Fiber Optic Cable Fault Location via Integrated Visible-Light Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cable testing methods require disconnection of cables for fault detection, leading to potential contamination and damage, and do not effectively utilize built-in OTDR systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a dedicated testing waveguide and optical source within photonic devices to transmit visible light through connected fiber optic cables, allowing fault detection without disconnection, and optionally integrating OTDR functionality for enhanced detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hand-held fault location devices are used to test fiber optic cables, then fault detection capability is improved, but cable disconnection is required which leads to contamination risk and operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fault location device functionality directly into the photonic device housing, merging two separate operations (cable testing and device operation) into a single integrated system. This allows the testing waveguide to be permanently coupled to the device ports, eliminating the need to disconnect cables while maintaining fault detection capability through the integrated optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated testing waveguide as an intermediary optical path within the photonic device. This internal waveguide serves as a mediator that allows light to be transmitted through the fiber optic cable for testing purposes without requiring external hand-held devices or cable disconnection, thus preventing contamination while enabling precise fault location.
2Measurement precision
If hand-held fault location devices are used for cable testing, then fault detection is enabled, but operational continuity is disrupted due to required cable disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing functionality with the operational device, allowing both data transmission and fault testing to occur through the same physical interface without interruption. The integrated testing waveguide enables continuous operation while providing on-demand testing capability, thus maintaining productivity while enabling fault detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the testing infrastructure in advance by integrating the testing waveguide and light source into the photonic device during manufacturing. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for cable disconnection during testing, as the testing path is already established and ready for use, thereby maintaining operational continuity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated testing waveguide is integrated within photonic device, then cable disconnection is avoided reducing contamination risk, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same device structure serves both data transmission and fault testing purposes. The external ports and internal waveguides are designed to handle both operational signals and testing light, reducing the need for entirely separate testing infrastructure and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing specific regions of the photonic device with testing capabilities. The dedicated testing waveguide is integrated into specific ports or channels where testing is needed, rather than requiring the entire device structure to be redesigned for testing purposes, thus minimizing the overall complexity increase.
4Measurement precision
If visible light is transmitted through fiber optic cable for fault detection, then fault location precision is improved, but interference with operational signals may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the light source to emit visible light only during designated testing intervals rather than continuously. The system switches between operational mode and testing mode, activating the visible light source only when fault detection is required, thereby preventing interference with continuous data transmission while maintaining precise fault location capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by switching the wavelength or intensity parameters of the light source. During normal operation, the light source operates at parameters suitable for data transmission. During testing, the parameters are changed to emit visible light for fault detection, and this parameter switching is controlled to avoid interference with operational signals.
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 fault detection in fiber optic cables without disconnecting them, reducing contamination risk and maintaining operational safety while utilizing OTDR capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a dedicated testing waveguide arranged within a photonic device deployed in an optical communication system... the dedicated testing waveguide is configured to transmit visible light to the fiber optic cable via the external port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing fiber optic cables are provided. A fiber optic cable testing apparatus, according to one implementation, includes a dedicated testing waveguide arranged within a first photonic device deployed in a data center having a plurality of photonic devices. The fiber optic cable testing apparatus further includes an external port arranged on the first photonic device, where the external port is connected to the dedicated testing waveguide and is configured to be connected to a fiber optic cable to be tested. While the fiber optic cable is connected to the external port during a testing stage, the dedicated testing waveguide is configured to transmit visible light to the fiber optic cable via the external port. The visible light includes one or more wavelengths that are visible to the human eye. Also, faults associated with the fiber optic cable, if any, are visually detectable by a user.