Optical crossover matrix and apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an optical crossover matrix and an apparatus. Wherein the optical cross matrix comprises 32 optical modules; wherein the 32 optical modules are arranged on one side of the optical cross matrix, and the 32 optical modules are arranged on the other side of the optical cross matrix; each optical module comprises two ports; the ports of the optical modules on the same side are not connected, and the ports of the optical modules on the different sides with the same number are in optical connection. In the mode, the discrete 64 * 64 optical cross matrix can be transformed according to the optical switching requirement of the GPU super node, the cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical interconnect technology, and in particular to an optical cross-connect matrix and device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rise of large-scale AI model applications, the scale of GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) supernodes is constantly expanding. Traditional interconnection methods between GPUs include direct card-to-card (DTC) interconnection, NVLink (a high-speed point-to-point interconnection technology) switching, and Ethernet switch switching. Among these, DTC interconnection technology supports a limited number of GPU cards and has a fixed network topology. NVLink switches have a closed ecosystem. Ethernet switches are currently the GPU interconnection switching device chosen by most GPU manufacturers. Their advantages are mature technology and support for ultra-large-scale GPU supernodes. However, their disadvantages are that they are limited by the routing and forwarding mechanism of the Ethernet protocol, resulting in network latency on the order of several milliseconds. Deep private customization of the protocol is required to meet the latency requirements of GPU supernodes when performing training or inference applications. Moreover, the Ethernet switch supernode interconnection method uses a large number of high-speed optical modules. For example, it requires 6912 400G optical modules, with an optical module to GPU ratio of 1:18, far exceeding the traditional architecture (the ratio of traditional supernode architecture is less than 1:3). As a result, the system cost and power consumption will increase significantly.

[0003] Based on the above issues (network latency, cost, power consumption), many manufacturers have begun to explore the concept of all-optical switching in GPU supernode architectures, including the two common terms Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) and Optical Circuit Switch (OCS). In fact, these two terms share a common technological origin; both are optical switching devices based on the cross-interconnection of optical devices. OXC focuses on static optical path scheduling, while OCS focuses on dynamic switching. Regarding optical switching devices in GPU supernode application scenarios, there are currently four main technical approaches: 3D MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) technology, Digital Liquid Crystal (DLC) technology, Direct Light Beam Steering (DBS) technology, and discrete optical switch solutions.

[0004] (1) 3D MEMS technology: MEMS optical switches consist of an input fiber array unit (FAU), an input MEMS micromirror array, an output MEMS micromirror array, an output fiber array, and supporting driver and control hardware and software. The input and output MEMS micromirror units are two-dimensional dual-axis reflective micromirror arrays, and two MEMS micromirror arrays form an N×N matrix switch array.

[0005] (2) Digital Liquid Crystal Technology (DLC) Optical Switching: Digital liquid crystal optical switching systems utilize the electro-optic effect of liquid crystals combined with the cascading of crystal wedges to arbitrarily dispatch input light from N ports to N output ports, thus achieving the function of an N×N liquid crystal optical switch. The digital liquid crystal optical switch uses the electro-optic effect of liquid crystals and the cascading of crystal wedges to generate beam deflection, enabling the arbitrary switching of input light from N ports to any N output ports, thereby achieving an N×N liquid crystal optical switching function.

[0006] (3) Direct beam deflection technique: Direct beam deflection optical switching involves directly fixing fiber collimators onto piezoelectric ceramic drivers. Each collimator's tail is connected to a piezoelectric ceramic, and they are arranged into a two-dimensional collimator array. Two two-dimensional collimator arrays are placed face to face to form an optical switch matrix. Utilizing the electromechanical coupling effect of piezoelectric ceramics, the collimators are driven to shift and tilt at an angle, so that the corresponding ports of the two arrays are matched and aligned, completing the channel connection and realizing the optical switching function.

[0007] The aforementioned three GPU supernode optical switching device technologies (3D MEMS technology, DLC technology, and DBS technology) all rely on core integrated optical switching components, and the market applications of these core components are not yet mature.

[0008] Therefore, smaller-scale optical switching (cross-connection) applications typically employ optical cross-connection matrices composed of discrete optical switches. This technology utilizes the principle of optical switching, using 2N 1:N splitters for cross-connection to achieve an N×N optical cross-connection matrix. The technology is mature, and there are many manufacturers producing and manufacturing such matrices. However, existing optical cross-connection matrices suffer from high cost and low production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical cross-connect matrix and device to modify a discrete 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix for the optical switching requirements of GPU supernodes, and to propose a new method to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, so that the optical cross-connect matrix is ​​cost-competitive.

[0010] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an optical cross-connect matrix, which includes 32 optical modules; wherein the 32 optical modules are disposed on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix and the 32 optical modules are disposed on the other side of the optical cross-connect matrix; each optical module includes 2 ports; the ports of optical modules on the same side are not connected, and the ports of optical modules on opposite sides with the same number are optically connected.

[0011] In an optional embodiment of this application, a 1:32 optical switch is provided at each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules on one side of the optical cross-matrix. When the first optical module on one side of the optical cross-matrix is ​​connected to the second optical module on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, the first port of the first optical module is optically connected to the first port of the second optical module through the 1:32 optical switch of the first port, and the second port of the first optical module is optically connected to the second port of the second optical module through the 1:32 optical switch of the second port.

[0012] In an optional embodiment of this application, on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules is equipped with eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch; the eight 1:4 beam splitters of the optical modules are optically connected to the one 1:8 optical switch of the optical modules; and the one 1:8 optical switch of the optical modules is optically connected to one port of the optical modules.

[0013] In an optional embodiment of this application, the above-mentioned attenuation margin determination based on the optical path is to set eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch on each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules on the other side of the optical cross matrix.

[0014] In an optional embodiment of this application, the optical cross-connect matrix is ​​divided into a collection optical switch module and a hybrid cross-connect module; the collection optical switch module and the hybrid cross-connect module are connected by a multi-core fiber optic connector cable; the collection optical switch module includes 32 optical modules and 64 corresponding 1:32 optical switches disposed on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix; the hybrid cross-connect module includes 32 optical modules, 512 corresponding 1:4 splitters and 64 corresponding 1:8 optical switches disposed on the other side of the optical cross-connect matrix.

[0015] In an optional embodiment of this application, the above-mentioned optical switch module further includes: 32 optical module connectors, which are optically connected to 32 optical modules respectively; the optical switch module further includes: 128 multi-core fiber optic connectors, each multi-core fiber optic connector carrying 16 optical fibers.

[0016] In an optional embodiment of this application, the 64 optical fibers of the 32 optical modules of the hybrid cross-connect module are divided into two sub-modules, each sub-module including 32 1:8 optical switches; the 32 1:8 optical switches of each sub-module are divided into two units, each unit including 16 1:8 optical switches and 32 multi-core fiber optic connectors.

[0017] In an optional embodiment of this application, the two sub-modules of the hybrid cross module are not connected, and the four units of the hybrid cross module are not connected to each other.

[0018] In an optional embodiment of this application, each of the above units includes 16 hybrid sub-units, each hybrid sub-unit including one 1:8 optical switch and eight 1:4 beam splitters, and the hybrid sub-units are prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an optical cross-connection device, which includes the aforementioned optical cross-connection matrix.

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects: This invention provides an optical cross-connect matrix and device. The optical cross-connect matrix includes 32 optical modules, which are disposed on one side and the other side. Each optical module includes two ports. Ports on the same side are not connected, while ports with the same number on opposite sides are optically connected. This method can modify a discrete 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix to meet the optical switching requirements of GPU supernodes, reducing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in the following description, or some features and advantages may be inferred from the description or determined without doubt, or may be learned by practicing the techniques described above.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an optical cross-matrix provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an integrated optical switch module A and a hybrid cross module B provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated optical switch module A provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a hybrid cross module B provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical cross-connect device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Similar to 3D MEMS, DLC, and DBS, optical cross-connect matrices composed of discrete optical switches also suffer from high costs. For example, a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix costs approximately 300,000 yuan, with a single port costing 4,687 yuan (in comparison, a 3D MEMS port costs 4,000 yuan, and a DBS port costs 7,300 yuan, and these are mostly 320×320 or larger devices, with total prices exceeding 1 million yuan). Therefore, the cost of optical cross-connect matrices is currently the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of optical switching applications.

[0027] The competitiveness of optical cross-connect matrices in GPU supernodes is primarily determined by their per-port price compared to Ethernet switches. Based on the conversion relationship between the number of optical modules and the number of optical switch ports in a GPU supernode, using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology and a circulator, the ratio of 400G optical modules to optical switch ports is approximately 1:2. Therefore, a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix is ​​equivalent to a 32×32 Ethernet switch. The cost of a 32-port 400G optical switch is approximately 100,000 yuan (plus 32 400G optical modules), translating to a cost of approximately 3,000 yuan per Ethernet switch port. In contrast, a traditional N×N optical cross-connect matrix requires 2N 1:N optical switches. Taking a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix as an example, it can effectively support 64 400G optical modules. Even at a minimum cost of 300,000 yuan, the cost per optical module port reaches 4,687 yuan, making it uncompetitive in price.

[0028] The cost of a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix mainly comes from two aspects. First, the price of multi-channel optical switching devices is high. For example, the batch cost of a 1:64 optical switch is over 2,000 yuan. Second, the production and assembly are complex, with as many as 4,096 internal wires, which requires a lot of time and manpower to operate, resulting in low production efficiency and further increasing the price.

[0029] Currently, the following existing technologies mainly exist: (1) Using MEMS (2D) optical switches to realize an N×M optical switching (cross) matrix has the advantages of small size, fast switching speed and longer life compared with traditional mechanical optical switches. However, the number of optical switches required has not been reduced. It still requires N 1:M optical switches and M 1:N MEMS optical switches. For multi-port optical switch matrices, such as those with a scale of 32×32 or larger, the cost is still not ideal and the wiring difficulty is also very high (requiring N×M wiring).

[0030] (2) Using an automated braiding process to embed the fiber filaments into the fiber backplane greatly saves space occupied by the fiber in the optical cross-connect matrix and reduces assembly labor intensity. However, this coating process requires special production equipment and the production yield needs to be continuously improved. It is only suitable for mass production of standard products and has great limitations in terms of product specification flexibility. The unit price will be higher when the output is small.

[0031] (3) A low-cost N×M unobstructed optical switching matrix was realized using the multi-level optical switch approach. The innovation lies in using multi-level small optical switches to replace single-level large optical switches. This is mainly to avoid the problem of difficulty in procuring large-channel optical switches. The degree of optimization of the cost of the optical switching matrix is ​​limited because this technology still uses a lot of optical switches. Multiple small optical switches may not necessarily have a cost advantage over a single large optical switch.

[0032] Based on this, the present invention provides an optical cross-connect matrix and device, specifically an optical switching matrix for GPU supernodes. Addressing the optical switching requirements of GPU supernodes, a discrete 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix is ​​modified, proposing a new method to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, making the optical cross-connect matrix cost-competitive.

[0033] To achieve the objectives of the invention, improvements are made in four aspects in the embodiments of the present invention: (1) Based on the fiber connection characteristics of a single 400G / 800G optical module, the optical ports inside the optical cross-connect matrix are grouped to reduce the single specification of the optical switch used from 1:64 to 1:32. (2) Taking advantage of the short fiber optic transmission distance of the GPU supernode, a combination of 1:4 optical splitter + 1:8 optical switch is used to replace half of the 1:32 optical switches in the whole machine, thereby reducing costs again. (3) Modular production of components such as optical splitters and optical switches used inside the optical cross-connect matrix in advance to improve the efficiency of the whole machine assembly; use MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connectors to replace fiber fusion splicing to reduce production and maintenance difficulty. (4) The dual-machine mode of master and slave is adopted, which reduces the size and maintenance difficulty of a single optical cross-connect device, and also reserves the ability to support the needs of long-distance optical fiber transmission.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a detailed description of an optical cross-matrix disclosed in this embodiment of the invention will be provided first.

[0035] Example 1: This invention provides an optical cross-connect matrix, which includes 32 optical modules. The 32 optical modules are disposed on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix and on the other side of the optical cross-connect matrix. Each optical module includes two ports. The ports of optical modules on the same side are not connected, and the ports of optical modules on opposite sides with the same number are optically connected.

[0036] See also Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of an optical cross-connect matrix. This embodiment provides a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix, with 32 optical modules connected to one side of the matrix. Figure 1 On the left side are optical modules #1-#32; the other side of the 64×64 optical cross-matrix connects 32 optical modules, such as... Figure 1 The optical modules #33-#64 on the right side form a total of 64 optical modules connected in the optical cross-connect matrix, thus achieving the equivalent function of a 64-port 400G Ethernet switch. Figure 1 As shown, the 32 optical modules on the left and the 32 optical modules on the right are interconnected. Optical modules on the same side cannot be connected through the optical cross-matrix. This is an inherent characteristic of the optical cross-matrix and does not affect its use in GPU supernodes.

[0037] like Figure 1 The optical module shown in this embodiment uses FR4 (4-channel) wavelength division multiplexing technology and single-fiber bidirectional circulator technology, which allows each optical module to be connected to a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix through only 2 optical fibers. Compared with traditional optical modules (8 or 16 optical fibers), this greatly reduces the number of optical ports required for the optical cross-connect matrix.

[0038] (1) In this embodiment, the existing 1:64 optical switch can be replaced with a 1:32 optical switch.

[0039] In some embodiments, a 1:32 optical switch is provided on each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules on one side of the optical cross-matrix. When the first optical module on one side of the optical cross-matrix is ​​connected to the second optical module on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, the first port of the first optical module is optically connected to the first port of the second optical module through the 1:32 optical switch of the first port, and the second port of the first optical module is optically connected to the second port of the second optical module through the 1:32 optical switch of the second port.

[0040] Since each optical module is connected to the optical cross-connect matrix via two optical fibers, the optical path connections inside the optical cross-connect matrix are actually switched in pairs of two optical fibers. For example, if optical module #1 is to be connected to optical module #33, the connection is as follows: port 1 of optical module #1 is connected to port 1 of optical module #33, and port 2 of optical module #1 is connected to port 2 of optical module #33.

[0041] If the #1 optical module needs to be switched to connect with the #64 optical module, the connection needs to be changed as follows: port 1 of the #1 optical module is connected to port 1 of the #64 optical module, and port 2 of the #1 optical module is connected to port 2 of the #64 optical module.

[0042] As can be seen from the above, for port 1 of each optical module, its possible connection points are only the 32 ports 1 on the other side. Similarly, for port 2 of each optical module, its connection points are also only the 32 ports 2 on the other side, that is, the optical connections are made to the ports with the same number on the opposite side of the optical module.

[0043] Therefore, to achieve cross-connection of 64 optical modules (32:32), it is not necessary to select a 1:32 optical switch based on the number of optical ports (64×64); simply using a 1:32 optical switch is sufficient. For example... Figure 1 As shown on the left, each of the 64 optical ports on the left is equipped with a 1:32 optical switch. With the combined action of these 64 1:32 optical switches, each optical module on the left can interconnect with the 32 optical modules on the right. This is the first step in cost savings: replacing the original 64 1:64 optical switches on the left with 64 1:32 optical switches.

[0044] (2) In this embodiment, a 1:4 beam splitter + 1:8 optical switch can be used to replace the 1:32 optical switch.

[0045] In some embodiments, on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules is equipped with eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch; the eight 1:4 beam splitters of the optical modules are optically connected to the one 1:8 optical switch of the optical modules; and the one 1:8 optical switch of the optical modules is optically connected to one port of the optical modules.

[0046] In some embodiments, based on the attenuation margin of the optical path, it is determined that on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules is equipped with eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch.

[0047] Since the fiber optic connection distances of GPU supernodes are relatively short, usually within 30 meters and at most no more than 500 meters, the signal attenuation of the optical path is much smaller than that of a carrier-grade optical path. For example, the fiber optic transmission distance of carrier-grade optical path equipment is often 20km, and the typical value is generally specified as ≤0.35dB / km. The attenuation value for a distance of 20km is about 7dB. Since the fiber optic distance of GPU supernodes does not exceed 500 meters, this 7dB loss difference can be used to improve the solution.

[0048] In this embodiment, a small optical switch can be used on the right side of the optical cross-connect matrix to reduce costs. This, combined with a corresponding optical splitter, achieves the goal of expanding each optical port to 32 connections. According to optical splitter theory, a 1:4 splitter has a theoretical loss of 6dB, and a 1:8 splitter has a theoretical loss of 9dB. However, the fiber loss margin is only 7dB, so only a 1:4 splitter can be chosen; otherwise, the intensity of the split optical signal will not meet the specifications. Since a 1:4 splitter is selected, a 1:8 optical switch is needed to achieve the effect of a 1:32 optical switch on the left side of the optical cross-connect matrix. This is the second step in cost saving. The disadvantage is that one 1:8 optical switch requires eight 1:4 splitters, making it larger than a single 1:32 optical switch and putting pressure on the space within the optical cross-connect matrix. Therefore, a reasonable layout is required.

[0049] This invention provides an optical cross-connect matrix comprising 32 optical modules. The 32 optical modules are positioned on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix, and 32 optical modules are positioned on the other side. Each optical module includes two ports. Ports on the same side are not connected, while ports with the same number on opposite sides are optically connected. This method can modify a discrete 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix to meet the optical switching requirements of GPU supernodes, reducing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0050] Example 2: This invention provides another optical cross-connect matrix, which is implemented based on the above embodiments. The focus is on describing the specific implementation method of dividing the 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix into two physical modules.

[0051] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect matrix is ​​divided into a collection of optical switch modules and a hybrid cross-connect module; the collection of optical switch modules and the hybrid cross-connect module are connected by a multi-core fiber optic connector cable; the collection of optical switch modules includes 32 optical modules and 64 corresponding 1:32 optical switches disposed on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix; the hybrid cross-connect module includes 32 optical modules, 512 corresponding 1:4 splitters and 64 corresponding 1:8 optical switches disposed on the other side of the optical cross-connect matrix.

[0052] See also Figure 2 The diagram shows a combination of optical switch module A and hybrid cross module B. In this embodiment, the 64×64 optical cross matrix can be split into two physical modules (i.e., Figure 2 The system integrates optical switch module A and hybrid cross module B, and further refines the fiber optic wiring grouping and modular prefabrication within these two modules.

[0053] Traditional 64×64 optical cross-connect matrices using optical switches require 64 1:64 optical switches on each side, resulting in 64×64=4096 wiring operations internally, a very large workload. This embodiment uses 64 1:32 optical switches, reducing the wiring by half, but still requires connecting 2048 optical fibers. Especially if all 2048 fiber pairs are connected during the final assembly, regardless of whether fiber fusion splicing or connector methods are used, it will place significant pressure on production.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, to reduce the difficulty of production and subsequent maintenance of the 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix, in this embodiment, the 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix can be divided into two physical modules: a combined optical switch module A that carries 64 1:32 optical switches and a hybrid cross-connect module B that carries 1:8 optical switches and 1:4 splitters. The combined optical switch module A and the hybrid cross-connect module B are flexibly connected by MPO cables.

[0055] In some embodiments, the integrated optical switch module further includes: 32 optical module connectors, which are optically connected to 32 optical modules respectively; the integrated optical switch module further includes: 128 multi-core fiber optic connectors, each multi-core fiber optic connector carrying 16 optical fibers.

[0056] See also Figure 3The diagram shows a schematic of a combined optical switch module A. On the left side of module A are 32 optical module connectors for mounting 32 optical modules. Each optical module outputs two optical fibers, P1 and P2, which are respectively connected to an internal 1:32 optical switch. Thus, the 32 optical modules output a total of 2048 optical fibers through 64 optical switches. The output is handled by 128 MPO connectors on the right side of module A (each MPO connector carries 16 optical fibers). Figure 3 As can be seen, the internal logic of the integrated optical switch module A is clear and the wiring is neat. It is basically a parallel installation of 64 1:32 optical switches. Therefore, the production difficulty of the integrated optical switch module A is relatively low. The optical switch manufacturer can pre-produce the connection between the optical switches and the MPO connector and then assemble them in a unified manner.

[0057] In some embodiments, the 64 optical fibers of the 32 optical modules of the hybrid cross-connect module are divided into two sub-modules, each sub-module including 32 1:8 optical switches; the 32 1:8 optical switches of each sub-module are divided into two units, each unit including 16 1:8 optical switches and 32 multi-core fiber optic connectors.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the hybrid cross-connect module B contains 64 1:8 optical switches and 512 1:4 optical splitters. Furthermore, the degree of fiber optic cross-connection is very high to achieve cross-connection with the combined optical switch module A. Therefore, this embodiment can group the optical fibers according to their different orientations within the hybrid cross-connect module B, enabling modular prefabrication of optical devices and reducing the bridging amplitude of optical fibers within the hybrid cross-connect module B.

[0059] See also Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates a hybrid cross-connect module B. Based on the distinction between optical modules P1 and P2, the 64 optical fibers from 32 optical modules are divided into two sub-modules, each corresponding to a different optical module. Figure 4 The two orange modules contain 32 1:8 optical switches. Based on the distinction between optical switches 1-16 and optical switches 17-32, these 32 optical switches are further divided into two blue units. Each unit contains 16 1:8 optical switches and 32 MPO connectors.

[0060] In some embodiments, the two sub-modules of the hybrid cross module are not connected, and the four units of the hybrid cross module are not connected to each other.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, there is no fiber optic bridging between the two orange modules (i.e., sub-modules) and no fiber optic bridging between the four blue modules (i.e., units). The scope of fiber optic cross-bridging is limited to the blue modules (i.e. units), and the wiring workload is reduced from 2048 to 512.

[0062] In some embodiments, each unit includes 16 hybrid sub-units, each hybrid sub-unit including one 1:8 optical switch and eight 1:4 beam splitters, and the hybrid sub-units are prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the gray module is a 1:32 hybrid subunit, containing one 1:8 optical switch and eight 1:4 splitters. The entire hybrid cross-connect module B uses a total of 64 1:32 hybrid subunits, which can be prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer. Since the wiring methods of the four blue modules (i.e., units) are all the same, and the installation of the MPO connector does not require fiber fusion splicing, the blue modules (i.e., units) can be uniformly completed by the optical switch manufacturer, making production and processing relatively simple.

[0064] After the blue modules (i.e., units) are prefabricated, the remaining production workload for the hybrid cross-connect module B is minimal. Only the installation of the optical module connectors and completion of the overall circuit control are required, avoiding the extensive fiber splicing or wiring work involved in traditional optical cross-connect matrices. If the optical cross-connect matrix experiences a wiring failure during customer use, it can be replaced at the blue module level, simplifying the operation.

[0065] In summary, the optical cross-connect matrix provided in the embodiments of the present invention mainly provides the following: (1) Taking advantage of the synchronous switching characteristics of the two optical fibers of the optical module in the GPU supernode, a 1:32 optical switch is used instead of a 1:64 optical switch, which reduces the unit cost of the optical switch by half and also reduces the workload of optical fiber wiring by half. (2) Utilizing the 7dB attenuation margin of conventional telecommunications optical paths, a 1:4 splitter + 1:8 optical switch is used to replace the 1:32 splitter, further reducing the cost of components. (3) The 64×64 optical switch matrix is ​​divided into two physical modules, namely the integrated optical switch module A and the hybrid cross module B, which are connected by MPO jumpers to avoid the workload of fiber optic connections inside the equipment (MPO lines will increase some costs, but the proportion in the overall cost is not high). (4) Analyze and summarize the rules of fiber optic connections inside the optical cross-connect matrix. Divide the interior of hybrid cross-connect module B into 4 units (blue modules). Each unit contains 32 1:8 optical switches, 512 1:4 optical splitters, and 64 MPO connectors. There are no fiber optic interconnections between the 4 units inside hybrid cross-connect module B.

[0066] (5) The optical switch manufacturer was commissioned to prefabricate 8 1:4 splitters and 1 1:8 optical switch into modules. Then, 16 of these modules were cross-connected with 32 MPO connectors to prefabricate larger units (blue modules). During the production and assembly of the complete machine, production was carried out directly on the basis of blue modules to improve production efficiency.

[0067] Compared with the prior art, the optical cross-connect matrix provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following main improvements: (1) Calculate the signal loss margin of the optical module according to the fiber transmission distance of the GPU supernode, and use a splitter to replace part of the extended function of the optical switch within the signal allowable range; (2) Utilizing the principle of pair switching of two optical fibers in an optical module, a 1:32 optical switch is used to replace a 1:64 optical switch in a 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix; (3) The 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix is ​​split and the two sub-modules are connected by MPO jumpers to reduce the difficulty of fiber optic wiring in the production process; (4) The optical fibers inside the equipment are grouped according to the connection rules and divided into 4 identical sub-modules. Each sub-module only needs to make 512 optical fiber connections and does not need to fusion splice optical fibers. (5) The optical cross-matrix is ​​prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer according to the modules. First, eight 1:4 splitters and one 1:8 optical switch modules are prefabricated, then 16 of these modules are prefabricated into larger modules, and finally the whole machine is assembled according to the modules.

[0068] The optical cross-connect matrix provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following main advantages: 1. By using a beam splitter to replace some of the extended functions of the optical switch, and by using a 1:32 optical switch to replace a 1:64 optical switch, costs can be saved. The raw material cost of the whole machine (batch) is only about 100,000 yuan.

[0069] 2. When using MPO patch cords to connect two sub-modules, the internal optical fibers are grouped according to the connection rules and 512 fiber connections are made. After the optical cross-connect matrix is ​​prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer according to the module, the work can be carried out as early as possible at the optical switch manufacturer (because there is almost no fiber fusion splicing, and the production complexity of the optical switch manufacturer is not high), which greatly reduces the difficulty of the whole machine production and improves the production efficiency.

[0070] Overall, including raw material costs and processing costs, the mass production cost of the 64×64 optical cross-connect matrix provided in this embodiment of the invention is expected to be controlled below 120,000 yuan, with a single optical port price of only 1,875 yuan. This is not only significantly lower than the unit price of traditional discrete optical switch matrix (4,687 yuan), but also lower than the cost of a single Ethernet switch port (3,000 yuan).

[0071] Example 3: This invention provides an optical cross-connection device, implemented based on the above embodiments, see below. Figure 5 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an optical cross-connect device, which includes the optical cross-connect matrix provided in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the optical cross-connect device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0074] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A light cross-matrix, characterized in that, The optical cross-connect matrix includes 32 optical modules; wherein the 32 optical modules are disposed on one side of the optical cross-connect matrix and the 32 optical modules are disposed on the other side of the optical cross-connect matrix. Each optical module includes two ports; the ports of optical modules on the same side are not connected, while the ports of optical modules on opposite sides with the same number are optically connected.

2. The optical cross-connect matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that, On one side of the optical cross-matrix, each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules is equipped with a 1:32 optical switch; When the first optical module on one side of the optical cross-matrix is ​​connected to the second optical module on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, the first port of the first optical module is optically connected to the first port of the second optical module through a 1:32 optical switch of the first port, and the second port of the first optical module is optically connected to the second port of the second optical module through a 1:32 optical switch of the second port.

3. The optical cross-matrix according to claim 2, characterized in that, On the other side of the optical cross-matrix, each of the two ports of the 32 optical modules is equipped with eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch; The eight 1:4 beam splitters of the optical module are optically connected to one 1:8 optical switch of the optical module; One 1:8 optical switch of the optical module is optically connected to one port of the optical module.

4. The optical cross-matrix according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on the attenuation margin of the optical path, it is determined that on the other side of the optical cross-matrix, there are 32 optical modules. Each of the two ports is equipped with eight 1:4 beam splitters and one 1:8 optical switch.

5. The optical cross-matrix according to claim 3, characterized in that, The optical cross-connect matrix is ​​divided into a combined optical switch module and a hybrid cross-connect module; the combined optical switch module and the hybrid cross-connect module are connected by a multi-core fiber optic connector cable; The optical switch module includes 32 optical modules and 64 corresponding 1:32 optical switches disposed on one side of the optical cross matrix; The hybrid cross module includes: 32 optical modules, 512 corresponding 1:4 beam splitters, and 64 corresponding 1:8 optical switches, all located on the other side of the optical cross matrix.

6. The optical cross-connect matrix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The integrated optical switch module further includes: 32 optical module connectors, each of which is optically connected to one of the 32 optical modules; The integrated optical switch module also includes 128 multi-core fiber optic connectors, each of which carries 16 optical fibers.

7. The optical cross-matrix according to claim 5, characterized in that, The 64 optical fibers of the 32 optical modules in the hybrid cross-connect module are divided into two sub-modules, each of which includes 32 1:8 optical switches; the 32 1:8 optical switches in each sub-module are divided into two units, each of which includes 16 1:8 optical switches and 32 multi-core fiber optic connectors.

8. The optical cross-connect matrix according to claim 7, characterized in that, The two sub-modules of the hybrid cross module are not connected, and the four units of the hybrid cross module are not connected to each other.

9. The optical cross-matrix according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the units comprises 16 hybrid sub-units, each of the hybrid sub-units comprising one 1:8 optical switch and eight 1:4 beam splitters, and the hybrid sub-units are prefabricated by the optical switch manufacturer.

10. An optical cross-connection device, characterized in that, The optical cross-connect device includes: the optical cross-connect matrix as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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