Single-Fiber Bidirectional Optical Assembly Power Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-fiber bidirectional optical assemblies face challenges in maintaining consistent output optical power across varying temperatures due to semiconductor laser heat generation, leading to reduced performance and limited bandwidth adjustment range.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an optical power attenuator with varying transmittance that increases linearly with the wavelength of the optical signal, arranged between the optical emitter and the optical fiber interface, to synergistically stabilize output power and extend adjustment range without affecting high-frequency bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the driving current of the semiconductor laser is adjusted to compensate for temperature-induced output power variations, then the output optical power stability is improved, but the bandwidth and other performance parameters deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput optical power stabilityVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

An optical attenuator is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path to reduce output optical power. This mediator allows power control without affecting the semiconductor laser's driving current, thereby maintaining bandwidth performance while achieving power stability across temperature variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical control mechanism (adjusting driving current) with an optical control mechanism (using optical attenuator with temperature-dependent transmittance). This substitution eliminates the trade-off between power control and bandwidth, as the optical attenuator passively adjusts power based on temperature without interfering with the laser's electrical characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the driving current is increased to maintain output power at high temperatures, then the output power stability is improved, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput optical power stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical attenuator is designed with temperature-dependent transmittance characteristics that automatically compensate for temperature-induced power variations. The system achieves self-regulation without external control circuits or feedback mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining output power stability across temperature ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional single-fiber bidirectional optical assembly is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the optical power adjustment range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoptical power adjustment range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical attenuator serves multiple functions: it provides passive optical power reduction, acts as a temperature-compensating element due to its temperature-dependent transmittance, and extends the adjustable power range without adding active control systems. This multi-functionality maintains device simplicity while significantly enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces output power differences in high-temperature and low-temperature environments, maintaining stability and extending the optical power adjustment range while preserving high-frequency bandwidth and other properties.

Implementation Method 1

an optical power attenuator whose transmittance varies with a wavelength of an optical signal... the transmittance of the optical power attenuator increases linearly with the wavelength of the optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent transmittance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a downlink optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is focused by the lens assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

emitted to the optical fiber sequentially through the first filter and the optical fiber interface end... through the second filter and is then received by the optical receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240154701A1Single-fiber bidirectional optical assembly

Publication Date: 2024.05.09 INNOLIGHT TECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) LTD

AI summary

A single-fiber bidirectional optical assembly includes an optical emitter, an optical receiver, a lens assembly, a first filter, a second filter, an optical power attenuator, and an optical fiber interface end. The optical fiber interface end is used for being connected to an optical fiber, a downlink optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is focused by the lens assembly and is then emitted to the optical fiber sequentially through the first filter and the optical fiber interface end and is transmitted by the optical fiber, and an uplink optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber passes through the second filter and is then received by the optical receiver. The optical power attenuator is arranged between the optical emitter and the optical fiber interface end, and the transmittance of the optical power attenuator varies with the wavelength of the optical signal.