Optical Amplifier Online Update With State-Preserving MCU-FPGA Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical amplifier systems face interruptions in optical fiber communication services during program upgrades, affecting the stability and reliability of the entire communication system.
Innovation Solution
An online program update method and device that utilize a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a programmable logic device (FPGA) to save and restore the working state and parameters of a digital-to-analog converter, ensuring a smooth transition during upgrades by determining the loading mode and using cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for error-free code transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical amplifier program is upgraded by updating the MCU and FPGA, then the program version is improved, but the optical fiber communication service is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by saving the current working state and parameters of the optical amplifier before the program upgrade. The MCU saves the working state to a non-volatile memory device, and the FPGA saves the working parameters. This preliminary preservation of state information enables the system to restore service continuity after the upgrade, preventing service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a state saving and restoration mechanism that mediates between the program upgrade process and the optical fiber communication service. The working state and parameters act as intermediaries that bridge the gap during the upgrade transition, allowing the service to be restored to its previous state after the upgrade completes.
2Productivity
If the digital-to-analog converter continues operating during upgrade, then service continuity is maintained, but the upgrade process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the digital-to-analog converter operation from the upgrade process. The converter is stopped during the critical upgrade phase when new code is being loaded to the MCU and FPGA, then restarted afterward. This extraction simplifies the upgrade process by isolating the converter operation, making the upgrade more reliable despite the temporary service interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an online program update method and device for an optical amplifier. The method comprises: when a program update instruction is sent, a Microcontroller Unit MCU receiving update programs of MCU and a programmable logic device FPGA, storing them in a program memory device, and sending an update instruction to FPGA; FPGA terminating; operations of a digital-to-analog converter DAC according to the instruction and a current state remaining unchanged; MCU loading new codes of MCU and FPGA while DAC remains in state of halting refreshing; and after MCU and FPGA run the new codes, reading previously stored data, and starting switching from a previous operation state to enter normal operation state. On basis of conventional optical amplifier control, the invention combines characteristics of MCU and FPGA, and ensures uninterrupted service of optical amplifiers, achieving smooth transition of services, thereby improving stability and reliability of whole optical communications systems.