Optical Transceiver Common End Module Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-capacity optical transceivers face challenges in managing complexity and fiber resource utilization due to the need for multiple optical interfaces and increased fiber usage when implementing high-capacity connections using small-granularity optical transceivers, which also leads to higher costs and longer transceiver lengths.
Innovation Solution
The optical transceiver is structured into a common end module with a multi-carrier light source, wavelength division multiplexer, demultiplexer, and beam splitters, combined with data submodules featuring optical/electrical signal modulators and receivers, allowing for a single optical interface management and reducing fiber resource usage by multiplexing signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple small-granularity optical transceivers are multiplexed to achieve high capacity, then the transceiver capacity is improved, but the optical interface management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small-granularity optical transceiver functions into a single integrated optical transceiver module. The module combines multiple optical interfaces, beam splitters, and signal processing components into one unified device that provides high-capacity transmission (e.g., 400G or 800G) while requiring management of only a single optical interface, thus resolving the contradiction between capacity and management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver module internally segments the high-capacity signal into multiple wavelength channels using beam splitters and optical couplers. Each channel is processed independently through separate optical paths, allowing the module to handle multiple data streams simultaneously while presenting a single unified interface to the external system.
2Productivity
If multiple small-granularity optical transceivers are used, then high capacity is achieved, but fiber resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical signals onto a single fiber using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. The optical transceiver module transmits multiple wavelength channels simultaneously over one fiber optic cable, achieving high capacity transmission while minimizing fiber resource consumption compared to using separate fibers for each small-granularity transceiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the transmission medium. Instead of using multiple spatial dimensions (separate fibers), the system utilizes the spectral dimension by transmitting multiple signals at different wavelengths simultaneously over a single fiber, thereby achieving high capacity without increasing fiber resource usage.
3Ease of manufacture
If a large-granularity pluggable optical transceiver is used, then cost is reduced, but the demand is limited and development time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver module employs dynamic configurability through programmable optical switches and reconfigurable wavelength routing. The module can adapt its internal signal paths and wavelength allocations based on real-time network requirements, providing flexibility and versatility while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a standardized form factor that supports various capacity configurations.
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 configuration enables a high-capacity optical transceiver with reduced optical interface management complexity and fiber resource consumption, addressing the bottlenecks of large-granularity transceivers while maintaining efficient signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-carrier light source is configured to generate optical signals of two wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
the common end module includes a multi-carrier light source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a wavelength division demultiplexer, an external optical interface, and two first beam splitters
Implementation Method 3
the wavelength division multiplexer is separately connected to second ports of the two first beam splitters
Implementation Method 4
the optical/electrical signal modulator is configured to modulate a to-be-output electrical signal and an optical signal in the second beam splitter to to-be-output optical signals
Implementation Method 5
the optical receiver in each data submodule is configured to perform optical/electrical detection on a received to-be-received optical signal, to output a to-be-received electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver and a network device are provided. The optical transceiver includes a common end module and two data submodules. The common end module includes a multi-carrier light source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a wavelength division demultiplexer, an external optical interface, and two first beam splitters. Each data submodule includes a second beam splitter, an optical/electrical signal modulator, and an optical receiver. According to the optical transceiver and the network device, a high-capacity optical transceiver with a single optical interface can be implemented, so that optical interface management complexity is reduced, and a fiber resource is reduced.