SFP Host Interface Signal Switching for 1588 Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for synchronizing signals in small-formfactor pluggable modules require complex and expensive modifications, particularly with the integration of a packet-based 1588 infrastructure, which increases power consumption and hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
An interface and method that allows selective switching of signals between different signal paths in a host device, enabling the connection of various SFP modules without the need for additional hardware, using I2C signals to determine the switching mode and facilitate the interconnection of multiple SFP types, including GPON and Gigabit-Ethernet modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packet-based 1588 infrastructure is integrated in the SFP module to enable synchronous PON as mobile backhaul, then synchronization signal transport is achieved, but the SFP module becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 1588 synchronization infrastructure from the SFP module and relocates it to the host device. The SFP module retains only its basic optical transceiver functions, while the host device assumes responsibility for 1588 packet processing and synchronization signal generation. This separation eliminates the complexity and cost of integrating 1588 infrastructure in the SFP module while maintaining synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device is designed to support multiple SFP module types (GPON, Ethernet, etc.) through a universal interface that can handle both traditional data signals and 1588 synchronization signals. The host device's switching fabric and signal paths are configured to accommodate different signal types, allowing the same host device to work with various SFP modules without requiring each SFP to have dedicated 1588 infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a packet-based 1588 infrastructure is integrated in the SFP module, then synchronization signal transport is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power-consuming 1588 infrastructure is extracted from the SFP module and placed in the host device. This eliminates the need for the SFP module to maintain additional circuitry for 1588 packet processing, clock recovery, and synchronization signal generation, thereby reducing its power consumption to levels appropriate for basic optical transceiver operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different SFP types are supported with dedicated hardware for each, then specific functionality is optimized, but hardware requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host device implements a universal interface design with signal paths and switching capability that can accommodate multiple SFP module types (GPON, Ethernet, etc.). Rather than providing dedicated hardware for each SFP type, the host device uses a single configurable interface that can be adapted through software or configuration to support different protocols and signal types, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device employs dynamic configuration of signal paths and switching modes based on the detected SFP module type. The system can adapt its internal routing and signal processing in real-time to match the requirements of the connected SFP module, allowing a single hardware platform to serve multiple functions without dedicated hardware for each variant.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an interface and method for enabling interconnection of a host device and a small-formfactor pluggable module. The interface comprises a host device connector (52) arranged to receive a mating small-formfactor pluggable module connector (51) and a switching device (53, 54) connected to the host device connector and arranged to selectively switch at least one signal carried over the host device connector between at least two separate signal paths (56, 57) of the host device depending on a selected switching mode of the switching device.