Optical Switch Array Dimensionality Change for ROADM Port Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs) face limitations in increasing output ports due to configuration space constraints, which hampers their ability to meet the growing demands of high-speed optical communications networks for flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical communications apparatus employs a first beam expander to transform the signal light's flare from a circle to an ellipse, allowing for more efficient demultiplexing and routing of sub-signal lights through a two-dimensional arrangement of optical switch units, enabling increased output ports without the need for linear arrangement of second optical switch units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the quantity of output ports M is increased to meet growing network needs, then the network cross-connect capability is improved, but the configuration space constraints prevent further increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of optical switch units to a two-dimensional array configuration. This dimensional change allows the system to pack more switch units (M×K units in second-level array, N×K units in first-level array) into the same configuration space, effectively increasing the output ports capability without proportionally increasing the physical area occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical nested structure with two levels of optical switch arrays. The first-level optical switch array (N×K units) processes wavelengths and feeds into the second-level optical switch array (M×K units) which handles output port routing. This nesting allows efficient utilization of configuration space by organizing switch units in a multi-layered manner, where each level performs a specific function and contributes to the overall cross-connect capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the quantity of optical switch units M in the second-level optical switch array is increased to improve crossing capability, then the output end cross-connect capability is improved, but configuration space limitations prevent indefinite increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second-level optical switch array is configured as a two-dimensional array (M×K units) rather than a one-dimensional linear arrangement. This allows M output port switch units to be arranged in multiple rows and columns, efficiently utilizing the configuration space and enabling higher M values without linearly increasing the area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical switching function into two distinct levels: the first-level optical switch array (N×K units) that handles wavelength-based routing, and the second-level optical switch array (M×K units) that handles output port routing. This segmentation allows each level to be optimized independently and packed more efficiently into the configuration space, with the second-level array's two-dimensional arrangement maximizing the utilization of available space for M output ports.
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
This approach enhances the network cross-connect capability at the output end within limited configuration space, satisfying growing network needs and user requirements by allowing for more output ports and efficient signal routing.
Implementation Method 1
a first beam expander to transform the signal light's flare from a circle to an ellipse
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical communications apparatus, where the apparatus includes: an input system, a first optical switch array, and an output system, where the input system includes N input ports that are one-dimensionally arranged on a first plane, a first beam expander, a demultiplexer, and a first optical path changer; the first optical switch array includes N×K first optical switch units that are two-dimensionally arranged on a second plane, and the first optical switch units can rotate in a first axial line direction and a second axial line direction; and the output system includes a second optical path changer, a second beam expander, a second optical switch array, and M output ports that are two-dimensionally arranged, where the second switch array includes M second optical switch units that are two-dimensionally arranged, one second optical switch unit is configured to receive, within a same period of time, only one piece of sub-signal light that is from a same input port, the second optical switch units can rotate at least in the second axial line direction, and the second optical switch units correspond one-to-one to the output ports.