Separate Control Line for PON Timing Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a Passive Optical Network (PON) system, the optical transmission/reception unit cannot acquire timing information generated by the communication scheduler unit when configured separately, hindering signal transmission and reception based on determined communication timing.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that include a MAC unit for processing main signals and determining communication timing, a communication unit for performing transmission and reception processing based on acquired timing, and a separate control information transmission line for conveying communication timing data from the MAC unit to the communication unit, enabling the optical transmission/reception unit to adjust transmission and reception conditions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical transmission/reception unit and communication scheduler unit are configured separately, then the system modularity and adaptability are improved, but the optical transmission/reception unit cannot acquire timing information generated by the communication scheduler unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control information transmission line as an intermediary channel between the MAC unit and communication unit. This separate control information transmission line carries timing information from the MAC unit to the communication unit, enabling the optical transmission/reception unit to acquire necessary timing information while maintaining separate configuration of functional units.
2Reliability
If a separate control information transmission line is added to convey timing data, then the optical transmission/reception unit can acquire timing information, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication interface into two distinct channels: a main signal transmission line for data communication and a separate control information transmission line for timing information. This segmentation allows timing information to be transmitted reliably through the dedicated control channel without interfering with the main signal transmission, while keeping the overall system structure organized and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes: a MAC unit that processes a main signal including a payload, and determines a communication timing of the main signal; a communication unit that performs, based on the communication timing, at least one of transmission processing for E/O converting the main signal acquired from the MAC unit, and transmitting the main signal to a communication counterpart device, and reception processing for O/E converting the main signal received from the communication counterpart device; a main signal transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted between the MAC unit and the communication unit; and a control information transmission line that is provided separately from the main signal transmission line, and through which communication timing data that is data indicating the communication timing is transmitted from the MAC unit to the communication unit.