Pluggable Optical Module Physical Layer Management via Fiber Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pluggable active optical modules lack efficient management of connectivity and physical layer information, leading to difficulties in detecting and managing optical fiber connections and associated devices within data center networks.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable active optical module with an electrical connector, optical adapters, a storage device interface, a transmitter optical assembly, a receiver optical assembly, a controller, and a programmable processor that accesses storage devices on optical fibers to provide physical layer management information to host devices, along with a switch to control electrical connector contacts, enabling selective grounding and management of connectivity states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pluggable active optical module is used for high speed optical fiber connectivity, then data center network interconnection capability is improved, but management of physical layer information and connectivity detection becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary management system that acts as a mediator between the optical module and the host device. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of physical layer information management and connectivity detection, shielding the host device from complexity while enabling high-speed optical communication. The management system includes management circuits that interface with the optical module and provide simplified management functions to the host device.
2Ease of operation
If a storage device interface is added to access physical layer management information, then connectivity management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management interface that can access physical layer information from different types of optical modules and storage devices. The management system is designed to be multi-functional, handling various connectivity detection and management tasks through a single standardized interface, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses storage devices (such as EEPROM or other non-volatile memory) to store and copy physical layer management information. This allows the management system to access connectivity and module information without requiring complex real-time sensing circuits, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining management capability.
3Measurement precision
If a switch is added to control electrical connector contacts for grounding, then connectivity detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch (such as a GPIO-controlled switch) that can dynamically change the grounding state of electrical connector contacts based on detected events. This dynamic control allows the system to adaptively manage connectivity detection, improving measurement precision by selectively grounding contacts only when needed for detection, rather than maintaining permanent grounding circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is configured to automatically ground specific contacts in response to detected events, such as module insertion or connectivity changes. This preliminary action of grounding contacts only when detection is needed improves precision while minimizing the time that complex switching circuits are active, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 transparent management of optical fiber connections and physical layer information, allowing for efficient detection and aggregation of connection states, reducing the need for host device modifications and enhancing data center network management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter optical assembly (TOSA) for converting electrical signals from the electrical connector into optical signals for transmission over the one or more optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a receiver optical assembly (ROSA) for converting optical signals from the one or more optical fibers to electrical signals for sending from the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable active optical module includes: electrical connector to communicate electrical signals; optical adapter(s) to communicate optical signals over optical fiber(s); storage device interface configured to contact corresponding storage device interface on optical fiber(s); transmitter optical assembly to convert electrical signals received from electrical connector into optical signals for communication by optical adapter(s) over optical fiber(s); a receiver optical assembly to convert optical signals received from optical adapter(s) to electrical signals for communication by electrical connector; controller to control transmitter optical assembly and receiver optical assembly; programmable processor coupled to storage device interface and first contact(s) of electrical connector and that accesses physical layer management information from storage device in optical fiber(s) through storage device interface and provides physical layer management information to host device connected to electrical connector; and switch between second contact of electrical connector and ground that selectively connects second contact of electrical connector to ground.