Optical Wavelength Selective Filter Node for Avionics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In critical communications networks like aircraft avionics, the need for rigorous testing of multiple node types is costly, and the removal of signals from the network can be computationally intensive, leading to latency and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A node for optical networks is designed with an optical wavelength selective filter to extract specific wavelength components, allowing for efficient signal transmission and removal without active complex devices, using optical circulators and beam splitters to manage light paths and reduce the number of node types requiring testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of nodes are used in the optical network to handle different wavelength components, then the network functionality and signal management capability are improved, but the testing cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidtesting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal node design where a single node type can handle multiple wavelength components through an optical wavelength selective filter. The filter can be configured to extract different wavelength components, allowing one node type to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized node types, thereby reducing testing complexity while maintaining network functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical wavelength selective filter is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the node to adapt its wavelength selection based on network requirements. This dynamic capability enables a single node type to replace multiple static node types, each dedicated to a specific wavelength, thus reducing the overall testing burden while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If active optical devices are used to remove signals from the network, then the signal management capability is improved, but the device complexity and testing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wavelength selection function from complex active optical devices and implements it through an optical wavelength selective filter. This filter passively extracts specific wavelength components from the optical signal without requiring complex active control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining signal management capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical wavelength selective filter acts as an intermediary element between the optical signal and the network nodes. It selectively extracts wavelength components and directs them appropriately, providing simple yet effective signal management without the complexity of active optical devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If computational methods are used to remove signals from the network, then the flexibility in signal management is improved, but the processing time and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal management flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces computational signal processing with an optical wavelength selective filter that performs wavelength extraction through physical optical mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for computational processing of optical signals, thereby reducing latency while maintaining the flexibility to manage different wavelength components through filter configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces testing costs and complexity by allowing a generic avionics unit to operate with multiple nodes, minimizing latency and signal propagation issues, while enabling efficient signal management within the network.

Implementation Method 1

an optical wavelength selective filter, optically connected to the input, to extract a first wavelength component of the plural wavelength components from the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength selective filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10893343B2Node for an optical network

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

An optical network including an input to receive from an optical network light comprising plural wavelength components. An optical wavelength selective filter, optically connected to the input, extracts a first wavelength component of the plural wavelength components from the light, thereby providing a first optical signal including the first wavelength component and a second optical signal including a remainder of the plural wavelength components a light emitter to provide a modulated broadband optical signal. A first output, optically connected to the optical wavelength selective filter, receives a first portion of the second optical signal for transmission to a light detector and a second output, optically connected to optical wavelength selective filter, receives a second portion of the second optical signal for transmission to the optical network.