Reconfigurable Optical Module for Flexible Wavelength Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixed wavelength configuration of optical modules in bi-direction transmission systems increases manufacturing complexity and reduces networking and maintenance efficiency, as optical modules must be used in pairs and cannot adapt to different wavelength requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design with adjustable wavelength capabilities through varying connection statuses between primary and secondary ports, allowing for flexible wavelength adjustment without replacing modules, and enabling coherent detection using tunable lasers and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed wavelength configuration is used in optical modules, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different wavelength requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength selection by providing multiple laser sources (first laser and second laser) with different fixed wavelengths, and using a switchable connection mechanism. The optical module can dynamically switch between different wavelength configurations through changing the connection status between the processing component and plug component, allowing adaptability to different wavelength requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed with universal functionality to support multiple wavelength configurations. By integrating both first laser and second laser with different wavelengths, and providing switchable connection paths, a single optical module design can serve multiple wavelength requirements, eliminating the need for different dedicated modules for different wavelengths.
2Device complexity
If optical modules are configured with fixed wavelengths, then device complexity is reduced, but networking efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfigurability where the connection status between processing component and plug component can be changed without replacing the optical module. This dynamic switching capability allows rapid adaptation to different networking scenarios, improving networking efficiency while keeping the physical module structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module changes its operational parameters (wavelength, connection configuration) by switching between different connection statuses rather than changing the physical hardware. This parameter-based reconfiguration simplifies the device structure while enabling flexible networking deployments.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical modules use fixed wavelength pairs, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but maintenance efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is designed as a universal unit that can operate with different wavelength configurations. This universality means that during maintenance or replacement, a single type of module can serve multiple wavelength requirements, simplifying inventory management and maintenance procedures while reducing the precision requirements for wavelength matching during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring precise wavelength matching during manufacturing for different module types, the patent allows parameter changes (wavelength selection) to be done operationally through connection status changes. This separates manufacturing simplicity from operational flexibility, improving maintenance efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical modules are designed with adjustable wavelengths, then adaptability to different wavelength requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wavelength adjustability through dynamic switching between pre-configured laser sources and connection paths, rather than using continuously tunable lasers. This approach provides adaptability while keeping the physical structure relatively simple, as the complexity is managed through control logic rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is segmented into distinct functional components (processing component, plug component, multiple lasers) that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the wavelength adjustment functionality to be achieved through switching between segments rather than making the entire module complex and continuously adjustable.
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
This design reduces production complexity and maintenance costs by allowing modules to adapt to different wavelength requirements, improving networking efficiency and maintaining optical signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of filters are configured to send a first service optical signal and a first local oscillator optical signal from the processing component to a peer optical module
Implementation Method 2
The processing component is configured to perform coherent detection on the second service optical signal based on the second local oscillator optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a processing component and a plug component. The plug component includes a plurality of filters. The plurality of filters are connected to a plurality of secondary ports. The processing component includes a plurality of primary ports. The optical module is in a first connection status or a second connection status. When the optical module is respectively in the first connection status or the second connection status, a wavelength of a second service optical signal or a wavelength of a second local oscillator optical signal that are sent by the plurality of filters varies. When the optical module is in a same connection status, wavelengths of the second service optical signal and the second local oscillator optical signal that are sent by the plurality of filters are identical.