Optical Receiver Gain Control for Wider Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems require additional components like adjustable optical attenuators and detectors, increasing volume and cost, and have limited dynamic range due to semiconductor optical amplifiers operating at saturation, leading to inaccurate data output.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiving device with a conversion module, signal generation module, and control module that adjusts the gain of the semiconductor optical amplifier to prevent saturation, allowing for increased dynamic range and improved link performance by generating a control signal to vary the gain based on input signals and measurement signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adjustable optical attenuator, optical splitter and optical detector are added to prevent semiconductor optical amplifier saturation, then the optical receiving device can avoid inaccurate data output, but the system volume increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of optical signal detection, power measurement, and amplifier gain control into a single integrated optical receiving device. The photodetector detects both the optical signal and measures optical power, while the control module integrates the gain control logic, eliminating the need for separate adjustable optical attenuators and external detectors, thus reducing system volume while maintaining data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector performs multiple functions: it detects the optical signal for data recovery and simultaneously measures the optical power to provide feedback for gain control. The control module also serves dual purposes by managing both the amplifier operation and the overall receiving device control, reducing the need for dedicated components and lowering system complexity
2Reliability
If an adjustable optical attenuator, optical splitter and optical detector are added to prevent semiconductor optical amplifier saturation, then the optical receiving device can avoid inaccurate data output, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of optical signal detection, power measurement, and amplifier gain control into a single integrated optical receiving device. The photodetector detects both the optical signal and measures optical power, while the control module integrates the gain control logic, eliminating the need for separate adjustable optical attenuators and external detectors, thus reducing system volume while maintaining data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector performs multiple functions: it detects the optical signal for data recovery and simultaneously measures the optical power to provide feedback for gain control. The control module also serves dual purposes by managing both the amplifier operation and the overall receiving device control, reducing the need for dedicated components and lowering system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the semiconductor optical amplifier operates at high gain to improve signal detection, then the dynamic range increases, but the amplifier enters saturation region causing inaccurate data output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain control by continuously monitoring the optical power through the photodetector and adjusting the semiconductor optical amplifier gain in real-time based on the received signal conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the amplifier to operate at high gain when signal power is low (expanding dynamic range) while preventing saturation when signal power is high (maintaining data accuracy)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the photodetector measures the optical power of the received signal and feeds this information to the control module, which then adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the amplifier operates within its linear region, preventing saturation and maintaining accurate data output while maximizing the usable dynamic range
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
The dynamic range of the optical receiving device is enhanced, reducing limitations on transfer distance and promoting link performance by preventing semiconductor optical amplifier saturation, thus eliminating the need for additional components like adjustable attenuators and detectors.
Implementation Method 1
The conversion module is used to receive an optical signal from an optical fiber and perform photoelectric conversion and amplification on the optical signal to generate a photocurrent
Data Source
AI summary
An optical receiving device includes a conversion module, a signal generation module and a control module. The conversion module performs photoelectric conversion and amplification on an optical signal to generate a photocurrent, the signal generation module provides a gain signal, performs transimpedance and amplification on the photocurrent according to an input signal indicating a preset output voltage swing to generate a voltage signal, and generates a measurement signal indicating an average optical power associated with the optical signal according to the photocurrent, the control module outputs a control signal which is variable to adjust a gain of the conversion module, so that a dynamic range of the conversion module changes as the gain of the conversion module itself changes.