External Optical Frontend With Integrated Coupler For High-Bandwidth Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measurement instruments require additional converter devices for testing optical devices, leading to a complicated setup, especially when setting up connections for optical data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system with an external optical frontend that includes an optical coupler module and an optical RX module, providing all necessary connections for testing optical devices, allowing for simplified setup and high-bandwidth measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional measurement instruments are used for testing optical devices, then electrical signals can be measured, but additional converter devices are required leading to complicated setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical signal generator, optical coupler module, and electrical measurement instrument into a single integrated external optical frontend device. This merging eliminates the need for separate converter devices and reduces setup complexity while maintaining the ability to measure electrical signals from optical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The external optical frontend is designed as a universal interface that can connect to various types of optical devices (electro-optical, opto-electrical, opto-optical) and perform multiple measurement functions. The device provides both optical signal generation and electrical measurement capabilities through a single integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional converter devices are added for optical device testing, then optical signals can be converted to electrical signals, but connection setup becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an optical signal generator module, an optical coupler module with multiple optical ports, and an electrical measurement instrument. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall connection setup through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupler module serves as an intermediary component that bridges the optical signal generator and the electrical measurement instrument. It provides optical-to-optical coupling and electrical-to-optical conversion functions, simplifying the connection setup by acting as a universal interface between different device types.
3Productivity
If conventional measurement instruments are used, then electrical measurements can be performed, but high bandwidth measurements require additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical signal generation and coupling functions directly into the external optical frontend, which is integrated with the electrical measurement instrument. This combination enables high bandwidth measurements up to 140 GHz or higher without requiring additional separate optical components, as all necessary optical functions are already integrated.
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 simplified and high-bandwidth testing of optical devices by integrating all necessary connections within the external optical frontend, supporting various types of devices with reduced setup effort.
Implementation Method 1
The optical RX module is configured to convert the optical measurement signal into an electrical measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
The optical RX module is configured to convert the modulated optical reference signal into an modulated electrical reference signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement system (10) comprising an external optical frontend (14) connectable to a separately formed measurement instrument (12) is described. The external optical frontend (14) comprises an optical test interface (16) that is connectable to a device under test. The external optical frontend (14) has an optical coupler module (26) with an optical reference input port (28) for receiving a modulated optical reference signal, at least one optical port (30) for receiving an optical measurement signal, an optical reference output port (32), and an optical measurement output port (34). The external optical frontend (14) further comprises an optical RX module (36), wherein the optical RX module (36) is connected to the optical reference output port (32) and to the optical measurement output port (34). The optical RX module (36) is configured to convert the optical measurement signal into an electrical measurement signal. The optical RX module (36) further is configured to convert the modulated optical reference signal into an modulated electrical reference signal.