External Light Source Optical Transceiver Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers face challenges in reducing power consumption while implementing increased functions such as higher transmission rates, multi-level modulation, and flexible wavelength settings, due to an upper limit on power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The optical transceiver design includes a first input/output port for communication with a destination apparatus and a second input/output port connected to an external light source, featuring an optical signal transmission unit for modulating light and an optical signal reception unit, allowing the light source to be positioned outside the transceiver to reduce power consumption and enable flexible wavelength adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is integrated inside the SFP optical transceiver, then the transceiver can perform modulation functions, but the power consumption exceeds the upper limit and functions cannot be concurrently achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver system is divided into two separate functional modules: an external light source device and an SFP optical transceiver. The light source module, which generates the optical carrier, is separated from the transceiver module that performs modulation and data transmission. This segmentation allows the power-intensive light generation function to be externalized, enabling the SFP transceiver to operate within its power consumption limits while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is extracted from the SFP optical transceiver and positioned as an external device. By taking out the light source function, the patent eliminates the power consumption burden from the transceiver unit, allowing it to achieve speed-up, multi-level modulation, and flexible wavelength settings without exceeding its power budget.
2Productivity
If the transmission rate is increased and multi-level modulation is implemented, then the speed-up is achieved, but the power consumption increases beyond the upper limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional integrated light source-modulator system with an external light source coupled to an electro-optic modulator in the SFP transceiver. This substitution enables high-speed modulation and multi-level signaling without requiring the light source itself to be integrated, as the external light source continuously provides the optical carrier while the modulator imprints the data signal, achieving high productivity with controlled power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible wavelength settings are implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength tuning capability in the external light source device, allowing the optical carrier wavelength to be adjusted according to communication requirements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides flexible wavelength settings without requiring multiple fixed wavelength light sources, thereby achieving adaptability while controlling device complexity through a single tunable component rather than multiple fixed components.
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 configuration efficiently reduces power consumption, enabling the implementation of higher transmission rates and flexible wavelength settings, while relaxing constraints on the light source's size and power consumption, thereby expanding the range of usable light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal transmission unit configured to output a first optical signal through the first input/output port, the first optical signal being obtained by modulating a light input from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and a method for inputting a light to an optical transceiver capable of efficiently reducing power consumption. A first input/output port is connected to a communication destination apparatus. A second input/output port is connected to a light source. An optical signal transmission unit receives a light input from the second input/output port and output an optical signal obtained by modulating the received light through the first input/output port. An optical signal reception unit receives an optical signal input to the first input/output port from the communication destination apparatus.