Multi-Beam Free Space Optical Endpoint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free space optical (FSO) transceivers are limited to point-to-point links due to the high directivity of light beams, leading to scalability issues and high costs in multi-beam FSO networks, which are cumbersome, power-hungry, and difficult to align and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam FSO device with dynamically assignable channel control modules, where optical communication devices share a pool of channel control modules, allowing for dynamic pairing and hand-off between devices to support multiple point-to-point data channels, enabling efficient management of optical signal power and beam alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a curved-surface with discrete FSO transceivers is used to create multi-beam FSO, then the number of data links increases, but the device size, cost, and alignment difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete FSO transceivers into a single integrated endpoint device with a shared optical platform. Multiple optical beams are generated and controlled from one unified structure rather than separate transceiver units, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining multi-link capability
Solution Approach 2:
The FSO endpoint device is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously serve multiple data links through dynamic beam control. A single device performs the functions of multiple transceivers by dynamically allocating optical beams to different clients, eliminating the need for dedicated transceivers per link
2Productivity
If scanning systems with mechanical transceiver movement are used to serve multiple clients, then the number of data links increases, but the system becomes slow, mechanically complex, and power hungry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electronic/optical beam control system. Instead of physically moving transceivers to track clients, the system uses electronic control to dynamically steer and allocate optical beams, eliminating mechanical components and their associated power consumption and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic beam allocation where optical beams can be rapidly redirected and reassigned to different clients without mechanical movement. This dynamic optical control enables the system to serve multiple clients simultaneously or sequentially with fast switching, avoiding the slow mechanical scanning approach
3Reliability
If discrete FSO transceivers are used at each end of point-to-point links, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the cost and scalability of the network decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The FSO endpoint device serves as a universal transceiver that can simultaneously or sequentially establish multiple point-to-point data links. A single device replaces multiple discrete transceivers by dynamically creating dedicated optical beams for different clients, maintaining the reliability of point-to-point communication while improving network scalability and reducing cost
Data Source
AI summary
Free space optics (FSO) is a wireless technology that utilizes optical frequencies. Previously available FSO transceivers are restricted to point-to-point links because of the high directivity of laser light used to transmit data. By contrast, various implementations disclosed herein include a multi-beam FSO apparatus that is less reliant on point-to-point links, and includes a lens assembly and a planar array of optical communication devices. The lens assembly includes at least one surface shaped to direct ingress light received substantially within a first angular range towards a focal plane, and to direct egress light away from the focal plane into the first angular range. The planar array includes a plurality of optical communication devices arranged in association with the focal plane of the lens assembly, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication devices characterizes at least one of a plurality of optical communication link endpoints.