one power conductor. The switching branching unit is operable to switch high voltage power supplied by the at least one trunk subsea fiber optic cable to the at least one branching fiber optic cable. The power termination unit can have a first port coupled to the at least one power conductor of the branching cable and a second port. The power termination unit is operable to obtain high voltage power from the at least one power conductor of the branching cable. The power termination unit can convert the high voltage power from the switching branching unit to power having a lower voltage than the high voltage power and supply the power having the lower voltage to the second port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An example optical communication system is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 An example undersea mesh network is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A first example of a failure and switching configuration is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A second example of a failure and switching configuration is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A third example of a failure and switching configuration is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 An example comparison between trunk selector based on a single fiber pair and arbitrary pair arbitrary selector functionality based on two fiber pairs is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 An example configuration of an interconnection environment including details of an example switching branching unit and an example power termination unit is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 An example configuration for providing power to equipment or systems downstream of the examples of the power termination units disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The disclosed subject matter relates to at least one improved optical switching and electrical powering architecture for undersea mesh networking used in optical communication systems. According to examples, undersea optical switching and power conversion (e.g., via one or more DC / DC converters) technology provides flexible fiber pair allocation and power between two interconnected undersea systems. The disclosed subject matter enables independent de-energization of any trunk cable and shunt failure protection of interconnected cables. Additionally, the disclosed switching branching units provide arbitrary-to-arbitrary optical switching for two fiber pairs, providing increased connectivity options.

[0015] In examples, the trunk cables and the interconnection cables can include optical fibers and power conductors. As described below, switching branching units (sBUs) can be configured to connect respective trunk cables to the interconnection cables, and each sBU can be configured to route power from one trunk cable to the interconnection cable. Also, a power termination unit (PTU) can be configured to convert the high-voltage, low-current power supply from the sBUs to a lower-voltage, higher-current supply suitable for powering undersea repeaters and other equipment powered through the interconnection cables. Thus, in examples, the PTU can provide DC / DC conversion functionality.

[0016] In the example, each end of the interconnect cable can be terminated to a corresponding PTU. Together, the two PTUs provide flexible power distribution for the interconnect cable, such as regulating their respective voltage outputs to compensate for shunt failures that may occur anywhere along the trunk fiber optic cable. In another example, each sBU may include optical switching functionality to determine the connectivity between fiber pairs in the trunk and interconnect cables (e.g., this could be referred to as two fiber pair “any-to-any” (A2A) or two fiber pair any-to-any (2FP A2A) connectivity).

[0017] As illustrated in the example below, at least four different submarine mesh network configuration states are described for the system architecture, where the configuration states are implemented by changing the state of at least four 2FP A2A sBU functions. It is understood that many more different configuration combinations or variations are supported in this document. Furthermore, although only two fiber pairs are shown and described, the number of available fiber pairs in the trunk cable can be divided into two sets to implement the described functions.

[0018] In yet another example, the submarine interconnect cable between the sBU and PTU may include a two-conductor cable to carry power from a first branch unit (e.g., the sBU) to the PTU and then back to a second branch unit to continue on the trunk fiber optic cable. Furthermore, the interconnect branch may terminate with the PTU at only one end and grounded at the other. In other cases, interconnect branches without power supply equipment may not require a PTU but can still benefit from flexible optical switching. The interconnect cable can be provided in a simple "H" architecture, as shown in one or more of the illustrated examples. More complex "branching" configurations can also be supported. In the examples, the power supply feature may be optional in a repeaterless interconnect cable.

[0019] This disclosure describes and illustrates examples of two (2) fiber pair selection groups. Examples of switching functions are also provided to illustrate linking more than two fiber pairs together as a configuration group. For example, an interconnect cable can be organized into a group with two fiber pairs (2FPs), and each set of 2FPs can be terminated at each end of the interconnect cable in an instance of a 2FP A2A selector function, thereby allowing the interconnect fiber pairs to connect to the East Trunk or West Trunk, or allowing the trunk to completely bypass the interconnect cable. Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure, along with the associated examples and features, can be supported by a single fiber pair trunk selector, as described below.

[0020] Additional fiber pairs can be provided between the site and the sBU, enabling a recovery path for an interrupted “ocean” FP in one trunk without interrupting fiber pairs in another trunk.

[0021] Therefore, interconnect power supply can be maintained even during shunt faults in the trunk, and further, shunt fault protection can be provided in the interconnect cables, independent of the shunt fault state of the trunk fiber optic cable. Additionally, based on system design or other architecture-based considerations, reconfigurable routing of trunk fiber pairs via these interconnect cables can be provided in response to the occurrence of shunt faults.

[0022] The examples, features, figures, etc., described and presented herein offer numerous advantages over conventional technologies. For example, the disclosed examples provide at least the following advantages: (i) support for single-ended feed operation and / or (ii) allow for the free connection of interconnect fiber pairs to either trunk service direction based on submarine optical switching, providing novel power supply and switching capabilities in new network architectures. Furthermore, multiple interconnect cables can be independently de-energized from any trunk fiber using a PTU. Branch fault protection for interconnect cables is also advantageously provided. The use of 2FP A2A (and single-fiber-pair-based trunk selectors) optical switching capabilities in a mesh network architecture or configuration is not only novel (offering a greater number of potential fiber pair connectivity options than other solutions), but also provides more robust interconnect cable power supply as described herein. Additionally, the disclosed examples provide more flexible connectivity between trunk and interconnect fiber pairs, and also provide additional network configurations to allocate service capacity, enabling network reconfiguration to meet service needs during failure events, maintenance, etc.

[0023] The disclosed examples are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed examples may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey to those skilled in the art the scope of the disclosed subject matter. In the accompanying drawings, the same numerals consistently refer to the same elements.

[0024] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 An exemplary bidirectional optical communication system 101 is shown that can use multiple high-bandwidth fiber optic cables to transmit large amounts of data over long distances. The fiber optic cables may include a large number of optical fibers. Bidirectional data transmission can be implemented by constructing fiber pairs within the fiber optic cables, with each fiber pair transmitting one or more channels (e.g., wavelength division multiplexing channels).

[0025] As shown in the figure, the optical communication system 101 may include terminals 103 and 105 connected by two unidirectional optical paths 111 and 121, which together form a bidirectional fiber pair. Optical path 111 can transmit information in one direction (e.g., to the right) from transmitter Tx 113 at terminal 103 to receiver Rx 115 at terminal 105. Optical path 121 can transmit information in the other direction (e.g., to the left) from transmitter Tx 125 at terminal 105 to receiver Rx 123 at terminal 103. With respect to terminal 103, optical path 111 is the outgoing path, and optical path 121 is the incoming path to receiver Rx 123 at terminal 103. Optical path 111 may include optical fibers 117-1 to 117-n coupled to repeaters 131-1 to 131-n and optical amplifiers 119-1 to 119-n. Optical path 121 may include optical fibers 127-1 to 127-n, which are also coupled to repeaters 131-1 to 131-n, and optical amplifiers 129-1 to 129-n. One or more of optical amplifiers 119-1 to 119-n and 129-1 to 129-n may be erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), other rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers, Raman amplifiers, semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), etc. It is understood that in some examples, transmitter TX 113 and receiver RX 123 may be housed together as transponders at terminal 103, and similarly, transmitter TX 115 and receiver RX 125 may be housed together as transponders at terminal 105.

[0026] Optical path pairs (e.g., optical paths 111, 121) can be configured as a set of amplifier pairs 119-1 to 119-n and 129-1 to 129-n within repeaters 131-1 to 131-n, which are connected by optical fiber pairs 117-1 to 117-n and 127-1 to 127-n that can be included in an optical fiber cable along with optical fibers supporting additional path pairs. Each repeater 131-1 to 131-n may include a pair of amplifiers 119-1 to 119-n, 129-1 to 129-n for each corresponding path pair, and may include additional amplifiers for additional path pairs. Coupling paths 133-1 to 133-n can be coupled between optical paths 111, 121, for example, in one or more of the corresponding repeaters 131-1 to 131-n. It is understood that, as used herein, the term “couple” broadly refers to any direct or indirect connection, coupling, link, or linkage, or as a limited or wireless connection, and unless otherwise stated, does not necessarily mean that the coupled components or elements are directly connected to each other.

[0027] Although an exemplary example of the optical communication system 101 has been shown and described, variations of the optical communication system 101 are also within the scope of this disclosure. The optical communication system 101 may include, for example, more optical path pairs and more or fewer repeaters utilizing power provided by a power supply device distributed along wiring along the respective optical paths 111 and 121. Alternatively, the optical communication system 101 may not include any optical amplifiers, or may include an optical pump power source suitable for implementing optical gain through Raman amplification within repeaters connected via optical fibers, in place of optical amplifiers.

[0028] Furthermore, it is understood that a transmitter, a receiver, a repeater containing the transmitter and receiver, or any other suitable device for transmitting and receiving data may be included in a corresponding sBU, which may be coupled to or include a device having at least one memory and one or more processors (e.g., CPU, ASIC, FGPA, any conventional processor, etc.) to execute instructions stored in the memory.

[0029] It is also understood that the aforementioned optical paths (i.e., 111, 121) can be powered via the (multiple) electrical conductors of the optical cable (such as those shown in the examples below). Moreover, multiple optical communication systems (such as optical communication system 101) can be interconnected via interconnecting cables and branch units.

[0030] Figure 2 An example mesh network according to one or more examples is shown. As shown, mesh network 200 may include at least two trunk-north bidirectional fiber pairs 222 and 223 of a corresponding trunk-north fiber cable 210 arranged between trunk-north terminal 220 on the west side and trunk-north terminal 225 on the east side. As further shown, similarly, mesh network 200 may include at least two trunk-south bidirectional fiber pairs 232 and 233 of a corresponding trunk-south fiber cable arranged between trunk-south terminal 230 on the west side and trunk-south terminal 235 on the east side. Each of the four terminals shown may include a power feeder (PFE) to provide power to at least the conductor cables in the fiber pairs (shown as 275 and 277, respectively). In this example, the power feeder (PFE) provides trunk power to the corresponding trunks 220, 225, 230, and 235.

[0031] Mesh network 200 may include four separate “switching” branch units (sBUs) 202 (also referred to as sBU #1.1), 204 (also referred to as sBU #1.2), 206 (also referred to as sBU #2.1), and 208 (also referred to as sBU #2.2), two of which are located on or coupled to the trunk-north cable 210, and the other two are located on or coupled to the trunk-south cable 215. As shown, sBUs 202 and #2.1 interconnect the trunk-north-south cable on the west side vi (or closer to the west side), and similarly, sBUs #1.2 and 208 interconnect the cables on the east side (or closer to the east side) via interconnecting cable 243. In this example, each of sBUs #1.1, #1.2, #2.1, and 208 is configured to perform fiber optic switching and route power to the corresponding power terminal unit (PTU). For example, on the north side, sBU 202 routes power to PTU 212 and sBU#1.2 routes power to PTU 214, while on the south side, sBU#2.1 routes power to PTU 216 and sBU#2.2 routes power to PTU 218. Each of the corresponding sBUs is operable to connect at least one of at least two fiber pairs (e.g., 222 and 223) of the trunk fiber optic cable 210 to a corresponding fiber pair of at least two fiber pairs of a branch cable (which is coupled to a PTU, such as 212).

[0032] According to the examples, PTUs 212, 214, 216, and 218 can be configured to supply power to interconnect cable 241 or interconnect cable 243, respectively, and further provide shunt fault protection to mitigate the impact of shunt faults by implementing power rerouting (and fiber optic rerouting). PTUs such as 212, 214, 216, and 218 may include one or more ports for drawing power from an sBU (such as 1.1 or 2.1), and ports for supplying power to interconnect cables (such as interconnect cables 241 or 243). Furthermore, the PTU may include a high-voltage DC-to-DC (DC / DC) converter (shown in later examples). For example, the DC / DC converter may operate to provide a constant current or a constant voltage, and to limit the current and voltage to thresholds set by control equipment. For example, each trunk line 220, 225, 230, and 235 may include a command / response device (CRE) that can be operated telemetry to control the optical switching of each of the corresponding SBUs #1.1, #1.2, #2.1, and #2.2, as well as the power switching to the corresponding PTUs 212, 214, 216, and 218. The CRE can also control the power switching of each corresponding PTU 212, 214, 216, and 218 via control commands through fiber optic cables coupled to the corresponding PTUs or via telemetry.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, for example, the interconnecting power between sBU 202, #2.1 and sBU #1.2, 208 can be provided by a plurality of two-conductor interconnecting cables (also referred to as DCC) included in interconnecting cable 241 or interconnecting cable 243. For example, interconnecting cable 241 may include at least a power conductor 251 and at least two fiber pairs (2FP) 261. Similarly, interconnecting cable 243 may include at least a power conductor 253 and at least two fiber pairs (2FP) 263. As described below, the dual fiber pairs, arbitrary-to-arbitrary (also referred to herein as "2FP A2A") selector functionality of each of sBU 202 provides flexible network configuration, such as flexible optical switching and electrical power supply, enabling responsive rerouting (e.g., for submarine environment conditions such as branch failures, etc.).

[0034] At least for this reason, Figure 2 The mesh network 200 shown can be considered a “full trunk” configuration, which means that, for example, for both the North Trunk and the South Trunk, all trunk fiber pairs are connected, powered and operational between their respective trunk terminals.

[0035] Figure 3 An example of a shunt fault and switching configuration 300 based on one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter is shown. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 The mesh network 200 and its components are used to describe Figure 3 The branch fault and switching configuration 300 is described. Configuration 300 can be implemented as a mesh network. As shown, a branch fault 306 may occur near the east side of the trunk-north fiber pair (i.e., between sBU#1.2.1 and trunk-north terminal 225). It is understood that a branch fault can be broadly defined as any type of fault (physical or other) occurring in underwater communication cables, such as when the cable insulation is damaged to the point that a short circuit exists directly from the metal conductor core to the seawater. Furthermore, or alternatively, in some examples, cable damage may be caused by anchors, trawlers, backhoe dredgers, currents dragging cables along the seabed, etc. For example, a branch fault can be detected, for example, by determining, through power supply equipment, that there has been a loss of power or a predetermined reduction in voltage or current within the corresponding trunk 210 or 215.

[0036] For example, in the event of a branch failure, power can at least be cut off to the interconnects between the north-south trunk fiber pairs (e.g., the interconnect cables between sBU#1.1.1, #2.1.1 and / or sBU#1.2.1, #2.2.1). Therefore, in this example, when a branch failure is detected (or based on any certainty that a branch failure will occur or for any other reason), an optical switch can be performed on one or more of sBU#1.1.1 to #2.2.1 based on the location of the branch failure to at least reroute power. As shown, by reconfiguring the port connections of sBU#1.2.1 and #2.2.1, both of the trunk-north fiber pairs 222 and 223 can be rerouted or switched to the trunk-south fiber pairs 233 and 232, respectively. Advantageously, power can still be supplied to the interconnect cable 243 between trunk-north 220 and trunk-south 235 despite the branch failure.

[0037] Figure 4 An example of a shunt fault and switching configuration 400 based on one or more examples is shown. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 The mesh network 200 and its components are used to describe Figure 4 The branch failure and switching configuration 400. Configuration 400 can be implemented as a mesh network. In the example shown, branch failure 406 may occur near the middle of the “ocean midway” or trunk-north fiber pairs 222 and 223.

[0038] Similar to Figure 3 When a branch circuit failure occurs (e.g., as Figure 4 When power is cut off between sBU#1.1.2 and sBU#1.2.2, power to the interconnects between the North Trunk fiber pairs 222 and 223 and the South Trunk fiber pairs 232 and 233 (e.g., interconnect cable 241 between sBU#1.1.2 and #2.1.2 and / or interconnect cable 243 between sBU 204 and #2.2) can be interrupted. When a branch fault (or any determination based on the potential occurrence of a fault) is detected due to a loss of power or a predetermined reduction in voltage or current within the corresponding trunk 210 or 215, one or more corresponding sBUs in the branch fault or potentially branch faulty optical path can perform an optical switch to at least reroute power. In the example, two of the trunk-north fiber pairs (222, 223) can be rerouted or switched to the trunk-south fiber pairs 232, 233 by reconfiguring the port connections of sBU#1.1.2 and #2.1.2. Similarly, in the mirrored example, port connections sBU#1.2.2 and #2.2.2 can also be reconfigured to reroute or switch trunk-north fiber pairs 222 and 223 to trunk-south fiber pairs 232 and 233 to provide and maintain power to interconnect 243 between trunk-north cable 210 and trunk-south cable 215.

[0039] Figure 5 An example of a branch failure and switching configuration 500 based on one or more examples is shown. Configuration 500 can be implemented as a mesh network. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 The mesh network 200 and its components are also used to describe Figure 4 The branch fault and switching configuration 500. In the example shown, it is similar to... Figure 4 Or similarly, branch failure 5060 may occur in the middle of the ocean or near the middle of the trunk-north fiber pair.

[0040] exist Figure 4 Alternative examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, only one trunk-north fiber pair 223 can be rerouted or switched in response to the detection of a branching fault to trunk-south 230, while one fiber pair 232 of east trunk-south 235 remains in service with west trunk-north 220 via sBU#1.1.3 and #2.1.3. At least at this point, only one new fiber pair connection is possible on the west side of mesh network 500 between trunk-north and trunk-south. Advantageously, despite the occurrence of a branching fault, Figure 5 The alternative configuration is still able to provide power at least to the interconnects 241 and 243 between the trunk line and the trunk line south. At least for this purpose, the 2FP A2A selection function of (multiple) sBUs provides the aforementioned advantages in power switching and power routing architecture flexibility and configuration.

[0041] Figure 6 An example comparison 600 is shown between a trunk selector based on a single fiber pair (implemented by sBU 610) and an arbitrary-to-arbitrary (A2A) selector based on two fiber pairs (implemented by sBU 620) in the respective sBUs, according to one or more disclosed examples. As shown in the configuration of the trunk selector based on a single fiber pair of sBU 610 and the A2A selector based on two fiber pairs of sBU 620, each respective sBU 610 or 620 may have at least three distinct ports: a trunk port, an "A1" port, and an "A2" port, with corresponding input and output connections and also with addition and branching connections for branch fiber pairs. Each of the respective sBUs 610 and 620 is shown as having optical switches (AL for sBU 620 and 1-12 for sBU 610) operable to selectively switch the fiber pair coupled to the trunk port to the A2 port or from the A1 port to the A2 port.

[0042] In the example, for the "3A type submodule A2A equivalent" configuration of the sBU 620, two fiber pairs are selected to branch to a branch fiber pair, as shown in the corresponding diagram. For example, FP1 and FP2 can branch to branch FP1, and further, FP1 and FP2 can branch to branch FP2. This A2A function based on two fiber pairs can be implemented as described above. Figure 2 The mesh network 200 is implemented in sBU#1.1.3, #1.2.3, #2.1.3, and #2.2.3. In alternative examples, a “Type 3A submodule trunk selector equivalent” or a single-fiber-pair-based trunk selector (such as 620) can be implemented in sBU#1.1.3, #1.2.3, #2.1.3, and #2.2.3.

[0043] According to the example, a trunk selector based on a single fiber pair can have different labels for the fiber path to form two independent trunk fiber pair selectors. In the example, a trunk fiber pair on the east or west side can be selected to branch to a branch fiber pair on a per-fiber-pair basis, such as between optical switch E and optical switch I. For example, one connection on a single fiber pair may be available at a time. Moreover, it is understood that, at least above Figures 2 to 5 One or more of the functions or features described in any of them can be implemented by a trunk fiber pair selector based on a single fiber pair. It is also understood that a single fiber pair trunk selector can be used in cases where only an odd number of fiber pairs are present to provide a connection where both fiber pairs can be connected to an A2A switch, so as to provide at least additional connectivity without additional cost.

[0044] Figure 7 An example configuration of an interconnected environment is shown, including details of an example switching branch unit and an example power terminal unit.

[0045] A submarine cable branch architecture 700, including sBU 710 and PTU 720, can be provided and configured to withstand the physical conditions present in deep-sea environments. The sBU 710 can be coupled from a location including power feed equipment (PFE) (not shown) to include optical fibers and power conductors (such as... Figures 2 to 5 The example shows a trunk fiber optic cable 740. The sBU 710 can also be coupled to a trunk cable 750, which includes fiber optic cables and power conductors that can be connected to another location and / or another sBU (neither shown). In the example, a branch cable 730 can couple the sBU 710 to a PTU 720. The PTU 720 is also coupled to an interconnect cable 760.

[0046] The sBU 710 provides optical and power switching capabilities. For example, the sBU 710 may be configured with an optical switching and control circuitry that enables the sBU 710 to operate in determining the connectivity between fiber pairs (not shown in this example) in the trunk fiber optic cable 740 and trunk cable 750 coupled to a corresponding port of the sBU 710 and the interconnect cable 760 coupled to the PTU 720. For example, the sBU 710 may be operable to connect at least one of at least two fiber pairs (not shown in this example) of the trunk fiber optic cable 740 to a corresponding fiber pair in at least two fiber pairs (not shown in this example) of the branch cable 730.

[0047] Branch cable 730 may be a dual-conductor cable (DCC) operable to provide power between sBU 710 and PTU 720. Interconnect cable 740 can connect PTU 720 to various devices or payloads, as shown in another example.

[0048] The PTU 720 may include a high-voltage (labeled Hi-V) converter 724. The high-voltage converter 724 enables the PTU 720 to provide controllable power from the trunk PFE to branch payloads. The high-voltage converter 724 is operable to convert DC voltages up to 15kV to other voltages, such as 12.5kV or lower. The PTU 720 may have a circuit system configured to implement known technologies for power conversion and control (but in subsea environments). Furthermore, the high-voltage converter 724 may be operable to provide a constant current or constant voltage, as well as to limit the current and the amplitude of the supplied voltage. For example, the high-voltage converter 724 may be operable to output an output current with a substantially constant value, limited based on end-user specifications. The PTU 720 also allows fiber optic cables to pass through, enabling fiber optic coupling to other devices and / or trunk lines, such as… Figures 2 to 5 The examples show those devices and / or trunk lines. The PTU 720 can be controlled telemetry at a trunk location or another location (such as a remote access point, offshore facility, etc.) via a command / response equipment (CRE). The CRE may include a processor, a memory storing programming code, and a telemetry circuitry operable to communicate with one or more PTUs (such as the PTU 720).

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, the PTU 720 may include a first coupling port 725, a high-voltage converter 724, and a second coupling port 726. The PTU 720 may also include an optional modem for communication transmission. The first coupling port 725 may be configured to couple to the power conductor and fiber optic cable of a submarine branch cable (such as 730). In some examples, the submarine branch cable 730 may be connected to a submarine switching branch unit (such as...)Figure 2 The cable is a two-conductor cable (202), and a first coupling port 725 is operable to couple to the two-conductor cable. A high-voltage converter 724 is operable to couple to the first coupling port 725 and is operable to connect via the first coupling port 725 to the power conductor of the submarine branch cable 730. The high-voltage converter 724 is operable to, for example, convert high-voltage power supplied by the power conductor into an output voltage having a lower voltage than the high-voltage power. The high-voltage converter 724 is operable to output a voltage having a substantially constant value as the output voltage.

[0050] The second coupling port 726 can be configured to couple the high-voltage converter 724 to an interconnect cable (such as 760). When coupled to the interconnect cable 760, the high-voltage converter 724 can be operated to distribute lower voltage power to the interconnect cable 760.

[0051] Although not shown, PTU 720 may include a processor, telemetry circuitry, and a memory capable of storing programming code. The processor may be operable to execute the stored programming code to process communication signals received from the PFE or CRE, thereby managing the output of the high-voltage converter 724. The high-voltage converter 724 may be operable to receive control signals from remotely located feeder equipment, such as via a submarine branch cable 730 or a trunk fiber optic cable 740. The control signals may include indications of shunt faults and instructions for configuring the sBU, PTU, and their respective components. Furthermore, the high-voltage converter 724 may be operable to regulate the output voltage in response to, for example, a command signal indicating a shunt fault received from the CRE.

[0052] Optional modem 727 can be configured to couple to a first coupling port and a second coupling port. Modem 727 is operable to receive and process communication signals via the first coupling port 725. The processing of communication signals can be based on known communication processing technologies and protocols. Modem 727 is also operable to provide processed communication signals to the second coupling port 726 for output to downstream devices, such as sensors. Modem 727 is also operable to receive other communication signals from downstream devices and provide them to upstream devices or control devices, such as CREs.

[0053] DCC enables the conversion or transfer of voltage transmission from 12.5kV to 15kV to provide power to other devices downstream of PTU 720 (i.e., other devices connected to interconnect 760) (repeaters, amplifiers, payload devices, and systems, etc.). For example, the high-voltage converter 724 can also be operated to supply power to one or more payloads (e.g., downstream devices), which may be at least one of repeaters, amplifiers, offshore facilities, or sensors.

[0054] The interconnect cable 740 coupled to the second port 726 of the PTU 720 can be a DDC or a single conductor cable (SCC).

[0055] Optionally, the PTU 720 may include a modem 727 that enables data transmission for a payload device coupled to the interconnect cable 740, the payload device including sensors, offshore platforms, etc.

[0056] The interconnect environment 700 enables power switching in response to branch faults, allowing power to be supplied to devices on either side of a branch fault or potential branch fault. Furthermore, the interconnect environment 700 enables fiber optic switching, as described in the reference... Figures 2 to 5 As illustrated in the example.

[0057] Figure 8 An example configuration is shown for providing power to downstream devices or systems of an example of the power terminal unit disclosed herein.

[0058] Configuration 800 includes several examples of interconnect environments derived from sBUs 812, 822, 832, and 842. In this example, each of sBUs 812, 822, 832, and 842 is coupled to trunk cable 810. Trunk cable 810 may be coupled to a power feeder (PFE) that supplies power to the electrical conductors(s) within trunk cable 810. Furthermore, trunk cable 810 includes fiber optic cable with a plurality of fiber pairs (FPs).

[0059] Each of sBU 812, 822, 832 and 842 illustrates an example implementation of the respective PTU 814, 824, 834 and 844.

[0060] One example implementation includes an sBU 812 coupled to a PTU 814 via cable 813. This implementation is operable to provide remote communication to islands, expensive coastlines, or unmanned facilities via sBU 812 and PTU 814. Cable 813 may be a DCC. PTU 814 (which can be similarly configured and operable to perform similar functions) Figure 7The functions described above for the PTU 720 are also coupled to the interconnect cable 815. Various devices 817-1, 817-2, 817-3, ..., 817-N (such as repeaters, payload devices, etc.) are also coupled to the interconnect cable 815, and these devices may also require power. The cable 813 can be powered via an electrical conductor and can also provide communication via optical fiber. The PTU 814 is operable to provide power and communication to the interconnect cable 815. The interconnect cable 815, including power via an electrical conductor and communication via optical fiber, can be terminated at the beach 816. An example embodiment including the PTU 814 provides communication services via optical fiber and power to facilitate communication services to a remote point-of-presence (POP) 818.

[0061] In another example implementation, sBU 822 is coupled to PTU 824 via cable 823. Cable 823 may be DCC. This implementation is operable to provide a cross-connection to the trunk cable via sBU 822 and PTU 824, such as Figures 2 to 5 The example is the same. The PTU 824 can be similarly configured and operated to perform tasks like... Figure 7 The PTU 720 performs the functions of those functions. PTU 824 can be coupled to interconnect cable 825. Various devices 827-1, 827-2, ..., 827-N (such as repeaters, payload devices, etc.) are also coupled to interconnect cable 825, and these devices may also require power. Cable 823 can provide power via an electrical conductor and communication via optical fiber. PTU 824 is operable to provide power and communication to interconnect cable 825. Interconnect cable 825, including power via an electrical conductor and communication via optical fiber, can terminate to another PTU 826. PTU 826 can be configured similarly to PTU 824 and provide power conversion, or alternatively coupled to ground. In yet another embodiment, PTU 826 can be optional and may not be present, similar to the beach implementation using sBU 812 and PTU 814. In the example, interconnect cable 825 can terminate to PTU 826. Branch cables (unmarked) can be coupled to PTU 826 and to another sBU 828 that connects to trunk cable 820.

[0062] In yet another example implementation, the sBU 832 is coupled to the PTU 834 via cable 833. Cable 833 may be a DCC. This implementation is operable to provide remote communication to an offshore facility (such as offshore platform 836) via the sBU 832 and PTU 834. The PTU 834 can be similarly configured and operable to perform functions such as Figure 7The PTU 720 has those functions. The PTU 834 can be coupled to an interconnect cable 835. The interconnect cable 835 can terminate at an offshore platform 836. The PTU 834 can be operated to transmit power and data communications as described above, for example via an optional modem (such as...). Figure 7 Example PTU 720 (727) is provided for equipment on offshore platform 836.

[0063] In another example implementation, the sBU 842 is coupled to the PTU 844 via cable 843. Cable 843 may be DCC. This implementation is operable to provide communication and power to seabed sensor applications (such as sensor 848) via the sBU 842 and PTU 844. The PTU 844 can be similarly configured and operable to perform functions such as Figure 7 Figure 7 The PTU 720 performs the functions of those functions and communicates data via an optional modem 727. The PTU 844 can be coupled to an interconnect cable 845, and the interconnect cable 845 can terminate at a deployment pallet (DP) 847. The DP 847 can be coupled to multiple sensors, such as sensor 848, which can be configured to detect temperature, salinity, seismic activity, acquire acoustic measurements, etc.

[0064] It is understood that the submarine mesh network of the aforementioned optical communication system, as well as the associated optical switching and power supply architecture, can be arranged in various different configurations and are not limited to any particular configuration or any other way.

[0065] This document discloses novel and unique techniques for improved optical switching and power supply architectures in submarine mesh networks. This disclosure is not limited in scope to the specific examples described herein. In fact, various other examples and improvements of this disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and figures.

[0066] Therefore, such other examples and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although this disclosure has been described herein in a specific setting and for a specific purpose within a specific implementation paradigm, those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto, and that this disclosure can be advantageously implemented in any number of settings for any number of purposes. Therefore, the claims set forth below should be interpreted in accordance with the full breadth and spirit of the disclosure described herein.

Claims

1. A submarine power routing device component, comprising: The first switching branch unit (1.1.2) and the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) are coupled to the first trunk submarine optical fiber cable (210); The third switching branch unit (2.1.2) and the fourth switching branch unit (2.2.2) are coupled to the second trunk submarine optical fiber cable (215); A first power terminal unit (212) is coupled between the first switching branch unit (1.1.2) and the third switching branch unit (2.1.2) by a first submarine branch cable; A second power terminal unit (214) is coupled between the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) and the fourth switching branch unit (2.2.2) by a second submarine branch cable, each of the first power terminal unit and the second power terminal unit comprising: The first coupling port is configured to couple to the power conductor and optical fiber cable of the submarine branch cable; A high-voltage converter coupled to the first coupling port and operable to connect to the power conductor via the first coupling port, wherein the high-voltage converter is operable to convert high-voltage power supplied by the power conductor into an output voltage having a lower voltage than the high-voltage power; and A second coupling port is configured to couple the high-voltage converter to an interconnect cable, wherein when coupled to the interconnect cable, the high-voltage converter is operable to distribute the lower voltage power to the interconnect cable.

2. The submarine power routing equipment assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the first power terminal unit and the second power terminal unit comprises: A modem configured to be coupled to the first coupling port and the second coupling port, and operable to: Communication signals are received via the first coupling port. Processing the communication signals, and The processed communication signal is output via the second coupling port.

3. The submarine power routing equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the first coupling port is operable to couple to a two-conductor cable, and the two-conductor cable is a branch cable connected to a submarine switching branch unit.

4. The submarine power routing equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the second coupling port is operable to couple to the interconnecting cable, and the interconnecting cable is a two-conductor cable or a single-conductor cable.

5. The submarine power routing equipment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage converter is further operable to: The output voltage is adjusted in response to a command signal indicating a shunt fault.

6. The submarine power routing equipment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage converter is further operable to: Control signals from remote power supply equipment are received via the first and second submarine branch cables.

7. The submarine power routing equipment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage converter is further operable to: The output voltage is defined as a voltage that has a substantially constant value. The output has a basically constant value and is limited by the end-user specifications.

8. A submarine cable branching architecture, comprising: The first switching branch unit (1.1.2) and the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) are coupled to the first trunk submarine optical fiber cable (210); The third switching branch unit (2.1.2) and the fourth switching branch unit (2.2.2) are coupled to the second trunk submarine optical fiber cable (215); A first branch cable (730) coupled to the first switching branch unit (1.1.2) and the third switching branch unit (2.1.2), the first branch cable (730) including at least two optical fiber pairs (261) and at least one power conductor (251), wherein the first switching branch unit (1.1.2) is operable to switch high-voltage power supplied by the first trunk submarine optical fiber cable (210) to the first branch cable (730); A second branch cable (730) coupled to the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) and the fourth switching branch unit (2.2.2), the second branch cable (730) including at least two optical fiber pairs (263) and at least one power conductor (253), wherein the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) is operable to switch the high-voltage power supplied by the second trunk submarine optical fiber cable (215) to the second branch cable (730); as well as A first power terminal unit (212), coupled to the first branch cable (730), is located between the first switching branch unit (1.1.2) and the third switching branch unit (2.1.2). The first power terminal unit (212) has a first port (725) and a second port (726), the first port being coupled to at least one power conductor (253) of the first branch cable (730). A second power termination unit (214), coupled to the second branch cable (730), is located between the second switching branch unit (1.2.2) and the fourth switching branch unit (2.2.2). The second power termination unit (214) has a first port (725) and a second port (726), the first port being coupled to at least one power conductor (253) of the second branch cable (730). Each of the first and second power termination units is operable to: The high-voltage power is obtained from at least one power conductor (251, 253) of the corresponding branch cable (730). The high-voltage power from the corresponding switching branch unit (1.1.1, 1.1.2) is converted into power with a lower voltage than the high-voltage power, and Power with the lower voltage is supplied to the second port (726).

9. The submarine cable branching architecture according to claim 8, wherein the first switching branching unit is further operable to connect at least one fiber pair of at least two fiber pairs of the first trunk submarine optical fiber cable to a corresponding fiber pair of at least two fiber pairs of the first branch cable.

10. The submarine cable branching architecture of claim 8, wherein the first power terminal unit is operable to: Converting the low current of the high-voltage power into a higher current, or Adjust the voltage output to compensate for branch faults in at least one trunk submarine optical fiber cable.

11. The submarine cable branching architecture according to claim 8, wherein the first power terminal unit is further capable of operating to: Control signals are received from remote power supply equipment via the first submarine branch cable.

12. The submarine cable branching architecture according to claim 8, wherein the first power terminal unit is further capable of operating to: The output voltage is defined as a voltage that has a substantially constant value. The output has a basically constant value and is limited by the end-user specifications.

13. The submarine cable branching architecture according to claim 8, wherein the first switching branch unit is operable to: Provides optical switching and power switching functions, and Determine the connectivity between the fiber pairs in the at least one trunk submarine optical fiber cable and the interconnecting cables coupled to the power terminal unit.

14. The submarine cable branching structure according to claim 8, further comprising: An interconnecting cable connected to the second port of the first power terminal unit.

15. The submarine cable branching structure according to claim 14, further comprising: One or more payload devices coupled to the interconnect cable, wherein the interconnect cable distributes high-current, low-voltage power from the second port, and at least one of the one or more payload devices is operable to use the high-current, low-voltage power.

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