Field Programmable Logic for Tunable Laser Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic networks lack real-time programmability in optical devices and subassemblies, leading to inflexibility and high costs in planning, building, and maintaining data center networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a field programmable device with programmable hardware gates, such as FPGAs or PLDs, to control, monitor, and communicate with tunable lasers and transceivers, enabling real-time control and monitoring without the need for microprocessors or microcontrollers, and allowing for concurrent processing and modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional microprocessor-based control systems are used in optical devices, then the devices can perform control and monitoring functions, but they lack real-time programmability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional microprocessor-based control systems with field programmable logic devices (FPLD), thereby substituting a general-purpose computing architecture with a specialized programmable logic architecture. This enables real-time reconfigurability and programmability at the hardware level without the overhead of microprocessor operating systems, directly achieving the goal of real-time programmability while managing complexity through dedicated logic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable control logic through field programmable logic devices that can be reprogrammed in real-time. The control system transitions from a static microprocessor configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable logic structure that can adapt its behavior through configuration changes, enabling flexible wavelength tuning and control without hardware redesign.
2Reliability
If multiple control systems are implemented to support tunable laser functions, then comprehensive control and monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single field programmable logic device performs multiple control and monitoring functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated systems. The FPLD integrates wavelength control, power monitoring, temperature compensation, and communication functions into one reconfigurable platform, achieving comprehensive functionality while reducing the number of separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control and monitoring functions into a unified field programmable logic device. Instead of having separate control circuits for wavelength tuning, power management, temperature control, and communication, these functions are combined and coordinated within the single FPLD architecture, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
3Productivity
If real-time programmability is implemented in optical devices, then flexibility and responsiveness improve, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary configuration actions where the field programmable logic device is pre-programmed with control algorithms and parameters during manufacturing or deployment preparation. This preliminary setup enables the device to be deployed with pre-configured functionality, reducing the complexity of real-time configuration while maintaining programmability for future reconfiguration if needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for controlling, monitoring, and communicating with an optical device, photonic integrated circuit or subassembly is provided. The apparatus includes an optical device or subassembly; and a field programmable device including programmable hardware gates coupled to the optical device or subassembly. The field programmable device may be configured to implement a plurality of functions at a gate level for controlling, monitoring, and/or communicating with the optical device or subassembly, each of the plurality of functions being configured to execute as a concurrent process, without use of a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Further, a programmable optical device, such as a programmable optical transmitter, optical subassembly, or transceiver based on a tunable laser having field programmable device centric control systems with software-enabled features offer extensive real-time control and monitoring functionality based on for example actual traffic flows.