Optical Communication Device Out-of-Band Fault Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In WDM-PON systems, determining optical path failures without a serviced wavelength (in-band wavelength) communication signal is challenging, as the absence of this signal prevents accurate assessment of main optical path faults.
Innovation Solution
The optical communication device employs a multiplexer, signal generator, filter, switch, and controller to generate and analyze reflected light from an out-band optical signal, allowing the device to determine optical path faults and connection errors without relying on in-band communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serviced wavelength (in-band wavelength) communication signal is used to monitor optical path status, then the system can determine main optical path faults, but the system cannot determine failures when the communication signal itself is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-band optical signal as an intermediary monitoring signal that is independent of the in-band communication signal. This intermediary signal serves as a dedicated probe to detect optical path status without being affected by the absence or quality of the communication signal itself, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable fault detection and information loss when signals are absent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the monitoring function from the communication function by using distinct wavelength bands. The out-band optical signal is specifically allocated for monitoring purposes, while the in-band signal handles communication. This segmentation allows the monitoring system to operate independently and detect faults even when communication signals are absent or degraded
2Reliability
If a redundant optical path is formed to solve single optical path failure, then system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components for path switching and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The out-band optical signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a monitoring probe for fault detection, provides path status information for switching decisions, and enables automatic failover control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high reliability through redundant path capability
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
This solution enables the optical communication device to automatically detect optical path failures and connection errors, ensuring system reliability and minimizing downtime by eliminating the need for in-band communication signals.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to, when the first optical signal is input, separate the first optical signal into a second optical signal and a third optical signal and output them through different routes
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to reflect the second optical signal to output reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a multiplexer configured to demultiplex and output the third optical signal, the reflected light is transmitted to the plurality of optical cables through the coupler via the filter
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical communication device including: a multiplexer configured to multiplex one or more input optical signals to output a single first optical signal; a signal generator configured to generate a second optical signal having a preset wavelength; a filter configured to generate a third optical signal by combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal; a switch configured to connect any one of a plurality of optical cables connected to the switch with the filter to transmit the third optical signal through any one of the plurality of optical cables; and a controller configured to control the switch by analyzing reflected light of the second optical signal.