Optical Transmission Apparatus Wavelength Conversion Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength multiplexed optical transmission systems using the C, L, and S bands require a redundant configuration that is larger and more costly due to the need for multiple optical components and switches, leading to increased size and expense.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission apparatus with a first transmitter, a switch, a wavelength converter, a second transmitter, and a multiplexer that outputs optical signals across different wavelength bands, allowing for path switching and reducing the number of optical switches and amplifiers needed by using an optical coupler and splitter for fault management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant configuration is implemented in a transmission system using C, L, and S bands with multiple optical components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single transmission path to serve multiple wavelength bands (C, L, and S bands) simultaneously through wavelength conversion. The wavelength converter allows the same physical infrastructure to handle different wavelength signals, reducing the need for separate redundant components for each band while maintaining reliability across all bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple wavelength band transmissions into a unified system architecture. Instead of implementing separate redundant configurations for C, L, and S bands, the system combines them into a single transmission path with shared optical components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability through centralized fault management.
2Reliability
If redundant optical switches are provided for each wavelength band, then reliability is improved, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single optical switch that handles multiple wavelength bands through wavelength conversion, rather than requiring separate optical switches for each band. This universal switch reduces the quantity of components while maintaining reliability by providing redundant switching capability across all wavelength bands through a shared infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical amplifiers are used to compensate power loss in multi-staged multiplexing, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the amplification function into a centralized configuration rather than requiring multiple distributed amplifiers for each multiplexing stage. By combining wavelength conversion and amplification into a unified approach, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining signal quality through optimized power compensation at key points in the transmission path.
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
This configuration reduces the size and cost of the redundant setup while maintaining efficient transmission by selectively routing faulty signals through a preliminary transmission line, ensuring continuous data transfer without the need for redundant optical switches and amplifiers for each wavelength.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converter configured to convert the optical signal outputted from the switch toward the first transmission line into an optical signal having a wavelength belonging to a second wavelength band other than the first wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a first multiplexer configured to multiplex the optical signal outputted from the first wavelength converter and the optical signal outputted from the second transmitter, and output a multiplexed optical signal to the first transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission apparatus includes a first transmitter configured to output an optical signal having a wavelength belonging to a first wavelength band, a switch configured to output the optical signal outputted to the first transmitter toward a first transmission line or a second transmission line, a wavelength converter configured to convert the optical signal outputted from the switch toward the first transmission line into an optical signal having a wavelength belonging to a second wavelength band other than the first wavelength band, a second transmitter configured to output an optical signal having a wavelength belonging to the first wavelength band, and a first multiplexer configured to multiplex the optical signal outputted from the first wavelength converter and the optical signal outputted from the second transmitter, and output a multiplexed optical signal to the first transmission line.