Light Power Control via Variable Optical Attenuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In photonic networks, existing light power control systems, such as ALC and AGC modes, face challenges in quickly adjusting light power when the number of wavelength paths changes, leading to potential data reception issues due to delayed power adjustments and high costs in multi-stage configurations.
Innovation Solution
A light power control system that includes a light amplifier control section for constant output control and a variable optical attenuator control section to adjust light signal attenuation, allowing for rapid adjustment of light power based on control signals, ensuring optimal signal reception during changes in wavelength paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ALC mode is used to control light amplifier output, then light power can be adjusted, but the adjustment time is about hundreds of milliseconds which causes data reception errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by adjusting the variable optical attenuator in advance when a wavelength path is removed, before the light amplifier's output changes. This pre-adjustment ensures that when the light power actually changes after hundreds of milliseconds, the VOA is already positioned to provide the correct attenuation, preventing data reception errors.
2Speed
If AGC mode is used to adjust light power faster, then light power can be changed quickly, but the cost becomes high and data reception time extends in multi-stage configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The variable optical attenuator acts as an intermediary device between the light amplifier and the receiving end. It provides a simple, low-cost mechanism to adjust light power that works independently of the light amplifier's control mode, avoiding the high cost and complexity of AGC mode while still achieving fast effective adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of wavelength paths is decreased, then network capacity is reduced, but the light power per wavelength path increases temporarily causing data reception issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by monitoring the state of wavelength paths and automatically adjusting the variable optical attenuator accordingly. When a wavelength path is removed, the control unit receives this information and adjusts the VOA to compensate for the increased light power per remaining wavelength path, maintaining data reception reliability despite network reconfiguration.
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 solution enables reliable data reception at the receiving end by quickly adjusting light power in response to changes in wavelength paths, reducing the risk of data loss and minimizing costs compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a variable optical attenuator control section configured to adjust an attenuation quantity of a variable optical attenuator to attenuate a light power of the light signal
Implementation Method 2
a light amplifier control section configured to carry out a constant output control to a light amplifier which amplifies a light signal transmitted from a node to another node
Data Source
AI summary
A light power control system is used in a network in which a control signal is transmitted to instruct setting of a wavelength path. The light power control system is provided with a light amplifier control section configured to carry out a constant output control to a light amplifier which amplifies a light signal transmitted from a node to another node, when said node in said network receives the control signal; and a variable optical attenuator control section configured to adjust an attenuation quantity of a variable optical attenuator to attenuate a light power of the light signal on any of wavelength paths, when said node receives the control signal and moreover the light signal is transmitted on said any of wavelength paths of said node. It becomes possible to receive the data right in a receiving end by a simple unit when there is a change of the number of wavelength paths.