Optical Amplifier FPGA Update Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating the FPGA in an optical amplifying apparatus during operation interrupts control of optical signals, causing communication failures and requiring time-consuming parameter rewriting, while using two FPGAs is costly and large in size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a latch unit between the gate array and circuits to temporarily store parameters and control devices using these stored parameters, allowing continuous optical amplification and easy parameter reproduction during updates, without the need for additional FPGAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FPGA is updated during operation, then the FPGA can be improved or updated with new programs, but control of optical signals is interrupted causing communication failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing control parameters in the latch unit before FPGA update begins. The latch unit holds the driving current parameters and temperature parameters that will be needed after update, ensuring control continuity without interruption to optical signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch unit acts as an intermediary between the FPGA and the control circuits. During FPGA update, the latch unit mediates by providing stored parameters to the control circuits, preventing direct interruption of control signals while the FPGA is being reprogrammed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the FPGA parameters are rewritten after updating, then the FPGA can function with new parameters, but it takes a lot of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The latch unit pre-stores the necessary control parameters before FPGA update occurs. This preliminary storage action eliminates the need for time-consuming parameter rewriting after update, as parameters are already prepared and available in the latch unit for immediate use.
3Reliability
If two FPGAs are used for backup and update, then control can continue during update, but the system becomes large-sized and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the parameter storage function from the FPGA itself and places it in a separate latch unit. This allows a single FPGA to be used for control while its parameters are independently stored and preserved in the latch unit, eliminating the need for a second backup FPGA.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch unit serves multiple functions: it stores control parameters during normal operation, preserves parameters during FPGA update, and provides parameters to control circuits after update. This multi-functional component replaces the need for a dedicated backup FPGA.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical amplifying apparatus having: a CPU 11 for processing various signals; a plurality of circuits 17, 18 for controlling respective devices 4, 9 required for optical amplification; a first storing unit 14 for storing a program supplied from a user a gate array 12 for storing various parameters for controlling the devices 4, 9, the gate array being updated based on the program which is stored in the first storing unit 14 and sent via the CPU 11; a latch unit 13, provided between the gate array 12 and the circuits 17, 18, for interrupting a signal path from the gate array 12 to the circuits 17, 18 after receiving a starting signal of an update from the CPU 11 until the update being finished and for controlling the circuits 17, 18 based on the parameters stored in the gate array 12 before the signal path is interrupted; and a second storing unit 16 for, at least during the update, storing the various parameters which are stored in the gate array 12 before the update.