Optical Transceiver Unit for Dual Protocol Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical transmission sub-modules are limited to supporting only one communication system, making it difficult to upgrade to new systems while maintaining compatibility with old systems, especially in scenarios where two systems need to be supported simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The proposed optical device includes a light guiding unit, an optical path conversion unit, and an optical transceiver unit, which allows for the simultaneous support of two communication systems and a cable TV system by using a combination of filters and collimating lenses to manage multiple optical signals on the same path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single optical transmission sub-module supports only one communication system, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot upgrade to new systems while maintaining compatibility with old systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transmission sub-module is designed to support multiple communication systems (GPON and XGS-PON) simultaneously through a unified device structure. The module includes multiple optical receivers and transmitters that can handle different wavelength ranges, enabling a single device to serve both legacy and advanced communication protocols without requiring separate devices for each system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The optical transmission sub-module is divided into functionally independent segments: a first optical receiver for receiving first optical signals, a second optical receiver for receiving second optical signals, a first optical transmitter for transmitting first optical signals, and a second optical transmitter for transmitting second optical signals. Each segment can operate independently and is configured with specific wavelength filters and optical components tailored to its designated communication system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If two communication systems are supported simultaneously, then system adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual system supportVSAvoidoptical path management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Optical filters serve as intermediary components that selectively pass specific wavelength ranges to the appropriate receivers and transmitters. The first optical filter allows first wavelength signals to reach the first receiver, while the second optical filter allows second wavelength signals to reach the second receiver. This filtering mechanism enables wavelength division multiplexing, allowing multiple communication systems to share the same optical fiber without signal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the complexity of supporting multiple systems by utilizing the wavelength dimension. Different communication systems operate at different wavelength ranges (e.g., 1.26-1.32 μm for GPON and 1.49-1.66 μm for XGS-PON), allowing the system to multiplex multiple signals onto a single optical fiber by separating them in the wavelength domain rather than requiring separate physical fibers or complex signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If multiple receivers and transmitters are installed in a narrow space, then device compactness improves, but signal transmission effectiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical components are arranged in a compact configuration where filters, receivers, and transmitters are positioned to utilize optical path differences and wavelength separation. The first and second optical filters are positioned to receive optical signals from the optical fiber and direct them to the respective receivers through controlled optical paths, allowing multiple components to coexist in a narrow space without compromising signal quality through proper spatial and spectral arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the optical device to support two sets of communication protocols and a cable TV system without the need for additional hardware, reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining effective signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The light path conversion unit includes a first collimating lens, an optical time domain reflectometer lens, and a second filter, a first filter, a third filter, and a fourth filter, a second collimating lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

A wavelength optical filter, and an optical transmitter capable of simultaneously outputting the emitted light and inputting the received light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12316924B2Optical device
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 EZCONN
  • US12316924B2 patent drawing
  • US12316924B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical device includes a light guide unit, an optical path conversion unit and an optical transceiver unit. The light guiding unit is connected to the optical fiber and is suitable for transmitting optical signals. The optical path conversion unit is connected to the light guide unit, and is suitable for receiving optical signals and changing the optical path of the optical signals. It is used in the optical transceiver unit for the configuration of two receiving parts and two transmitting parts, which can support the same optical path at the same time with use of two sets of communication protocol systems and the cable TV protocol system.