Pluggable Optical Module Bias Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pluggable optical modules, individual differences in optical modulators require unique bias voltages for phase shifting, making autonomous bias point control challenging when receiving requests from optical communication apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable optical module with a control unit that determines and applies appropriate bias voltages to a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator based on phase angle information from a control signal, ensuring consistent operation across different modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Mach-Zehnder optical modulator is used in a pluggable optical module, then optical signal modulation capability is achieved, but individual differences in bias voltage requirements arise among different modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives detection results about the optical modulator's characteristics from the optical communication apparatus, automatically determines the appropriate bias voltage based on this feedback information, and adjusts the bias voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the individual difference problem by adapting to each module's specific characteristics without requiring manual intervention or sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously performs bias voltage determination and adjustment based on detection information, enabling the pluggable optical module to self-configure and self-optimize its operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external manual calibration and ensures each module operates at its optimal bias point, resolving the adaptability issue while maintaining consistent performance across different modules.
2Reliability
If manual bias voltage adjustment is performed for each optical module, then individual differences are addressed, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the optical modulator's characteristics when the module is first inserted or initialized, storing this information for subsequent automatic bias voltage determination. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during actual operation, achieving both accurate bias point configuration and rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic feedback-based bias voltage determination system eliminates manual intervention entirely. The control unit continuously monitors and adjusts the bias voltage based on real-time detection information from the optical communication apparatus, achieving accurate bias point configuration instantaneously without time loss associated with manual procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pluggable optical module autonomously controls bias voltage, then adaptability to individual differences is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that bridges the optical modulator and the optical communication apparatus. It receives detection information from the apparatus, automatically determines the appropriate bias voltage based on this information, and adjusts the modulator accordingly. This intermediary approach centralizes the control logic in a dedicated component, managing the complexity while enabling autonomous adaptation to individual module differences.
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 autonomous and appropriate bias voltage application to optical modulators, addressing individual differences and facilitating seamless operation with optical communication apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal output unit including a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator in which a phase modulation area are provided on a waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a bias electrode to which a bias voltage is applied and a modulation electrode to which a data signal is applied are formed on one or both of the two optical waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
To autonomously apply a bias voltage to an optical modulator according to phase angle information provided from outside in a pluggable optical module. A pluggable electric connector (11) can communicate a communication data signal and a control signal with an optical communication apparatus (92). An optical signal output unit (13) includes a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator including a phase modulation area and outputs an optical modulation signal (LS) modulated according to the communication data signal. An optical power control unit (14) can control optical power of the optical modulation signal (LS). A pluggable optical receptor (15) can output the optical modulation signal (LS) to an optical fiber (91). A control unit (12) controls a modulation operation of the optical signal output unit (13) and the bias voltage applied to the phase modulation area.The control unit (12) determines the bias voltage applied to the phase modulation area according to phase angle information of the control signal (CON1). The optical signal output unit (13) applies the bias voltage determined by the control unit (12) to the phase modulation area.