Optical Branch Coupler for Submarine Cable Signal Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In submarine cable systems, unidirectional communication configurations lead to intensity differences in optical signals, making it difficult to apply a common design method and device to optical transmission paths, thereby complicating the design of the system.
Innovation Solution
An optical branching/coupling device that multiplexes and demultiplexes optical signals between submarine cables, ensuring that the intensity of signals transmitted from one terminal station to another is maintained, allowing for easier design standardization across transmission paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unidirectional communication configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to intensity differences in optical signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the optical signal intensity through the wavelength selective switch to maintain consistent levels across different transmission paths. This allows unidirectional communication configurations to achieve intensity consistency comparable to bidirectional systems, resolving the contradiction between reduced device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements
2Ease of operation
If unidirectional communication configuration is used, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in applying common design methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the wavelength selective switch to perform multiple functions: it not only routes optical signals but also actively adjusts their intensity levels. This multi-functionality allows the same device architecture to be used across different communication configurations (unidirectional and bidirectional), making common design methods applicable and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining operational simplicity
3Reliability
If intensity difference between optical signals is small, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases to maintain consistent intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the wavelength selective switch to automatically adjust and maintain consistent optical signal intensities without requiring external intervention or complex additional control systems. The device performs its own intensity balancing function, achieving improved reliability through consistent signal levels while avoiding the need for more complex external intensity management infrastructure
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 enhances the reliability of optical transmission paths and simplifies the design of submarine cable systems by maintaining consistent signal intensities, facilitating the use of common design methods and devices across different transmission paths.
Implementation Method 1
wavelength-multiplexing a first optical signal received from a first submarine cable with a second optical signal received from a third submarine cable
Implementation Method 2
wavelength-demultiplexing the fourth optical signal and the fifth optical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide an optical branch coupler and an optical branching coupling method which facilitate communizing the design of an optical transmission path. [Solution] An optical branch coupler comprising: a first add drop unit for outputting a third optical signal to a first line in which a first optical signal received from the first line and a second optical signal inserted into the first line are multiplexed and outputting the first optical signal; and a second add drop unit for receiving the first optical signal, receiving a sixth optical signal from a second line different from the first line in which a fourth optical signal and a fifth optical signal dropped from the second line are wavelength multiplexed, demultiplexing the fourth and fifth optical signals, and outputting a seventh optical signal to the second line in which the fourth optical signal and the first optical signal transmitted by the first add drop unit are multiplexed.