Analog Multiplexer Coherent Modulation for Compact Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical components for coherent data signal modulation, such as Mach-Zehnder modulators and 90° hybrids, are physically large and costly, making them difficult to package in compact form factors.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first and second analog multiplexer controlled by phase-shifted control signals and a combiner to efficiently aggregate and interleave input signals, potentially doubling the symbol rate, and a modulator stage to modulate wireless or optical carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical components (Mach-Zehnder modulators and 90° hybrids) are used for coherent data signal modulation, then reliable modulation function is achieved, but physical size becomes large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical modulation components (Mach-Zehnder modulators and 90° hybrids) with an electronic analog multiplexer-based system. The analog multiplexer electronically switches between multiple input signals based on control signals, achieving coherent modulation without requiring large optical components. This substitution of optical-mechanical systems with electronic switching systems directly resolves the contradiction between reliable modulation function and compact physical size.
2Reliability
If conventional optical components are used for coherent data signal modulation, then modulation performance is maintained, but material cost and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical components with electronic analog multiplexer circuits that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. The analog multiplexer receives multiple analog input signals and selectively switches them to the output based on control signals, achieving the same modulation performance as conventional optical components but with significantly improved ease of manufacture and packaging.
3Productivity
If analog multiplexers are used to aggregate input signals, then signal aggregation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analog multiplexer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it aggregates multiple input signals, performs signal switching, and enables coherent modulation. By using a single analog multiplexer component to accomplish what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components (Mach-Zehnder modulators and 90° hybrids), the patent improves signal aggregation efficiency while actually reducing overall device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a first analog multiplexer configured to provide a respective one of a plurality of first input signals as a first output signal based on a first control signal, a second analog multiplexer configured to provide a respective one of a plurality of second input signals as a second output signal based on a second control signal, and a combiner configured to combine the first output signal and the second output signal to obtain a third output signal.