Optical Switch Matrix for ROADM Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switching components, such as Wavelength Selective Switches (WSSs), are expensive and inefficient in handling multiple optical fibres in multi-fibre networks, requiring multiple 1xN WSSs to demultiplex and route optical signals, which is costly and impractical for future high-bandwidth demands.
Innovation Solution
A controllable all-optical matrix switch with F1 input ports, F2 output ports, optical splitters, wavelength blockers, and combiners, which detects and controls the switching of optical signals to efficiently route and demultiplex signals across multiple fibres, eliminating the need for multiple WSSs by using inexpensive optical splitters and combiners for re-multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 1xN WSSs are used to demultiplex and route optical signals in multi-fibre networks, then signal routing capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal processing into distinct functional blocks: optical splitters for demultiplexing wavelength channels, wavelength selective switches for routing individual channels, and optical combiners for remultiplexing. This segmentation replaces the need for multiple complex 1xN WSSs with a modular architecture where each component has a specific function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical matrix switch provides universal routing capability that can handle multiple wavelength channels across multiple fibres simultaneously. Instead of requiring dedicated 1xN WSSs for each fibre pair, the optical matrix switch serves as a universal switching fabric that can route any wavelength from any input fibre to any output fibre, reducing the total number of switching components needed.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple 1xN WSSs are deployed to handle multiple optical fibres, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical splitters to create copies of the incoming optical signal for each wavelength channel. Instead of using expensive WSSs to separately handle each wavelength, the system creates optical copies that can be processed independently by simpler, lower-cost wavelength selective switches and combiners, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining bandwidth capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex WSS components with cheaper alternatives: passive optical splitters and combiners that are significantly less costly to manufacture. These passive components have no moving parts or complex control mechanisms, making them much more economical while still achieving the required bandwidth handling capability when combined with the optical matrix switch.
3Measurement precision
If WSSs are used for demultiplexing wavelength channels, then signal separation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical splitters as intermediary components that passively separate wavelength channels based on their spectral properties before the signals reach the wavelength selective switches. This intermediary separation mechanism simplifies the task of the WSSs, allowing them to focus on routing rather than demultiplexing, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining wavelength separation precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical switch (100) suitable for use in a ROADM of an optical network node having one or more optical fibre per direction, the fibres together carrying optical signals comprising up to N independent wavelength channels. The switch (100) includes an Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) (101) having F1 input ports (102) and F2 output ports (112). At least one optical splitter (103), at least one optical combiner (109) and at least two wavelength blockers (106) are separately connected to the OXC (101), the input and output ports thereof defining ports of the OXC (101). The OXC (101) is controllable to switch optical signals arriving at any of the F1 switch input ports (102) to any of the F2 switch output ports (103) via one or more of the optical splitters (103), wavelength blockers (106) and/or optical combiners (109). A method for switching optical signals is also disclosed.