Software Programmable ROADM for Flexible Optical Node Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing bandwidth needs of end customers require new optical processing equipment that can provide high levels of optical bandwidth manipulation at lower cost points, necessitating advanced levels of optical signal processing integration closer to the end customers.
Innovation Solution
The development of field programmable photonics (FPP) and application-specific photonic devices integrated within software programmable Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs) to create flexible and cost-effective optical nodes, utilizing wavelength equalizing arrays, optical amplifiers, and programmable photonic devices that can emulate various ROADM functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical processing equipment is used, then optical bandwidth manipulation capability is limited, but equipment cost is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical processing platform using software programmable ROADMs that can perform multiple functions including wavelength selection, optical switching, and signal regeneration. This single device replaces multiple specialized optical equipment, providing high adaptability for different bandwidth manipulation tasks while managing complexity through software control
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable optical circuits where ROADMs can be programmed in real-time to change their functionality and configuration. This allows the optical processing capability to adapt to varying bandwidth requirements without physical hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Productivity
If advanced optical signal processing integration is implemented, then optical bandwidth manipulation capability increases, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical switching systems with software-controlled electro-optic switching in ROADMs. This substitution enables advanced optical signal processing and high-speed reconfiguration while reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing costs compared to traditional optical benches and manual switching systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes programmable parameters in ROADMs to achieve different optical processing functions. By changing software control parameters rather than physical hardware configurations, the system delivers high productivity for optical bandwidth manipulation at reduced equipment costs through standardized hardware platforms
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a software programmable reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer (ROADM) comprising of a plurality of wavelength switches and a plurality of waveguide switches, wherein when the plurality of waveguide switches are set to a first switch configuration, the software programmable ROADM provides n degrees of an n-degree optical node, and wherein when the waveguide switches are set to a second switch configuration, the software programmable ROADM provides k degrees of an m-degree optical node.