Low-latency flexible transceiver adjustment via pilot signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems with flexible transceivers face challenges in dynamically adjusting configuration parameters without interrupting network traffic, as they require external controllers and resynchronization processes that are time-consuming, especially when impairments occur.
Innovation Solution
The use of a modulated pilot signal to convey configuration information between transmitter and receiver sections of flexible transceivers, allowing for low-latency adjustments by encoding parameter information in the amplitude, phase, or both of the pilot signal, enabling fast block-to-block configuration changes without interrupting data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external controllers and resynchronization processes are used to adjust configuration parameters, then configuration adjustment capability is provided, but adjustment latency increases to seconds level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration signaling function from external controllers and implements it directly within the optical transmission signal itself through a dedicated pilot signal. This removes the need for separate control channels and external coordination, enabling autonomous rapid reconfiguration at the receiver end without waiting for external controller responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter pre-modulates configuration parameters onto the pilot signal before transmission. The receiver extracts and processes these parameters in advance, allowing configuration changes to be prepared and applied proactively rather than reactively, reducing the overall adjustment latency.
2Reliability
If conventional resynchronization processes are used, then system reliability is maintained during configuration changes, but network traffic interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data transmission throughout the configuration adjustment process. The pilot signal carries configuration parameters independently alongside the data signal, allowing the receiver to update its configuration without interrupting or pausing the data flow, thus maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts configuration parameters in real-time during operation rather than requiring static pre-configuration or interrupt-based reconfiguration. The receiver processes incoming pilot signals and adapts its configuration dynamically, maintaining system reliability while avoiding traffic interruptions.
3Loss of time
If pilot signal modulation is used to convey configuration information, then adjustment speed increases to microseconds or nanoseconds, but signal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modulation schemes to different aspects of the pilot signal based on local requirements. Configuration parameters are modulated onto specific signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, or phase) depending on the type of information being conveyed, allowing optimized signal processing for each parameter type without unnecessarily complicating the entire signal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries configuration parameters, maintains synchronization, and enables channel estimation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signals for each purpose, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving rapid configuration adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical communication system having flexible transceivers, a transmitter section of one of the flexible transceivers generates a modulated pilot signal whose amplitude or phase or both have been modulated according to a digital code. An optical signal is transmitted from the transmitter section to a receiver section of another of the flexible transceivers. The optical signal conveys data and the modulated pilot signal. The digital code encodes parameter information for the transmitter section and for the receiver section. The receiver section receives the modulated pilot signal, determines the digital code by demodulating the modulated pilot signal, and determines the parameter information from the digital code. The transmitter section and the receiver section adjust their configuration according to the parameter information. The receiver section, while configured according to the parameter information, processes received data or future received data.