Repeater Power Supply Circuit for High-Current Optical Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine optical repeaters face challenges in supplying sufficient current to high-output excitation laser modules, leading to increased complexity and size due to the limitations of current power feeding equipment and the need for multiple DC/DC converters, which decrease conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a DC/DC converter connected in series to the power supply line and Zener diodes in parallel with optical amplifiers, allowing for increased current supply to optical amplifiers without complicating the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power feeding current is increased to supply sufficient current to high-output excitation laser modules, then the output of optical amplifiers can be increased, but the upper limit current of commonly used power feeding equipment (1.3 A) becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple parallel power supply lines instead of using a single high-current line. Each power supply line operates within the standard current limit (e.g., 1.3A), but multiple lines work simultaneously to provide the total required current to the excitation laser modules, enabling high output without requiring any single power feeding equipment to exceed its current capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple power supply lines in parallel to achieve the effect of a single high-current line. By merging the current capacity of multiple lines, the system achieves the total current required for high-output excitation laser modules while each individual line remains within standard equipment limits.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple DC/DC converters are used to increase current supply capability, then sufficient current can be supplied to excitation laser modules, but the conversion efficiency decreases due to multiple conversion stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC/DC conversion function from individual optical amplifier modules and consolidates it into a single centralized DC/DC converter. This single converter performs the current conversion once, and then the converted current is distributed through multiple power supply lines to various optical amplifiers, eliminating the need for multiple conversion stages and preserving conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single DC/DC converter serves multiple optical amplifiers simultaneously through multiple power supply lines. This universal converter performs the power conversion function for the entire system rather than being dedicated to a single module, achieving both high current supply capability and maintained conversion efficiency.
3Power
If the number of excitation laser modules is increased to increase transmission capacity, then the output of optical amplifiers can be increased, but the configuration becomes more complicated and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution into multiple parallel power supply lines, each independently connected to optical amplifiers. This modular power distribution approach allows multiple excitation laser modules to be supplied through standardized parallel connections, reducing configuration complexity compared to complex series or hierarchical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power conversion function into a single DC/DC converter that serves all optical amplifiers through multiple power supply lines. This consolidation reduces the total number of active components (converters) while maintaining the capability to support multiple excitation laser modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 enables higher output from optical amplifiers while maintaining efficiency and reducing the size and complexity of the repeater system.
Implementation Method 1
a direct current (DC)/DC converter connected in series to a cable including an optical fiber and a power supply line, and configured to amplify a current supplied via the power supply line
Implementation Method 2
one or more Zener diodes connected in series with respect to an output current of the DC/DC converter, and each connected in parallel with respect to an optical amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit includes: a direct current (DC)/DC converter connected in series to a cable including an optical fiber and a power supply line, and configured to amplify a current supplied via the power supply line; and one or more Zener diodes connected in series with respect to an output current of the DC/DC converter, and each connected in parallel with respect to an optical amplifier amplifying a signal transmitted through the optical fiber.