Optical Transceiver Rate Detection Using Phase-Lock Frequency Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceivers are limited to operating at predetermined frequencies, requiring user intervention or complex backplane interactions, and are costly when designed to adapt to non-predetermined data rates in synchronous communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically identify and adapt to non-predetermined input data rates by testing candidate frequencies using phase-locking, phase-lock interrupt monitoring, and harmonic band detection, allowing the transceiver to operate independently without user intervention or backplane communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the transceiver is designed to acquire non-predetermined optical data rate independent of backplane communications, then the transceiver can operate autonomously, but the cost and complexity of the transceiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver dynamically adjusts its operating frequency by implementing a frequency sweeping mechanism that tests multiple candidate frequencies until the correct data rate is identified. This allows the transceiver to adapt to non-predetermined optical data rates autonomously without requiring complex pre-configuration or backplane communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver performs self-configuration by automatically detecting and locking onto the correct data rate through iterative frequency testing and phase-locked loop synchronization. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external intervention or complex communication protocols with the backplane
2Reliability
If the transceiver is hardcoded to operate at a particular predetermined frequency, then the transceiver operates reliably at that frequency, but user intervention is required and the unit is limited to one frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver transitions from a static, hardcoded frequency design to a dynamic frequency selection mechanism. The system iteratively tests multiple candidate frequencies and automatically locks onto the correct one, providing both reliability through phase-locked loop synchronization and versatility through multi-frequency capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver changes its operating parameter (frequency) dynamically by implementing a frequency sweeping algorithm that tests multiple candidate frequencies. This allows the same hardware to reliably operate at different data rates without requiring physical reconfiguration or user intervention
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
Enables the optical transceiver to efficiently and cost-effectively adapt to various data rates by selecting the appropriate frequency from a list, ensuring reliable operation across different network conditions without added complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
A first test is performed, attempting to phase-lock a coded input data signal using a reference signal at the candidate frequency. If the input signal is phase-locked, a second test is performed of monitoring a phase detector output signal for the occurrence of a phase-lock interrupt.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for identifying the data rate of an input signal in a communications receiver. The method supplies a candidate frequency from a list of potential input data rate frequencies. A first test is performed, attempting to phase-lock a coded input data signal using a reference signal at the candidate frequency. If the input signal is phase-locked, a second test is performed of monitoring a phase detector output signal for the occurrence of a phase-lock interrupt. If a phase-lock interrupt is not monitored, a third test is performed of harmonic band detection. In response to passing the first, second, and third tests, the candidate frequency is selected as the reference frequency and the input data signal is decoded. If the first, second, or third test is failed, an alternate candidate frequency is supplied from the list and the tests are repeated, beginning with the first test.