Asymmetric Combiner Splitter for Same-Wavelength Bidirectional Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic systems face limitations in increasing signal transmission capacity due to the laborious and costly process of installing new cables, and existing methods like wavelength division multiplexing are inadequate to meet the growing demand for bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical communications system using asymmetric combiners/splitters with high and low transmittance ratios, allowing for bi-directional communication over a single fiber by transmitting and receiving optical signals at the same wavelength, thereby increasing communication capacity without the need for additional infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wavelength division multiplexing is used to increase capacity, then communication capacity is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bidirectional communication at the same wavelength over a single fiber by merging transmit and receive paths using asymmetric combiners/splitters. This eliminates the need for separate fibers or wavelengths for each direction, increasing capacity while reducing infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical combiner/splitter device performs multiple functions: it combines signals from different transmitters, splits signals to different receivers, and enables bidirectional communication at the same wavelength. This multi-functionality increases communication capacity without requiring additional specialized infrastructure
2Productivity
If new fiber optic cables are installed to increase capacity, then communication capacity is improved, but installation cost and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single existing fiber to perform multiple communication channels bidirectionally at the same wavelength, making the existing infrastructure multi-functional. This increases capacity without requiring new cable installations, avoiding associated costs and labor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple communication channels into a single fiber by combining signals from multiple transmitters and splitting them to multiple receivers using asymmetric combiners/splitters. This consolidates infrastructure requirements while increasing communication capacity
3Productivity
If asymmetric combiners/splitters are used for same-wavelength multiplexing, then communication capacity is improved, but optical interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric combiner/splitter has different coupling ratios for different ports (e.g., 90:10 or 95:5), creating local quality differences in signal distribution. This asymmetric design allows strong signals to be directed to receivers while minimizing feedback to transmitters, reducing optical interference while maintaining high communication capacity
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
This approach enables substantial increases in communication capacity over existing fiber optic systems by effectively managing optical interference and allowing for efficient use of existing infrastructure, supporting multiple channels on a single fiber.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving optical signals at the same wavelength, thereby increasing communication capacity without the need for additional infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communications system includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver optically coupled to an optical combiner/splitter, the combiner/splitter coupled to optical media; and, another optical transmitter and another optical receiver optically coupled to another optical combiner/splitter, the another combiner/splitter remotely coupled to the optical media; wherein the optical transmitter and the another optical transmitter are configured to transmit optical signals at substantially the same wavelength.