Optical Disconnect Response Metric Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring disconnect response time in optical communication systems are inaccurate and costly, particularly for high-speed optical signals, due to the use of multiple optical components like oscilloscopes and power meters, which cause optical losses and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A test device is used to measure disconnect response metric by transmitting a test optical signal and determining the time of discontinuation and detection of the response optical signal, eliminating the need for costly equipment and minimizing optical losses, with the metric calculated as the number of clock cycles between these events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical components (oscilloscope, power meter) are used to measure disconnect response time, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to optical losses and human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement functions into a single integrated test device that performs both signal transmission and response detection internally. The test device transmits a first signal to the optical device and detects the second signal response without requiring external oscilloscopes or power meters, thereby eliminating optical losses between components and removing human errors from manual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal signal generation and detection mechanism as an intermediary within the test device. Instead of directly measuring optical signals with external equipment, the test device generates test signals, transmits them through the optical device under test, and internally detects the responses, creating a self-contained measurement system that eliminates the need for multiple external optical components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then disconnect response time can be measured, but cost increases due to expensive equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile optical measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, power meters) with a more cost-effective integrated test device. The solution uses standard communication interfaces and internal signal processing rather than requiring high-end optical instrumentation, significantly reducing the cost of the measurement system while maintaining measurement capability.
3Reliability
If multiple optical components are used in the measurement path, then signal transmission can be monitored, but optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the optical signal path by using internal electrical signal generation and detection within the test device. Instead of inserting multiple optical components (couplers, meters, oscilloscopes) into the optical path which cause losses, the system uses electrical signals for control and internal electronic detection, removing the harmful optical components from the measurement path while maintaining reliable signal monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to method for measuring a disconnect response time. The method includes discontinuing, in response to a determining that a disconnect response metric test is to be initiated, transmission of a test optical signal by a test device to a DUT coupled to the test device, wherein the DUT is to discontinue transmission of a response optical signal to the test device upon detection of a loss of the test optical signal. Further, a loss of the response optical signal by may be detected by the test device. Furthermore, a disconnect response metric of the DUT may be determined by the test device based on a time of discontinuation of the transmission of the test optical signal and a time of detection of the loss of the response optical signal.