Optical Network Element Single Light Source Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive optical networks (PONs) face challenges in providing multiple optical wavelengths with precise adjustment, leading to high costs and latency due to the need for precise and numerous laser sources and electronic processing for high-frequency modulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical network element comprising a light source with modulators that adjust the frequency and phase of optical carrier signals using deviation signals, allowing a single light source to generate multiple optical carrier signals with different offsets, which can be used in optical network units for precise modulation and demodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple discrete laser sources are used to provide individual optical wavelengths, then the required spectral precision and wavelength accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single laser source that generates a comb-like spectrum with multiple equidistant spectral lines. This single source replaces what would traditionally require multiple discrete lasers, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple precise optical wavelengths for different users or channels
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser source with comb-like spectrum serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides multiple individual optical wavelengths that can be assigned to different users, acts as a universal source for both NGOA systems and high-data-rate transmissions, and eliminates the need for separate laser sources for each wavelength channel
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete laser sources are used to provide individual optical wavelengths, then the spectral precision is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expensive precision laser sources into a single laser source with comb-like spectral output. This merging approach maintains the required spectral accuracy for precise wavelength assignment while dramatically reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby lowering overall system cost
3Ease of operation
If electronic processing such as buffering and scheduling is used to convey communication among ONUs, then the network control is improved, but the latency increases and throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic processing mechanisms (buffering and scheduling in the OLT) with an optical-domain solution where a single laser source with comb-like spectrum directly provides multiple wavelengths. This substitution eliminates the need for electronic buffering and scheduling operations, thereby reducing latency while maintaining network control capabilities
4Productivity
If a multitude of optical wavelengths are required for NGOA systems or high data rates, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the number of laser sources and electronic processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple laser sources into a single laser source that generates a comb-like spectrum. This single source provides multiple equidistant spectral lines that can be used for NGOA systems or bundled for high-data-rate transmissions, thereby maintaining high data transmission capacity while significantly reducing device complexity and electronic processing requirements
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 solution enables efficient generation and precise adjustment of multiple optical wavelengths, reducing the need for multiple laser sources and electronic processing, thereby lowering costs and improving network throughput and spectral accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the modulator comprises a phase modulator that adjusts the optical carrier signal based on the deviation signal obtained from the receiving unit
Implementation Method 2
the modulator comprises a frequency shifter that adjusts the optical carrier signal based on the deviation signal obtained from the receiving unit
Implementation Method 3
a light source providing an optical signal that is fed to at least two modulators
Data Source
AI summary
An optical network element has a light source which provides an optical signal that is fed to at least two modulators. Each modulator provides an optical carrier signal that is conveyed to a receiving unit. The receiving unit is configured to determine a deviation signal between the optical carrier signal and a carrier conveyed via an incoming signal and to feed the deviation signal to the modulator for adjusting the frequency and/or the phase of the optical carrier signal. Also, a corresponding method for processing data and a communication system with at least one optical network are described.