Self-Testing Optical Transceiver Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transceivers in high-speed data transmission networks require diagnostic self-testing capabilities without relying on a host computing system, as existing methods are inefficient in performing manufacturing tests under changing environmental conditions and assessing component responses.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver module equipped with a processor, persistent memory, and system memory that executes microcode to perform diagnostic self-tests, storing results for analysis, allowing autonomous end-of-life calculations and environmental parameter evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical transceivers rely on host computing systems for diagnostic testing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and test efficiency deteriorate due to external dependency and slower testing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver performs self-diagnostic testing by executing microcode stored in persistent memory through its processor. The system tests its own optical transmitter, optical receiver, driver, and amplifier components without requiring external host computing systems, thereby improving test efficiency while managing device complexity through integrated self-service capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver integrates multiple functions including data transmission, reception, and self-diagnostic testing within a single device. The processor and persistent memory enable the device to perform both its primary communication function and diagnostic testing function, eliminating the need for separate external testing equipment and host system dependency
2Reliability
If optical transceivers perform self-diagnostic testing with microcode execution, then reliability and autonomous operation improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional memory and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The microcode for diagnostic testing is pre-stored in persistent memory during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables the optical transceiver to autonomously execute comprehensive self-tests without requiring external programming or configuration, improving reliability assessment capabilities while minimizing the complexity of runtime operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces external mechanical testing systems with an integrated electronic self-testing system. The processor executes software-based diagnostic routines stored in persistent memory, substituting physical external testing equipment with electronic software control, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through virtualization of testing functions
3Loss of time
If optical transceivers cannot perform autonomous self-tests, then device complexity is lower, but loss of time occurs during manufacturing testing and deployment due to external system dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic testing function is segmented as a separate executable microcode module stored in persistent memory, distinct from the main data transmission functionality. This segmentation allows the optical transceiver to independently execute diagnostic tests without interfering with or requiring the host computing system, reducing time loss during manufacturing and deployment while managing complexity through functional separation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an optical transceiver module to perform one or more diagnostic self-tests without the assistance of a host computing system. The optical transceiver module includes at least one processor, a persistent memory and a system memory. The persistent memory, which is coupled to the at least one processor, contains microcode. The microcode is loaded from the persistent memory to the system memory and executed by the at least one processor. The executed microcode causes the optical transceiver module to perform one or more diagnostic self-tests. The diagnostic result data of the one or more diagnostic self-tests is then stored in the persistent memory and is formatted for analysis. The formatted data may then be analyzed to ascertain the response of the optical transceiver to changes in its test environment.