Signal Splitting and Combining via Frame-Based Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transport technologies, such as those used in Optical Transport Networks (OTN), struggle to efficiently split and combine high-rate signals like ODU2/OTU2 and ODU3/OTU3 due to limitations in framing processing, leading to incomplete frame alignment and inability to support serial signals effectively, which restricts the transport capacity and functionality of OTN systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus with FIFO memory modules and frequency management units to buffer and split high-rate signals into lower-rate signals based on frame sequences, allowing for parallel data transmission without requiring specific block sizes, and a similar apparatus for combining signals by aligning and serializing parallel data, ensuring frame headers are preserved throughout the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional signal splitting methods are used to support high-rate signals, then the transport capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requirements for specific block sizes and frame header adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal splitting from byte-based to frame-based buffering. By buffering complete frames in FIFO memory and using frame sequence numbers for identification, the system eliminates the need for complex block size calculations and frame header adjustments, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high transport capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame-based buffering approach creates a universal solution that can handle various signal formats (ODU1, ODU2, ODU3 at different bit rates) without requiring format-specific processing logic. The same buffering and sequencing mechanism works for all signal types, reducing the need for multiple specialized processing paths
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional splitting methods with block size requirements are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle various signal formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed block size parameters to dynamic frame-based parameters. By using complete frames as the buffering unit and incorporating frame sequence numbers, the system maintains precise signal reconstruction while adapting to different signal formats (ODU1, ODU2, ODU3) with varying bit rates and frame structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different signal formats by buffering complete frames rather than fixed byte blocks. The frame-based approach allows the system to automatically adjust to various signal characteristics without requiring manual configuration or format-specific processing logic
3Measurement precision
If frame header adjustments are made during splitting, then the frame alignment is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary buffering of complete frames in FIFO memory before any splitting operation. By pre-buffering entire frames and attaching frame sequence numbers, the system ensures frame alignment is inherently maintained throughout the splitting process, eliminating the need for time-consuming frame header adjustments during signal reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the frame alignment function from the splitting process itself. By using frame-based buffering with sequence numbers, frame alignment becomes a natural consequence of the buffering mechanism rather than a separate processing step, thereby reducing processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for splitting an asynchronous signal are provided. The method includes: buffering an asynchronous signal to be split on the basis of a frame and frame sequence, sending n frames of data respectively on n channels in parallel whenever n frames of data have been buffered; and buffering next n frames of data of the asynchronous signal to be split, where n is a ratio of a rate level of the asynchronous signal before split to that of the asynchronous signal after split. A method and apparatus for signal combination are provided. The method includes: buffering n channels of parallel signals to be combined simultaneously on the basis of a frame and according to frame sequence; and sending n channels of frames of data serially after one frame is buffered for each of the n channels of the parallel signals.