Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The method comprises: a transmitting end device transmits a first optical signal, the first optical signal carrying a tracking and pointing signal, the tracking and pointing signal being used for calibrating an optical transmission channel between the transmitting end device and a receiving end device, the tracking and pointing signal comprising a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, the low-frequency component being used for the receiving end device to determine a spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component being used for the receiving end device to determine a spot position of the first optical signal; the high-frequency component is used for the receiving end equipment to determine the power of the first optical signal; the sending end equipment receives first feedback information from the receiving end equipment, wherein the first feedback information is used for indicating to end the calibration of the optical transmission channel; and the sending end equipment responds to the first feedback information, stops sending the first optical signal and sends a second optical signal to the receiving end equipment, and the second optical signal carries the service data. By adopting the method, tracking and pointing can be realized by using the tracking and pointing signal, and the power of the receiving end for receiving the optical signal can be determined, so that the calibration of the optical transmission channel is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] Optical communication technology is a key component of the communications field. The optical communication process involves both tracking signal transmission and bandwidth-intensive data transmission. The device receiving the tracking signal requires a wide field of view to detect a wider range and facilitate rapid tracking. This requires the photodiode (PD) or photosensitive array receiving the tracking signal to have a large photosensitive surface. However, PDs with large photosensitive surfaces or photosensitive arrays receive signals with low bandwidth. Furthermore, increasing bandwidth is a performance requirement of optical communication systems. To achieve this, PDs with small photosensitive surfaces are required to increase the analog bandwidth of the communication system.

[0003] Tracking and communication have different requirements for the bandwidth of optical signals, that is, different requirements for the frequency or wavelength of optical signals. How to use single-wavelength optical signals to achieve tracking and communication is a technical problem that needs to be solved at present. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for achieving tracking and communication using a single-wavelength optical signal.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, applied to a transmitting device, the method comprising: the transmitting device sending a first optical signal to a receiving device, the first optical signal carrying a tracking signal, the tracking signal being used to calibrate an optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device, the tracking signal comprising a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, the low-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine a light spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine the power of the first optical signal; the transmitting device receiving first feedback information from the receiving device, the first feedback information being used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration; the transmitting device stopping sending the first optical signal in response to the first feedback information, and sending a second optical signal to the receiving device, the second optical signal carrying service data; the first optical signal and the second optical signal having the same wavelength.

[0006] Because the tracking signal uses both high-frequency and low-frequency components, the high-frequency component can be received by the optical module of the receiving device, while the low-frequency component can be received by the PD of the receiving device. This allows for simultaneous tracking and communication using a single-wavelength optical signal. Furthermore, because the wavelength of the first and second optical signals is the same, the same light source can be used to transmit both the first and second optical signals, simplifying the structure of the optical signal transmission device and reducing equipment costs. During the tracking phase, the optical module of the receiving device can receive the high-frequency component and perform clock recovery operations.

[0007] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes: when the optical transmission channel is disconnected, the receiving device sends second feedback information to the sending device, and the sending device receives the second feedback information, where the second feedback information is used to indicate the start of optical transmission channel calibration; in response to the second feedback information, the receiving device stops sending the second optical signal and sends the first optical signal to the sending device.

[0008] After the optical transmission channel is disconnected, the receiving device sends feedback information to the transmitting device. The transmitting device sends the first optical signal and resends the tracking signal based on the feedback information, thereby automatically and quickly reconnecting the optical transmission channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tracking signal includes a first signal frame and a second signal frame, the first signal frame and the second signal frame are sent alternately, the first signal frame includes a long sequence of 0 bits, and the second signal frame includes a long sequence of 1 bits.

[0010] By alternately sending a long sequence of 0 bits and a long sequence of 1 bits, the tracking signal can appear low-frequency, thus realizing the role of the low-frequency component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first signal frame further includes one or more 1 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the first signal frame is greater than the number of 1 bits.

[0012] By setting more 0 bits in the first signal frame, the first signal frame can be sent using low power, thereby generating a low-power signal segment in the tracking signal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second signal frame further includes one or more 0 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the second signal frame is less than the number of 1 bits.

[0014] By setting more 1 bits in the second signal frame, the second signal frame can be sent using high power, thereby generating a high-power signal segment in the tracking signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, a long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the first signal frame is interspersed with 1 bits.

[0016] By inserting 1 bits into a long sequence of 0 bits, a high-frequency signal mutation occurs in the long sequence of 0 bits, thereby generating an effect of a short pulse signal in the long sequence of 0 bits.

[0017] In one embodiment, 0 bits are interspersed in the long series of 1 bits of the second signal frame.

[0018] By inserting 0 bits in a long sequence of 1 bits, a high-frequency signal mutation occurs in the long sequence of 1 bits, thereby generating an effect of a short pulse signal in the long sequence of 1 bits.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, applied to a receiving device, the communication method comprising: receiving a first optical signal from a transmitting device, the first optical signal carrying a tracking signal, the tracking signal comprising a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component; determining a spot position of the first optical signal based on the low-frequency component, determining a power of the first optical signal based on the high-frequency component, and calibrating an optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device based on the spot position and the power; and sending first feedback information, the first feedback information being used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration, the wavelength of the first optical signal being the same as the wavelength of the second optical signal.

[0020] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes: sending second feedback information, where the second feedback information is used to instruct the receiving end device to start optical transmission channel calibration.

[0021] In one embodiment, the tracking signal includes a first signal frame and a second signal frame, the first signal frame and the second signal frame are sent alternately, the first signal frame includes a long sequence of 0 bits, and the second signal frame includes a long sequence of 1 bits.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first signal frame further includes one or more 1 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the first signal frame is greater than the number of 1 bits.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second signal frame further includes one or more 0 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the second signal frame is less than the number of 1 bits.

[0024] In one embodiment, a long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the first signal frame is interspersed with 1 bits.

[0025] In one embodiment, 0 bits are interspersed in the long series of 1 bits of the second signal frame.

[0026] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a transmitting device or a receiving device. In this method, the transmitting device sends a first optical signal to the receiving device, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, and the tracking signal is used to calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, and the low-frequency component is used by the receiving device to determine the spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component is used by the receiving device to determine the power of the first optical signal; the receiving device receives the first optical signal from the transmitting device, where the first optical signal carries the tracking signal; the receiving device The device determines the spot position of the first optical signal according to the low-frequency component, determines the power of the first optical signal according to the high-frequency component, and calibrates the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device according to the spot position and the power; the receiving device sends first feedback information, and the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of the optical transmission channel calibration. The transmitting device receives the first feedback information from the receiving device, and the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of the optical transmission channel calibration; the transmitting device stops sending the first optical signal in response to the first feedback information, and sends a second optical signal to the receiving device, and the second optical signal carries service data.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the functions of implementing the first aspect or the second aspect mentioned above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect or the second aspect mentioned above. The module or unit or means can be implemented through software, or through hardware, or the corresponding software implementation can be executed by hardware.

[0028] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform certain internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit can correspond to the operations described in the first or second aspect above.

[0029] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor, which can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first or second aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the memory may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first or second aspect. The processor may execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0031] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect above.

[0032] It can be understood that in the fourth aspect above, the processor can be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading the software code stored in the memory. In addition, the above processors can be one or more, and the memories can be one or more. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor can be set separately. In the specific implementation process, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be set on different chips respectively. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical communication system, comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device, wherein the transmitting device is used to implement the method applied to the transmitting device provided in any embodiment of the present application, and the receiving device is used to implement the method applied to the receiving device provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a module for executing the method provided by any embodiment of the present application.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors configured to execute the method provided by any embodiment of the present application.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; a processor; when the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, the communication device equipped with the chip system executes the method provided by any embodiment of the present application.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on a processor, the processor executes the method provided by any embodiment of the present application.

[0038] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a communication device, the method provided by any embodiment of the present application is implemented.

[0039] The technical effects brought about by the above second to tenth aspects can be found in the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding schemes in the above first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a dual PD array structure included in a receiving device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a coupling control component included in another receiving device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tracking signal in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the digital signal waveform of the tracking signal in the embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the waveform of the low-frequency component analog signal received by the receiving device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a high-frequency component digital signal received by a receiving device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the signal frame bit structure of the tracking signal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a communication method provided as an example of this application;

[0051] Figure 11 An exemplary block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device involved in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features around a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In addition, combinations of these solutions may also be used.

[0055] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplarily", "for example", "for example", "another example" and the like are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. To be precise, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way. In the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent.

[0056] The following first describes the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] Figure 1A This is an example of an optical communication system to which the technical solution of an embodiment of the present application is applicable. Figure 1A The optical system shown in the figure includes a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device includes a signal source, an encoder, a modulator, a light source, an optical amplifier, an optical transmitter, and a tracking and aiming module; the receiving device includes a signal processing system, a decoder, a demodulator, a signal amplifier, a light detector, an optical receiver, and a tracking and aiming module.

[0058] The transmitting device is used to transmit optical signals, and the receiving device is used to receive optical signals. The transmitting and receiving devices can convert between each other during optical signal transmission. The tracking and aiming module of the transmitting device is compatible with the tracking and aiming module of the receiving device.

[0059] When the embodiments of the present application are applied to Figure 1AWhen the optical system is shown, the transmitting device can execute the communication method applied to the transmitting device in the embodiment of the present application, and the receiving device can execute the communication method used for the receiving device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0060] The signal source of the transmitting device generates the communication signal. The encoder encodes the communication signal to generate a coded signal. The modulator modulates the coded signal so that it is loaded into the optical signal of the light source to generate a modulated signal. The optical amplifier amplifies the modulated signal to generate an amplified modulated signal. The optical transmitter transmits the tracking signal generated by the tracking module to the receiving device or, when calibrating the optical transmission channel, transmits the modulated signal loaded with the communication signal to the receiving device.

[0061] The tracking module of the receiving device receives the tracking signal sent by the sending device. After completing the calibration of the optical transmission channel, the optical receiver of the receiving device receives the optical signal sent by the optical transmitter of the sending device. The optical detector can detect the optical signal within the preset frequency band, wherein the optical signal within the preset frequency band includes the modulated signal emitted by the transmitter. After the optical detector detects the modulated signal, it transmits the modulated signal to the signal amplifier, which amplifies the modulated signal to obtain an amplified modulated signal. The demodulator demodulates the amplified modulated signal to obtain a demodulated signal. The decoder decodes the demodulated signal to obtain an electrical signal that can be processed by the signal processing system. Among them, the optical module mentioned in other embodiments of the present application includes a photodetector.

[0062] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to other communication systems capable of transmitting optical signals, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, 5G communication system, such as new radio (NR) system, and future evolved communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system.

[0063] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, Figure 1B The communication system shown in FIG is used as an example to describe another communication system applicable to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1BAs shown, the communication system 1000 includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include the Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device, such as Figure 1B 110a and 110b in the embodiment may further include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1B 120a-120j in the figure. 110a is a base station, 110b is a micro station, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a gas pump, 120d is a home access point (HAP) located indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The wireless access network 100 can serve as a receiving device in the embodiment of the present application. When the wireless access network 100 sends a communication signal to the core network 200, the wireless access network 100 can also serve as a sending device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Figure 1B In the core network, terminal devices can connect to network devices, and network devices can connect to core network devices within the core network. Core network devices and network devices can be independent and distinct physical devices, or they can integrate the core network device's functions and the network device's logical functions into the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some network device functions. Terminal devices and network devices can connect to each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1B Not drawn in the middle.

[0065] The following is an introduction to network devices and terminal devices.

[0066] (1) Network equipment

[0067] In a mobile communication system, a network device connects a terminal device to a wireless network. As a node in a radio access network (RAN), a network device can also be called a base station, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device), an access point (AP), or an access network (AN) device.

[0068] Currently, some examples of network equipment include: new generation Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), transmission and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), or base band unit (BBU), etc.

[0069] In one network architecture, network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed units (DU). This architecture separates the protocol layers of network devices, centrally controlling some protocol layer functions within the CU and distributing some or all of the remaining protocol layer functions within the DU, which is then centrally controlled by the CU. For example, the CU handles non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the RRC and PDCP layers. The DU handles physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers.

[0070] Optionally, the network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and active antenna-related functions. Because RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is converted from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU.

[0071] It is understandable that the network device may include one or more of CU, DU, and AAU. In addition, the CU may be classified as a network device in the access network or as a network device in the core network, which is not limited in this application.

[0072] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device. In the embodiments of the present application, the device for realizing the function of the network device may be a network device; or it may be a device that can support the network device to realize the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. Among them, the chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices. In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may also be realized by multiple network function entities, each network function entity is used to realize part of the functions of the network device. These network function entities may be network elements in hardware devices, or they may be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they may be virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described by taking the device for realizing the function of the network device as an example, which is a network device.

[0073] (2) Terminal equipment

[0074] Terminal equipment is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. Terminal equipment can also be called user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), wireless communication device, terminal agent, or terminal device.

[0075] For example, the terminal device may be a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or a vehicle with a communication function, a vehicle-mounted device (such as a vehicle-mounted communication device, a vehicle-mounted communication chip), etc. Currently, some examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the function of the terminal device may be the terminal device; or it may be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip or chip system or module, which may be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described by taking the terminal device as an example of the apparatus for implementing the function of the terminal device.

[0077] In addition, the same terminal device or network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example, Figure 1B The mobile phones in the example include 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e, and access the HAP. Mobile phone 120e can access the HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can connect to micro station 110b, connect to laptop computer 120g, and connect to printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0078] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, Figure 1B The helicopter or drone 120i in the figure can be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, the terminal device 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, that is, the communication between 110a and 120i is carried out through the wireless air interface protocol. Of course, the communication between 110a and 120i can also be carried out through the interface protocol between base stations. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, the wireless access network and the terminal device can be collectively referred to as a communication device. Figure 1B 110a and 110b in the figure can be called communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1B 120a-120j in the figure can be called communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0079] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; and in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of network devices and terminal devices.

[0080] Network devices and terminal devices, network devices and network devices, and terminal devices and terminal devices can communicate through authorized spectrum, unauthorized spectrum, or both. They can communicate through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communications.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present application, “sending information to...(terminal device or module)” and “sending information to...(terminal device or module)” can be understood as the destination end of the information being the terminal device or module. It can include sending information to the terminal device directly or indirectly. “Receiving information from...(terminal device or module)” and “receiving information from...(terminal device or module)” can be understood as the source end of the information being the terminal device, which can include receiving information from the terminal device directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0082] It can be understood that the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other communication systems. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B This is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other devices. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B Not drawn in the middle.

[0083] The following first explains the relevant technical features involved in the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of the present application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0084] (1) Optical signal

[0085] The optical signal may include a light wave signal (or referred to as a light wave) in the embodiment of the present application, which belongs to an electromagnetic wave signal. Electromagnetic waves are oscillating particle waves, which are generated and emitted in space by electric and magnetic fields that oscillate in phase and are perpendicular to each other. They are electromagnetic fields that propagate in the form of waves. Electromagnetic waves have wave-particle duality, and their particle form is called photons. Light wave signals contain the visible light part of electromagnetic waves, and light signals may include invisible light or visible light in electromagnetic waves. The optical signal in the embodiment of the present application includes a carrier and a modulation signal. The carrier is the basis for transmitting communication signals in optical communication, and may also be referred to as an optical medium, carrier frequency, optical carrier signal or carrier signal. It is a radio wave of a specific frequency. The modulation signal is an optical signal formed by loading other information into the carrier.

[0086] After a carrier wave is modulated in frequency, amplitude, or phase, it can transmit communication signals such as voice, audio, and images. The communication signal is modulated onto an optical signal, and the resulting optical signal is called a modulated signal for communication. Modulated signals can include tracking light (a modulated signal used for tracking) or communication light (a modulated signal used for communication). Tracking light is also called beacon laser (BL).

[0087] (2) Optical communication

[0088] Optical communication, or optical communication, is a communication method that uses light as the communication medium.

[0089] Based on the type of light waves, optical communication can be divided into: laser communication, blue-green light communication, infrared communication, ultraviolet communication, etc. Among them, laser communication uses laser as the communication medium, blue-green light communication uses blue-green laser as the communication medium, infrared communication uses infrared as the communication medium, and ultraviolet communication uses ultraviolet as the communication medium.

[0090] Based on the transmission mode, optical communication can be divided into wired optical communication and free space optical communication (FSO).

[0091] Wired optical communication can use optical fibers to transmit light signals. Free-space optical communication is a technology that uses lasers to achieve bidirectional communication in atmospheric channels.

[0092] Free-space optical communications can be achieved using coherent or incoherent laser sources, with free space (such as the atmosphere or a vacuum) as the transmission medium for optical signals, and can provide communication rates of up to 100Gbps. Wired optical fibers may also be used in some parts of the free-space optical communication process.

[0093] (3) Following and aiming

[0094] During the optical communication process, the state of the transmitting device includes the tracking state and the communication state. Similarly, the state of the receiving device also includes the tracking state and the communication state.

[0095] Tracking is the process of aligning the transmitting and receiving devices during optical communication. In related technologies, while tracking is in progress, the transmitting device adjusts the direction of the tracking light it transmits so that the adjusted tracking light is aligned with the receiving direction of the receiving device, allowing it to be received by the receiving device. This tracking process can include: loading a tracking signal into a carrier wave to generate tracking light. The transmitting device then transmits the tracking light to the receiving device while in the tracking state. The tracking light generates a light spot at one end of the receiving device. The receiving device determines whether the tracking light and the receiving device are aligned based on the location of the light spot. If the tracking light and the receiving device are not aligned, the transmitting device can adjust the tracking light to change its transmission direction and the location of the light spot received by the receiving device. If the tracking light and the receiving device are aligned, the optical transmission channel can be used to transmit service data, and the transmitting and receiving devices can switch from the tracking state to the communication state.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, the optical signal (or modulated signal) carrying the tracking signal frame is referred to as the first optical signal.

[0097] (4) Business data

[0098] In optical communication, after tracking and aiming are completed, communication data can be transmitted. Communication data, also known as service data, such as audio and images, can be transmitted. The optical carrier signal is modulated in frequency, amplitude, or phase to form a modulated signal, which carries the service data.

[0099] In the embodiment of the present application, the optical signal (or modulated signal) used to carry service data is referred to as the second optical signal.

[0100] (5) Signal Frame

[0101] Signals (or data, or information) are transmitted in signal frames. Tracking signals and service data each contain multiple signal frames. A signal frame generally consists of a header and an information header. Each frame can contain multiple bits, each of which carries a minimum amount of information. Each bit can carry a binary symbol, either a 0 or a 1. A bit carrying a 0 is a 0, and a bit carrying a 1 is a 1.

[0102] (6) Power

[0103] The power in the embodiments of the present application includes the power of the optical signal.

[0104] (7) Fiber coupling power

[0105] Fiber coupling power refers to the power of the optical signal received by the receiving device when the optical fiber is coupled with the optical signal.

[0106] (8) Frequency

[0107] The frequency in the embodiments of the present application includes the frequency of the electrical signal. The high frequency and low frequency in the high-frequency component and low-frequency component mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refer to the high or low frequency of the electrical signal. When modulating an optical signal, after converting the tracking and / or communication signal in the form of an electrical signal into an optical signal, the optical carrier signal's lightwave is modified based on the converted tracking and / or communication signal to produce a modulated signal.

[0108] In the tracking state, the larger the observation range of the receiving device, the easier it is for the receiving device to capture the tracking signal. In order to make the receiving device have a larger observation range, the receiving device needs a PD or photosensitive array with a large photosensitive surface to receive the tracking light. The PD or photosensitive array with a large photosensitive surface can expand the field of view of the tracking system. The area of ​​the PD or photosensitive array is usually mm 2 The signal has a magnitude of 10 MHz and a large junction capacitance. Consequently, the analog bandwidth of the tracking signal received by the receiving device is typically in the tens of MHz. In a communication state, the amount of service data transmitted per unit time needs to be increased to enhance the user experience. Therefore, the receiving device relies on a PD with a small photosensitive surface to increase the analog bandwidth for receiving service data. In a communication state, communication signals with a magnitude of tens of GHz are typically loaded onto a carrier wave to generate the modulated signal used for communication. This shows that tracking signals and service data have different bandwidth requirements.

[0109] To enable simultaneous communication and tracking, the related art provides a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology for FSO communication systems. This technology combines two or more carriers of different wavelengths and couples them into the same optical transmission channel for transmission. In one FSO communication system, the transmitting device uses a laser carrier with a wavelength of λ1 to carry the tracking and targeting signal. The resulting modulated signal is a low-speed, narrowband signal used for tracking and targeting. Simultaneously, the transmitting device uses a laser carrier with a wavelength of λ2 to carry the communication signal. The resulting modulated signal is a high-speed, broadband signal used for communication. The optical signal with a wavelength of λ1 is coaxial with the optical signal with a wavelength of λ2. At the receiving device, filters and deflection mirrors are used to separate the beacon light from the modulated signal used for communication. An imaging device or a quadrant PD (QPD) is used to detect the error angle of the beacon light. Real-time compensation is performed based on the error angle to achieve calibration of the optical transmission channel.

[0110] In another FSO communication system provided by the related art, the receiving end device couples modulated signals incident at multiple angles into the optical fiber. Among them, the beacon light used for tracking uses optical signals in three different frequency bands, including 940 nanometers (nanometer, nm), 638~660nm, and 808~852nm. The transmission power of the beacon light in the three frequency bands is 1 watt (watt, W), 5 milliwatts (mW), and 5mW, respectively. The three beacon lights of different wavelengths are coaxial with the modulated signal used for communication. At least two deflection mirrors (DM) of specific wavelengths: DM1 and DM2 are used to deflect the beacon light to the corresponding complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector. The laser incident angle is detected by the CMOS detector, and the incident angle of the beacon light is compensated by a fast steering mirror (FSM). When the beacon light falls entirely on the center of the CMOS detector, the modulated signal used for communication can be efficiently coupled into the optical fiber.

[0111] The above-mentioned related technologies use coaxial lasers of multiple wavelengths, multiple filters and precise coaxial systems, which result in complex optical branches, large equipment volume, high equipment cost, reduced resistance to vibration and movement, and reduced reliability.

[0112] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a communication method and related devices and systems that can implement the method. The present invention can be applied to a single-wavelength, miniaturized, low-cost optical communication system, which includes a transmitting device and a receiving device.

[0113] A receiving device according to an embodiment of the present application includes: Figure 2 The dual PD array structure shown is used to detect the position of the light spot and includes: a first lens 21, a first PD array 22, a second lens 23, a second PD array 24, and a third lens 25. The first PD array 22 is arranged between the first lens 21 and the second lens 23, and the second PD array 24 is arranged between the second lens 23 and the third lens 25. The optical signal enters the first PD array 22 from the first lens 21, then passes through the second lens 23 and enters the second PD array 24, and finally exits from the third lens 25. The third lens 25 is connected to the optical module (not shown in the figure).

[0114] The total photosensitive area of ​​the first PD array 22 is approximately 150 mm 2 -200 mm 2 The bandwidth is approximately 10 MHz, far less than the bandwidth of the optical module. The parameters of the second PD array 24 are essentially the same as those of the first PD array 22. The central hole in the first PD array allows the carrier to pass through. When the center of the optical signal spot coincides with the center of the hole, the optical transmission channel is calibrated. When the photocurrents output by the four PDs in the first PD array are the same, the optical signal, after being coupled through the optical fiber of the optical transmission channel, achieves maximum power at the receiving device. The optical communication between the receiving and transmitting devices then transitions from the tracking state to the communication state. In the communication state, the modulated signal carrying the communication signal is transmitted from the first lens 21 to the third lens 25 before being received by the optical module.

[0115] Another receiving end device in the embodiment of the present application includes: Figure 3 The coupling control component shown is used to detect the position of the light spot and adjust the state of the coupling control component according to the position of the light spot. Figure 3The coupling control components in the optical fiber include a deflection mirror 31, a first beam splitter 32, a first lens 33, a first four-quadrant detector 34, a second beam splitter 35, a second lens 36, a second four-quadrant detector 37, a third lens 38, and a coupling controller 39. The deflection mirror 31 can also be called a piezoelectric deflection mirror. The optical signal changes its transmission direction after passing through the deflection mirror 31 and is then directed to the first beam splitter 32. The first beam splitter 32 splits the carrier into two primary subcarriers. One of the primary subcarriers passes through the first lens 33 and is received by the first four-quadrant detector 34, while the other is directed to the second beam splitter 35. The second beam splitter 35 further splits the received primary subcarrier into two secondary subcarriers. One of the secondary subcarriers passes through the second lens 36 and is received by the second four-quadrant detector 37. The other secondary subcarrier passes through the third lens 38 and optical fiber 310, and is transmitted to the optical module 311. The optical module 311 receives the secondary subcarriers transmitted from the optical fiber 310 and can obtain the fiber-coupled power based on the secondary subcarriers. The coupling controller 39 adjusts the two quadrant detectors based on the signals output by the first and second quadrant detectors 34, 37. When the first and second quadrant detectors 34, 37 are adjusted to a certain angle, the power received by the optical module 311 after the second-order subcarrier passes through the optical fiber 310 reaches a threshold. At this point, the coupling status indicator pin signal of the optical module 311 changes, indicating successful coupling of the optical signal and the optical fiber 310, and the optical transmission channel is calibrated. The optical communication between the receiving and transmitting devices then transitions from the tracking state to the communication state. In the communication state, the deflection mirror 31 is locked, and the modulated signal carrying the communication signal passes through the deflection mirror 31, reaches the third lens 38, and is ultimately transmitted to the optical module 311.

[0116] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. In this embodiment, a possible implementation of communication between a transmitting device and a receiving device is described. The receiving device may include, for example, Figure 2 The dual array structure shown in FIG. 1 and the optical module connected to the dual array structure. Alternatively, the receiving end device may include Figure 3 The coupling control component shown. Exemplarily, the transmitting device may include a base station; the receiving device may include a user terminal, such as a mobile terminal. After the transmitting device and the receiving device are initialized, the tracking state begins, the receiving device continuously detects the optical signal, and the transmitting device determines whether the optical transmission channel is calibrated through the feedback signal sent by the receiving device. When the power of the optical signal received by the optical module of the receiving device exceeds the preset threshold, the receiving device sends a first feedback information to the transmitting device, causing the transmitting device to switch to the communication state. At this time, the tracking state of the transmitting device is locked, and the transmitting device begins to send high-speed business data streams through the second signal. As Figure 4 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0117] Step S41: The transmitting device sends a first optical signal to the receiving device. The first optical signal carries a tracking signal. The tracking signal is used to calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component.

[0118] Correspondingly, the receiving end device receives the first optical signal sent by the transmitting end device.

[0119] The tracking signal is an electrical signal used in the tracking process. This signal is added to the optical signal to produce the tracking light. When the tracking light strikes the receiving device, it creates a light spot on the PD of the receiving device. This generates a current change in the circuit where the PD resides. Based on this current change, the receiving device can determine that the light spot of the first signal falls on the PD of the receiving device.

[0120] The tracking signal includes a high-frequency component and a low-frequency component. The high-frequency component has a higher frequency than the low-frequency component. The low-frequency component's frequency corresponds to the frequency range receivable by the PD of the receiving device. In other words, the low-frequency component's frequency falls within the frequency range receivable by the PD of the receiving device. The high-frequency component's frequency corresponds to the frequency range receivable by the optical module of the receiving device. In other words, the high-frequency component's frequency falls within the frequency range receivable by the PD of the receiving device.

[0121] When the first optical signal carrying the tracking signal is aligned with the receiving device, the power of the high-frequency component received by the receiving device exceeds a preset threshold. At this point, the high-frequency component is received by the receiving device as an optical signal within the first optical signal and becomes part of the modulated signal obtained by modulating the first optical signal. Calibration of the optical transmission link is completed when the receiving device determines, based on the high-frequency component, that the power of the received first optical signal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold.

[0122] An optical transmission channel, or optical link, includes the line from the transmitting device that sends the optical signal to the receiving device that receives the optical signal. The optical transmission channel can also include the line that performs photoelectric conversion in the receiving device after receiving the optical signal and outputs an electrical signal.

[0123] Step S42: The receiving end device determines the spot position of the first optical signal according to the low-frequency component, and determines the power of the received first optical signal according to the high-frequency component.

[0124] When the first optical signal is coupled to the optical transmission channel, the receiving end device can determine that the light spot position of the first optical signal just falls into the hole corresponding to the PD of the receiving end device, or just enters the optical fiber of the receiving end device.

[0125] The service data received by the receiving device is high-frequency data. The high-frequency component of the tracking signal is also used by the receiving device to determine whether the power of the received first optical signal is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. If the receiving device determines, based on the high-frequency component, that the power of the received first optical signal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it indicates that the receiving device received the service data via the first optical signal, and that the power of the received service data meets the preset threshold requirement. Therefore, the receiving device can determine that the optical transmission channel has been calibrated based on the power of the received first optical signal.

[0126] In one possible implementation, when the receiving device determines, based on the high-frequency component, that the power of the received first optical signal is less than a preset threshold, the receiving device transmits a third feedback signal to the transmitting device. The third feedback signal is used to instruct the transmitting device to continue optical transmission channel calibration. After receiving the third feedback signal, the transmitting device continues to transmit the first optical signal.

[0127] Step S43: After the receiving end device determines that the power of the first optical signal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the receiving end device sends first feedback information to the transmitting end device, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration.

[0128] Correspondingly, the transmitting device receives the first feedback information from the receiving device.

[0129] When the receiving device determines that the power of the first optical signal is less than a preset threshold, the receiving device may send feedback information to the transmitting device, so that the transmitting device adjusts the sending direction of the first optical signal according to the feedback information.

[0130] The first feedback information may be an optical signal or an electrical signal. The first feedback information may be transmitted through other links other than the optical transmission channel to ensure that the receiving end device can receive the first feedback information.

[0131] After the receiving device determines the light spot position according to the low-frequency component and determines the fiber coupling according to the high-frequency component, it sends first feedback information to the transmitting device, indicating to the first device through the first feedback information that the optical transmission channel has been calibrated.

[0132] Step S44: The transmitting end device stops sending the first optical signal in response to the first feedback information.

[0133] After receiving the first feedback information, the transmitting device may end the tracking state and switch to the communication state.

[0134] Step S45: The transmitting device sends a second optical signal to the receiving device, where the second optical signal carries service data.

[0135] pass Figure 4In the method shown, the transmitting device can use the low-frequency component of the tracking signal to enable the receiving device to receive the tracking signal, thereby achieving optical transmission docking with the receiving device. Simultaneously, the transmitting device uses the high-frequency component of the tracking signal to enable the receiving device to determine that it can receive high-frequency service data via the optical signal. Therefore, the tracking signal is used to calibrate the optical transmission channel between the receiving and transmitting devices, eliminating the need for the optical signal carrying the tracking signal to be coaxial with the optical signal carrying the service data. This simplifies the optical paths of the transmitting and receiving devices, eliminates the need for sophisticated hardware to transmit or process coaxial optical signals, and reduces the cost of the transmitting and receiving devices. Based on Example 1, the tracking signal in step S41 can include both high-frequency and low-frequency components.

[0136] The following describes the first case where the tracking signal includes both high-frequency and low-frequency components. When the receiving device receives the tracking signal, the PD and optical module of the receiving device can simultaneously receive the optical signal. While the PD determines the light spot position based on the received optical signal, the optical module determines the power of the received optical signal.

[0137] The tracking signal can include a first signal frame and a second signal frame, which are sent alternately with a preset period corresponding to the frequency at which the receiving device receives the light spot. The first signal frame includes a long sequence of zero bits, and the second signal frame includes a long sequence of one bits. Because the long sequence of zero bits and one bits occurs infrequently, they produce a low-frequency component.

[0138] A long sequence of consecutive 0 bits is a sequence of multiple consecutive 0 bits, which may include more than a set number of consecutive 0 bits. A long sequence of consecutive 1 bits is a sequence of multiple consecutive 1 bits, which may include more than a set number of consecutive 1 bits. The long sequence of consecutive 1 bits in the high-frequency component and the long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the low-frequency component make the frequency of the high-frequency component higher than that of the low-frequency component.

[0139] In one implementation, a signal frame in the tracking signal may include both 0 bits and 1 bits, and possible formats of the signal frame include at least one of the following.

[0140] (1) The first signal frame further includes at least one 1 bit, and in the first signal frame, the total number of 0 bits is greater than the total number of 1 bits.

[0141] The at least one 1-bit may include a non-consecutive 1-bit or a continuous 1-bit. A continuous 1-bit includes at least two consecutive 1-bits. That is, the total number of 1-bit bits in the continuous 1-bits may be less than the longest continuous 1-bit. The adjacent bits of the non-consecutive 1-bits are 0.

[0142] (2) The second signal frame also includes one less 0 bit, and in the second signal frame, the total number of 1 bits is greater than the total number of 0 bits.

[0143] The at least one 0 bit may include a non-consecutive 0 bit or a continuous 0 bit. Continuous 0 bits include at least two consecutive 0 bits. That is, the total number of 0 bits in the continuous 0 bits may be less than the longest continuous 0 bit. The adjacent bits of the non-consecutive 0 bits are 1.

[0144] (3) The first signal frame also includes consecutive 1 bits, the number of transitions between a long sequence of consecutive 1 bits and consecutive 0 bits is less than or equal to 1, and in the first signal frame, the total number of 0 bits is greater than the total number of 1 bits.

[0145] (4) The second signal frame also includes consecutive 0 bits, the number of transitions between the long sequence of consecutive 0 bits and consecutive 1 bits is less than or equal to 1, and in the second signal frame, the total number of 1 bits is greater than the total number of 0 bits.

[0146] The transition between a long sequence of 0 bits and continuous 1 bits includes a transition from a long sequence of 0 bits to continuous 1 bits, or a transition from continuous 1 bits to a long sequence of 0 bits.

[0147] (5) The first signal frame and the second signal frame in the low-frequency component appear alternately according to a set period. The set period is a large period so that the frequency of the low-frequency component is consistent with the frequency of the light spot received by the receiving device.

[0148] Based on the signal frame formats of (1)-(5) above, the first signal frame or the second signal frame of the tracking signal may include a short pulse signal that appears at a higher frequency, so that the optical module of the receiving device can determine the power of the received optical signal while the PD of the receiving device detects the light spot.

[0149] In one case, 1 bit may be inserted into a long sequence of 0 bits in the first signal frame to simulate the effect of a short pulse signal in the long sequence of 0 bits.

[0150] In one case, the interspersed 1-bit is set according to a preset first period.

[0151] In another case, 0 bits may be inserted into the long sequence of 1 bits in the second signal frame to simulate the effect of a short pulse signal in the long sequence of 1 bits.

[0152] In another case, the interspersed 0 bits are set according to a preset second period.

[0153] Since the interspersed 1 bits or interspersed 0 bits appear at a high frequency, an effect of a high-frequency component is generated.

[0154] When a 1-bit is interspersed in a long sequence of consecutive 0 bits, the adjacent bit can be a 0-bit. When a 0-bit is interspersed in a long sequence of consecutive 1 bits, the adjacent bit can be a 1-bit.

[0155] For example, Figure 5 The following is a structural diagram of a tracking signal, which includes the possible signal frame formats of (1)-(5) above, and is interspersed with 0 bits or 1 bits to simulate the effect of short pulse signals. Figure 5 In the example shown, the switching period between the first and second signal frames is Ts. This switching period achieves the effect of enhancing the low-frequency component of the tracking signal. Within a switching period, multiple consecutive first signal frames form a high-power region of the tracking signal. Within the adjacent switching period of the high-power region, multiple consecutive second signal frames form a low-power region of the tracking signal.

[0156] like Figure 5 As shown, the second signal frame includes a frame header and multiple code blocks. The frame header includes multiple bits, and each code block includes multiple bits. The frame header includes a long sequence of 1 bits and a small number of 1 bits used to simulate short pulses. The first signal frame and the second signal frame have the same number of bits, and the frame period required to send the first signal frame and the second signal frame is the same. The period for sending a single bit is the bit period. Sending the first signal frame requires N periods, and sending the second signal frame also requires N periods, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0157] exist Figure 5 In the second signal frame shown, the bits of the code block are all 1 and include interspersed 0 bits, and the interspersed 0 bits are used to produce the effect of high-frequency components. Or there is a jump from 1 to continuous 0 bits in the bit positions of the code block, and the continuous 1-bit portion includes interspersed 0 bits, and the continuous 0-bit portion includes interspersed 1 bits, and the interspersed 0 bits and interspersed 1 bits are used to produce the effect of high-frequency components. The structure of the second signal frame is the same as that of the first signal frame, and the setting rules of the bits 0 and 1 are opposite. The number of 1 bits in the high-power area is higher than the number of 0 bits. The number of 0 bits in the low-power area is higher than the number of 1 bits.

[0158] Exemplarily, in the first signal frame and the second signal frame, the total number of bits included in the frame header and the code block meets the setting standard of the error detection code, such as 64 bits (bit, B) / 66B, or 8B / 10B standard.

[0159] Exemplarily, the frame header length is approximately half of the length of the signal frame.

[0160] Figure 5 The following figure shows the signal frame structure of the tracking signal. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The original waveform diagram of the digital signal of the tracking signal is shown in FIG. Figure 6 It can be seen from the figure that the long sequence of 1 bits in the second signal frame forms a high power area of ​​the low frequency component. At the same time, the long sequence of 0 bits in the first signal frame forms a low power area of ​​the low frequency component. The high power area and the low power area are Figure 6 The low-frequency envelope is used to divide the signal. In the high-power region, short pulse signals with high-frequency transitions are simulated by interspersing 0 bits. In the low-power region, short pulse signals with high-frequency transitions are simulated by interspersing 0 bits.

[0161] Figure 6 After the digital signal shown is received by the receiving device, the PD of the receiving device receives the analog signal waveform corresponding to the low-frequency envelope, such as Figure 7 As shown, the receiving device can determine the spot position of the optical signal based on the received low-frequency component. The signal waveform received by the optical module of the receiving device is Figure 6 The digital signal waveform corresponding to the high-frequency jump in Figure 8 shown.

[0162] pass Figures 6 to 8 For example, the transmitting and receiving devices can use a purely digital modem interface to send and receive tracking signals, such as a serializer / deserializer (SER / DES) interface. This eliminates the need for additional signal processing hardware on the transmitting and receiving devices, reducing the cost of both devices.

[0163] Figure 2 In the dual array structure shown, the first PD array 22 and the second PD array 24 can detect the 600kHz square wave digital signal, and the optical module of the receiving device can estimate the intensity of the received optical signal through a low-speed digital-to-analog converter. Figures 6 to 8 Examples of applications Figure 2 In the dual-array structure shown, in the tracking state, the optical module can receive the short pulse signal simulated by the tracking signal. When the coupled power exceeds a preset threshold, the receiving device sends first feedback information to the transmitting device to lock the transmission parameters of the first optical signal. The receiving and transmitting devices then switch from the tracking state to the communication state, with the transmitting device transmitting a second optical signal according to the transmission parameters of the first optical signal. A composite frame containing both high- and low-frequency components is used as the tracking signal between the transmitting and receiving devices. This allows the receiving device's PD to share the same wavelength optical channel as the optical module, eliminating the need for complex structures to process multi-wavelength optical signals in either the transmitting or receiving device, thus reducing equipment costs.

[0164] Figure 3 In the coupling control assembly shown, the first four-quadrant detector 34, the second four-quadrant detector 37 and the optical module 311 can simultaneously detect the tracking signal. Figures 6 to 8 Examples of applications Figure 3 In the coupling control assembly shown, the deflection mirror 31 can be controlled based on the current output by the first and second quadrant detectors 34, 37 when they receive the light spot, achieving coupling between the optical signal and the optical transmission channel. This allows the use of a single light source to communicate with the PD and the optical module, completing both tracking and communication functions, thereby reducing equipment costs. After tracking and aiming are completed, the coupling controller stops outputting signals to the first and second quadrant detectors 34, 37, and no longer changes the state of the deflection mirror 31. The "no signal" pin of the optical module is also low. When the receiving device moves, the optical transmission channel is interrupted, the "no signal" pin of the optical module is pulled high, and the receiving end sends a second feedback signal to the transmitting device via the feedback link, causing the transmitting device to re-enter the tracking and aiming state and transmit the first optical signal until coupling is successfully completed and the communication state is entered.

[0165] Figure 9 Shown in Figure 5 On this basis, the possible bit structure of the second signal frame adopts the 64B / 66B encoding standard.

[0166] like Figure 9 As shown, in the second signal frame, the code blocks include code block 1 and code block 2. The frame header of the second signal frame and code block 1 and code block 2 occupy a total of 66 bits, and the frame header includes 34 bits. Figure 9 The multiple 0 and 1 bits in each row constitute a complete signal frame, and the ratio of the number of 1 bits to 0 bits in the signal frame corresponding to each row is displayed after the bit. Figure 9 Code blocks 1 and 2 shown in the figure each contain a 16-bit custom codeword. Assuming the optical module used by the receiving device has a bit rate of 10.137 Gbps and each low-frequency period of the tracking signal contains 128 high-power frames, the low-frequency period Ts formed by the tracking signal satisfies:

[0167]

[0168] It can be seen that the low-frequency component generated by the tracking signal has a frequency of 1200kHz, which can be received by most PDs. The short pulses contained in the code block can also pass through the DC-blocking capacitor of the optical module. When the optical signal and the optical transmission channel are successfully coupled, the optical module pulls the "no signal" pin low, and the "no signal" pin does not output current. The optical module can transmit the optical signal to other related modules of the receiving device.

[0169] exist Figures 5 to 9In the example shown, the first optical signal in the tracking state can be generated by the input / output (IO) port and only includes two levels, high and low. By controlling the number of long continuous 0-bit sequences and long continuous 1-bit sequences in the tracking signal, a part of the tracking signal can be received by the PD as a low-frequency component. At the same time, a small number of 1 bits and 0 bits are interspersed in the long continuous 0-bit sequence and the long continuous 1-bit sequence of the tracking signal to simulate a narrow pulse signal, ensuring that the DC blocking capacitor in the optical module does not shield the signal, and the interspersed 1 bits and 0 bits in the tracking signal can be received by the optical module of the receiving device as a high-frequency component. Thus, the embodiment of the present application achieves tracking and communication effects through a tracking signal.

[0170] The following describes the second case where the tracking signal includes both high-frequency and low-frequency components. When the receiving device receives the tracking signal, the PD and optical module of the receiving device can simultaneously receive the optical signal. The optical module determines the power of the received optical signal before or after the PD determines the light spot position based on the received optical signal.

[0171] Exemplarily, the tracking signal may include signal frames of a high-frequency component and signal frames of a low-frequency component, with the signal frames of the high-frequency component and the signal frames of the low-frequency component appearing alternately. The signal frames of the high-frequency component may include alternating consecutive 1 bits and consecutive 0 bits, with the consecutive 1 bits and consecutive 0 bits in the high-frequency component containing fewer bits, so that the signal frames of the high-frequency component exhibit a high-frequency effect. The signal frames of the low-frequency component may include alternating long sequences of consecutive 1 bits and consecutive 0 bits, with the consecutive 1-bit sequences and consecutive 0-bit sequences in the low-frequency component signal frames containing more bits, so that the signal frames of the low-frequency component exhibit a low-frequency effect.

[0172] In one implementation, Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment and related examples, the wavelength of the first optical signal is the same as the wavelength of the second optical signal.

[0173] Since the tracking signal carried by the first optical signal generates a light spot on the receiving device, and the power of the first optical signal received by the receiving device is not less than a preset threshold, the wavelength of the second optical signal is the same as that of the first optical signal. In the communication state, the transmitting device can still use the light source used in the tracking state, without the need to set up different light-emitting modules, thereby reducing the complexity of the device and thus reducing the device cost.

[0174] In one implementation, Figure 4Based on the illustrated embodiment and related examples, if the transmitting or receiving device moves, or if other faults occur, the optical transmission channel between the transmitting and receiving devices may be disconnected. After the disconnection, the receiving device can send feedback information to the transmitting device, causing the transmitting device to resend the first optical signal carrying the tracking signal.

[0175] Figure 10 Another example of a communication method is shown, including steps S101 to S1011. Figure 10 In the example shown, the operating states of the transmitting and receiving devices are divided into tracking and communication states. In the tracking state, the transmitting device transmits a first optical signal carrying the tracking signal, enabling simultaneous communication with the receiving device's optical module while tracking. In the communication state, the transmitting device sends pure data packets containing service data to the receiving device via a second optical signal until the coupling state of the optical transmission channel is lost, at which point the receiving and transmitting devices re-enter the tracking state.

[0176] Step S101: When the optical transmission channel is connected, the receiving end device is in a communication state and receives a second optical signal.

[0177] Step S102: When the optical transmission channel is disconnected, the receiving device switches from the communication state to the tracking state, and sends second feedback information to the transmitting device.

[0178] Correspondingly, the transmitting end device receives the second feedback information. The second feedback information may be transmitted via other transmission links other than the optical transmission channel.

[0179] Step S103: The transmitting end device determines that the current state is the tracking state according to the second feedback information.

[0180] Whenever the transmitting device receives feedback information from the receiving device, the transmitting device extracts status information based on the feedback information, and determines whether the current receiving device is in the tracking state or the communication state based on the status information. Then, if it is determined that the receiving device is in the tracking state, the transmitting device sends a first optical signal, and if it is determined that the receiving device is in the communication state, the transmitting device sends a second optical signal.

[0181] Step S104: The transmitting end device stops sending the second optical signal and switches to the tracking state.

[0182] Correspondingly, the receiving end device stops receiving the second optical signal.

[0183] Step S105: The transmitting end device sends a first optical signal to the receiving end device.

[0184] Step S106: The receiving end device determines the spot position of the first optical signal according to the low-frequency component, and determines the power of the received first optical signal according to the high-frequency component.

[0185] Step S107: After the receiving end device determines that the power of the first optical signal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the receiving end device switches to a communication state and sends first feedback information to the transmitting end device.

[0186] Step S108: The transmitting end device determines, based on the first feedback information, that the current receiving end device is in a communication state, and stops sending the first optical signal.

[0187] Step S109: the transmitting device switches to a communication state and sends a second optical signal to the receiving device.

[0188] After signal transmission between the transmitting device and the receiving device is interrupted, a quick reconnection can be achieved through the first optical signal. When the optical module of the receiving device receives the communication signal, the optical module can restore the clock in time when reconnecting after the signal interruption.

[0189] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which is applied to a sending end device, such as Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1110 includes:

[0190] The transceiver module 1111 is configured to transmit a first optical signal, the first optical signal carrying a tracking signal used to calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device, the tracking signal comprising a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, the low-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine the optical spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine the power of the first optical signal; receive first feedback information from the receiving device, the first feedback information being used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration; and in response to the first feedback information, stop transmitting the first optical signal and transmit a second optical signal to the receiving device, the second optical signal carrying service data. The communication device 1110 further includes a processing module 1112 for processing the optical signals received or transmitted by the transceiver module 1111.

[0191] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 1111 is further configured to: receive second feedback information, where the second feedback information is used to instruct to start optical transmission channel calibration; and in response to the second feedback information, stop sending the second optical signal and send the first optical signal.

[0192] In one embodiment, the tracking signal includes a first signal frame and a second signal frame, the first signal frame and the second signal frame are sent alternately, the first signal frame includes a long sequence of 0 bits, and the second signal frame includes a long sequence of 1 bits.

[0193] In one embodiment, the first signal frame further includes one or more 1 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the first signal frame is greater than the number of 1 bits.

[0194] In one embodiment, the second signal frame further includes one or more 0 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the second signal frame is less than the number of 1 bits.

[0195] In one embodiment, a long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the first signal frame is interspersed with 1 bits.

[0196] In one embodiment, 0 bits are interspersed in the long series of 1 bits of the second signal frame.

[0197] In one embodiment, the wavelength of the first optical signal is the same as the wavelength of the second optical signal.

[0198] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which is applied to a receiving device, and the communication device includes: a transceiver module, which is used to receive a first optical signal from a transmitting device, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, and the tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component; a processing module, which is used to determine the spot position of the first optical signal based on the low-frequency component, determine the power of the first optical signal based on the high-frequency component, and calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device based on the spot position and the power; the transceiver module is also used to send first feedback information, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of the optical transmission channel calibration.

[0199] The transceiver module is further configured to send second feedback information, where the second feedback information is configured to instruct the receiving end device to initiate optical transmission channel calibration.

[0200] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the network devices and terminal devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0201] Figure 12 and Figure 13Schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the transmitting end device and / or the receiving end device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1B The RAN node shown may also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal device or a network device.

[0202] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes a processing unit 1210 and a transceiver unit 1220. The communication device 1200 is used to implement the above Figure 4 The functions of the sending end device or the receiving end device in the method embodiment.

[0203] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the function of the transmitting device is performed, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to: send a first optical signal, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, and the tracking signal is used to calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, and the low-frequency component is used by the receiving device to determine the spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component is used by the receiving device to determine the power of the first optical signal; receive first feedback information from the receiving device, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of the optical transmission channel calibration; in response to the first feedback information, stop sending the first optical signal and send a second optical signal to the receiving device, where the second optical signal carries service data.

[0204] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the function of the receiving device is performed, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to: receive a first optical signal from a transmitting device, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, and the tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component; the processing unit 1210 is used to: determine the spot position of the first optical signal based on the low-frequency component, determine the power of the first optical signal based on the high-frequency component, and calibrate the optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device based on the spot position and the power; the transceiver unit 1220 is also used to: send first feedback information, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of the optical transmission channel calibration.

[0205] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1210 and the transceiver unit 1220 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG. , and will not be repeated here.

[0206] like Figure 13As shown, communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and an interface circuit 1320. Processor 1310 and interface circuit 1320 are coupled to each other. It will be appreciated that interface circuit 1320 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, communication device 1300 may further include a memory 1330 for storing instructions executed by processor 1310, input data required by processor 1310 to execute instructions, or data generated after processor 1310 executes instructions.

[0207] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 When the method shown is used, the processor 1310 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 1210, and the interface circuit 1320 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1220.

[0208] When the communication device is a chip implemented in a transmitting device, the chip implements the functions of the transmitting device in the above-described method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) within the transmitting device, where the information is sent by the receiving device to the transmitting device; or the chip transmits information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) within the transmitting device, where the information is sent by the transmitting device to the receiving device.

[0209] When the above-mentioned communication device is a module applied to a receiving-end device, the receiving-end device module implements the functions of the receiving-end device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The receiving-end device module receives information from other modules in the receiving-end device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the transmitting-end device to the receiving-end device; or, the receiving-end device module sends information to other modules in the receiving-end device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the receiving-end device to the transmitting-end device. The receiving-end device module here can be the baseband chip of the transmitting-end device, or it can be a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0210] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0211] In the present application, another example of a communication device is provided, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory are coupled, and the at least one memory is used to store instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the communication device executes the method in the above embodiment. For example, a communication device including a processor and a memory is used. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and a memory 1330. The processor 1310 and the memory 1330 are coupled, and the memory 1330 stores instructions. When the instructions stored in the memory 1330 are executed by the processor 1310, the communication device 1300 executes the method executed by the transmitting end device or the receiving end device in the above embodiment.

[0212] It should be understood that the processor 1310 and the memory 1330 may also be integrated together, such as in one chip.

[0213] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, mobile hard disk, CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a network device or a terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist in a network device or a terminal as discrete components.

[0214] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0215] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0216] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of this application, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in a "division" relationship. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B or C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC, and "at least one of A, B and C" can also be understood to include A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. Also, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0217] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0218] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0219] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0220] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a transmitting device, the method includes: Sending a first optical signal, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, the tracking signal being used to calibrate an optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device, the tracking signal including a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, the low-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine a spot position of the first optical signal, and the high-frequency component being used by the receiving device to determine a power of the first optical signal; receiving first feedback information from the receiving end device, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration; In response to the first feedback information, the first optical signal is stopped from being sent, and a second optical signal is sent to the receiving end device, where the second optical signal carries service data; the wavelength of the first optical signal is the same as that of the second optical signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving second feedback information, where the second feedback information is used to instruct to start optical transmission channel calibration; In response to the second feedback information, the sending of the second optical signal is stopped, and the first optical signal is sent.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The tracking signal includes a first signal frame and a second signal frame, the first signal frame and the second signal frame are sent alternately, the first signal frame includes a long continuous 0 bit sequence, and the second signal frame includes a long continuous 1 bit sequence.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first signal frame further includes one or more 1 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the first signal frame is greater than the number of 1 bits.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The second signal frame further includes one or more 0 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the second signal frame is less than the number of 1 bits.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the first signal frame is interspersed with 1 bits.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The second signal frame has a long series of 1 bits interspersed with 0 bits.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a receiving device, the method includes: receiving a first optical signal from a transmitting end device, where the first optical signal carries a tracking signal, and the tracking signal includes a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component; determining a spot position of the first optical signal according to the low-frequency component, determining a power of the first optical signal according to the high-frequency component, and calibrating an optical transmission channel between the transmitting device and the receiving device according to the spot position and the power; First feedback information is sent, where the first feedback information is used to indicate the end of optical transmission channel calibration; the wavelength of the first optical signal is the same as the wavelength of the second optical signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second feedback information is sent, where the second feedback information is used to instruct the receiving end device to start optical transmission channel calibration.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The tracking signal includes a first signal frame and a second signal frame, the first signal frame and the second signal frame are sent alternately, the first signal frame includes a long continuous 0 bit sequence, and the second signal frame includes a long continuous 1 bit sequence.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first signal frame further includes one or more 1 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the first signal frame is greater than the number of 1 bits.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The second signal frame further includes one or more 0 bits, and the number of 0 bits in the second signal frame is less than the number of 1 bits.

13. The method according to claims 10-12, characterized in that The long sequence of consecutive 0 bits in the signal frame is interspersed with 1 bits.

14. The method according to claims 11-13, characterized in that The second signal frame has a long series of 1 bits interspersed with 0 bits.

15. An optical communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a sending end device and a receiving end device, wherein the sending end device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and the receiving end device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: include: The one or more processors are configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

18. A chip system, characterized in that: include: a memory for storing computer programs; a processor; When the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, the communication device equipped with the chip system executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or executes the method according to claims 8 to 14.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method described in any one of claims 8 to 14 is implemented.

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