Optical Link Characterization Using Wavelength-Swept Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in specifying transmission characteristics between optical transmitters and receivers without the need for expensive optical spectrum analyzers.
Innovation Solution
A communication system and method that utilizes wavelength-swept optical signals to specify transmission characteristics by transmitting optical signals across a wavelength range and using less expensive photodiodes with wavelength filters to measure reception intensity, allowing for the determination of receivable wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical spectrum analyzers are used to specify transmission characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical spectrum analyzers with inexpensive photodiodes combined with wavelength filters. This substitution uses cheap, readily available components to achieve the same measurement function, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity/cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple photodiodes, each paired with specific wavelength filters. This segmentation allows the system to measure different wavelength ranges independently, achieving comprehensive transmission characteristics measurement without requiring a single complex optical spectrum analyzer.
2Measurement precision
If optical spectrum analyzers are used to specify transmission characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical spectrum analyzers with inexpensive photodiodes combined with wavelength filters. This substitution uses cheap, readily available components to achieve the same measurement function, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity/cost.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength-swept optical signals are transmitted, then transmission characteristics specification is improved, but ease of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs wavelength sweeping and measurement without requiring manual intervention. The optical transmitter autonomously sweeps through wavelengths and the photodiode system automatically measures and identifies receivable wavelengths, making the operation simple while maintaining precise transmission characteristics specification.
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 the easy specification of transmission characteristics with a cheaper configuration, reducing the reliance on costly optical spectrum analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter transmits at least an optical signal of a wavelength channel
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver converts the optical signal into an electrical signal and measures reception intensity of the electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
using less expensive photodiodes with wavelength filters to measure reception intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes: one or more first optical communication devices; a second optical communication device that communicates with the one or more first optical communication devices; and a transmission path that connects the one or more first optical communication devices and the second optical communication device. The one or more first optical communication devices include: a transmitting unit that transmits an optical signal having a wavelength within a wavelength range for confirmation transmission characteristics in the optical transmission path to the second optical communication device via the optical transmission path. The communication system includes a specifying unit that specifies the transmission characteristics in the optical transmission path based on an optical signal having a wavelength within the wavelength range transmitted from the one or more first optical communication devices.