FSO Terminal Orthogonal Modes Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connections in telecommunications routers face challenges in supporting high data throughput due to limited tolerance to misalignment and high operational costs, especially with the introduction of optical connections which require costly mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of free space optical (FSO) communications terminals with multiple transmission and receive interfaces, optical-to-electrical signal converters, and an orthogonal mode selector, allowing for improved misalignment tolerance and cost-efficient optical connections between telecommunications cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical connections are implemented between telecommunications cards, then data throughput and power efficiency are improved, but tolerance to lateral misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connection system is segmented into multiple independent transmission interfaces (multiple transmit and receive optics) rather than relying on a single precise connection. This segmentation allows the system to tolerate misalignment by distributing the optical signal across multiple paths, where at least one path can successfully transmit data despite lateral displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by transmitting multiple orthogonal modes simultaneously through the free space optical channel. By utilizing different orthogonal modes (spatial, polarization, or temporal modes), the system can maintain data throughput even when lateral misalignment occurs, as different modes have different sensitivity characteristics to misalignment.
2Reliability
If mechanical alignment mechanisms are used to compensate for misalignment, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with an optical field-based solution. Instead of using motors, actuators, or mechanical adjustment mechanisms to physically align the optics, the system uses multiple orthogonal modes and multiple transmit/receive optics to achieve alignment tolerance through optical field distribution and mode diversity, thereby eliminating complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-alignment capability through the inherent properties of orthogonal modes and free space propagation. The multiple transmit and receive optics automatically adapt to misalignment conditions without requiring external mechanical adjustment mechanisms, making the system self-sufficient in compensating for lateral displacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If active self-aligning mechanisms are implemented, then misalignment compensation is improved, but power consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces active self-aligning mechanisms (which would require power for motors, sensors, and control systems) with a passive optical field-based approach. By using multiple orthogonal modes and multiple transmit/receive optics, the system achieves misalignment compensation through optical field properties rather than active mechanical adjustment, thereby eliminating the power consumption associated with active alignment systems.
4Productivity
If electrical lines are used to support high data throughput, then data capacity is improved, but interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes electrical transmission lines with free space optical transmission. By using light signals propagating through free space rather than electrical signals through conductors, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference, crosstalk, and other harmful effects associated with electrical connections, while simultaneously achieving high data capacity through multiple orthogonal modes.
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 solution enables cost-effective, high-performance optical connections with increased tolerance to misalignment, reducing operational costs and power consumption by selectively managing light signal power and using passive optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a light signal generating unit adapted to generate a plurality of light signals. Each of the plurality of light signals carries the same information as the other one or more of the plurality of light signals and is arranged for transmission through a respective one of the plurality of transmission interfaces. Each of the plurality of light signals is at a different orthogonal mode from the other one or more of the plurality of light signals.
Implementation Method 2
The FSO terminal further comprises a plurality of optical-to-electrical signal convertors.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a free space optical (FSO) communications terminal for a first telecommunications card or a backplane. The FSO terminal comprises a plurality of transmission interfaces. The FSO terminal further comprises a light signal generating unit adapted to generate a plurality of light signals. Each of the plurality of light signals carries the same information as the other one or more of the plurality of light signals and is arranged for transmission through a respective one of the plurality of transmission interfaces. Each of the plurality of light signals is at a different orthogonal mode from the other one or more of the plurality of light signals. The invention further provides a free space optical (FSO) communications terminal for a second telecommunications card or a backplane. The FSO terminal comprises a plurality of receive interfaces. Each of the plurality of receive interfaces adapted to receive a light signal carrying information. The light signal may be at any one of a plurality of orthogonal modes. The FSO terminal further comprises a plurality of optical-to-electrical signal convertors. The invention further provides an optical backplane, a router and an optical node.