Single-Fiber Bidirectional Optical Module for PON
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules for passive optical networks are complex and costly due to their triplex optical subassembly structure, which complicates the integration of OTDR test functions and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-fiber bidirectional optical module design that uses a shared sending and receiving module with a coupler to transmit and reflect test and data signals, simplifying the structure and reducing costs by eliminating the need for a triplex optical subassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a triplex optical subassembly structure is used to share transmitter and receiver subassemblies, then the OTDR test function can be integrated into the optical module, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into functionally independent components: a dedicated transmitter optical subassembly for sending signals, a dedicated receiver optical subassembly for receiving signals, and a coupler for signal routing. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex triplex sharing arrangements while maintaining OTDR test functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves multiple functions: it couples the transmitter output to the optical fiber, couples the receiver input to the optical fiber, and routes reflected test signals from the fiber back to the receiver. This single component handles multiple signal paths without requiring complex switching or sharing mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a triplex optical subassembly structure is used, then signal sharing is achieved, but the assembly cost and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to share components through complex triplex arrangements, the invention segments the optical path into dedicated transmitter and receiver subassemblies connected through a simple coupler. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining signal sharing capabilities through the coupler's inherent coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component that simplifies connections between the transmitter, receiver, and optical fiber. Instead of requiring complex sharing mechanisms, the coupler provides straightforward coupling paths for all signals, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly cost.
3Volume of moving object
If volume restriction is considered, then the optical module size is reduced, but the triplex optical subassembly becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is segmented into compact functional units (transmitter subassembly, receiver subassembly, and coupler) that can be arranged in a space-efficient manner. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the space requirements of complex triplex sharing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves as a compact intermediary that eliminates the need for complex spatial arrangements required by triplex subassemblies. By using the coupler as the central connection point, the optical module achieves a compact layout that fits within volume restrictions while maintaining all necessary signal paths.
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 single-fiber bidirectional optical module achieves a simpler and more cost-effective structure for real-time monitoring of optical fiber networks, enabling efficient OTDR testing and fault location within passive optical networks.
Implementation Method 1
uses a coupler arranged on an optical path to transmit downlink optical signals and test optical signals sent by the sending module, and to reflect uplink optical signals and backward optical signals of the test optical signal to the receiving module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention is applicable to the field of communications technologies and provides a single-fiber bidirectional optical module and a passive optical network system that uses the single-fiber bidirectional optical module. The single-fiber bidirectional optical module includes a sending module, a receiving module, and a coupler, where the sending module is configured to send a downlink optical signal and a test optical signal that have a first wavelength; the receiving module is configured to receive an uplink optical signal having a second wavelength and receive a backward optical signal that has the first wavelength and is generated correspondingly by the test optical signal during transfer on an optical fiber network; and the coupler is configured to transmit the downlink optical signal and the test optical signal that have the first wavelength to the optical network and reflect the backward optical signal having the first wavelength and the uplink optical signal having the second wavelength to the receiving module. The single-fiber bidirectional optical module provided in the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture at a low cost.