Integrated WDM Optical Path Processing for Fiber Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of fiber optic patch cords between optical switches and WDMs in optical networks is complex and costly, and the space requirements for such systems are high due to the need for multiple WDMs at each output end of a 1×N optical switch, especially in large-split ratio configurations.
Innovation Solution
An optical path processing apparatus incorporating a fiber array, lens array, aspheric lens, filter, and reflector is used to integrate a WDM within the optical switch, allowing test and service light to be directed through a filter and reflector to specific channels without the need for separate WDMs, reducing the complexity and cost of fiber management and improving space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 1×N optical switch with separate WDMs is used for each output channel, then optical path monitoring can be achieved, but device complexity and fiber management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WDMs into a single integrated WDM unit that serves all output channels of the 1×N optical switch. Instead of having separate WDMs at each output end, the invention merges the wavelength division multiplexing function into one shared component, reducing the number of discrete devices and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining optical path monitoring capability across all channels
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated WDM unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wavelength division multiplexing for all N output channels, enables optical path monitoring for each channel through the shared structure, and reduces fiber management complexity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated WDMs at each output end
2Reliability
If separate WDMs are used at each output end of the optical switch, then channel-specific monitoring is enabled, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple WDMs into a single integrated unit, the physical space required for housing these components is dramatically reduced. Instead of allocating space for N separate WDM devices, the system requires space for only one shared WDM unit, thereby reducing equipment room space requirements while maintaining the ability to perform channel-specific monitoring
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large-split ratio optical switch is used to monitor multiple PONs, then monitoring coverage is expanded, but fiber patch cord management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber connection interface into a single location at the integrated WDM unit rather than requiring separate fiber patch cords at each output channel. This consolidation reduces the number of fiber connections from N separate patch cords to a single unified connection point, making fiber management significantly easier while maintaining the ability to monitor multiple PONs through the large-split ratio optical switch
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 integration reduces the need for separate WDMs, simplifying fiber management and lowering assembly costs while optimizing space usage in optical network monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
the filter is configured to perform transmission on the test light; the service light is within a reflection band of the filter
Implementation Method 2
the reflector is configured to reflect, at a preset angle, the test light transmitted through the filter to a specular surface of the reflector, so that reflected light corresponding to the test light passes through the filter, the aspheric lens and the LA
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical path processing method and apparatus. The apparatus includes an FA, an LA, an aspheric lens, a filter, and a reflector, where the FA includes a test optical channel, where the test optical channel is configured to receive test light, and enable the test light to be incident through the LA and the aspheric lens to a surface of the filter; the filter is located between the aspheric lens and the reflector, and is configured to perform transmission on the test light; and the reflector is at a distance of less than or equal to a first preset value away from a focus of light transmitted through the aspheric lens, and is configured to reflect, at a preset angle, the test light transmitted through the filter to a specular surface of the reflector, so that reflected light corresponding to the test light passes through the filter, the aspheric lens and the LA, and is output through a particular channel.