Pluggable Optical Module Light Intensity Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems, the difference in light intensities of optical signals output from multiple optical modulators leads to deteriorated signal quality, which existing techniques, such as those disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, are unable to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable optical module with a drive unit that amplifies data signals to produce first and second drive signals, a light-intensity monitoring unit to monitor these signals, and a control unit that adjusts the gain of the drive unit to equalize the light intensities of the optical signals output from the optical modulators, ensuring consistent signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple optical modulators are used to output multiple optical signals, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the difference in light intensities between the optical signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by individually adjusting the drive signal amplitude for each optical modulator based on its specific characteristics. The control unit monitors the light intensity of each optical signal and independently controls the drive unit to provide customized amplitude adjustments, ensuring each modulator operates optimally despite individual differences in modulation curves and characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amplitude parameter of drive signals based on monitored light intensity values. The control unit modifies the drive signal parameters in real-time to compensate for individual differences among optical modulators, thereby equalizing the light intensities of output optical signals while maintaining high data transmission capacity.
2Reliability
If the amplitude of drive signals is controlled to maximize optical output, then the communication quality is improved, but the difference between light intensities of optical signals from different modulators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by using the light-intensity monitoring unit to continuously monitor the output of each optical modulator and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the drive signal amplitudes based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that simultaneously optimizes communication quality and equalizes light intensities across multiple optical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying the amplitude parameter of drive signals based on real-time monitoring results. The control unit adjusts these parameters to achieve optimal communication quality while maintaining uniform light intensities, resolving the contradiction between maximizing output and ensuring uniformity.
3Volume of moving object
If semiconductor modulators are used to reduce module size, then the compactness is improved, but the individual difference of modulation curves increases leading to greater light intensity differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by recognizing and accommodating the individual differences of each semiconductor modulator's modulation curve. The control unit stores and utilizes specific modulation characteristics for each modulator, enabling customized drive signal adjustments that compensate for manufacturing variations while maintaining the compact benefits of semiconductor technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting drive signal amplitudes based on the specific modulation curves of individual semiconductor modulators. This allows the system to maintain compact size while compensating for variations in modulation characteristics through dynamic parameter adjustment, thereby equalizing light intensities across all optical signals.
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
The solution effectively adjusts and equalizes the light intensities of optical signals, thereby improving signal quality and reducing the imbalance between them, enhancing the overall performance of the optical communication system.
Implementation Method 1
drive means for outputting first and second drive signals by amplifying the data signal
Implementation Method 2
optical signal output means for outputting a first optical signal modulated according to the first drive signal and a second optical signal modulated according to the second drive signal
Implementation Method 3
light-intensity monitoring means for monitoring intensities of the first and second optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable optical module according to the present invention includes a pluggable electric connector configured so as to be insertable into and removable from an optical transmission apparatus, and capable of transmitting/receiving a data signal to/from the optical transmission apparatus, a drive unit configured to output first/second driving signals by amplifying the data signal, an optical signal output unit configured to output a first/second optical signal modulated according to the first/second drive signal, a light-intensity monitoring unit configured to monitor intensities of the first/second optical signals, a control unit configured to control a gain of the drive unit so as to adjust a difference between the intensities of the first/second optical signals based on a result of the monitoring by the light-intensity monitoring unit, and a pluggable optical receptor configured so that an optical fiber can be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom, and configured to output the first/second optical signals.