Optical Signal Transmission Using Low-Frequency Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transmission systems face challenges in suppressing variations in signal quality over time due to the use of expensive optical isolators, which complicate the system configuration.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission system that converts high-frequency electrical signals into optical signals using an electrooptic conversion device, incorporating a low-frequency additional signal generator to stabilize signal quality, eliminating the need for optical isolators and maintaining a simple, low-cost configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical isolator is used to suppress variations in signal quality, then signal stability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical isolator from the system configuration. Instead of using the optical isolator to suppress return light and stabilize signal quality, the invention extracts this component entirely and replaces it with a different approach involving frequency domain separation and filtering mechanisms that achieve signal stabilization without the isolator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical isolation mechanism with an electrical signal processing mechanism. By using frequency domain separation where the communication signal and pump light are separated by frequency rather than physical isolation, the system achieves signal stability through electrical filtering and frequency management instead of mechanical optical isolation.
2Reliability
If an optical isolator is used to attenuate return light, then signal quality variations are suppressed, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive optical isolator with cheaper alternative components such as standard optical couplers, filters, and signal processing electronics. These components are more readily available, less expensive, and can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining signal quality stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical optical isolation to frequency domain parameter separation. By operating the communication signal and pump light at different frequencies and using frequency-selective filtering, the system achieves the same signal stabilization effect without requiring expensive isolators, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If an optical isolator is interposed in the optical transmission path, then return light is blocked, but configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into fewer components. Instead of using a dedicated optical isolator for return light suppression, the system uses optical couplers and filters that perform multiple functions including signal combining, separating, and stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain separation as an intermediary mechanism. Rather than directly blocking return light with an isolator, the system uses frequency differences between the communication signal and pump light as an intermediary to achieve separation and suppression of unwanted signals, simplifying the configuration by eliminating the need for direct optical isolation.
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 system effectively suppresses signal quality variations by generating a low-frequency additional signal, ensuring stable signal transmission without the need for optical isolators, thus maintaining a simple and cost-effective setup.
Implementation Method 1
an electrooptic conversion device converting the first electrical signal into the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric conversion device converting the optical signal transmitted from the optical transmission path into the second electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission system converts a first electrical signal into an optical signal, transmits the converted optical signal, and converts the transmitted optical signal into a second electrical signal. The optical transmission system includes an electrooptic conversion device, an optical transmission path, and a photoelectric conversion device. The first electrical signal includes a high-frequency communication signal of above 9 MHz and 10 GHz or less. The optical transmission system further includes an additional signal generating device for generating a low-frequency additional signal having a frequency of 1 Hz or more and 9 MHz or less. The electrooptic conversion device converts the first electrical signal including the additional signal generated in the additional signal generating device and the communication signal into the optical signal.