JFET Anti-Parallel Linearization for Optical Signal Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical communication systems face challenges in linearizing non-linear signal transmission characteristics, particularly third-order intermodulation products, due to the complexity and cost of existing solutions, as well as the need for specific design for each non-linearity type, making them undesirable for practical applications.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a pair of Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFETs) configured in an anti-parallel configuration is connected in parallel with the non-linearity introducing part of the optical communication system, utilizing a low DC bias and DC voltage source to effectively linearize signal transmission characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If feedback based pre-distortion is used to suppress harmonics and intermodulation, then the non-linear distortion is reduced, but the complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermodulation productsVSAvoidcomplexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex feedback-based pre-distortion systems with a simple passive RC circuit consisting of resistors and capacitors. This inexpensive circuit provides sufficient linearization for many practical applications without requiring expensive adaptive algorithms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes active feedback control systems with a passive electrical circuit approach. By using passive RC components rather than active feedback controllers, the system achieves linearization with reduced complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If analogue circuits are designed for specific measured non-linearity, then the linearization is optimized for that specific case, but the adaptability to different non-linearities is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearization accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different non-linearities
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal linearization circuit based on RC networks that can be applied to various types of non-linear devices (laser diodes, LEDs, photodiodes) without requiring custom design for each specific non-linearity. The circuit topology remains the same while component values can be adjusted for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves adaptability by changing component parameters (resistance and capacitance values) rather than changing the circuit topology. This allows the same basic circuit structure to be tuned for different non-linear characteristics through simple parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If anti-parallel chains of diodes are used in series with non-linear block, then the non-linearity is compensated, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-linear distortionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the linearization function from complex multi-component circuits and implements it with a minimal RC network. By taking out only the essential linearization capability and implementing it with minimal components, the system achieves non-linearity compensation with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the linearization function into simple RC stages that can be independently designed and combined. This segmentation allows the complex linearization task to be broken down into manageable simple circuit blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach reduces intermodulation products with a low number of distortion compensating elements, is easier to implement at high frequencies, and is more suitable for mild non-linearities, offering a cost-effective alternative to prior art solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFETs) configured to operate in an anti-parallel configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField Effect Transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentEP3189605B1Optical communication system and device for linearizing non-linear signal transmission characteristics
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3189605B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3189605B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device (340) for linearizing non-linear signal transmission characteristics of an optical communication system (300) is provided. A non-linearity introducing part (330) is between an input port (310) and an output port (320) of the optical communication system (300). The non-linearity introducing part (330) at least partly causes said non-linear signal transmission characteristics. The device (340) is configured for connection between said input port (310) and the non-linearity introducing part (330), in parallel with the non- linearity introducing part (330), and comprises a pair of Junction Field Effect Transistors (T1, T2), "JFETs", configured to operate in an anti-parallel configuration.