An optical device and optical network system

Abstract

The application provides an optical device and an optical network system. The optical device is used for completing upwaving and / or downwaving of optical signals. The optical device is composed of a first sub-optical device and a second sub-optical device. The first sub-optical device is used for splitting an input signal to obtain a set of sub-signals. The second sub-optical device is used for receiving the set of sub-signals and changing transmission paths of the sub-signals in the set of sub-signals in space. The second sub-optical device is also used for coupling the sub-signals to an output port and selecting at least one sub-signal in the set of sub-signals to output. The application can realize upwaving and / or downwaving of multiple optical signals concurrently, improves the exchange efficiency of signals, and has a lower optical insertion loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communications, and more specifically, to an optical device and an optical network system. Background Technology

[0002] In modern optical network systems, with the ever-increasing demand for data transmission, achieving efficient communication with local devices has become particularly important. This communication requirement includes not only high-speed data transmission but also precise signal scheduling and management. Especially in optical communication systems such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems and WDM-based wavelength switched optical networks (WSON), add-wave and drop-wave operations are key technologies for achieving precise signal scheduling.

[0003] However, current switching equipment has a limited number of ports for uplink and downlink, which restricts its application in high-density network environments. While increasing the number of ports by adding switching equipment or cascading can improve connectivity, it also introduces problems such as increased cost, system complexity, and maintenance difficulty. Furthermore, increasing the number of ports may lead to increased signal processing latency and increased insertion loss, impacting overall network performance.

[0004] Therefore, how to increase the number of ports and network performance without significantly increasing costs and complexity has become a pressing technical problem in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an optical device and an optical network system. This application enables multiple optical signals to be simultaneously added to and / or removed from the optical network, improving signal switching efficiency and exhibiting low optical insertion loss.

[0006] In a first aspect, an optical device is provided. This optical device is used to perform up-wave and / or down-wave processing of optical signals. The optical device includes M input ports and N output ports. The optical device also includes a first sub-optical device and a second sub-optical device. The first sub-optical device is used to receive optical signals input from the M input ports and acquire a first set of sub-signals of the optical signals. The first set of sub-signals includes at least two sub-signals of the optical signals. The second sub-optical device includes a first lens array and a second lens array. One dimension of the first lens array and / or the second lens array includes at least M lenses, and the other dimension includes at least K lenses. The first lens array is used to receive the first set of sub-signals, and the second lens array is used to select at least one sub-signal from the first set for output to the optical device. The second sub-optical device has N outputs, corresponding one-to-one with the N output ports. M, N, and K are natural numbers, where N is less than or equal to K*M.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the first sub-optical device splits the received optical signal to obtain sub-signals, and the second sub-optical device is used to change the transmission direction of the sub-signals and select specific sub-signals for output. The second sub-optical device of this application uses two lens arrays to change the optical signal transmission path and enables the optical device to perform add / drop of multiple optical signals. The optical device of this application has low optical insertion loss while improving optical switching efficiency.

[0008] It should be understood that the sub-signals in this application include the sub-signals obtained after the input optical device has split the light. The first set of sub-signals may include the set of sub-signals obtained after splitting the optical signal according to the optical wavelength, and the first set of sub-signals may also include the set of sub-signals obtained after splitting the optical signal according to the optical energy. This application does not impose any special limitation on the method of light splitting.

[0009] It should be understood that if one dimension of the lens array includes at least M lenses and another dimension includes at least K lenses, then the lens array includes at least M*N lenses. This application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0010] It should be understood that when either M or K takes the value 1, the lens array is a one-dimensional structure.

[0011] It should be understood that the direction of one dimension of the lens array is perpendicular to the direction of the other dimension.

[0012] It should be understood that the first lens array and the second lens array can be lens arrays with the same structure or lens arrays with different structures, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first sub-optical device and the second sub-optical device are connected via optical fiber. The first sub-optical device includes M wavelength-selective switches. Each of the M wavelength-selective switches corresponds one-to-one with one of the M input ports, and the wavelength-selective switches are used to acquire K sub-signals of the input optical signal. The K sub-signals belong to the first sub-signal set.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the sub-devices in the optical device are connected via optical fibers. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the M wavelength selection switches and the M input ports. Each wavelength selection switch is used to split the acquired optical signal into K sub-signals according to the optical wavelength. The optical device of this application has low optical insertion loss while improving optical switching efficiency.

[0015] It should be understood that the performance of the M wavelength selection switches can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first sub-optical device and the second sub-optical device are connected via a spatial optical path. The first sub-optical device includes a first optical element group and a silicon-based liquid crystal. The first optical element group is used to receive optical signals input from M input ports and acquire at least two sub-signals of the optical signals. The first optical element group is also used to incident the at least two sub-signals onto the silicon-based liquid crystal, which is used to switch the at least two sub-signals to different transmission directions.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the optical device has a spatial optical path structure, with the first sub-optical device and the second sub-optical device integrated through the spatial optical path. The first sub-optical device includes an optical element group and a silicon-based liquid crystal. The optical element group and the silicon-based liquid crystal are used to split the optical signal according to the wavelength and select a specific wavelength optical signal so that the specific wavelength optical signal is incident on the second sub-optical device. The optical device of this application has low optical insertion loss while improving optical switching efficiency.

[0018] It should be understood that in the spatial optical path structure of this device, the sub-signal output by the first sub-optical device can be directly transmitted to the second sub-optical device through a specific physical position; or the optical signal can be reflected by adding a lens group, etc., so that the sub-signal output by the first sub-optical device can be transmitted to the second sub-optical device; this application does not make any special limitations in this regard.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first optical element group includes a first lens group, at least one grating and / or prism. The first lens group is used to expand the beam of optical signals input from M input ports. The at least one grating and / or prism is used to split the expanded optical signal according to the optical wavelength, obtaining at least two sub-signals.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, the first optical element group includes optical elements such as lens group, grating and / or prism grating. The lens group is used to expand the incident beam, and the grating and / or prism grating is used to split the optical signal according to the light wavelength.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first lens array is further used to adjust the transmission direction of at least two sub-signals in the first sub-signal set. The second lens array is further used to receive at least two sub-signals and couple at least one selected sub-signal to N output ports.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first lens array is used to adjust the transmission path of the input optical signal, and the second lens array is used to select the output of an optical signal of a specific wavelength. The second lens array is also used to change the transmission direction of the optical signal, so that the optical signal to be output is coupled into N output ports with less optical insertion loss. This application, through two lens arrays, not only increases the number of output optical signals, but also reduces the insertion loss of the optical signals coupled to the output ports. This application can increase the number of output optical signals by increasing the number of lens arrays, reducing the complexity of device expansion and multiplexing, and introducing lower insertion loss into the entire optical system.

[0023] It should be understood that the first lens array and the second lens array can be connected by a specific physical position, so that the light signal output by the first lens array can be directly transmitted to the second lens array; or the light signal can be reflected by adding a lens group, so that the light signal output by the first lens array can be transmitted to the second lens array; this application does not make any special limitations in this regard.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of input ports of the second sub-optical device is greater than or equal to the number of sub-signals in the first sub-signal set.

[0025] As an example and not a limitation, when the first sub-optical device includes M optical switches, one optical switch can divide the input optical signal into K1 sub-signals, and another optical switch can divide the input optical signal into K2 sub-signals. The values ​​of K1 and K2 can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this. Then, the first sub-optical device can divide the input M sub-signals into L sub-signals, that is, the first sub-signal set includes L sub-signals. L satisfies L≥K1+K2+K3+……+Km, m∈[1,M]. Among them, the values ​​of K1 to Km can all be the same, all be different, or partially the same, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first set of sub-signals includes at least two sub-signals with different transmission directions.

[0027] It should be understood that different transmission directions include different transmission paths. Optical signals propagate in a straight line or along waveguide media such as optical fibers. Changing the transmission direction of the optical signal means changing the original straight-line transmission direction or the original transmission direction of the waveguide media such as optical fibers. In some specific implementations, this is also referred to as switching the transmission path of the optical signal.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second lens array includes a microelectromechanical system lens array or a liquid crystal lens array.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the optical device supports optical signal bands ranging from 1530 nm to 1625 nm.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the value of N is greater than or equal to 48.

[0031] Secondly, an optical switching device is provided. This optical switching device is used to perform upspinning and / or downspinning of optical signals. The optical switching device includes line-side devices and tributary-side devices. The line-side devices include at least two wavelength selection switches, which are cross-connected. The line-side devices are used to transmit an optical signal of any wavelength received by the optical switching device from one line direction to another. The tributary-side devices are used to receive the optical signal output by the line-side devices and select at least one sub-signal of the optical signal for output. The tributary-side devices include the optical devices described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0032] Thirdly, an optical network system is provided. This optical network system includes an optical communication station. The optical communication station is connected to an optical switching device, which is connected to at least one local communication device. The optical switching device is used to split the optical signal transmitted by the optical communication station to obtain at least one sub-signal, and select at least one sub-signal for transmission to at least one local communication device. The optical switching device is also used to transmit optical signals generated by at least one local communication device to the optical communication station. The optical switching device includes the optical devices described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0033] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the second and third aspects mentioned above can be referenced from the first aspect mentioned above and any possible implementation method therein, and will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of an optical network system to which this application embodiment applies is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an optical switching device is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a CDC download module is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another CDC download module is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an optical network system provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; the "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more, and "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one, two, or more than two. The singular expressions "a," "an," "the," "the," "this," and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0043] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship relative to the orientation or position of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and not to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same component or the same element. Furthermore, the various components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions and sizes of the components shown in the drawings are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0046] With the development of fiber optic transmission, optical network systems based on fiber optic transmission have gradually become the mainstream communication systems. Fiber optic transmission uses light as the carrier and optical fiber as the transmission medium to transmit signals.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of an optical network system to which this application embodiment applies is shown.

[0048] The optical network system shown in the figure includes network 1 and network 2. Network 1 includes multiple optical switching devices connected by optical fibers. These optical switching devices are used to switch between predetermined areas (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The designated area shown can be an area covered by a small building or a large building) and / or a network (e.g. Figure 1 Network 2) shown provides optical communication services. The optical switching equipment includes optical cross-connects (OXCs) and optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs).

[0049] As an example and not a limitation, the optical network system shown in the figure uses optical cross-connects to provide optical communication services to different networks. As shown in the figure, network 2 communicates with the optical cross-connect in network 1 through the optical cross-connect in network 2, so that network 2 can receive optical signals transmitted in network 1, or transmit optical signals generated in network 2 to network 1.

[0050] It should be understood that both optical cross-connects and optical add-drop multiplexers can provide optical communication services to a predetermined area, and this application does not impose any special limitations on them. For example, in Figure 1In Network 1, optical cross-connects are used to provide optical communication services to areas covered by large or small buildings. In Network 2, optical cross-connects are used to provide optical communication services to areas covered by large buildings. In Network 2, optical add-drop multiplexers are also used to provide optical communication services to areas covered by small buildings.

[0051] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, optical add-drop multiplexers can be used to provide optical communication services for areas covered by large buildings, which are not shown in the figure, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0052] Local communication equipment is installed in the areas covered by large and small buildings. Optical switching equipment communicates with the local communication equipment, and the local communication equipment receives network signals (such as...) through the optical switching equipment. Figure 1 The optical signal transmitted in network 1 or network 2 shown, or the optical signal generated by the local communication device is transmitted to the network through the optical switching device.

[0053] In some specific implementations, the optical network system also includes at least one optical amplifier. At least one optical amplifier is positioned between any two optical switching devices to amplify the optical signals transmitted in the optical fiber.

[0054] In some specific implementations, the optical network system also includes devices such as an optical performance monitor (not shown in the figure). The optical performance monitor is used to detect the signal-to-noise ratio and power of the optical signals transmitted in at least one optical amplifier and / or at least one optical switching device.

[0055] The core component of an optical switching device includes a wavelength selective switch (WSS). Optical switching devices can schedule optical signals of different wavelengths in any direction, and add or drop optical signals of different wavelengths.

[0056] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, optical switching equipment includes multiple service boards, and different service boards perform different functions.

[0057] As an example and not a limitation, the optical switching equipment includes service boards integrating a specific number of 1*N WSSs. Here, N is a natural number, and 1*N indicates that the WSS has one common port and N tributary ports; the common port is used for input and / or output of multi-wavelength optical signals in one line direction; the tributary ports are used for scheduling in different dimensional directions, or for input and / or output of local signal wavelengths. Service boards integrating 1*N WSSs are used to control different wavelength optical signals in the current direction (dimension), including scheduling in any direction and local uplink / downlinking.

[0058] As an example and not a limitation, optical switching equipment includes service boards with integrated up-wave and / or down-wave ports, which are used to enable the transmission of local signals to different destinations and the reception of signals from different destinations locally.

[0059] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, uplink includes the process of transmitting optical signals generated by local communication equipment to the optical network. Uplink is also referred to as uploading, transmitting uplink optical signals, etc. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0060] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the downwave includes the process of extracting optical signals of a specific wavelength from the optical network. The downwave is also referred to as downloading or transmitting downlink optical signals, etc. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an optical switching device is shown.

[0062] As an example and not a limitation, optical switching equipment includes line-side devices and client-side devices. As shown in the figure, the line-side device can transmit optical signals of any wavelength from one line direction to another line direction or to the upload / download port; the client-side device can down-wave optical signals from any line direction at the upload / download port to the local communication equipment, and up-wave optical signals generated by the local communication equipment to the upload port in any line direction.

[0063] It should be understood that the line-side device and / or customer-side device can achieve the above functions through at least one service board. This application does not impose any special limitations on this, nor does it impose any special limitations on the specific type and structure of the service board.

[0064] By way of example and not limitation, the line-side device includes at least two wavelength-selective switches (WSS), which are interconnected to enable the transmission of optical signals of any wavelength from one line direction to another. The customer-side device uses upload and download modules to implement signal uploading and / or downloading.

[0065] In some specific implementations, the optical switching equipment includes an optical add-drop multiplexer. The optical add-drop multiplexer includes a fixed optical add-drop multiplexer (FOADM) or a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM), and this application does not impose any particular limitation on either.

[0066] Optical add-drop multiplexers are suitable for a variety of optical communication systems. For example, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems, optical transport networks (OTNs), or WDM-based automatically switched optical networks (WSONs), or other optical network systems. This application does not limit the scope of these systems.

[0067] Optical add-drop multiplexers include colorless, directionless, contentionless (CDC) optical add-drop multiplexers, also known as CDC-ROADM. The "colorless" in CDC-ROADM means it supports uploading and downloading signals of different wavelengths, independent of any specific wavelength. Furthermore, the "directionless" in CDC-ROADM means it can handle optical signals from different directions without needing to know the signal's origin direction beforehand. Finally, the "contentionless" in CDC-ROADM means it can also support uploading and downloading signals of the same wavelength, ensuring no wavelength contention occurs during the upload and download process. This helps avoid network congestion and signal conflicts, even if signals of the same wavelength are present simultaneously.

[0068] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, CDC-ROADM is also referred to as CDC upload / download module, CDC module, CDC up / download module, etc., and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0069] It should be understood that in some other specific implementations, the client-side device in the optical switching equipment is referred to as the CDC uplink / downlink module. The CDC uplink / downlink module is used to enable optical signals from any line direction to be downlinked to the local communication equipment. The CDC uplink / downlink module is also referred to as CDC-ROADM, CDC module, CDC uplink / downlink module, etc., and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0070] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an M*NCDC download module is shown.

[0071] As an example and not a limitation, the figure shows the structure of an M*NCDC upload / download module. For ease of explanation, the port at M is the port to be uploaded / downloaded, supporting the input and / or output of multi-wavelength optical signals; the port at N is the local port, supporting the input and / or output of local signal wavelengths.

[0072] The figure shows a schematic diagram of a CDC upload / download module. The CDC architecture shown in the figure is also known as a multi-cast switch (MCS). This architecture includes M 1*N splitters and N M*1 optical switches (OSWs). Here, N and M are natural numbers.

[0073] Each optical splitter divides the signal input to the upload / download port into N parts based on energy. M optical splitters are used to divide the optical signal input to the upload / download port into M*N sub-signals. Each optical switch receives one sub-signal from each splitter; that is, each optical switch receives a total of M sub-signals from the M splitters. Therefore, each optical switch receives M sub-signals, and N optical switches receive a total of M*N sub-signals from the M splitters. The optical switches also select one sub-signal from the received M sub-signals and downspin that sub-signal to the local output.

[0074] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another M*NCDC download module is shown.

[0075] As an example and not a limitation, the figure shows the structure of an M*NCDC upload / download module. This architecture of the M*NCDC upload / download module is also called an add / drop wavelength selective switch (ADWSS), which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0076] This architecture includes M 1*N WSSs and N M*1 optical switches (OSWs). N and M are natural numbers.

[0077] Each WSS (Wireless Signal Separator) divides the signal input to the upload / download port into N parts according to different wavelengths and switches them to different paths. M WSSs divide the optical signal input to the upload / download port into M*N sub-signals and switch them to M*N different paths. Each optical switch receives one optical signal from one path split by each WSS; that is, each optical switch receives one sub-signal from one path split by M WSSs. Therefore, each optical switch receives M sub-signals from M paths, and N optical switches receive M*N sub-signals from a total of M*N paths split by the M WSSs. The optical switches also select one sub-signal from the received M sub-signals and downsend that sub-signal to the local output.

[0078] It should be understood that the uplink signal A in this application includes uplink transmission of signal A, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0079] It should be understood that the upwave signal A in this application includes uploading signal A generated by the local communication device to the optical network system, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0080] It should be understood that the downlink signal A in this application includes the downlink transmission of signal A, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0081] It should be understood that the next wave signal A in this application includes downloading signal A to a local communication device, including but not limited to converting signal A from an optical signal to an electrical signal and processing it through an optical module. This application does not make any special limitations in this regard.

[0082] In summary, in the aforementioned M*NCDC upload / download module, all N optical switches used are M*1 optical switches, and each optical switch can only select one of the received M optical signals for output. This results in the entire CDC upload / download module outputting a maximum of N optical signals simultaneously.

[0083] As an example, and not a limitation, a 16*24 ADWSS module includes 16 1*24 WSSs and 24 16*1 optical switches. That is, M=16, N=24. In other words, this ADWSS has 16 upload / download ports, capable of receiving 16 optical signals. Furthermore, these 16 optical signals are divided into 384 sub-signals (16*24=384) according to wavelength; the 24 local ports select 24 of these 384 sub-signals for downlinking. For the 120 wavelengths of the C-band, the 16 upload / download ports can divide a maximum of 1920 sub-signals (120*16=1920) according to wavelength. However, since this ADWSS only has 24 optical switches, and each optical switch can only select one optical signal for output, the maximum concurrent output is 24 optical signals. The concurrent output accounts for 1.25% of the total output (24 / 1920=1.25%).

[0084] With the development of fiber optic communication and optical networks, higher demands are placed on the concurrent uplink and downlink capabilities of optical switching equipment in optical network architectures. Simply increasing the number of optical switching devices or boards to improve concurrency will increase the complexity and cost of the entire system. Similarly, simply adding splitters or WSSs in the CDC uplink / downlink modules to distribute more optical signals, thereby increasing the number of output ports on the optical switching equipment, will lead to increased insertion loss and thus affect the transmission efficiency of the optical network.

[0085] Based on this, this application provides an optical device. Through an architecture of wavelength selective switch and optical cross-connect matrix, multiple sub-signals at the upload / download port are switched to different paths, and the signal from the appropriate path is selected for output to the local port. The optical device provided by this application increases the concurrency of optical signals output by the optical switching equipment and improves the overall output efficiency of the device. Furthermore, the optical device provided by this application has low optical insertion loss.

[0086] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0087] The optical device provided in this application comprises a two-stage architecture. The first-stage architecture and the second-stage architecture are connected via optical fiber. The number of input ports in the second-stage architecture is greater than or equal to the number of output ports in the first-stage architecture. The first-stage architecture is used to switch the input signal to the optical device onto paths in different directions according to different wavelengths. The second-stage architecture is used to receive optical signals from all paths switched by the first-stage architecture, and the second-stage architecture includes multiple output ports, each of which is used to select one of the optical signals from all paths switched by the first-stage architecture for output.

[0088] As an example and not a limitation, this optical device has M input ports (for uploading / downloading) and N local ports (for output). It is used to enable signal interaction between the optical network and local communication devices. It can download at least one specific optical signal from the optical network to the local device, and it can also upload at least one optical signal generated by the local communication device to the optical network. Here, M and N are natural numbers.

[0089] It should be understood that, since the optical path is reversible, the upload / download port can also be used as an output port, and the local port can also be used as an input port, corresponding to uploading the local signal to the optical network. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0090] It should be understood that the upload / download port is a specific implementation of the input port of the first-level architecture, and the local port is a specific implementation of the output port of the second-level architecture. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0091] As an example and not a limitation, the first-level architecture includes M 1*K WSS modules, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the M input ports (upload / download ports) of the optical device, used to receive M input signals. M and K are natural numbers.

[0092] In some specific implementations, the M input ports correspond one-to-one with the M-dimensional input optical signals.

[0093] It should be understood that a 1*K WSS module includes one input port and K output ports. The input port is used to receive one of the input optical signals in M ​​dimensions. The K output ports are used to output K optical signals. The number of K can be selected according to the actual number of signals downloaded in that dimension. The number of output ports of the M 1*K WSS modules are denoted as K1, K2, K3...Km, where m∈[1,M].

[0094] It should be understood that in the first-level architecture, which includes M 1*K WSS modules, the number of output ports K of the WSS modules can be the same or different; that is, among K1, K2, K3...Km, at least two of them can have the same value, or all of them can have different values. This application does not impose any special limitation on the number of output ports of the WSS modules.

[0095] It should be understood that the number of ports in different dimensions can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual demand for the number of downloaded signals. The WSS module is adapted to determine the corresponding number of output ports based on the number of uploaded and downloaded signals in that dimension.

[0096] As an example and not a limitation, a 1*9 WSS module can be selected for dimensions with fewer download signals, while a 1*20 or 1*32 WSS module can be selected for dimensions with more download signals. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0097] It should be understood that the description of the specific number of output ports of the WSS module used in this application is merely an example and does not impose any special limitation on the number of output ports of the WSS module, nor should it be considered that a WSS module using other numbers of output ports exceeds the protection scope of this application.

[0098] It should be understood that the first-level architecture is a specific implementation of the first sub-optical device of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0099] It should be understood that M WSSs are a specific implementation of the first sub-optical device in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on them.

[0100] It should be understood that the set of K1, K2 to Km sub-signals output by M 1*K WSS modules is a specific implementation of the first sub-signal set in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0101] As an example, and not a limitation, the second-level architecture includes an L*N microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) optical switch array module. The L*N OSW array has L input ports and N output ports (local ports). The L input ports are used to acquire the optical signals output from the first-level architecture, and the N output ports are used for local uplink / downlink optical signals. The L input ports are connected to the output ports of M WSSs via optical fibers. The number of input ports in the second-level architecture is greater than or equal to the number of output ports in the first-level architecture. That is, the number of input ports of the OSW array is greater than or equal to the total number of output ports of all WSSs. Specifically, L ≥ K1 + K2 + K3 + ... + Km, m ∈ [1, M]. Here, L and N are natural numbers.

[0102] In some specific implementations, N output ports are connected to the transceiver module of the optical device. The N output ports are used to download signals from the optical network to the local communication device, or to upload local signals to the optical network.

[0103] In an L*N OSW array, the N output ports and L input ports are interconnected, enabling independent connections between any N output ports and any L input ports. Therefore, any input signal can be downloaded to the output ports of any dimension.

[0104] It should be understood that the second-level architecture is a specific implementation of the second sub-optical device in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0105] It should be understood that the L*N MEMS optical switch array module is a specific implementation of the second sub-optical device in this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0106] It should be understood that if the wavelength range of the WSS module and OSW array module used supports C-band and L-band, then the entire optical device also supports C-band and L-band.

[0107] By way of example and not limitation, the C-band generally refers to the optical waveband with a wavelength range between 1530 nm and 1565 nm. The L-band generally refers to the optical waveband with a wavelength range between 1565 nm and 1625 nm. This application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0108] As an example, and not a limitation, the C-band includes 120 wavelengths, and the L-band includes 120 wavelengths. A complete optical system supporting both C-band and L-band can support 240 wavelength signals.

[0109] As an example, and not a limitation, in a 16-dimensional optical network (M=16), the first-level architecture uses 1*9 WSS modules, resulting in 144 output ports (16*9=144). The second-level architecture uses 144*144 OSW array modules. The overall optical device has 144 output ports, meaning a maximum concurrent output of 144 optical signals. Similarly, for the 120 wavelengths in the C-band, this optical device can divide the 120 optical signals into 1920 sub-signals (120*16=1920). Therefore, the concurrent output accounts for 7.5% of the total output (144 / 1920=7.5%). Compared to the ADWSS module mentioned earlier, the optical device provided in this application increases the concurrent uplink and downlink signals by 6 times (7.5% / 1.25%=6).

[0110] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves a higher number of output ports and increases the concurrency of uplink and downlink in optical devices using a two-level optical device architecture, thus meeting the requirements of mesh multidimensional networks for the number of uplink and downlink. Furthermore, the overall structure of the optical device is reasonable, with low insertion loss. Moreover, the optical device provided in this application allows for flexible expansion or reduction. With sufficient L input ports in the optical switch array, the number of WSSs in the first-level architecture can be flexibly increased or decreased, and / or WSSs with different port numbers K can be replaced according to actual signal requirements, improving the overall flexibility and applicability of the optical path.

[0111] In the above implementation, the two-level architecture of the optical device provided in this application is connected via optical fiber. In other specific implementations, the two-level architecture of the optical device can be integrated. The integrated architecture optical device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0113] The optical device provided in this application includes a two-stage architecture. The first-stage architecture and the second-stage architecture are integrated in the same optical path. The first-stage architecture is used to switch the input signal of the optical device to different directional paths according to different wavelengths. The second-stage architecture is used to receive optical signals on all directional paths switched by the first-stage architecture, and the second-stage architecture includes multiple output ports, each output port being used to select one of the optical signals on all directional paths switched by the first-stage architecture for output.

[0114] As an example and not a limitation, this optical device has M input ports (ports to be uploaded / downloaded) and N output ports (local ports). It is used to enable signal interaction between the optical network and local communication devices. This optical device can download at least one specific optical signal from the optical network to the local device, and can also upload at least one optical signal generated by the local communication device to the optical network. Here, M and N are natural numbers.

[0115] By way of example and not limitation, the first-level architecture includes a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and at least one group of optical elements. The at least one group of optical elements is used to expand the beam of the optical signals received from the M incident ports and to split the expanded optical signals according to the wavelength of the light. The at least one group of optical elements is also used to transmit the split optical signals to the LCOS. The LCOS is used to change the phase of the incident optical signals, perform wavelength selection, and modify the transmission path of the incident optical signals.

[0116] By way of example and not limitation, at least one optical element group includes at least one lens group and at least one grating or prism. The at least one lens group is used to expand the beam of optical signals received from M incident ports, and the at least one grating or prism splits the expanded optical signal according to the wavelength of the light. The split optical signal is then transmitted to the LCOS via the at least one lens group. The LCOS is used to change the transmission direction of the incident optical signal by diffracting the incident optical signal, causing the diffracted optical signal to propagate in different directions.

[0117] It should be understood that the first-level architecture is a specific implementation of the first sub-optical device of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0118] It should be understood that LCOS and at least one group of optical elements are a specific implementation of the first sub-optical device of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0119] It should be understood that at least one group of optical elements is a specific implementation of the first group of optical elements in this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0120] It should be understood that the set of sub-signals after LCOS diffraction is a specific implementation of the first set of sub-signals in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0121] By way of example and not limitation, the second-level architecture includes at least one pair of MEMS lens arrays. MEMS lens array 1 receives the optical signal after it has been split by the first-level architecture and rearranges the received optical signal in space. The rearranged optical signal is then rearranged at its output angle by MEMS lens array 2, allowing the optical signal to be coupled to N output ports with minimal insertion loss, thus enabling up-and-down transmission of the optical signal. The second-level architecture also outputs a selected optical signal of a specific wavelength through at least one of the N output ports.

[0122] As an example and not a limitation, the optical signal can be coupled between the first-level architecture and the second-level architecture through a lens group, or the optical path can be coupled through a specific position. This application does not make any special limitations in this regard.

[0123] It should be understood that the optical device provided in this application can perform optical signal uplink and downlink, wherein due to the reversibility of the optical path, the transmission paths of optical signal uplink and downlink are reversible. The output port (local port) can also be used for input signals, and the input port (port to be uploaded / downloaded) can also be used for output signals; this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0124] As an example and not a limitation, during downwave, the optical device outputs the optical signal to the local communication device through the output port (local port); during upwave, the local communication device uploads the optical signal to the optical network architecture through the output port (local port) of the optical device.

[0125] It should be understood that the second-level architecture is a specific implementation of the second sub-optical device in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0126] It should be understood that a pair of MEMS lens arrays is a specific implementation of the second sub-optical device in this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0127] It should be understood that lens array 1 is a specific implementation of the first lens array in this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0128] It should be understood that lens array 2 is a specific implementation of the second lens array in this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0129] As an example and not a limitation, this application uses the upwave of an optical signal as an example to describe the transmission of an optical signal.

[0130] When optical signals need to be transmitted to an optical network via optical devices, the optical signals are input through N local ports of the optical devices. The N input optical signals are expanded by optical elements such as microlens arrays (MLAs), and then rearranged in spatial position and angle by a pair of MEMS mirror arrays. The rearranged optical signals are then incident on M specific regions corresponding to liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) after passing through lens group 1. The signals are diffracted along different diffraction angles according to the diffraction angle set by the controller of each region. The diffracted beams pass through gratings (or prism gratings) and lens group 2, and are then incident on the M upload / download ports of the optical devices. The beams are then output from these upload / download ports and uploaded into the optical network.

[0131] By way of example and not limitation, the optical device includes two K*M MEMS lens arrays, where N ≤ K*M. The two MEMS lens arrays are used to rearrange the incident light beam in spatial position, thereby changing the transmission angle of the optical signal.

[0132] It should be understood that MEMS lens arrays can be arranged in one dimension or two dimensions, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0133] It should be understood that one dimension of the MEMS lens array includes M rows of lenses and the other dimension includes K rows of lenses to form a K*M lens array; when K or M is 1, the MEMS lens array is a one-dimensional arrangement, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0134] As an example and not a limitation, lens group 1 is used to change the transmission direction of the incident light signal, so that the light signal is incident on M specific regions corresponding to the LCOS, and the light signals of different wavelengths are separated to the left and right in each specific region. Lens group 1 includes, but is not limited to, lenses, mirrors, etc.

[0135] By way of example and not limitation, at least one group of optical elements includes a lens group 2 and a grating and prism (GRISM). The lens group 2 is used to change the transmission direction of the incident light signal, causing the light signal to be incident on its respective M upload / download ports for coupling and output. The lens group 2 includes, but is not limited to, lenses, mirrors, microlens arrays (MLAs), etc.

[0136] It should be understood that lens group 1 is a specific implementation of the first lens group in this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0137] It should be understood that the grating prism is a specific implementation of the grating and / or prism in this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0138] It should be understood that when an optical signal needs to be downloaded from an optical network to a local communication device, based on the reversibility of the optical path, it is input from the M upload / download ports (input ports) of the optical device according to the same optical path, and transmitted in the opposite direction to the N local ports (output ports) of the optical device according to the same transmission path, thereby realizing the download of the optical signal. This application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0139] It should be understood that the upload / download port includes ports that connect to the optical network system and / or devices in the previous level architecture of the optical network system. In some specific implementations, it is also referred to as the input port of the optical device. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0140] It should be understood that local ports include ports connected to local communication equipment and / or local optical modules, and in some specific implementations they are also referred to as output ports of optical devices. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0141] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, N optical signals need to be transmitted to the optical network through optical devices, also referred to as N optical signals needing to be uploaded from the tributary to the line. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0142] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the optical path connected to the input port of the optical device is called the line side, and the optical path connected to the output port of the optical device is called the branch side. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0143] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the input port is also called the incident port and the output port is also called the output port, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0144] In summary, the optical device provided in this application has a large number of output ports, enabling current optical networks to simultaneously upload and / or download more optical signals, thereby increasing the overall concurrency of signal transmission and improving the overall signal switching efficiency of the optical network. Furthermore, the solution provided in this application has low overall insertion loss of the optical device, and will not introduce greater insertion loss while improving the signal switching efficiency of the optical network.

[0145] Figure 7 This is an optical network system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0146] An optical network system may include at least one optical communication site, at least one local communication device, and at least one optical switching device.

[0147] For the sake of brevity, we will describe a specific implementation using a communication site and an optical switching device.

[0148] An optical communication site includes a communication node in an optical network system, which is responsible for connecting multiple terminal devices to communicate with the optical network system. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0149] Optical switching equipment includes, but is not limited to, any one of optical switches, fiber optic routers, and fiber optic network interface cards (NICs). Optical switching equipment is used to connect one or more local communication devices to an optical network system, acting as an intermediary between the local communication devices and optical communication stations within the optical network system.

[0150] Optical switching equipment is used to split optical signals from an optical communication site to obtain at least one sub-signal, and select at least one sub-signal for transmission to at least one local communication device. The optical switching equipment is also used to transmit optical signals generated by at least one local communication device to the optical communication site. The optical switching equipment includes, for example... Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The optical device shown.

[0151] It should be noted that, Figures 1 to 7 These illustrations are merely illustrative diagrams to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a particular limitation on this application.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, devices, components, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0154] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components shown as modules may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple optical elements. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0155] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical device, characterized in that, For completing the up-wave and / or down-wave of optical signals, including M input ports and N output ports, the optical device further includes: The first sub-optical device is used to receive the optical signals input from the M input ports and acquire a first sub-signal set of the optical signals, wherein the first sub-signal set includes at least two sub-signals of the optical signals; The second sub-optical device includes a first lens array and a second lens array, wherein one dimension of the first lens array and / or the second lens array includes at least M lenses, and another dimension includes at least K lenses; wherein... The first lens array is used to receive the first sub-signal set, and the second lens array is used to select at least one sub-signal from the first sub-signal set and output it to the optical device. The second sub-optical device has N outputs, which correspond one-to-one with the N output ports. M, N, and K are natural numbers, and N is less than or equal to K*M.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-optical device and the second sub-optical device are connected via optical fiber; wherein, The first sub-optical device includes M wavelength selection switches, each of which corresponds to one of the M input ports. The wavelength selection switches are used to acquire K sub-signals of the input optical signal, and the K sub-signals belong to the first sub-signal set.

3. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-optical device and the second sub-optical device are connected via a spatial optical path; wherein... The first sub-optical device includes a first optical element group and a silicon-based liquid crystal. The first optical element group is used to receive optical signals input from the M input ports and acquire at least two sub-signals of the optical signals. The first optical element group is also used to incident the at least two sub-signals onto the silicon-based liquid crystal, and the silicon-based liquid crystal is used to switch the at least two sub-signals to different transmission directions.

4. The optical device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first optical element group includes a first lens group, at least one grating and / or prism grating; wherein, The first lens group is used to expand the beam of the optical signals input from the M input ports. The at least one grating and / or prism is used to split the expanded optical signal according to the optical wavelength to obtain the at least two sub-signals.

5. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first lens array is also used to adjust the transmission direction of at least two sub-signals in the first sub-signal set; The second lens array is also used to receive the at least two sub-signals and couple the selected at least one sub-signal to the N output ports.

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The number of input ports of the second sub-optical device is greater than or equal to the number of sub-signals in the first sub-signal set.

7. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first set of sub-signals includes at least two sub-signals with different transmission directions.

8. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second lens array includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) lens array or a liquid crystal lens array.

9. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The optical device supports optical signal bands ranging from 1530nm to 1625nm.

10. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The value of N is greater than or equal to 48.

11. An optical switching device, characterized in that, Used to complete the up-wave and / or down-wave transmission of optical signals, including line-side devices and tributary-side devices. The line-side device includes at least two wavelength selection switches, which are interconnected. The line-side device is used to transmit an optical signal of any wavelength received by the optical switching equipment from one line direction to another line direction. The branch-side device is used to receive the optical signal output by the line-side device and select at least one sub-signal of the optical signal for output. The branch-side device includes the optical device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An optical network system, characterized in that, This includes via an optical communication station, which is connected to an optical switching device, and the optical switching device is connected to at least one local communication device. The optical switching device is used to split the optical signal sent by the optical communication site to obtain at least one sub-signal, and select at least one sub-signal to transmit to the at least one local communication device; The optical switching device is also used to transmit the optical signal generated by the at least one local communication device to the optical communication station; wherein... The optical switching device includes the optical device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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