Dummy Light Signal Polarization Combining for Lower-Cost ROADM Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of dummy light signals in submarine cable communication systems requires two wavelength signals with orthogonal polarization states, leading to high costs due to the need for multiple channels and components.
Innovation Solution
A dummy light signal generation apparatus and method that uses a light source module to generate orthogonal polarization states for wavelength signals, combining them to form a single dummy light signal, reducing the number of channels and components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If two wavelength signals of the same channel are used to form a dummy light signal, then the polarization states can be orthogonal and nonlinear penalty can be reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using two wavelength signals in the same channel to using one wavelength signal across multiple channels with orthogonal polarization states. This dimensional change in the wavelength-channel allocation allows the system to achieve the same nonlinear penalty reduction without requiring duplicate wavelength signals, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single wavelength signal is made to serve multiple channels by assigning different polarization states to different channels. This multi-functional use of a single wavelength signal eliminates the need for separate wavelength signals for each channel, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the orthogonal polarization state requirement
2Reliability
If two wavelength signals are used per channel for dummy light signals, then polarization orthogonality is achieved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the allocation parameters of wavelength signals across channels, transitioning from a one-to-one mapping to a many-to-one mapping where multiple channels share a single wavelength signal with different polarization states. This parameter change reduces the total number of wavelength signals required, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining transmission stability through orthogonal polarization states
3Productivity
If multiple wavelength signals are generated for dummy light signals, then channel capacity is filled, but the number of components and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dummy light signal channels into a single wavelength signal by assigning different polarization states to different channels. This combining approach maintains the required channel capacity while significantly reducing the number of separate wavelength signal generators and related components needed in the system
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 reduces the nonlinear penalty on service light signals and lowers costs by forming a dummy light signal using a single wavelength signal, while maintaining transmission stability.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization beam combiner, configured to polarize and combine the first wavelength signal and the second wavelength signal, to output a dummy light signal
Data Source
AI summary
A dummy light signal generation apparatus, which can be used in the communication field. The apparatus includes: a light source module configured to generate a first wavelength signal and a second wavelength signal, where the first wavelength signal has N first channels, and the second wavelength signal has M second channels; and a polarization beam combiner configured to polarize and combine the first wavelength signal and the second wavelength signal to output a dummy light signal, where the dummy light signal has N+M channels. A polarization state of a wavelength signal of a dummy light signal on any first channel is orthogonal to a polarization state of a wavelength signal of the dummy light signal on the second channel.