Photo-electron Fusion Switch for Optical Network Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switches face challenges in efficiently performing optical communications when nodes with high transmission capacity are connected, as they struggle with device arrangement, communication processing time, and dynamic optical transmission line control, leading to inefficiencies and resource underutilization.
Innovation Solution
A photo-electron fusion switch integrates a packet switch with optical transmitter/receivers and an optical device, using metal wiring and optical waveguides for signal transmission, allowing for simultaneous handling of optical signals with different speeds and enabling dynamic control of optical transmission lines through a controller that manages delay, jitter, and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the capacity of the network processor increases, then the signal processing capability is improved, but the propagating distance of electric signals becomes shorter and wiring density reaches physical upper limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring and electric signal transmission with optical waveguides and optical signal transmission. The network processor remains electrical, but optical transmitter/receivers convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission through optical waveguides, eliminating the propagation distance limitation of electrical wiring.
2Speed
If electrical wiring is enhanced to increase signal speed, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the propagating distance becomes shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical wiring with optical waveguides and electric signals with optical signals. Optical signals can achieve higher transmission speeds over longer distances without the propagation distance limitations that constrain electrical signal transmission in enhanced wiring.
3Quantity of substance
If optical transmitter/receivers are arranged in parallel on substrate, then the packaging density is improved, but the communication processing time increases due to separate device mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network processor and optical transmitter/receivers onto a single substrate, creating an integrated photo-electron fusion switch. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate device mounting and inter-device communication, reducing processing time while maintaining high packaging density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as intermediary transmission paths that are integrated onto the same substrate as the network processor and optical transmitter/receivers. This allows direct optical coupling between components without external connection, reducing communication processing time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If packet switch and optical switch are separate devices, then the functional completeness is improved, but the device complexity and communication processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packet switching function (electrical) and optical switching function into a single integrated device. The network processor provides packet switching capability while optical transmitter/receivers and waveguides provide optical transmission and switching, eliminating the need for separate packet switch and optical switch devices.
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 configuration enables trouble-free optical communications, reduces communication processing time, and allows for effective utilization of remotely located resources, improving the efficiency and flexibility of optical network systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter/receiver 3 having a photoelectric conversion function
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-electron fusion switch that can perform optical communications without any trouble, even when nodes of a communication source and a communication partner that are large in transmission capacity are connected, and makes it possible to realize a concentrated arrangement of devices having similar functions and reduce the communication processing time is connected to communication source's information processing devices and communication partner's information processing devices and information processing devices that are each different in transmission speed so as to configure an optical network system. The photo-electron fusion switch includes a network processor of an electronic circuit for controlling packet switch functions, a plurality of optical transmitter/receivers that can support coherent communications and has a photoelectric conversion function capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals different in transmission speed, an optical line switching device, and a plurality of multiplexing/separators. Each multiplexing/separator simultaneously transmits and receives respective optical signals different in transmission speed to and from the nodes via optical waveguides.