CAPS-3 Optical Encoding via Delayed Signal Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical transmission systems face challenges in achieving high-speed, cost-effective transmission over long distances due to limitations in chromatic dispersion tolerance and sensitivity, particularly in cost-sensitive applications like X-haul networks, where existing solutions require expensive coherent receivers or external dispersion compensators.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that simulate In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) waveforms of CAPS-3 encoding using delayed and filtered signals, eliminating the need for costly hardware like DAC and 8-state encoding circuitry, thereby achieving improved chromatic dispersion tolerance without requiring external dispersion compensators or expensive coherent receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If coherent optical transceivers are used to meet distance requirements, then transmission distance is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive coherent optical transceivers with direct detection optical interfaces that use simpler, cheaper components. The invention achieves long transmission distance (20km+) using conventional direct detection technology with spectral efficiency optimization, eliminating the need for costly coherent detection hardware while maintaining the required transmission performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Quantity of substance

If multi-level modulation formats are used to achieve narrow spectrum, then spectral efficiency is improved, but noise tolerance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidnoise tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation format from conventional PAM-4 to a 6-level modulation scheme (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d levels) that achieves superior spectral efficiency (0.939 bit/s/Hz) while maintaining robust noise tolerance. This parameter change in modulation levels and pulse shaping achieves narrow spectral occupancy without sacrificing reliability, as the optimized pulse amplitude modulation with specific level assignments provides both spectral and noise performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If direct detection is used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but chromatic dispersion tolerance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidchromatic dispersion penalty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary spectral optimization through optimized pulse amplitude modulation and pulse shaping before transmission. By pre-shaping the spectral characteristics of the modulated signal and optimizing the pulse amplitude levels, the system achieves inherent tolerance to chromatic dispersion effects without requiring post-transmission compensation, thus maintaining low device complexity while mitigating dispersion penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If PAM-4 encoding is used for cost-effective transmission, then cost is reduced, but transmission distance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation parameters from standard PAM-4 to an optimized 6-level pulse amplitude modulation scheme with specifically designed amplitude levels and pulse shapes. This parameter optimization achieves superior spectral efficiency (0.939 bit/s/Hz) and extends transmission distance to 20km and beyond while maintaining cost-effectiveness through direct detection, surpassing the performance limits of conventional PAM-4 encoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 longer transmission distances with reduced complexity and cost, maintaining performance while avoiding the need for costly hardware, resulting in better receiver sensitivity and OSNR tolerance compared to conventional PAM-4 encoding schemes.

Implementation Method 1

an optical modulator for providing optical modulation to the first and second encoded signals with a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3497825B1Encoding for optical transmission
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3497825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3497825B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3497825B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A first signal is generated from an input signal by a first delay (70), and by low pass filtering (74). A second signal is generated from the input signal and from a second, longer delayed (72), version of the input signal, such that in response to a pulse on the input signal, the second signal has a sequence of two pulses, coinciding respectively with leading and trailing edges of a corresponding pulse on the first signal. If the signals are electrical, they can drive I and Q inputs of an IQ modulator (84, 86). If generated optically, they can be combined directly to produce the encoded optical output signal. By using such delays and filtering to produce these signals, a CAPS-3 encoded optical signal can be simulated, to obtain its chromatic dispersion tolerance advantages with less complex hardware and less power consumption.