Parallel Optics OTDR Acquisition for Multi-Fiber Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement time for fiber optic cables with multiple optical fibers is prolonged due to sequential measurement methods, which can negatively impact the quality of measurement results and increase the cost of measurement units.
Innovation Solution
A parallel optics based optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) acquisition system that uses a laser array to transmit multiple laser beams in parallel to an optical fiber array and a photodiode array to receive backscattered and reflected light, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple fibers, thereby reducing overall measurement time without compromising quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential measurement methods are used for multiple optical fibers, then measurement quality can be maintained, but measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into parallel channels by using multiple optical fibers arranged in a array, where each fiber can be measured simultaneously through dedicated laser beams and photodiode elements, transforming sequential measurement into parallel measurement operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal dimension (sequential measurement) to spatial dimension (parallel measurement across multiple fibers), using optical array geometry to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple fibers through spatially distributed laser beams and detectors
2Measurement precision
If sequential measurement methods are used, then measurement quality is maintained, but cost of measurement units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal optical array architecture where a single laser array and photodiode array can simultaneously measure multiple optical fibers, eliminating the need for separate measurement units for each fiber and reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement quality
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 approach enables faster and more efficient measurement of multiple optical fibers while maintaining measurement quality, reducing the need for increased performance specifications and costs of measurement units.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fibers may transmit light from a source to a destination
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted light may be backscattered and reflected
Implementation Method 3
a photodiode array to receive, in parallel, backscattered and reflected light from the optical fiber array
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, parallel optics based optical time domain reflectometer acquisition may include a laser array operatively collimated to an optical fiber array to transmit, in parallel, a plurality of laser beams to optical fibers of the optical fiber array. A photodiode array may receive, in parallel, backscattered and reflected light from the optical fiber array. The photodiode array may determine, based on the backscattered and reflected light, properties of the optical fibers of the optical fiber array.