Aircraft Optical Network Reconfiguration via Spatial Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-board optical networks in aeronautics face challenges with electromagnetic interference, high weight, and limited scalability and reconfigurability due to the use of copper cables and conventional optical fiber architectures, particularly with Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technologies which are limited by physical principles and reconfiguration difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) using multi-mode optical fibers and passive optical components that modify the spatial profile of light beams, allowing for increased channel capacity and flexibility through Multi-Plane Light Converter (MPLC) technology, enabling multiple wavelengths to coexist and be reconfigured without the need for power or software, and maintaining a passive and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If copper cables are used for data transmission, then electromagnetic compatibility and current induction problems occur, but the solution of replacing with optical fibers increases weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper cables with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic disturbance and current induction problems inherent in copper cable systems while using lightweight optical fiber material, thus resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic compatibility and weight.
2Productivity
If conventional optical fiber architecture with CWDM is used, then data transmission capacity is limited by physical principles, but increasing channel capacity requires active components and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from wavelength-based multiplexing (CWDM) to spatial-mode-based multiplexing. By utilizing different spatial modes (LP01, LP11, LP21, etc.) in multi-mode optical fibers, the system creates additional transmission dimensions beyond wavelength, enabling higher channel capacity without requiring active components or power consumption for wavelength conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses passive optical copying through mode conversion, where optical signals are copied from one spatial mode to another using passive mode converters. This allows multiple copies of optical signals to coexist in different spatial modes within the same fiber, increasing capacity without active power-consuming components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of optical links is increased for bidirectional exchange, then data transmission capability improves, but the complexity of wiring system and reconfiguration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical bus architecture where a single multi-mode optical fiber can serve multiple functions and connect multiple devices through spatial mode multiplexing. Different spatial modes within the same fiber can carry different data streams, enabling one fiber to replace multiple separate fibers, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining high reconfigurability through passive mode conversion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
SDM significantly increases data transport capacity, enhances network reconfigurability, and maintains the benefits of passivity and simplicity, overcoming the limitations of CWDM by allowing multiple signals with identical characteristics to coexist and supporting a higher number of channels, thus addressing the constraints of weight, cost, and adaptability in on-board data transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical component for modifying the spatial profile of a light beam, comprising a multi-mode optical input terminal configured to be connected to a first multi-mode optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
passive optical components that modify the spatial profile of light beams, allowing for increased channel capacity and flexibility through Multi-Plane Light Converter (MPLC) technology
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connection to an on-board multiplexed network of communication by multi-mode optical fibers for an aircraft, the device comprising a first optical component for modifying the spatial profile of a light beam, comprising a multi-mode optical input terminal configured to be connected to a first multi-mode optical fiber and single-mode optical output terminals, and a second optical component for modifying the spatial profile of a light beam, comprising single-mode optical input terminals and a multi-mode optical output terminal configured to be connected to a second multi-mode optical fiber. It further comprises an optical harness for switching and reassigning a transmission channel including single-mode optical inputs coupled to the single-mode optical output terminals of the first component, single-mode optical outputs coupled to the single-mode optical input terminals of the second optical component, and single-mode waveguides.