Remote Laser Module for Reconfigurable Wavelength Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interface devices in data centers have fixed configurations that cannot be altered by end users, limiting flexibility and requiring replacement of the entire co-packaged optical interface device to change optical settings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote laser module (RLM) with a pass-through optical circuit that accommodates different wavelengths and optical powers, including programmable optical switches and multiplexers, allowing end users to configure optical interface devices at the point of use without replacing the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration optical interface device is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface device is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed configuration core device and a reconfigurable laser module. The laser module can be independently configured and replaced to change optical parameters (wavelengths, powers, formats) without replacing the entire interface device, thus improving flexibility while maintaining simplicity of the core device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The laser module includes programmable optical switches and multiplexers that can be dynamically configured at the point of use to accommodate different wavelength grids and optical power settings, enabling adaptability without increasing core device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire co-packaged optical interface device is replaced to change optical settings, then configuration flexibility is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical interface into a permanent core device and a separate laser module, the system allows configuration changes through laser module replacement or reconfiguration only, rather than replacing the entire expensive co-packaged device. This reduces manufacturing costs and makes the system more economical.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser module enables changes in optical parameters (wavelengths, powers, formats) through reconfiguration of existing components rather than hardware replacement. This parameter-based flexibility achieves adaptability at lower cost compared to full device replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable optical switches and multiplexers are added, then wavelength division multiplexing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser module acts as an intermediary between the fixed core device and the optical network. It contains the programmable optical switches and multiplexers, isolating the complexity from the core device while providing enhanced WDM capability. This allows the core device to remain simple while the laser module handles the complex wavelength management.
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
Enhances flexibility by enabling users to adjust wavelength grids and optical powers without replacing the optical interface device, increasing the number of available wavelength division multiplexing channels and reducing costs associated with device upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
Light sources, such as lasers, are used to provide optical signals for the transmission of data
Implementation Method 2
increasing the number of available wavelength division multiplexing channels
Implementation Method 3
an optical demultiplexer disposed between the optical I/O interface and the second optical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module can include one or more lasers, an optical I/O interface, an optical receive interface, an optical transmit interface, a first optical device, and a second optical device. The first optical device is disposed between the optical I/O interface and the optical transmit interface, and the second optical device is disposed between the optical I/O interface and the optical receive interface.