Repeater Light Source Modules Serial Drive Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In submarine communication systems, repeaters face challenges in maintaining continuous operation due to failures of pumping light sources, as the degradation of one active light source cannot always be compensated by an auxiliary source, necessitating frequent repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system with a light source unit comprising multiple pumping light source modules, each with a monitor element, a distribution unit for combining excitation lights, and a control unit that supplies a drive current serially through all light emitting elements, ensuring continuous excitation light supply even if some modules fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary pumping light source is provided to compensate for the degradation of the main light source, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the auxiliary light source may fail before the main light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main and auxiliary pumping light sources into a single integrated module where both light sources and their drive circuits are combined. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary light source modules and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability through the ability to switch between light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes both pumping light sources capable of serving as either main or auxiliary light sources. Each light source module is designed with the same functionality, allowing any module to take over the main light source role when needed, thus providing universal multi-functionality and improving system reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If the drive current of the auxiliary pumping light source is increased to compensate for the main light source degradation, then the brightness is maintained, but the life-span of the auxiliary light source shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of drive currents where the main light source drive circuit adjusts current based on monitored brightness levels, and the auxiliary light source drive circuit responds dynamically to switching signals. This dynamic adjustment allows brightness maintenance while managing light source longevity through intelligent current management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drive current parameter dynamically based on the operational state. When the main light source degrades, its drive current is increased to maintain brightness. When switching to auxiliary light source, its drive current is initially set to maintain the required brightness level, then adjusted based on monitoring feedback to optimize life-span.
3Reliability
If separate main and auxiliary pumping light sources are provided with independent control circuits, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality into a single integrated control circuit that manages both the main and auxiliary pumping light sources. The control circuit includes a monitoring unit that monitors both light sources and a switching unit that can switch between them, eliminating the need for separate independent control circuits and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to control both light sources through the same interface and logic. The monitoring unit can monitor either light source, and the switching unit can switch between either light source, providing multi-functional control that reduces complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 allows the repeater to operate continuously until all light emitting elements fail, reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability by eliminating the distinction between main and auxiliary light sources, and allowing for cost-effective control unit design.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element for emitting the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a monitor element for monitoring the excitation light of the light emitting element
Data Source
AI summary
Even when some light emitting elements among the plurality of light emitting elements fail, a repeater, can be continuously operated. Means for solving the problems A light source unit 50 which includes a plurality of pumping light source modules 51 (51a to 51d) which include light emitting elements 52 (52a to 52d) for emitting an excitation light and monitor elements 53 (53a to 53d) for monitoring the excitation lights of the light emitting elements 52 (52a to 52d), respectively, a distribution unit 40 which combines the excitation lights from the plurality of pumping light source modules 51 (51a to 51d) and distributes it, and a control unit 60 which supplies a drive current flowing serially through the plurality of light emitting elements 52 (52a to 52d) in a plurality of excitation modules 51 (51a to 51d) are included.