Multi-Channel Optical Time Buffer with Shared Delay Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical packet routers face challenges with synchronization errors leading to transmission errors and reduced throughput due to bulky multi-channel optical arrayed time buffers required for longer delays, which cannot be efficiently integrated into compact circuits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a time buffer with shared delay lines, utilizing a passive optical device like an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to route optical signals through multiple delay paths, allowing for adjustable delays without increasing the physical size by re-circulating signals through shared delay lines, thereby reducing the length and bulk of individual delay lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the optical lengths of individual delay lines are increased to accommodate longer delays, then the delay capability is improved, but the device size and bulkiness increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple delay lines are merged into a single shared delay line that serves multiple channels. The delay line is physically shared among N channels by using wavelength-selective switching to route different wavelengths through the same physical delay element, eliminating the need for N separate delay lines and dramatically reducing device size while maintaining the required delay capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared delay line performs multiple functions by serving different channels simultaneously through wavelength division. A single delay line structure is made universal by enabling it to provide delay for multiple channels via wavelength-selective routing, allowing one physical component to replace what would traditionally require N separate components.
2Measurement precision
If separate delay lines are used for each channel to provide independent delay control, then the synchronization precision is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channel delay lines are merged into a single shared delay line structure. Wavelength-selective switches route different wavelengths to the same physical delay line, allowing independent delay control for each channel through wavelength selection while using a single delay line physical structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Wavelength-selective switches act as intermediaries between the input channels and the shared delay line. These switches mediate the connection by routing different wavelengths to the appropriate delay line segment, enabling independent delay control for each channel through wavelength division while sharing the physical delay infrastructure.
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 solution enables efficient synchronization of optical signals with reduced size and complexity, maintaining high throughput while accommodating longer delays within a compact circuit format, enhancing the integration and scalability of optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a passive optical device (e.g., an AWG) is used in the time buffer for routing an optical signal input thereto to a first delay path
Implementation Method 2
multiple delay paths which comprise delay elements for imparting delays to optical signals traversing therethrough, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
In communications where synchronization of optical signals containing data is required, a multi-channel optical arrayed time buffer may be used. The time buffer includes multiple delay paths comprising delay elements, some of which can be shared to dispense different delays. In an embodiment, an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is illustratively used to route an optical signal to a first delay path, which is returnable to the AWG through the first delay path to be rerouted to a second delay path. The total delay affordable to the optical signal is a function of at least a first delay afforded by a delay element in the first delay path, and a second delay afforded by a delay element in the second delay path. In addition, without returning to the AWG, another optical signal may be routed through the second delay path alone to be afforded the second delay only.