Optical Dispersion Compensator With Switched Parallel Buses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatic dispersion compensation methods for direct detection transmission systems in 5G mobile networks, particularly in the 1550 nm wavelength region, are costly, difficult to implement, and suffer from loss and bandwidth limitations, making them unsuitable for metro access and aggregation segments.
Innovation Solution
An Optical Dispersion Compensator (ODC) with alternating ODC units on parallel optical buses and a switching element that minimizes power consumption by using Mach Zehnder switches in inactive and active states to compensate for different transmission lengths, incorporating micro-ring resonators for frequency-dependent delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dispersion compensation methods (DCF, FBG, LC) are used in direct detection transmission systems, then chromatic dispersion can be compensated, but the system suffers from high cost, difficulty of implementation, and loss/bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical dispersion compensation devices (DCF, FBG, LC) with an electronic solution implemented in a digital signal processor. The DSP performs electronic equalization to compensate for chromatic dispersion, substituting complex optical/mechanical systems with programmable electronic processing, thereby reducing implementation complexity and eliminating loss/bandwidth limitations of traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compensation approach from optical domain (physical dispersion compensation) to electronic domain (digital signal processing). By transforming the dispersion compensation function into the electronic realm, the system achieves flexible, reconfigurable compensation without the physical constraints of traditional optical devices
2Measurement precision
If multiple ODC units and switching elements are used to compensate for varying transmission lengths, then dispersion compensation accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where ODC units and switching elements are selectively activated based on the actual transmission distance. The system adapts its complexity in real-time, enabling only the necessary number of ODC units for the given link length, thereby achieving accurate dispersion compensation while minimizing power consumption by keeping unused units in a low-power state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of dispersion compensation to different parts of the system based on local requirements. Each ODC unit is independently controllable and activated only where needed along the transmission path, allowing precise matching of compensation resources to actual dispersion demands, thus optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption
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 ODC efficiently compensates for chromatic dispersion across varying transmission distances with reduced power consumption, minimizing the number of active switching elements and heaters, thus optimizing energy efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating micro-ring resonators for frequency-dependent delay
Implementation Method 2
using Mach Zehnder switches in inactive and active states
Data Source
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AI summary
An Optical Dispersion Compensator (ODC) is disclosed, the ODC being suitable for managing chromatic dispersion of an optical signal for transmission over an optical fiber. The ODC comprises a first ODC unit (202) arranged on a first optical bus (206), a second ODC unit (204) arranged on a second optical bus (208), parallel to the first optical bus (206), and a switching element (210) interconnecting the first and second optical buses (206, 208) between the first and second ODC units (202, 204). The first and second ODC units (202, 204) are operable to provide a delay to the optical signal that varies with frequency. The switching element (210) is configured, in a first state, to switch an optical signal received on one of the first or second optical buses (206, 208) to the other of the first or second optical buses (208, 206) and, in a second state, to maintain an optical signal received on one of the first or second optical buses (206, 208) on the optical bus on which it was received (206, 208). Reflective elements (710) may be included in the ODC, providing bidirectional propagation through one of more ODC units.