Optical Encoder Modulator for Real-Time Packet Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for inspecting data in optical data streams require conversion of optical signals to electrical signals, which involves buffering and processing, making them inefficient for real-time packet inspection and pattern matching.
Innovation Solution
An optical system that encodes and modulates optical signals using an optical encoder and modulator, such as a microring resonator, to generate an optical match signal that can be directly detected by a photodetector, allowing for real-time comparison and pattern recognition without the need for electrical conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical signals are converted to electrical signals for packet inspection, then data can be processed using conventional memory and search engine circuits, but the inspection speed decreases and real-time processing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical signal processing system with an optical signal processing system. Optical modulators and photodetectors directly process optical packets without electrical conversion, maintaining inspection accuracy while dramatically increasing processing speed to enable real-time operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical modulators and photodetectors as intermediary components that enable direct optical domain processing. These components act as mediators between the optical packet and the inspection logic, allowing pattern matching to occur in the optical domain without requiring electrical conversion.
2Ease of operation
If optical signals are converted to electrical signals for buffering, then packet data can be stored in memory circuits, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical memory buffering with optical buffering mechanisms. By maintaining packets in the optical domain throughout processing, the system eliminates the time penalty associated with electrical conversion while preserving the ability to buffer and retrieve packets for inspection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical conversion and buffering is used, then packet inspection can be performed using existing circuits, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical conversion infrastructure with direct optical processing components. By eliminating optical-to-electrical converters and associated buffering circuits, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through optical domain pattern matching capabilities.
4Speed
If optical signals are directly processed without electrical conversion, then real-time inspection speed improves, but conventional processing methods cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical modulators and photodetectors as intermediary components that enable direct optical processing. These mediators allow the system to achieve real-time inspection speeds by performing pattern matching in the optical domain while providing a structured interface between optical signals and inspection logic.
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 efficient and real-time inspection of data packets by directly processing optical signals, improving the speed and efficiency of data processing and pattern matching within the system.
Implementation Method 1
An optical modulator can modulate the second optical signal based on compare data to generate an optical match signal
Implementation Method 2
A photodetector can generate an electrical match signal in response to the optical match signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include at least one optical encoder section configured to transform a first optical signal carrying first data into a second optical signal carrying the first data and an additional optical feature not present in the first optical signal; at least one optical modulator configured to optically modulate the second optical signal according to a compare data to generate an optical match signal that indicates matches between the compare data and the first data; and at least one photodetector configured to generate an electrical match signal in response to the optical match signal; wherein the optical match signal has at least first values when the first data matches the compare data, and at least second values when the first data does not match the compare data. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.