Reversible Optical Circulator Switch for Fiber Path Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical switches have limited switching states, requiring multiple fiber-optic paths in fiber-optic communication systems to maintain data transmission performance, which increases costs and reduces network flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A 2×2 optical switch with four switching states is implemented using reversible optical circulators, each with four I/O ports, allowing for forward and backward circulation of optical signals based on control signals, enabling more flexible and economical network design by reducing the need for redundant fiber-optic paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical switches with limited switching states are used, then the system requires multiple fiber-optic protection paths to maintain data transmission performance, but this increases network complexity and infrastructure costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the optical switch to dynamically change its switching states based on real-time network conditions. The optical switch can switch between bar state and cross state, and can also operate in unidirectional modes, allowing the system to adaptively route optical signals through different paths. This dynamic switching capability eliminates the need for multiple static protection paths while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing an optical switch that can perform multiple functions: bidirectional switching, unidirectional switching, and protection routing. The same optical switch device can serve as both a working path and a protection path by changing its switching states. This multi-functionality allows a single optical switch to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated protection paths.
2Reliability
If multiple fiber-optic protection paths are implemented to maintain data transmission performance, then reliability is improved, but network design flexibility and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic switching capability allows the network design to be more flexible. Instead of laying multiple physical protection paths, the system uses a single optical switch that can dynamically reconfigure its routing states. This reduces infrastructure requirements while maintaining the ability to provide protection and adapt to different network topologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the optical switch, including the direction of optical signal transmission and the switching state (bar or cross). By controlling these parameters, the system can achieve multiple routing configurations using the same physical infrastructure, thereby improving network design flexibility without compromising reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional optical switches are used with limited switching states, then device simplicity is maintained, but the number of required fiber-optic paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in both bidirectional and unidirectional modes. This allows a single switch device to perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated paths, thereby reducing the quantity of fiber-optic paths needed while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by enabling unidirectional optical signal transmission in addition to the traditional bidirectional mode. This additional degree of freedom allows the system to route optical signals more efficiently, reducing the number of required paths without significantly increasing the complexity of the optical switch structure.
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
The optical switch with multiple states simplifies fiber-optic network design, reduces the number of required fiber-optic paths, and enhances protection mechanisms, allowing for efficient bi-directional communication with reduced infrastructure costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first reversible optical circulator and the second reversible optical circulator has four I/O ports, wherein the four I/O ports are respectively a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the four terminals sequentially transmit an optical signal in a forward circulation or a backward circulation according to a control signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch including a first reversible optical circulator and a second reversible optical circulator is provided. Each of the first reversible optical circulator and the second reversible optical circulator respectively has four I/O ports, wherein the four I/O ports are respectively a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the four terminals sequentially transmit an optical signal in a forward circulation or a backward circulation according to a control signal, and an open end is formed between the first terminal and the adjacent fourth terminal. The open ends of the first reversible optical circulator and the second reversible optical circulator are coupled with each other.