Bi-Directional Optical Modules Using Band Pass Filters to Cut Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication networks face challenges with excessive cabling requirements due to the use of distinct transmitting and receiving fibers for duplex pairs using the same wavelength, leading to space constraints and increased costs in datacenters and high-performance computing clusters.
Innovation Solution
Bi-directional optical communication modules and cables utilize band pass filters to transmit and receive optical signals of different wavelengths simultaneously over a single optical fiber, reducing the need for redundant cabling by enabling interference-free, non-blocking bi-directional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct transmitting and receiving fibers are used for duplex pairs using the same wavelength, then reliable optical communication is achieved, but excessive cabling requirements and space constraints occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transmitting and receiving functions into a single optical fiber by implementing bi-directional communication on one fiber. This is achieved through using different wavelengths for transmission and reception, and employing band pass filters to separate the wavelengths, thereby eliminating the need for separate transmitting and receiving fibers and reducing cabling quantity by at least a factor of two.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to enable bi-directional communication on a single fiber. By assigning different wavelengths to transmitting and receiving operations and using band pass filters to separate these wavelengths, the system achieves reliable communication while reducing the number of fibers required.
2Reliability
If distinct transmitting and receiving fibers are used for duplex pairs, then interference-free communication is achieved, but routing complexity and physical intrusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces band pass filters as intermediary components to separate different wavelengths within the same optical fiber. These filters act as mediators that allow transmitting and receiving signals at different wavelengths to coexist on a single fiber without interference, thereby simplifying routing while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the wavelength parameter and using band pass filters to separate wavelengths, the patent enables interference-free bi-directional communication on a single fiber, reducing routing complexity and physical intrusion compared to using separate fibers for each direction.
3Reliability
If redundant cabling is used for bi-directional communication, then communication reliability is maintained, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmitting and receiving functions into a single optical fiber through wavelength division, using different wavelengths for each direction and band pass filters to separate them. This merging approach maintains communication reliability while reducing cabling material requirements by eliminating redundant fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing different wavelength parameters for transmission and reception and employing band pass filters for separation, the patent achieves reliable bi-directional communication on a single fiber, thereby reducing the quantity of cabling material needed and associated costs.
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 significantly reduces the routing burdens by at least a factor of two, minimizing physical intrusion and costs associated with conventional systems while maintaining efficient data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
An example bi-directional optical communication cable may include a first substrate and a first band pass filter supported by the first substrate. A first optical transmitter supported by the first substrate is also provided and communicably coupled with the first band pass filter.
Implementation Method 2
A first optical transmitter supported by the first substrate may be also provided and communicably coupled with the first band pass filter. The first optical transmitter may be configured to generate optical signals having a first wavelength.
Implementation Method 3
A first optical receiver supported by the first substrate may be also provide and communicably coupled with the first band pass filter. The first optical receiver may be configured to receive optical signals having a second wavelength.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, devices, modules, cables, and systems are provided for bi-directional optical communication. An example module includes a substrate, a first band pass filter, a first optical transmitter, and a first optical receiver each supported by the substrate. The first optical transmitter is communicably coupled with the first band pass filter and configured to generate optical signals having a first wavelength. The first optical receiver is communicably coupled with the first band pass filter and configured to receive optical signals having a second wavelength. The first band pass filter passes optical signals received from the first optical transmitter having the first wavelength into an optical communication medium and directs optical signals received from the optical communication medium having the second wavelength into the first optical receiver.