Optical Module Memory for Streamlined Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development, manufacturing, and testing of optical amplifier modules, particularly Erbium Doped Fiber Optical Amplifier (EDFA) modules, are labor-intensive and complex due to the need for extensive calibration in advanced systems with multiple components, especially in 'dumb' modules lacking control circuitry, which complicates system validation and can lead to software and hardware defects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory component within the optical module or subassembly that is pre-loaded with calibration and configuration data by the supplier, allowing the host module with control circuitry to access and utilize this data for calibration, testing, and control, thereby streamlining the process without adding complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a 'dumb' optical module without control circuitry is used, then device complexity is reduced and hardware/software defects are minimized, but manufacturing time increases due to labor-intensive calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating optical modules at the manufacturer level and storing calibration data in a database before deployment. This advance preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site calibration, reducing manufacturing time while keeping the module design simple without control circuitry.
2Ease of operation
If a 'smart' optical module with built-in control circuit is used, then calibration data is stored within the module enabling autonomous operation, but device complexity increases and system validation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control circuitry from the optical module and relocates it to the host system. The module retains only passive optical components and a database interface, while calibration and control functions are performed by the host system's control circuit, reducing module complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the optical module and the host control system. Calibration data is stored in the database and accessed by the host control circuit, enabling smart functionality without embedding control circuits in the module itself.
3Measurement precision
If extensive calibration is performed on advanced optical systems with multiple components, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to several hours required for full calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive calibration in advance at the manufacturer level and stores results in a database. This preliminary calibration ensures measurement precision is achieved during manufacturing rather than deployment, eliminating time loss during installation while maintaining calibration accuracy through pre-stored data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to streamlining optical module and/or subassembly development, manufacturing, and testing through introducing a memory component within a module and/or subassembly that is utilized with a host module for system calibration and/or configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can streamline optical amplifier (EDFA) module and/or subassembly development, manufacturing, and testing. The present invention includes an optical module/sub-assembly without control circuitry, i.e. a “dumb module”, but with a memory that is used to load relevant data from a supplier. This data is utilized to calibrate, test, and configure the optical module/sub-assembly in a host module. The host module includes control circuitry to access this memory in the optical module/sub-assembly and to calibrate, test, configure, and control the optical module/sub-assembly. Advantageously, this additional memory reduces manufacturing time without the disadvantage of adding complexity in the optical module/sub-assembly.