Optical Modulator Arrays for Cross-Connect Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) face limitations in cross-connect capability, failing to meet the growing requirements of high-speed optical communications networks due to the limited number of switchable dimensions provided by a single optical modulator.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical communications method and apparatus that utilizes an input optical modulator array and an output optical modulator array, where each local input area corresponds to a local output area in a one-to-one mapping, allowing each input optical modulator to transmit signal light to multiple output optical modulators, thereby increasing the overall number of switchable dimensions beyond the capability of a single optical modulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical modulator is used for cross-connect, then the device structure remains simple, but the number of switchable dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical modulator system into multiple independent units: input optical modulator arrays and output optical modulator arrays. Each array contains multiple optical modulators that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve more switchable dimensions by combining multiple modulators while keeping each individual modulator's structure simple and unchanged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input and output optical modulators are deployed, then the cross-connect capability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging optical modulators in arrays with specific geometric configurations. Input optical modulator arrays and output optical modulator arrays are positioned in specific spatial relationships, allowing light to propagate between them through defined optical paths. This dimensional arrangement enables increased cross-connect capability without requiring each individual modulator to become more complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical communications method and an optical communications apparatus are provided, where the method is executed on a communications node that includes an input optical modulator array and an output optical modulator array, where the input optical modulator array includes N input optical modulators, where M is greater than the number of output optical modulators that can be covered by one input optical modulator and N is greater than the number of input optical modulators capable of covering a same output optical modulator, and the method includes: determining at least two local input areas from the input optical modulator array, so that each input optical modulator in each local input area is used to receive a foreign signal light; and determining at least two local output areas from the output optical modulator array, where each output optical modulator in each local output area is used to send the foreign signal light, the at least two local input areas correspond to the at least two local output areas in a one-to-one mapping manner, and each input optical modulator in a local input area is capable of transmitting the signal light to each output optical modulator in a corresponding local output area.