A control system and control method

Abstract

This application discloses a control system and method for simplifying the operating point control process of a microring device. The system includes a detector, a microring device, and a control device. The detector receives a first beam of light and a second beam of light, performs photoelectric conversion on the first beam to obtain a first current signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the second beam to obtain a second current signal. It also determines a differential current signal between the first and second current signals. The first and second beams of light are obtained based on the input light of the control system. The control device receives the differential current signal and determines a control signal based on it. This control signal is used to adjust the operating point of the microring device so that the microring device operates at a target operating point (i.e., the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the microring device and the spectrum of the microring device).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to a control system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Silicon photonics is a silicon-based optoelectronic large-scale integration technology that uses photons and electrons as information carriers. It significantly improves the performance of integrated chips and serves as a fundamental supporting technology for emerging industries such as big data, artificial intelligence, and future mobile communications. It can be widely applied in industries such as data centers, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Silicon photonic chips are integrated optical paths that combine silicon photonic materials and devices using standard semiconductor processes. They can integrate multiple optical devices onto the same silicon substrate. In the field of optical communication, traditional optical modules typically use laser chips. However, with the increase in communication bandwidth and capacity, laser chips cannot meet the high-speed, high-capacity requirements of optoelectronic packaging. Silicon photonic chips, due to their high integration density, can meet these requirements, leading to their widespread application in optical communication. Furthermore, due to their unique advantages in scalability and compatibility, silicon photonic chips are also used in optical computing.

[0003] Silicon photonic modulators, as core components of silicon photonic chips, are used to modulate optical signals. Currently, most silicon photonic modulators employ Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulators. However, these modulators are typically around 3mm in size, require a driving voltage of 3-4Vpp, have limited bandwidth, and are structurally complex, making them unsuitable for future high-density optical communication engines and high-density, large-scale optical computing. In contrast, micro-ring modulators are around 10μm in size, 2-3 orders of magnitude smaller than Mach-Zehnder modulators, and require only 1.5-2Vpp of driving voltage. They hold promise for direct driving by CMOS chips, resulting in lower power consumption. Furthermore, micro-ring modulators offer higher bandwidth than Mach-Zehnder modulators, meeting the demands of higher bandwidth communication. Therefore, micro-ring modulators are also commonly used as silicon photonic modulators.

[0004] The micro-ring modulator employs a micro-ring structure, and its spectral curve exhibits a Lorentzian line shape. This spectral curve has relatively poor linearity but offers high precision in controlling the operating point. Furthermore, the micro-ring modulator is made of silicon. Due to silicon's high thermo-optical coefficient, the operating point of the micro-ring modulator (i.e., the position of the wavelength of the optical signal within the micro-ring modulator's transmission spectrum) is affected by temperature. For example, when silicon photonic chips are applied in optical computing, a 0.1°C change in the temperature of the silicon photonic chip will also cause a 0.1°C change in the temperature of the micro-ring modulator, resulting in an approximately 1dB shift in the operating point. This can lead to increased errors in the optical computing results. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring modulator.

[0005] Currently, the industry uses a closed-loop feedback system consisting of a monitoring detector and a micro-ring operating point control device to regulate the operating point of a micro-ring modulator. For example, this closed-loop feedback system includes two detectors, a signal comparison circuit, a control element, and a control device. One detector monitors one optical signal, the signal comparison circuit compares the two optical signals detected by the two detectors, and the comparison result is input to the control device. The control device then controls the control element to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the signal comparison result. However, this closed-loop feedback system has many components, resulting in a complex control chain and high control costs.

[0006] Therefore, simplifying the operating point control method of micro-ring modulators is of great practical value for promoting the commercial application of micro-ring modulators. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a control system and control method to simplify the process of controlling the operating point of a micro-ring device.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a control system comprising a detector, a microring device, and a control device; wherein the detector is configured to receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light and perform photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light to obtain a first current signal, and perform photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light to obtain a second current signal; and determine a differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal; wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light are obtained based on the input light of the control system; the control device is configured to receive the differential current signal and determine a control signal based on the differential current signal, the control signal being used to adjust the operating point of the microring device so that the microring device operates at a target operating point; wherein the target operating point is the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the microring device and the spectrum of the microring device.

[0009] It is understood that the number of micro-ring devices in the embodiments of this application can be one or more. In other words, the control device in the above-described control system can regulate the operating point of one or more micro-ring devices.

[0010] In this embodiment, the detector in the control system can receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light, and perform photoelectric conversion on the first and second beams of light, as well as compare the first and second beams of light. Furthermore, after comparing the first and second beams of light, the detector can also generate a differential current signal between the corresponding current signals of the first and second beams of light. The control device can then determine a control signal for adjusting the operating point of the micro-ring device based on this differential current signal. Thus, compared to a technical solution that uses one detector to monitor one optical signal and compares two optical signals monitored by two detectors through a signal comparison circuit to control the operating point of the micro-ring device, this embodiment eliminates the need for an additional signal comparison circuit in the control system, effectively reducing the circuit complexity of the control system, simplifying the operating point control process of the micro-ring device, and reducing the cost of the control system.

[0011] In this application embodiment, the determination of the first beam of light and the second beam of light includes, but is not limited to, the following methods:

[0012] In Method 1, the system further includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, a third optical waveguide, and a fourth optical waveguide. The first beam splitter receives input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and a third beam. The first beam is input to a detector via the first optical waveguide, and the third beam is input to the second beam splitter via the third optical waveguide. The second beam splitter receives the third beam and splits it to obtain a second beam and an output beam. The second beam is input to a detector via the second optical waveguide, and the output beam is output via the third optical waveguide. Alternatively, the second beam splitter receives the third beam and splits it to obtain a second beam and a fourth beam. The second beam is input to a detector via the second optical waveguide. The third beam sequentially passes through the third optical waveguide, a micro-ring device, and the fourth optical waveguide to obtain the output beam, which is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

[0013] In Method 1, the control system includes a first beam splitter and a second beam splitter. The first beam splitter can split the input light to the control system, obtaining one input signal for the detector. The second beam splitter can further split the third beam obtained after the first beam splitter, obtaining another input signal for the detector. This allows the detector to compare the two input signals and output the comparison result. Furthermore, the output light can be the light obtained after the second beam splitter splits the third beam, or the output light can be obtained by the third beam sequentially passing through a third optical waveguide, a micro-ring device, and a fourth optical waveguide, and can be output through the download port of the micro-ring device. Thus, multiple implementation methods for the output light are provided, allowing for flexible implementation of the technical solutions in this application.

[0014] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point, and / or, the splitting ratio of the second beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point. In this design, the splitting ratios of the first and / or second beam splitters can be flexibly designed according to the target operating point, thereby allowing the micro-ring device to operate as close to the target operating point as possible. This reduces the number of adjustments required to the operating point of the micro-ring device and effectively minimizes interruptions in its operation.

[0015] Method 2: The system further includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide. The first beam splitter receives input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is input to a detector through the first optical waveguide, and the second beam is input to a detector through the second optical waveguide. The second beam passes sequentially through the second optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the third optical waveguide to obtain output light, which is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

[0016] In method 2, the input light is split by a first beam splitter to obtain two input signals for the detector. The second beam obtained after splitting passes sequentially through a second optical waveguide, a micro-ring device, and a third optical waveguide to obtain the output light, which is then output through the download port of the micro-ring device. This effectively reduces the complexity of the control system and the cost of its components.

[0017] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point. In this design, determining the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter based on the target operating point allows the micro-ring device to operate as close to the target operating point as possible, thereby reducing the number of adjustments needed to the micro-ring device's operating point and effectively minimizing interruptions in its operation.

[0018] Method 3: The system further includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide. The first beam splitter receives input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and an output beam. The first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the output beam is output through the third optical waveguide. The second optical waveguide is located at the download port of the micro-ring device. The output beam passes sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the second optical waveguide to obtain a second beam, which is then input to the detector through the second optical waveguide.

[0019] In method 3, the first beam splitter splits the input light into a first beam and an output beam. The first beam is used as one input signal for the detector. The output beam is then passed sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the second optical waveguide to obtain the second beam, which serves as the other input signal for the detector. In this way, only one beam splitter is needed to obtain both input signals for the detector, effectively reducing the complexity of the control system.

[0020] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device, and / or, the first coupling coefficient between the second optical waveguide and the micro-ring device is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device, and / or, the second coupling coefficient between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device. In this design, at least one of the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter, the first coupling coefficient between the second optical waveguide and the micro-ring device, or the second coupling coefficient between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device is flexibly designed according to the target operating point, so that the micro-ring device can operate at the target operating point as much as possible, thereby reducing the number of adjustments to the operating point of the micro-ring device and effectively reducing the occurrence of operational interruptions.

[0021] In one possible design, the first coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide interacting with the microring device in the second optical waveguide, and / or, to the distance between the second optical waveguide and the microring device; the second coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide interacting with the microring device in the third optical waveguide, and / or, to the distance between the third optical waveguide and the microring device. This design provides multiple ways to determine the first and second coupling coefficients, allowing for flexible determination of both.

[0022] In one possible design, the system further includes a first optical attenuator and a second optical attenuator. The first optical attenuator adjusts the intensity of the first beam of light before the detector receives it, and then inputs the adjusted light into the detector. The second optical attenuator adjusts the intensity of the second beam of light before the detector receives it, and then inputs the adjusted light into the detector. In this design, by setting the first and second optical attenuators in the system, the detector adjusts the intensity of the first and second beams of light before receiving them, making the differential current signals corresponding to the first and second beams as close to zero as possible, thereby enabling the micro-ring device to operate at the target operating point.

[0023] In one possible design, the system further includes a transimpedance amplifier; the detector can also input the differential current signal into the transimpedance amplifier; thus, the transimpedance amplifier can amplify the differential current signal before the control device receives it, and then input the amplified signal into the control device. In this design, the amplification of the differential current signal by the transimpedance amplifier makes the differential current signal received by the control device more accurate, thereby making the control signal corresponding to the differential current signal more accurately regulate the micro-ring device.

[0024] In one possible design, the system further includes a driver, and the control signal is used to indicate the drive voltage of the driver. The control device can also send control signals to the driver. The driver receives the control signals and adjusts the operating point of the microring device based on the drive voltage. In this design, the control device adjusts the operating point of the microring device through the driver, making the control of the microring device easy to achieve.

[0025] In one possible design, the system further includes a tuning unit disposed on the microring device; the driver adjusts the operating point of the microring device based on a driving voltage, including: the driver adjusting the voltage or current value of the tuning unit based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating point of the microring device. In this design, a tuning unit is provided in the system, and the driver can adjust the voltage or current value of the tuning unit based on the driving voltage indicated by a control signal to make the operating point of the microring device the target operating point.

[0026] In one possible design, the microring device includes a microring and / or a microring modulator. The shape of the microring can be any of the following: a racetrack-like shape, an ellipse, or a circle; this application does not impose specific limitations on the embodiments thereof.

[0027] In one possible design, the microring modulator includes an electro-optic microring modulator and / or a carrier dispersion effect microring modulator.

[0028] In one possible design, the system also includes an optical switch that can be used to control whether the second beam of light is input to the detector. In this design, by incorporating an optical switch into the control system, the input of the second beam of light to the detector can be controlled. In the presence of multiple micro-ring devices, the control system can include multiple optical switches, each corresponding to a second beam of light. Each optical switch can control whether its corresponding second beam of light is input to the detector, thereby achieving control over the operating point of multiple micro-ring modulators.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method applied to a control system, the system including a detector, a micro-ring device, and a control device; the method includes: the detector receiving a first beam of light and a second beam of light; performing photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light to obtain a first current signal; and performing photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light to obtain a second current signal; determining a differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal; wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light are obtained based on the input light of the control system; the control device receiving the differential current signal and determining a control signal based on the differential current signal, the control signal being used to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device so that the micro-ring device operates at a target operating point; wherein the target operating point is the intersection point of the wavelength of the optical signal in the micro-ring device and the spectrum of the micro-ring device.

[0030] In one possible design, the system further includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, a third optical waveguide, and a fourth optical waveguide; the method further includes: the first beam splitter receiving the input light and splitting the input light to obtain a first beam and a third beam; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the third beam is input to the second beam splitter through the third optical waveguide; the second beam splitter receiving the third beam and splitting the third beam to obtain a second beam and an output beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide, and the output beam is output through the third optical waveguide; or, the second beam splitter receiving the third beam and splitting the third beam to obtain a second beam and a fourth beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; the third beam sequentially passes through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the fourth optical waveguide to obtain the output beam, and the output beam is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

[0031] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point, and / or the splitting ratio of the second beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

[0032] In one possible design, the system further includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; the method further includes: the first beam splitter receiving the input light and splitting the input light to obtain a first beam and a second beam; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; wherein the second beam sequentially passes through the second optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the third optical waveguide to obtain output light, and the output light is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

[0033] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

[0034] In one possible design, the system further includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; the method further includes: the first beam splitter receiving the input light and splitting the input light to obtain a first beam and an output light; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the output light is output through the third optical waveguide; the second optical waveguide is located at the download port of the microring device, and the output light sequentially passes through the third optical waveguide, the microring device, and the second optical waveguide to obtain the second beam, and the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide.

[0035] In one possible design, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point of the microring device, and / or, the first coupling coefficient between the second optical waveguide and the microring device is determined based on the target operating point of the microring device, and / or, the second coupling coefficient between the third optical waveguide and the microring device is determined based on the target operating point of the microring device.

[0036] In one possible design, the first coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the second optical waveguide that interacts with the microring device, and / or to the distance between the second optical waveguide and the microring device; the second coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the third optical waveguide that interacts with the microring device, and / or to the distance between the third optical waveguide and the microring device.

[0037] In one possible design, the system further includes a first optical attenuator and a second optical attenuator; the method further includes: the first optical attenuator adjusting the light intensity of the first beam of light before the detector receives the first beam of light, and then inputting the adjusted light into the detector; the second optical attenuator adjusting the light intensity of the second beam of light before the detector receives the second beam of light, and then inputting the adjusted light into the detector.

[0038] In one possible design, the system further includes a transimpedance amplifier; the method further includes: the detector inputting a differential current signal into the transimpedance amplifier; the transimpedance amplifier amplifying the differential current signal before the control device receives the differential current signal, and then inputting the amplified signal into the control device.

[0039] In one possible design, the system further includes a driver, and the control signal is used to indicate the drive voltage of the driver; the method further includes: the control device sending the control signal to the driver; the driver receiving the control signal and adjusting the operating point of the microring device based on the drive voltage.

[0040] In one possible design, the system further includes a tuning unit disposed on the microring device; the driver adjusts the operating point of the microring device based on the driving voltage, including: the driver adjusting the voltage or current value of the tuning unit based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating point of the microring device.

[0041] In one possible design, the microring device includes a microring and / or a microring modulator.

[0042] In one possible design, the system further includes an optical switch; the method further includes: the optical switch controlling whether to input the second beam of light into the detector.

[0043] For the beneficial effects of the methods described in the second aspect and any optional design of the second aspect, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a micro-ring modulator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the structure of a switch provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light engine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3A schematic diagram of an optical computing architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the target operating point of the micro-ring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the control system of a micro-ring modulator.

[0050] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the control system for another type of micro-ring modulator.

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the control system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 12A A schematic diagram of a control device 602 in a control system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 12B Another structural schematic diagram of the control device 602 in the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 12C A schematic diagram of the structure of the first or second beam splitter in the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 15 This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 16A This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 16B This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 16C This is another schematic diagram of the control system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 17 A flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] First, some terms used in this application will be explained. It is understood that these explanations are for the convenience of those skilled in the art and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0069] I. Micro-ring devices, also known as micro-ring optical devices, include, for example, micro-rings or micro-ring modulators. A micro-ring, also called a micro-ring resonator, is an optical device made primarily of silicon, characterized by high integration, powerful function, and small size, applicable to optoelectronic integrated circuits. The shape of the micro-ring can be any of the following: a racetrack-like shape, an ellipse, or a circle; this application does not impose specific limitations. A micro-ring modulator is used to modulate optical signals. The micro-ring modulator can be applied in any of the following application scenarios: data computing centers, optical modules in long-distance backbone networks, optical switches, or optical computing. The micro-ring modulator can be an electro-optic effect micro-ring modulator and / or a carrier dispersion effect micro-ring modulator. Further, the carrier dispersion effect micro-ring modulator can include at least one of the following: a photodiode (Positive Intrinsic-Negative, PIN) structure micro-ring modulator, a horizontal PN junction micro-ring modulator, or a vertical PN junction micro-ring modulator. For example, Figure 1 Image (a) shows a schematic diagram of the electro-optic microring modulator. Figure 1 (b) shows a schematic diagram of a microring modulator with a PIN structure. Figure 1 (c) shows a schematic diagram of a micro-ring modulator with a horizontal PN junction. Figure 1 (d) in the diagram shows a schematic diagram of a micro-ring modulator with a vertical PN junction.

[0070] Example 1, Figure 2A A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a micro-ring modulator is applied to a switch is shown. Figure 2AThe switch in the system includes a switch chip, an optical engine (OE), a laser module, an input port, and an output port. The optical engine can communicate with the switch chip, converting the electrical signals output by the switch chip into optical signals and outputting these signals through the output port. Additionally, the optical engine can receive optical signals from the laser module inputting into the switch via the input port, converting these optical signals into electrical signals, and then inputting them back into the switch chip. Figure 2B A schematic diagram of an optical engine architecture is shown. The optical engine includes a micro-ring modulator, a receiver, a transmitter, a laser, and a photodetector. The receiver of the optical engine is connected to the optical input port of a switch, so that the receiver can receive the input light from the switch from the optical input port. After demodulating the input light by the micro-ring modulator, the input light is input to the photodetector. The photodetector converts the input light into an electrical signal and inputs it to the switch chip. In addition, the optical signal output from the laser module in the switch can be input to the optical engine from the laser, so that the micro-ring modulator in the optical engine can modulate the optical signal and output the modulated optical signal from the transmitter of the optical engine. The optical signal can then be output from the output port of the switch.

[0071] Example 2, Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an architecture for an optical computing application scenario. The architecture includes N laser diodes (LD-1, LD-2, ..., LD-N), N micro-ring modulators (Mod1, Mod-2, ..., Mod-N), a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), a demultiplexer (DEMUX), and N photodetectors (PD-1, PD-2, ..., PD-N). The N laser diodes output N optical signals of different wavelengths. Each of the N micro-ring modulators modulates its corresponding optical signal to obtain a vector signal. This vector signal is then multiplexed by the WDM and input to the demultiplexer. After passing through the demultiplexer, the vector signal becomes N optical signals. These N optical signals then enter the micro-ring matrix array and are multiplied by the elements of an N×N matrix. The resulting N optical signals are then added to the N photodetectors, thus achieving the modulation of the N optical signals.

[0072] II. The operating point of the micro-ring device, which is the position of the wavelength of the optical signal in the micro-ring modulator within the transmission spectrum of the micro-ring modulator. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the target operating point of the microring device is the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the microring device and the spectrum of the microring device. The optical signal in the microring modulator is the optical signal received by the microring modulator.

[0073] Because microring devices employ a microring structure, their spectral curves exhibit Lorentzian linearity, and these curves have poor linearity, requiring high precision in controlling the operating point. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the operating point of the microring device.

[0074] like Figure 5A As shown, some technical solutions employ a control system comprising a micro-ring device, a photodetector, a low-pass filter, a heating element, a feedback control system, and an electrical signal loader. The photodetector monitors the optical signal within the micro-ring device, converts it into a corresponding electrical signal, and inputs it to the low-pass filter. The low-pass filter processes this electrical signal before inputting it to the feedback control system. In this system, the control of the micro-ring device includes coarse and fine adjustments. Coarse adjustment is achieved through thermal tuning; for example, the feedback control system, based on the electrical signal input from the low-pass filter, controls the heating element to heat the micro-ring device to the target operating temperature. Fine adjustment is achieved through electronic tuning; for example, the feedback control system, based on the electrical signal input from the low-pass filter, controls the electrical signal loader to apply a corresponding electrical signal to achieve electronic tuning, compensating for minor changes in ambient temperature and manufacturing defects. However, changes in the optical signal monitored by the photodetector could be due to changes in the operating point of the micro-ring device or changes in the optical power of the optical signal input from the laser to the micro-ring device. This approach cannot identify and judge the fluctuation of the optical signal power input to the laser microring device, which may lead to the photodetector misjudging the change in the operating point of the microring device, resulting in inaccurate control of the microring device by the feedback control system.

[0075] like Figure 5B As shown, in other technical solutions, the control system includes a micro-ring modulator and an automatic compensation wavelength control circuit. The micro-ring modulator has a beam splitter 1 at its input and a beam splitter 2 at its output. The micro-ring modulator also includes a micro-ring waveguide, a micro-ring wavelength adjustment element, photodetector 1, and photodetector 2. The automatic compensation wavelength control circuit includes a control circuit and a comparison circuit. Photodetector 1 monitors the optical signal 1 output from beam splitter 1 and inputs it into the comparison circuit. Photodetector 2 monitors the optical signal 2 output from beam splitter 2 and inputs it into the comparison circuit. The comparison circuit compares optical signal 1 and optical signal 2 and inputs the comparison result into the control circuit. The control circuit then uses this comparison result to control the micro-ring wavelength adjustment element to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring waveguide, thus adjusting the operating point of the micro-ring modulator. This technical solution requires the setting of two photodetectors and a comparison circuit, which makes the circuit complexity of the control system high. In addition, since the comparison circuit can only compare magnitudes and cannot obtain the specific amount of change, an additional integration circuit is also required to realize the control of the micro-ring modulator.

[0076] In summary, the control system in the above technical solutions has complex circuits and control loops, resulting in high control costs.

[0077] In view of this, this application proposes a control system and method to simplify the control process of the operating point of a micro-ring device and reduce the control cost of the micro-ring device.

[0078] For example, please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a control system provided in an embodiment of this application. The control system 600 includes a detector 601, a control device 602, and a micro-ring device 603. The detector 601 can receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light, and perform photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light to obtain a first current signal, and perform photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light to obtain a second current signal. Furthermore, the detector 601 can determine a differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal, and output the differential current signal to the control device 602; the control device 602 can receive the differential current signal and determine a control signal corresponding to the differential current signal. This control signal can be used to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device 603, thereby enabling the micro-ring device 603 to operate at a target operating point. The target operating point is the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the micro-ring device 603 and the spectrum of the micro-ring device 603. The optical signal in the micro-ring device 603 is the optical signal received by the micro-ring device 603.

[0079] In this embodiment, the detector 601 in the control system 600 can receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light, and compare the first beam of light and the second beam of light. Thus, compared to a technical solution that uses one detector to monitor one optical signal and a signal comparison circuit to compare the two optical signals monitored by two detectors to control the operating point of the micro-ring device, this embodiment eliminates the need for an additional signal comparison circuit in the control system. This effectively reduces the circuit complexity of the control system, simplifies the operating point control process of the micro-ring device, and also reduces the cost of the control system.

[0080] Optionally, detector 601 can be a device with light detection and photoelectric conversion functions, and can also be called photodetector 601. As one possible implementation, detector 601 can be an optical power meter or a balanced detector.

[0081] The control device 602 can be any chip or integrated circuit with computing capabilities. For example, the control device 602 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), or other conventional processors.

[0082] The following is combined with Figures 7-16C A more detailed introduction to the control system 600 is provided.

[0083] As previously described, detector 601 can receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light. The first and second beams of light can be obtained based on the input light of the control system 600, which can be a beam of light input to the control system 600 from a light source. The light source can be a laser, or other light sources, without limitation. The laser can be, for example, at least one of an edge-emitting laser (EEL), a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or a fiber laser.

[0084] There are several ways in which detector 601 can receive the first and second beams of light, as illustrated below.

[0085] Method 1, such as Figure 7As shown, the control system 600 also includes a first beam splitter 604, optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, and optical waveguide 3. Optical waveguide 1 and optical waveguide 2 are respectively positioned between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601, while optical waveguide 3 is positioned at the download port of the micro-ring device 603. Accordingly, the first beam splitter 604 receives the input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and a second beam. The first beam can then be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and the second beam can be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 2. The second beam passes sequentially through optical waveguide 2, micro-ring device 603, and optical waveguide 3 to obtain the output light, which is output through the download port of the micro-ring device 603. Thus, by splitting the input light using a single beam splitter, two input signals to the detector 601 can be obtained, effectively reducing the complexity of the control system 600 and lowering the component costs.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604 is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device 603. This allows for flexible design of the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604, enabling the micro-ring device 603 to operate as close to the target operating point as possible. This reduces the number of adjustments required to the operating point of the micro-ring device 603, effectively minimizing the possibility of operational interruptions.

[0087] Method 2, such as Figure 8 As shown, the control system 600 also includes a first beam splitter 604, optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, and optical waveguide 3. Optical waveguide 1 is positioned between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601, optical waveguide 2 is located at the input port of the micro-ring device 603, and optical waveguide 3 is positioned after the first beam splitter 604. Accordingly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive input light and split it to obtain a first beam and an output beam. The first beam can then be input to the detector 601 via optical waveguide 1, and the output beam can be output via optical waveguide 3. The output beam can also sequentially pass through optical waveguide 3, the micro-ring device 603, and optical waveguide 2 to obtain a second beam, which can then be input to the detector 601 via optical waveguide 2. Thus, the first beam splitter splits the input light into a first beam and an output beam. The first beam serves as one input signal for the detector. The output beam then passes sequentially through optical waveguide 3, micro-ring device 603, and optical waveguide 2 to obtain a second beam, which serves as the other input signal for the detector. In other words, only one beam splitter is needed to obtain both input signals for the detector 601, effectively reducing the complexity of the control system 600.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604 is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device 603, and / or, the first coupling coefficient between the optical waveguide 2 and the micro-ring device 603 is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device 603, and / or, the second coupling coefficient between the optical waveguide 3 and the micro-ring device 603 is determined based on the target operating point. Thus, based on the target operating point, at least one of the following can be flexibly designed: the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604, the first coupling coefficient between the optical waveguide 2 and the micro-ring device 603, or the second coupling coefficient between the optical waveguide 3 and the micro-ring device 603. This reduces the number of adjustments to the operating point of the micro-ring device 603, effectively reducing the occurrence of operational interruptions of the micro-ring device 603. In one possible implementation, a first coupling coefficient exists between optical waveguide 2 and microring device 603, and a second coupling coefficient exists between optical waveguide 3 and microring device 603. The first coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in optical waveguide 2 that interacts with microring device 603, and / or to the distance between optical waveguide 2 and microring device 603. The second coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in optical waveguide 3 that interacts with microring device 603, and / or to the distance between optical waveguide 3 and microring device 603. Thus, multiple methods for determining the first and second coupling coefficients are provided, allowing for flexible determination of both. For example, the longer the length of the optical waveguide in optical waveguide 2 that interacts with microring device 603, the larger the first coupling coefficient; the greater the distance between optical waveguide 2 and microring device 603, the smaller the first coupling coefficient. The longer the optical waveguide 3 interacts with the micro-ring device 603, the larger the second coupling coefficient; the greater the distance between the optical waveguide 3 and the micro-ring device 603, the smaller the second coupling coefficient.

[0089] Method 3, such as Figure 9 As shown, the control system 600 also includes a first beam splitter 604, a second beam splitter 605, optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, and optical waveguide 3. Optical waveguide 1 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601, optical waveguide 2 is disposed between the second beam splitter 605 and the detector 601, and optical waveguide 3 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the second beam splitter 605. Accordingly, the first beam splitter 604 receives the input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and a third beam; then, the first beam can be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and the third beam can be input to the second beam splitter 605 through optical waveguide 3; the second beam splitter 605 receives the third beam and splits it to obtain a second beam and an output beam; then, the second beam can be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 2, and the output beam is output through optical waveguide 3.

[0090] Method 4, such as Figure 10As shown, the control system 600 also includes a first beam splitter 604, a second beam splitter 605, optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, optical waveguide 3, and optical waveguide 4. Optical waveguide 1 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601; optical waveguide 2 is disposed between the second beam splitter 605 and the detector 601; optical waveguide 3 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the second beam splitter 605; and optical waveguide 4 is located at the download port of the micro-ring device 603. Accordingly, the first beam splitter 604 receives the input light and splits it to obtain a first beam and a third beam. Then, the first beam can be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and the third beam can be input to the second beam splitter 605 through optical waveguide 3. The second beam splitter 605 receives the third beam and splits it to obtain a second beam and a fourth beam. Then, the second beam can be input to the detector 601 through optical waveguide 2, and the fourth beam can be output through optical waveguide 3. The third beam passes through optical waveguide 3, micro-ring device 603, and optical waveguide 4 in sequence to obtain the output beam, which is output through the download port of micro-ring device 603.

[0091] In methods 3 and 4, the control system 600 is equipped with a first beam splitter 604 and a second beam splitter 605. The first beam splitter 604 and the second beam splitter 605 obtain two input signals from the detector 601, facilitating the control of these two input signals. The difference between methods 3 and 4 is that in method 3, the output light is obtained by splitting the third beam by the second beam splitter 605, while in method 4, the output light is obtained by the third beam sequentially passing through the optical waveguide 3, the micro-ring device 603, and the optical waveguide 4, and this output light is output through the download port of the micro-ring device 603. Thus, multiple implementation methods for the output light are provided, allowing for flexible implementation of the technical solutions in this application.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604 is determined based on the target operating point, and / or, the splitting ratio of the second beam splitter 605 is determined based on the target operating point. In this way, the splitting ratios of the first and / or second beam splitters can be flexibly designed according to the target operating point, thereby allowing the micro-ring device 603 to operate as close to the target operating point as possible, thus reducing the number of adjustments to the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 and effectively minimizing the occurrence of operational interruptions. For example, taking X as the target operating point of the micro-ring device 603, the splitting ratio of the first beam splitter 604 is K1, and the optical power of the input light is Pin. Then the optical power of the first beam is K1×Pin, and the optical power of the third beam is (1-K1)×Pin. The splitting ratio of the second beam splitter 605 is K2, and the optical power of the second beam is (1-K1)×Pin×K2. Therefore, when K1×Pin=(1-K1)×Pin×K2×10^(-X / 10), the differential current signal corresponding to the first beam and the second beam is 0, that is, the micro-ring device 603 is working at the target operating point. At this time, it is not necessary to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device 603.

[0093] Optional, such as Figure 11 As shown, the control system 600 may further include a trans-impedance amplifier 607; wherein, the trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) 607 is disposed between the detector 601 and the control device 602. Correspondingly, the detector 601 may also input the differential current signal into the trans-impedance amplifier 607; thus, the trans-impedance amplifier 607 can amplify the differential current signal before the control device 602 receives it, and then input the amplified signal into the control device 602. This allows the differential current signal received by the control device 602 to be more accurate, thereby making the control signal corresponding to the differential current signal more accurately regulate the micro-ring device 603.

[0094] Optional, please continue to see Figure 11 The control system 600 also includes a low-pass filter 606. The low-pass filter 606 is positioned between the detector 601 and the transimpedance amplifier 607. Accordingly, the detector 601 can input the differential current signal into the low-pass filter 606, which can then filter the differential current signal and input the processed differential current signal into the transimpedance amplifier 607. This makes the differential current signal received by the transimpedance amplifier 607 more accurate.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the control system 600 further includes a driver 608, which is disposed between the control device 602 and the microring device 603, with one end of the driver 608 connected to the microring device 603. The aforementioned control signal can be used to indicate the drive voltage of the driver 608; the control device 602 can also send control signals to the driver 608; the driver 608 receives the control signals and adjusts the operating point of the microring device 603 based on the drive voltage. Thus, the control device 602 adjusts the operating point of the microring device 603 through the driver, making the control of the microring device 603 easy to achieve.

[0096] Please continue reading Figure 11 In one possible implementation, the control system 600 further includes a tuning unit 609 disposed on the micro-ring device 603, and one end of the driver 608 is connected to the tuning unit 609. Accordingly, the driver 608 adjusts the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 based on the driving voltage, including: the driver 608 adjusting the voltage or current value of the tuning unit 609 based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device 603. Thus, the driver 608 can adjust the voltage or current value of the tuning unit 609 based on the driving voltage indicated by the control signal, making the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 the target operating point. For example, the tuning unit 609 is a heater, and the driver 608 can adjust the voltage or current value of the tuning unit 609 based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating temperature of the micro-ring device 603, thereby adjusting the operating point of the micro-ring device 603.

[0097] In the embodiments of this application, the control device 602 may be a controller with an integrated processor, or it may be a chip or circuit with regulation function. Therefore, the control device 602 can be implemented in various ways, which will be illustrated below with examples.

[0098] Example 1, control device 602 can be configured with, for example, Figure 12AThe analog operational logic circuit shown has the following input: the voltage value δVph of the differential current signal received by the control device 602. The output of the analog operational logic circuit is the voltage value δVhe of the driver 608 input by the control device 602 (i.e., the drive voltage indicated by the control signal). Correspondingly, the analog operational logic circuit has a function relationship f(δVph) = δVhe. Thus, after receiving the differential current signal, if the voltage value of the differential current signal is greater than a preset value (e.g., zero), the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 needs to be adjusted. The control device 602 can then perform corresponding calculations on the differential current signal according to this function relationship to obtain the specific value of the drive voltage indicated by the control signal corresponding to the differential current signal. If the voltage value of the differential current signal is less than or equal to the preset value (e.g., zero), then no adjustment of the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 is required.

[0099] Example 2, the structure of control device 602 can be as follows: Figure 12B As shown, the control device 602 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a processor, and a memory. After receiving a differential current signal, the ADC performs analog-to-digital conversion on the differential current signal to obtain the corresponding voltage value δVph. The ADC inputs the voltage value δVph to the processor. If the voltage value of the differential current signal is greater than a preset value (e.g., zero), the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 needs to be adjusted. The memory stores a mapping table between the voltage value δVph and the driver's driving voltage δVhe. The processor can then determine the driver's driving voltage corresponding to the voltage value δVph based on this mapping table and perform digital-to-analog conversion on the driver's driving voltage to obtain the control signal corresponding to the differential current signal. If the voltage value of the electrical signal is less than or equal to the preset value (e.g., zero), the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 does not need to be adjusted. Optionally, the memory can be located outside the control device 602.

[0100] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first beam splitter 604 and the second beam splitter 605 are components with beam splitting function, playing a role in power distribution, and are not limited to a specific structure. For example, they can be used as follows: Figure 12C The directional coupler shown in (a) is as follows: Figure 12C The multimode interferometer shown in (b) or such Figure 12C One or more of the Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) shown in (c) above.

[0101] Optional, such as Figure 13As shown, the control system 600 also includes optical attenuator 1 and optical attenuator 2; wherein, optical attenuator 1 and optical attenuator 2 are disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601. For example, optical attenuator 1 can be disposed on optical waveguide 1, and optical attenuator 2 can be disposed on optical waveguide 2. Accordingly, optical attenuator 1 can adjust the light intensity of the first beam before the detector 601 receives the first beam, and input the adjusted light intensity into the detector 601; optical attenuator 2 can adjust the light intensity of the second beam before the detector 601 receives the second beam, and input the adjusted light intensity into the detector 601. In this way, the detector 601 adjusts the light intensity of the first and second beams before receiving the first and second beams, so that the differential current signals corresponding to the first and second beams are as close to zero as possible, thereby enabling the micro-ring device 603 to operate at the target operating point. It is understood that optical attenuator 1 and optical attenuator 2 can also be designed to be disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601. Figures 7-11 The specific function of the control system 600 shown is as follows: Figure 13 The relevant descriptions are the same as those in the text, so they will not be repeated here.

[0102] It is understood that the number of micro-ring devices 603 in the embodiments of this application can be one or more. In other words, the control device 602 in the above-described control system 600 can adjust the operating point of one or more micro-ring devices 603.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the control system 600 further includes an optical switch that can be used to control whether the second beam of light is input into the detector 601. Thus, in scenarios with multiple micro-ring devices, the control system 600 can be equipped with multiple optical switches, each corresponding to a second beam of light, and each optical switch can control whether its corresponding second beam of light is input into the detector 601, thereby achieving control over the operating point of multiple micro-ring modulators.

[0104] Figure 14 This illustration shows another possible structural diagram of the control system 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The control system 600 includes a detector 601, a control device 602, and N micro-ring devices (i.e., Figure 14 The micro-ring device shown includes micro-ring device 1, micro-ring device 2, ..., micro-ring device N), first beam splitter 604, and N second beam splitters (i.e., Figure 14 The components shown include beam splitters 21, 22, ..., 2N, low-pass filter 606, amplifier 607, N optical switches, and N drivers (i.e.,...). Figure 14 The driver shown is 1, driver 2, ..., driver N) and N tuning units (i.e. Figure 14The tuning unit shown is 1, 2, ..., N; wherein, one of the N micro-ring devices corresponds to one of the N second beam splitters, one of the N second beam splitters 605 corresponds to one of the N optical switches, and one of the N micro-ring devices corresponds to one of the N drivers, and one of the N drivers corresponds to one of the N tuning units. For example, micro-ring device 1 corresponds to beam splitter 21, beam splitter 21 corresponds to optical switch 1, and micro-ring device 1 corresponds to driver 1, driver 1 corresponds to tuning unit 1; micro-ring device 2 corresponds to beam splitter 22, beam splitter 22 corresponds to optical switch 2, and micro-ring device 2 corresponds to driver 2, driver 2 corresponds to tuning unit 2; ..., and so on, micro-ring device N corresponds to beam splitter 2N, beam splitter 2N corresponds to optical switch N, and micro-ring device N corresponds to driver N, driver N corresponds to tuning unit N.

[0105] In one possible implementation, please continue to see Figure 14The control system 600 also includes optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, optical waveguide 3, optical waveguide 41, optical waveguide 42, ..., and optical waveguide 4N. Optical waveguide 1 is positioned between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601; optical waveguide 2 is positioned between N optical switches and the detector 601; optical waveguide 3 is positioned between the first beam splitter 604 and beam splitter 2N, and passes through beam splitter 21, beam splitter 22, ..., beam splitter 2N-1; optical waveguide 41 is positioned between beam splitter 21 and optical switch 1; optical waveguide 42 is positioned between beam splitter 22 and optical switch 2, ...; and optical waveguide 4N is positioned between beam splitter 2N and optical switch N. Correspondingly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ1 and split the input light λ1 to obtain beam A11 and beam A12. Then, beam A11 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam A12 is input to beam splitter 21 through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 21 receives beam A12 and splits beam A12 to obtain beam B11 and output light B12. Beam B11 is input to optical switch 1 through optical waveguide 41, and output light B12 is output through optical waveguide 3. Then, optical switch 1 can control whether beam B11 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 1 is in the open state, beam B11 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 2. Similarly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ2 and split it to obtain beam A21 and beam A22. Then, beam A21 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam A22 is input to beam splitter 21 through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 22 receives beam A22 and splits it to obtain beam B21 and output beam B22. Beam B21 is input to optical switch 2 through optical waveguide 42, and output beam B22 is output through optical waveguide 3. Then, optical switch 2 can control whether beam B21 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 2 is in the open state, beam B21 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 2. Similarly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λN and split the input light λN to obtain beam AN1 and beam AN2. Then, beam AN1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam AN2 is input to beam splitter 2N through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 2N receives beam AN2 and splits beam AN2 to obtain beam BN1 and output light BN2. Beam BN1 is input to optical switch N through optical waveguide 4N, and output light BN2 is output through optical waveguide 3. Then, optical switch N can control whether beam BN1 is input to detector 601. When optical switch N is in the open state, beam BN1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 2.

[0106] Please see Figure 15In another possible implementation, the control system 600 also includes optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, optical waveguide 3, optical waveguide 41, optical waveguide 42, ..., optical waveguide 4N, optical waveguide 51, optical waveguide 52, ..., optical waveguide 5N. Among them, optical waveguide 1 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and detector 601, optical waveguide 2 is disposed between N optical switches and detector 601; optical waveguide 3 is disposed between the first beam splitter 604 and beam splitter 2N, and optical waveguide 3 passes through beam splitter 21, beam splitter 22, ..., beam splitter 2N-1; optical waveguide 41 is disposed between beam splitter 21 and optical switch 1, optical waveguide 42 is disposed between beam splitter 22 and optical switch 2, ..., optical waveguide 4N is disposed between beam splitter 2N and optical switch N; optical waveguide 51 is located at the download port of micro-ring device 1, optical waveguide 52 is located at the download port of micro-ring device 2, ..., optical waveguide 5N is located at the download port of micro-ring device N. Correspondingly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ1 and split the input light λ1 to obtain beam A11 and beam A12. Then, beam A11 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam A12 is input to beam splitter 21 through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 21 receives beam A12 and splits beam A12 to obtain beam B12 and beam B12. Beam B11 is input to optical switch 1 through optical waveguide 41. Beam B12 passes through optical waveguide 3, micro-ring device 1, and optical waveguide 51 in sequence to obtain output light C1. Output light C1 is output from the download port of micro-ring device 1. Then, optical switch 1 can control whether beam B11 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 1 is in the open state, beam B11 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 2. Similarly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ2 and split it to obtain beams A21 and A22. Then, beam A21 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam A22 is input to beam splitter 22 through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 22 receives beam A22 and splits it to obtain beams B22 and B22. Beam B21 is input to optical switch 2 through optical waveguide 42. Beam B22 passes through optical waveguide 3, micro-ring device 2, and optical waveguide 52 in sequence to obtain output light C2. Output light C2 is output from the download port of micro-ring device 2. Then, optical switch 2 can control whether beam B21 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 2 is in the open state, beam B21 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 2.Similarly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λN and split it to obtain beams AN1 and AN2. Then, beam AN1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and beam AN2 is input to beam splitter 2N through optical waveguide 3. Beam splitter 2N receives beam AN2 and splits it to obtain beams BN2 and BN2. Beam BN1 is input to optical switch N through optical waveguide 4N. Beam BN2 passes through optical waveguide 3, micro-ring device N, and optical waveguide 5N in sequence to obtain output light CN. Output light CN is output from the download port of micro-ring device N. Then, optical switch N can control whether beam BN1 is input to detector 601. When optical switch N is in the on state, beam BN1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide N.

[0107] Figure 16A This illustration shows another possible structural diagram of the control system 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16A and Figure 14 The difference is: Figure 16A The control system 600 does not have N second beam splitters. Figure 16AThe control system 600 shown includes optical waveguide 1, optical waveguide 2, optical waveguide 31, optical waveguide 32, ..., optical waveguide 3N, and optical waveguide 4. Optical waveguide 1 is positioned between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601; optical waveguide 2 is positioned after the first beam splitter 604; optical waveguide 31 is positioned between the micro-ring device 1 and the optical switch 1, and is located at the download port of the micro-ring device 1; optical waveguide 32 is positioned between the micro-ring device 2 and the optical switch 2, and is located at the download port of the micro-ring device 2; ...; and so on, optical waveguide 3N is positioned between the micro-ring device N and the optical switch N, and is located at the download port of the micro-ring device N; optical waveguide 4 is positioned between the N optical switches and the detector 601. Correspondingly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ1 and split the input light λ1 to obtain beam A11 and output light A12. Then, beam A11 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and output light A12 is output through optical waveguide 2. Output light A12 passes through optical waveguide 2, micro-ring device 1, and optical waveguide 31 in sequence to obtain beam C1. Then, optical switch 1 can control whether beam C1 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 1 is in the open state, beam C1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 4. Similarly, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λ2 and split the input light λ2 to obtain beam A21 and output light A22. Then, beam A21 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and output light A22 is output through optical waveguide 2. Output light A22 passes through optical waveguide 2, micro-ring device 2, and optical waveguide 32 in sequence to obtain beam C2. Then, optical switch 2 can control whether beam C2 is input to detector 601. When optical switch 2 is in the open state, beam C2 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 4. ...and so on, the first beam splitter 604 can receive the input light λN and split the input light λN to obtain beam AN1 and output light AN2. Then, beam AN1 is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 1, and output light AN2 is output through optical waveguide 2. Output light AN2 passes through optical waveguide 2, micro-ring device N, and optical waveguide 3N in sequence to obtain beam CN. Then, optical switch N can control whether beam CN is input to detector 601. When optical switch N is in the open state, beam CN is input to detector 601 through optical waveguide 4.

[0108] Correspondingly, in Figures 14-16AIn this configuration, detector 601 can receive N first beams of light and N second beams of light; wherein one of the N first beams of light corresponds to one of the N second beams of light; detector 601 can perform photoelectric conversion on any one of the N first beams of light to obtain a first current signal; and perform photoelectric conversion on the second beam corresponding to that first beam to obtain a second current signal; determine the differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal, and input the differential current signal into low-pass filter 606; after low-pass filter 606 processes the differential current signal accordingly, it can be input into amplifier 607; amplifier 607 amplifies the differential current signal and inputs it into control device 602; control device 602 receives the differential current signal, determines the control signal corresponding to the differential current signal, and sends the control signal to the driver corresponding to the micro-ring device corresponding to any one of the first beams of light; the driver can adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the control signal so that the micro-ring device operates at the target operating point. For example, using... Figure 16A Taking the micro-ring device 1 as an example, the detector 601 can receive beam A11 (i.e., the first beam) and beam C1 (i.e., the second beam), determine the differential current signals corresponding to beam A11 (i.e., the first beam) and beam C1 (i.e., the second beam), and input the differential current signals into the low-pass filter 606; after the low-pass filter 606 processes the differential current signals accordingly, it can input them into the amplifier 607; after the amplifier 607 amplifies the differential current signals, it inputs them into the control device 602; the control device 602 receives the differential current signals, determines the control signals corresponding to the differential current signals, and sends the control signals to the driver 1; the driver 1 can adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device 1 based on the control signals so that the micro-ring device 1 operates at the target operating point.

[0109] Understandable Figures 14-16A The low-pass filter 606 and amplifier 607 are optional.

[0110] Optional, Figures 14-16A The control system 600 shown in any of the accompanying figures may further include a first attenuator and a second attenuator. The first attenuator is used to adjust the light intensity of N first beams of light, and the second attenuator is used to adjust the light intensity of N second beams of light. This allows the differential current signals corresponding to the first and second beams of light to be as close to zero as possible, thereby enabling the micro-ring device to operate at the target operating point. The first attenuator may include one or more attenuators, and the second attenuator may include one or more attenuators. The number of attenuators in the first and second attenuators may be the same or different.

[0111] Example 1, such as Figure 16BAs shown, the control system 600 also includes optical attenuator 1 and optical attenuator 2. Optical attenuator 1 is disposed on optical waveguide 1 between the first beam splitter 604 and detector 601, and optical attenuator 2 is disposed on optical waveguide 4 between N optical switches and detector 601.

[0112] Example 2, such as Figure 16C As shown, the control system 600 also includes an optical attenuator 1 and N optical attenuators 2 (i.e., attenuators 21, ..., attenuators 2N). The optical attenuator 1 is located on the optical waveguide 1 between the first beam splitter 604 and the detector 601; the optical attenuator 21 is located on the optical waveguide 31 between the N optical switches and the micro-ring device 1; the optical attenuator 22 is located on the optical waveguide 32 between the N optical switches and the micro-ring device 2; ..., the optical attenuator 2N is located on the optical waveguide 3N between the N optical switches and the micro-ring device N.

[0113] As can be seen from the above description, Figures 14-16C When multiple micro-ring devices (i.e., micro-ring device 1, micro-ring device 2, ..., micro-ring device N) are cascaded, the multiple micro-ring devices (i.e., micro-ring device 1, micro-ring device 2, ..., micro-ring device N) share a single control loop (i.e., the control loop composed of detector 601 and control device 602). Control device 602 can achieve efficient adjustment of the operating point of multiple micro-ring devices (i.e., micro-ring device 1, micro-ring device 2, ..., micro-ring device N), while reducing the number of components in the control system 600, effectively reducing the complexity of the control system 600, and making the control system 600 easy to implement.

[0114] Based on the above content and the same concept, this application also provides a control method, which is composed of... Figures 6-11 ,or Figure 13 The control system 600 shown in any of the options is executed. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 17 The method includes:

[0115] S1701 and detector 601 receive the first beam of light, perform photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light, and obtain the first current signal.

[0116] S1702 and detector 601 receive the second beam of light, perform photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light, and obtain the second current signal.

[0117] The first and second beams of light are obtained based on the input light of the control system 600.

[0118] S1703, detector 601 determines the differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal.

[0119] S1704, detector 601 inputs a differential current signal to control device 602. Correspondingly, control device 602 receives the differential current signal.

[0120] S1705, the control device 602 determines the control signal based on the differential current signal. This control signal is used to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device 603 so that the micro-ring device 603 operates at the target operating point.

[0121] The target operating point is the intersection of the optical signal wavelength in the micro-ring device 603 and the spectrum of the micro-ring device 603.

[0122] The above Figure 17 For details on the specific implementation methods and beneficial effects of the control methods shown, please refer to the above section on... Figures 6-11 ,or Figure 13 The relevant information about the control system 600 shown in any of the above items will not be repeated here.

[0123] Furthermore, the control system provided in this application embodiment can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application embodiment.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0125] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0126] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0127] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0128] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A control system, characterized in that, The system includes a detector, a microring device, and a control device; The detector is configured to receive a first beam of light and a second beam of light, perform photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light to obtain a first current signal, and perform photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light to obtain a second current signal; Determine the differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal; wherein the first beam and the second beam are obtained based on the input light of the control system; The control device is used to receive the differential current signal and determine a control signal based on the differential current signal. The control signal is used to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device so that the micro-ring device operates at a target operating point. The target operating point is the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the micro-ring device and the spectrum of the micro-ring device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, a third optical waveguide, and a fourth optical waveguide; The first beam splitter is used to receive the input light and split the input light to obtain a first beam and a third beam; wherein, the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the third beam is input to the second beam splitter through the third optical waveguide; The second beam splitter is used to receive the third beam and split it to obtain a second beam and an output beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide, and the output beam is output through the third optical waveguide; or... The second beam splitter is used to receive the third beam and split the third beam to obtain the second beam and the fourth beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; the third beam passes sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device and the fourth optical waveguide to obtain the output beam, and the output beam is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point, and / or, The splitting ratio of the second beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; The first beam splitter is used to receive the input light and split the input light to obtain the first beam and the second beam; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; The second beam of light passes sequentially through the second optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the third optical waveguide to obtain output light, which is then output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; The first beam splitter is used to receive the input light and split the input light to obtain the first beam and the output light; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the output light is output through the third optical waveguide; The second optical waveguide is located at the download port of the micro-ring device. The output light passes sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the second optical waveguide to obtain the second beam of light. The second beam of light is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device, and / or, The first coupling coefficient between the second optical waveguide and the microring device is determined based on the target operating point of the microring device, and / or, The second coupling coefficient between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the second optical waveguide that interacts with the micro-ring device, and / or to the distance between the second optical waveguide and the micro-ring device; The second coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the third optical waveguide that interacts with the micro-ring device, and / or to the distance between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The system also includes a first optical attenuator and a second optical attenuator; The first optical attenuator is used to adjust the light intensity of the first beam of light before the detector receives the first beam of light, and then input the adjusted light intensity into the detector. The second optical attenuator is used to adjust the light intensity of the second beam of light before the detector receives the second beam of light, and then input the adjusted light into the detector.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The system also includes a transimpedance amplifier; The detector is also used to input the differential current signal into the transimpedance amplifier; The transimpedance amplifier is used to amplify the differential current signal before the control device receives the differential current signal, and then input the amplified signal into the control device.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The system also includes a driver, and the control signal is used to indicate the drive voltage of the driver; The control device is also used to send the control signal to the driver; The driver is used to receive the control signal and adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the driving voltage.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The system also includes a tuning unit disposed on the micro-ring device; The driver adjusts the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the driving voltage, including: The driver adjusts the voltage or current value of the tuning unit based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The microring device includes a microring and / or a microring modulator.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The system also includes an optical switch; The optical switch is used to control whether the second beam of light is input into the detector.

15. A control method, characterized in that, It is applied to a control system, which includes a detector, a micro-ring device, and a control device; The method includes: The detector receives a first beam of light and a second beam of light, performs photoelectric conversion on the first beam of light to obtain a first current signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the second beam of light to obtain a second current signal; and determines a differential current signal between the first current signal and the second current signal; wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light are obtained based on the input light of the control system; The control device receives the differential current signal and determines a control signal based on the differential current signal. The control signal is used to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device so that the micro-ring device operates at a target operating point. The target operating point is the intersection of the wavelength of the optical signal in the micro-ring device and the spectrum of the micro-ring device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, a third optical waveguide, and a fourth optical waveguide; The method further includes: The first beam splitter receives the input light and splits the input light to obtain a first beam and a third beam; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the third beam is input to the second beam splitter through the third optical waveguide; The second beam splitter receives the third beam and splits it to obtain a second beam and an output beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide, and the output beam is output through the third optical waveguide; or... The second beam splitter receives the third beam and splits it to obtain the second beam and the fourth beam; wherein the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; the third beam passes sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device and the fourth optical waveguide to obtain the output beam, and the output beam is output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point, and / or, The splitting ratio of the second beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; The method further includes: The first beam splitter receives the input light and splits the input light to obtain a first beam and a second beam; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the second beam is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide; The second beam of light passes sequentially through the second optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the third optical waveguide to obtain output light, which is then output through the download port of the micro-ring device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The system also includes a first beam splitter, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a third optical waveguide; The method further includes: The first beam splitter receives the input light and splits the input light to obtain the first beam and the output light; wherein the first beam is input to the detector through the first optical waveguide, and the output light is output through the third optical waveguide; The second optical waveguide is located at the download port of the micro-ring device. The output light passes sequentially through the third optical waveguide, the micro-ring device, and the second optical waveguide to obtain the second beam of light. The second beam of light is input to the detector through the second optical waveguide.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first beam splitter is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device, and / or, The first coupling coefficient between the second optical waveguide and the microring device is determined based on the target operating point of the microring device, and / or, The second coupling coefficient between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device is determined based on the target operating point of the micro-ring device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the second optical waveguide that interacts with the micro-ring device, and / or to the distance between the second optical waveguide and the micro-ring device; The second coupling coefficient is related to the length of the optical waveguide in the third optical waveguide that interacts with the micro-ring device, and / or to the distance between the third optical waveguide and the micro-ring device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, characterized in that, The system also includes a first optical attenuator and a second optical attenuator; The method further includes: The first optical attenuator adjusts the light intensity of the first beam of light before the detector receives the first beam of light, and then inputs the adjusted light into the detector. The second optical attenuator adjusts the light intensity of the second beam before the detector receives it, and then inputs the adjusted light into the detector.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15-23, characterized in that, The system also includes a transimpedance amplifier; The method further includes: The detector inputs a differential current signal into the transimpedance amplifier; The transimpedance amplifier amplifies the differential current signal before the control device receives it, and then inputs the amplified signal into the control device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15-24, characterized in that, The system also includes a driver, and the control signal is used to indicate the drive voltage of the driver; The method further includes: The control device sends the control signal to the driver; The driver receives the control signal and adjusts the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the driving voltage.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The system also includes a tuning unit disposed on the micro-ring device; The driver adjusts the operating point of the micro-ring device based on the driving voltage, including: The driver adjusts the voltage or current value of the tuning unit based on the driving voltage to adjust the operating point of the micro-ring device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15-26, characterized in that, The microring device includes a microring and / or a microring modulator.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15-27, characterized in that, The system also includes an optical switch; The method further includes: The optical switch controls whether the second beam of light is input into the detector.

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