Coherent Optical Receiver Wavelength Control Without Locking Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

The output wavelength of laser in coherent modules is easily affected by temperature and current, leading to frequency deviation, which is not suitable for high integration and miniaturized modules due to the large size and high cost of existing wavelength locking solutions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wavelength control that adjusts the local oscillator light source in real time to match the received wavelength, using lookup tables to set and maintain consistent wavelengths through temperature and current adjustments, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing module size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional wavelength locking solution is used, then wavelength control accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength control accuracyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wavelength control function from traditional complex wavelength locking solutions and implements it through a simplified approach using a wavelength control module that adjusts the laser diode's operating current based on pre-stored control curves, eliminating the need for bulky wavelength locking hardware while maintaining control accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or complex optical wavelength locking mechanisms with an electrical control system that uses current adjustment and lookup tables to achieve wavelength control, significantly reducing device size and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional wavelength locking solution is used, then wavelength control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength control accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential wavelength control function from expensive traditional wavelength locking solutions and implements it through a cost-effective approach using a wavelength control module with pre-stored control curves, eliminating the need for costly wavelength locking hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified wavelength control module with stored control curves that is more economical to manufacture than traditional wavelength locking solutions, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate performance for the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If wavelength control is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing wavelength control curves that map operating current to wavelength values before actual communication occurs. This allows the system to quickly and accurately control the laser wavelength during operation without complex real-time calculations, maintaining reliability while keeping the device simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the laser's operating current and adjusting it based on the pre-stored control curves to maintain the desired wavelength, ensuring communication reliability through automatic wavelength stabilization without adding complex real-time control hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for accurate signal demodulation and high integration by maintaining wavelength consistency, reducing the size and cost of coherent optical communication apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The wavelength emitted by the local oscillator light source is adjusted in real time... The local oscillator light source parameters are scanned to obtain a local oscillator light source lookup table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature control effect: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

A local oscillator light source at a receiving end in the optical communication system is controlled to emit a local oscillator wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20250309993A1Method and apparatus for wavelength control in optical communication system, and coherent optical communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 INNOLIGHT TECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus for wavelength control in an optical communication system, and a coherent optical communication apparatus. The method includes: setting an initial emission wavelength emitted by an emitting-end light source in an optical communication system; controlling a local oscillator light source at a receiving end in the optical communication system to emit a local oscillator wavelength; controlling a receiving end to receive the wavelength emitted by the emitting-end light source; and adjusting the wavelength emitted by the local oscillator light source in real time, such that the wavelength emitted by the local oscillator light source is consistent with the wavelength received by the receiving end.