Seamless Redundancy Switching in Supercontinuum Light Source Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communications systems, existing technologies face challenges in implementing redundancy configurations for super continuum (SC) light sources, leading to potential interruptions in continuous wave (CW) light output when switching to backup systems, resulting in communication errors and inefficiencies due to power consumption and footprint issues.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with optical pulse train generation sections, an optical switch section, and an optical switch control section that enables seamless switching between current and backup systems without instantaneous power interruption, using photoelectric conversion, anomaly detection, and timing extraction to manage optical pulse trains and ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundancy configuration is implemented using multiple single-wavelength light sources equal in number to operational channels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption become tremendous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single supercontinuum light source that generates multiple wavelengths simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple single-wavelength light sources. This multi-functional approach allows one device to serve the role of many, reducing device complexity and footprint while maintaining the redundancy configuration for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wavelength generations into a single supercontinuum light source, merging the functions of multiple separate light sources into one integrated device. This consolidation reduces the overall footprint and complexity while enabling redundancy through wavelength division multiplexing.
2Reliability
If switching is performed from current to backup light source system, then reliability is improved, but instantaneous power interruption occurs causing communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous CW light output during switching operations by utilizing the broadband nature of supercontinuum light. When switching between current and backup systems, the optical switch redirects wavelengths within the continuous spectrum, ensuring that the useful action of light generation continues without interruption, thus avoiding communication errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of optical pulse trains from multiple light source systems before switching is required. By ensuring that backup systems are pre-synchronized and ready, the transition can occur smoothly without interruption, as the backup is already in the correct state to immediately take over.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature control and monitoring are performed on a per-device basis for each light source, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single supercontinuum light source to generate multiple wavelengths, eliminating the need for separate temperature control and monitoring devices for each light source. This universal approach reduces device complexity while maintaining wavelength precision through centralized control of the single broadband source.
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
This solution stabilizes CW light output by allowing smooth switching between current and backup systems, preventing interruptions and enhancing operational reliability while reducing power consumption and footprint.
Implementation Method 1
an optical switch section capable of selectively outputting an optical pulse train to be taken as an optical pulse train for current use from among the optical pulse trains output from the plurality of optical pulse train generation sections
Implementation Method 2
an optical switch control section for controlling the optical switch section in order to switch an output of the optical pulse train for current use from the optical switch section, in accordance with the states of respective optical pulse trains generated by the plurality of optical pulse train generation sections and without involvement of instantaneous power interruption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light source apparatus. The light source apparatus includes a plurality of optical pulse train generation sections; an optical switch section capable of selectively outputting an optical pulse train to be taken as an optical pulse train for current use; an output light generation section capable of generating continuous light of multiple wavelengths from said optical pulse train output from said optical switch section; and an optical switch control section for controlling said optical switch section to switch an output of said optical pulse train for current use from said optical switch section, in accordance with the states of respective optical pulse trains generated by said plurality of optical pulse train generation sections and without involvement of instantaneous power interruption.