Coherent Optical Signal Transceiver for OTDR Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal transceiver apparatuses face challenges in expanding the dynamic range of OTDR signal detection due to the low receiving sensitivity of photoelectric detectors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an optical signal transceiver apparatus with a coherent receiving module that coherently receives both the local oscillator optical signal and the to-be-processed optical signal, allowing for the generation of a to-be-sent optical signal and a local oscillator optical signal, which are combined and sent through an optical fiber, enabling the separation and processing of OSC and OTDR signals with improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photoelectric detector is used to receive the OTDR signal, then the device structure is simple, but the receiving sensitivity is low and the dynamic range of OTDR signal detection is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the receiving method from direct photoelectric detection to coherent detection, transforming the detection mechanism to achieve higher sensitivity and dynamic range while managing the increased device complexity through integrated design
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for OSC signal receiving and OTDR signal receiving, then each signal can be processed independently, but the number of devices increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a coherent receiving module that can process both OSC signals and OTDR signals simultaneously, making a single device perform multiple functions while maintaining independent processing capabilities for each signal type through frequency differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the OSC receiving function and OTDR receiving function into a single coherent receiving module, reducing the total number of devices while preserving the ability to independently process each signal type through their distinct frequency characteristics
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 solution enhances the dynamic range of OTDR signal detection and reduces the number of devices needed, lowering costs by utilizing a single coherent receiving module for both signals, while maintaining high sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The coherent receiving module is configured to: coherently receive the local oscillator optical signal and the to-be-processed optical signal to obtain a to-be-processed electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an second OTDR signal that is sent by the peer device and that is obtained by the optical fiber by reflecting and scattering the first OTDR signal
Implementation Method 3
an second OTDR signal that is sent by the peer device and that is obtained by the optical fiber by reflecting and scattering the first OTDR signal
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses an optical signal transceiver apparatus, and belongs to the communications field. The apparatus includes an optical signal generation module, an optical combining/splitting module, a coherent receiving module, and a signal processing module. The optical signal generation module is configured to generate a to-be-sent optical signal and a local oscillator optical signal, where the to-be-sent optical signal includes a first optical time domain reflectometer OTDR signal. The optical combining/splitting module is configured to: receive a to-be-processed optical signal from an optical fiber; and input the to-be-processed optical signal into the coherent receiving module. The coherent receiving module is configured to coherently receive the local oscillator optical signal and the to-be-processed optical signal to obtain a to-be-processed electrical signal. The signal processing module is configured to: obtain a first digital signal and a second digital signal from the to-be-processed electrical signal based on a signal frequency; process the first digital signal to obtain a communications code stream; and process the second digital signal to obtain information used to reflect a feature of the optical fiber. This application expands a dynamic range of OTDR signal detection.