Optical Buffer Unit Variable Delay Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical buffering technologies face inefficiencies in processing efficiency due to the need for multiple delay lines for variable delay times and limited capacity to buffer multiple optical signals.
Innovation Solution
An optical buffer unit comprising multiple delay line units and switches that allow for variable delay times by controlling the output of optical signals through a 1-input 2-output switch configuration, enabling efficient processing and buffering of multiple signals without increasing the number of delay lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FDLs with different fixed lengths are installed to achieve variable delay times, then the required number of delay lines increases, but the processing efficiency is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixed-length FDLs with a switch to create a variable delay time system. Instead of installing separate FDLs for each delay requirement, the system merges several FDLs of the same length with switching control to achieve multiple delay times, thereby reducing the total number of delay lines needed while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching control to transform static fixed-length FDLs into a dynamic system that can provide variable delay times. The switch dynamically connects different FDLs in sequence, allowing the delay time to be adjusted without physically changing the FDL configuration, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length FDL and 2×2 switch are used to give variable delay times, then the number of optical signals that can be buffered by one buffer is limited to one, but the processing efficiency is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffering function across multiple FDLs that are connected through a switch. Each FDL can independently buffer optical signals, and the switch enables selective connection to different FDLs. This segmentation allows multiple optical signals to be buffered simultaneously in different FDLs, increasing buffering capacity while maintaining variable delay time capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the switch serve multiple functions: it acts as both a delay selection mechanism and a signal routing component that enables simultaneous buffering of multiple signals. The FDLs are designed to be universally applicable for different signal buffering requirements, allowing the same hardware configuration to handle multiple signals with different delay requirements, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
An optical buffer unit includes a plurality of delay line units each of which gives a delay to optical signals, and a switch that receives an optical signal output from one of the delay line units, includes a first output for outputting the optical signal to a next one of the delay line units and a second output for outputting the optical signal to another apparatus, and outputs the optical signal from the first output or the second output.