IC-TROSA Optical Directional Coupler for Point-to-Multipoint Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Integrated Coherent Transmit-Receive Optical Sub-Assembly (IC-TROSA) devices in hub coherent optical transceiver devices suffer from inefficiencies due to the use of 2×1 single-mode Y-junction optical waveguides, which result in significant light power loss, limiting the distance and number of subscriber devices that can be reached in point-to-multipoint optical networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical directional coupler device in the IC-TROSA system, which replaces the 2×1 single-mode Y-junction optical waveguides, allowing for dual optical transmit and receive connections that conserve light power and eliminate waste, thereby increasing the transmission distance and number of subscriber devices that can be connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If 2×1 single-mode Y-junction optical waveguides are used in conventional IC-TROSA devices, then the device structure is simple, but significant light power loss occurs limiting transmission distance and number of subscriber devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the optical waveguide structure from a 2×1 single-mode Y-junction to a 2×2 single-mode optical waveguide configuration. This parameter change transforms the device from one that inherently loses 50% of light power to one that can maintain full light power transmission by providing two output modes instead of one, directly resolving the light power loss issue while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical signal transmission into two separate single-mode waveguides instead of using a single Y-junction waveguide. By dividing the transmission path into distinct single-mode segments, each carrying the full optical power without splitting losses, the system eliminates the inherent power loss of Y-junction designs while keeping each segment structurally simple.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional IC-TROSA devices are used with Y-junction waveguides, then the device complexity is low, but the transmission distance and number of reachable subscriber devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveguide configuration parameter from a single-output Y-junction to a dual-output single-mode structure. This parameter change enables the transmission distance to be extended because the full optical power is available at each output, eliminating the 50% power loss that previously limited transmission distance. The structural complexity remains low as it simply duplicates the single-mode waveguide configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If 2×1 single-mode Y-junction optical waveguides are used, then the device structure is simple, but the number of subscriber devices that can be connected is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical output into two separate single-mode waveguide channels, each capable of carrying full optical power to independent subscriber devices. This segmentation allows the system to connect more subscriber devices without power loss, as each device receives the complete optical signal rather than a split portion, while the overall structure remains simple through repetition of the basic single-mode waveguide unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical waveguide structure where the 2×2 single-mode configuration can serve multiple subscriber devices equally. Each output port is functionally equivalent and capable of supporting a subscriber device, making the system more versatile and capable of supporting a greater number of devices compared to the asymmetric Y-junction design.
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 significantly reduces light power loss, enabling longer transmission distances and supporting a greater number of subscriber devices, enhancing the efficiency and performance of point-to-multipoint optical networks by doubling the equivalent optical connections without waste light, thus improving the overall network capacity and reach.
Implementation Method 1
an optical directional coupler device in the quadrature optical modulator subsystem that provides a first transmit connection and a second transmit connection to the point-to-multipoint optical network
Data Source
AI summary
An IC-TROSA point-to-multipoint optical network system includes a point-to-multipoint optical network coupled to a hub device configured to transmit first and second optical signals via respective first and second transmit ports. A subscriber coherent optical transceiver device on a subscriber device is coupled to the point-to-multipoint optical network, and includes a subscriber signal processing subsystem that receives optical signals from the hub device, and determines whether the subscriber coherent optical transceiver device is configured to receive the optical signals via the first or second transmit port on the hub device. If configured to receive the optical signals via the first transmit port, the subscriber signal processing subsystem performs first signal processing operations to decode the optical signals. If configured to receive the optical signals via the second transmit port, the subscriber signal processing subsystem performs second signal processing operations to decode the optical signals.