Automatic Wavelength Setting for Optical Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Setting wavelengths for optical signals between optical communication devices in passive optical networks is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual administrator intervention due to the separation distance between devices.

Innovation Solution

An automatic wavelength setting system using an optical transceiver that generates and transmits test light, analyzes reception light power, and adjusts transmission wavelength based on feedback, with an optical reflector and multiplexer to filter and retransmit signals until the correct wavelength is established.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual wavelength setting is performed by administrator, then wavelength configuration can be established, but it is cumbersome and time-consuming requiring administrator visit to site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength setting operationVSAvoidtime for administrator visit and setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transceiver automatically performs wavelength setting by generating test light, detecting reflected light through the multiplexer, and adjusting the wavelength based on feedback from the reflection detection, eliminating the need for administrator intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the optical reflector and multiplexer to detect whether test light at a given wavelength is reflected or transmitted, allowing the optical transceiver to automatically adjust and converge on the correct wavelength for communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If optical transceiver transmits test light through multiplexer, then automatic wavelength detection is enabled, but requires additional optical components (optical reflector, coupler)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength setting automationVSAvoidoptical path components
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexer serves dual functions: its normal function of multiplexing optical signals and an additional function as a wavelength detection element by utilizing its wavelength-selective reflection and transmission properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical reflector acts as an intermediary component that redirects test light back to the optical transceiver when the wavelength does not match, enabling the feedback mechanism without requiring direct connection between distant devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 automatic wavelength setting without administrator intervention, reducing time and effort in establishing communication channels between optical communication devices.

Implementation Method 1

the optical reflector... configured to transmit the first transmission light to the connected multiplexer when the first transmission light is an optical signal of a set wavelength, and to reflect and retransmit the first transmission light to the optical transceiver when the first transmission light is not the optical signal of the set wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the coupler configured to transmit the first transmission light input from the reflector to the optical transceiver, and when the first transmission light does not correspond to the set wavelength, the first reception light includes the first transmission light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coupling:

Data Source

PatentEP4047835A1Automatic wavelength setting system for optical communication device
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 SOLID
  • EP4047835A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4047835A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4047835A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic wavelength setting system for an optical communication device includes: an optical transceiver included in the optical communication device, the optical transceiver configured to generate and transmit first transmission light corresponding to a first wavelength, to analyze power of first reception light received after the transmission of the first transmission light, and when it is determined that the first transmission light is received as a result of the analysis, to generate and transmit second transmission light corresponding to a second wavelength; and an optical reflector, which is formed between the optical transceiver and a multiplexer, configured to transmit the first transmission light to the connected multiplexer when the first transmission light is an optical signal of a set wavelength, and to reflect and retransmit the first transmission light to the optical transceiver when the first transmission light is not the optical signal of the set wavelength.