Optical Transceiver Adaptor for Bidirectional Wavelength Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional optical transceivers require matched pairs for effective communication, leading to complexities in supply and management due to the need for specific wavelength configurations, which can result in unnecessary duplication and management overhead.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver assembly with an adaptable optical transceiver and a configurable adaptor that allows for selective adjustment of transmission and reception wavelengths by coupling the adaptor in different configurations, enabling the same transceiver components to be used for bidirectional communication by switching between two wavelength settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bidirectional optical transceivers use matched pairs with specific wavelength configurations, then effective bidirectional communication is achieved, but supply and management complexity increases due to the need for specific wavelength configurations and potential duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed to be universally applicable to multiple transceiver types by supporting both LC and LC/LC connector configurations. The adaptor can be configured in two orientations (first configuration with first terminal to first channel, second configuration with second terminal to first channel) to work with different transceiver variants, eliminating the need for separate adaptor designs for each transceiver type and reducing supply chain complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength division multiplexing parameter changes to enable bidirectional communication. The optical transmitter operates at 1310 nm wavelength while the optical receiver operates at 1550 nm wavelength. By changing the wavelength parameter and using diplexers to separate/combine these wavelengths, the system achieves full-duplex communication over a single fibre cable, reducing the need for multiple cables and simplifying physical connectivity while maintaining communication effectiveness.
2Reliability
If bidirectional optical transceivers are deployed in matched pairs with different wavelength configurations, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but inventory management becomes more difficult due to the need to ensure correct variant pairing
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling between the optical transceiver and fibre cable, enables wavelength division multiplexing through integrated diplexers, and supports both LC and LC/LC connector types. This multi-functionality means that a single adaptor design can support multiple transceiver variants, reducing the number of different components that need to be tracked in inventory and simplified deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the optical transceiver and the fibre cable infrastructure. By placing the wavelength division multiplexing functionality and connector adaptation in the adaptor rather than in the transceiver itself, the system allows transceivers to remain relatively simple while the adaptor handles the complexity of wavelength management and physical connectivity, making inventory management more straightforward.
3Quantity of substance
If a single fibre cable is used for bidirectional communication, then the number of cables is reduced, but the transceiver requires complex wavelength division multiplexing components to separate transmit and receive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength division multiplexing components (diplexers, wavelength selective switches) are extracted from the transceiver body and placed in the adaptor. This extraction reduces the complexity of the transceiver itself while maintaining the capability for bidirectional communication over a single fibre cable. The adaptor becomes the housing for these complex optical components, separating the functions and allowing each component to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary that houses the wavelength division multiplexing components between the transceiver and the fibre cable. This intermediary role allows the complex diplexer and wavelength switching functionality to be separated from the transceiver's core optical functions, reducing transceiver complexity while still enabling single-cable bidirectional communication through wavelength separation.
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 simplifies the management and supply of optical transceivers by allowing the same components to be configured for different wavelength operations, reducing duplication and management overhead while maintaining effective bidirectional communication.
Implementation Method 1
bidirectional operations of the previously proposed bidirectional optical transceiver 150 may be based on a wavelength division multiplexing technique. For example, a first bidirectional optical transceiver 150a may comprise a first laser 152a configured to produce optical signals for transmission at a wavelength of 1310 nm
Implementation Method 2
a first diplexer 154a configured to pass optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm and direct optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm towards a first optical receiver 156a
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver assembly is provided. The optical transceiver assembly comprises: an optical transceiver, wherein the optical transceiver comprises: an optical transmitter comprising an active region of a cavity laser for transmitting optical signals over a first channel of the optical transceiver; an optical receiver for receiving optical signals over a second channel of the optical transceiver; and an adaptor. The adaptor comprises: a first terminal, the first terminal for coupling to one of the first channel and the second channel of the optical transceiver; a second terminal, the second terminal for coupling to the other of the first channel and the second channel of the optical transceiver; a third terminal defining a bidirectional optical channel of the adaptor; and one or more optical components configured to optically couple the first and second terminals to the third terminal, such that optical signals at a first wavelength pass between the first terminal and the third terminal, and optical signals at a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, pass between the second terminal and the third terminal. The active region and one or more of the optical components of the adaptor are together configured to form the cavity laser for transmitting optical signals over the first channel. Optical signals may be received by the optical transceiver over the second channel. The adaptor may be couplable to the optical transceiver in a first configuration, in which the first terminal of the adaptor is coupled to the first channel and the second terminal of the adaptor is coupled to the second channel, and a second configuration, in which the second terminal of the adaptor is optically coupled to the first channel and the first terminal of the adaptor is optically coupled to the second channel. An optical transceiver and an adaptor for an optical transceiver are also provided.