Optical fiber detection assembly, adapter, and optical fiber detection system

The optical fiber detection assembly and system decentralize OTDR functions, enabling efficient fault detection in optical fibers using electronic devices, reducing costs and enhancing maintenance convenience.

JP7879379B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-23HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-01-06
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing optical fiber detection methods, particularly using OTDRs, are limited by their detection capabilities and require dedicated equipment, which is costly and cumbersome for maintenance, affecting the efficiency of identifying fiber faults in optical networks.

Method used

An optical fiber detection assembly and system that separates the OTDR's functions into an optical fiber detection component and an electronic device, utilizing a signal conversion circuit to convert electrical parameters of return optical signals into digital signals for fault detection, eliminating the need for a dedicated OTDR.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies the detection process, reduces equipment costs, and enhances the flexibility and convenience of fault identification in optical fibers by using existing electronic devices like smartphones or laptops, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007879379000001
    Figure 0007879379000001
  • Figure 0007879379000002
    Figure 0007879379000002
  • Figure 0007879379000003
    Figure 0007879379000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

An optical fiber detection assembly (30), an adapter, and an optical fiber detection system are provided, and relate to the field of optical fiber communication technology. Since a dedicated OTDR is not required, optical fiber detection is prevented from being affected by the detection capabilities of the OTDR. The optical fiber detection assembly (30) includes an optical fiber line detection component (301), a signal conversion circuit (302), and a first interface (303). The first interface (303) is configured to connect to an external electronic device (20), the optical fiber line detection component (301) is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber line detection component (301) is connected to the signal conversion circuit (302), and the signal conversion circuit (302) is connected to the first interface (303).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mobile communication technologies, and more particularly, to optical fiber detection assemblies, adapters, and optical fiber detection systems.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technologies, optical network systems are widely used. In an optical network system, devices are interconnected via optical fibers, and data transmission is performed on the optical link provided by the optical fibers.

[0003] For example, in the fronthaul technology of a wireless network, a base station generally includes a baseband unit (BU) and a radio frequency unit (RU). The BU and the RU are usually interconnected via an optical fiber. The network between the BU and the RU is called a fronthaul network. However, as an exception, the fiber end face may be loose, dirty, or the fiber may be cut, which affects the communication quality of the optical link. Therefore, there is a growing need to determine exceptions in optical fibers.

[0004] Generally, the detection of optical fibers is performed by O&M technicians using an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR). The OTDR is directly connected to the optical fiber for detection and generates a detection result. It can be seen that a dedicated OTDR is required for the detection of optical fibers. As a result, exception detection is affected by the detection ability of the OTDR.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide an optical fiber detection assembly, an adapter, and an optical fiber detection system. Since a dedicated OTDR is not required, it is avoided that the detection of optical fibers is affected by the detection ability of the OTDR.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, an optical fiber detection assembly is provided, comprising an optical fiber detection component, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface. The optical fiber detection component is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber detection component is connected to a signal conversion circuit, and the signal conversion circuit is connected to a first interface. The first interface is configured to connect to an external electronic device (e.g., a local maintenance terminal (LMT) such as a mobile phone, tablet pad, or personal computer (PC)). The optical fiber detection component is configured to transmit a probe optical signal to an optical fiber and to receive a return optical signal output by the optical fiber. Generally, the return optical signal includes an optical signal obtained by reflecting and / or scattering the probe optical signal by the optical fiber. The optical fiber detection component is configured to output the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to a signal conversion circuit. The signal conversion circuit is configured to convert the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal to a first interface.

[0007] Thus, in the embodiments of the present application, the optical fiber detection assembly includes an optical fiber detection component, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface. The optical fiber detection component outputs a probe optical signal to the optical fiber, receives the return optical signal generated by the optical fiber, and can generate the electrical parameters of the return optical signal. Next, the signal conversion circuit converts the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the electronic device via the first interface. In this way, the optical fiber detection assembly detects only the return optical signal of the probe optical signal and generates a digital signal corresponding to the electrical parameters of the return optical signal, and does not determine the optical fiber fault. The optical fiber fault is determined by the electronic device based on the digital signal. In other words, the function of the OTDR is separated into the optical detection assembly and the electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application, which simplifies the function of the optical fiber detection assembly. Because a dedicated OTDR is not required, optical fiber detection but OTDR detection capability Being affected It will be avoided.

[0008] In possible implementations, to simplify the structure of the optical detection assembly, the optical fiber detection component may be implemented by directly reusing an optical module. The optical fiber detection component includes an optical module. The optical module includes an optical interface and an electrical interface. The optical fiber detection assembly further includes a second interface connected to a signal conversion circuit. The optical interface is configured to connect to an optical fiber. The electrical interface is configured to connect to the signal conversion circuit via the second interface.

[0009] In possible implementations, the optical fiber detection assembly includes an adapter, which includes a second interface, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface. Thus, the optical fiber detection assembly may be further broken down into a suite including an optical module and an adapter SL.

[0010] In possible implementations, the first interface is connected to a signal conversion circuit via a cable. Thus, the adapter, including the second interface, the signal conversion circuit, and the first interface, may form an adapter cable, and the length of the cable is not limited. In this way, O&M It is more convenient for technicians to connect to the LMT device while it is in use.

[0011] In possible implementations, the second interface is an SFP( small form-factor pluggable, SFP Includes an interface.

[0012] In possible implementations, the first interface may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0013] In possible implementations, to adapt to cases where optical fibers of different lengths and optical fiber modes can generate valid return optical signals after receiving a probe optical signal, the optical fiber detection component is further configured to receive configuration information input from a first interface by an electronic device via a signal conversion circuit. The optical fiber detection component is further configured to control the optical parameters of the probe optical signal based on the configuration information, which includes at least one of the following information: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode.

[0014] In possible implementations, the fiber optic detection component is integrated with the signal conversion circuit. For example, the signal conversion circuit may be manufactured directly within the optical module, thus allowing the electrical interface and the second interface to be omitted.

[0015] In possible implementations, optical fibers are configured to connect radio frequency units (RUs) and baseband units (BUs) within an open radio access network (ORAN).

[0016] According to a second embodiment, an adapter is provided that includes a first interface, a signal conversion circuit, and a second interface. The signal conversion circuit is connected to the first interface, which is configured to be connected to an external electronic device, and the second interface is configured to be connected to an optical module, for example, the second interface may be an electrical interface connected to the optical module, and the optical interface of the optical module is configured to be connected to an optical fiber. The second interface is further connected to the signal conversion circuit. The second interface is configured to receive the electrical parameters of a return optical signal output by the optical module, which is generated by the optical fiber based on a probe optical signal transmitted to the optical fiber by the optical module. The signal conversion circuit is configured to convert the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal to the first interface.

[0017] In possible implementations, the second interface includes an SFP interface.

[0018] In possible implementations, the first interface includes a USB interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0019] In possible implementations, the first interface is connected to a signal conversion circuit via a cable.

[0020] In possible implementations, the signal conversion circuit is further configured to receive configuration information input by the electronic device from the first interface and transmit the configuration information to the optical module. The configuration information is used to control the optical parameters of the probe optical signal output by the optical module, and the configuration information includes at least one of the following: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode.

[0021] In possible implementations, optical fibers are configured to connect radio frequency units (RUs) and baseband units (BUs) within an open radio access network (ORAN).

[0022] According to a third embodiment, an optical fiber detection system is provided, comprising an electronic device and an optical fiber detection assembly according to the first embodiment or a possible implementation. The electronic device is configured to receive a digital signal output by the optical fiber detection assembly and to determine a fault on the optical fiber based on the data signal.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, a method for detecting an optical fiber is provided that is applied to an optical fiber detection assembly. The optical fiber detection assembly includes an optical fiber detection component, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface. The optical fiber detection component is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber detection component is connected to a signal conversion circuit, and the signal conversion circuit is connected to the first interface. The optical fiber detection method further includes the steps of: transmitting a probe optical signal to an optical fiber via the optical fiber detection component; receiving a return optical signal output by the optical fiber; outputting the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to the signal conversion circuit via the optical fiber detection component; converting the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to a digital signal via the signal conversion circuit; and outputting the digital signal to the first interface.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving, by an electronic device, configuration information input from a first interface, and controlling, based on the configuration information, optical parameters of a probe optical signal output by an optical fiber line detection component, where the configuration information includes at least one of the following information: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode.

[0025] For the second aspect, possible implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, technical problems that can be solved by possible implementations of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, and technical effects achieved, reference may be made to the descriptions in the first aspect and possible implementations of the first aspect. Details are not described again here.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] [Figure 2] It is a diagram of a system architecture according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the principle of Rayleigh backscattering according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the principle of Fresnel reflection according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] [Figure 5] It is a diagram of a system architecture according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] [Figure 6] It is a structural diagram of an OTDR according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] [Figure 7]This is a structural diagram of an optical fiber detection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the structure of an optical fiber detection assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 9] This is a structural diagram of an optical fiber detection assembly according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0035] [Figure 10] This is a structural diagram of an optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 11] This is a diagram of the USB pins according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the pins of an SFP interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 13] This is a diagram of the UI of the optical fiber detection result according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 14] This is a diagram of the UI of the optical fiber detection result according to another embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The following describes the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present application. In embodiments of the present application, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means two or more. The term “and / or” describes an association between associated objects and can indicate three relationships. For example, A and / or B may indicate the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. A and B may be singular or plural. The letter “ / ” usually indicates an “or” relationship between associated objects. “At least one of the following items (pieces)” or similar expressions represent any combination of these items, including a single item (piece) or any combination of multiple items (pieces). For example, at least one item (piece) of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution sequence.

[0041] It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, the words “example” or “for example” are used to indicate an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design solution described as “example” or “for example” in this application should not be described as being preferable to or having more advantages than another embodiment or design solution. More precisely, the use of the words “example” or “for example” is intended to present a relevant concept in a particular way.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the possible and non-limiting diagram of a communication system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a to 120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may further include other RAN nodes, e.g., radio relay devices and / or radio backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 wirelessly. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or wired. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices or may be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network and the logical functions of the radio access network.

[0043] The terminal may also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wear, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminals may be mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functionality, wearable devices, vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The device form of the terminal is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0044] RAN100 may be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolutionary system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). Alternatively, RAN100 may be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. Alternatively, RAN100 may be a communication system that integrates two or more of the aforementioned systems.

[0045] RAN nodes 110, also known as access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, form part of a communication system to help terminals perform wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in a communication system may be of the same type or of different types. Depending on the scenario, the roles of RAN nodes 110 and terminals 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 may be a helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle and may be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 120j accessing RAN 100 via network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station. However, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN nodes 110 and terminals 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 are understood as communication devices with base station functionality, and network elements 120a-120j are understood as communication devices with terminal functionality.

[0046] In possible scenarios, a RAN node may be a base station, evolved NodeB (NodeB), access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP), next-generation NodeB (gNB), next-generation base station for a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, base station for a future mobile communication system, or access node for a Wi-Fi system. In a CRAN scenario, a RAN node may be a macro base station (e.g., 110a in Figure 1), a micro base station or indoor station (e.g., 110b in Figure 1), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller. Optionally, a RAN node may be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or vehicle-mounted device. For example, an access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0047] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes are coordinated to support a terminal when performing radio access, with different RAN nodes performing several base station functions separately. For example, RAN nodes may be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU control plane (CP), a CU user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs may be located separately or may be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BU). RUs may be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0048] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in the O-RAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For ease of explanation, BU, RU, O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU are used as illustrative examples in the embodiments of this application.

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram of a system architecture to which one embodiment of the present application is applied. See Figure 2(a). The system architecture includes a BU and a plurality of RUs, the BUs being connected to the plurality of RUs via optical fibers for communication. Figure 2(b) is a diagram of another system architecture according to one embodiment of the present application. The system architecture includes a plurality of BUs and a plurality of RUs, the plurality of BUs being connected to the plurality of RUs via optical fibers for communication. That is, in one embodiment of the present application, one BU may be connected to a plurality of RUs, or a plurality of BUs may be connected to a plurality of RUs.

[0050] The network between a BU and an RU is called a fronthaul network. There are several network configurations between a BU and multiple RUs. In network configuration 1, the BU and RU communicate via a direct connection method using optical fiber. In network configuration 2, the BU communicates with the RU using passive wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). In network configuration 3, the BU communicates with the RU using either active WDM or an optical transport network (OTN). In network configuration 4, the BU communicates with the RU using a secret private network (SPN). Note that the BU and RU may support one standard or multiple standards.

[0051] Regardless of the network configuration or standard, data transmission between a BU and an RU requires a transmission medium, such as optical fiber. However, there may be exceptions in the cross-section of an optical fiber, such as loose connections, fouling of the end face, or damage to the optical fiber, which can affect the communication quality of the optical link. Due to the high cost of laying optical fiber, the need to identify optical fiber exceptions is gradually arising. The system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and to provide for the technical solutions offered in the embodiments of this application. Any limited too It is not configured. As system architectures evolve, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable to similar technical problems. That is, the system architecture with a fronthaul network provided in the embodiments of this application is just one example. In other system architectures involving two devices connected via optical fiber, it will be necessary to determine the exception for the optical fiber.

[0052] Generally, optical signals are transmitted within optical fibers by several methods, including Rayleigh backscattering and Fresnel reflection. If the density of the optical fiber material is non-uniform, the doping components are non-uniform, or the optical fiber has defects, Rayleigh backscattering occurs at each point along the length of the optical fiber (as shown in Figure 3) as the optical signal is transmitted through the fiber, forming a Rayleigh backscattered signal (scattered light). Specifically, if the particle size of the material is much smaller than the wavelength of the incident light (less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength), the Rayleigh backscattered signal generated in the optical fiber is transmitted in various directions, and the intensity of the scattered light differs in each direction. The intensity is directly proportional to the fourth power of the frequency of the incident light. In this case, Rayleigh backscattering is irregular scattering caused by the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber. Normally, the optical fiber is attenuated by Rayleigh backscattering, and the signal intensity of the optical signal forms a downward curve. Generally, OTDRs detect the Rayleigh backscattered signal behind the optical fiber to determine whether the optical fiber is abnormal. Furthermore, Fresnel reflection of the signal occurs at the boundary between two transmission media with different refractive indices (for example, the boundary may be a connector joint, a mechanical connection, a break, or the end of an optical fiber). As shown in Figure 4, the refractive index of the core layer of the optical fiber is n1, and the refractive index of the medium in contact with the core layer at one end of the optical fiber is n2. In this case, Fresnel reflection occurs at the end of the optical fiber, and a reflected optical signal Pr is formed. The OTDR can also detect the reflected optical signal Pr to determine an anomaly in the optical fiber.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, if a failure occurs in the user plane or control plane service of the base station BU's O-CU / O-DU, or in the O-RU fart If a connection failure occurs, an alarm will be generated on the operator's network management device, and an SMS message will be sent from the network management device. O&M On-site work instructions are sent to the engineers. O&M The engineers use OTDR useTo access the optical fiber, it is necessary to accurately learn the specific problem and determine optical fiber loss, faults, etc. Figure 6 shows a partial circuit structure of the OTDR. The OTDR's transmitting module Tx includes a pulse generator 101 (also called a driver) and an electro-optical conversion module 102. The pulse generator 101 has two controllable current sources, i.e. Ba It may include an IAs current source and a modulation current source. The electrical-to-optical conversion module 102 is electricAn electro-optical element (generally a device such as a laser or light-emitting diode) may be included. Two controllable current sources jointly drive the electro-optical element (which has the function of converting electrical signals into optical signals), convert the drive current into a corresponding optical signal (probe optical signal or transmit optical signal), and transmit the probe optical signal to the optical fiber via the coupler 103 and the optical fiber interface 109. Once the probe optical signal is transmitted through the optical fiber, the return optical signal formed by Rayleigh backscattering or Fresnel reflection is received by the receiving module Rx in the OTDR. As shown in Figure 6, the receiving module Rx includes an optical-to-electrical conversion module 104, an amplifier 105, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106. The optical-to-electrical conversion module 104 may include an avalanche photodiode (APD). In this way, the APD can convert the return optical signal into an electrical signal. The APD is connected to the amplifier 105, which can amplify the electrical signal with the APD and provide the amplified signal to the ADC 106. The ADC 106 performs real-time sampling on the signal output by the amplifier and provides the sampled signal to the signal processing control module 107, which stores the sampled signal in memory to generate a signal intensity curve and controls the display module 108 to display the intensity curve (where the vertical axis of the intensity curve is the power (intensity) of the return light signal and the horizontal axis is time). Furthermore, the signal processing control module 107 can further control the pulse generator 101 to adjust the parameters of the probe light signal output by the electro-optical conversion module 102. For example, the signal processing control module 107 can acquire configuration information input by the user, which may include at least one of the following: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode.The pulse generator 101 is controlled to adjust the probe optical signal output by the electrical-to-optical conversion module 102 based on configuration information, enabling it to generate a return optical signal effective for the probe optical signal within optical fibers of different optical fiber modes and lengths, thereby ensuring the accuracy of optical fiber detection. The signal processing control module 107 is a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller. controller This can include a microcontroller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. Thus, the OTDR has a complex structure and is limited by the capabilities of the signal processing control module 107, and can only detect optical fiber failures to a limited extent. Furthermore, O&M The engineer found an optical path fault. When it occurs on site of detection of Therefore, it is necessary to carry an OTDR device. trial Test equipment Reach Beauty What follows Personnel training of Cost It will get more expensive .

[0054] From this perspective, embodiments of the present invention provide an optical fiber detection system, and by separating and implementing the functions of the OTDR in the optical detection assembly and electronic device provided in embodiments of the present invention, the functions of the optical fiber detection assembly can be simplified. Since a dedicated OTDR is not required, the optical fiber detection can perform the detection capabilities of the OTDR. Being influencedThis is avoided. Referring to Figure 7, the electronic device 20 and the optical fiber detection assembly 30 are included. The optical fiber detection assembly 30 is configured to transmit a probe optical signal to an optical fiber and to receive a return optical signal output by the optical fiber. The return optical signal includes an optical signal obtained by the optical fiber reflecting (may be Fresnel reflection) and / or scattering (may be Rayleigh backscattering) the probe optical signal. The electrical parameters of the return optical signal are converted into a digital signal. The electronic device 20 is configured to receive the digital signal output by the optical fiber detection assembly 30 and to determine a fault on the optical fiber based on the data signal. The electronic device 20 may be a local maintenance terminal (LMT), such as a mobile phone, tablet computer (PAD), or portable computer. This is not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] Specifically, refer to Figure 7. An optical fiber detection assembly 30 is provided, which includes an optical fiber detection component 301, a signal conversion circuit 302, and a first interface 303. The optical fiber detection component 301 is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber detection component 301 is connected to the signal conversion circuit 302, and the signal conversion circuit 302 is connected to the first interface 303. The first interface 303 is configured to connect to an external electronic device. The optical fiber detection component 301 may include an optical fiber detection circuit that uses the Fresnel reflection principle and the Rayleigh backscattering principle, and may include, for example, at least the transmitting module Tx and receiving module Rx shown in Figure 6. The signal conversion circuit 302 may be configured to convert the signal output by the optical fiber detection component 301 into a digital signal. For example, it converts the electrical parameters of the return optical signal output by the receiving module Rx into a binary data format (e.g., 01001100011101011010). The first interface 303 may be a digital interface configured to transmit digital signals, and may include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface or a wireless communication interface. The USB interface includes, but is not limited to, USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 4.0, and Type-C interfaces.Wireless communication interfaces include, but are not limited to, interfaces that support wireless communication solutions such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) (e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near-field communication (NFC) technology, and infrared (IR) technology.

[0056] Thus, the optical fiber detection component 301 is configured to transmit a probe optical signal to the optical fiber and receive a return optical signal output by the optical fiber. The return optical signal includes an optical signal obtained by reflecting and / or scattering the probe optical signal by the optical fiber. The optical fiber detection component 301 is configured to output the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to a signal conversion circuit. The signal conversion circuit 302 is configured to convert the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal to the first interface 303.

[0057] After the digital signal is transmitted to the LMT, the LMT can perform fronthaul optical fiber line detection, such as the location of reflection points and anomaly loss points, using algorithms such as noise reduction algorithms and detection enhancement algorithms based on the digital signal provided by the optical fiber detection assembly, identify the time based on the empirical data, and determine specific anomaly events (e.g., optical fiber breakage). optical end face (Contamination of the optical fiber, aging of the optical equipment). Finally, a graphical display of the front-haul optical fiber quality is performed via the LMT's user interface (UI).

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the optical fiber detection assembly 30 includes an optical fiber detection component 301, a signal conversion circuit 302, and a first interface 303. The optical fiber detection component outputs a probe optical signal to the optical fiber, receives a return optical signal generated by the optical fiber, and can generate electrical parameters of the return optical signal. Next, the signal conversion circuit converts the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the electronic device via the first interface. In this way, the optical fiber detection assembly detects only the return optical signal of the probe optical signal and generates a digital signal corresponding to the electrical parameters of the return optical signal, and does not determine an optical fiber fault. The optical fiber fault is determined by the electronic device based on the digital signal. In other words, the function of the OTDR is separated into the optical detection assembly and the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application, which simplifies the function of the optical fiber detection assembly. Because a dedicated OTDR is not required, optical fiber detection but OTDR detection capability Being influenced This is avoided.

[0059] Furthermore, refer to Figure 8. To simplify the structure of the optical detection assembly, the optical fiber detection component 301 may be implemented by directly reusing a conventional optical module 3011. For example, the optical fiber detection component 301 includes an optical module 3011. The optical fiber detection assembly 30 further includes a second interface 3021 connected to a signal conversion circuit 302. The second interface 3021 is configured to connect to the optical module 3011. Generally, the optical module 3011 includes an optical interface 3012 and an electrical interface 3013, and the electrical interface 3013 of the optical module 3011 is an SFP( small form-factor pluggable,The optical module 3011 includes an SFP interface. To connect the optical module 3011 and the second interface 3021, the second interface 3021 also includes an SFP interface, the electrical interface 3013 of the optical module 3011 is a male interface, and the second interface may be a female interface. The optical interface 3012 of the optical module 3011 is configured to connect to an optical fiber, and the electrical interface 3013 is configured to connect to a signal conversion circuit 302 via the second interface 3021. Refer to Figure 9 for this. The optical fiber detection assembly 30 may be further disassembled into a suite including the optical module 3011 and an adapter SL, the adapter SL including the second interface 3021, the signal conversion circuit 302 and the first interface 303. Furthermore, for ease of use, the first interface 303 is connected to the signal conversion circuit 302 via a cable. In this way, the adapter including the second interface 3021, the signal conversion circuit 302 and the first interface 303 may form an adapter cable, and the length of the cable is not limited. In this way, O&M It is more convenient for technicians to connect to the LMT device while it is in use.

[0060] Referring to Figure 10, the optical module 3011 is generally micro controllerThe system includes a microcontroller unit (MCU), an optical digital signal processor (ODSP+), an ADC, and an optical sub-assembly (OSA). For example, the OSA may include a receiver optical sub-assembly (receiver OSA, ROSA) and a bidirectional optical sub-assembly (Bi-OSA+) / tridirectional optical sub-assembly (Tri-OSA), where Bi-OSA+ and Tri-OSA have optical signal transmission capabilities in at least two directions, i.e., transmission and reception (i.e., integrating communication and sensing). The MCU and peripheral circuits may be configured to implement the functions of the pulse generator 101. The Bi-OSA+ / Tri-OSA integrating communication and sensing is configured to implement the functions of the electrical-to-optical conversion module 102 and the optical-to-electrical conversion module 104. The ODSP+ may include an amplifier 105.

[0061] In one implementation, to achieve a connection between the electrical interface 3013 (also called the gold finger) of the optical module 3011 and the USB interface 303 (i.e., the first interface 303), for example, the USB interface 303 is a Type-C interface. Figure 11 provides a pinout diagram of the Type-C interface. Surfaces A and B of the Type-C interface each contain two symmetrically arranged VBUS pins, two GND pins, TX (TX1-, TX1+, TX2-, TX2+) pins, and RX (RX1-, RX1+, RX2-, RX2+) pins. Surface A contains the CC1 pin, SBU1 pin, D- pin, and D+ pin, while surface B contains the CC2 pin and SBU2 pin.

[0062] The above pins are used for the following purposes:

[0063] VBUS pin / GND pin: The VBUS pin / GND pin is a power pin and is a transmission path between the VBUS pin of plug P1 and the VBUS pin of plug P2, and is configured to transmit power.

[0064] RX / TX pins: The RX / TX pins are high-speed signal pins, and the RX and TX pins form a pin pair for transmitting data or audio / video signals. The transmission rate of the transmission path between the RX / TX pins of plug P1 and the RX / TX pins of plug P2 can reach 40 Gbps.

[0065] CC1 pin / CC2 pin: The CC1 and CC2 pins are the base pins for the USB power delivery specification (PD).

[0066] D+ pin / D- pin: The D+ pin and D- pin form a pin pair for transmitting USB 2.0 data. The maximum transmission speed of the transmission path between the D+ pin / D- pin of plug P1 and the D+ pin / D- pin of plug P2 is 480 Mbps.

[0067] SBU1 / SBU2 pins: The SBU1 and SBU2 pins form a pin pair for transmitting sideband signals. The transmission path between the SBU1 / SBU2 pins of plug P1 and the SBU1 / SBU2 pins of plug P2 can transmit some control signals.

[0068] An SFP interface is used as an example of electrical interface 3013 (or second interface 3021). See Figure 12. The top of the SFP interface includes the VeeT pin, VeeR pin, VccT pin, VccR pin, TD+ pin, TD- pin, RD+ pin, and RD- pin. The bottom of the SFP interface includes the VeeT pin, VeeR pin, TxFault pin, TxDisable pin, MOD-DEF(0) pin, MOD-DEF(1) pin, MOD-DEF(2) pin, RateSelect pin, and LOS pin.

[0069] The pins on an SFP interface are used for the following purposes:

[0070] The VeeT pin is configured to ground the transmitter.

[0071] The VeeR pin is configured to ground the receiver.

[0072] The VccT pin is configured to supply power to the transmitter.

[0073] The VccR pin is configured to supply power to the transmitter.

[0074] The TD+ pin is used for data input in the transmitter section.

[0075] The TD- pin is used for inverted phase data input in the transmitter section.

[0076] The RD+ pin is used for data output in the receiver section.

[0077] The RD- pin is used for the inverted phase data output of the receiver.

[0078] The TxFault pin is configured to report errors in the transmitter.

[0079] The TxDisable pin is configured to turn off the transmitter in a high-level or floating state.

[0080] The MOD-DEF(0) pin is a module-defined pin and is used for grounding.

[0081] The MOD-DEF(1) pin is a module-definition pin and is the clock line for I2C communication.

[0082] The MOD-DEF(2) pin is a module-definition pin and is a data line for I2C communication.

[0083] The RateSelect pin is used for rate selection.

[0084] The LOS pin is configured to provide an alarm for signal loss (LOS).

[0085] The signal conversion circuit 302 may connect the SFP interface shown in Figure 12 and the Type-C interface shown in Figure 11, and convert the signals transmitted between the SFP interface and the Type-C interface. For example, the electrical signal of the return optical signal is output via the RD+ / RD- pins of the SFP interface. The signal conversion circuit 302 may convert the electrical signal of the return optical signal into a digital signal of data format 01001100011101011010, and then output the digital signal to the LMT via the D+ / D- pins of the Type-C interface. Furthermore, the LMT may further configure the optical module. The configuration signal may be transmitted from the D+ / D- pins of the Type-C interface to the TD+ / TD- pins of the SFP interface via the signal conversion circuit 302.

[0086] In some examples, the signal conversion circuit 302 may be integrated with the optical fiber detection component 301 as an alternative. For example, the signal conversion circuit 302 may be manufactured directly within the optical module 3011 as an alternative, so that the electrical interface 3013 and the second interface 3021 can be omitted.

[0087] In some examples, to adapt to cases where optical fibers of different lengths and optical fiber modes can generate a valid return optical signal after receiving a probe optical signal, the optical fiber detection component 301 is further configured to receive configuration information input by an electronic device from the first interface 303 via a signal conversion circuit 302. The optical fiber detection component 301 is further configured to control the optical parameters of the probe optical signal based on the configuration information, which includes pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode. The pulse width is related to detection accuracy. A narrower pulse width indicates higher test accuracy. The distance is used to set the actual optical fiber distance. The pulse coding mode is either a single-pulse test or a multi-pulse test. The accuracy of a single-pulse test is typical, and the test period is short. The accuracy of a multi-pulse test is high, and the test period is long.

[0088] Provides specific application examples.

[0089] If a service failure occurs in the user plane or control plane of the base station's O-CU / O-DU, or if a connection failure occurs with the O-RU, the operator's network management device will generate alarm information and send an SMS message from the network management device. O&M Work instructions are sent to the technicians. O&M The technician will use the above-mentioned optical fiber detection assembly (or, if reusing the base station's optical module as an optical fiber detection component, the field O&M The technician only needs to carry the above-mentioned transfer cable (SFP interface to Type-C interface) and the above-mentioned LMT (mobile phone, PAD, laptop, etc.), proceed to the site of the work instruction location in the SMS message, find the corresponding optical interface, and remove the optical fiber based on the operation request. adapterThe optical fiber needs to be connected to the LMT (mobile phone, PAD, or laptop) via a cable. Launch the LMT's user interface, select and launch "XX Application APP", and set the configuration information. The configuration information is, for example, at least one of the following: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode. Furthermore, the configuration information may also include wavelength and optical fiber mode (e.g., single-mode or multimode optical fiber). Tap "Start Test". The specific test process is as follows: The optical fiber detection assembly sends a probe optical signal (where the optical parameters of the probe optical signal may be configured based on the aforementioned configuration information) to the optical fiber via the optical fiber line detection component and receives the return optical signal output by the optical fiber. The optical fiber line detection component outputs the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to a signal conversion circuit. The signal conversion circuit converts the electrical parameters of the return optical signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the first interface. After receiving the digital signal, the LMT can perform fronthaul optical fiber detection, such as the location of reflection points and anomaly loss points, using algorithms such as noise reduction algorithms and detection enhancement algorithms based on the digital signal provided by the optical fiber detection assembly, identify the time based on the empirical data, and determine specific anomaly events (e.g., optical fiber breakage). optical end face (Contamination of the optical system, aging of the optical equipment). Finally, after the progress bar finishes, the test is complete and a graphical display of the fronthaul optical fiber quality is performed via the LMT UI. For specific details of the operation in the test process, please refer to the explanation of the example above. Further details will not be explained again here. After the test is complete, the test results shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be displayed in the UI.

[0090] Pos. represents the absolute position (using the connection point between the optical module's optical interface and the optical fiber as the starting point A, and the end point of the optical fiber as the ending point B), and len. represents the relative distance between two events. Figure 13 is used as an example. The distances between nodes corresponding to Pos. are 0.0000km, 0.5024km, 0.5479km, 0.5515km, 0.6327km, 0.6356km, and 0.6968km, respectively. len. corresponds to the relative distance between events or devices represented by different nodes. For example, 0.5024km is the difference between the 12th node. For each node corresponding to Pos., the test results can be further displayed; for example, displaying "×" on the node indicates that the return optical signal of the event or device does not meet the test requirements. Figure 14 is used as an example. The distances between nodes corresponding to Pos. are 0.0000km, 0.5018km, 0.5480km, 0.5511km, 0.6318km, 0.6348km, and 0.6959km, respectively. len. corresponds to the relative distance between events or devices represented by different nodes. For example, 0.5018km is the difference between the twelfth node. Further test results may be displayed for each node corresponding to Pos. For example, "√" is displayed on the node to indicate that the return light signal of the event or device meets the test requirements.

[0091] While this application has been described with reference to certain features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and combinations may be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, the specification and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the accompanying claims and can be considered as any or all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents covering the scope of this application. Clearly, a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. This application is intended to cover such modifications and variations of this application if they fall within the scope of protection and the equivalent art as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An adapter comprising a first interface, a signal conversion circuit, and a second interface, wherein the signal conversion circuit is connected to the first interface, the second interface is configured to be connected to an optical module, and the second interface is further connected to the signal conversion circuit. The second interface is configured to receive the electrical parameters of the return optical signal output by the optical module. The signal conversion circuit is configured to convert the electrical parameters of the return light signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal to the first interface. The signal conversion circuit is further configured to receive configuration information input by an electronic device from the first interface and to transmit the configuration information to the optical module, the configuration information being used to control the optical parameters of the probe optical signal output by the optical module, the configuration information including at least one of the following information: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode, the adapter.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second interface includes an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) interface.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first interface includes a USB (universal serial bus) interface or a wireless communication interface.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first interface is connected to the signal conversion circuit via a cable.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the optical module is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical module is configured to transmit the probe optical signal to the optical fiber and to receive the return optical signal output by the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is configured to connect a radio frequency unit (RU) and a baseband unit (BU) in an open radio access network (ORAN).

6. An optical fiber detection assembly comprising an optical fiber detection component, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface, wherein the optical fiber detection component is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber detection component is connected to the signal conversion circuit, and the signal conversion circuit is connected to the first interface. The optical fiber detection component is configured to transmit a probe optical signal to the optical fiber and to receive a return optical signal output by the optical fiber. The optical fiber detection component is configured to output the electrical parameters of the returned optical signal to the signal conversion circuit. The signal conversion circuit is configured to convert the electrical parameters of the return light signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal to the first interface. The optical fiber detection component is further configured to receive configuration information input from the first interface by an electronic device via the signal conversion circuit. The optical fiber detection component is further configured to control the optical parameters of the probe optical signal based on the configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode, in the optical fiber detection assembly.

7. The optical fiber detection component includes an optical module, and the optical module includes an optical interface and an electrical interface. The optical fiber detection assembly further includes a second interface connected to the signal conversion circuit, The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the optical interface is configured to connect to the optical fiber, and the electrical interface is configured to connect to the signal conversion circuit via the second interface.

8. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 7, wherein the optical fiber detection assembly includes an adapter, the adapter includes the second interface, the signal conversion circuit, and the first interface.

9. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first interface is connected to the signal conversion circuit via a cable.

10. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second interface includes an SFP interface.

11. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first interface includes a USB interface or a wireless communication interface.

12. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber detection component is integrated with the signal conversion circuit.

13. The optical fiber detection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber is configured to connect a radio frequency unit (RU) and a baseband unit (BU) in an open radio access network (ORAN).

14. An optical fiber detection system comprising an electronic device and the optical fiber detection assembly described in claim 6, The aforementioned electronic device is configured to receive a digital signal output by the optical fiber detection assembly and to determine a fault in the optical fiber based on the digital signal, thereby forming an optical fiber detection system.

15. A method for detecting optical fibers, applied to an optical fiber detection assembly, wherein the optical fiber detection assembly includes an optical fiber detection component, a signal conversion circuit, and a first interface, wherein the optical fiber detection component is configured to connect to an optical fiber, the optical fiber detection component is connected to the signal conversion circuit, and the signal conversion circuit is connected to the first interface. The optical fiber detection method described above is: The steps include transmitting a probe optical signal to the optical fiber via the optical fiber detection component and receiving a return optical signal output by the optical fiber, The steps include: outputting the electrical parameters of the return optical signal to the signal conversion circuit via the optical fiber detection component; The steps include converting the electrical parameters of the return light signal into a digital signal via the signal conversion circuit and outputting the digital signal to the first interface, The steps include receiving configuration information input by an electronic device from the first interface, A step of controlling the optical parameters of the probe optical signal output by the optical fiber detection component based on the configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following information: pulse width, distance, and pulse coding mode. A method for detecting optical fibers, including the detection of optical fibers.