Burst Mode Receiver TIA Coordination for Faster Settling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical burst mode receivers in passive optical networks face challenges in coordinating the configuration of multiple transimpedance amplifiers due to variations and asymmetries, particularly in multi-channel technologies, leading to imperfect signal separation and reduced link performance.

Innovation Solution

An optical burst mode receiver system that determines parameters from a first TIA to configure other TIAs, using a controller to set configuration settings based on these parameters, averaging or weighting them to achieve synchronized settling and minimize settling time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple TIAs are configured independently without coordination, then each TIA can operate autonomously, but signal separation becomes imperfect and link performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink performanceVSAvoidTIA configuration coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures parameters from a first TIA and uses this feedback information to configure a second TIA, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes signal separation and link performance through coordinated TIA configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between multiple TIAs, receiving parameter information from one TIA and translating it into configuration settings for another TIA, enabling coordinated operation without direct TIA-to-TIA communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If TIA configuration is determined individually, then configuration is simpler, but settling time increases and signal separation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettling timeVSAvoidconfiguration coordination system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines configuration settings for the second TIA based on parameters from the first TIA before the second TIA needs to operate, allowing proactive optimization of settling time and signal separation in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter information (such as gain values, offset values, or threshold levels) from one TIA to determine configuration settings for another TIA, enabling coordinated parameter optimization across multiple amplifiers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If no parameter sharing between TIAs is implemented, then system complexity is lower, but signal separation and link performance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal separationVSAvoidparameter determination and configuration system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions: receiving parameters from one TIA, processing this information, and generating configuration settings for another TIA, enabling a single component to manage coordination across the entire TIA array

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4664790A1Optical burst mode receiver
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4664790A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664790A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~3(b)
  • EP4664790A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An optical burst mode receiver and methods of operation are disclosed. The optical burst mode receiver may comprise means for determining a first parameter associated with a first transimpedance amplifier, TIA, in response to the first TIA receiving a first burst mode signal, means for determining a configuration setting for at least a second, different, TIA based at least in part on the first parameter; and means for configuring at least the second TIA, for receiving a second burst mode signal, based at least in part on the configuration setting.