Dynamic ASE Loading Control for Optical Channel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ASE loading systems in optical transmission are not flexible and require manual adjustments when the number of channels increases or when failures occur, leading to potential channel corruption due to non-linear penalties and the need for constant output power, which is not maintained in case of WSS or ASE source failures.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with wavelength selective switches, amplified spontaneous emission sources, detecting means, and control means that dynamically adjust power and spectrum by using variable optical attenuators, gain flattening filters, and auxiliary switches to maintain constant output power and reconfigure channels in case of failures, allowing for remote operation and minimizing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual connections and disconnections are performed to adjust ASE loading when channel count increases or failures occur, then system flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential channel corruption and non-linear penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of ASE loading power through automated detection and control means that continuously monitor channel power levels and adjust ASE source output accordingly. This replaces static manual adjustments with real-time dynamic adaptation, allowing the system to maintain optimal power levels even when channel count changes or failures occur, thereby improving both flexibility and reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where detection means monitor the power levels of WDM channels and ASE loading, and control means automatically adjust the ASE source output based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures that channel power remains within optimal ranges, preventing non-linear penalties and corruption while adapting to changing system conditions without manual intervention
2Stability of the object's composition
If constant output power is maintained by optical amplifier regardless of channel count, then power stability is improved, but channel power distribution deteriorates leading to non-linear penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing ASE loading specifically targeted at channels that require additional power. Instead of uniformly increasing amplifier output for all channels, the system selectively adds ASE power to specific WDM channels based on their individual power levels and requirements. This localized approach maintains overall power stability while ensuring each channel receives appropriate power distribution, preventing non-linear penalties
3Measurement precision
If WSS filtering functions overlap to combine channels and filter ASE, then channel separation is improved, but system complexity increases making failures more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing backup ASE sources and pre-configuring alternative WSS routing paths. When a WSS or ASE source failure is detected, the control means automatically switches to backup components or alternative configurations, cushioning the system against the critical impact of failures. This redundancy approach manages the complexity by providing fail-safe mechanisms that activate only when needed
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 dynamic adjustment of ASE loading power and spectrum, preventing channel corruption and allowing for seamless operation even with WSS or ASE source failures, thereby ensuring reliable transmission and flexible upgrades without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a first amplified spontaneous emission source arranged for providing an amplified spontaneous emission signal to an input port of the first wavelength selective switch, a second amplified spontaneous emission source arranged for providing an amplified spontaneous emission signal to an input port of the second wavelength selective switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An optical device (1) comprises first (3) and second (4) WSSs each comprising input ports for receiving optical signals and an output port, a first coupler (5) comprising two input ports coupled to the output ports of the first (3) and second (4) WSSs and an output, first (6) and second (7) ASE sources providing ASE loading signals to chosen input ports of the first (3) and second (4) WSSs, detecting means (8k) producing detection signals representative of power of signals respectively delivered by the output ports of the first (3) and second (4) WSSs, the first (6) and second (7) ASE sources and the first coupler output, and a control means (9) controlling power of signals delivered by the output ports of the first (3) and second (4) WSSs and the first (6) and second (7) ASE sources, to maintain the power of signals delivered by the first coupler output approximately constant.