Optical Transceiver Idle Mode Using DSP Sleep and Ping Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communications systems continue to dissipate significant power even during periods of low or no traffic due to channel stability requirements, with digital signal processing modules remaining active to handle dummy data, leading to inefficient power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power mode in optical transceivers that deactivates non-essential functions like chromatic dispersion and forward error correction, triggered by requests encoded in data packet headers, with periodic ping signals to resume normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital signal processing modules remain active to handle dummy data during idle periods, then channel stability is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the digital signal processing module, allowing it to switch between active processing and low-power states based on traffic conditions. During idle periods, the module enters a low-power mode while maintaining minimal functionality to preserve channel stability, and transitions to full processing capability when traffic resumes, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and power savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic ping signals to probe the optical channel during idle periods. Instead of continuously processing dummy data, the system sends periodic test signals to maintain channel stability, allowing the DSP module to remain in low-power state between pings. This periodic probing approach maintains reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the transceiver enters low-power mode during idle activity, then power consumption is reduced, but recovery time to normal operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains minimal DSP functionality even during low-power mode to enable rapid recovery. By keeping certain processing capabilities partially active or quickly reactivatable, the system can transition back to normal operation faster than a complete power-down would allow, thus reducing recovery time while still achieving significant power savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a traffic-based power saving mode that adjusts operational parameters dynamically. When transitioning from low-power mode to normal operation, the system modifies processing parameters and thresholds to accelerate recovery, allowing the DSP module to regain full functionality more quickly than a standard cold start would permit
3Reliability
If periodic ping signals are sent to maintain channel stability, then channel probing continues, but some power consumption remains during idle mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the periodic ping signal mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it probes channel stability, triggers DSP reactivation when needed, and provides a standardized protocol for mode transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, minimizing overall energy loss while maintaining channel stability during idle periods
Data Source
AI summary
In part, the disclosure relates to a method for power saving in optical transceivers during idle activity. The method may include receiving, by a first receiver a request to initiate idle mode; identifying, based on the request to initiate the idle mode, a frequency of ping times during the idle mode; initiating the idle mode and deactivating one or more functions of the digital signal processor; receiving, by the first receiver, from the first transmitter, a plurality of ping signals on a plurality of respective ping times; and terminating, responsive to a ping signal comprising a request to end idle mode, the idle mode by activating the one or more functions of the digital signal processor.