Reconfigurable Micro-Optoelectronic System for Online 5G Upgrades

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro-optoelectronic systems in 5G networks require re-plugging for upgrades and configurations, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, as they lack online upgrade and configuration capabilities, particularly in 100G CWDM4 and 100G WDM PON solutions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable micro-optoelectronic system with a substrate, edge connectors, CDR chips, a microprocessor, and an internal optical system that enables bidirectional transmission, online upgrade, and online configuration, allowing for connection and management without physical re-plugging, using components like laser drivers, optical filters, and semiconductor thermoelectric coolers to manage optical signals and temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional micro-optoelectronic systems are used in 5G networks, then the system structure is simple, but the system requires re-plugging for upgrades and configurations which reduces productivity and increases loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade and configuration efficiencyVSAvoidtime for re-plugging operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple service modes (100G CWDM4, 100G WDM PON, 200G WDM4) within the micro-optoelectronic system. The system预先 prepares different service configurations that can be activated online without physical re-plugging, thereby improving upgrade efficiency and eliminating time loss associated with manual re-plugging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the micro-optoelectronic system to dynamically switch between different service modes and configurations during operation. The system can adaptively adjust its functionality based on online configuration commands, transforming from a static fixed-function device to a dynamic reconfigurable system that supports continuous service upgrades without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated MAC layer and CPRI service conversion are implemented as in 100G WDM PON solution, then service functionality is improved, but the system loses online upgrade and configuration capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice configuration capabilityVSAvoidonline upgrade and configuration accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional micro-optoelectronic system that can support multiple service modes (100G CWDM4, 100G WDM PON, 200G WDM4) within a single device. The system incorporates universal interfaces and a unified control architecture that enables both dedicated service functionality and online reconfigurability, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple service modes and protocols within its architecture, including dedicated MAC layer and CPRI service conversion capabilities. These functions are prepared in advance but can be dynamically activated or deactivated through online configuration, maintaining both service functionality and upgrade accessibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If 100G CWDM4 solution is used, then fiber resource requirements are reduced, but online upgrade and configuration functions are completely lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber resource consumptionVSAvoidonline upgrade and configuration function
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a reconfigurable optical system that can change its operational characteristics during runtime. The micro-optoelectronic system dynamically adjusts its service mode, wavelength configuration, and protocol handling based on online commands, enabling the system to adapt to different service requirements without requiring additional fiber resources or physical re-plugging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic modification of operational parameters such as wavelength, data rate, and service protocol through online configuration. This enables the same physical infrastructure to support different service types and capacities by changing operational parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration or additional resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If micro-optoelectronic system requires re-plugging for bottom-level upgrades, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architecture simplicityVSAvoidmanual re-plugging requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the micro-optoelectronic system to perform its own configuration and upgrade operations autonomously. The system includes built-in control logic that can receive online configuration commands and automatically adjust its operational parameters, service modes, and internal settings without requiring manual physical intervention. This self-service capability maintains relatively simple device architecture while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 bi-directional transmission over a single fiber, reduces fiber volume, allows for arbitrary connection, and facilitates online upgrades and configurations without service interruptions, saving labor and improving network flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a laser driver, a laser, a laser substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The laser driver is configured to drive the laser. The laser is arranged on the laser substrate. After being filtered by the optical filter for transmitting, a laser beam emitted by the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

an optical filter for receiving, a photo-detector (PD) array... The optical filter for receiving is configured to filter out undesired light by selecting a certain wavelength to pass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 4

a photo-detector (PD) array... The PD array is configured to convert an inputted optical signal into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 5

The internal optical system further includes a semiconductor thermoelectric cooler (TEC), configured to control operating temperature of the laser driver, the laser substrate, and the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11522613B2Adjustable bidirectional transmission micro-optoelectronic system supporting online upgrade configuration
Publication Date: 2022.12.06 HANGZHOU XIN YUN TECH CO LTD
  • US11522613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable micro-optoelectronic system supporting bidirectional transmission, an online upgrade, and online configuration. The system includes: a substrate; and edge connectors, a clock-and-data recovery (CDR) chip for transmitting, a CDR chip for receiving, a microprocessor, and an internal optical system, which are provided on the substrate. The edge connectors serve as an interface of a high-speed electrical signal, and are configured to exchange information between the micro-optoelectronic system and an external environment. The internal optical system is configured to transmit and receive an optical signal. A link for the high-speed electrical signal is connected among the edge connectors, the CDR chip for transmitting, the internal optical system, and the CDR chip for receiving. A communication connection is provided between the microprocessor and each of the edge connectors, the CDR chip for transmitting, the CDR chip for receiving, and the internal optical system.