Integrated Optical Add Drop Device for Compact Wavelength Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive optical add/drop filters require external modules and extensive space due to their size and need for fiber management, limiting their efficiency in optimizing fiber utilization and increasing costs in telecommunications networks.
Innovation Solution
An optical add/drop device with a common port, add port, drop port, first and second wavelength selective optical filters, and an optical waveguide, allowing for direct pluggability into transceiver modules and using free space optics to minimize size, enabling efficient addition and dropping of single wavelengths in Single Fiber Working mode without external filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external passive filter modules are used for wavelength add/drop, then wavelength management capability is improved, but device size and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength selective filtering function with the optical transceiver module by integrating the passive filter directly into the module housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate external filter modules and their associated fiber management components, achieving compact dimensions while maintaining full wavelength add/drop capability in SFW mode
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical transceiver module with embedded passive filter serves multiple functions: optical signal transmission, wavelength filtering, and add/drop operations. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate dedicated components, reducing overall device footprint while enhancing adaptability
2Measurement precision
If external passive filter modules are used, then wavelength filtering precision is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the passive filter into the optical transceiver module, the patent eliminates the need for external fiber connections and separate filter modules. This reduces installation complexity from requiring multiple components and fiber management to a single plugable unit, while the embedded filter maintains precise wavelength filtering through optimized internal optical paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If external passive filter modules are used, then wavelength add/drop functionality is improved, but space occupation and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the passive filter module with the optical transceiver into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate external filter housings and fiber management infrastructure. This merger maintains complete wavelength add/drop functionality while reducing space occupation from hundreds of cubic centimeters to a compact plugable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wavelength selective filtering function from external modules and embeds it directly within the optical transceiver module. This extraction and integration approach eliminates the need for separate filter components and their associated space requirements, achieving space-efficient wavelength management
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
The solution enables compact dimensions, reduced space requirements, and simplified network installation by eliminating the need for external passive filters, thus optimizing fiber utilization and reducing costs while maintaining efficient wavelength management.
Implementation Method 1
The first wavelength selective optical filter is configured to receive an optical signal at an add wavelength from the add port and transmit said optical signal at the add wavelength towards the common port. The first wavelength selective optical filter is also configured to receive optical signals from the common port and reflect optical signals not at the add wavelength.
Implementation Method 2
The second wavelength selective optical filter is configured to receive said optical signals from the common port reflected by the first wavelength selective optical filter. The second wavelength selective optical filter is also configured to transmit an optical signal at a drop wavelength, different to the add wavelength.
Implementation Method 3
The optical waveguide is configured receive said optical signal at the drop wavelength transmitted by the second wavelength selective optical filter and to route said optical signal to the drop port.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical add/drop device (100) comprising: a common port (102); an add port (106); a first wavelength selective optical filter (110) configured to: receive an optical signal at an add wavelength from the add port and transmit said optical signal at the add wavelength towards the common port; and receive optical signals from the common port and reflect optical signals not at the add wavelength; a second wavelength selective optical filter (114) configured to receive said optical signals from the common port reflected by the first wavelength selective optical filter and transmit an optical signal at a drop wavelength, different to the add wavelength; a drop port (116); and an optical waveguide (118) configured receive said optical signal at the drop wavelength transmitted by the second wavelength selective optical filter and route said optical signal to the drop port.