Optical Transceiver Digital Signal Processing Port Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical transceiver apparatuses require multiple ports for digital signal processing, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for custom configurations for different optical transmission applications, especially when switching between 100 Gbit/s × two wavelengths and 200 Gbit/s × one wavelength.

Innovation Solution

A digital signal processing device with selectively switchable modulation/demodulation capabilities between low-efficiency (QPSK) and high-efficiency (16QAM) systems, utilizing a selection section to connect input/output interfaces appropriately, reducing the number of ports needed for frame processing and allowing for flexible application without changing the configuration or connection form.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ports are provided in the frame processing section to support different optical transmission applications, then the device can handle various bit rates and modulation systems, but the number of occupied ports increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for different optical transmission applicationsVSAvoidnumber of ports in frame processing section
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame processing section is designed with a universal port that can handle multiple optical transmission applications through dynamic configuration. The digital signal processing section selectively activates specific functional blocks (dispersion compensation, equalization, demodulation) based on the required application, allowing a single port to serve multiple purposes rather than requiring dedicated ports for each application type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms that enable the frame processing section to adapt its configuration in real-time based on the optical transmission application being used. The digital signal processing section can dynamically enable or disable specific processing blocks and adjust port configurations, transforming a static multi-port design into a dynamic single-port or reduced-port architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If custom configurations are created for different optical transmission applications, then each application can be optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases and ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication optimizationVSAvoidcustom configuration development
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing separate custom configurations for different applications, the invention creates a universal digital signal processing section that can be programmed or configured to handle various optical transmission applications. This single universal design replaces multiple custom designs, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining application-specific optimization through software or control logic configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes different applications by changing operational parameters rather than changing the physical configuration. The digital signal processing section adjusts parameters such as modulation scheme, bit rate, dispersion compensation levels, and equalization settings based on the required application, allowing one physical design to serve multiple purposes with optimal performance for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the apparatus configuration is changed to reduce the number of ports, then manufacturing cost decreases, but adaptability to different applications may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduced port numberVSAvoidsupport for different bit rates and modulation systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reduced-port configuration maintains full adaptability through dynamic reconfiguration capabilities. The digital signal processing section can dynamically switch between different processing modes and activate specific functional blocks based on the required application, allowing a single port to adaptively handle various bit rates and modulation systems without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The digital signal processing section is segmented into independent functional blocks (dispersion compensation, equalization, demodulation, etc.) that can be selectively activated. This modular segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility by enabling only the necessary processing blocks for each application, reducing the effective complexity exposed through the port while preserving full adaptability internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3319246B1Digital signal processing device and optical transceiver
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 NTT ELECTORNICS CORP
  • EP3319246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3319246B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3319246B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Signal processing sections (6a,6b) selectively switch modulation/demodulation in low-efficiency modulation system and modulation/demodulation in high-efficiency modulation system, and perform digital signal processing. Parallel-side interfaces of input/output interface sections (A,B) are electrically connected to the signal processing section (6a). A serial-side interface of the input/output interface section (B) is electrically connected to a serial-side interface of the input/output interface section (D). A selection section (7) electrically connects a parallel-side interface of the input/output interface section (C) to the signal processing section (6b) when the low-efficiency modulation system is selected, and electrically connects the parallel-side interface of the input/output interface section (C) to a parallel-side interface of the input/output interface section (D) when the high-efficiency modulation system is selected.