Optical Module Automatic Wavelength Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems require manual wavelength setting, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors, especially when using wavelength variable light sources, necessitating additional costly components like WDM devices and low-frequency signal recognition circuits.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a photoelectric converter, signal processor, and decoder that uses intensity changes at specific frequencies to automatically set and manage wavelengths, eliminating the need for manual intervention and additional hardware by converting optical signals into current signals and processing wavelength information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wavelength setting is used, then wavelength can be configured, but setup time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module automatically detects and sets its own wavelength by receiving an optical signal containing wavelength information and processing it through a photoelectric converter and signal processor, eliminating the need for manual wavelength setting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the received optical signal to automatically adjust and confirm the wavelength setting, where the signal processor analyzes the optical signal and generates control signals to set the wavelength without manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If WDM device is added for automatic wavelength setting, then wavelength can be automatically configured, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module integrates multiple functions including wavelength setting, signal reception, and processing within a single device structure, eliminating the need for separate WDM devices by making the optical module itself multi-functional
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the wavelength setting function with the optical signal reception and processing functions in a single integrated system, merging what would traditionally be separate components (WDM device, detector, processor) into one unified optical module
3Extent of automation
If low-frequency signal recognition circuit is added, then wavelength can be set, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module uses its existing photoelectric converter and signal processor to automatically detect and process wavelength information embedded in the optical signal, eliminating the need for separate low-frequency signal recognition circuits by making the existing components perform dual functions
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
Automates wavelength setting, reduces setup time and costs, prevents communication failures due to incorrect wavelength settings, and allows for efficient data transmission without pre-defined wavelengths, enhancing system convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter configured to receive an optical signal having an intensity that changes at one of a first frequency or a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency, and convert the optical signal into a current signal corresponding to the intensity of the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a photoelectric converter configured to receive an optical signal having an intensity that changes at one of a first frequency or a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency, and convert the optical signal into a current signal corresponding to the intensity of the optical signal; a signal processor configured to acquire, when the optical signal has the intensity that changes at the first frequency, wavelength information set on a transmitting side based on a ratio between a plurality of signal intensities included in the current signal relating to the optical signal having the intensity that changes at the first frequency; and a decoder configured to generate, when the optical signal has the intensity that changes at the second frequency, communication data from the current signal relating to the optical signal having the intensity that changes at the second frequency.