Integrated Wavelength Switching Layout for Compact ROADM Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) have large sizes and high costs due to their construction with discrete optical components, making maintenance difficult and limiting integration and performance.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength switching apparatus that integrates an N×1-dimensional WSS with an M*K-dimensional WSS by using local and line input/output components arranged in an alternating mode, reducing physical space and improving integration through the use of planar optical waveguides and lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete optical components are used to construct ROADM, then wavelength switching functionality is achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete optical components (WSS modules, optical splitters, add/drop modules) into an integrated wavelength switching apparatus with a unified optical path. The first and second optical components are integrated with switch arrays to form a compact structure that performs wavelength switching, adding, and dropping functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and their interconnections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete optical components are used to construct ROADM, then wavelength switching functionality is achieved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple high-cost discrete optical components into a single manufactured unit. The wavelength switching apparatus is designed as an integrated device where the first optical component, first switch array, second optical component, and second switch array are manufactured together, reducing the overall cost compared to assembling multiple separate WSS modules and optical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete optical components are used to construct ROADM, then wavelength switching is implemented, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components and switching arrays into a single integrated wavelength switching apparatus with a unified optical path. This integration reduces the number of connection interfaces and assembly points that require maintenance, making the device easier to maintain compared to a system with numerous discrete components and their interconnections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If node dimension increases in ROADM, then service scheduling capability improves, but optical component size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two-dimensional switch arrays (first switch array and second switch array) to achieve multi-dimensional wavelength switching capability. The switch arrays allow routing of wavelength channels across multiple input and output ports, providing service scheduling capability for increased node dimensions while maintaining a compact physical structure through the planar arrangement of the switch elements.
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 apparatus reduces size and enhances integration and performance by minimizing optical power loss and supporting more input/output ports, while maintaining reliable wavelength switching.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical component is configured to: receive M light beams that are incident from M different directions, and converge, on a first switch array, light beams that are incident from the M different directions onto rows of switch units that are corresponding to the M input components
Implementation Method 2
the second optical component is configured to: receive M light beams that are emergent from the second switch array at M different angles, and redirect, to K different directions, the M light beams that are emergent from the second switch array at the M different angles
Data Source
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AI summary
A wavelength switching apparatus includes M input components, a first optical component, a first switch array, a second switch array, a second optical component, and K output components. By using the first switch array and the second switch array that are disposed, the wavelength switching apparatus can implement an M*K dimensional wavelength switching function. On this basis, because the M input components include at least one local input component having N input ports, and a light beam input by the local input component can be converged, under an action of the first optical component, on a row of switch units that are in the first switch array and that are corresponding to the local input component. In this way, this is equivalent to further connecting an N*1-dimensional WSS to an input end of an M*K-dimensional WSS, so that the wavelength switching apparatus can integrate a wavelength adding function based on the M*K-dimensional WSS. This effectively improves performance and integration of the wavelength switching apparatus and reduces a size of the wavelength switching apparatus.