Processing device, transmitting device, communication device, processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

In the present invention, in order to enable stable operation of a single-wave modulation transmitting device or the like for a longer period of time, a processing device includes a processing unit for executing an adjustment process that is a process for adjusting the intensity and wavelength of a laser beam from a semiconductor laser for transmission based on the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through a wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter, the wavelength filter limiting the wavelength band of the laser beam, and a storage unit for storing the result of the adjustment process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In recently multifunctional optical subsea equipment (such as subsea branch equipment), there is a need for response operations to transmit response information relative to information sent from land-based terminal equipment. Based on these response operations, optical subsea equipment can send various types of alarms and various information (such as monitoring results from the optical subsea equipment) to the land-based terminal equipment. Methods for these response operations can be conceived as a full-wave modulation method involving the excitation light of an optical amplifier that modulates the main optical signal, and a single-wave modulation method using the wavelength of a light source (such as a semiconductor laser) with a single wavelength as the dedicated wavelength for the response transmission signal.

[0003] In this paper, PTL 1 discloses a laser source control device for stabilizing the amount of light emitted from a laser source.

[0004] [List of Citations]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-021506 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Technical Issues]

[0008] However, in the full-wave modulation method described in the background art, during the response period of a particular optical subsea device, it is difficult for another optical subsea device to further superimpose its response signal onto the signal of another optical subsea device. Therefore, there is a problem of a limited number of optical subsea devices capable of responding.

[0009] Conversely, in single-wave modulation methods, different response signals depending on the wavelength band of the optical submersible can be readily used, thus alleviating the limitation on the number of responding optical submersibles compared to full-wave modulation methods. However, in semiconductor lasers used as light sources, the laser beam output decreases due to degradation. This is a problem for optical submersibles that require long-term stable laser beam output and wavelength bands.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a processing device or the like that enables a transmitting device, including a semiconductor laser as a transmitting light source, to operate stably over a longer period of time.

[0011] [Problem Solution]

[0012] A processing apparatus according to the invention includes: a processing unit that performs an adjustment process for adjusting the intensity and wavelength of a laser beam based on the intensity of a laser beam not passing through a wavelength filter and the intensity of a laser beam passing through a wavelength filter, the wavelength filter specifying the wavelength band of the laser beam from a semiconductor laser to be transmitted; and a storage unit that stores the result of the adjustment process.

[0013] [Advantages of the Invention]

[0014] The processing apparatus and the like according to the present invention enable transmitting apparatuses, including those using semiconductor lasers as transmitting light sources, to operate stably over longer periods of time. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to this example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the transmitting unit.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first concrete example of the adjustment process performed by the processing unit.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second specific example of the adjustment process performed by the processing unit.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the transmitting unit.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the transmitting unit.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of the transmitting unit.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a minimum configuration of a processing device according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] <First Example Implementation>

[0024] This example embodiment is an example embodiment related to communication equipment, etc., which adjusts the intensity of the laser beam and each of the laser wavelengths to a set value at a predetermined time based on the adjustment of the laser current and the degree of cooling of the laser.

[0025] [Configuration and Operation]

[0026] Figure 1This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication device 600, as an example communication device according to this exemplary embodiment. The communication device 600 is included in an optical repeater device 20, which is inserted into an optical fiber cable 90. For example, the optical repeater device 20 is an optical submarine device that repeats / amplifies the signal of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber cable 90 and is installed on the seabed or in the sea. The configuration for performing a portion of the repeating / amplification is well known, and this portion is illustrated in... Figure 1 The middle part is omitted.

[0027] For example, optical cable 90 is a submarine cable installed on or in the seabed. Optical cable 90 includes optical fibers 91 and 92. Optical cable 90 typically includes optical fibers other than 91 and 92, but the illustrations of these optical fibers are not provided. Figure 1 The term is omitted. When the optical cable 90 is a submarine cable, the optical fiber 91 is, for example, a lower optical fiber used to transmit optical signals from one land station to another land station. For example, the optical fiber 92 is an upper optical fiber used to transmit optical signals from another land station to the land station.

[0028] The communication device 600 is a single-wave modulation communication device described in the background art. The communication device 600 includes a transmitting device 10 and a receiving device 50. The receiving device 50 includes a receiving unit 51 and a receiving processing unit 52.

[0029] A portion of the optical signal 81, branched by the CPL 413 inserted into the optical fiber 91, is input to the receiving unit 51. Here, CPL is an abbreviation for coupler. The receiving unit 51 acquires the signal directed toward the communication device 600 from the input portion of the optical signal 81 and sends the received signal, which is an electrical signal acquired from the optical signal, to the receiving processing unit 52. Based on the frequency band difference from the main signal, the receiving unit 51 is able to distinguish the signal directed toward the communication device 600 within the optical signal 81. Similar to the above description, the receiving unit 51 also performs operations on the optical signal 82 input from the CPL 412.

[0030] For example, the receiving processing unit 52 is a computer or processor. The receiving processing unit 52 performs processing for acquiring information from the received signal and for processing the content indicated by the information. Assume that the information included in the received signal is, for example, a notification instruction indicating a predetermined operating condition (operational condition information) of the optical repeater device 20. In this case, the instruction content, relative to acquiring the operational condition information from the various parts configuring the optical repeater device 20 and the acquired operational condition information, is, for example, a transmission instruction from the transmission processing unit 11.

[0031] The operations performed by the receiving unit 51 and the receiving processing unit 52 are general operations, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0032] The transmitting device 10 is the single-wave modulation transmitting device described above. The transmitting device 10 includes a transmitting processing unit 11 and a transmitting unit 12. For example, the transmitting processing unit 11 is a computer or processor. In this case, the transmitting processing unit 11 may include the same computer or processor as in the receiving processing unit 52.

[0033] The transmission processing unit 11 sends a transmission command to the transmission unit 12. The transmission command includes the difference between optical signal 81 and optical signal 82, which are to be overlapped with the transmission information, and the content of the transmission information.

[0034] By using CPL 403 or CPL 402 respectively, according to the instructions from the transmission processing unit 11, the transmission unit 12 overlaps the optical signal 81 or optical signal 82 with the optical signal including the transmission information.

[0035] The operations performed by the transmitting device 10 are general operations; therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted herein. In addition to general operations, the transmitting unit 12 of the transmitting device 10 performs the following operations.

[0036] The transmitting unit 12 monitors the output (laser output) of the semiconductor laser used to generate the optical signals included in the transmitting unit 12 and the frequency of the laser beam. As described in the problem solution, the laser output decreases due to degradation. When the laser output decreases to a certain level, the transmitting unit 12 increases the supply current (laser current) of the semiconductor laser. When the laser current increases, the temperature of the light-emitting unit rises, and therefore, the frequency of the laser beam decreases. By cooling the laser and reducing the laser temperature, the transmitting unit 12 reduces the frequency reduction of the laser beam. Specific examples of the configuration and operation of the transmitting unit 12 performing the operation are described below.

[0037] Figure 2 It's a diagram. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a configuration example of the transmitting unit 12. The transmitting unit 12 includes a laser module 100, a control unit 200, a wavelength filter 301, a CPL 401, an optical selector 501, a photodiode 601, and an optical terminator 701. In this document, PD is an abbreviation for photodiode. The signal path illustrated with solid lines in the figures represents the path of the optical signal (laser signal). The optical signal path includes optical fiber. Conversely, the path illustrated with dashed lines in the figures represents the path of the electrical signal. The electrical signal path includes wires.

[0038] Laser module 100 includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 101, a power diaphragm (PD) 102, a laser 103, and a drive unit 104. Herein, TEC is an abbreviation for thermoelectric cooler. Drive unit 104 sets the value of the drive current (laser current) of laser 103 according to instructions from current control unit 204. Thus, drive unit 104 supplies laser 103 with an amplitude-modulated drive current related to the amplitude-modulated signal input from processing unit 203.

[0039] Laser 103 is a semiconductor laser, and is, for example, a distributed feedback (DFB) laser. Laser 103 is driven by an amplitude-modulated current signal from driving unit 104, and outputs an amplitude-modulated optical signal (laser signal) associated with the current signal. The optical signal is then fed into wavelength filter 301. Wavelength filter 301 restricts the passing laser beam to a wavelength band used during transmission, thereby specifying the wavelength band of the subsequent laser beam.

[0040] PD 102 outputs a first voltage value to processing unit 203, which represents the voltage based on the intensity of the optical signal incident from laser 103. Although representing the output voltage from PD 102, the first voltage value is not always the output voltage itself, but rather a value obtained, for example, by multiplying the output voltage by a predetermined coefficient. TEC 101 cools laser 103 based on control signals sent from cooling control unit 201. TEC 101 is configured, for example, by including a Peltier element.

[0041] A portion of the laser beam transmitted through wavelength filter 301 is separated by CPL 401 and input to PD 601. The remaining laser beam is then directed to optical selector 501. PD 601 inputs a second voltage value to processing unit 203, representing the intensity of the incident laser beam whose wavelength band is limited by wavelength filter 301. Although representing the output voltage from PD 601, the second voltage value is not always the output voltage itself, but rather a value obtained, for example, by multiplying the output voltage by a predetermined coefficient.

[0042] Based on the control signal from the optical selector control unit 206, the optical selector 501 switches the transmission destination of the laser beam incident from CPL 401 to any one of the optical terminators 701, CPL 402, and CPL 403.

[0043] The laser beam incident on optical terminator 701 is terminated by optical terminator 701, preventing the generation of return light. The light incident on CPL 402 overlaps with optical signal 82. The overlapped optical signal 82 is transmitted to the left through optical fiber 92. Conversely, the light incident on CPL 403 overlaps with optical signal 81. The overlapped optical signal 81 is transmitted to the right through optical fiber 91.

[0044] For example, control unit 200 includes a computer or processor. The computer or processor may be... Figure 1 The transmitting processing unit 11 and receiving processing unit 52 are common to the computer or processor included in the control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes a processing unit 203, a cooling control unit 201, a current control unit 204, and an optical selector control unit 206.

[0045] According to instructions from processing unit 203, cooling control unit 201 controls the cooling level of laser 103 based on TEC 101. According to instructions from processing unit 203, current control unit 204 controls the current value of the current signal input to laser 103 by drive unit 104. According to instructions from processing unit 203, optical selector control unit 206 controls the switching destination from optical selector 501 to any one of optical terminator 701, CPL 402, and CPL 403.

[0046] Various information related to transmission is transmitted from terminal A. Figure 1 The information is input from the transmission processing unit 11 to the processing unit 203. This information includes at least transmission command information for instructing the transmission of predetermined information and adjustment command information for instructing the laser output and laser wavelength adjustment of the laser 103.

[0047] When a transmission command message is received from the transmission processing unit 11, the processing unit 203 sends an amplitude modulation signal representing the transmission message to the drive unit 104, and causes the drive unit 104 to supply the amplitude-modulated laser current to the laser 103. For the current control unit 204, the processing unit 203 specifies the laser current value at this time. Based on the processing performed later, which is described, upon receiving the adjustment command message, the processing unit 203 derives the laser current value and stores the derived value in a storage unit (not shown).

[0048] Upon receiving a transmission command message or when necessary, processing unit 203 operates cooling control unit 201 to cool laser 103 via TEC 101. For cooling control unit 201, processing unit 203 specifies the cooling level during cooling. Based on the processing described below performed upon receiving the adjustment command message, processing unit 203 derives information indicating the current cooling level and stores the derived value in a storage unit (not shown).

[0049] Upon receiving the aforementioned adjustment instruction information, based on the adjustment of the laser current and the adjustment of the cooling level of the laser 103, the processing unit 203 performs an adjustment process that adjusts each of the intensity of the laser beam and the laser wavelength of the laser 103 to a set value, which is set to the value to be used during transmission. The processing unit 203 stores information representing the laser current value and cooling level adjusted based on the adjustment process in a storage unit (not shown).

[0050] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first specific example of the processing performed by the processing unit 203. The processing unit 203 receives the transmission of the aforementioned adjustment instruction information and... Figure 3 Processing begins. In the initial state, it is assumed that the laser wavelength falls within a set range (set value neighborhood). In this case, the ratio of the laser beam passing through wavelength filter 301 falls within the maximum neighborhood. To make the first voltage value and the second voltage value substantially equal as a relationship, the coefficient to be multiplied by the output from PD 102 or the output from PD 601 is adjusted.

[0051] As part of the process in S10, the processing unit 203 first sets the connection destination of the optical selector 501 to the optical terminator 701. This is because the laser beam used for adjustment is prevented from being sent to the optical fiber 91 or 92.

[0052] As part of the process in S11, the processing unit 203 increases the laser current value supplied to the laser 103 from the initial state, causing the first voltage value to fall within a set range and storing the increased laser current value. However, when the first voltage value already falls within the set range in the initial state, the processing unit 203 maintains the laser current value in the initial state. When the processing unit 203 increases the laser current value, the power consumption of the laser 103 increases, thus increasing the temperature of the light-emitting units near the laser 103. In this situation, due to the thermal expansion of the light-emitting units near the laser 103, the laser wavelength is shifted to the longer wavelength side. Therefore, the second voltage value is less than the first voltage value.

[0053] Next, as part of the processing in S12, processing unit 203 increases the cooling level of laser 103 based on TEC 101, making the second voltage value equal to the first voltage value. When the first voltage value is already substantially equal to the second voltage value, processing unit 203 does not perform the increase. By doing these things, the laser wavelength falls within a range that is set to the value used during transmission.

[0054] As part of the process in S13, processing unit 203 disconnects the connection destination of optical selector 501 from optical terminator 701 and makes fiber optic cable 91 or 92 selectable. Processing unit 203 terminates. Figure 3 The processing in the process.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In the processing, in the initial state, it is assumed that the cooling degree of the TEC-based laser 103 is adjusted such that the first voltage value is equal to the second voltage value. However, in Figure 1 During the initial installation phase of the optical repeater device 20, such adjustments may not always be performed. Alternatively, it is conceivable that degradation may not always occur ideally. In this case, Figure 4 The processing can be performed.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second specific example of the adjustment process performed by the processing unit 203. Figure 4 The process is as follows: First, the laser current value is adjusted so that the first voltage value becomes the second voltage value, while the laser 103 is not cooled by TEC 101 (S101 to S103). Then, the cooling degree of the laser 103 based on TEC 101 is adjusted so that the first voltage value becomes the second voltage value, while the laser current is adjusted.

[0057] For example, based on the input of start information from the outside, the processing unit 203 begins... Figure 4 In the process of S101, the processing unit 203 first sets the connection destination of the optical selector 501 to the optical terminator 701. The processing unit 203 further sets the current value of the laser current supplied to the laser 103 by the driving unit 104. Compared to the current value during transmission, the processing unit 203 sets the current value to a smaller value while the laser 103 emits light. Compared to the laser wavelength during transmission, the laser wavelength of the laser beam from the laser 103, based on the smaller current value, has a shorter wavelength. This is because the laser current is lower than during transmission, resulting in a lower temperature of the emitting unit of the laser 103. Since the laser wavelength is shorter than the set value, the laser beam is attenuated by the wavelength filter 301. Therefore, the output from PD 601 for the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter 301 is less than the output from PD 102 for the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter 301.

[0058] In order to find the laser current that achieves the laser wavelength to be transmitted from this state, the processing unit 203 performs the processes in S102 and S103.

[0059] As part of the process in S102, processing unit 203 first determines whether the difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value is sufficiently small (approximately zero) and falls within an allowable range. The voltage value representing the allowable range is previously determined. When the determination result based on the process in S102 is yes, processing unit 203 executes the process in S104. Conversely, when the determination result based on the process in S102 is no, processing unit 203 executes the process in S103.

[0060] When the process in S103 is executed, the processing unit 203 increases the laser current by current ΔI as a repeating process. Current ΔI is pre-determined and set to a sufficiently small value such that the "no" condition in S102 and S103 is repeated, thus changing the determination result in S102 to "yes". The processing unit 203 then executes the process in S102 again.

[0061] Subsequently, processing unit 203 repeats the "no" steps in S102 and S103, and the laser current increases through the current ΔI step, thereby gradually shifting the laser wavelength to the longer wavelength side, thus achieving the "yes" result in S102. This instructs laser 103 to emit a laser beam of the desired laser wavelength for transmission. However, during this stage, the laser output from laser 103 does not always have the value intended for transmission. Therefore, when the laser output shifts from the value intended for transmission, processing unit 203 adjusts that value and further executes the processing in S104 and the steps of adjusting the shifted laser wavelength based on the adjustment of the laser output.

[0062] As part of the process in S104, processing unit 203 determines whether the first voltage value exceeds a previously determined set range, assuming it is to be used for transmission. When the determination result based on the process in S104 is yes, processing unit 203 executes the process in S110. Conversely, when the determination result based on the process in S104 is no, processing unit 203 executes the process in S105.

[0063] When the process in S105 is executed, the processing unit 203 determines whether the first voltage value is lower than a set range, and performs the same process accordingly. If the determination result based on the process in S105 is yes, the processing unit 203 executes the process in S106. Conversely, if the determination result based on the process in S105 is no, the processing unit 203 executes the process in S113.

[0064] When performing the process in S106, the processing unit 203 causes the current control unit 204 to increase the laser current by current ΔI, as part of the same process. As part of the process in S107, the processing unit 203 determines whether the difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value falls within the aforementioned allowable range. If the determination result based on the process in S107 is yes, the processing unit 203 performs the process in S104. Conversely, if the determination result based on the process in S107 is no, the processing unit 203 performs the process in S108.

[0065] When the process in S108 is executed, the processing unit 203 causes the cooling control unit 201 to increase the cooling degree of the laser 103 by ΔC based on the TEC 101, as part of the same process. When the TFC 101 is a Peltier element, the degree ΔC is set by the increment of the current supplied to the Peltier element. The degree ΔC is set to a sufficiently small value such that the "no" in S107 and S108 is repeated, thereby changing the determination result in S107 to "yes".

[0066] Processing unit 203 repeats the "no" statement in S107 and S108, thus requiring "yes" as the determination result in S107. Processing unit 203 then executes the processing in S104 again.

[0067] When executing the process in S110, the processing unit 203 causes the current control unit 204 to reduce the laser current by current ΔI, as part of the same process. As part of the process in S111, the processing unit 203 determines whether the difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value falls within the aforementioned allowable range. If the determination result based on the process in S111 is yes, the processing unit 203 executes the process in S104. Conversely, if the determination result based on the process in S111 is no, the processing unit 203 executes the process in S112.

[0068] When the process in S112 is executed, the processing unit 203 causes the cooling control unit 201 to reduce the cooling degree of the laser 103 by the aforementioned degree ΔC based on TEC 101, as the same process.

[0069] Processing unit 203 repeats the "no" condition in S111 and S112, thus requiring "yes" as the determination result in S111. Processing unit 203 then executes the processing in S104 again.

[0070] When the processing in S113 is executed, the processing unit 203 causes the optical selector control unit 206 to set the connection destination of the optical selector 501, so that either CPL 402 or 402 is processed in the same way.

[0071] Processing unit 203 terminates Figure 4 The processing in the process.

[0072] Processing unit 203 causes a storage unit (not shown) to store a representation based on... Figure 4 The information includes the laser current value and the cooling level of laser 103, which are adjusted during processing. Figure 4 When the transmission is performed after the processing in the middle, the processing unit 203 causes the current control unit 204 and the cooling control unit 201 to perform control based on this information.

[0073] In the above description, an example of a transmitting device sending optical signals to two optical fibers has been described. However, the transmitting device can send optical signals to three or more optical fibers. It is possible to send optical signals to three or more optical fibers by setting the number of switching destinations of the optical selector to be equal to or greater than four (one destination being an optical terminator). Alternatively, the optical selector can be configured in a multi-level manner.

[0074] [Beneficial Effects]

[0075] According to the transmitting device of this example embodiment, the laser current and the degree of laser cooling are adjusted at a predetermined time, thereby adjusting each of the laser beam intensity and laser wavelength to a set value. Therefore, the transmitting device can continue to use the laser, even when the laser beam intensity decreases due to laser degradation, etc. As a result, the transmitting device can operate stably for a longer period of time.

[0076] <Second Example Implementation>

[0077] This example embodiment is an example embodiment related to a communication device that transmits optical signals, wherein the laser beam is intensity modulated by driving an optical attenuator.

[0078] [Configuration and Operation]

[0079] The configuration example of the communication device according to this example embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The illustrated communication device 600 differs from the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment in the following aspects. The differences between the communication device 600 of this example embodiment and the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment will be primarily described below.

[0080] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example configuration of the transmitting unit 12 included in a communication device 600 according to this example embodiment. (Except for...) Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the sending unit 12, Figure 5 The transmitting unit 12 also includes an optical attenuator 801 between the CPL 401 and the optical selector 501. In addition... Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the control unit 200, Figure 5The control unit 200 also includes an optical attenuator control unit 207. Figure 5 The transmitting unit 12 in the middle does not include Figure 2 The optical terminator 701 in the middle.

[0081] Depend on Figure 5 The operation performed by the transmitting unit 12 is different from that described below. Figure 2 The transmitting unit 12 in the middle.

[0082] The drive unit 104 receives instructions from the processing unit 203 and supplies the laser 103 with a direct laser current instead of an intensity-modulated laser current.

[0083] When received Figure 2 When sending the command information as described in the description, the processing unit 203 sends an amplitude modulation signal to the optical attenuator control unit 207. Based on the amplitude modulation signal, the optical attenuator control unit 207 drives the attenuation based on the optical attenuator 801 and performs amplitude modulation on the input laser beam. The amplitude-modulated laser beam then enters the optical selector 501.

[0084] Before sending the amplitude modulation signal to the optical attenuator control unit 207, the processing unit 203 causes the optical selector control unit 206 to switch the connection destination of the optical selector 501 between CPL 402 and CPL 403.

[0085] As described above, the processing unit 203 performs transmission processing on the transmission information.

[0086] Upon receiving Figure 2 When the described adjustment instruction information is sent, the processing unit 203 first causes the optical attenuator control unit 207 to cut off (maximum attenuation) the laser beam based on the optical attenuator 801. The processing unit 203 performs the adjustment process described according to the first example embodiment. Thus, similar to the first example embodiment, the processing unit 203 exhibits advantageous effects.

[0087] [Beneficial Effects]

[0088] Similar to the communication device according to the first example embodiment, the communication device according to the second example embodiment exhibits advantageous effects. In addition to the advantages described above, the communication device does not require amplitude modulation of the laser current based on the driving unit. When the laser current is amplitude modulated, the laser wavelength is affected by the current change caused by the amplitude modulation. Therefore, it is difficult to set the amplitude modulation amplitude of the laser current to a sufficiently large level. Conversely, the communication device does not perform amplitude modulation of the laser current, thus enabling the amplitude of the laser signal to be set to a much larger level.

[0089] [Third Example Implementation]

[0090] This example embodiment is an example embodiment related to a communication device that adjusts the intensity of a laser beam based on the attenuation level of the laser beam using an optical attenuator.

[0091] [Configuration and Operation]

[0092] The configuration example of the communication device according to this example embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The illustrated communication device 600 differs from the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment in the following aspects. The differences between the communication device 600 of this example embodiment and the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment will be primarily described below.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example configuration of the transmitting unit 12 included in a communication device 600 according to this example embodiment. (Except for...) Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the transmitting unit 12, the transmitting unit 12 also includes an optical attenuator 801 between the wavelength filter 301 and the CPL 401. Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the control unit 200, the control unit 200 also includes an optical attenuator control unit 207.

[0094] Depend on Figure 6 The operation performed by the sending unit 12 in the middle is the same as Figure 2 The differences in operation are as follows.

[0095] Based on the attenuation of the laser signal by the optical attenuator 801, the transmitting unit 12 adjusts the intensity of the laser signal overlapping with the optical fiber 91 or 92.

[0096] Processing unit 203 previously caused optical attenuator control unit 207 to set the laser signal to a predetermined value based on the attenuation of optical attenuator 801. Processing unit 203 then caused current control unit 204 to adjust the laser current value based on the attenuation, such that the second voltage value from PD 601 achieves the intensity of the laser beam during transmission. Based on the above settings and adjustments, the first voltage value from PD 102 and the second voltage value from PD 601 are substantially equal to each other.

[0097] Subsequently, the intensity of the laser beam decreased due to the degradation of laser 103.

[0098] When received Figure 2When the transmission command information described in the description is transmitted, the processing unit 203 causes the optical attenuator control unit 207 to adjust the laser signal based on the attenuation of the optical attenuator 801. The adjustment is performed, for example, so that the first voltage value from PD102 and the second voltage value from PD601 are substantially equal to each other. At this time, the processing unit 203 does not modify the laser current. Since the laser current is not changed, the laser wavelength is not changed.

[0099] Subsequently, it is assumed that due to the degradation of laser 103, the intensity of the laser beam is further reduced, and the attenuation based on optical attenuator 801 is minimized. In this case, processing unit 203 performs adjustment processing according to the first example embodiment.

[0100] Similar to the case according to the second example embodiment, the processing unit 203 can cause the optical attenuator control unit 207 to amplitude modulate the attenuation amount based on the optical attenuator 801 and generate a transmission signal. In this case, the processing unit 203 does not cause the driving unit 104 to supply the amplitude-modulated laser current to the laser 103.

[0101] Even when the attenuation based on optical attenuator 801 is not minimized, processing unit 203 can still perform adjustment processing according to the first example embodiment. In this case, processing unit 203 is able to adjust for the shift in laser wavelength caused by reasons other than an increase in laser current value.

[0102] [Beneficial Effects]

[0103] Before the adjustment process performed by the communication device according to the first example embodiment, the communication device according to this example embodiment reduces the attenuation based on the optical attenuator, thereby adjusting the intensity of the laser beam used for transmission. As a result, the communication device can continue to use the laser for a longer period of time.

[0104] <Fourth Example Implementation>

[0105] This example embodiment is an example embodiment related to a communication device with a redundant configuration of the laser module.

[0106] [Configuration and Operation]

[0107] The configuration example of the communication device according to this example embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The illustrated communication device 600 differs from the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment in the following aspects. The differences between the communication device 600 of this example embodiment and the communication device 600 of the first example embodiment will be primarily described below.

[0108] Figure 7This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example configuration of the transmitting unit 12 included in a communication device 600 according to this example embodiment. (Except for...) Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the sending unit 12, Figure 7 The transmitting unit 12 also includes a second laser module 110. The second laser module 110 includes a TEC 111, a PD 112, a laser 113, and a driving unit 114. These units are related to the components included in the laser module 100. Figure 7 The transmitting unit 12 also includes CPL404.

[0109] Apart from Figure 2 In addition to the configuration included in the control unit 200, Figure 7 The control unit 200 also includes a second cooling control unit 211 and a second current control unit 214. These units perform similar operations to the cooling control unit 201 and the current control unit 204, except that the controlled targets include the TEC 111 and the drive unit 114.

[0110] When performing the adjustment process described according to the first example embodiment, the processing unit 203 first bases on Figure 2 The common configuration performs adjustment processing on laser 103. When laser 103 deteriorates, at some point in time, the adjustment processing for laser module 100 is not completed due to limitations on cooling of the TFC-based laser 103, limitations on increasing the laser current supplied to laser 103, etc. For example, the reason is... Figure 4 In the process, based on the adjustment of the laser current or cooling degree of laser 103, the difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value does not fall within the allowable range or the first voltage value does not fall within the set range.

[0111] In this case, processing unit 203 switches the laser module used for transmission from laser module 100 to the second laser module 110. By using the laser current and cooling level determined based on the adjustment process, processing unit 203 performs adjustment processing on the second laser module 110 and performs transmission processing based on the second laser module 110.

[0112] replace Figure 7 The CPL 404 in the image, when viewed from wavelength filter 301, can be used as an optical selector to perform switching between laser 103 and laser 113. In this case, control unit 200 includes a selector control unit that controls the selector. Processing unit 203 enables the selector control unit to control the selector.

[0113] The transmitting unit 12 may include a combination of three or more laser modules, a cooling control unit for controlling the laser modules, and a current control unit.

[0114] [Beneficial Effects]

[0115] The communication device according to this example embodiment includes multiple transmitting laser modules. When the adjustment of the laser output intensity and laser wavelength reaches a limit, the communication device adjusts the laser output intensity and laser wavelength of one laser module for another. The communication device performs transmission by using the laser modules. Therefore, the communication device can operate over a longer period of time.

[0116] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of processing device 203x, representing a minimum configuration of the processing device according to an example embodiment. Processing device 203x includes a processing unit 203ax and a storage unit 203bx. Processing unit 203ax performs an adjustment process that adjusts the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam based on the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter. The wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser used for transmission. Storage unit 203bx stores the results of the adjustment process.

[0117] The processing device 203x performs processing to adjust the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam, thus enabling the semiconductor laser to continue operating even when the intensity or wavelength of the laser beam is shifted. Therefore, the processing device 203x extends the usable time of the semiconductor laser. Consequently, the processing device 203x enables transmitting devices, including those using semiconductor lasers as transmission sources, to operate stably for longer periods.

[0118] Therefore, the processing device 203x exhibits the advantageous effects described in the advantageous effects of the invention based on this configuration.

[0119] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and other changes, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of elements illustrated in each of the accompanying drawings is an example to aid in understanding the invention and does not limit the configuration illustrated in these drawings.

[0120] All or part of the example embodiments disclosed above can be described, but are not limited to, the following notes.

[0121] (Postscript 1)

[0122] A processing apparatus, comprising:

[0123] A processing unit performs an adjustment process that adjusts the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam based on the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter. The wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser to be transmitted.

[0124] The storage unit stores the results of the adjustment process.

[0125] (Postscript 2)

[0126] According to the processing apparatus of Appendix 1, the processing unit performs adjustment processing so that the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam both fall within a predetermined range.

[0127] (Note 3)

[0128] According to the processing device in Appendix 2, the predetermined range is the range to be used for transmission based on the laser beam.

[0129] (Postscript 4)

[0130] According to any of the processing apparatuses in Appendix 1 to 3, the results include the value of the laser current to be used to drive the semiconductor laser and the degree of cooling of the semiconductor laser.

[0131] (Note 5)

[0132] According to any one of the processing devices in Appendix 1 to 3, the processing unit performs adjustment processing to establish a set relationship between the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter.

[0133] (Note 6)

[0134] According to the processing device in Appendix 5, the ratio of laser beams passing through the wavelength filter is substantially the largest in the set relationship.

[0135] (Note 7)

[0136] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, the processing device wherein, during adjustment processing, the processing unit cuts off or attenuates the channel of the laser beam to the outside.

[0137] (Postscript 8)

[0138] According to the processing device in Appendix 7, the processing unit performs cutting or attenuation by using an optical attenuator.

[0139] (Note 9)

[0140] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, the processing unit performs transmission processing related to laser beam-based transmission based on the result.

[0141] (Postscript 10)

[0142] According to the processing apparatus in Appendix 9, the transmission processing includes amplitude modulation processing of the laser beam, which serves as the transmission signal for transmission.

[0143] (Postscript 11)

[0144] According to the processing apparatus of Appendix 10, the amplitude modulation processing is performed by a process in which the attenuation of the laser beam is modulated by an optical attenuator.

[0145] (Postscript 12)

[0146] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 11, the processing device wherein the processing unit performs adjustment processing for a plurality of semiconductor lasers.

[0147] (Postscript 13)

[0148] According to the processing apparatus in Appendix 12, when an attempt is made to perform adjustment processing on one of the semiconductor lasers but the adjustment processing is not completed, the processing unit performs adjustment processing on the other semiconductor laser.

[0149] (Postscript 14)

[0150] The processing apparatus according to any one of Appendix 1 to 13, wherein the transmission is performed for an optical fiber.

[0151] (Postscript 15)

[0152] According to the processing device in Appendix 14, the transmission is performed for multiple optical fibers.

[0153] (Postscript 16)

[0154] According to the processing apparatus of Appendix 15, the optical fiber includes an optical fiber for optical communication in a particular direction and an optical fiber for optical communication in the opposite direction.

[0155] (Postscript 17)

[0156] The processing apparatus according to any one of notes 14 to 16, wherein the optical fiber is included in the optical cable.

[0157] (Postscript 18)

[0158] According to the processing equipment in Appendix 17, the optical cable is a submarine cable.

[0159] (Postscript 19)

[0160] The processing device is included in the optical subsea device according to any of the notes 1 to 18.

[0161] (Postscript 20)

[0162] A transmitting device comprising a processing device and a semiconductor laser according to any one of appendices 1 to 19.

[0163] (Postscript 21)

[0164] A communication device includes a transmitting device according to Appendix 20 and a receiving device for receiving optical signals transmitted by another transmitting device.

[0165] (Postscript 22)

[0166] A processing method includes:

[0167] The intensity and wavelength of the laser beam are adjusted based on the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter. The wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser to be transmitted; and

[0168] Store the results of the adjustments.

[0169] (Postscript 23)

[0170] A processing program that causes a computer to execute:

[0171] The adjustment process adjusts the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam based on the intensity of the laser beam not passing through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam passing through the wavelength filter, wherein the wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser to be transmitted; and

[0172] The processing of the results of storage adjustment.

[0173] For example, according to the notes "semiconductor laser" is Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Laser 103 or Figure 7 Laser 113 in the example. For example, a "wavelength filter" is... Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Wavelength filter 301 in the process. For example, the "processing unit" is... Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Processing unit 203 or Figure 8 This is part of the adjustment process performed by the processing unit 203ax.

[0174] For example, a "storage unit" is a storage unit (not shown) included in processing unit 203 that stores the adjustment results. Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Processing unit 203 or Figure 8 Within storage unit 203bx. For example, "processing device" is Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Processing unit 203 or Figure 8 The processing device 203x in the middle. For example, "laser current" is generated by... Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The laser current supplied to the laser 103 by the driving unit 104 or by the driving unit 104 is either Figure 7 The drive unit 114 in the middle supplies laser current to the laser 113.

[0175] For example, "cooling level" is based on Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The cooling degree of laser 103 in TEC 101 or based on Figure 7 The degree of cooling of laser 113 in TEC 111. For example, the "optical attenuator" is... Figure 5 or Figure 6 The optical attenuator 801 in the example. For example, "optical fiber" is... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The fiber optic cable is either 91 or 92.

[0176] For example, "optical fiber cable" is Figure 1 90. For example, "transmitting equipment" is... Figure 1 The transmitting device 10 in the example. For example, "communication device" is... Figure 1 The communication equipment in the 600.

[0177] For example, "computer" is Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The processing unit 203 includes a computer. For example, a "processor" is used to make... Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The processing unit 203 executes the processing program and stores it in, for example, a storage unit (not shown) included in the processing unit 203.

[0178] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0179] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-118599, filed on July 9, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0180] [List of Reference Symbols]

[0181] 10 Transmitting Devices

[0182] 11 Transmission Processing Unit

[0183] 12 Transmitting Units

[0184] 20 Optical Repeater Equipment

[0185] 50 receiving devices

[0186] 51 receiving unit

[0187] 52 Receiver Processing Unit

[0188] 81, 82 Optical Signals

[0189] 90 fiber optic cable

[0190] 100 laser module

[0191] 101, 111TEC

[0192] 102, 112, 601PD

[0193] 103 and 113 lasers

[0194] 104, 114 drive units

[0195] 91 and 92 fiber optic cables

[0196] 110 Second Laser Module

[0197] 200 control unit

[0198] 201 Cooling Control Unit

[0199] 203, 203ax processing units

[0200] 203bx memory units

[0201] 203x processing equipment

[0202] 204 Current Control Unit

[0203] 206 Optical Selector Control Unit

[0204] 207 Optical Attenuator Control Unit

[0205] 211 Second Cooling Control Unit

[0206] 214 Second Current Control Unit

[0207] 301 wavelength filter

[0208] 401, 402, 403, 404, 412, 413CPL

[0209] 501 Optical Selector

[0210] 600 communication equipment

[0211] 701 Optical Terminator

[0212] 801 Optical Attenuator

Claims

1. A processing apparatus, comprising: A processing device for performing an adjustment process that adjusts the intensity and wavelength of a laser beam based on the intensity of the laser beam not passing through a wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam passing through the wavelength filter, wherein the wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from a semiconductor laser to be transmitted. as well as Storage device, the storage device being used to store the result of the adjustment process, During the adjustment process, the processing device cuts off or attenuates the channel of the laser beam to the outside.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processing device performs the adjustment process so that the intensity and wavelength of the laser beam both fall within a predetermined range.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The predetermined range is the range to be used for transmission based on the laser beam.

4. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The results include the value of the laser current to be used to drive the semiconductor laser and the degree of cooling of the semiconductor laser.

5. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processing device performs the adjustment process to establish a set relationship between the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, In the aforementioned configuration, the ratio of the laser beam passing through the wavelength filter is substantially the largest.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processing device performs the cutting or attenuation by using an optical attenuator.

8. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Based on the results, the processing device performs transmission processing related to the transmission based on the laser beam.

9. A processing method, comprising: The intensity and wavelength of the laser beam are adjusted based on the intensity of the laser beam that does not pass through the wavelength filter and the intensity of the laser beam that passes through the wavelength filter, wherein the wavelength filter specifies the wavelength band of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser to be transmitted; Store the results of the adjustment; as well as During the adjustment, the channel of the laser beam to the outside is cut off or attenuated.

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