Electrochromic Optical Attenuator for Remote Telecom Sites

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical attenuators in telecommunications networks require continuous power and external control, making them unsuitable for remote locations with limited power supply and requiring frequent site visits for alien wavelength management.

Innovation Solution

An electrochromic device-based optical attenuator that uses a voltage controller and photovoltaic cell to automatically adjust attenuation levels, generating power from input signals and reducing power consumption, allowing for autonomous operation in remote locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) is used to provide adjustable optical attenuation, then the optical signal intensity can be controlled, but continuous electrical power supply and external management interface are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote adjustabilityVSAvoidcontinuous power supply requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a photovoltaic cell to convert incident optical signals into electrical energy, enabling the VOA to power itself autonomously. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous external power supply while maintaining remote adjustability through the management interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical motor-based attenuation control with an electrochromic device that uses electrically controlled liquid crystals. This substitution reduces power consumption significantly while maintaining the ability to adjust optical attenuation levels remotely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed attenuator is used to attenuate optical signals, then no continuous power source is required, but in-person site visits and manual monitoring are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidautomatic attenuation configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic cell provides autonomous power generation from incident optical signals, enabling the VOA to automatically monitor and adjust attenuation levels without requiring in-person site visits. The device serves itself by generating the power needed for its own operation and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The management interface continuously monitors optical power levels of alien lambdas and automatically configures the required attenuation, creating a feedback loop that eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining low power consumption through electrochromic technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a motor-driven shading member is used to adjust optical attenuation, then remote control is possible, but the system requires continuous power and complex control infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable attenuation levelsVSAvoidcontrol interface and power supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical shading system with an electrochromic device using liquid crystals that change optical properties in response to electrical signals. This substitution maintains adjustable attenuation levels while dramatically simplifying the power supply and control infrastructure requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochromic device changes its optical transmission parameter in response to applied voltage, enabling adjustable attenuation levels without complex mechanical mechanisms. The liquid crystal material transitions between different optical states based on electrical control, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides efficient, power-efficient, and automatic attenuation of optical signals, including alien wavelengths, without the need for continuous external power or manual intervention, suitable for remote and challenging access sites.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochromic device, the optical attenuator being configured to reflect or refract an input optical signal using the electrochromic device, the electrochromic device being configured to provide adjustable optical attenuation levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

The optical attenuator may comprise a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electrical power from a portion of the input optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230408882A1Optical attenuator

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Optical attenuators comprising electrochromic devices for telecommunications networks are provided. The optical attenuators are configured to reflect or refract an input optical signal using an electrochromic device, wherein the electrochromic device is configured to provide adjustable optical reflection or refraction levels.