Multi-Channel Optical Signal Generator Using Shared Modulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel optical signal generating apparatuses are costly and inefficient due to the high number of optical and RF components required, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation as frequency repetition increases, making them unsuitable for commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel optical signal generating apparatus that electro-optically modulates a single optical signal from a CW laser using a reduced number of optical circulators, phase modulators, and Bidirectional inline Optical Delay Lines (BiODLs), along with RF power dividers and amplifiers, to generate a multi-channel optical signal with adjustable frequency repetition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frequency repetition of multi-channel optical signal is increased, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the number of optical components and RF components increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths and modulation stages into a unified architecture where optical circulators route signals through shared components. The BiODLs integrate delay and phase adjustment functions, while RF power dividers distribute signals to multiple modulators, reducing the total component count compared to separate dedicated paths for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circulators serve multiple functions by routing optical signals between different components in various configurations. The BiODLs provide both delay and phase adjustment capabilities. The RF power dividers distribute signals to multiple modulators, enabling the system to generate multiple frequency repetitions using the same set of modulators through different modulation sequences.
2Productivity
If the number of optical components and RF components is increased to achieve higher frequency repetition, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical channels share common components including the CW laser source, optical circulators, and BiODLs. The RF power dividers distribute amplified signals to multiple modulators, enabling parallel channel generation without proportionally increasing total power consumption. The shared infrastructure reduces redundant power consumption that would occur with completely separate component sets for each channel.
3Productivity
If expensive optical components and RF components are used to achieve high frequency repetition, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the apparatus cost increases making commercialization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical circulators which are relatively cost-effective components to route optical signals through shared modulators and delay lines. The BiODLs use simple mirror-based delay mechanisms rather than expensive programmable delay elements. The RF power dividers and amplifiers are standard components that can be mass-produced, reducing overall system cost compared to using dedicated expensive components for each channel.
4Productivity
If more components are used to generate multi-channel optical signal, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the heat generation increases reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple optical channels through shared components, the patent reduces the total number of active elements that generate heat. The CW laser operates as a single continuous source rather than multiple pulsed lasers. The optical circulators and BiODLs are passive components with minimal heat generation. The RF power amplifiers serve multiple modulators, concentrating heat generation in fewer components that can be more effectively cooled.
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 apparatus reduces the number of components and power consumption, enabling cost-effective generation of multi-channel optical signals with improved performance and reduced heat generation, achieving about twice the performance of traditional systems with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
an optical intensity modulator that modulates an amplitude of the optical signal, based on a first divided electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical phase modulator that modulates a phase of the optical signal, based on a second divided electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a first BiODL that adjusts phases of the amplitude modulated optical signal to be in phase and reflects the optical signal adjusted to be in phase
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-channel optical signal generating apparatus, which includes a CW laser that generates a single optical signal, an optical signal processor unit that processes the single optical signal, an oscillator that generates an electrical signal, and an electrical signal processor unit that generates a modulation signal, based on the electrical signal, and the optical signal processor unit includes ‘n’ optical circulators, at least one optical intensity modulator, (m-1) optical phase modulators, and ‘n’ BiODLs, the electrical signal processor unit includes a RF power divider which divides the electrical signal, and ‘m’ RF power amplifiers, the RF power divider divides the electrical signal into ‘m’ divided electrical signals, and the optical signal processor unit modulates and outputs the single optical signal by the at least one optical intensity modulator and the (m-1) optical phase modulators, based on the ‘m’ divided electrical signals divided from the RF power divider.