Optical Connector Data Reading for Insertion Loss Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating insertion loss in optical fiber links are time-consuming, equipment-intensive, and personnel-intensive, leading to significant delays and expenses in data center cabling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using data reading apparatus to extract connector information from optical connectors and calculate estimated insertion loss, allowing for the qualification of fiber links without the need for expensive qualification equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical loss test or OTDR methods are used for fiber link testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses data components (digital copies) stored on the connectors to represent actual connector characteristics. Instead of physically measuring connectors with complex equipment, the system reads digital data components that contain connector information, thereby simplifying the testing device while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical measurement systems (OTDR, optical loss test equipment) with an information-based system. Instead of sending optical signals through fibers to measure loss, the system reads digital data from connectors and calculates estimated insertion loss, substituting physical measurement with computational estimation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical loss test or OTDR methods are used for fiber link testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing connector information in data components on the connectors themselves. This information is prepared in advance during connector manufacturing, so when testing is needed, the data is already available and只需 be read and processed, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical measurements during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of connector characteristics stored in data components to rapidly assess connector properties without performing actual optical measurements. This copying approach allows immediate estimation of insertion loss based on pre-captured connector data, significantly reducing testing time.
3Device complexity
If data reading apparatus is used to estimate insertion loss, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data components as intermediaries between the connector physical characteristics and the testing system. These data components contain pre-captured connector information that mediates the interaction, allowing simple reading devices to access detailed connector characteristics without requiring complex measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Connector information is captured and stored in data components during manufacturing or prior to use. This preliminary capture of connector characteristics allows the testing system to rely on pre-acquired data rather than requiring complex real-time measurement capabilities, maintaining precision while simplifying the testing device.
4Measurement precision
If traditional fiber link testing methods are used, then insertion loss measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital copies of connector and fiber information stored in data components to rapidly assess link characteristics. Instead of performing slow physical measurements on each connector and fiber, the system reads pre-stored digital data and calculates estimated insertion loss, dramatically increasing cabling installation speed while maintaining sufficient accuracy for qualification purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical/optical measurement processes with computational estimation based on digital data. This substitution eliminates the need for slow physical testing during installation, allowing rapid qualification of fiber links and significantly improving cabling productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein are used to estimate the insertion loss of an anticipated optical connection between a first optical connector having least one first optical fiber and a second optical connector having at least one second optical fiber. The method includes extracting first connector information stored on the first optical connector to obtain extracted first connector information and extracting second connector information stored on the second optical connector to obtain extracted second connector information. The estimated insertion loss of the anticipated optical connection between the first optical connector and the second optical connector is calculated using the extracted first connector information and the extracted second connector information. The total estimated insertion loss of a fiber link that includes one or more such optical connections can be used to qualify the fiber link without having to directly measure the fiber link insertion loss.