Configurable Optical Amplifier Platform With Modular Free-Space Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical amplifiers in optical communication networks are not modular, scalable, or programmable, leading to limitations in parallelism, integration, and compatibility with next-generation component arrays.
Innovation Solution
A configurable optical amplifier platform that includes an input module, a mounting structure with component compartments for various optical components, and an active module for optical amplification, allowing for customization and integration of different optical components to form custom amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical amplifier architecture is used, then current amplification needs are met, but scalability and adaptability to future requirements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of optical components (isolators, filters, attenuators, amplifiers) through standardized component compartments. This allows a single platform to fulfill multiple amplifier configurations and requirements, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplifier is divided into modular functional sections, each with specific component compartments that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows flexible assembly of different amplifier types by selecting and arranging specific modules, enabling configurability while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Productivity
If the number of parallel paths is increased to improve scalability, then bandwidth capacity increases, but price, space, and power consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into integrated assemblies where a single component can serve multiple functions or where components share common infrastructure (mounting structures, optical paths, control systems). This merging reduces the total quantity of discrete components needed while maintaining or increasing amplifier capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges component compartments in a three-dimensional mounting structure with multiple levels and configurations, allowing efficient packing of components without linearly increasing the physical footprint. This spatial optimization enables higher capacity without proportionally increasing space requirements.
3Reliability
If custom optical amplifiers are designed for specific requirements, then performance is optimized, but redesign of the platform is required for different amplifier types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal platform with standardized component compartments and mounting structures that can accommodate various optical components and configurations. This allows different amplifier types to be implemented by simply populating or de-populating components within the same platform, eliminating the need for mechanical or thermal redesign for each amplifier variant.
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
Enables the creation of custom optical amplifiers with improved scalability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with advanced component arrays, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an active module operatively connected to the mounting structure and configured to receive outputs of the plurality of sections and provide optical amplification
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable optical amplifier platform for forming a configurable optical amplifier and including an input module that receives one or more optical signals and a mounting structure operatively connected to the input module is disclosed. The mounting structure has defined therein a plurality of component compartments arranged in a plurality of series that receive a same type of free-space optical components in compartments of a given series. A first series receives optical isolators, a second series receives optical filters and a third series receives optical attenuators. The configurable optical amplifier platform also includes an active module operatively connected to the mounting structure and receiving signal outputs from the mounting structure and providing optical amplification thereto.