Driving device based on electro-optical crystal optical switch

Abstract

The utility model relates to a driving device based on an electro-optical crystal optical switch, and belongs to the technical field of optical fiber delay lines. Comprising a power supply unit, a driving control unit and an optical switch unit, the power supply unit is used for providing a stable power supply for the driving control unit and the optical switch unit, the driving control unit comprises an optical switch driving module and a control signal input end, and the control signal input end is connected with the optical switch driving module; the optical switch unit comprises an optical fiber collimator, a plurality of birefringent crystal groups, a plurality of lambda / 2 slide group components, a plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, a plurality of beam splitting prisms, a plurality of birefringent crystal combination units, a roof prism, a double-optical fiber collimator and a photoelectric detector connected with the plurality of beam splitting prisms which are connected in sequence. The technical problems that the driving voltage of an electro-optical switch in the prior art is extremely high, and a protection structure for the characteristic is lacked are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical fiber delay line technology, and specifically relates to a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic delay lines are a new type of optical signal processing device whose main function is to control the delay of signals. Due to their numerous advantages, such as small size, light weight, high bandwidth, minimal loss, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and frequency-independent delay (true delay), fiber optic delay simulators have largely replaced traditional bulky and low-performance metal waveguides and coaxial cable delay lines. They are widely used in phased array radar systems for beamforming, enabling precise scanning at specific azimuth angles. This true delay technology overcomes the beam skew caused by the aperture effect in traditional phased array radars. In electronic warfare, delay control of enemy radar signals can disrupt the enemy's accurate assessment of war information. Militaryly, fiber optic delay simulators can simulate long-distance communication. Furthermore, they are used in optical communication systems to achieve signal delay storage. Because of the widespread application of fiber optic delay lines, researching numerically controlled fiber optic delay devices with different applications, high delay accuracy, and flexible delay control capabilities is of great practical significance. Optical switches are mainly responsible for switching optical paths, requiring high isolation, fast switching speed, and good repeatability.

[0003] The existing technology has at least the following problems in its use:

[0004] Electro-optical switches have extremely high driving voltages, and there is a lack of protective structures to address this characteristic. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch to solve the technical problem that existing electro-optic switches have extremely high driving voltages and lack protective structures for this characteristic.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0007] A driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch includes: a power supply unit, a driving control unit, and an optical switch unit. The power supply unit provides a stable power supply to the driving control unit and the optical switch unit. The driving control unit includes an optical switch driving module and a control signal input terminal, which is connected to the optical switch driving module. The optical switch unit includes, in sequence, an optical fiber collimator, multiple birefringent crystal groups, multiple λ / 2 glass slide groups, multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, multiple beam splitters, multiple birefringent crystal combination units, a roof prism, and a dual-fiber collimator, as well as multiple beam splitters. The photodetector is mirror-connected. The optical switch driving module is connected to the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups and is used to apply a driving voltage to the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups to change the propagation path of light in the optical switch unit. The plurality of birefringent crystal groups, the plurality of λ / 2 glass slide groups, and the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups work together to achieve optical path switching. The plurality of beam splitters are used to split part of the light to the photodetector. The plurality of birefringent crystal combination units are used to adjust and synthesize the polarization state of the processed light. The roof prism is used to change the propagation direction of the light so that the light is output from the dual fiber collimator.

[0008] Furthermore, the power supply unit includes a reverse connection protection module, a surge protection module, a short circuit protection module, and a boost module connected in sequence. The reverse connection protection module is used to prevent the external power supply polarity from being reversed. The surge protection module is used to suppress external power supply surges. The short circuit protection module is used to monitor and protect the internal circuit from short circuits. The boost module is used to convert the input low-voltage DC power supply into high-voltage DC power that meets the requirements of electro-optic crystal driving.

[0009] Furthermore, the optical switch driving module is connected to the output terminal of the power supply unit. The optical switch driving module includes a high-voltage protection circuit and a high-speed DC analog switch, which is used to receive control signals and control the voltage applied to the electro-optic crystal according to the control signals, so as to realize the optical path switching function of the optical switch. The optical switch driving module can generate a stable output waveform, has a high voltage slew rate and a fast control signal response capability.

[0010] Furthermore, the plurality of birefringent crystal groups include at least two birefringent crystals, each of which performs a specific change on the polarization state of light in the optical path to cooperate with subsequent components to achieve optical path switching.

[0011] Furthermore, the plurality of λ / 2 glass slides assembly includes a plurality of λ / 2 glass slides with different optical axis directions and angles with the horizontal direction, which are used to change the polarization direction of the light passing through them, so as to assist in the adjustment of the light polarization state during the optical path switching process.

[0012] Furthermore, the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups include at least two transparent ferroelectric ceramics, which, under different optical path switching requirements, change the polarization direction of light according to the voltage state applied by the optical switch driving module to achieve optical path switching, and the dual fiber collimator has a first output port and a second output port.

[0013] Furthermore, during the process of the boost module raising the voltage of the low-voltage DC power supply to a high-voltage DC power supply of greater than or equal to 300V, the reverse connection protection module continuously monitors the power supply polarity, the surge protection module suppresses surges in real time, and the short-circuit protection module continuously monitors the circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, the high-voltage protection module in the optical switch driving module activates a protection mechanism when the voltage rises abnormally. After receiving the control signal, the high-speed DC analog switch completes the switching operation of the voltage of multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups in a very short time to achieve a fast and accurate optical path switching function.

[0015] This utility model provides a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch, which has the following advantages:

[0016] The power supply unit inside the drive device filters and stabilizes the voltage, and the drive control unit coordinates and controls the input of the photoelectric switch unit and the power supply unit, thereby protecting the photoelectric switch unit, improving the overall stability and reliability of the device during use, and thus extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switch unit of a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 A flowchart of a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch provided for an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] In the figure: 1-Fiber collimator; 2-First birefringent crystal; 3-First λ / 2 glass slide group; 4-First transparent ferroelectric ceramic; 5-Second λ / 2 glass slide group; 6-Second birefringent crystal; 7-Third λ / 2 glass slide group; 8-Second transparent ferroelectric ceramic; 9-Beam splitter prism; 10-Fourth λ / 2 glass slide group; 11-Third birefringent crystal; 12-Photodetector; 13-Roof prism; 14-Dual fiber collimator. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0023] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to welding, bolting, or riveting; they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Example:

[0026] based on Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch, including: a power supply unit, a driving control unit, and an optical switch unit. The power supply unit provides a stable power supply to the driving control unit and the optical switch unit. The driving control unit includes an optical switch driving module and a control signal input terminal, which is connected to the optical switch driving module. The optical switch unit includes, in sequence, an optical fiber collimator 1, multiple birefringent crystal groups, multiple λ / 2 glass slide groups, multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, multiple beam splitters 9, multiple birefringent crystal combination units, a roof prism 13, and a dual-fiber collimator 14. The photodetector 12 is connected to multiple beam splitters 9, and the optical switch driving module is connected to multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups to apply driving voltage to the multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups to change the propagation path of light in the optical switch unit. Multiple birefringent crystal groups, multiple λ / 2 glass slide groups, and multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups work together to achieve optical path switching. Multiple beam splitters 9 are used to split part of the light to the photodetector 12. Multiple birefringent crystal combination units are used to adjust and synthesize the polarization state of the processed light. The roof prism 13 is used to change the propagation direction of the light so that the light is output from the dual fiber collimator 14.

[0027] Furthermore, in some implementations of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multiple birefringent crystal groups include: a first birefringent crystal 2, a second birefringent crystal 6, a third birefringent crystal 11, and a fourth birefringent crystal; the multiple λ / 2 glass slide groups include: a first λ / 2 glass slide group 3, a second λ / 2 glass slide group 5, a third λ / 2 glass slide group 7, and a fourth λ / 2 glass slide group 10; the multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups include: a first transparent ferroelectric ceramic 4 and a second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8. The power supply unit includes a reverse connection protection module, a surge protection module, a short circuit protection module, and a boost module connected in sequence. The reverse connection protection module is used to prevent reverse polarity of the external power supply; the surge protection module is used to suppress external power surges; the short circuit protection module is used to monitor and protect the internal circuit from short circuits; and the boost module is used to convert the input low-voltage DC power supply into high-voltage DC power that meets the driving requirements of the electro-optic crystal.

[0028] One installation structure of the power-off switch unit is arranged in sequence as follows: an optical fiber collimator 1, a composite unit consisting of a first birefringent crystal and a first λ / 2 glass plate group 3, a first transparent ferroelectric ceramic 4, a second λ / 2 glass plate group 5, a second birefringent crystal 6, and a third λ / 2 glass plate group 7, a second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8, multiple beam splitters 9, a composite unit consisting of a fourth λ / 2 glass plate group 10 and a third birefringent crystal 11, a roof prism 13, and a dual optical fiber collimator 14, with a photodetector 12 provided on the beam splitter prism 9.

[0029] Furthermore, in some implementations of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the optical switch driver module is connected to the output terminal of the power supply unit. The optical switch driver module includes a high-voltage protection circuit and a high-speed DC analog switch, which is used to receive control signals and control the voltage applied to the electro-optic crystal according to the control signals to realize the optical path switching function of the optical switch. The optical switch driver module can generate a stable output waveform, has a high voltage slew rate and a fast control signal response capability.

[0030] Furthermore, in some implementations of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, multiple birefringent crystal groups include at least two birefringent crystals, each of which performs a specific change on the polarization state of light in the optical path to cooperate with subsequent components to achieve optical path switching.

[0031] Furthermore, in some implementations of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multiple λ / 2 glass slide assembly includes multiple λ / 2 glass slides with different optical axis directions and angles with the horizontal direction, which are used to change the polarization direction of the light passing through them, so as to assist in the adjustment of the light polarization state during the optical path switching process.

[0032] Furthermore, in some implementations of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups include at least two transparent ferroelectric ceramics. Under different optical path switching requirements, the polarization direction of the light is changed according to the voltage state applied by the optical switch driving module, thereby realizing the switching of the optical path. The dual fiber collimator 14 has a first output port and a second output port.

[0033] In this embodiment, during power conversion, an external low-voltage DC power supply is connected to the reverse connection protection module of the power supply unit. The reverse connection protection module, through a specific combination of diodes or other circuit components, ensures that current flows only in the correct direction into subsequent modules, preventing damage to the entire system from reverse power connection. Surge protection: After passing through the reverse connection protection module, the power supply enters the surge protection module. The surge protection module uses components such as varistors and transient suppression diodes to suppress potential surge voltages, limiting them to a safe range and protecting subsequent circuit components from instantaneous high-voltage impacts. Short-circuit protection: Power from the surge protection module enters the short-circuit protection module. The module monitors the current in real time and, upon detecting an abnormal increase in current (e.g., a short circuit), quickly cuts off the circuit to prevent overheating, fire, or other dangerous situations caused by the short circuit, ensuring system safety. The low-voltage DC power after the short-circuit protection module enters the boost module. This module uses switching power supply technology or other boost topologies, specifically a boost circuit. By controlling the switching transistors, it converts the low-voltage DC power into high-voltage DC power and outputs it to the optical switch driver module to meet its high-voltage power requirements. Optical signal acquisition: During optical path switching, multiple beam splitters 9 separate a portion of the light, which is received by the photodetector 12. Based on the photoelectric effect, the photodetector 12 converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal. The magnitude of the electrical signal is related to the intensity and other characteristics of the light. Signal feedback: The electrical signal converted by the photodetector 12 is transmitted to the feedback circuit. The feedback circuit amplifies and filters the signal to remove noise interference, and then transmits the processed feedback signal to the optical switch driver module. Voltage Monitoring and Adjustment: After receiving the feedback signal, the internal monitoring and adjustment module of the optical switch driver module determines whether the current operating status of the optical switch is normal based on the characteristics of the feedback signal, such as the amplitude and frequency of the electrical signal. If the operating status of the optical switch deviates from expectations, for example, due to temperature changes or component aging causing slight changes in the optical properties of the transparent ferroelectric ceramics, thus affecting parameters such as the selection of the light output port or light intensity, the optical switch driver module will adjust the voltage applied to the multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups accordingly. By fine-tuning the voltage, these changes are compensated for, ensuring that the optical switch can stably perform optical path switching and optical signal transmission according to the control signal requirements.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, when the control signal indicates the first optical path state, the control logic module inside the optical switch drive module analyzes the signal and outputs a corresponding drive signal, so that the first transparent ferroelectric ceramic 4 is not subjected to voltage, maintaining its initial optical characteristics, while the second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8 is subjected to a specific voltage. After the voltage is applied, the optical parameters such as the refractive index of the second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8 change, thereby guiding the propagation path of the light. After the light is emitted from the fiber collimator 1, it passes through multiple birefringent crystal groups. Due to the birefringence characteristics of the birefringent crystals, the light is decomposed into ordinary light and extraordinary light. Then, it passes through multiple λ / 2 glass plate groups for phase adjustment, and then enters multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups. Under the action of the second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8, the light further changes its propagation direction. After passing through the combined action of multiple beam splitters 9, multiple birefringent crystal combination units, roof prisms 13 and other optical elements, it is finally output from the first output port of the dual fiber collimator 14. When the control signal indicates the second optical path state, the optical switch drive module outputs different drive signals, so that the first transparent ferroelectric ceramic 4 is subjected to a half-wave voltage, while the second transparent ferroelectric ceramic 8 is not subjected to voltage. Under the influence of a half-wave voltage, the optical properties of the first transparent ferroelectric ceramic 4 change accordingly, altering the behavior of light within it. The light then travels through a similar optical transmission path: from the fiber collimator 1, multiple birefringent crystal groups, multiple λ / 2 glass slide groups, multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, multiple beam splitters 9, multiple birefringent crystal combination units, and the roof prism 13, before exiting from the second output port of the dual fiber collimator 14.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this example, during the process of the boost module raising the voltage of the low-voltage DC power supply to a high-voltage DC power supply of 300V or higher, the reverse connection protection module continuously monitors the polarity of the power supply, the surge protection module suppresses surges in real time, and the short-circuit protection module continuously monitors the circuit.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this example, the high-voltage protection module in the optical switch driving module activates a protection mechanism when the voltage rises abnormally. After receiving the control signal, the high-speed DC analog switch completes the switching operation of the voltage of multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups in a very short time to achieve a fast and accurate optical path switching function.

[0037] In summary, when using a driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch, the power supply unit within the driving device filters and stabilizes the voltage, and the driving control unit coordinates and controls the inputs of the photoelectric switch unit and the power supply unit, thereby protecting the photoelectric switch unit, improving the overall stability and reliability of the device during use, and thus extending its service life.

[0038] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope described in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch, comprising: The power supply unit, the drive control unit and the optical switch unit are characterized in that the power supply unit is used to provide stable power supply for the drive control unit and the optical switch unit, the drive control unit comprises an optical switch drive module and a control signal input end, and the control signal input end is connected with the optical switch drive module; The optical switch unit comprises optical fiber collimators, a plurality of birefringent crystal groups, a plurality of λ / 2 wafer group assemblies, a plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, a plurality of beam splitting prisms, a plurality of birefringent crystal combination units, a roof prism and a double-fiber collimator, and a photodetector connected with the plurality of beam splitting prisms, the optical switch drive module is connected with the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups, and is used to apply a driving voltage to the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups to change the propagation path of light in the optical switch unit, the plurality of birefringent crystal groups, the plurality of λ / 2 wafer group assemblies and the plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups work cooperatively to realize optical path switching, the beam splitting prisms are used to split part of light to the photodetector, the birefringent crystal combination units are used to adjust and synthesize the polarization state of the processed light, and the roof prism is used to change the propagation direction of light, so that the light is output from the double-fiber collimator.

2. The driving device based on the electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply unit comprises a reverse connection prevention module, a surge prevention module, a short circuit protection module and a boost module connected in sequence, the reverse connection prevention module is used to prevent external power polarity reverse connection, the surge prevention module is used to suppress external power surge, the short circuit protection module is used to monitor and protect internal circuit short circuit condition, and the boost module is used to convert input low-voltage direct current power into high-voltage direct current power meeting the driving requirement of electro-optic crystals.

3. The driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical switch drive module is connected with the output end of the power supply unit, the optical switch drive module comprises a high-voltage protection circuit and a high-speed direct current analog switch, is used to receive a control signal and control the voltage applied to the electro-optic crystals according to the control signal, realizes the optical path switching function of the optical switch, and can generate a stable output waveform, has a high-voltage swing rate and a fast control signal response capability.

4. The driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of birefringent crystal groups comprises at least two birefringent crystals, each birefringent crystal changes the polarization state of light in the optical path in a specific manner to realize optical path switching in cooperation with subsequent elements.

5. A driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The λ / 2 wafer group assembly comprises a plurality of λ / 2 wafers with different angles between the optical axis direction and the horizontal direction, and is used to change the polarization direction of light passing through the λ / 2 wafer group assembly to assist the adjustment of the polarization state of light in the optical path switching process.

6. The driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups comprises at least two transparent ferroelectric ceramics, and changes the polarization direction of light according to the voltage state applied by the optical switch drive module under different optical path switching requirements, so as to realize optical path switching, and the double-fiber collimator has a first output port and a second output port.

7. A driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the process of boosting the voltage of the low-voltage direct current power to high-voltage direct current power greater than or equal to 300V, the reverse connection prevention module continuously monitors the power polarity, the surge prevention module real-time suppresses surge, and the short circuit protection module continuously monitors the circuit.

8. The driving device based on an electro-optic crystal optical switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The high-voltage protection module in the optical switch driving module starts a protection mechanism when the voltage abnormally rises, and the high-speed direct-current analog switch completes switching operation on the voltage of the multiple transparent ferroelectric ceramic groups in a very short time after receiving a control signal, so as to realize the function of fast and accurate optical path switching.

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