Submarine Optical Control Unit Post-Deployment Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current submarine optical communication systems lack the ability to flexibly change the settings of control units after cable laying, limiting the system's adaptability and flexibility in managing optical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a programmable logic circuit in the control unit that can switch its configuration in response to control signals, allowing for dynamic changes in the control scheme of optical components such as wavelength selective switches and optical amplifiers, enabling flexible reconfiguration of the optical signal transmission path post-deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed control unit configuration is used in submarine optical communication apparatus, then the system is simple and reliable during installation, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability after cable laying
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit configuration is made dynamic through the ability to switch between different operational modes (first control scheme and second control scheme) based on system requirements. This allows the fixed hardware to exhibit variable behavior, providing adaptability without requiring reconfigurable hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the control unit by switching between different control schemes. This allows the same hardware configuration to perform different functions by altering control parameters and operational modes, achieving flexibility without hardware modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit configuration can be changed after cable laying, then the system adaptability is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching between control schemes is triggered by detection results from the optical signal detection unit. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the control configuration based on actual system conditions, simplifying operation by removing the need for manual reconfiguration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically switches between control schemes based on internal detection results without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting its control configuration to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable logic circuit is integrated in the control unit, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single programmable logic circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by implementing different control schemes through software or configuration changes. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple dedicated hardware circuits, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
4Reliability
If the control scheme switches in response to detection results, then the fault tolerance is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple control schemes in advance, with the second control scheme specifically designed as a backup for when the first control scheme fails or is insufficient. This pre-prepared redundancy provides fault tolerance without requiring complex real-time decision-making mechanisms.
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
Enables flexible and adaptive management of optical signal transmission paths in submarine communication systems, ensuring continued optimal performance and fault tolerance even after the system is installed underwater.
Implementation Method 1
a reception unit configured to receive the optical signal and a control signal, convert the control signal into an electric signal
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To achieve changing a setting of a control unit disposed in a submarine optical communication apparatus after disposing undersea. An optical component (13) processes a main signal SM output from an optical communication apparatus (9). A programmable control unit (12) controls the optical component (13). A reception unit (11) receives a control signal SC multiplexed with the main signal SM, converts the control signal SC into an electric signal SE, and outputs the electric signal SE to the programmable control unit (12). The programmable control unit (12) switches a control scheme of the optical component (13) in response to the electric signal SE.