Multi-wavelength Power Sensing via Coupler and Filter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power testing in multi-wavelength optical networks, such as GPON, XGS-PON, and NG-PON2, is technically challenging due to the broad range of wavelengths used, making it difficult to accurately measure the power levels of downstream and upstream signals, especially since upstream signals are sent towards the OLT and downstream signals towards the ONT on the same optical fiber.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength power meter is designed with a first coupler to separate optical signals from OLT and ONT, and a second coupler to combine them, using fixed and tunable filters to isolate specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges for precise power measurement, minimizing pass-through losses and enabling measurement of both upstream and downstream signals on a single fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single power meter measures all wavelengths on the same fiber, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to wavelength interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into separate wavelength-specific power meters, each dedicated to measuring a specific wavelength or wavelength range. This segmentation eliminates interference between different wavelengths and enables precise measurement for each wavelength channel in multi-wavelength optical networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength selective components (such as optical filters or wavelength division multiplexing components) as intermediaries between the optical fiber and power meters. These intermediaries separate different wavelengths before measurement, allowing each power meter to measure only its designated wavelength range without interference from other wavelengths.
2Measurement precision
If multiple power meters are used for different wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs wavelength selective components and power meter units that can be standardized and reused across different wavelength channels. Each power meter unit is designed with universal interfaces and similar internal structures, allowing them to be deployed in various configurations for different wavelength combinations, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite measuring multiple wavelengths.
3Measurement precision
If optical signals are separated and measured individually, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of signal power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-performance optical filters or wavelength division multiplexing components as intermediaries that separate wavelengths with minimal insertion loss. These intermediaries are designed to maintain high transmission efficiency while effectively isolating different wavelength channels, thus reducing the loss of optical signal power during the separation process.
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 solution allows for accurate power measurement across various wavelength ranges, addressing the technical challenges of power testing in multi-wavelength networks by effectively isolating and measuring specified wavelengths, thereby improving measurement precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A filter may be communicatively connected to the optical fiber to isolate at least one specified wavelength or wavelength range of the combined optical signals
Implementation Method 2
A photodiode may be communicatively connected to the filter for power measurement of the at least one specified wavelength or wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a multi-wavelength power meter may include a first coupler to separate optical signals from an optical line terminal and an optical network terminal to ascertain a reduced percentage of total power related to the optical signals. A second coupler may receive the separated optical signals, combine the separated optical signals, and output the combined optical signals to an optical fiber. A filter may be communicatively connected to the optical fiber to isolate at least one specified wavelength or wavelength range of the combined optical signals. A photodiode may be communicatively connected to the filter for power measurement of the at least one specified wavelength or wavelength range.