Optical Transceiver Sleep Mode via Passive Cable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems, particularly fiber-optic modules, consume significant power even when not transmitting data, leading to unnecessary energy usage and increased cooling requirements due to unconnected modules consuming power without being active.
Innovation Solution
A passive power controller is introduced to detect whether an optical cable is coupled with the module, placing inactive components in a sleep mode to conserve power, allowing only essential parts to remain active for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical transmitter and receiver remain active continuously, then signal transmission capability is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning the optical transmitter and receiver between active and sleep modes based on cable connection status. The system actively monitors whether a cable is coupled and adjusts power consumption accordingly, allowing components to be dormant when not in use and fully operational when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis to detect cable connection status and automatically adjusts its own power state without external intervention. The optical module independently determines when to enter sleep mode or active mode based on its own operational requirements and connection status.
2Use of energy by moving object
If optical modules are placed in sleep mode to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the ability to detect cable connections even in sleep mode and transitions to active mode proactively when a cable is detected. This preliminary detection capability ensures that the system is ready to transmit data immediately when needed, minimizing response time while still benefiting from power savings during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cable connection status and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust its power state. When a cable connection is detected, the system receives feedback that triggers immediate activation, ensuring minimal response time. The feedback loop allows the system to balance power consumption with responsiveness based on real-time operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising an optical transmitter, having an optical transmitter portion and an electrical transmitter portion, and configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal; an optical receiver, having an optical receiver portion and an electrical receiver portion, configured to receive an optical signal and convert the optical signal to an electrical signal; a passive power controller configured to passively detect whether or not a cable is coupled with the optical transmitter and, if not, to place at least the optical transmitter portion in a sleep mode.