Interlocked N×N Wavelength Switch for Low-Loss Add-Drop Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs) face significant connection and switch losses due to the use of twin 1×N wavelength selective switches (WSSs) and N-element MEMS switch arrays, leading to increased complexity, bulkiness, and cost, along with the need for additional amplifiers and power management.
Innovation Solution
An interlocked N×N wavelength selective switch (WSS) that uses a passive optical system and an array of switching elements to simultaneously add and drop signals in the same wavelength band without requiring twin 1×N WSSs or an active element like an N-element MEMS switch array, reducing insertion and switch losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If twin 1×N wavelength selective switches are used in conventional optical add-drop multiplexers, then signal routing functionality is achieved, but connection loss and switch loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of twin 1×N WSS modules into a single integrated N×N WSS device. The interlocked architecture combines add and drop operations in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate twin modules and their associated connection losses. This merging reduces the overall number of optical connections and switching elements required, directly addressing the energy loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The N×N WSS device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it can add signals, drop signals, and pass through signals in the same wavelength band using a single integrated device. The interlocked architecture allows the same switching elements to serve both add and drop operations, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate dedicated components and minimizes cumulative losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an N-element MEMS switch array is used in conventional M×N WSS modules, then signal switching capability is provided, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switch array functionality directly into the N×N WSS device structure. Instead of using a separate N-element MEMS switch array as in conventional M×N modules, the switching elements are integrated within the interlocked WSS architecture, reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for additional standalone switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for the separate N-element MEMS switch array that is required in conventional M×N WSS modules. By redesigning the architecture to use interlocked switching elements within the N×N structure, the invention removes the complexity burden of the additional active component while maintaining full switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional M×N WSS modules with N-element MEMS switch arrays are used, then wavelength selective switching is achieved, but insertion loss increases due to multistep couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength selective switching function with the interlocked N×N WSS architecture, eliminating the need for separate multistep coupling stages. The integrated design allows direct switching operations within the same device structure, reducing the number of optical coupling steps and thereby minimizing insertion loss while maintaining full wavelength selective capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If twin 1×N WSS modules are used in conventional OADMs, then add and drop operations are enabled, but additional amplifiers and power management are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges add and drop operations into a single N×N WSS device with interlocked architecture. By performing both operations in one integrated device rather than requiring twin separate modules, the invention eliminates the need for additional amplifiers that would be required to compensate for the cumulative losses of two separate modules, thereby reducing power management complexity.
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 interlocked N×N WSS provides simpler, more compact packages with reduced insertion loss and switch loss, eliminating the need for additional amplifiers and power management, and lowering production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a passive optical system, an array of switching elements... signals can be simultaneously reflected, by the same switching element via the passive optical system... the diffracted beams output by the passive optical system
Implementation Method 2
signals can be simultaneously reflected, by the same switching element via the passive optical system, both from the add port to the Express Out port and from the Express In port to the corresponding drop port
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocked N×N wavelength selective switch (WSS) that includes an Express In port, an Express Out port, a passive optical system, an array of switching elements, and N pairs of add and drop ports. In each pair, the add port and the corresponding drop port are arranged relative to the Express In port and the Express Out port such that signals can be simultaneously reflected, by the same switching element via the passive optical system, both from the add port to the Express Out port and from the Express In port to the corresponding drop port, enabling the interlocked N×N WSS to simultaneously add and drop signals in the same wavelength band without the need for two twin 1×N WSSs or an active element (e.g., an N-element MEMS switch array) between the switching array and the ports.