Parallel Adaptive Filter EDC for Optical Fiber Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatic, polarization mode, and modal dispersion in optical fibers lead to pulse broadening and intersymbol interference, particularly in long-haul and multimode fiber systems, which existing technologies struggle to effectively compensate for in the electrical domain.

Innovation Solution

Implementing parallel processed electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) techniques using a block diagram of EDC circuitry that includes analog-to-digital conversion, a parallel adaptive filter array with FIR and decision feedback equalizers, and data combining circuitry to reduce dispersion effects by adapting tap weights based on error correction algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electronic dispersion compensation is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but compensation effectiveness for chromatic, polarization mode, and modal dispersion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion compensation effectivenessVSAvoidEDC circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EDC circuitry is divided into multiple parallel adaptive filters, each processing different portions of the data blocks. This segmentation allows simultaneous compensation of multiple dispersion types (chromatic, polarization mode, and modal dispersion) by distributing the compensation task across multiple filter units, thereby improving compensation effectiveness while managing complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional single-path EDC processing to a parallel multi-dimensional processing architecture. By arranging adaptive filters in parallel and processing data blocks through multiple simultaneous pathways, the system achieves comprehensive dispersion compensation across different dispersion mechanisms that cannot be effectively handled by sequential processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If parallel processed EDC is implemented, then dispersion compensation effectiveness improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel adaptive filter architecture enables continuous processing of data blocks through multiple simultaneous filter operations. By maintaining continuous useful action across all parallel filters rather than sequential processing, the system achieves comprehensive dispersion compensation without proportionally increasing processing time, as all filters operate concurrently on different portions of the same data block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7427939B2Parallel processed electronic dispersion control

Publication Date: 2008.09.23 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus, system and method for providing electronic dispersion compensation. In one embodiment an apparatus may include an analog-to-digital converter and a plurality of adaptive filters arranged in parallel. The analog-to-digital converter may output blocks of samples, associated portions of which may be provided as inputs to the filters. Data combining circuitry may receive each of the associated outputs and provide a digital signal output. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.