OTDR Breakage Detection via Voltage Threshold Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
General optical time domain reflectometers face challenges in detecting breakages in optical transmission lines due to weak return light intensity and significant noise interference, making real-time monitoring and detection difficult.
Innovation Solution
An optical time domain reflectometer system that includes a light source, optical detection unit, optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, and a comparator to detect changes in return light intensity by comparing signals with a threshold voltage, allowing for automatic detection of line failures by identifying changes in timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple signal averaging is performed to ensure detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional A/D conversion process with a direct voltage comparison method using a comparator circuit. Instead of converting the optical signal to digital form through complex A/D conversion and then performing multiple averaging operations, the system directly compares the detection signal voltage with a threshold voltage to determine breakage. This substitution of the detection mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming A/D conversion and multiple signal averaging, achieving both high detection accuracy and rapid response time.
2Measurement precision
If A/D conversion is performed multiple times for continuous monitoring, then detection accuracy is maintained, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex A/D conversion system with a simple voltage comparator circuit. The comparator directly compares the detection signal voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage and outputs a binary result indicating breakage or normal state. This eliminates the need for multiple A/D converters and complex digital signal processing, significantly reducing system complexity while enabling continuous real-time monitoring with maintained detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, low-cost voltage comparator circuit instead of expensive A/D conversion systems. The comparator is a basic electronic component that provides sufficient functionality for breakage detection without the complexity and cost of digital conversion systems. This approach uses a simple, easily replaceable component to achieve the detection function, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If conventional A/D conversion system is used, then signal processing capability is sufficient, but detection speed is too slow for real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow A/D conversion process with an instantaneous voltage comparison operation. The comparator circuit immediately compares the detection signal voltage with the threshold voltage as soon as the signal arrives, providing real-time breakage detection. This substitution eliminates the conversion time bottleneck of A/D systems while maintaining reliable signal processing through the straightforward voltage threshold comparison method.
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 rapid and continuous monitoring of optical transmission lines, reducing detection time and improving accuracy by eliminating the need for multiple signal averaging and A/D conversion, thus facilitating real-time breakage detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection unit configured to detect a return light from an optical transmission line and output a detection signal indicating an intensity of the return light
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to automatically detect a failure of an optical transmission line. A light source outputs a monitoring light. An optical detection unit detects a return light from an optical transmission line and outputs a detection signal indicating an intensity of the return light. An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer outputs the monitoring light input from the light source to the optical transmission line, and outputs the return light input from the optical transmission line to the optical detection unit. A comparator compares the detection signal with a threshold voltage and outputs a comparison signal indicating the comparison result. A processing unit detects a first timing at which the comparison signal changes, and detects a failure of the optical transmission line when the first timing is earlier than a reference timing.