Optical Receiving Assembly With Adjustable Deflection for Signal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical receiving assemblies face challenges in miniaturization and complex control methods, particularly due to the independent packaging of variable optical attenuators (VOA) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA), which hinder efficient signal detection and amplification over long distances in optical communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiving assembly with an adjustable optical path deflection assembly, a semiconductor optical amplifier, and a controller that adjusts the deflection angle to maintain the electrical signal within a preset range, utilizing MEMS refractors or reflection mirrors for efficient signal coupling and amplification, and hermetic packaging for miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If VOA and SOA are independently packaged, then device functionality is maintained, but device size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the VOA and SOA into a single integrated packaging structure, where both optical components are housed together in one compact unit rather than separate packages. This merging approach directly reduces the overall volume of the optical receiver while maintaining the independent functionality of each component through careful optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the VOA and SOA are positioned in a compact configuration within the same package, with optical paths arranged to allow one component to be effectively nested within the spatial envelope of the other, maximizing space utilization and minimizing overall device volume.
2Ease of operation
If VOA is used to prevent SOA gain saturation, then signal quality is maintained, but control method becomes cumbersome and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the optical signal strength and dynamically adjusts the VOA attenuation level accordingly. When the optical signal exceeds a threshold, the controller increases VOA attenuation to prevent SOA gain saturation, and reduces attenuation when signal levels are appropriate, creating a self-regulating system that simplifies operation while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the system to automatically manage its own operation through the feedback loop, where the controller autonomously adjusts the VOA based on real-time optical signal conditions without requiring external intervention, making the control method easier to operate while ensuring reliable signal detection.
3Length of stationary object
If optical signal is amplified by SOA, then transmission distance is extended, but SOA enters gain saturation state affecting signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the VOA attenuate the optical signal before it reaches the SOA, preventing the SOA from entering gain saturation state in the first place. This proactive approach allows the SOA to operate in its linear amplification region, maintaining signal quality while still extending transmission distance through controlled amplification.
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 solution enables a compact optical module with simplified control, maintaining signal quality and sensitivity performance by stabilizing the operating conditions of the semiconductor optical amplifier, suitable for QSFP and OSFP series optical modules.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor optical amplifier, configured to amplify and couple an incident optical signal to the optical detector
Implementation Method 2
the optical detector converts a received optical signal into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
utilizing MEMS refractors or reflection mirrors for efficient signal coupling and amplification
Implementation Method 4
utilizing MEMS refractors or reflection mirrors for efficient signal coupling and amplification
Data Source
AI summary
An optical receiving assembly, a method for controlling the same, and an optical module are provided. The optical receiving assembly includes an optical receiving port, an adjustable optical path deflection assembly, a semiconductor optical amplifier, an optical detector, and a controller. An optical signal received by the optical receiving port is incident onto the semiconductor optical amplifier after a deflection angle of the optical signal is adjusted. The semiconductor optical amplifier amplifies and couples the incident optical signal to the optical detector, which converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal for output. The controller controls the adjustable optical path deflection assembly to adjust the deflection angle according to the changes of the electrical signal strength, so as to adjust a coupling efficiency of the optical signal coupled to the semiconductor optical amplifier and maintain the electrical signal output by the optical detector within a preset range.