Parallel Arrayed Waveguide Gratings in Optical Cable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of optical communication sub-assemblies poses challenges in routing optical fibers, leading to increased damage and signal loss due to bending, which is not adequately addressed by conventional designs where wavelength division multiplexers/de-multiplexers are housed in a fixed space.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguides are integrated within a cable assembly with a casing that includes through holes for fiber routing, allowing for flexible placement and reducing the need for fiber bending, thus minimizing damage and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical communication sub-assembly is miniaturized to meet space constraints, then the device size is reduced, but the optical fibers are more likely to be damaged and bent portions lead to loss of optical signal transmission power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical communication sub-assembly into separate modular components: wavelength division multiplexers and de-multiplexers are disposed in different housings rather than being integrated in a single compact housing. This segmentation allows each component to have its own optimized fiber routing path, reducing fiber bending and damage risks while maintaining overall miniaturization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested positioning where the circuit board is disposed in the housing, and the wavelength division multiplexer or de-multiplexer is positioned on the circuit board. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and allows for controlled fiber routing through designated pathways, minimizing fiber bending while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the wavelength division multiplexer or de-multiplexer is disposed in a housing with limited space, then the device achieves miniaturization, but the routing of optical fibers becomes complex and increases assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the wavelength division multiplexer and de-multiplexer into different housings, the patent simplifies the fiber routing process for each individual housing. Each housing can be assembled and tested independently before final integration, significantly reducing assembly complexity compared to routing multiple fibers through a single compact housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary assembly and testing of wavelength division multiplexer or de-multiplexer components in their respective housings before final integration. This preliminary action allows fiber routing to be optimized and verified in each module separately, making the overall manufacturing process more manageable and less error-prone.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally disclosed herein is an optical cable assembly a casing that defines a storage space, the casing having a first through hole at a first end and a second through hole at the second end, a first arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) disposed in the storage space, a second AWG disposed in the storage space, a first optical cable comprising at least one transmission optical fiber connected to a first end of the first and second AWGs, a second optical cable comprising at least one transmission optical fiber connected to a second end of the first and second AWGs, wherein the first and second AWGs are disposed substantially parallel with each other and substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the casing such that each of the first and second AWGs have a first end proximate the first through hole and a second end proximate the second through hole.