Fibre Network Query Signal Splitter for Multi-PON Sensor Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for interrogating fibre-optic sensors in passive optical networks (PONs) are inefficient, requiring sequential connection of test signal transceivers to each PON, which limits frequent monitoring and is costly to implement dedicated transceivers for all PONs.
Innovation Solution
A fibre network design that includes a query signal splitter, allowing a single test signal transceiver to simultaneously emit query signals and receive response signals from multiple PONs, enabling frequent interrogation of fibre-optic sensors without the need for sequential connection or dedicated transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential connection of test signal transceiver to each PON is used, then sensor interrogation can be performed, but monitoring frequency is limited and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal path by introducing a optical switch that sequentially connects the test signal transceiver to different PONs. This allows a single transceiver to serve multiple PONs by dividing the monitoring task into time-separated segments, thereby reducing infrastructure cost while maintaining monitoring capability across all PONs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic optical switching mechanism that rapidly connects and disconnects the test signal transceiver to different PONs in sequence. This dynamic reconfiguration enables frequent monitoring of multiple PONs using a single transceiver, resolving the contradiction between monitoring frequency and infrastructure complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated transceivers are deployed for each PON, then sensor monitoring capability is ensured, but infrastructure cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single test signal transceiver universal by enabling it to serve multiple PONs through optical switching. The transceiver performs the same sensor interrogation function across different PONs sequentially, eliminating the need for dedicated transceivers in each PON while maintaining reliable monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical switch as an intermediary device between the test signal transceiver and multiple PONs. This mediator enables the transceiver to dynamically connect to different PONs, reducing the total number of transceivers required while ensuring each PON maintains its sensor monitoring capability
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 design allows for higher frequency interrogation of fibre-optic sensors in multiple PONs with a single test signal transceiver, enhancing monitoring efficiency and reducing infrastructure costs by utilizing existing telecommunication fibre infrastructure for sensor interrogation.
Implementation Method 1
a query signal splitter, for feeding a query signal, emitted by the test signal transceiver, into the first PON and the second PON simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
In response to an external effect, such fibre-optic sensors can modify e.g. the attenuation of the fibre via which they are connected to the central office
Implementation Method 3
a fibre through which a fibre-optic sensor is connected to other elements of the PON (a "sensor fibre") is often equipped with a reflector, placed at the end of the sensor fibre and in the vicinity of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber network for interrogating fiber-optic sensors in a first Passive Optical Network (PON) and in a second PON, the fiber network comprising a test signal transceiver for emitting query signals and for receiving response signals, a first PON and a second PON. Each PON comprises a light source for generating telecommunication signals and a fiber-optic sensor. Each PON can transmit the telecommunication signals to a plurality of subscribers, and is optically connected to the test signal transceiver such that the query signals can be fed into the respective PON and propagate in the PON to the fiber-optic sensor, and such that the test signal transceiver can receive response signals from the fiber-optic sensor through the PON. The fiber network further comprises a query signal splitter, optically connected to the test signal transceiver and to the PONs such that it can feed a query signal into the PONs simultaneously, and such that it can feed response signals from the PONs into the test signal transceiver.