Optical Switch Using Ring Resonators for Compact RAN Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks in radio access networks face challenges due to costly, large, and difficult-to-produce Wavelength Selective Switching devices, and passive fixed wavelength add drop devices that require complex inventory handling and cannot be automatically reconfigured for network restoration.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch design utilizing two optical ring resonators and waveguides, allowing for bidirectional signal switching with reduced power and size, and the ability to be automatically reconfigured using control elements, enabling efficient mass production and network restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Wavelength Selective Switching devices are used, then optical switching capability is achieved, but cost and spatial footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical switching system by transitioning from free-space optics to guided-wave optics using ring resonators. This fundamental parameter change enables compact integration while maintaining optical switching functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between switching capability and spatial footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The optical ring resonators are integrated within a compact footprint area, with multiple resonators potentially sharing common waveguides and control mechanisms. This nesting approach allows multiple switching functions to be packed into a small spatial envelope, addressing the contradiction between functionality and size
2Device complexity
If fixed wavelength add drop devices are used, then device simplicity is achieved, but inventory complexity and reconfigurability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by enabling control of the ring resonators through thermal, electrical, or optical means. This allows the device to transition from a static fixed-wavelength configuration to a dynamic system that can be reconfigured in real-time, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The ring resonator-based optical switch serves multiple functions: wavelength selective switching, add-drop filtering, and network restoration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different device types at different nodes, simplifying inventory while maintaining high adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If Wavelength Selective Switching devices are used, then optical switching is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex free-space mechanical/optical switching mechanisms with integrated guided-wave ring resonators that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. This substitution enables mass production through established CMOS-compatible techniques, resolving the contradiction between optical switching function and manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the implementation approach from discrete free-space components to integrated photonic circuits, the patent enables the use of automated semiconductor manufacturing processes. This parameter change in the manufacturing approach directly addresses the ease of manufacture while preserving optical switching functionality
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 optical switch provides cost-effective, power-efficient, and space-efficient switching capabilities, enabling automatic reconfiguration and network restoration in optical networks, particularly suitable for radio access networks.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical ring resonator is capable of coupling an optical signal travelling along the first optical waveguide in a first direction to the second optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
an optical signal travelling along the first optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical switch. The optical switch comprises a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, a first optical ring resonator and a second optical ring resonator. The first optical ring resonator is arranged between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, wherein the first optical ring resonator is capable of coupling an optical signal travelling along the first optical waveguide in a first direction to the second optical waveguide such that the optical signal travels in a second direction along the second optical waveguide. The second optical ring resonator is arranged between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide; wherein the second optical ring resonator is capable of coupling an optical signal travelling along the first optical waveguide in the first direction to the second optical waveguide such that the optical signal travels in a third direction along the second optical waveguide opposite to the second direction. There is also provided an optical network node and an optical network.