Integrated Optical Module for OTDR, Service, and Pilot Tone Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules require separate discrete modules for service, OTDR, and pilot tone modulation functions, leading to high costs and difficulty in achieving a small form factor.
Innovation Solution
An optical module integrating a control unit, laser service driving circuit, and optical receiving units to switch between OTDR, service, and pilot tone modulation modes using time division multiplexing, eliminating the need for a high-cost OTDR dedicated chip and allowing reuse of functional units for multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate discrete modules are used for service function, OTDR function, and pilot tone modulation function, then each function can be implemented independently, but the cost increases and the form factor cannot be made small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the service function, OTDR function, and pilot tone modulation function into a single integrated optical module. The laser service driving circuit is designed to handle multiple functions by receiving different control signals from the control unit, which determines the target mode (service mode, OTDR mode, or pilot tone modulation mode) and outputs corresponding control signals. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate discrete modules while maintaining independent functionality of each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser service driving circuit is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions. It receives control signals from the control unit and adjusts its operation based on the target mode: in service mode it drives the laser for normal communication, in OTDR mode it generates OTDR test signals, and in pilot tone modulation mode it modulates the laser with pilot tones. This multi-functional design allows a single module to replace multiple discrete modules.
2Reliability
If separate discrete modules are used for service function, OTDR function, and pilot tone modulation function, then each function can be implemented independently, but the occupied volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the service function, OTDR function, and pilot tone modulation function into a single integrated optical module. The laser service driving circuit is designed to handle multiple functions by receiving different control signals from the control unit, which determines the target mode (service mode, OTDR mode, or pilot tone modulation mode) and outputs corresponding control signals. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate discrete modules while maintaining independent functionality of each feature.
3Measurement precision
If a high-cost OTDR dedicated chip is used to implement OTDR function, then the OTDR function can be implemented accurately, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser service driving circuit is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions. It receives control signals from the control unit and adjusts its operation based on the target mode: in service mode it drives the laser for normal communication, in OTDR mode it generates OTDR test signals, and in pilot tone modulation mode it modulates the laser with pilot tones. This multi-functional design allows a single module to replace multiple discrete modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit determines the target mode based on received control signals and autonomously outputs appropriate control signals to the laser service driving circuit. The system self-manages the switching between different functions without requiring external complex control logic or dedicated OTDR chips, thereby reducing cost while maintaining functional accuracy.
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 integrated module achieves lower costs, smaller size, and reduced power consumption while supporting multiple functions, enhancing optical transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
when light is propagated in the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The OTDR is manufactured based on light backscattering and a Fresnel reflection principle. The OTDR generally obtains attenuation information of the optical fiber by using backscattering light generated when light is propagated in the optical fiber.
Implementation Method 3
The OTDR is manufactured based on light backscattering and a Fresnel reflection principle.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module, an optical communication device, and an optical communication system, where the optical module may include a control unit, a laser service driving circuit, an optical transmitting unit, and a first optical receiving unit. The control unit determines a target mode of the optical module from a plurality of working modes, and controls the optical module to output a target signal corresponding to the target mode to the laser service driving circuit. The plurality of working modes includes at least one of an OTDR mode and a service mode. The laser service driving circuit outputs a laser signal to the optical transmitting unit based on the target signal. When the target mode is the OTDR mode, the first optical receiving unit receives and transmits, to the control unit, a second OTDR signal returned in an optical fiber.