Compound Optical Circuit Switch Mirror Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical circuit switches face challenges in maintaining optimal connection efficiency and minimizing insertion loss due to mirror element drift and variations in performance over time, which can lead to increased bit error rates and reduced signal quality in optical communications networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a compound optical circuit switch with a controller that optimizes mirror positions using hill climbing algorithms and periodic adjustments, combined with a mirror calibration table to account for performance variations, and a power monitoring system to maintain optimal connection states across multiple tiers of switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mirror elements are used in optical circuit switches to route optical signals, then connection switching capability is achieved, but mirror element drift occurs over time causing increased insertion loss and reduced signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by measuring and recording the actual optical path length for each mirror element during an initial calibration phase. These pre-measured values are stored in a lookup table, allowing the system to compensate for drift without requiring continuous real-time measurement during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through periodic re-measurement of optical path lengths and automatic adjustment of mirror positions. The controller continuously monitors connection quality metrics and uses this feedback to trigger recalibration events, adjusting mirror positions to maintain optimal signal quality despite drift.
2Reliability
If periodic recalibration is performed to compensate for mirror drift, then signal quality is maintained, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs recalibration periodically rather than continuously, triggering recalibration events at predetermined time intervals or when specific conditions are met. This periodic approach maintains signal quality while significantly reducing processing overhead compared to continuous calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration parameter from continuous real-time adjustment to discrete periodic measurement. By storing pre-measured optical path length values in a lookup table and only updating them periodically, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining adequate signal quality.
3Loss of energy
If real-time optimization of mirror positions is implemented, then insertion loss is minimized, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the computationally intensive optical path length measurement and lookup table generation during an initial calibration phase rather than in real-time during normal operation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous complex calculations during signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified lookup table that stores pre-measured optical path length values for each mirror element. During normal operation, the system queries this pre-computed table rather than performing complex real-time optimization calculations, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining low insertion loss.
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 effectively minimizes insertion loss and maintains high signal quality by periodically optimizing mirror positions and compensating for drift, ensuring reliable and efficient optical connections within the network.
Implementation Method 1
A compound optical circuit switch may include a first MEMS mirror array and a second MEMS mirror array... Each mirror element of the first MEMS mirror array may be configured to reflect an incident optical beam to a different spatial location
Implementation Method 2
Each collimating lens may convert the input optical signal from the respective optical fiber into a collimated input optical beam in free space
Implementation Method 3
Each focusing lens may focus the respective output optical beam into an output optical signal in a respective optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
Each optical monitoring module may include a photodetector for measuring an optical power level of the respective optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A compound optical circuit switches and methods are disclosed. Two or more 1st-tier switches may be coupled to one or more 2nd-tier switches. Each of a plurality of input ports may be connected to a respective input of one of the 1st-tier switches and each of a plurality of output ports may be connected to a respective output of one of the 1st-tier switches. Each connection between an input port and an output port connected to the same 1st-tier switch may be made within the 1st-tier switch. Each connection between an input port and an output port connected to two different 1st-tier switches is made along a respective connection path through the 1st-tier switch connected to the input port, through a selected 2nd-tier switch, and through the 1st-tier switch connect to the output port.