Multi-Output Laser Source with Redundant Optical Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser reliability is a concern in optical data transmission systems, where a single laser failure can disable multiple transmitters, leading to significant 'blast radius' of failure, and existing solutions do not adequately address the vulnerability to laser failures.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-output laser source system using a coupler to distribute optical power from multiple lasers, with a control circuit to detect failures and switch power to redundant lasers, ensuring continuous operation without damaging circuitry or disrupting non-affected transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser supplies light to multiple transmitters, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because failure of one laser disables multiple transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser system into multiple independent laser sources (first laser and second laser), each capable of independently supplying light to transmitters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple functional paths, so when one laser fails, other lasers can continue operating, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple laser sources and establishing switching mechanisms before any failure occurs. The control circuit is pre-programmed to detect laser failures and automatically switch between lasers, ensuring continuous operation without manual intervention. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making during failures, maintaining system simplicity while enhancing reliability
2Reliability
If redundant lasers are added to improve reliability, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a unified system managed by a single control circuit. The control circuit integrates monitoring of multiple lasers and manages switching between them, consolidating control functions. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from multiple lasers for improved reliability while avoiding the complexity of independent control systems for each laser
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the monitoring system for detecting laser failures and the switching system for transitioning between lasers. This universal component performs multiple functions (detection, decision-making, and execution of switching) that could otherwise require separate dedicated systems, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of repair
If laser modules are made hot-swappable for easier maintenance, then ease of repair improves, but risk of damaging circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the laser module interface with protective mechanisms that prevent damage during hot-swapping operations. The connector design includes features such as keyed interfaces that ensure proper alignment, protective contacts that prevent short circuits, and mechanical interlocks that guide proper insertion and removal. These pre-built protective features cushion against potential harmful effects like misalignment, static discharge, or contact damage, enabling easy repair without increasing damage risk
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 system reduces vulnerability to laser failures by ensuring continuous optical data transmission, allowing for hot-swappable laser modules and maintaining power levels without interrupting other data links, thus enhancing system reliability and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a passive coupler to combine light from the first laser and the second laser
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser source. In some embodiments, a multiple-output laser source includes a plurality of lasers, and a coupler having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs. Each of the inputs of the coupler is connected to an output of a respective laser, and each of the outputs of the coupler is connected to an output of the multiple-output laser source. In some embodiments the laser source is connected to other equipment with a single composite connector for making an optical connection and a plurality of electrical connections.