Erbium fiber temperature control structure and EDFA module

Abstract

The utility model relates to an erbium fiber temperature control structure and an EDFA (erbium doped fiber amplifier) module, and the temperature control structure comprises a bottom shell; the heating box is fixedly installed on the bottom shell, an erbium fiber groove used for coiling an erbium fiber is formed in the heating box, and the erbium fiber is coiled in the erbium fiber groove to form an erbium fiber disc; the heating sheet is detachably and fixedly arranged at the opening of the erbium fiber groove and is used for sealing the erbium fiber groove and heating the erbium fiber disc from the outer side of one end surface of the erbium fiber disc; the thermoelectric cooler is fixedly installed between the heating box and the bottom shell, the first heat conduction end of the thermoelectric cooler is located on the outer side of the other end face of the erbium fiber disc, the first heat conduction end is connected with the outer wall of the heating box and used for heat conduction between the first heat conduction end and the heating box, and the second heat conduction end of the thermoelectric cooler is connected with the bottom shell; therefore, the requirement of the EDFA module for the environment temperature is reduced, the application range is expanded, the stability of the module is greatly improved, and the service life of the module is greatly prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic amplifier technology, and in particular to an erbium fiber temperature control structure and an EDFA module. Background Technology

[0002] Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), as core components of optical communication, are highly dependent on the operating temperature of the erbium fiber for stability. Existing modules use a combination of heating elements and ambient heat dissipation to control the temperature of the erbium fiber.

[0003] However, as communication equipment chassis become increasingly integrated, many modules operate for extended periods at relatively high ambient temperatures, making the operating environment for EDFA modules increasingly demanding. Prolonged operation in high-temperature environments accelerates erbium fiber aging, affecting the stability of the EDFA module; furthermore, some optical path performance of erbium fiber fails to meet standards under high-temperature conditions.

[0004] Traditional erbium fiber temperature control methods can only meet the temperature control requirements of EDFA modules in some application scenarios. There is an urgent need to develop an erbium fiber temperature control structure that combines high-efficiency temperature control with strong applicability. Utility Model Content

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technology, the applicant provides an erbium fiber temperature control structure and EDFA module, thereby reducing the environmental temperature requirements of the EDFA module, expanding its application range, and greatly improving the stability and service life of the module.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] An erbium fiber temperature control structure for use in an EDFA module, the temperature control structure comprising:

[0008] Bottom shell;

[0009] A heating box is fixedly installed on the bottom shell. The heating box is provided with an erbium fiber groove for winding erbium fiber, and the erbium fiber is wound in the erbium fiber groove to form an erbium fiber disc.

[0010] A heating element is detachably and fixedly installed at the opening of the erbium fiber channel to close the erbium fiber channel and heat the erbium fiber disk from the outside of one end face of the erbium fiber disk.

[0011] A thermoelectric cooler is fixedly installed between the heating box and the bottom shell. The first heat-conducting end of the thermoelectric cooler is located on the outer side of the other end face of the erbium fiber disc. The first heat-conducting end is connected to the outer wall of the heating box and is used for heat conduction between the first heat-conducting end and the heating box. The second heat-conducting end of the thermoelectric cooler is connected to the bottom shell and is used for heat conduction between the second heat-conducting end and the bottom shell.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0013] The heating box includes a box body and a heat-conducting column disposed at the center of the bottom of the box body. The heat-conducting column and the inner wall surface of the box body form the erbium fiber groove. Both the box body and the heat-conducting column are made of heat-conducting metal.

[0014] The end of the heat-conducting column contacts the heating element, and the first heat-conducting end corresponds to the heat-conducting column, exchanging heat with the erbium fiber disk through the erbium fiber groove;

[0015] The heat-conducting column is provided with a first fastener, which is used to detachably connect the heat-conducting column to the bottom shell and clamp and fix the thermoelectric cooler between the box body and the bottom shell.

[0016] The thermoelectric cooler is plate-shaped, and the end face area of ​​the thermoelectric cooler is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat-conducting column.

[0017] The heating element includes a circuit board, a sheet-like heating element is mounted in the middle of the circuit board, the heating element is electrically connected to the circuit board, the circuit board is connected to the main board of the module, and the heating surface size of the heating element is less than or equal to the cross-sectional size of the heat-conducting column.

[0018] Thermal paste is applied between the first heat-conducting end and the housing.

[0019] A thermal pad is provided between the second thermally conductive end and the bottom shell.

[0020] The bottom shell is provided with a connecting post, and a heat insulation pad is installed on the connecting post. The heat insulation pad supports the box body and prevents heat conduction between the bottom shell and the box body. The first fastener passes through the heat insulation pad and is threadedly connected to the connecting post.

[0021] The main board of the module is mounted on the bottom shell, and the main board is located between the bottom shell and the heating box. The main board is provided with a perforation to avoid the thermoelectric cooler.

[0022] The motherboard is equipped with a temperature control circuit, and the thermoelectric cooler and heating element are both electrically connected to the temperature control circuit. The housing is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the erbium fiber, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the temperature control circuit.

[0023] The outer surface of the bottom shell is provided with heat dissipation fins.

[0024] An EDFA module comprising any of the erbium fiber temperature control structures described above.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0026] This utility model has a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. By setting heating elements and thermoelectric coolers at both ends of the heating box where the erbium fiber is coiled, the heating elements and thermoelectric coolers are located on both sides of the erbium fiber coil, realizing the rapid heating and active cooling functions of the erbium fiber temperature control structure. This improves the temperature rise response rate of the erbium fiber in the EDFA module, reduces the module's requirements for ambient temperature, expands the scope of application, and greatly improves the stability and service life of the module.

[0027] This utility model also has the following advantages:

[0028] (1) The sheet-shaped thermoelectric cooler is easy to integrate into the module's housing, and the parallel heat-conducting ends facilitate the installation of the thermoelectric cooler and contact heat conduction with the heating box and the bottom shell.

[0029] (2) The circuit board and the heating element are assembled into one piece, forming a sheet structure. The plate-shaped body structure of the circuit board is used as the cover of the box, making the erbium fiber temperature control structure more miniaturized and facilitating the integration of the internal system of the chassis.

[0030] (3) The heating element, the first heat-conducting end and the heat-conducting column in the middle of the box exchange heat, and the erbium fiber groove forms a wrapped heating environment through heat conduction, so that the temperature of the erbium fiber disk is relatively uniform and the risk of thermal shock is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an exploded view (from another perspective) of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the relevant structure of the bottom shell of this utility model.

[0036] in:

[0037] 1. Heating element; 11. Circuit board; 12. Heating unit; 13. Second fastener;

[0038] 2. Heating box; 21. Box body; 22. Erbium fiber channel; 23. Heat-conducting column; 24. First fastener;

[0039] 3. Thermoelectric cooler; 31. First heat-conducting end; 32. Second heat-conducting end;

[0040] 4. Thermal pad; 5. Motherboard; 51. Perforation; 52. Notch; 6. Bottom shell; 61. Heat dissipation fins; 62. Connecting post; 7. Thermal insulation pad. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the erbium fiber temperature control structure of this embodiment is used in the EDFA module. The temperature control structure includes: a bottom shell 6, a heating box 2, a heating element 1, and a thermoelectric cooler 3.

[0044] The bottom shell 6, when fitted with the top cover, forms the outer shell of the module;

[0045] Heating box 2 is fixedly installed on bottom shell 6. Heating box 2 is provided with erbium fiber groove 22 for winding erbium fiber. Erbium fiber is wound in erbium fiber groove 22 to form erbium fiber disc.

[0046] Heating element 1 is detachably and fixedly installed at the opening of erbium fiber channel 22, used to close erbium fiber channel 22 and heat erbium fiber disk from the outside of one end face of erbium fiber disk;

[0047] The thermoelectric cooler 3 is fixedly installed between the heating box 2 and the bottom shell 6. The first heat-conducting end 31 of the thermoelectric cooler 3 is located on the outer side of the other end face of the erbium fiber disc. The first heat-conducting end 31 is connected to the outer wall of the heating box 2 and is used for heat conduction between the first heat-conducting end 31 and the heating box 2. The second heat-conducting end 32 of the thermoelectric cooler 3 is connected to the bottom shell 6 and is used for heat conduction between the second heat-conducting end 32 and the bottom shell 6.

[0048] The main functional components of the EDFA module, such as heating element 1, heating box 2, and thermoelectric cooler 3, are all located inside the outer casing. The other main functional components of the module are conventionally designed and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0049] When the EDFA module is in a low-temperature environment, the erbium fiber needs to be heated. Heating element 1 and thermoelectric cooler 3 are activated. The first heat-conducting end 31 of the thermoelectric cooler 3 is the hot end, and the second heat-conducting end 32 is the cold end. Heating element 1 and the first heat-conducting end 31 simultaneously heat the erbium fiber disk from both sides. The erbium fiber temperature control structure in this embodiment has a higher temperature control response rate, especially when starting the EDFA module, and can more precisely control the erbium fiber temperature, keeping the erbium fiber's operating temperature within a stable range.

[0050] When the temperature of the erbium fiber is higher than the operating temperature, the heating element 1 stops heating and the thermoelectric cooler 3 starts. The first heat-conducting end 31 of the thermoelectric cooler 3 is the cold end and the second heat-conducting end 32 is the hot end. The first heat-conducting end 31 actively cools the erbium fiber, and the second heat-conducting end 32 transfers heat to the bottom shell 6 for heat dissipation. When the ambient temperature is higher than the operating temperature of the erbium fiber, it can keep the erbium fiber in a state lower than the ambient temperature.

[0051] The housing 21 contains a temperature sensor for detecting the erbium fiber, which can be a thermistor. When the ambient temperature is higher than the erbium fiber's operating temperature, if the monitored erbium fiber temperature reaches ±2°C of the set temperature, it indicates that the set temperature has been reached. At this point, the thermoelectric cooler 3 will reduce power consumption to maintain the erbium fiber temperature. For example, for erbium fiber with an operating temperature of 50°C, even if the ambient temperature is 60°C or higher, the erbium fiber in the heating housing 2 can be maintained at around 50°C for a long time, effectively preventing erbium fiber aging and extending its service life.

[0052] Compared to passive heat dissipation relying on ambient temperature, the erbium fiber temperature control structure in this embodiment can keep the erbium fiber below the ambient temperature, adapting to higher operating ambient temperatures.

[0053] By setting heating elements 1 and thermoelectric coolers 3 at both ends of the heating box 2 with coiled erbium fiber, respectively, the heating elements 1 and thermoelectric coolers 3 are located on both sides of the erbium fiber coil, realizing the rapid heating and active cooling functions of the erbium fiber temperature control structure, improving the temperature rise response rate of the erbium fiber in the EDFA module, reducing the module's requirements for ambient temperature, expanding the scope of application, and greatly improving the stability and service life of the module.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the main board 5 of the module is mounted on the bottom shell 6. The main board 5 is located between the bottom shell 6 and the heating box 2. The main board 5 is provided with a through hole 51 to avoid the thermoelectric cooler 3.

[0055] The mainboard 5 contains a temperature control circuit. The thermoelectric cooler 3 and the heating element 1 are both electrically connected to the temperature control circuit. The housing 21 contains a temperature sensor for detecting erbium fiber, which is electrically connected to the temperature control circuit. The temperature sensor is a thermistor.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer surface of the bottom shell 6 is provided with heat dissipation fins 61.

[0057] Example 2:

[0058] Based on Embodiment 1, the structure of the heating box 2 and the heat conduction structure of the heating element 1, the thermoelectric cooler 3 and the heating box 2 are further improved.

[0059] like Figures 2-4As shown, in this embodiment, the erbium fiber temperature control structure includes a heating box 2 comprising a box body 21 and a heat-conducting column 23 disposed at the center of the bottom of the box body 21. The heat-conducting column 23 and the inner wall surface of the box body 21 form an erbium fiber groove 22. Both the box body 21 and the heat-conducting column 23 are made of heat-conducting metal.

[0060] The end of the heat-conducting column 23 contacts the heating element 1, and the first heat-conducting end 31 corresponds to the heat-conducting column 23, and exchanges heat with the erbium fiber disk through the erbium fiber groove 22;

[0061] The heat-conducting column 23 is provided with a first fastener 24, which is used to detachably connect the heat-conducting column 23 to the bottom shell 6 and clamp and fix the thermoelectric cooler 3 between the box body 21 and the bottom shell 6.

[0062] Both the housing 21 and the heat-conducting pillar 23 are made of thermally conductive metals such as copper and aluminum, and the erbium fiber groove 22 is annular or polygonal. Specifically, there are multiple first fasteners 24, distributed on the outside of the thermoelectric cooler 3. The center of the corresponding heat-conducting pillar 23 is directly opposite the center of the first heat-conducting end 31.

[0063] The thermoelectric cooler 3 is plate-shaped, and the end face area of ​​the thermoelectric cooler 3 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat-conducting column 23.

[0064] Both the first heat-conducting end 31 and the second heat-conducting end 32 are planar and parallel to each other. The thermoelectric cooler 3 (TEC), also known as a thermoelectric refrigerator or Peltier cooler, is a solid-state energy conversion device based on the thermoelectric effect (Peltier effect). It can directly achieve directional heat transfer through electrical energy, thereby creating a temperature difference between the two ends to achieve cooling or heating effects. The plate-shaped thermoelectric cooler 3 is an externally purchased product and is usually called a thermoelectric cooling plate.

[0065] Generally, the larger the end face area of ​​the thermoelectric cooler 3, the greater the maximum allowable operating temperature difference between its cooling end and heating end, thus expanding the operating temperature range of erbium fiber. Different sizes of thermoelectric coolers 3 can also be selected and replaced according to temperature requirements.

[0066] The sheet-shaped thermoelectric cooler 3 is easy to integrate into the module's housing, while the parallel heat-conducting ends facilitate the installation of the thermoelectric cooler 3 and contact heat conduction with the heating box 2 and the bottom shell 6.

[0067] The heating element 1 includes a circuit board 11, a sheet-like heating element 12 is mounted in the middle of the circuit board 11, the heating element 12 is electrically connected to the circuit board 11, the circuit board 11 is connected to the main board 5 of the module, and the heating surface size of the heating element 12 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional size of the heat-conducting column 23.

[0068] The circuit board 11 is a PCB board, and the circuit board 11 and the heat-conducting pillar 23 are detachably connected by the second fastener 13. The heating element 12 can be an aluminum foil heating element or a silicone heating element. The circuit board 11 is electrically connected to the temperature control circuit on the main board 5.

[0069] The circuit board 11 and the heating element 12 are assembled into one piece in a sheet-like structure. The sheet-like body structure of the circuit board 11 is used as the cover of the box 21, which makes the erbium fiber temperature control structure more miniaturized and facilitates the integration of the internal system of the chassis.

[0070] The heating element 1 and the first heat-conducting end 31 exchange heat with the heat-conducting column 23 in the middle of the box 21. Through heat conduction, the erbium fiber groove 22 forms a wrapped heating environment, thereby making the temperature of the erbium fiber disk relatively uniform and reducing the risk of thermal shock.

[0071] Thermal paste is applied between the first heat-conducting end 31 and the box body 21.

[0072] like Figures 2-5 As shown, a thermal pad 4 is provided between the second thermally conductive end 32 and the bottom shell 6. The thermal pad 4 can be a thermally conductive silicone pad.

[0073] The bottom shell 6 is provided with a connecting post 62, and a heat insulation pad 7 is installed on the connecting post 62. The heat insulation pad 7 supports the box body 21 and prevents heat conduction between the bottom shell 6 and the box body 21. The first fastener 24 passes through the heat insulation pad 7 and is threadedly connected to the connecting post 62.

[0074] When the first fastener 24 is made of metal, the heat insulation pad 7 simultaneously isolates the first fastener 24 from the housing 21. The heat insulation pad 7 is made of nylon.

[0075] The edge of the perforation 51 is provided with a notch 52 to avoid the connecting post 62.

[0076] When assembling the erbium fiber temperature control structure in this embodiment:

[0077] First, place the two heat insulation pads 7 on the connecting post 62 to isolate the heat transfer between the heating box 2 and the bottom shell 6, so that the heating box 2 is in a relatively independent environment. Then install the main board 5 on the bottom shell 6.

[0078] Then, attach the thermal pad 4 to the second thermal end 32 of the thermoelectric cooler 3, and then install it on the base 6. The thermoelectric cooler 3 is connected to the motherboard 5 and powered by the motherboard 5.

[0079] Next, press the heating box 2 onto the thermoelectric cooler 3, install the first fastener 24 and lock it. Thermal grease (thermal paste) can be applied between the heating box 2 and the thermoelectric cooler 3 to increase its thermal conductivity.

[0080] Finally, place the erbium fiber coil in the erbium fiber slot 22, install the second fastener 13, lock the heating element 1 onto the heating box 2, connect the heating element 1 to the main board 5, and power it from the main board 5.

[0081] The erbium fiber temperature control structure in this embodiment is compact, easy to install and operate, and does not affect the erbium fiber coiling process, making it convenient for employees to operate.

[0082] Example 3:

[0083] This embodiment provides an EDFA module, including the erbium fiber temperature control structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0084] The above description is an explanation of the present utility model and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims. Within the protection scope of the present utility model, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. An erbium fiber temperature control structure, characterized by: The temperature control structure comprises: a bottom shell (6); a heating box (2) fixedly installed on the bottom shell (6), wherein an erbium fiber groove (22) for winding an erbium fiber is arranged in the heating box (2), and the erbium fiber is wound to form an erbium fiber coil in the erbium fiber groove (22); a heating sheet (1) detachably fixedly installed at an opening of the erbium fiber groove (22) and used for closing the erbium fiber groove (22) and heating the erbium fiber coil from an outer side of one end surface of the erbium fiber coil; a thermoelectric cooler (3) fixedly installed between the heating box (2) and the bottom shell (6), wherein a first heat-conducting end (31) of the thermoelectric cooler (3) is located at an outer side of the other end surface of the erbium fiber coil, the first heat-conducting end (31) is connected with an outer wall of the heating box (2) and used for heat conduction between the first heat-conducting end (31) and the heating box (2), and a second heat-conducting end (32) of the thermoelectric cooler (3) is connected with the bottom shell (6) and used for heat conduction between the second heat-conducting end (32) and the bottom shell (6).

2. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 1, wherein: The heating box (2) comprises a box body (21) and a heat-conducting column (23) arranged at a center of a bottom of the box body (21), the heat-conducting column (23) and an inner wall surface of the box body (21) form the erbium fiber groove (22), and the box body (21) and the heat-conducting column (23) are made of heat-conducting metal; an end of the heat-conducting column (23) is in contact with the heating sheet (1), the first heat-conducting end (31) corresponds to the heat-conducting column (23) and exchanges heat with the erbium fiber groove (22) and the erbium fiber coil; a first fastener (24) is arranged on the heat-conducting column (23), the first fastener (24) is used for detachably connecting the heat-conducting column (23) with the bottom shell (6) and clamping and fixing the thermoelectric cooler (3) between the box body (21) and the bottom shell (6).

3. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: The thermoelectric cooler (3) is in a sheet shape, and an end surface area of the thermoelectric cooler (3) is less than or equal to a cross-sectional area of the heat-conducting column (23).

4. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: The heating sheet (1) comprises a circuit board (11), a heating part (12) in a sheet structure is installed at a middle portion of the circuit board (11), the heating part (12) is electrically connected with the circuit board (11), the circuit board (11) is connected with a main board (5) of the module, and a heating surface size of the heating part (12) is less than or equal to a cross-sectional size of the heat-conducting column (23).

5. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: Thermal paste is coated between the first heat-conducting end (31) and the box body (21).

6. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: A heat-conducting pad (4) is arranged between the second heat-conducting end (32) and the bottom shell (6).

7. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: A connecting column (62) is arranged on the bottom shell (6), a heat insulation pad (7) is installed on the connecting column (62), the heat insulation pad (7) supports the box body (21) and prevents heat conduction between the bottom shell (6) and the box body (21), and the first fastener (24) is arranged in the heat insulation pad (7) and is threadedly connected with the connecting column (62).

8. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 2, wherein: The main plate (5) of the module is installed on the bottom shell (6), the main plate (5) is located between the bottom shell (6) and the heating box (2), and the main plate (5) is provided with a perforation (51) avoiding the thermoelectric cooler (3); The main plate (5) is provided with a temperature control circuit, the thermoelectric cooler (3) and the heating sheet (1) are electrically connected with the temperature control circuit, the box body (21) is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the erbium fiber, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected with the temperature control circuit.

9. The erbium fiber temperature control structure of claim 8, wherein: The outer surface of the bottom shell (6) is provided with a heat dissipation fin (61).

10. An EDFA module, characterized by: The erbium fiber temperature control structure comprises the erbium fiber temperature control structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

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