Optical module provided with optical time domain reflector filter

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical assembly with an optical time domain reflector filter. The optical assembly comprises a plugging unit and a sending / receiving unit. The transmit / receive unit includes a body about an axis, an upstream transmitter, an isolator, a first filter, a second filter, and a downstream receiver. The plugging unit comprises a housing, an optical fiber insertion core, a sleeve, a retainer and an OTDR filter. The utility model discloses an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) optical reflector (OTDR filter) which is installed in an optical assembly, and a traditional fiber bragg grating (FBG) is omitted, so that space and cost are saved, and the same effect of reflecting OTDR monitoring light can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an optical component, in particular to an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter. Background Art

[0002] In order to cope with the advent of a highly information-based society, a communication infrastructure is needed to transmit various information (such as voice, text, data, images, etc.). Therefore, optical communication networks have been developed to replace traditional copper cable networks to achieve large-scale information transmission. As we all know, in the field of optical communications, optical fiber is particularly suitable as a medium for long-distance optical transmission due to its advantages of low loss and wide bandwidth.

[0003] In the field of fiber optic networks, the lack of adequate detection and location equipment to deal with signal problems can lead to major operational challenges and potential risks. Especially in systems where multiple wavelengths coexist in a single infrastructure, the lack of corresponding equipment that can detect and accurately locate errors in real time can have serious consequences.

[0004] When fiber signals encounter problems such as breaks, bends, or attenuation, timely detection is critical so that the problem can be quickly identified and corrected. However, in an environment where multiple wavelengths are operating simultaneously, traditional monitoring tools may have difficulty distinguishing signals or accurately locating the specific location of the fault. This limitation is due to the fact that existing systems generally lack the ability to distinguish between different wavelength channels or provide accurate feedback on signal integrity across the entire spectral range.

[0005] As a result, undetected or incorrectly located signal impairments can result in extended network downtime, reduced data transfer efficiency, and potential service disruptions. Furthermore, failure to address these issues in a timely manner can escalate into larger-scale failures or network outages, impacting critical services and customer satisfaction. In industries that rely on seamless data connectivity, such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, these impacts can translate into significant financial losses and reputational damage.

[0006] The challenge is to develop advanced monitoring and diagnostic techniques that can effectively cope with the complexity of multi-wavelength fiber systems. Innovative technologies are needed to enhance the granularity of fault detection, improve the accuracy of fault location across different wavelength bands, and simplify the troubleshooting process. By addressing these technology gaps, future advances aim to reduce the risks associated with signal outages, ensuring robust network performance and uninterrupted service delivery in an increasingly connected digital environment.

[0007] Based on the above, the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a key tool for fiber optic network maintenance and troubleshooting. It works by sending a light pulse into the fiber optic cable and then analyzing the returning reflection. This technology allows the OTDR to accurately locate faults, breaks, bends or other defects in the fiber optic line.

[0008] The basic principle of OTDR operation is its ability to measure the round-trip time for a light pulse to travel along an optical fiber and reflect back. When the pulse encounters a change in the optical properties of the fiber (such as a break or splice), part of the pulse is reflected back to the OTDR. The device then measures the time delay between sending the pulse and receiving the reflection, which corresponds to the distance of the reflection point. By analyzing these reflected signals, the OTDR creates a visual trace (commonly called an OTDR trace) that graphically represents the condition of the fiber optic cable.

[0009] In network maintenance, OTDRs are irreplaceable in identifying faults and assessing the overall health of fiber optic cables. They can detect problems such as:

[0010] 1. Fiber break: OTDR can accurately locate breaks or cuts in fiber optic cables by measuring the distance to the point where the signal reflection suddenly stops.

[0011] 2. Splices and connectors: OTDR traces show the attenuation caused by splices (where two optical fibers are connected) or connectors (where optical fibers are connected to other network devices). This helps technicians assess the quality of splicing work and identify potential sources of signal loss.

[0012] 3. Bends and pressure points: Even slight bends in fiber optic cables can cause signal loss or reflections. OTDR can detect these bends and assess their impact on signal integrity.

[0013] 4. Overall fiber quality: By analyzing the entire OTDR trace, technicians can assess the overall quality of the fiber link, including its attenuation characteristics and potential aging.

[0014] In passive optical network (PON) systems, where a single fiber is split from the central office (OLT) into multiple fibers (ONUs), OTDRs face specific challenges. PON systems typically use split ratios of 1:8, 1:16, or 1:32, which makes it difficult to isolate a fault to a specific fiber without additional measures. Although OTDRs can determine the general fault location along the fiber span, they cannot distinguish between individual fibers in the split branches.

[0015] To address these challenges, external OTDR reflectors are sometimes used. These reflectors are strategically placed before the BOSA (Broadband Optical Access Service) or TRI-DI (TRIplexer Dual Multiplexer) units to reflect the OTDR signal back to the OTDR device. This setup allows the establishment of an OTDR correlation database, allowing for more precise fault location within the network. However, this approach requires additional equipment, space, and increases costs.

[0016] As a result, increasing interest is focused on developing solutions inside the BOSA or TRI-DI units that can effectively reflect the OTDR signal without scattering issues. Overcoming the challenges of light scattering after the fiber leaves the fiber is critical to simplifying network maintenance and reducing the costs associated with external reflectors.

[0017] Based on the above, although OTDR technology provides powerful capabilities in diagnosing and maintaining fiber optic networks, there are still challenges in effectively managing PON systems and accurately locating faults therein. Continuous innovation in OTDR technology is expected to improve network reliability and operational efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0018] The first object of the utility model is to provide an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter, so that an optical time domain reflector (OTDR) can emit an optical signal of a specific wavelength and directly reflect it back to the optical fiber through the filter. In this way, when the OTDR receives the reflected signal and determines that it comes from the user end position, the system can confirm that the optical fiber line is in normal working condition.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter, wherein the filter design can ensure that when multiple wavelengths are running simultaneously in a single system, reflecting optical signals of a specific wavelength will not affect the transparency of signals of other wavelengths.

[0020] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter. The optical component includes a sending / receiving unit and a plug-in unit. The sending / receiving unit includes a main body, an upstream transmitter, an isolator, a first filter, a second filter and a downstream receiver. The first filter is arranged in the main body, relative to the second filter and adjacent to the isolator. The plug-in unit includes a housing, an optical fiber ferrule, a sleeve, a stopper and an optical time domain reflector (OTDR) filter. The optical time domain reflector filter is partially connected to the optical fiber ferrule and covers the light outlet, wherein the optical time domain reflector filter is installed in the plug-in unit and reflects a specific wavelength emitted by the OTDR to detect a signal from the optical fiber.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first filter and the second filter are disposed at a particular angle relative to each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first filter is disposed at a 45 degree angle relative to the axis of the body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second filter is parallel to the axis of the body.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing is made of metal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical time domain reflector filter is made of optical glass.

[0026] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the optical time domain reflector filter are 1.4 mm x 0.6 mm x 0.1 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the end face of the optical fiber ferrule has an angle of polishing of 4 to 8 degrees, that is, the polishing angle of the end face of the optical fiber ferrule is between 4 to 8 degrees.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first side of the optical time domain reflector filter faces the light outlet and has a reflective coating. In addition, the reflective coating on the first side of the optical time domain reflector filter can be made of pure material or composite material.

[0029] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to integrate an optical time domain reflectometry filter into a pluggable optical transceiver module (BOSA) so that the OTDR can emit light of a specific wavelength and reflect it directly back to the optical fiber through the reflectometry filter. This setting enables the system to detect the reflected signal and determine where it comes from at the user end, thereby confirming the normal operation of the optical fiber line. This function enhances the system's ability to accurately assess the status of the optical fiber network, especially in an environment with multiple endpoints and multiple wavelengths.

[0030] Secondly, the reflector filter is designed to work with other wavelengths within the system without affecting the transparency of other wavelengths. It reflects light signals at specific wavelengths while ensuring that the transmission of other wavelengths is not affected. This dual-function approach ensures that the system can use the optical time domain reflectometer filter for precise location determination while maintaining uninterrupted communication throughout the fiber optic network.

[0031] These and other components, steps, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will now become apparent through a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 The cross-sectional perspective view is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical component provided with an optical time domain reflector filter provided by the utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 The utility model provides a schematic diagram of multiple light paths in an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the area within the dashed circle.

[0036] Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an optical component with an optical time domain reflector filter provided by the present invention illustrates a larger angle polishing of the optical fiber ferrule.

[0037] Explanation of the reference numerals: 100 - optical component with optical time domain reflector filter; 1 - transmitting / receiving unit; 11 - main body; 12 - upstream transmitter; 13 - isolator; 14 - first filter; 15 - second filter; 16 - downstream receiver; 2 - plug-in unit; 21 - housing; 22 - optical fiber ferrule; 221 - end face; 23 - sleeve; 24 - stopper; 25 - OTDR filter; 251 - first side surface; 252 - second side surface; 253 - area; 31 - optical fiber; 311 - optical outlet; 4 - adhesive; L1 - axis; L2 - virtual line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that in the following description, similar elements are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, the shapes, sizes, thicknesses, angles and other related parameters of the elements in the drawings are not drawn according to scale. The simplification is intended only for the convenience of clear description.

[0039] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the utility model discloses an optical component with an optical time domain reflectometer filter. The optical component with an optical time domain reflectometer filter of the utility model can achieve the purpose of confirming the normal operation of the optical fiber line without significantly changing the structure and / or components of the optical component.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the accompanying drawings illustrate various aspects of the innovative subject matter described in the present invention. Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent similar components in multiple views, several examples of optical components with optical time domain reflector filters that incorporate the principles of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation.

[0041] The following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Various specific details are included in the description to assist understanding, but these details are provided as examples only. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an optical assembly with an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) filter of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The utility model provides an optical component 100 with an OTDR filter. The optical component 100 with an OTDR filter includes a sending / receiving unit 1 and a plug-in unit 2.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first filter 14 and the second filter 15 may be arranged at other angles according to optical path requirements.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the plug-in unit 2 includes a housing 21, a fiber ferrule 22, a sleeve 23, a stopper 24 and an OTDR filter 25. The housing 21 is usually made of metal. The optical fiber 31 passes through the fiber ferrule 22 and has a light outlet 311. The OTDR filter 25 is partially connected to the fiber ferrule 22 and covers the light outlet 311.

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing multiple light paths within an optical assembly with OTDR filters. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the dotted circle area. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the end face 221 of the optical fiber ferrule 22 is polished. The end face 221 of the optical fiber ferrule 22 is provided with an angle of 4 to 8 degrees relative to the virtual line L2, which may be, for example, 4, 6, 8 or any other angle between 4 and 8 degrees. The virtual line L2 is substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. The OTDR filter 25 has a first side surface 251 facing the optical outlet 311 and a second side surface 252 opposite to the first side surface 251. The optical fiber ferrule 22 is connected to the lower half of the first side surface 251 of the OTDR filter 25 by an adhesive 4, except for the optical outlet 311 region 253. In order to make the OTDR filter 25 as close to the optical outlet 311 as possible, the adhesive 4 should be as thin as possible. The adhesive 4 should not seep out of the optical outlet 311. In this embodiment, the OTDR filter 25 is made of optical glass, and its size is 1.4 mm x 0.6 mm x 0.1 mm. The first side surface 251 of the OTDR filter 25 is coated with a reflective coating to reflect the OTDR monitoring light from the optical line terminal (OLT) end. In this embodiment, the wavelength range of the OTDR monitoring light is 1615 to 1660 nanometers. The OTDR filter 25 can provide a reflection effect of the OTDR monitoring light with a reflectivity of 20% to 50%. As for the material of the reflective coating, the reflective coating of the first side surface of the OTDR filter 25 can be made of pure material or composite material according to the requirements of different OTDR monitoring light wavelengths or specific applications.

[0046] In some embodiments, the OTDR monitoring light wavelength may also use other wavelength bands that comply with the optical communication protocol, such as OTDR monitoring light with a central wavelength of 1310 nanometers. In some embodiments, the second side surface 252 of the OTDR filter 25 is coated with an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer can not only improve the light transmittance, but also provide an anti-mold effect.

[0047] Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of an optical assembly with an OTDR filter is shown, illustrating a higher angle polish of the fiber ferrule. Figure 4 , since light will diverge immediately after entering the air medium from the optical fiber 31, if the OTDR filter 25 is not close to the light outlet 311, it will cause more light divergence and cause loss. A better design is to place one edge of the light outlet 311 as close to the OTDR filter 25 as possible without an air gap, thereby preventing light loss. In addition, other media can be filled between the optical fiber ferrule 22 and the OTDR filter 25 located below the optical fiber light outlet 311 to reduce light loss and increase the light reflected back to the optical fiber.

[0048] The following is a brief introduction to the assembly process of the utility model:

[0049] First, the first filter 14, the second filter 15, and the isolator 13 are arranged on the main body 11, and then the upstream transmitter 12 is combined with the main body 11 by laser welding. Next, the optical fiber ferrule 22 is pressed into the housing 21 and inserted into the sleeve 23, and then the opening of the housing 21 is blocked using the stopper 24 to prevent the sleeve 23 from moving. Then the OTDR filter 25 is adhered to the optical fiber ferrule 22, thereby obtaining the plug-in unit 2.

[0050] When the coupled light reaches the target optical power, the plug-in unit 2 is coupled to the main body 11 using the z-axis ring 5 by laser welding. Finally, the downstream receiver 16 is inserted into the main body 11 for optical coupling, and then any gaps are filled with glue and cured for bonding, thereby completing the assembly of the optical component 100 with an OTDR filter. This innovative structure can be applied not only to socket-type optical components, but also to pigtail-type optical components, etc.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the advantages of the utility model are explained below through the optical path. The upstream transmitter 12 transmits an optical signal carrying data, which is focused on the optical fiber 31 after passing through the isolator 13 and the first filter 14; on the other hand, after diverging from the optical fiber 31, the optical signal for downloading data is reflected 90 degrees by the first filter 14, then passes through the second filter 15, and is finally transmitted to the downstream receiver 16. Among them, the first filter 14 (45° filter) allocates optical signals of different wavelengths for sending and receiving, while the second filter 15 (0° filter) isolates the optical crosstalk generated by other wavelengths and only allows the optical wavelength being received to pass. As described above, this represents the optical path of a bidirectional optical component. In some embodiments, the optical component can also be a three-way optical component (TRI-DIOSA) or a unidirectional optical component, etc.

[0052] By using this structure, when the 1650nm wavelength light source used by the data center OTDR reaches the optical transmitter at the user end, it checks the signal from the optical fiber. An additional light reflection device (OTDR filter) can be used to reflect and return the 1650nm light of the OTDR. Without the optical component of the light reflection device (OTDR filter), when the light enters the air from the optical outlet, it is unable to reflect the light source and transmit the light back, so the OLT's OTDR cannot determine whether the information transmission process from the OLT to the user end is normal.

[0053] Since the OTDR optical reflector (OTDR filter) is installed inside the optical component, it has the advantages of saving space and cost, eliminating the traditional FBG, while also achieving the same effect of reflecting OTDR monitoring light.

[0054] According to the utility model, two technologies are intended to achieve the following objectives:

[0055] 1. Provide accurate reflection positioning capability:

[0056] Integrating an OTDR reflection filter into a pluggable optical transceiver module (BOSA) enables the OTDR to emit light at a specific wavelength. This light is reflected directly back into the fiber by the OTDR reflection filter. By detecting the reflected signal and determining where it comes from at the user endpoint, the system can confirm that the fiber line is operating normally. The main goal of this technology is to enhance the system's ability to accurately assess the condition of a fiber network in a multi-terminal and multi-wavelength environment.

[0057] 2. Does not affect the penetration of other wavelength signals:

[0058] The design of the OTDR reflection filter takes into account the possibility of multiple wavelengths coexisting in the system. One of its main functions is to reflect optical signals of specific wavelengths without affecting the transparency of other wavelength signals. This ensures that the system can use the OTDR for accurate positioning while maintaining uninterrupted communication of other optical fiber transmissions.

[0059] This dual-purpose approach ensures efficient operation and communication of the entire fiber optic network.

[0060] In the present invention, "wavelength" may include a specified wavelength range around a central wavelength. The term "coupling" used in the present invention refers to any connection, coupling, link or the like, and "optical coupling" refers to the coupling of light from one element to another.

[0061] The technical content provided by the utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. All those with the same creative concepts and principles as those provided by the utility model fall within the scope of protection of the utility model. It should be noted that the directions of the elements described in the utility model, such as "up", "down", "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", etc., do not represent absolute positions and / or directions. The definitions of elements, such as "first" and "second", are not limited words, but distinguishing terms. The "include" or "include" used in this case covers the concepts of "include" and "have", and indicates elements, operating steps and / or the above combinations, and does not mean exclusion or addition. Again, unless otherwise specified, the order of steps of the operation does not represent an absolute order. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, when referring to an element in the singular (for example, using the article "one" or "an"), it does not mean "one and only one" but "one or more". The "and / or" used in the utility model refers to "and" or "or", as well as "and" and "or". The range-related terms used in the present invention include all and / or range limitations, such as "at least", "greater than", "less than", "not more than", etc., which refer to the upper limit or lower limit of a range.

[0062] However, the above is only an embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter, characterized in that: include: A transmitting / receiving unit includes a main body, an upstream transmitter, an isolator, a first filter, a second filter and a downstream receiver, wherein the first filter is disposed in the main body opposite to the second filter and adjacent to the isolator; A plug-in unit comprises a housing, a fiber optic ferrule, a sleeve, a stopper and an optical time domain reflector filter, wherein an optical fiber passes through the fiber optic ferrule and has a light outlet, and the optical time domain reflector filter is partially connected to the fiber optic ferrule and covers the light outlet; The optical time domain reflector filter is installed in the plug-in unit and can reflect a specific wavelength emitted by the optical time domain reflector to detect the signal from the optical fiber.

2. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The first filter is disposed at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the axis of the body.

3. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The second filter is parallel to the axis of the body.

4. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is made of metal.

5. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The optical time domain reflector filter is made of optical glass.

6. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The dimensions of the optical time domain reflector filter are 1.4 mm x 0.6 mm x 0.1 mm.

7. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: The polishing angle of one end face of the optical fiber ferrule is between 4 degrees and 8 degrees.

8. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 1, wherein: A first side surface of the optical time domain reflector filter faces the light outlet and has a reflective coating.

9. The optical component having an optical time domain reflectometer filter according to claim 8, wherein: The reflective coating on the first side of the optical time domain reflector filter is made of a pure material or a composite material.

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