Loopback Unit Modulates Optical Signals for Submarine Cable Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current submarine cable communication systems face reliability issues due to service interruptions when faults occur, and they require expensive and maintenance-prone pump lasers for modulating optical output power, which does not meet high reliability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A communications device and method that acquires specific wavelength lights from optical paths, converts them into electrical signals, and modulates these signals to respond to commands without needing a separate light source, ensuring service continuity even if faults occur, by using a loopback unit to modulate and couple signals back onto the optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pump laser output power is modulated on the primary optical path to implement modulated optical output power, then communication function is achieved, but service interruption occurs when fault occurs and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the primary optical path by using a separate wavelength for communication signals. The pump laser power modulation is removed from the primary path, and communication is achieved through a dedicated wavelength channel that does not carry service data, thereby preventing service interruption when communication faults occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path functions by separating communication signals into a specific wavelength channel distinct from the primary service wavelengths. This segmentation allows independent handling of communication and service functions, so that communication faults do not affect service continuity.
2Ease of manufacture
If pump laser is used for modulating optical output power, then communication is implemented, but cost increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical path multi-functional by enabling it to serve both primary service transmission and communication functions simultaneously. The same optical path infrastructure is used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate pump lasers and reducing component count while maintaining ease of manufacture and maintenance.
3Reliability
If total power on primary optical path is modulated, then modulated optical output power is achieved, but service is affected and service interruption is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific wavelengths for specific functions within the optical path. Communication signals are confined to a specific wavelength range that does not overlap with service wavelengths, allowing communication modulation without affecting service stability. Each wavelength band has its own quality characteristics optimized for its intended purpose.
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 ensures high reliability and cost-effectiveness by maintaining service quality without requiring a separate light source, reducing the risk of service interruptions and lowering maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first receiving unit is configured to convert the first specific wavelength light coming from the first acquiring unit into a first electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
the first loopback unit is configured to modulate, according to the first modulating signal, the second specific wavelength light coming from the first acquiring unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
A communications device is disclosed and includes: a first acquiring unit (10) for acquiring first specific wavelength light and second specific wavelength light from a first optical path; a first receiving unit (30) for converting the first specific wavelength light coming from the first acquiring unit (10) into a first electrical signal; a first control unit (40) for sending a first modulating signal to a first loopback unit (20) according to the first electrical signal coming from the first receiving unit (10); and the first loopback unit (20) for modulating the second specific wavelength light coming from the first acquiring unit (10) according to the first modulating signal, and looping the modulated second specific wavelength light back to a second optical path, where a transmission direction of an optical signal in the second optical path is opposite to a transmission direction of an optical signal in the first optical path. The present invention further discloses a communications method. According to embodiments of the present invention, communication with a terminal-station device can be implemented, without the need of separately providing a light source, and service performance of communications can be effectively ensured.