Spatial Switch Device Using Segmented AWGs for Wavelength Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical matrix switches face scalability limitations in implementing colorless and directionless functions for wavelength division multiplexing networks, leading to significant deviations in wavelength center frequencies as the number of input/output terminals increases, making it difficult to achieve large-scale spatial switches for practical use in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A spatial switching apparatus comprising multiple first and second cyclic AWGs, with a signal wavelength converting portion using a variable wavelength laser to convert signals, allowing for routing and outputting signals from arbitrary wavelengths, and employing optical combiners and switches to enhance scalability and reduce wavelength deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large-scale optical matrix switch is used to implement colorless and directionless functions, then the routing capability is improved, but the wavelength center frequency deviation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale optical matrix switch into multiple small-scale cyclic AWGs (Arrayed Waveguide Gratings). Each cyclic AWG handles a subset of wavelength channels, and their outputs are combined through optical combiners. This segmentation approach maintains the colorless and directionless routing capability while keeping each individual AWG at a manageable scale, thereby preventing significant wavelength center frequency deviation that would occur in a single large-scale AWG.
2Productivity
If the number of input/output terminals in cyclic AWG is increased to achieve large-scale switching, then the switching capacity is improved, but the deviation of wavelength center frequency from design value increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-scale switching function into multiple small-scale cyclic AWGs, each with a manageable number of input/output terminals. This allows each AWG to operate within its optimal performance range with minimal wavelength deviation, while the overall system achieves high switching capacity through the parallel operation and optical combination of multiple AWGs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple small-scale cyclic AWGs using optical combiners to create a large-scale switching system. This combining approach allows the system to achieve high switching capacity equivalent to a single large-scale AWG, while maintaining the wavelength precision benefits of smaller individual AWGs.
3Device complexity
If a large-scale cyclic AWG is used directly, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to realize for practical use due to wavelength deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single large-scale cyclic AWG into multiple small-scale cyclic AWGs. While this increases the number of components, each segment operates reliably with minimal wavelength deviation. The overall system reliability is improved because the segmentation avoids the fundamental limitation of large-scale AWGs, making the system practically usable in real-world applications.
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 apparatus achieves a large-scale spatial switch with reduced wavelength deviation, equivalent to using a large-scale cyclic AWG, enabling efficient routing and multiplexing while maintaining high performance and scalability, suitable for data center applications.
Implementation Method 1
a variable wavelength laser, the signal wavelength converting portion using the variable wavelength laser to convert an electric signal converted by the electric signal converting element into an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength
Implementation Method 2
wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) light including a plurality of for example, M, wavelength groups each formed by multiplexing lights of N multiple wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a spatial switching apparatus having a plurality of input terminals, an input optical signal of a single wavelength being input to each of the plurality of the input terminals, and a plurality of output terminals an output optical signal of a single wavelength being output from each of the plurality of the output terminals. The apparatus includes a signal wavelength converting portion having an electric signal converting element converting the input optical signal into an electric signal and a variable wavelength laser, the signal wavelength converting portion using the variable wavelength laser to convert an electric signal converted by the electric signal converting element into an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength; and a spatial switching portion having a plurality of first cyclic AWGs performing output from a plurality of output ports corresponding to wavelengths of a plurality of input signals input from the variable wavelength laser.