Optical communication channel power dynamic balancing method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical communication, in particular to an optical communication channel power dynamic balancing method. Local power is monitored in real time at each relay node, channel paths with different transmission losses are selected through optical switch routing decision, in optical transmission between adjacent nodes, the power attenuation amplitude of a high-power input signal after being transmitted in a high-loss path is large, and the power attenuation amplitude of a low-power input signal after being transmitted in a low-loss path is small. After the signals are transmitted for a certain distance, the power difference of the signals is reduced, and the signals are amplified by the multi-core optical fiber amplifier of the next node, so that the power dynamic balanced transmission of the channels is realized; not only is the power balanced transmission of the channel realized, but also the system energy consumption is effectively reduced, and the transmission energy efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and more particularly to a method for dynamically balancing optical communication channel power. Background Art

[0002] With the exponential growth in data transmission capacity demand for long-haul optical communication systems, such as data center interconnections, backbone network transmission, and submarine cable communications, space division multiplexing (SDM) has become a key technology path to breaking the Shannon limit of single-core optical fibers. Multi-core fiber (MCF) significantly increases system communication capacity through parallel transmission of multiple independent fiber cores. However, long-haul transmission requires addressing the core challenge of power imbalance between core channels. During MCF manufacturing, variations in core refractive index distribution and geometric dimensions, as well as differences in fiber bend radius and stress distribution during deployment, lead to inconsistent transmission loss between core channels, resulting in channel power variations during transmission. Furthermore, dynamic environmental disturbances such as temperature gradients, mechanical deformation, and vibration further exacerbate channel power fluctuations. Therefore, in long-haul optical communications, if dynamic power balancing is not considered, after signals pass through multiple relay amplification nodes, low-loss channels will experience nonlinear effects due to multiple accumulation amplifications, while high-loss channels will be unable to support data transmission due to their low power, severely impacting communication system performance.

[0003] Traditional power balancing solutions have significant limitations. Fixed attenuators are unable to adapt to the demands of dynamic power balancing. Once the transmission characteristics of a fiber link change, fixed attenuators cannot adjust power in a timely manner. While multi-laser collaborative amplification can achieve power regulation, it consumes a lot of energy and is difficult to achieve dynamic balancing. Existing dynamic power balancing relies primarily on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)-based variable optical attenuators (VOAs), which are primarily classified into two types: micro-shutters and micro-mirrors. These devices achieve dynamic balancing of channel power through power attenuation, resulting in low energy efficiency. Furthermore, they typically require continuous power supply to maintain their state, resulting in additional energy consumption. Because the channel density in space-division multiplexing optical communication systems is significantly higher than in traditional communication systems, the use of traditional VOA balancing solutions would result in significant energy waste and increased system power consumption. This is particularly unsuitable for applications in scenarios where physical space and power supply are limited at relay nodes, such as submarine optical cable communications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in achieving high energy consumption when dynamically balancing the power of optical communication channels, and to provide a method for dynamically balancing the power of optical communication channels, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] Provided is an optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system, comprising:

[0007] Fan-in fan-out coupling module: used to achieve low-loss optical coupling connection between multi-core optical fiber and single-core optical fiber array;

[0008] Optical switch routing matrix module: includes n×n optical switches, which are used to realize the free switching of optical transmission paths based on fiber-optic signals;

[0009] Distributed control module, including power detection module unit and routing decision unit, used to monitor local power in real time, execute local routing decisions, and support global balancing information exchange;

[0010] Among them, the routing decision unit selects channel paths with different transmission losses to achieve optical communication channel power regulation.

[0011] This invention provides a system for dynamic power balancing in optical communication channels. This system achieves dynamic power balancing by leveraging a designed optical switch routing matrix module and the inherently differentiated losses in its transmission channels. By switching between n×n optical switches and selecting paths with varying losses, this system achieves a similar power regulation effect to a voice-operated architectural (VOA) while maintaining higher energy efficiency. This system abandons the traditional VOA architecture and adopts an optical switching approach to achieve power regulation based on differentiated path losses between multiple nodes, improving system energy efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, the optical switch routing matrix module includes a high-loss mode and a low-loss mode.

[0013] Furthermore, the high-loss mode includes multiple high-loss paths sorted by power, and the low-loss mode includes multiple low-loss paths sorted by power. For example, in order of power, the highest power input signal, the second highest power input signal, the second lowest power input signal, and the lowest power input signal are sequentially provided with the highest loss path, the second highest loss path, the second lowest loss path, and the lowest loss path.

[0014] Furthermore, the n×n optical switch is an optical switch device capable of achieving non-volatile reconfigurable optical routing, including non-volatile reconfigurable optical switch devices based on chalcogenide phase change materials, carrier concentration, or bandgap non-volatile modulation. This invention introduces non-volatile optical switch technology based on non-volatile reconfigurable optical materials (such as chalcogenide phase change materials) to reduce the energy consumption required to maintain system state. The optical switch utilizes non-volatile optical materials with modulation mechanisms such as non-volatile phase change, carrier concentration, and bandgap non-volatility, consuming energy only during switching and requiring no power during normal operation.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical switch routing matrix module includes multiple 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches, and the multiple 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches form an n×n optical switch network according to different topological networks.

[0016] Furthermore, the value of n in the n×n optical opening is greater than or equal to the number of cores of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0017] The present invention also provides an optical communication system, in which a multi-core fiber amplifier and the above-mentioned channel power dynamic equalization system are deployed at each relay node of a long-distance transmission link based on a multi-core fiber; the multi-core fiber amplifier is used to optically amplify the power of each channel of the input multi-core fiber at a rated gain and output the amplified signal; the channel power dynamic equalization system is used to achieve power regulation by selecting different channel paths of an n×n optical switch, and the channel power dynamic equalization system monitors the local power in real time at each relay node and selects channel paths with different transmission losses through optical switch routing decisions.

[0018] The present invention provides an optical communication system in which each relay node of a long-distance link deploys a multi-core fiber optical amplifier and the above-mentioned channel power dynamic equalization system. The multi-core fiber optical amplifier performs optical amplification of the rated gain of each channel power of the input multi-core fiber and outputs the amplified signal. The core part of the channel power dynamic equalization system is composed of three key modules, including a fan-in and fan-out coupling module for achieving efficient coupling of the multi-core fiber and the single-core fiber array; an optical switch routing matrix module composed of n×n optical switches, providing multiple channel paths, where n should be no less than the number of cores of the multi-core fiber; and a distributed control module in which each node independently executes local routing decisions and supports global equalization information exchange. The present invention adopts a distributed control architecture that combines multi-node independent decision-making with global equalization: in the local decision-making layer, each node independently monitors the power of each fiber core and performs rapid routing switching according to a preset threshold; in the global coordination layer, power information is exchanged through an extended optical network protocol, and the optical transmission conditions between adjacent relay amplification nodes are integrated to avoid overcompensation in the cascade system. When a core optical transmission channel is physically damaged, an optical switch can be used to switch routes, sacrificing a non-core / spare channel to ensure the normal operation of the core channel. The optical communication system provided by the present invention not only achieves power-balanced transmission of channels, but also effectively reduces system energy consumption and improves transmission energy efficiency.

[0019] Furthermore, at each relay node, local power is detected by a power detection module unit, the power of each channel is compared, and a routing path is selected according to a preset strategy of the routing decision unit. Through the routing function of the n×n optical switch, a high-loss path or a low-loss path is selected accordingly; input signals are sorted according to power strength, and path switching is performed between two of them according to the following path switching principle: the highest power input signal is routed to the highest loss path, the second highest power input signal is routed to the second highest loss path, the second lowest power input signal is routed to the second lowest loss path, and the lowest power input signal is routed to the lowest loss path; until the next relay node, in the optical transmission between adjacent nodes, the high-power input signal has a large power attenuation after transmission on the high-loss path, and the low-power input signal has a small power attenuation after transmission on the low-loss path. After a certain distance of transmission, the power difference between the various signals becomes smaller, and then they are amplified by the multi-core optical fiber amplifier of the next node to achieve dynamic power balanced transmission of the channel.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for dynamic equalization of optical communication channel power, which uses the above-mentioned optical communication system and includes the following steps:

[0021] Demultiplexing of multi-core fiber and single-core fiber arrays is achieved through fan-in and fan-out modules;

[0022] Monitor the optical power of each fiber core channel in real time and compare the power of each channel;

[0023] The optical switch routing matrix module selects high-loss or low-loss paths based on power levels to achieve power regulation.

[0024] The fan-in and fan-out modules are used to realize the multiplexing of single-core fiber array to multi-core fiber;

[0025] Verify the adjustment effect and update the power status table of the entire network.

[0026] Furthermore, selecting a high-loss path or a low-loss path based on power strength includes:

[0027] When it detects that the power of a certain channel is too high, it switches to a high-loss path;

[0028] When it is detected that the power of a certain channel is too low, it switches to a low-loss path.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] The optical communication channel power dynamic balancing method of the present invention monitors the local power in real time at each relay node, selects channel paths with different transmission losses through optical switch routing decisions, and in the optical transmission between adjacent nodes, the power attenuation of high-power input signals is large after transmission on the high-loss path, and the power attenuation of low-power input signals is small after transmission on the low-loss path. After being transmitted over a certain distance, the power difference between the various signals becomes smaller, and then amplified by the multi-core optical fiber amplifier of the next node, dynamic balanced power transmission of the channel is realized; not only balanced power transmission of the channel is realized, but also system energy consumption is effectively reduced and transmission energy efficiency is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system;

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the optical communication system.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings: 100, channel power dynamic equalization system; 101, fan-in fan-out coupling module; 102, optical switch routing matrix module; 103, single-core fiber array; 200, multi-core fiber amplifier; 300, multi-core fiber; 400, optical transmitter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic, not actual, representations. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced in size, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the products. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted from the drawings.

[0035] The same or similar numbers in the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention correspond to the same or similar parts; in the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships, they are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] This embodiment is an embodiment of an optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system. Figure 1 Shown, including:

[0038] Fan-in fan-out coupling module 101: used to achieve low-loss optical coupling connection (multiplexing / demultiplexing) between the multi-core optical fiber 300 and the single-core optical fiber array 103;

[0039] The optical switch routing matrix module 102 includes an n×n optical switch for realizing free switching of optical transmission paths based on optical fiber signals; the value of n in the n×n optical switch is greater than or equal to the number of cores of the multi-core optical fiber 300;

[0040] Distributed control module, including power detection module unit and routing decision unit, used to monitor local power in real time, execute local routing decisions, and support global balancing information exchange;

[0041] Among them, the routing decision unit selects channel paths with different transmission losses to achieve optical communication channel power regulation.

[0042] In this embodiment, the optical switch routing matrix module includes a high-loss mode and a low-loss mode. The high-loss mode includes multiple high-loss paths sorted by power, while the low-loss mode includes multiple low-loss paths sorted by power. For example, in order of power, the highest power input signal, the second highest power input signal, the second lowest power input signal, and the lowest power input signal are sequentially provided with the highest loss path, the second highest loss path, the second lowest loss path, and the lowest loss path.

[0043] In this embodiment, n×n optical switches are optical switching devices capable of implementing non-volatile reconfigurable optical routing. These include non-volatile reconfigurable optical switching devices based on chalcogenide phase change materials, carrier concentration, or bandgap non-volatile modulation. The optical switch routing matrix module 102 includes multiple 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches. These multiple 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches form an n×n optical switch network based on different network topologies.

[0044] This invention introduces non-volatile optical switching technology based on non-volatile reconfigurable optical materials (such as chalcogenide phase change materials) to reduce the energy consumption required to maintain system states. The optical switch utilizes non-volatile optical materials with modulation mechanisms such as non-volatile phase change, carrier concentration, and bandgap non-volatility. Energy is consumed only during switching, and no power is required during normal operation. This embodiment utilizes a hybrid process combining non-volatile reconfigurable phase change materials with silicon photonics integration to fabricate a low-insertion-loss on-chip optical switching device, achieving low energy consumption for state switching and zero power consumption for state maintenance after power failure.

[0045] This embodiment provides an optical communication channel power dynamic balancing system 100. This system achieves dynamic power balancing by leveraging a designed optical switch routing matrix module 102 and the inherently differentiated losses of its transmission channels. By switching between n×n optical switches and selecting paths with varying losses, this system achieves a power regulation effect similar to that of a voice-operated array (VOA) while maintaining higher energy efficiency. This system abandons the traditional VOA architecture and instead employs optical switching to achieve power regulation based on differentiated path losses between multiple nodes, improving system energy efficiency.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment is an embodiment of an optical communication system. Figure 2 As shown, a multi-core fiber amplifier 200 and one or more channel power dynamic equalization systems 100 are deployed at each relay node of a long-distance transmission link based on a multi-core fiber 300; the multi-core fiber amplifier 200 is used to optically amplify the power of each channel input into the multi-core fiber 300 at a rated gain and output the amplified signal; the channel power dynamic equalization system 100 is used to achieve power regulation by selecting different channel paths of an n×n optical switch. The channel power dynamic equalization system 100 monitors the local power in real time at each relay node and selects channel paths with different transmission losses through optical switch routing decisions.

[0048] In this embodiment, the multi-core optical fiber 300 is efficiently coupled with the single-core optical fiber array 103 through the fan-in and fan-out modules, wherein the number of cores in the multi-core optical fiber 300 is consistent with that in the single-core optical fiber array 103 . At each relay node, the local power is detected by a power detection module unit, the power of each channel is compared, and a routing path is selected according to the preset strategy of the routing decision unit. Through the routing function of the n×n optical switch, a high-loss path or a low-loss path is selected accordingly; the input signals are sorted according to power strength, and the paths are switched between each other according to the following path switching principle: the highest power input signal is routed to the highest loss path, the second highest power input signal is routed to the second highest loss path, the second lowest power input signal is routed to the second lowest loss path, and the lowest power input signal is routed to the lowest loss path; until the next relay node, in the optical transmission between adjacent nodes, the high-power input signal has a large power attenuation after transmission on the high-loss path, and the low-power input signal has a small power attenuation after transmission on the low-loss path. After a certain distance of transmission, the power difference between the signals becomes smaller, and then they are amplified by the multi-core optical fiber amplifier 200 of the next node to achieve dynamic power balanced transmission of the channel.

[0049] The present invention relates to an optical communication system in which each relay node of a long-distance link deploys a multi-core fiber 300 optical amplifier and one or more channel power dynamic equalization systems 100. The multi-core fiber 300 optical amplifier performs optical amplification of the input power of each channel of the multi-core fiber 300 at a rated gain and outputs the amplified signal. The core of the channel power dynamic equalization system 100 consists of three key modules: a fan-in fan-out coupling module 101 for achieving efficient coupling between the multi-core fiber 300 and a single-core fiber array 103; an optical switch routing matrix module 102 composed of n×n optical switches that provides multiple channel paths, where n should be no less than the number of cores in the multi-core fiber 300; and a distributed control module in which each node independently performs local routing decisions and supports global equalization information exchange. The present invention adopts a distributed control architecture that combines multi-node independent decision-making with global equalization: in the local decision-making layer, each node independently monitors the power of each fiber core and performs rapid routing switching based on a preset threshold; in the global coordination layer, power information is exchanged through an extended optical network protocol, and the optical transmission conditions between adjacent relay amplifier nodes are integrated to avoid overcompensation in the cascade system. When a core optical transmission channel is physically damaged, an optical switch can be used to switch routes, sacrificing a non-core / spare channel to ensure the normal operation of the core channel. The optical communication system provided by the present invention not only achieves power-balanced transmission of channels, but also effectively reduces system energy consumption and improves transmission energy efficiency.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, n+1 relay amplification nodes with dynamic power balancing are deployed in a L km link, with a node spacing of L / n km. After a certain distance of transmission, the local power is detected at node i after demultiplexing. Taking a four-core fiber as an example, before entering the multi-core fiber 300 optical amplifier, the signal power of channel 1 is C1 = a dBm, the signal power of channel 2 is C2 = b dBm, the signal power of channel 3 is C3 = c dBm, and the signal power of channel 4 is C4 = d dBm (b > a > d > c). It is detected that the signal power C2 of channel 2 exceeds or approaches the nonlinear power threshold after relay amplification, while the signal power C3 of channel 3 is too low. At this point, the signals of channel 2 and channel 3 are swapped using an n×n optical switch. By the time they reach node i+1, all channels of the multi-core fiber 300 are simultaneously amplified by the multi-core fiber 300 optical amplifier. After demultiplexing, the measured signal powers C1', C2', C3', and C4' in each channel are similar, achieving channel power balance at the current node.

[0051] After transmission through m nodes, a situation similar to that of the i-th node occurs at the i+m+1-th node. The operation of the i-th node is repeated again, switching the high-power signal to the high-loss channel and the low-power signal to the low-loss channel. At the node i+m+2, it is detected that the power difference between the channels is not large, and the channel power balance of the current node is achieved again.

[0052] Subsequent nodes operate according to the above steps, ultimately achieving dynamic balancing of long-distance spatial division multiplexing channel power.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] This embodiment is an embodiment of a method for dynamic equalization of optical communication channel power, using the optical communication system of embodiment 2, including the following steps:

[0055] Demultiplexing of the multi-core optical fiber 300 and the single-core optical fiber array 103 is achieved through the fan-in and fan-out modules;

[0056] Monitor the optical power of each fiber core channel in real time and compare the power of each channel;

[0057] The optical switch routing matrix module 102 selects a high-loss path or a low-loss path according to the power level to achieve power regulation;

[0058] The fan-in and fan-out modules are used to realize multiplexing of the single-core optical fiber array 103 to the multi-core optical fiber 300;

[0059] Verify the adjustment effect and update the power status table of the entire network.

[0060] The selection of high-loss or low-loss paths based on power strength includes:

[0061] When it detects that the power of a certain channel is too high, it switches to a high-loss path;

[0062] When it is detected that the power of a certain channel is too low, it switches to a low-loss path.

[0063] In the specific contents of the above-mentioned specific implementation methods, the various technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory manner. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the above-mentioned technical features are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system, characterized in that: include: A fan-in fan-out coupling module (101) is used to realize a low-loss optical coupling connection between a multi-core optical fiber (300) and a single-core optical fiber array (103); An optical switch routing matrix module (102): comprising n×n optical switches for realizing free switching of optical transmission paths based on optical fiber signals; Distributed control module, including power detection module unit and routing decision unit, used to monitor local power in real time, execute local routing decisions, and support global balancing information exchange; Among them, the routing decision unit selects channel paths with different transmission losses to achieve optical communication channel power regulation.

2. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical switch routing matrix module includes a high-loss mode and a low-loss mode.

3. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The high-loss mode includes multiple high-loss paths sorted by power strength, and the low-loss mode includes multiple low-loss paths sorted by power strength.

4. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The n×n optical switch is an optical switch device that can realize non-volatile reconfigurable optical routing, including a non-volatile reconfigurable optical switch device based on chalcogenide phase change materials, carrier concentration, or energy band gap non-volatile modulation.

5. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The optical switch routing matrix module (102) comprises a plurality of 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches, and the plurality of 1×2 and 2×2 non-volatile reconfigurable optical switches form an n×n optical switch network according to different topological networks.

6. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The value of n in the n×n optical opening is greater than or equal to the number of cores of the multi-core optical fiber (300).

7. An optical communication system, characterized in that: A multi-core fiber amplifier (200) and a channel power dynamic equalization system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 are deployed at each relay node of a long-distance transmission link based on a multi-core optical fiber (300); the multi-core optical fiber amplifier (200) is used to perform optical amplification of each channel power input into the multi-core optical fiber (300) with a rated gain, and output the amplified signal; the channel power dynamic equalization system (100) is used to achieve power regulation by selecting different channel paths of an n×n optical switch, and the channel power dynamic equalization system (100) monitors the local power in real time at each relay node, and selects channel paths with different transmission losses through a preset optical switch routing decision.

8. The optical communication system according to claim 7, wherein: At each relay node, local power is detected by a power detection module unit, the power of each channel is compared, a routing path is selected according to a preset strategy of a routing decision unit, and a high-loss path or a low-loss path is selected accordingly through the routing function of an n×n optical switch; input signals are sorted according to power strength, and path switching is performed between two signals according to the following path switching principle: the highest power input signal is routed to the highest loss path, the second highest power input signal is routed to the second highest loss path, the second lowest power input signal is routed to the second lowest loss path, and the lowest power input signal is routed to the lowest loss path; until the next relay node, in the optical transmission between adjacent nodes, the high power input signal has a large power attenuation amplitude after being transmitted on the high loss path, and the low power input signal has a small power attenuation amplitude after being transmitted on the low loss path. After being transmitted over a certain distance, the power difference between the signals becomes smaller, and then the signals are amplified by a multi-core optical fiber amplifier (200) at the next node to achieve dynamic power balanced transmission of the channels.

9. A method for dynamic equalization of optical communication channel power, characterized in that: The optical communication system according to claim 7 or 8 comprises the following steps: Demultiplexing of a multi-core optical fiber (300) and a single-core optical fiber array (103) is achieved through a fan-in fan-out module; Monitor the optical power of each fiber core channel in real time and compare the power of each channel; Selecting a high-loss path or a low-loss path according to power intensity through an optical switch routing matrix module (102) to achieve power regulation; A fan-in fan-out module is used to realize multiplexing of a single-core optical fiber array (103) to a multi-core optical fiber (300); Verify the adjustment effect and update the power status table of the entire network.

10. The optical communication channel power dynamic equalization method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Selecting a high-loss path or a low-loss path based on power level includes: When it detects that the power of a certain channel is too high, it switches to a high-loss path; When it is detected that the power of a certain channel is too low, it switches to a low-loss path.

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