Optical Transceiver Link Validation via Bidirectional Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical transceivers lack closed-loop diagnostics, making it difficult to self-compensate for data link integrity issues and verify the establishment of a reliable optical link between transceivers, relying heavily on host systems for debugging and requiring human intervention for corrections.

Innovation Solution

Implementing self-adjusting optical transceivers with closed-loop diagnostics, where diagnostic modules in both transmit and receive subassemblies communicate to adjust power, modulation, and wavelength, and include validation signals to indicate link status independently of host systems, enabling bidirectional communication over a single optical fiber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional open-loop diagnostic functions are used in optical transceivers, then diagnostic information can be provided by transceivers, but the diagnostic information cannot be utilized automatically at the transmitting location and human intervention is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic information utilizationVSAvoidautomatic correction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements closed-loop diagnostic functions where diagnostic information flows bidirectionally between transceivers. The receiving transceiver sends diagnostic information about the optical signal quality back to the transmitting transceiver, enabling automatic feedback-based adjustments to transmission parameters without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitting transceiver automatically adjusts its own transmission parameters (power, modulation, wavelength) based on diagnostic information received from the receiving transceiver. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external human intervention to correct transmission issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional optical transceivers are used, then bidirectional communication can be implemented, but no indicator is available to verify when a reliable optical link has been established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink verification capabilityVSAvoiddebugging difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual indicators (such as LED lights) that change color or illuminate to provide immediate visual feedback about link status. These indicators are integrated into the transceiver housing, allowing users to quickly verify link establishment and diagnose problems without relying on host system software or complex debugging tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If host systems are used for link validation, then data link establishment can be determined, but technicians must rely on host system software which complicates the debugging process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink validation capabilityVSAvoidsystem dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transceivers perform link validation independently using integrated diagnostic modules and validation signals. This self-service capability allows transceivers to determine their own link status without requiring host system involvement, simplifying debugging and reducing system dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of information

If diagnostic data is transmitted between transceivers, then closed-loop diagnostics can be implemented, but bandwidth may be consumed by diagnostic data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic information accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts diagnostic information from the main data communication channel by using separate validation signals and dedicated diagnostic wavelengths. This separation allows diagnostic data to be transmitted without consuming the bandwidth allocated for primary data communication, maintaining both diagnostic accuracy and data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7860399B2Host-independent link validation between optical communications modules

Publication Date: 2010.12.28 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for validating a data link between two communication modules, such as optical transceiver modules configured for bidirectional optical communication, are disclosed. In one embodiment a method according to the invention includes a first optical transceiver module transmitting a first validation optical signal to a second optical transceiver module via an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, that physically interconnects both transceivers. The first validation optical signal is received by the second optical transceiver module, which lights an indicator light on its housing and returns a second validation optical signal to the first optical transceiver module. Upon receipt of the signal, the first transceiver lights its indicator light and enables data transfer to occur between both transceivers. In other embodiments, the validation signals can be encrypted or scrambled to authenticate the transceivers as legitimate devices, or can contain identifying or descriptive information regarding the transceivers.