Optical Communication Super-Frames with Balanced Polarization Symbols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical communication systems face challenges in adapting to data rates beyond 400 Gbps and suffer from poor cross-correlation between symbol sequences in different polarization directions, leading to signal distortion and poor signal restoration at the receiver end.

Innovation Solution

A transmission and reception method for optical communication that includes generating super-frames with specific arrangements of training and pilot symbols in each polarization direction, ensuring balanced quantities and direct current balance, and using a target polynomial to generate pilot symbols, thereby improving signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transmission symbol sequences are used for 400-Gbps scenarios, then the system works for current data rates, but the system cannot adapt to future scenarios of over 400 Gbps (600 Gbps, 800 Gbps, and the like)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different data ratesVSAvoidsymbol sequence design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal symbol sequence structure that can be applied to multiple data rate scenarios (400 Gbps, 600 Gbps, 800 Gbps, and beyond). The sequence uses a standardized construction method with configurable parameters (N_TS, N_PS, N_FAW) that can be adjusted for different data rates while maintaining the same fundamental structure, making it multi-functional across various transmission speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability in the symbol sequence design through parameters such as the number of training symbols (N_TS), pilot symbols (N_PS), and frame alignment words (N_FAW). These parameters can be dynamically adjusted based on the required data rate and transmission conditions, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to different scenarios without redesigning the entire sequence structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing symbol sequences are used, then implementation is straightforward, but cross-correlation between transmission symbol sequences in different polarization directions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal restoration qualityVSAvoidsequence structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design in the symbol sequence construction by using different parameter configurations for different polarization directions. The sequence structure intentionally creates asymmetric patterns that improve cross-correlation properties between orthogonal polarizations, distinguishing the sequences in a controlled manner to enhance signal restoration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by specifically designing certain portions of the symbol sequence (training symbols, pilot symbols, frame alignment words) with enhanced properties. These locally optimized segments are strategically placed within the overall sequence structure to improve cross-correlation performance in specific critical areas without complicating the entire sequence design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If more training and pilot symbols are added to improve signal restoration, then signal quality improves, but the overhead increases and data transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal restoration accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by including training symbols, pilot symbols, and frame alignment words only in specific sub-frames rather than all sub-frames. This selective placement provides sufficient signal restoration capability where needed while minimizing overhead in data-bearing sub-frames, thus balancing reliability improvement with transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the super-frame structure into multiple sub-frames with different functions. Some sub-frames contain training and pilot symbols for signal restoration, while others are dedicated to data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable signal restoration without excessive overhead affecting overall data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4318977B9Transmission method and reception method for optical communication, and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4318977B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318977B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318977B9 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application discloses a transmission method for optical communication, which may be applied to various scenarios such as a metropolitan area network, a backbone network, and data center interconnect of over 400 Gbps (including 600 Gbps, 800 Gbps, and the like). The method includes: generating a super-frame including a plurality of sub-frames; and transmitting the super-frame, where each sub-frame includes training symbols and pilot symbols, and each of the training symbols and the pilot symbols is one of -A-Aj, -A+Aj, A-Aj, and A+Aj, A being a real number. In addition, in the training symbols and the pilot symbols included in each sub-frame, quantities of -A-Aj, -A+Aj, A-Aj, and A+Aj in two mutually perpendicular polarization directions meet specific requirements, so that direct current balance can be achieved, which helps a receiver end restore a signal.