Electro-absorption Modulator Duplex Optical Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission systems require separate oscillators and frequency converters at antenna nodes for signal transposition and frequency conversion, which are costly and inefficient, especially in mobile radio networks where simultaneous duplex operation is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a transmission unit with a laser and an electro-absorption modulator that adjusts its frequency to match received optical signals, allowing for simultaneous transmission and reception of data without the need for oscillators or digital-to-analog converters at antenna nodes, utilizing injection locking for coherent detection and enabling duplex operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate oscillators and frequency converters are used at antenna nodes for signal transposition, then frequency conversion and signal transposition can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver functions into a single transmission unit that operates in duplex mode. The electro-absorption modulator serves dual purposes: modulating transmitted signals and detecting received optical signals through its electro-optic properties, eliminating the need for separate oscillators and frequency converters at antenna nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-absorption modulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a modulator for transmitted signals and as a detector for received optical signals. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate oscillators, frequency converters, and detectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining frequency conversion capability.
2Measurement precision
If separate oscillators and frequency converters are installed at antenna nodes, then signal transposition is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive components (oscillators, frequency converters, detectors) into a single integrated transmission unit. The electro-absorption modulator's dual functionality as both modulator and detector eliminates the need for separate frequency conversion hardware, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining signal transposition capability.
3Productivity
If simultaneous transmission and reception is implemented in duplex mode, then data communication efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit combines transmitter and receiver functions in a single device capable of simultaneous duplex operation. The electro-absorption modulator enables this by serving as both the modulating element for transmission and the detecting element for reception, allowing simultaneous bidirectional communication without requiring separate complex transmitter and receiver systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-absorption modulator's ability to function as both modulator and detector enables true duplex operation. This universal component allows the single transmission unit to handle both transmission and reception simultaneously, improving data communication efficiency while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated transmitter and receiver units.
4Device complexity
If oscillators and frequency converters are eliminated at antenna nodes, then device complexity and cost decrease, but frequency conversion capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic oscillators and frequency converters with an optically-based detection mechanism. The electro-absorption modulator detects received optical signals directly through its electro-optic properties, converting optical frequency information into electrical signals without requiring intermediate electronic frequency conversion stages, thus maintaining frequency conversion capability while reducing device complexity.
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 simplifies data transmission and reception by eliminating the need for oscillators and frequency converters at antenna nodes, enhancing cost efficiency and operational complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity and frequency selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitted by the laser and the optical signal received via the optical waveguide are superimposed in the electro-absorption modulator, that the superposition signal created in this way from the electro-absorption modulator into an electrical reception signal
Implementation Method 2
due to the radiation of the optical signal received onto the laser, the optical frequency of the light emitted by the laser is adjusted and/or adjusted to the optical frequency of the received optical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for receiving a modulated receive signal (So,R), with a transmission unit (10) having a laser (1) and an electro-absorption modulator (2). According to the invention: the received optical receive signal (So,R) is directed towards the laser (1); due to the irradiance of the optical receive signal (So,R) onto the laser (1), the optical frequency (fL) of the light (SL) radiated from the laser (1) is adapted to and/or aligned with the optical frequency (fR) of the received optical receive signal (So,R); the light (SL) radiated from the laser (1) andthe optical receive signal (So,R) received via the optical waveguide (3) are overlapped in the electro-absorption modulator (2); the thus-created overlapping signal from the electro-absorption modulator (2) is converted into an electrical receive signal (lR), in particular into an electrical current signal (lR); and a receive signal (SR) is provided which corresponds to the electrical receive signal (lR) or is derived from same.