Optical Signal Processing Device for Scalable Transponder Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multicast switching in optical communication networks faces limitations in increasing the number of connectable transponders due to inherent signal loss, which increases with the number of transponders connected, and compensating for this loss with optical amplifiers raises costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal processing device with spatial beam transformers and optical multiplex units that emit and demultiplex optical signals in different directions and angles, reducing theoretical loss by selecting signals based on their incidence regions, allowing for scalable transponder aggregation without increased loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast switching is used to connect optical signals to multiple transponders, then the number of connectable transponders can be increased, but the theoretical signal loss increases with 3×log 2N (dB)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional multicast switching architecture by switching the input optical signals to different output ports instead of branching the output signals to multiple transponders. This reversal eliminates the need for signal branching, thereby eliminating the theoretical loss associated with multicast switching while maintaining the ability to connect multiple transponders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the branching function from the system architecture. By eliminating the broadcast/branching stage that inherently causes signal loss, the system achieves transponder aggregation without the 3×log 2N (dB) theoretical loss that plagues conventional multicast switching configurations.
2Loss of energy
If optical amplifiers are inserted to compensate for signal loss in multicast switching, then the signal loss can be compensated, but the system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of signal branching into a benefit by inverting the architecture. Instead of compensating for the harm caused by branching (which requires expensive optical amplifiers), the design eliminates the branching operation itself, turning the potential harm into a benefit of loss-free signal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength selective switch as an intermediary device that performs signal routing without requiring signal branching. This intermediary device enables direct connection between input optical signals and multiple transponder outputs without the need for loss-compensating optical amplifiers, thereby reducing system cost.
3Productivity
If the number of transponders is increased in conventional multicast switching, then transponder aggregation capacity is improved, but the theoretical loss increases making the system less cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies architectural inversion to enable scalable transponder aggregation without the penalty of increasing theoretical loss. By switching inputs to outputs rather than branching outputs to multiple transponders, the system achieves unlimited transponder aggregation capacity while maintaining constant, minimal signal loss regardless of the number of transponders connected.
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 increase in the number of aggregated transponders without theoretical loss, reducing the need for additional optical amplifiers and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first spatial beam transformer that emits optical signals inputted to the M input ports, in directions different for the respective input ports
Implementation Method 2
a deflector capable of deflecting optical signals emitted from the first spatial beam transformer according to which of incident regions on the deflector the optical signals have been incident on
Implementation Method 3
N second spatial beam transformers that each demultiplex an optical signal emitted from the deflector into M waveguides according to an angle of incidence
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal processing device with a transponder aggregator function by which theoretical loss is not increased even if the number of necessary transponders is increased. Optical signals inputted from input ports are inputted to a PLC. The PLC has SBTs. The input ports are connected to the input-end SBT, and a plane wave is outputted from an output end of the PLC to the space side at an angle different for each input port. Optical signals outputted by the PLC are changed in their optical paths on the x-z plane by a cylindrical lens (Lsp) designed to refract optical signals in the x-axis direction, and are reflected by an LCOS at different regions corresponding to the positions of the input port. The reflected optical signals are incident on the output-end SBTs on the PLC, and are outputted to output ports via demultiplex parts.