Optical Channel Power Control Using Feedback Gain Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wave-Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical systems face challenges in accurately determining and setting proper channel power levels, leading to issues of either overloading or underpowering receivers due to inaccuracies in fiber loss measurements and variations in transmitter and downstream module power levels, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to determine and set upstream and downstream power gain using mean transmitted power and mean channel losses, incorporating a headend node with a booster and preamplifier, and a tailend node with passive multiplexing/demultiplexing filters, adjusting the preamplifier and booster amplifier gains based on measured power loss parameters and channel counts to achieve target client power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber loss measurement and manual gain setting methods are used, then system reliability can be maintained through careful measurement, but commissioning time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and automatic gain setting by having the headend node transmit test signals and the remote node automatically measure and report back power levels, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation by commissioning personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The remote node measures actual received power levels and feeds this information back to the headend node, which then automatically adjusts amplifier gains based on the measured values, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate power levels without manual intervention
2Power
If minimum loss values are assumed for power calculations, then transmitter power can be set to maximum, but receiver overload and saturation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The remote node measures actual received power levels and reports them back to the headend node, which then automatically adjusts amplifier gains to prevent receiver overload, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual fiber loss conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts amplifier gain parameters based on measured power levels rather than using fixed minimum loss assumptions, allowing the transmitter output power to be optimized for actual channel conditions while preventing receiver saturation
3Reliability
If maximum loss values are assumed for power calculations, then receiver sensitivity is preserved, but transmitter power becomes insufficient for reliable transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The remote node measures actual received power levels and feeds this information back to the headend node, which then adjusts amplifier gains to ensure sufficient transmitter output power while maintaining receiver signal quality, adapting to actual fiber loss conditions rather than using conservative maximum loss assumptions
4Measurement precision
If manual fiber loss measurement and calculation methods are used, then accurate power levels can be determined, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs power level determination and amplifier gain setting through self-diagnosis functions, where the remote node measures power levels and the headend node calculates and applies appropriate gains without requiring commissioning personnel to perform manual measurements and calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated electronic measurement and control systems, where optical power meters and microprocessors automatically perform measurements, calculations, and adjustments that previously required manual intervention
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 approach ensures that the optical signals are within the dynamic range of receivers, avoiding saturation or underpowering, and reduces the need for extensive measurement and staff involvement during commissioning, providing a more accurate and efficient power setting process.
Implementation Method 1
determine and set a power gain for a preamplifier... determine and set a power gain for a booster amplifier... amplifying the power of the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
one or more bidirectional optical fiber between a first node and a second node
Implementation Method 3
passive multiplexing/demultiplexing filters
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed, including a method comprising receiving power loss measurement parameters for components of an optical transmission system comprising a first node having a preamplifier, the first node configured to transmit and receive optical signals on a number of optical channels to and from one or more first transceivers; a second node configured to transmit and receive optical signals on the number of optical channels to and from one or more second transceivers; and one or more bidirectional optical fiber between the first node and the second node; determining and setting, using one or more of the power loss measurement parameters and using a number of optical channels in the optical transmission system, a power gain for the preamplifier in the first node, in order to obtain a target client power of the optical signals transmitted to the one or more first transceivers.