Parallel Optical Signal Analysis Using Frequency Mask Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber switch technologies are inefficient in measuring connection quality due to serial investigation methods, which take significant time and require additional equipment when capacity is exceeded, and suffer from aliasing effects in imaging fiber optic arrays.
Innovation Solution
A system using a spatially varying frequency mask that modulates light from optical fiber channels with distinct frequencies, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple signals through a single high-speed detector and fast Fourier transform, enabling real-time connection quality feedback without the need for multiple optical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serial investigation method is used to measure connection quality of optical fibers, then measurement process is simple, but measurement time increases significantly and additional equipment is needed when capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into frequency-modulated channels, where each optical fiber channel is assigned a distinct frequency signature. This allows parallel processing of multiple channels through spectral separation, transforming a serial temporal measurement process into a parallel frequency-domain measurement process, thereby reducing measurement time without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal domain measurement (serial in time) to frequency domain measurement (parallel in frequency). By modulating each channel with a distinct frequency and using a spectrum analyzer to resolve these frequencies simultaneously, the system measures multiple channels in parallel rather than sequentially, fundamentally changing the measurement dimension from time-based to frequency-based
2Quantity of substance
If optical switch capacity is increased to measure more fibers, then more fibers can be measured, but additional equipment needs to be purchased when capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical switch perform multiple functions by enabling it to handle and frequency-modulate multiple optical fiber channels simultaneously. Instead of requiring one switch per fiber or one switch per bundle, the universal switch architecture allows one switch to serve many fibers through frequency-division multiplexing, eliminating the need to purchase additional switches when capacity needs to be increased
3Measurement precision
If imaging method is used to capture fiber optic array, then all fibers can be visualized, but aliasing effects occur due to pixel boundaries and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based fiber identification system with an optical modulation and spectral analysis system. Instead of relying on camera pixels to resolve and identify fibers (which suffers from aliasing when fiber pitch approaches pixel size), the system uses optical frequency modulation and electronic spectrum analysis to identify each fiber's light signal, substituting a non-contact, non-pixelated measurement approach that is not subject to spatial sampling aliasing
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 connection quality assessment for up to 512 optical fiber channels within 15 milliseconds, reducing the need for multiple switches and improving signal quality detection, while accommodating varying channel configurations and fiber pitches.
Implementation Method 1
a mask configured to, while spinning at a frequency, allow a first portion of the light incident on the mask to pass through the mask, and block a remaining portion of the light incident on the mask, based on a pattern on the mask
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect the allowed first portion of the light as input signals
Implementation Method 3
a testing device configured to transform the input signals to a frequency domain, to obtain measured signals in frequencies respectively corresponding to the optical fiber channels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes optical fiber ports into which optical fiber channels are input, the optical fiber channels carrying and outputting light, a mask configured to, while spinning at a frequency, allow a first portion of the light incident on the mask to pass through the mask, and block a remaining portion of the light incident on the mask, based on a pattern on the mask, and a photodetector configured to detect the allowed first portion of the light as input signals. The apparatus further includes a testing device configured to transform the input signals to a frequency domain, to obtain measured signals in frequencies respectively corresponding to the optical fiber channels, and determine whether each of the measured signals is a failure by comparing the obtained measured signals with a threshold signal.