Remote Wavelength Tuning in Smart Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges with interferometric beat noises due to overlapping wavelengths in transmitters, leading to signal degradation and potential link shutdown, especially in systems without optical amplifiers and in WDM systems where initial transmitter wavelengths may not be optimized, resulting in limited operational margins and increased costs for connector replacements.
Innovation Solution
A scheme for remote control of the wavelength of a tunable transmitter in smart transceivers, utilizing an optical spectrum analyzer and Bit Error Rate Tester, allows for the adjustment and monitoring of transmitter wavelengths through a proprietary protocol and OAM functions, enabling remote operation and minimizing interferometric beat noises without requiring specific connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If angled polished connectors (APCs) are used to minimize optical reflection, then interferometric beat noises are suppressed, but connector replacement costs increase and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the transmitter to mitigate interferometric beat noises instead of changing the connector type. By tuning the transmitter wavelength to avoid overlap with reflected signals, the system achieves IBN suppression without requiring expensive APC connector replacements, thus resolving the contradiction between harmful factor suppression and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution (changing connector physical type from PC/UPC to APC) with an optical/electrical solution (tuning transmitter wavelength via control circuits). This substitution eliminates the need for physical connector replacement while achieving the same goal of suppressing interferometric beat noises.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmitter wavelength is tuned to avoid spectral overlap, then interferometric beat noises are mitigated, but device complexity increases due to remote control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates wavelength control functionality into existing smart transceiver components that already perform other functions. The control circuit utilizes existing EFM OAM protocol mechanisms and proprietary protocol capabilities, making the wavelength tuning feature part of the multi-functional smart transceiver rather than adding separate dedicated hardware, thus minimizing complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service wavelength optimization where the transceiver can automatically adjust its wavelength based on detected signal conditions and reflected power levels. The remote site transceiver monitors the link and sends control commands to adjust the tunable transmitter wavelength, eliminating the need for manual site visits and complex centralized control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If technicians visit remote sites for wavelength adjustment, then wavelength optimization is achieved, but productivity decreases and time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical technician travel and manual wavelength adjustment with an automated remote control system. Through optical monitoring and electronic communication via existing fiber infrastructure, the system enables distance-based wavelength optimization without requiring physical presence at remote sites, thus maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that communicates between the remote site transceiver and the tunable transmitter through existing fiber optic links. This intermediary uses proprietary protocols and EFM OAM functions to transmit control commands, enabling remote wavelength adjustment without direct physical intervention and thus resolving the contradiction between optimization precision and deployment efficiency.
4Device complexity
If conventional duplex transceivers with fixed wavelengths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to optimize wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic wavelength tuning capability into smart transceivers, allowing the transmitter wavelength to be adjusted remotely based on system requirements and link conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same transceiver to optimize performance for different scenarios (IBN mitigation, link budget optimization) while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes (wavelength adjustment) in smart transceivers through integrated control circuits that respond to remote commands. This parameter adaptability allows the transceiver to optimize its operating wavelength based on detected signal conditions, reflected power levels, and system requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-wavelength devices and thus maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A scheme is described for remote control of the wavelength of a tunable transmitter in a smart small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver, a smart SFP plus (SFP+) transceiver, a smart 10 gigabit small form-factor pluggable (XFP) transceiver, a smart duplex transceiver, a smart bidirectional (BiDi) transceiver, or a smart single wavelength single fiber (SWSF) BiDi-transceiver in a communication system using an operating system with Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) and Proprietary Protocol (PP) functions; an OAM, PP & Payload Processor; a transceiver; an optical spectrum analyzer; a bit error rate test (BERT); and an optical link in the field.