Auxiliary Device for Tunable Optical Module Wavelength Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical networks (WDM-PON) face challenges in maintaining communication quality due to wavelength deviations caused by external factors like temperature changes, leading to interference and degradation of communication quality.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary device and method for setting an optical wavelength in an optical network unit, which includes an optical wavelength analyzer that transmits a test signal, detects power, and executes a central wavelength detection algorithm to set the optical wavelength information of a tunable optical module, ensuring the power of the return signal meets a predetermined condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wavelength division multiplexing is used to improve transmission capacity, then bandwidth is increased, but wavelength deviation causes communication interference and quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical network unit transmits wavelength information back to the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device uses this feedback to detect actual wavelength and automatically adjusts the tunable optical module to maintain accurate wavelength alignment, thereby preventing communication interference while utilizing wide bandwidth for improved transmission capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service wavelength stabilization where the auxiliary device automatically detects wavelength deviations and adjusts the tunable optical module without manual intervention. The optical network unit self-corrects wavelength drift caused by temperature changes, maintaining communication quality while benefiting from the expanded bandwidth of WDM-PON

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual wavelength setting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but wavelength setting efficiency and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength setting processVSAvoidwavelength setting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device performs automatic wavelength detection and adjustment without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by automatically transmitting test signals, detecting wavelength information, and adjusting the tunable optical module to achieve precise wavelength setting, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wavelength adjustment with an automated optical detection and control system. The auxiliary device uses optical signals and electronic processing to automatically detect and adjust wavelength, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electro-optical mechanisms for higher precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wavelength stabilization is implemented to prevent interference, then communication quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidwavelength control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines wavelength detection, test signal transmission, and adjustment control in a single device. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into one system, improving communication quality through wavelength stabilization while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device acts as an intermediary between the optical network unit and the wavelength control system. It mediates the wavelength stabilization process by detecting wavelength information and controlling the tunable optical module, thereby achieving communication quality improvement through a centralized coordinating function rather than distributed complex controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10763959B2Auxiliary device for setting wavelength and method for setting optical wavelength of optical network unit

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 SOLID

AI summary

A wavelength-setting auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept includes an optical wavelength analyzer configured to transmit a test signal having a first wavelength to an optical line terminal, and to execute a central wavelength detection algorithm based on a result of detecting power of a return signal for the test signal to set optical wavelength information of a tunable optical module, and a connector connected to the tunable optical module for interfacing data transmitted between the optical wavelength analyzer and the tunable optical module.