Optical Transceiver Delay-Line Switching for Fast Path Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication networks face challenges in adjusting the time interval and timing for reading data after a path change, leading to prolonged non-operating times due to differences in path lengths and transmitter frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver design incorporating an N-input-1-output first optical switch, a 1-input-N-output second optical switch, and N optical waveguides of varying lengths to synchronize signal arrival times, allowing for path changes without adjusting the read timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver adjusts the time interval and timing for reading data after each path change, then the data can be correctly received, but the non-operating time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple optical waveguides with different lengths before path changes occur. These pre-prepared waveguides with specific delay characteristics allow the receiver to maintain correct reading timing without real-time adjustment after path changes, thereby eliminating the need for post-change timing adjustment and reducing non-operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the lengths of optical waveguides to create different delay characteristics. By selecting appropriate waveguide lengths based on path change conditions, the system compensates for timing differences without requiring receiver adjustment, thus maintaining data reception correctness while minimizing non-operating time.
2Loss of time
If multiple optical waveguides of different lengths are used to compensate for path length differences, then the timing adjustment time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical path into multiple parallel waveguides with different lengths, each serving as a separate timing compensation channel. This segmented structure allows independent optimization of each waveguide's delay characteristics while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the optical switch and waveguide system to serve multiple functions: path switching, timing compensation, and data transmission. The same structural elements handle both path changes and timing adjustments, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver includes an optical transmission unit and an optical reception unit and constitutes a network. The optical transmission unit transmits data at a symbol rate common in the network. The optical transceiver includes: an N-input-1-output optical switch that switches an optical signal received by the optical reception unit; a 1-input-N-output optical switch provided upstream of the optical signal with respect to the optical switch; and N delay lines of different lengths connected between the optical switch and the optical switch, and the optical signal input to the optical switch is input to the optical switch through one of the optical waveguides and received by the optical reception unit.