Optical Splitter Active Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical splitters in fiber optic systems cause significant insertion loss, limiting the operational range and reliability of high-speed optical links, especially in multi-mode applications, where additional loss can render the system marginal or non-functional.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic tap system that converts optical signals to electrical signals and back to optical signals using receiver and transmitter modules, allowing for active signal splitting and copying without passive splitting, thereby maintaining the primary signal's integrity and power levels within receiver sensitivity ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical splitters are used to copy optical signals, then data tapping capability is provided, but insertion loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process between optical and electrical domains. The optical signal is converted to electrical signal by the receiver module, copied in the electrical domain, then converted back to optical by the transmitter module. This intermediary approach allows signal copying without the insertion loss inherent in passive optical splitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical/optical splitting system with an active electronic system. Instead of using passive optical splitters that physically divide the optical signal, the system uses active receiver and transmitter modules that electronically process and replicate the signal, thereby eliminating the insertion loss associated with passive optical splitting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical splitters are used, then signal copying is achieved, but operational range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive optical splitting with active electronic signal processing. By converting optical signals to electrical signals, copying them, and converting back to optical, the system avoids the signal degradation and distance limitations imposed by passive optical splitters, thereby extending operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the domain parameter of the signal from optical to electrical during the copying process. This parameter transformation allows the signal to be processed in a domain where copying does not inherently degrade signal quality or limit transmission distance, thus extending operational range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical splitters are used, then data tapping is enabled, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary electrical domain for signal copying, which allows for more reliable signal processing compared to direct passive optical splitting. The electrical domain enables controlled signal replication without the unpredictable insertion loss and signal degradation that reduce reliability in passive optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes passive optical splitting with active electronic signal processing to improve reliability. The active system provides controlled, consistent signal copying with maintained signal integrity, eliminating the reliability issues caused by passive optical splitter insertion loss and signal degradation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical splitters are used, then signal copying is achieved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical processing stage that enables controlled signal copying without the noise introduction inherent in passive optical splitting. The electrical domain allows for clean signal replication, and the subsequent optical conversion maintains signal quality, thereby reducing noise compared to passive optical methods.
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 enables reliable data tapping for analysis and maintenance while maintaining the primary signal's integrity and power levels, supporting longer distances and improving system reliability by reducing insertion loss and noise, and allowing for bi-directional data flow.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiver module operable to convert a received optical signal to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a first transmitter module coupled to receive the electrical signal from the first receiver module and convert the received electrical signal to an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic tap system includes a first receiver module having an input port configured to receive an optical fiber. The first receiver module is operable to convert a received optical signal to an electrical signal. A first transmitter module is coupled to receive the electrical signal from the first receiver module and convert the received electrical signal to an optical signal. The first transmitter module has an output port for outputting the optical signal. A first tap module is coupled to receive the electrical signal from the first receiver module.