Field Programmable Photonic Devices for Flexible Optical Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing bandwidth needs of end customers require new optical processing equipment that can provide high levels of optical bandwidth manipulation at lower cost points, necessitating advanced levels of optical signal processing integration in networks close to customers.
Innovation Solution
The development of field programmable photonics (FPP) and application specific photonic devices, integrated with wavelength equalizing arrays and optical amplifiers, to create flexible and cost-effective optical nodes capable of manipulating optical signals, including multi-degree ROADM circuit packs and signal processors with directionless add/drop ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical processing equipment is used, then optical bandwidth manipulation capability is limited, but equipment cost and complexity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical node architecture using field-programmable photonic devices that can perform multiple networking functions (ROADM, OXC, wavelength routing) within a single platform. This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to different optical bandwidth manipulation requirements without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function, thereby increasing versatility while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable optical circuits with programmable wavelength routers and flexible grid tuning capabilities. These dynamic components allow the optical node to adapt its bandwidth manipulation capabilities in real-time based on network demands, transitioning from static to flexible optical signal processing integration to resolve the contradiction between capability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced optical signal processing integration is implemented, then optical bandwidth manipulation capability increases, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal processing functions into modular components including separate wavelength equalizing arrays, optical amplifier arrays, and field-programmable photonic device modules. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual modules at lower costs, while maintaining advanced optical bandwidth manipulation capability through flexible combination and configuration of these modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical processing functions (wavelength equalization, amplification, routing, and switching) into an integrated optical node platform. By merging these functions into a unified system architecture, the patent achieves economies of scale in manufacturing and deployment, reducing overall equipment cost while maintaining advanced optical bandwidth manipulation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field programmable photonic devices are used, then network flexibility and functionality increase, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary configuration capabilities where optical nodes are pre-programmed with default routing tables and operational parameters during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the complex field-programmable photonic devices to be produced using standardized processes, while the pre-configured state simplifies deployment and reduces the complexity burden on end-users, effectively decoupling manufacturing difficulty from network flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical signal processor comprising of at least one wavelength processing device, a plurality of optical amplifying devices, and a least one field programmable photonic device.