Optical Circuit Signal Level Determination Without Direct Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical circuits face challenges in determining the relational expression between signal light levels and monitored values for photodetectors that cannot directly measure signal light power, leading to increased processing loads.
Innovation Solution
An optical circuit with first and second photodetectors, each converting signal light to detection signals with specific conversion efficiencies, and a controller that connects these signals to corresponding converters to calculate imaginary light levels and correlations between signal light levels and monitored values without direct measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of signal light power is performed for all photodetectors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring optical power meters and physical modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation approach where the relational expression is derived through mathematical computation rather than direct physical measurement. The controller calculates the relational expression between signal light power and monitored values using data from photodetectors and converters, avoiding the need for optical power meters and physical modifications to the optical circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measurement system (optical power meters, physical connection modifications) with an electronic calculation system. The controller uses electronic computation to determine the relational expression, substituting direct physical measurement with mathematical processing of electrical signals from photodetectors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine relational expressions for photodetectors that cannot directly measure signal light, then processing loads increase, but measurement capability is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and calculation during the manufacturing process. The relational expression is determined in advance during production rather than during operation, so that during normal operation the pre-determined relational expression is simply referenced without requiring additional processing loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures signal light power at specific discrete levels (e.g., 0 dBm, -10 dBm, -20 dBm) rather than continuously across all possible values. This partial measurement approach is sufficient to determine the relational expression through linear interpolation, reducing measurement and processing complexity while maintaining adequate accuracy for practical applications.
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
Enables the determination of signal light levels and monitored values for light monitors that cannot directly measure signal light, achieving this without increasing processing loads.
Implementation Method 1
a first photodetector for converting the first signal light to a first detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical circuit includes a selector that supplies an output current from a first photodetector to a converter provided for a second photodetector, and a processor that imaginarily calculates the level of signal light output from an optical device, which is detected by the second photodetector, based upon the level of signal light input to the optical device, which is measured by measurement means, and upon conversion efficiencies of the first and second photodetectors and that thus calculates the correlation between the output signal light level and its monitored value output from the converter provided for the second photodetector.