Optical Switch With Micro-Ring Resonators For Mobile Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical technologies and node architectures are not suitable for mobile backhaul networks due to their high cost and complexity, which is exacerbated by the increasing traffic volume and need for low latency, site consolidation, and energy efficiency in mobile and fixed infrastructure convergence scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch and add-drop multiplexer architecture utilizing micro-ring resonators and control elements to selectively direct and add/drop optical signals, enabling transparent and energy-efficient optical bypass, with a photonic integrated design to minimize cost and power consumption, and incorporating optical splitters and amplifiers to optimize signal routing and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical technologies and node architectures are used, then optical signal transmission can be achieved, but the cost and complexity are high
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch is divided into multiple switch arrays (first switch array, second switch array) with distinct functions - one for dropping wavelengths and another for adding wavelengths. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control logic, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter serves multiple functions: it receives optical signals from the first input port, selects specific wavelengths to be bypassed, and transmits those selected wavelengths to respective output ports. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional optical technologies are used, then optical signal routing can be achieved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electronic switching mechanisms with thermally-tuneable vertically coupled micro-ring resonators. These resonators use thermal tuning to control wavelength routing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts or high-power electronic switches, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-ring resonators change their resonance parameters (transmission wavelength) by adjusting thermal conditions. This parameter change mechanism allows dynamic wavelength routing without physical movement or complex electronic control, reducing both power consumption and device complexity compared to conventional optical switching technologies
3Measurement precision
If more optical devices are used for wavelength selection, then routing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wavelength selection functions are merged into a single optical filter component. The filter integrates the ability to receive signals, select specific wavelengths, and direct them to appropriate output ports, eliminating the need for multiple separate wavelength selection devices and thereby maintaining high routing precision with reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter performs multiple functions simultaneously: wavelength selection, signal routing, and wavelength filtering. This multi-functionality achieves precise wavelength routing without requiring a cascade of separate optical devices, thus maintaining high precision while reducing the overall number of components in the system
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 solution enables a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and scalable optical switch and add-drop multiplexer for mobile backhaul networks, supporting multi-directional routing and 1:1 protection switching, while reducing the number of optical devices needed, thus simplifying manufacturing and lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
vertically coupled micro-ring resonators fabricated in Si3N4/SiO2
Implementation Method 2
thermally tuneable vertically coupled micro-ring resonators
Implementation Method 3
thermally tuneable vertically coupled micro-ring resonators
Implementation Method 4
thermally tuneable vertically coupled micro-ring resonators
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch (10) comprising: input ports (12, 14) arranged to receive optical signals from directions D1 to Dn; output ports (16, 18) arranged to output optical signals to the said directions; drop ports (20); add ports (22); a first switch array (24) arranged to receive from a first said input port (12) optical signals at a plurality of wavelengths, and comprising switch elements (26) each arranged to selectively direct optical signals to a respective drop port. The optical switch (10) further comprising optical filters (28), each arranged to receive from the first input port optical signals having bypass wavelengths, each optical filter arranged to transmit to a respective one of the output ports (18) optical signals at different bypass wavelengths; and a second switch array (30) arranged to receive from the other input ports (14) optical signals at some of said wavelengths, the second switch array comprising a plurality of switch elements (32) arranged to selectively add optical signals received from the add ports at others of said wavelengths.