Optical Network Terminal Multi-Standard Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical network terminals require replacement and incur hardware and labor costs when they are not compatible with changing communication standards, and they must be adaptable to various standards across different regions.

Innovation Solution

An optical network terminal design incorporating a Wavelength Division Multiplexer, dual photoelectric conversion circuits, and a processing circuit with a fork metal trace structure, allowing automatic switching between communication standards without the need for hardware replacement or reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical network terminals are replaced when communication standards change, then compatibility with new standards is achieved, but hardware costs and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with communication standardsVSAvoidhardware waste and labor costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The optical network terminal is designed with dual photoelectric conversion circuits (first and second circuits) that support different communication standards simultaneously. The processing circuit can selectively activate either the first or second photoelectric conversion circuit based on the detected standard, enabling a single device to serve multiple functions and adapt to different standards without replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different photoelectric conversion circuits based on real-time detection of communication standards. The processing circuit monitors incoming signals and automatically activates the appropriate circuit (first or second) to match the current standard, making the terminal adaptable and flexible rather than static and fixed to one standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical network terminals are designed for a specific communication standard, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different regions and standards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to various communication standardsVSAvoidmulti-standard circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photoelectric conversion function is segmented into separate dedicated circuits (first photoelectric conversion circuit for one standard, second photoelectric conversion circuit for another standard). Each circuit is optimized for its specific standard, maintaining simplicity within each segment while the overall system achieves multi-standard capability through selective activation of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual reinstallation is performed when standards change, then compatibility is ensured, but time and labor resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility switchingVSAvoidreinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical network terminal performs self-diagnosis and automatic switching between different communication standards. The processing circuit detects the incoming signal standard and automatically activates the appropriate photoelectric conversion circuit without requiring manual intervention, installation, or configuration changes, thus serving itself to adapt to different standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the optical network terminal to support multiple communication standards, reducing hardware waste and labor costs by automatically adapting to changing standards, ensuring compatibility across different regions.

Implementation Method 1

a Wavelength Division Multiplexer (WDM)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a first photoelectric conversion circuit, a second photoelectric conversion circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4297304A1Optical network terminal and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SERCOMM CORP
  • EP4297304A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297304A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4297304A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An optical network terminal and an operating method thereof are provided. The optical network terminal includes a Wavelength Division Multiplexer (WDM) connected to an optical line terminal, a first photoelectric conversion circuit, a second photoelectric conversion circuit, a downlink branch circuit, a processing circuit and an uplink branch circuit. The first photoelectric conversion circuit and the second photoelectric conversion circuit are connected to the WDM. The downlink branch circuit has a first input port connected to the first photoelectric conversion circuit, a second input port connected to the second photoelectric conversion circuit and a downlink output port. The processing circuit is connected between the downlink output port and a local network terminal. The uplink branch circuit has an uplink input port connected to the processing circuit, a first output port connected to the first photoelectric conversion circuit and a second output port connected to the second photoelectric conversion circuit.