Configurable Optical Transceiver Pass-Through for Link Budget Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceivers in satellite networks face challenges due to hard-coded, pre-programmed ASIC implementations that are costly, difficult to adapt to flexible networks, and lack interoperability, making them inflexible and expensive, with limited compatibility and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing software programmable optical transceivers based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that allow dynamic configuration of digital signal processing functions, enabling flexible operation modes and interoperability, with a control plane optimizing power consumption and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-coded, pre-programmed ASIC implementations are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, hard-coded ASIC implementations to dynamic, software-programmable FPGAs. The FPGAs can be reconfigured via software to adapt to different network protocols, data rates, and processing requirements, while maintaining reliability through controlled reconfiguration and validation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the transceiver's functional parameters to be modified through software programming of the FPGA. This includes changing data processing algorithms, protocol handling, and operational modes without physical hardware changes, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining system reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If hard-coded, pre-programmed ASIC implementations are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid ASIC manufacturing with flexible FPGA-based implementations. The same hardware platform can be manufactured once and then programmed differently for various applications, eliminating the need for costly and complex ASIC fabrication processes while maintaining precise functionality through software control.
3Productivity
If full processing is performed at each satellite, then data capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing configurable processing levels where satellites can perform only the necessary amount of data processing required for their specific role in the network. The software-programmable FPGA allows dynamic adjustment of processing intensity, enabling satellites to perform partial processing when sufficient capacity exists elsewhere in the network, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through dynamic reconfiguration of processing capabilities based on network conditions, traffic patterns, and satellite positions. The control plane can periodically adjust the processing load on different satellites, switching between full processing and pass-through modes to optimize the balance between data capacity and power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If software programmable FPGAs are used, then adaptability and interoperability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized software-programmable FPGA platform that can perform multiple functions across different satellite network configurations. The same hardware architecture supports various protocols, data rates, and processing modes through software configuration, reducing overall system complexity despite the programmability feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control plane that manages the complexity of software-programmable FPGAs. This control plane handles the configuration, monitoring, and optimization of FPGA operations, shielding the complexity from individual satellites while enabling adaptability and interoperability through centralized software control.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable pass-through is provided between two optical transceivers communicatively coupled in a data path. The pass-through selectively bypasses data processing functions based on an optical link budget associated with the data path. The configurable pass-through may include optical, analog-to-digital (ADC) to digital-to-analog (DAC), digital signal processor (DSP), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) pass-through implementations. An optical switch may directly couple signals between the transceivers, bypassing digital processing entirely. ADC-to-DAC and DSP-level pass-through implementations enable wavelength flexibility, constellation-level looping, and radio-frequency noise filtering. FPGA pass-through provides comprehensive noise cleanup and buffering, selectively bypassing forward error correction based on conditions. The configurable pass-through maintains uninterrupted data flow during subsystem faults or reboots. A control plane proactively computes optical link budgets, dynamically optimizing pass-through configurations for power efficiency, latency, and reliability. The approach applies to terrestrial optical networks and enhances overall system resilience and efficiency.