PLC Optical Transceiver Layout for Dual-Wavelength Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceiver apparatuses are limited to single-wavelength signal transmission, failing to meet the increasing demand for higher capacity and efficiency in optical communications networks.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical transceiver apparatus with a planar waveguide circuit (PLC) structure that incorporates dual splitters and detectors, enabling dual-wavelength signal transmission and reception, and a spotsize converter for improved coupling efficiency with optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If single-wavelength signal transmission is used, then device complexity is reduced, but information capacity of the optical communications system is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions (splitting, demultiplexing, detection) into a single PLC chip structure. The PLC chip includes a splitter, demultiplexer, and optical detectors integrated on the same substrate, allowing dual-wavelength signal processing without requiring separate discrete components for each function, thus increasing information capacity while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC chip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it splits optical signals, demultiplexes dual wavelengths, and detects optical signals across different wavelength bands. This multi-functional integration enables the device to handle both upstream and downstream communications with enhanced capacity while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical device and electrical device are integrated in a single PLC structure, then assembly process is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both optical components (splitter, demultiplexer, waveguides) and electrical components (optical detectors) onto a single PLC chip substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate assembly of optical and electrical devices, simplifying the manufacturing process. The integrated design ensures precise alignment through monolithic fabrication techniques, addressing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If dual-wavelength signal transmission is implemented, then information capacity is enhanced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves dual-wavelength signal transmission by integrating the splitter, demultiplexer, and detectors into a compact PLC chip structure. All components share the same integrated circuit substrate, significantly reducing the overall device volume compared to using separate discrete components for each wavelength and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC chip structure nests multiple functional components within a single integrated substrate. The splitter, demultiplexer, and detectors are arranged in a nested or compact configuration on the same chip, minimizing the device footprint while maintaining dual-wavelength transmission capability and high information capacity.
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
The integrated optical transceiver apparatus facilitates dual-wavelength signal transmission and reception, enhancing communication capacity and efficiency while simplifying assembly and reducing size, and is cost-effective due to its silicon dioxide platform.
Implementation Method 1
the first splitter is configured to output, from the second end of the first splitter to an optical fiber, signal light of a first wavelength and signal light of a second wavelength that are received by the first end of the first splitter
Implementation Method 2
the optical detector is configured to convert, into an electrical signal, the signal light that is output by the second end of the second splitter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an integrated optical transceiver apparatus and an OLT are provided. A first splitter and a second splitter are integrated into a PLC structure of the apparatus. The first splitter is configured to output a signal light of a first wavelength and a signal light of a second wavelength, and output a signal light of a third wavelength and a signal light of a fourth wavelength. The second splitter is configured to separate the signal light of the third wavelength and the signal light of the fourth wavelength, and output the signal light of the third wavelength, and output the signal light of the fourth wavelength. A first optical detector and a second optical detector are disposed on the PLC structure, where the first optical detector and the second optical detector are configured to convert, into electrical signals, the signal lights output by the second splitter.