Optical Power Modulation Arrays for Legacy Network Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
New high bandwidth optical devices, such as 400G ZR/ZR+, are not compatible with existing networks, requiring consumers to establish new transmission networks, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of variable optical attenuator (VOA) and Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) array devices to balance power within optical networks, allowing integration of high bandwidth devices with existing systems without disrupting legacy services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If new high bandwidth devices (400G ZR/ZR+) are integrated into existing networks, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but signal power compatibility deteriorates due to different power levels between new and legacy devices
Solution Approach 1:
A variable optical attenuator (VOA) array device is introduced as an intermediary component between new high bandwidth devices (400G ZR/ZR+) and existing legacy optical networks. The VOA array dynamically adjusts the power levels of optical signals from different sources, attenuating higher power signals and amplifying lower power signals to achieve balanced output power levels across all channels, thereby enabling compatibility between devices with different native power characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter of optical signals dynamically by using VOA array devices to adjust attenuation levels for each input port. The device monitors input power levels and automatically modifies the attenuation parameter to equalize output power across all channels, allowing signals from diverse sources (10G, 40G, 100G, 200G, 400G) to coexist with unified power characteristics
2Ease of operation
If variable optical attenuator array devices are used to balance power, then power balancing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The VOA array device incorporates self-contained software control that automatically performs power balancing operations without requiring external network controllers. The device independently scans and detects input power levels at each port, determines the appropriate attenuation required, and adjusts the VOA components accordingly to equalize output power across all channels, eliminating the need for complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple VOAs into a single array device that handles multiple input ports simultaneously. By merging the power balancing function across all channels into one integrated device with unified control logic, the system achieves comprehensive power balancing while reducing the number of separate control units needed, thereby managing complexity through consolidation
3Use of energy by moving object
If VOA array device is used for power balancing, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to provide active optical amplification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-power VOA array devices that consume minimal energy (less than 10 watts) compared to traditional EDFA amplifiers. While VOAs cannot provide active optical amplification like EDFAs, they achieve the practical goal of power balancing through passive attenuation and electronic control, accepting the limitation of no optical gain in exchange for dramatically reduced power consumption and simplified device architecture
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
Enables the integration of high bandwidth devices into existing networks by dynamically balancing signal power, ensuring compatibility and operability without the need for network controllers or separate power supplies, thus allowing seamless migration to newer technologies while reusing existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a variable optical attenuator (VOA) array device is used to balance power of optical signals within an optical network
Implementation Method 2
an Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) array device is used to balance power of optical signals within an optical network
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods, devices and systems for power modulation and optical network coupling. A device includes a plurality of optical input ports and a plurality of optical output ports. The device further includes an array of power modulation components, each power modulation component coupled between a respective input port of the plurality of input ports and a corresponding output port of the plurality of output ports. The device also includes control circuitry coupled to the array of power modulation components, the control circuitry configured to: obtain power level information for the plurality of input ports; and adjust power modulation for one or more of the array of power modulation components based on the power level information such that output power levels are substantially similar.