Optical Frequency-division Multiplexer for Power-Efficient Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network systems require complex circuit configurations and high power consumption due to frequent photoelectric conversion processes, especially at relay nodes, and lack efficient methods for direct multiplexing of signal information within optical fibers without electrical conversion.
Innovation Solution
An optical frequency-division multiplexer that uses a first optical coupler to split and modulate carrier and monitor lights, allowing for optical multiplexing and demultiplexing without photoelectric conversion, utilizing WDM couplers to maintain power efficiency and reduce conversion operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photoelectric conversion is performed at relay nodes for signal processing, then electrical signal processing can be achieved, but circuit complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical photoelectric conversion system with an all-optical processing system. Optical signals are directly modulated and processed in the optical domain using optical modulators and optical switches, eliminating the need for photoelectric conversion circuits and their associated complexity at relay nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical carriers and optical modulation schemes as intermediaries to transfer information without converting to electrical signals. Optical modulators serve as intermediaries that directly modulate optical carriers with data signals, enabling optical signal processing without photoelectric conversion.
2Ease of operation
If photoelectric conversion is performed at relay nodes, then electrical processing can be done, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive photoelectric conversion process with efficient optical modulation and processing. By keeping signals in the optical domain throughout transmission and processing, the system avoids the high power consumption associated with photoelectric conversion and electrical signal regeneration at relay nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous optical signal transmission without interruption by photoelectric conversion. Optical signals are modulated and switched directly in the optical domain, allowing the useful optical energy to be transmitted continuously without the energy losses and conversions that occur with photoelectric conversion processes.
3Reliability
If monitor information is transmitted as electrical signal or with dedicated optical wave, then monitoring can be performed, but bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitor signal transmission with the data signal transmission by multiplexing them onto the same optical carrier. Both data and monitor information are modulated onto optical carriers using different modulation schemes or frequency divisions, allowing simultaneous transmission without requiring separate dedicated optical waves, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency.
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 multiplexing and transmission of information within optical networks with reduced power consumption and simplified circuit configurations by directly multiplexing data signals with carrier lights, effectively managing monitor signals and maintaining broad bandwidth operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical modulator configured to optically modulate the first carrier light split by the first optical coupler using a signal including a first data signal so as to multiplex the first data signal with the first carrier light
Implementation Method 2
a first optical coupler configured to receive a first wavelength-division multiplexed light obtained by wavelength-division multiplexing a first carrier light and a first monitor light and split the first carrier light and the first monitor light from each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical frequency-division multiplexer includes: a first optical coupler configured to receive a first wavelength-division multiplexed light obtained by wavelength-division multiplexing a first carrier light and a first monitor light and split the first carrier light and the first monitor light from each other; an optical modulator configured to optically modulate the split first carrier light using a signal including a first data signal so as to multiplex the first data signal with the first carrier light; a receiver configured to receive a branched part of the split first monitor light and demodulate a second data signal from the first monitor light; and a second optical coupler configured to couple a remaining part of the split first monitor light and the first carrier light with which the first data signal has been multiplexed.