Bi-direction Optical Sub-Assembly PLC Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceivers with built-in OTDRs face challenges due to small layout space for peripheral circuits, difficult encapsulation, and low reliability, particularly in detecting optical transceivers like OLT, ONU, or ONT in PON networks.
Innovation Solution
A bi-direction optical sub-assembly integrated with a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) that includes a transmitter, OTDR receiver, WDM optical filter, and BOSA receiver, forming a coupler structure to efficiently transmit and receive communication and detection signals, facilitating the integration of OTDR within the BOSA for improved stability and encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a partially transmitting and partially reflecting optical filter or fused biconical taper coupler is placed outside the BOSA, then the OTDR function can be implemented, but the layout space for peripheral circuits becomes tight and encapsulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical filter and coupler functions directly into the BOSA module by using a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) with waveguide structures. The PLC contains first and second optical paths that cross to form a coupler structure, with the first optical path connected to the transmitter and WDM optical filter, and the second optical path connected to the OTDR receiver. This merging eliminates the need for separate external components, thereby improving layout space and facilitating encapsulation while maintaining OTDR detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If an independent OTDR device is used, then accurate optical fiber failure detection can be achieved, but the device volume is large and real-time detection in PON networks is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OTDR receiver with the BOSA module, integrating the optical detection functionality directly into the transceiver unit. The PLC-based optical paths enable the BOSA to perform both communication and OTDR detection functions using shared optical components, eliminating the need for separate independent OTDR devices and reducing overall system volume while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The BOSA module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication transceiver and an integrated OTDR detection device. The PLC structure with its crossing optical paths enables the same hardware to handle both high-frequency communication signals and low-speed OTDR detection signals, allowing real-time optical fiber monitoring without requiring additional dedicated equipment.
3Reliability
If the OTDR receiver and BOSA receiver are separated, then signal reception can be optimized, but the device structure becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the OTDR receiver and BOSA receiver within the same BOSA module, using the PLC to provide separate but integrated optical paths. The first optical path handles communication signals to the BOSA receiver, while the second optical path handles OTDR detection signals to the OTDR receiver. This integrated design reduces structural complexity and improves reliability by eliminating the need for separate receiver units while maintaining optimized signal reception for both functions.
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
The solution enhances the stability and ease of encapsulation of optical transceivers by integrating OTDR within the BOSA through a PLC, improving the reliability and efficiency of signal transmission and detection, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical filter (6)
Implementation Method 2
A first optical path and a second optical path are disposed on the PLC, where the first optical path and the second optical path cross to form a coupler structure
Implementation Method 3
the first optical path and the second optical path cross to form a coupler structure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bi-direction optical sub-assembly and an optical transceiver. A transmitter in the bi-direction optical sub-assembly is configured to transmit a first communication signal or a detection signal, where the first communication signal or the detection signal is input from a first end of a first optical path and output from a second end of the first optical path, enters a second end of a third optical path through reflection of a WDM optical filter, and is input from a first end of the third optical path to an optical fiber. A second communication signal received by the optical fiber is input from the first end of the third optical path and output from the second end of the third optical path, and the second signal is received by a BOSA receiver through transmission of the WDM optical filter.