Optical assembly

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical assembly including a laser module having a pluggable interface, an optical input / output module having a pluggable interface, and a base module having a first pluggable interface pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the laser module, a second pluggable interface pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the input / output module, and a transceiver optically located between the first pluggable interface and the second pluggable interface of the base module.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of European patent application EP 20211848.5, filed on 4 December 2020. The above application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This invention relates to optical components, an assembly of optical parts for manufacturing optical components, and a method for manufacturing optical components. Background Technology

[0003] Optical components, including lasers, transceivers, and interface modules, are described, for example, in international patent application WO 2020 / 083845A1.

[0004] The purpose of this invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical component that can be easily used to meet the needs of different customers.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing optical components that meet the needs of different customers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical component comprising: a laser module having a pluggable interface; an optical input / output module having a pluggable interface; and a base module having a first pluggable interface pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the laser module, a second pluggable interface pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the input / output module, and a transceiver optically located between the first pluggable interface and the second pluggable interface of the base module.

[0008] The advantage of the latter embodiment is that the optical components can be used in different technical environments. For example, a laser module that generates optical radiation with a single wavelength can be easily replaced by other laser modules that generate radiation with different wavelengths, or vice versa. By simply replacing the existing interface module, an appropriate interface module can be assigned to the selected laser module, and vice versa. The hardware of the base module can remain the same or even completely unaffected.

[0009] Preferably, the transceiver of the base module is connected to the first pluggable interface of the base module via a first fiber bundle.

[0010] Preferably, the transceiver of the base module is connected to the second pluggable interface of the base module via a second fiber bundle.

[0011] Preferably, the laser module includes eight lasers.

[0012] Preferably, the first fiber bundle includes eight optical fibers.

[0013] Preferably, the lasers of the laser module generate radiation of the same wavelength. Alternatively, the lasers of the laser module may generate radiation with at least two different wavelengths.

[0014] The laser in the laser module can generate radiation with four different wavelengths. In the latter case, the two lasers preferably generate radiation with the same wavelength respectively.

[0015] Preferably, the laser module has an optical interface and an electrical interface. The electrical interface can be used to supply power and electrical control signals.

[0016] Preferably, the type of laser module can be reported via an electrical interface.

[0017] Preferably, the characteristics of the laser module can be controlled via software through an electrical interface.

[0018] Preferably, the current characteristics of the laser module can be reported via an electrical interface.

[0019] Preferably, the electrical control unit is connected to the electrical interface of the laser module, the electrical interface of the input / output module, and the base module, which includes a transceiver module and other components of the preferred assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the input / output module includes 64 optical fibers connected to a pluggable internal interface. This interface can be connected to a second fiber bundle that may include the 64 optical fibers in the base module.

[0021] Preferably, the input / output module includes a second optical interface (hereinafter referred to as the external optical interface) in addition to its pluggable interface (hereinafter also referred to as the internal optical interface). The external optical interface is preferably terminated by one or more pluggable optical connectors.

[0022] The external optical interface can be located on the housing of the input / output module. The external optical interface is preferably located on one side of the housing. The pluggable interface (internal optical interface) is preferably located on the opposite side of the housing.

[0023] Alternatively, the external optical interface may terminate one or more fiber optic bundles, which are connected to the input / output module.

[0024] The input / output module may include eight fiber bundles with eight pluggable optical connectors, which serve as a second optical interface.

[0025] Preferably, one type of input / output module (i.e., type 1) includes an optical multiplexer element and an optical demultiplexer element for optical output signals and optical input signals, respectively.

[0026] Preferably, the optical multiplexer multiplexes four wavelengths guided from four different optical fibers at the internal optical interface into a single optical fiber, which then guides the four different wavelengths to the external interface of the input / output module.

[0027] Preferably, the optical demultiplexer demultiplexes four wavelengths guided in a single optical fiber at the external optical interface into four different optical fibers, which guide four different wavelengths to the internal interface of the input / output module.

[0028] Preferably, the input / output module type 1 includes an optical multiplexer and a demultiplexer, each comprising eight fiber bundles, each with two optical fibers.

[0029] Preferably, another type of input / output module (i.e., type 2) includes fiber optic only, which guides light directly from the internal optical interface to the external optical interface and vice versa.

[0030] Preferably, the Type 2 input / output module includes eight fiber bundles, each containing eight optical fibers.

[0031] Preferably, the input / output module has an internal optical interface and an internal electrical interface. The electrical interface can be used to supply power and electrical control signals.

[0032] Preferably, the input / output module features can be controlled via software through an electrical interface.

[0033] Preferably, the type of input / output module can be reported via an electrical interface.

[0034] Preferably, the current characteristics of the input / output modules can be reported via an electrical interface.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a collection of optical components for manufacturing optical assemblies (preferably assemblies as described above), the collection comprising:

[0036] - A collection of laser modules, comprising at least two different types of laser modules, each of which has a pluggable interface.

[0037] - A collection of input / output modules, comprising at least two different types of input / output modules, each of which has a pluggable interface.

[0038] - A basic module having a first pluggable interface that can be plugged into each of the laser modules in the set of laser modules, a second pluggable interface that can be plugged into each of the input / output modules in the set of input / output modules, and a transceiver located between the first and second pluggable interfaces.

[0039] The optical components of the assembly of components may be the same as those described above in relation to optical components.

[0040] According to a predefined allocation scheme, each of the laser modules is preferably individually allocated to one or more of the input / output modules, and each of the input / output modules is individually allocated to one or more of the laser modules.

[0041] The laser module preferably carries or emits a type-related identifier that identifies the laser module and its corresponding type.

[0042] The input / output module preferably carries or transmits a type-related identifier that identifies the input / output module and its corresponding type.

[0043] The control unit implemented in the base module is preferably configured to read type-related identifiers of the inserted laser module and the inserted input / output module. The control unit is preferably configured to control whether the type of the laser module inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module and the type of the input / output module inserted into the second pluggable interface correspond to a predefined allocation scheme.

[0044] The control unit is preferably configured to generate an alarm signal if a predefined allocation scheme is violated.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an optical assembly based on an assembly of optical components (preferably the assembly of optical components described above), the method comprising the following steps:

[0046] - Select a laser module from the set of at least two laser modules.

[0047] Insert the selected laser module's pluggable interface into the base module's first pluggable interface.

[0048] - Select an input / output module from the set of at least two input / output modules, and

[0049] - Insert the pluggable interface of the selected input / output module into the second pluggable interface of the base module.

[0050] Compared to the method described above, one or more of the following steps are advantageous:

[0051] - Based on a predefined allocation scheme, each laser module can be individually assigned to one or more input / output modules, and each input / output module can be individually assigned to one or more laser modules.

[0052] - The laser module can carry or emit type-related identifiers that identify the laser module and its corresponding type.

[0053] - Input / output modules can carry or transmit type-related identifiers that identify the input / output module and its corresponding type.

[0054] - The control unit implemented in the basic module can perform the following steps:

[0055] - Read the type-related identifiers of the inserted laser module and the type-related identifiers of the inserted input / output modules.

[0056] - Controls whether the types of laser modules inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module and the types of input / output modules inserted into the second pluggable interface correspond to a predefined allocation scheme; and

[0057] - If a predefined allocation scheme is violated, an alarm signal is generated. Attached Figure Description

[0058] To facilitate an easy understanding of the above and other advantages of the invention, a more detailed description of the invention, briefly described above, will be presented with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope; the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an optical assembly including a network switch assembly is shown, which forms a basic module configurable by a pluggable optical input / output module and a pluggable laser module.

[0060] Figure 2 This illustrates the effect after the network switch assembly has been equipped with two optical input / output modules and two laser modules. Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment,

[0061] Figure 3 An exemplary front panel of a network switch assembly with sixteen optical input / output module cages and sixteen laser module cages is shown.

[0062] Figure 4 This illustrates different types of laser modules that can be inserted into the front panel to configure the network switch assembly.

[0063] Figure 5 This illustrates different types of input / output modules that can be inserted into the front panel to configure network switch assemblies, and

[0064] Figure 6 The diagram shows an input / output module including eight fiber optic bundles and eight connectors at the external optical interface. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or equivalent parts are always indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0066] It is readily understood that, as generally described herein, the parameters of embodiments of the present invention can vary within a wide range. Therefore, the following more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but rather represents only the presently preferred embodiments.

[0067] Appendix Figures 1 to 6 The description refers to the following reference numerals:

[0068] 1: Laser Module

[0069] 1a: 4 λ laser modules with: 8 laser diodes, 2 laser diodes per λ, temperature control element, 1 fiber coupler / laser diode, optical power control, and option ID.

[0070] 1b: Single λ laser module with: 8 laser diodes, e.g., 1310nm, temperature control element, 1 fiber coupling element / laser diode, optical power control, and option ID.

[0071] 1c: Multi-option laser module with: 8 laser diodes with tunable wavelengths, temperature control element, 1 fiber coupling element per laser diode, optical power control, module option ID.

[0072] 2: Subunit

[0073] 3: First fiber bundle

[0074] 4: Second fiber bundle

[0075] 5: Optical Input / Output Module

[0076] 5a: Optical input / output module supporting parallel options

[0077] 5b: Optical input / output module supporting multiplexing options

[0078] 5c: Optical input / output module with multiple options

[0079] 6a: Pluggable interface for laser module

[0080] 6b: Pluggable internal interface of the input / output module; 7a: First pluggable interface of the base module provided by the laser module cage; 7b: Second pluggable interface of the base module provided by the input / output module cage; 8: Front panel of the switching assembly.

[0081] 9: Fiber optic bundles for input / output modules

[0082] 10: Switching ASIC

[0083] 100: Transceiver Module

[0084] 11: High-speed switching board

[0085] 12: Control Unit

[0086] 13: Control Interface

[0087] 14: Network Switch Component (Basic Module)

[0088] 20: Multiplexing optical signals, e.g., FR4 standard compatible; 22: Optical multiplexer (MUX) and demultiplexer (DEMUX) components; 23a: Option ID.

[0089] 23b: Option ID

[0090] 23c: Option ID

[0091] 25: Wires to the control unit

[0092] 26: Parallel optical signals, such as DR4 standard compatible

[0093] 27: Optionally multiplex optical signals or parallel optical signals

[0094] 28: Up to 64 optical fibers with a possible 64 optical adapter element; 30: Software-configurable optical switching elements among the following:

[0095] - Parallel option

[0096] - Multiplexer (MUX) and Demultiplexer (DEMUX) options

[0097] -Other optical switch options

[0098] - Attenuation options

[0099] 31: Control unit with software control function

[0100] 32: Control signal

[0101] 33a-c: External fiber optic interface

[0102] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an optical assembly including a base module 14 is shown. The base module 14 (due to its characteristics) is referred to hereinafter as a network switch assembly 14. The network switch assembly 14 can be configured with a pluggable optical input / output module 5 and a pluggable laser module 1.

[0103] The network switch assembly 14 includes a subunit 2 having a switch ASIC 10, sixteen transceiver modules 100, a high-speed substrate 11, and a fiber bundle.

[0104] Each of the transceiver modules 100 is connected to the first pluggable interface 7a of the network switch assembly 14 via the first fiber bundle 3, and to the second pluggable interface 7b of the network switch assembly 14 via the second fiber bundle 4.

[0105] The pluggable laser module 1 includes electrical and optical interfaces 6a that can be inserted into a laser module cage, which is provided with a first pluggable interface 7a of the network switch assembly 14 and thus can be connected to one of the transceiver modules 100. The laser module 1 can be inserted through the front panel 8 of the network switch assembly 14.

[0106] The pluggable input / output module 5 includes an internal electrical and optical interface 6b that can be inserted into an input / output module cage, which is provided with a second pluggable interface 7b of the network switch assembly 14 and can therefore be connected to one of the transceiver modules 100.

[0107] In addition, the pluggable input / output module 5 includes a second external optical interface 33. The external optical interface 33 is connected to the internal electrical and optical interface 6b of the pluggable input / output module 5 via a fiber bundle 9.

[0108] The input / output module 5 can be inserted through the front panel 8 of the network switch assembly 14.

[0109] The control unit 12 of the network switch assembly 14 can be electrically connected to the laser module 1 via interfaces 6a and 7a, electrically connected to the input / output module 5 via interfaces 6b and 7b, electrically connected to the control interface 13 in the front panel 8, and electrically connected to the sub-unit 2.

[0110] Figure 2 This shows its configuration with two inserted optical input / output modules 5 and two inserted laser modules 1. Figure 1 An exemplary network switch component 14.

[0111] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Front view of the front panel 8 of an exemplary network switch assembly 14.

[0112] On the top row of the front panel 8, you can see sixteen laser module cages with interfaces 7a. Laser modules 1 can be inserted into each of the interfaces 7a.

[0113] Sixteen input / output module cages with internal interfaces 7b can be seen in the bottom row of the front panel 8. Input / output modules 5 can be inserted into each of the interfaces 7b. The front panel 8 also includes a control interface 13.

[0114] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein different types of laser modules 1a, 1b and 1c can be inserted into a laser module cage to configure the network switch assembly 2.

[0115] Laser module type 1a is a 4-wavelength (λ) laser module, including:

[0116] - Eight laser diodes, two laser diodes per λ

[0117] -Temperature control element

[0118] - One fiber optic coupling element for each laser diode

[0119] -Optical power control

[0120] - Module option ID.

[0121] Laser module type 1a can support a so-called multiplexing option with four channels having different wavelengths in a single fiber.

[0122] Laser module type 1b is a single-wavelength laser module, including:

[0123] - All eight laser diodes with the same wavelength

[0124] -Temperature control element

[0125] - One fiber optic coupling element for each laser diode

[0126] -Optical power control

[0127] - Module option ID.

[0128] Laser module type 1b supports a so-called parallel option with one fiber per channel.

[0129] Laser module type 1c is a multi-option laser module, including:

[0130] - Eight laser diodes with tunable wavelengths

[0131] -Temperature control element

[0132] - One fiber optic coupling element for each laser diode

[0133] -Optical power control

[0134] - Module option ID.

[0135] Laser module type 1c can support parallel and multiplexing options with different wavelengths and wavelength grids.

[0136] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which different types of input / output modules 5a, 5b and 5c can be inserted into the front panel to configure the network switch assembly.

[0137] Input / output module type 5a includes:

[0138] - Optical multiplexer (MUX) and demultiplexer (DEMUX) components 22

[0139] -Option ID Component 23a

[0140] - Connect the input / output module to the fiber bundle 9a of the external interface 33a, which includes eight duplex connectors, each with two optical fibers. The connectors may be LC connectors.

[0141] Input / output module type 5a can support a so-called multiplexing option with four channels having different wavelengths in a single optical fiber. Optical signal 20 is a multiplexed optical signal that can support the FR4 (IEEE) standard.

[0142] Input / output module type 5b includes:

[0143] - Optical adapter element 28 that directly guides the fiber bundle 9b to the interface of the input / output module 6b.

[0144] -Option ID Component 23b

[0145] - Connect the input / output module to the fiber optic bundle 9b of the external interface 33b, which includes eight connectors, each with eight optical fibers. The connectors may be MPO connectors.

[0146] Input / output module type 5b can support a so-called parallel option, where light from any channel is guided in a separate optical fiber. Optical signal 26 is a parallel optical signal that can support the DR4 (IEEE) standard.

[0147] Input / output module type 5c includes:

[0148] - Optical switching element 30 that can be configured in software among the following:

[0149] parallel option

[0150] Multiplexer (MUX) and Demultiplexer (DEMUX) options

[0151] Other optical switch options

[0152] o attenuation option

[0153] -Option ID Component 23c

[0154] - Connect the input / output module to the fiber optic bundle 9c of the external interface 33c.

[0155] The input / output module type 5c can support different options with different fiber optic configurations. This depends on whether control signals 32 can be used via control interface 13 and control unit 31. Figure 2 The software selection options for control include whether the optical signal 27 can be a multiplexed optical signal or a parallel optical signal.

[0156] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the pluggable input / output module 5 includes eight fiber bundles 9 and eight connectors forming an external fiber optic interface 33.

[0157] The laser module types 1a, 1b and 1c described above, as well as the input / output module types 5a, 5b and 5c, can form a set of components for manufacturing optical components according to the present invention, for example as described above.

[0158] Each of laser module types 1a, 1b, and 1c can be individually assigned to one of input / output module types 5a, 5b, and 5c, and vice versa, for example, according to the following allocation scheme:

[0159] - Pairing 1: Laser module type 1a combined with input / output module type 5a. Pairing 1 can be identified by identifier ID1.

[0160] - Pairing 2: Laser module type 1b combined with input / output module type 5b. Pairing 2 can be identified by identifier ID2.

[0161] - Pairing 3: Laser module type 1a is paired with input / output module type 5. Pairing 3 can be identified by identifier ID3.

[0162] In other words, the laser module can carry or transmit type-related identifiers ID1, ID2, or ID3 to identify the laser module. The input / output module can carry or transmit type-related identifiers to identify the input / output module.

[0163] The control unit implemented in the base module can read the type-related identifiers ID1 to ID3 of the inserted laser module and the inserted input / output module. The control unit can control whether the type of the laser module inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module, and the type of the input / output module inserted into the corresponding (optically connected) second pluggable interface, corresponds to the above allocation scheme. If the predefined allocation scheme is violated, the control unit preferably generates an alarm signal.

[0164] Exemplary embodiments of the above and / or other embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features and / or advantages:

[0165] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base module may include a high-bandwidth switching ASIC. The switching ASIC and the optical transceiver assembly can be placed on a high-speed substrate, making the electrical connections potentially very short for minimal signal distortion.

[0166] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base module may include one or more switching ASICs having a cumulative bandwidth of 51 Tb / s or higher. The bandwidth of a single channel may be 100 Gb / s or higher.

[0167] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base module may include 16 transceiver modules co-packaged with a switching ASIC on the same high-speed substrate. The bandwidth of a single channel of the transceiver module may be 3.2 Tb / s or higher. The bandwidth of a single channel of the transceiver module may be 100 Gb / s or higher.

[0168] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver module may be soldered onto a high-speed substrate. Alternatively, the transceiver module may be placed on a second substrate that is soldered or pluggably mounted onto the high-speed substrate.

[0169] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the optical fibers in the fiber bundle connecting the transceiver module and the optical input / output module may be arranged in parallel, which means that all channels are coupled in different optical fibers.

[0170] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the 16 optical transceiver modules comprises 16 fiber optic connectors. Each optical connector on a transceiver module may contain a preferred 72 optical fibers separated in two separate fiber bundles. 32 receiver fibers and 32 transmitter fibers can connect the transceiver module to an optical input / output module in a second fiber bundle, and eight fibers can connect a laser module to a transceiver module in a first fiber bundle.

[0171] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the aggregated fiber count of the basic module may be 1152 fibers.

[0172] - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a polarization-maintaining fiber in a first fiber bundle from a laser module to a transceiver module.

[0173] - In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input / output module 5a may include an arrangement of multiple optical multiplexers (e.g., 4:1 multiplexers) and optical demultiplexers (e.g., 1:4 demultiplexers). In the latter case, each pluggable optical input / output module may include eight such multiplexers and demultiplexers, which guide light in eight fiber bundles terminated with eight optical connectors serving as external interfaces to the input / output module. Each of the optical connectors may be terminated with a mating standard duplex LC connector comprising one Tx and one Rx fiber. The signal light through this connector can support multiplexing standards such as IEEE 400GBASE-FR4.

[0174] - To configure the multiplexing options of the network switch assembly 14, the input / output module type 5a can be combined with the laser module type 1a.

[0175] - To configure the parallel option of the network switch assembly 14, the input / output module type 5b can be combined with the laser module type 1b.

[0176] - To configure multiple options for the network switch assembly 14, the input / output module type 5c can be combined with the laser module type 1c.

[0177] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the input / output module 5a may include an optical adapter element 28. In this arrangement, 64 optical fibers guiding light directly from the internal pluggable interface of the input / output module via eight fiber bundles can be terminated with eight optical connectors serving as external interfaces of the input / output module. Each of the optical connectors can be formed by a standard MPO connector terminating eight optical fibers (four Tx and four Rx fibers). The signal light through this connector can support parallel (one fiber per channel) standards, such as IEEE 400GBASE-DR4.

[0178] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the input / output module and the laser module may be standard form factors commonly used in network switching assemblies such as QSFP-DD or OSFP pluggable modules.

[0179] - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 12, which may be electrically connected to the laser module 1, electrically connected to the input / output module 5, electrically connected to the control interface 13 in the front panel 8, and electrically connected to the base module 2. The control unit may read the status of the pluggable module and the base module, and may also control the characteristics of the pluggable module and the base module via software.

[0180] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the following characteristics of the laser module can be set via software:

[0181] o Laser optical power: This defines the range of the optical data link (e.g., 500m, 2km, etc.) and the power consumption of the laser module.

[0182] o The wavelength of the laser diode.

[0183] o-wavelength grid.

[0184] o The spectrum of laser light.

[0185] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the following characteristics of the input / output module can be set via software:

[0186] o Switch between parallel options and multiplexer (MUX) and demultiplexer (DEMUX) options.

[0187] o Other optical switch functionalities

[0188] o Attenuation option.

[0189] -Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can combine the functionality and interface of both an input / output module and a laser module in a single pluggable module. Different types of such pluggable modules are then configured with a base module.

[0190] -Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include laser module types that support different types of modulators and techniques in transceiver modules.

[0191] -Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include laser modules having comb-shaped laser diodes. The output light from these modules can be spectrally shaped into a comb.

[0192] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the characteristics of the network switching component can be externally configured via a control interface to meet the requirements of the optical network. Such characteristics may include optical output power or optical modulation amplitude, receiver input power, wavelength, wavelength grid, power consumption of the network switching component, etc.

[0193] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the network switch assembly includes a rack unit (IRU) front panel having at least one row of slots for a pluggable laser module and an input / output module, which can be manually configured or through a management interface utilizing a tunable version of the pluggable module.

[0194] - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system can be configured to support parallel or multiplexed fiber transmission and fiber link lengths from 10 cm to 2 km.

[0195] The various embodiments and aspects of the invention disclosed herein shall be understood not only in the order and context specifically described herein, but also in any order and any combination thereof. Whenever a context requires, all words used in the singular form shall be assumed to include the plural, and vice versa. Whenever a context requires, all options listed with the word “and” shall be assumed to include the word “or,” and vice versa, and any combination thereof. The term “pluggable” is used in particular to indicate that something is accomplished in a pluggable coupled or connected manner.

[0196] Several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the accompanying drawings and specification. The applicant wishes to emphasize that each feature of each embodiment can be combined with or added to any other embodiment to modify the corresponding embodiment and create additional embodiments. These additional embodiments form part of this disclosure, and therefore, the applicant may describe additional patent claims relating to these additional embodiments in later examination documents.

[0197] Furthermore, the applicant wishes to emphasize that each feature of each of the following dependent claims can be combined with any of this independent claim and with any other (one or more) of these dependent claims (regardless of the structure of this claim). Therefore, the applicant may, later in the examination process, direct additional patent claims toward other claim combinations.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing optical components based on an assembly of optical parts. The collection of optical components includes: - A collection of laser modules, comprising at least two different types of laser modules, each of which has a pluggable interface. - A collection of input / output modules, comprising at least two different types of input / output modules, each of which has a pluggable interface. - A base module having a first pluggable interface, a second pluggable interface, and a transceiver, wherein the first pluggable interface is pluggable to the pluggable interface of each of the laser modules in the set of laser modules, the second pluggable interface is pluggable to the pluggable interface of each of the input / output modules in the set of input / output modules, and the transceiver is positioned between the first pluggable interface and the second pluggable interface. - Wherein, according to a predefined allocation scheme, each of the laser modules is individually assigned to one or more of the input / output modules, and each of the input / output modules is individually assigned to one or more of the laser modules. - Wherein, the laser module carries or emits a type-related identifier that identifies the laser module's corresponding type, and - Wherein, the input / output module carries or transmits a type-related identifier that identifies the input / output module and its corresponding type. - Wherein, the control unit implemented in the basic module is configured to read the type-related identifiers of the inserted laser module and the inserted input / output module. - The control unit is configured to control whether the type of the laser module inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module and the type of the input / output module inserted into the second pluggable interface correspond to the predefined allocation scheme. The control unit is configured to generate an alarm signal if the predefined allocation scheme is violated. The method includes the following steps: - Select a laser module from the set of at least two laser modules. - Insert the selected laser module's pluggable interface into the base module's first pluggable interface. - Select an input / output module from the set of at least two input / output modules, and - Insert the pluggable interface of the selected input / output module into the second pluggable interface of the base module. - The control unit implemented in the basic module performs the following steps: - Read the type-related identifier of the inserted laser module and the type-related identifier of the inserted input / output module. - Controlling whether the types of the laser module inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module and the types of the input / output modules inserted into the second pluggable interface correspond to the predefined allocation scheme, and - If the predefined allocation scheme is violated, an alarm signal is generated.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, One type of input / output module includes optical multiplexers and / or optical demultiplexers for optical output signals and optical input signals, respectively, and Another type of input / output module includes fiber optic only, which guides light directly from the internal optical interface to the external optical interface and vice versa.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The collection of laser modules includes at least two of the following types of laser modules: A 4-wavelength laser module comprising eight laser diodes, two laser diodes per wavelength and one fiber coupling element per laser diode, wherein this type of laser module supports a so-called multiplexing option for having four channels with different wavelengths in a single fiber at the external optical interface of the input / output module. A single-wavelength laser module comprising eight laser diodes all having the same wavelength and one fiber coupling element for each laser diode, wherein the laser module type supports a so-called parallel option with one fiber per channel at the external optical interface of the input / output module. A multi-option laser module comprising eight laser diodes with tunable wavelengths and one fiber coupling element for each laser diode, wherein the laser module type supports parallel and multiplexing options with different wavelengths and wavelength grids at the external optical interface of the input / output module.

4. A collection of optical components for manufacturing an optical assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - A collection of laser modules, comprising at least two different types of laser modules, each of which has a pluggable interface. - A collection of input / output modules, comprising at least two different types of input / output modules, each of which has a pluggable interface. - A base module having a first pluggable interface, a second pluggable interface, and a transceiver, wherein the first pluggable interface is pluggable to the pluggable interface of each of the laser modules in the set of laser modules, the second pluggable interface is pluggable to the pluggable interface of each of the input / output modules in the set of input / output modules, and the transceiver is positioned between the first pluggable interface and the second pluggable interface. - Wherein, according to a predefined allocation scheme, each of the laser modules is individually assigned to one or more of the input / output modules, and each of the input / output modules is individually assigned to one or more of the laser modules. - Wherein, the laser module carries or emits a type-related identifier that identifies the laser module's corresponding type. - Wherein, the input / output module carries or transmits a type-related identifier that identifies the input / output module and its corresponding type. - Wherein, the control unit implemented in the basic module is configured to read the type-related identifiers of the inserted laser module and the inserted input / output module. - The control unit is configured to control whether the type of the laser module inserted into the first pluggable interface of the base module and the type of the input / output module inserted into the second pluggable interface correspond to the predefined allocation scheme. - The control unit is configured to generate an alarm signal if the predefined allocation scheme is violated.

5. The set according to claim 4, in, One type of input / output module includes optical multiplexers and / or optical demultiplexers for optical output signals and optical input signals, respectively, and Another type of input / output module includes fiber optic only, which guides light directly from the internal optical interface to the external optical interface and vice versa.

6. The set according to claim 4 or 5, in, The collection of laser modules includes at least two of the following types of laser modules: A 4-wavelength laser module comprising eight laser diodes, two laser diodes per wavelength and one fiber coupling element per laser diode, wherein this type of laser module supports a so-called multiplexing option for having four channels with different wavelengths in a single fiber at the external optical interface of the input / output module. A single-wavelength laser module comprising eight laser diodes all having the same wavelength and one fiber coupling element for each laser diode, wherein the laser module type supports a so-called parallel option with one fiber per channel at the external optical interface of the input / output module. A multi-option laser module comprising eight laser diodes with tunable wavelengths and one fiber coupling element for each laser diode, wherein the laser module type supports parallel and multiplexing options with different wavelengths and wavelength grids at the external optical interface of the input / output module.

Images