Optic Signal Generator Housing for Polarization and Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical signal generation systems lack stability due to inconsistent optical polarization and temperature variations, as well as movement and disruption of components and cables, leading to unstable test signals during design and testing of optical communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A stable optical reference signal generator system with a housing that maintains temperature consistency and secures fiber optic cables, featuring a polarity control unit, modulator, and temperature monitoring, along with external control options for bias signals and pattern generation, to produce a consistent and modulated optic signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate self-contained components are arranged on a test bench, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but temperature consistency deteriorates and signal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (optical signal generator, polarizer, modulator, temperature monitor, and cooling system) into a single integrated housing. This merging eliminates the problems of temperature inconsistency and signal instability caused by separate components, while still maintaining ease of manufacture through modular internal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, thermal management through integrated cooling, signal transmission pathways, and component mounting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through integration while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are positioned in different locations, then ease of operation is improved and adaptability is enhanced, but temperature consistency deteriorates and signal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components within a single housing with a unified cooling system, the patent ensures that all elements operate within the same thermal environment, achieving temperature consistency while maintaining adaptability through configurable internal arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If components and cables are free-standing and movable, then ease of operation is improved, but signal stability deteriorates due to movement and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all components and cable connections within a single housing, eliminating external cables and movable parts. This ensures signal stability by preventing movement and disruption, while the integrated design remains easy to operate as a complete unit.
4Device complexity
If optical polarization is not maintained or adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but signal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a polarizer and polarity control unit within the housing, maintaining optical polarization without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The integrated design allows polarization control to be part of the standard configuration rather than an add-on, preserving signal stability.
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 generates a stable and consistent optical reference signal by maintaining optical polarization and temperature stability, reducing signal disruptions and ensuring accurate testing of optical communication equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates electrical to optical converter and in particular, to a method and apparatus for generating a stable reference quality optical signal
Implementation Method 2
A polarity control unit is configured to receive the optic signal and adjust polarization of the optic signal to create a polarization adjusted optic signal
Implementation Method 3
one or more temperature monitors and one or more fans configured to maintain a temperature within the enclosing area with a temperature range
Implementation Method 4
The modulator is configured to receive the polarization adjusted optic signal, the pattern signal, and the modulation signal to generate a modulated output signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optic reference signal generator comprising a housing forming an enclosed space with one or more air flow openings. Within the housing is an optic signal generator driver configured to generate an optic signal generator drive signal. An optic signal generator generates an optic signal responsive to the optic signal generator drive signal. A polarity control unit adjusts polarization of the optic signal to create a polarization adjusted optic signal and a modulator bias generator and controller generates a modulation signal. A pattern signal input receives a pattern signal and a modulator receives the polarization adjusted optic signal, the pattern signal, and the modulation signal to generate a modulated output signal.