Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) face limitations in implementing both optical add and drop functions along with inter-dimension switching due to restricted structural configurations and optical path designs, leading to insufficient integration levels, cross-connection capabilities, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer with a beamsplitter that splits input beams into multiple parts for inter-dimension switching and local optical add/drop functions, utilizing multiple switch arrays and a wavelength dispersion system to enable simultaneous implementation of these functions within a single optical system, enhancing integration and reducing volume and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an N×M ROADM with two levels of switch arrays is used to implement inter-dimension switching, then the number of output ports increases, but the device can implement only optical drop function and requires combination with another optical component to achieve optical add/drop function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the second-level switch array to perform multiple functions: it serves as the output stage for inter-dimension switching while simultaneously functioning as the input stage for optical add/drop operations. This dual-role configuration eliminates the need for separate optical components and enables the single device to handle both inter-dimension switching and local optical add/drop services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inter-dimension switching function and local optical add/drop function into a single integrated device. By configuring the second-level switch array to serve both purposes and combining the optical paths, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining full functionality, directly addressing the limitation of prior art that required separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical components are combined to implement both optical add/drop function and inter-dimension switching function, then functional requirements are met, but the integration level decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second-level switch array universal by enabling it to handle both inter-dimension switching traffic and local optical add/drop traffic. This multi-functional design increases the integration level by eliminating separate components while maintaining high cross-connection capability through the unified switch array architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical components are used to implement optical add/drop and inter-dimension switching, then functional requirements are met, but the physical volume and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single compact device structure. By integrating the optical add/drop functionality and inter-dimension switching functionality within the same switch array architecture, the patent significantly reduces the physical volume required compared to combining separate optical components, while maintaining full service functionality.
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 configuration improves the integration level and cross-connection capabilities of the optical network node, allowing for more efficient handling of increased network demands while reducing the physical volume and costs associated with additional components.
Implementation Method 1
each of the M input beams received by using the M input ports is split into at least N parts by using the beamsplitter
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength dispersion system, configured to: receive the P input beams from the first switch array, and disperse the P input beams, to obtain sub-beams of the P input beams
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer, including: an input component, an output component, a beamsplitter, a first switch array, a wavelength dispersion system, a redirection system, and a second switch array. The input component includes M+P input ports, the output component includes N output ports, the beamsplitter is configured to: receive M input beams from M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams; the first switch array includes at least P switch units; and the second switch array includes N rows of switch units. The first switch array, the beamsplitter, the wavelength dispersion system, the redirection system, and the second switch array are arranged so that P optical add beams and sub-beams of M×N beams in the at least M×N beams can be routed to the N output ports. This can improve an integration level of the reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer.