PON Signal Strength Estimation via Bit Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive optical network (PON) systems are limited in their ability to quickly measure the signal strength of upstream data bursts from optical network units (ONUs) due to the slow activation of trigger pins and the need for multiple pins in optical modules, which is undesirable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that estimates the received signal strength of optical signals using a processing module, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which detects bit patterns during the amplifier recovery time and eliminates the need for a dedicated pin, allowing for faster and more efficient signal strength calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated trigger pin is used to detect received signal strength, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed is limited to once every 500 µS or longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal strength detection function from the dedicated trigger pin mechanism and implements it through bit pattern analysis during amplifier recovery time. This eliminates the bottleneck of the trigger pin activation delay while maintaining measurement accuracy through alternative detection methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical trigger pin system with a digital signal processing approach using bit pattern detection. Instead of relying on hardware trigger activation delays, the system uses software-based pattern recognition during the amplifier recovery period to determine signal strength, significantly increasing measurement speed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pins are included in optical modules for signal strength detection, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing bit patterns during amplifier recovery time serve multiple purposes: they simultaneously indicate the end of data transmission and provide signal strength information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pins, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the amplifier recovery time period itself as the detection mechanism, making the existing signal structure serve the dual purpose of data transmission termination indication and signal strength measurement. This self-service approach eliminates additional hardware requirements.
3Measurement precision
If analog to digital conversion is performed after trigger pin activation, then signal strength can be computed, but the process is slow and limits measurement frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the signal strength detection action during the amplifier recovery time period, which occurs before the next data burst arrives. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare measurement data in advance without blocking the data transmission pipeline, enabling frequent measurements without affecting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring of bit patterns during amplifier recovery time without interrupting the data transmission process. This continuous detection approach allows frequent measurements to be taken while the system remains productive, eliminating the bottleneck between measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The received signal strength of individual optical data bursts may be estimated based on the detection of bit patterns within each data burst associated with an amplifier recovery time period. The burst-by-burst estimates can be made faster than existing techniques.