Optical Switch Matrix Control via Row-Column Drive Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical switch matrices face challenges in efficiently controlling a large number of optical switches due to the hysteresis effect, leading to prolonged switching times and reduced working efficiency, especially when dealing with high-bandwidth requirements in optical communications networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting first drives of optical switches in each row and second drives in each column to form row and column drives, allowing for simultaneous control of optical switches by setting specific drive values to achieve faster switching times and increased efficiency, particularly by using sequences of drive values that maintain target switches in the ON state while switching others to the OFF state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serial control method is used to control optical switches in an n×n optical switch matrix, then the quantity of electrodes extruded to edges of chip is reduced to 2n, but the switching time is prolonged and working efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch matrix is divided into multiple groups, with each group containing multiple optical switches. Within each group, optical switches can be controlled independently through segmented control signals, allowing parallel operation while maintaining simplified electrode connections to the chip edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture transitions from a single-dimensional serial control approach to a multi-dimensional parallel control structure by introducing group-level and switch-level control dimensions, enabling simultaneous control of multiple switches without increasing external electrode count.
2Ease of operation
If separate control is implemented for each optical switch electrode, then individual switch control is achieved, but the quantity of chip pins increases exponentially making packaging highly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into shared control lines. The control system combines group control signals and switch control signals to achieve individual switch control without requiring separate external pins for each switch, thereby reducing the total number of chip pins needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control electrodes are designed with multi-functionality, where each electrode can serve multiple optical switches within its group. This universal control approach allows a single electrode to control multiple switches sequentially or in parallel, eliminating the need for dedicated pins per switch.
3Device complexity
If optical switches are controlled one by one in serial manner, then control simplicity is maintained, but the switching time is excessively long for high bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system prepares control signals in advance for multiple optical switches within a group, setting them in ready states before actual switching is required. This preliminary preparation enables faster execution of switching operations by eliminating sequential signal generation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism employs periodic control cycles that systematically activate different groups of optical switches in a coordinated sequence. This periodic action pattern allows multiple switches to be controlled in overlapping time windows, effectively parallelizing the control process while maintaining systematic simplicity.
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 significantly reduces switching time and enhances the working efficiency of the optical switch matrix by enabling simultaneous control of multiple switches, thereby addressing the limitations of existing serial control methods.
Implementation Method 1
When the movable waveguide moves close to the cross waveguides, the optical switch is in an ON state, the cross waveguides and the movable waveguide form adiabatic couplers, and an optical signal is coupled from one waveguide to the other waveguide by using the adiabatic couplers.
Implementation Method 2
A type of optical switch matrix is based on silicon-based MEMS technology optical switches that have a hysteresis effect.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a method and an apparatus for controlling an optical switch matrix. The method includes: setting row drives corresponding to P to-be-switched input ports to a reset row drive value, and setting column drives corresponding to Q to-be-switched output ports to a reset column drive value, so that optical switches at intersections are in a first state; and simultaneously performing the following operations on P row drives and Q column drives: successively setting, based on time, a row drive corresponding to an ith input port to values in a switching row drive sequence, and successively setting, based on time, a column drive corresponding to a jth output port to values in a switching column drive sequence, so that a target optical switch in the P×Q optical switches remains in the first state all the time, and the other optical switches in the P×Q optical switches different from the target optical switch are switched from the first state to a second state in first time periods respectively corresponding to the other optical switches. The optical switches are simultaneously controlled instead of being controlled one by one, so that a switching time of an optical switch matrix can be shortened and working efficiency of the optical switch matrix can be increased.