Pluggable Coherent Optical Module With a Shared Tunable Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of digital coherent transceivers is hindered by the need for two wavelength-tunable light sources, which occupy valuable space and hinder the compact design required for modern optical communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable optical module design that incorporates a single wavelength-tunable light source capable of outputting both modulated light for transmission and local oscillation light for reception, eliminating the need for separate light sources and enabling compact integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two wavelength-tunable light sources are mounted in the digital coherent transceiver, then the optical signal transmission and reception functions are achieved, but the device size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate wavelength-tunable light sources into a single integrated light source. This single light source can operate in two modes: generating output light for modulation and transmission, and generating local oscillation light for coherent reception. By combining what were previously two separate components into one, the device volume is reduced while maintaining both transmission and reception capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wavelength-tunable light source is designed to perform multiple functions. It can generate output light that is modulated for optical signal transmission, and it can also generate local oscillation light for coherent detection in the reception function. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace two, enabling device miniaturization while preserving full operational capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a single wavelength-tunable light source is used for both transmission and reception, then device miniaturization is achieved, but the complexity of light source control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the single wavelength-tunable light source. The light source can dynamically switch between two operational states: generating output light for transmission and generating local oscillation light for reception. This dynamic capability is managed through control signals that adjust the light source's operation based on whether the system is in transmission or reception mode, thereby managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware multiplication.
3Reliability
If two wavelength-tunable light sources are mounted, then the optical functions are fulfilled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functionality of two wavelength-tunable light sources into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly requirements. Instead of procuring, testing, and assembling two separate light sources, the system uses one light source with dual functionality, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the required optical performance for both transmission and reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wavelength-tunable light source is designed to perform multiple functions (generating output light and local oscillation light), which reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to manufacture and integrate two separate light sources, thereby reducing overall manufacturing expenditure while fulfilling all optical signal processing requirements.
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 design achieves a compact pluggable optical module for digital coherent communication, reducing the number of wavelength-tunable light sources and manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality, thus facilitating the miniaturization of optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission unit configured to output a first optical signal generated by modulating the output light in response to the modulation signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical reception unit configured to demodulate a second optical signal received by using the local oscillation light to the data signal
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable optical connector is configured to be insertable into and removable from an optical communication apparatus, and to be capable of communicating a modulation signal and a data signal with the optical communication apparatus. A wavelength-tunable light source is configured to output an output light and a local oscillation light. An optical transmission unit is configured to output an optical signal generated by modulating the output light in response to the modulation signal. An optical reception unit is configured to demodulate an optical signal received by using the local oscillation light to the data signal. Pluggable optical receptors are configured in such a manner that an optical fiber is insertable into and removable from the pluggable optical receptors, and configured to be capable of outputting the optical signal to the optical fiber and transferring the optical signal received thorough the optical fiber to the optical reception unit.