Thyristor Optical XOR Circuit for Higher-Order PSK Demodulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coherent optical receivers for phase-shift keying (PSK) signals face challenges in accurately demodulating higher-order PSK schemes due to the complexity of phase alignment and signal processing, particularly in distinguishing between multiple phase offsets in higher-order PSK signals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thyristor-based optical XOR circuit that utilizes a network of optical hybrid couplers and phototransistors to split and process optical signals, generating digital electrical or optical signals that represent the XOR function of input signals, enabling effective demodulation of higher-order PSK schemes by aligning and distinguishing phase offsets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional coherent receivers are used for higher-order PSK demodulation, then phase alignment and signal processing complexity increase, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional photodetector-based electrical signal processing with a thyristor-based optical switching system. The thyristor directly processes optical signals through optical injection, eliminating the need for complex electrical domain signal processing while maintaining phase detection accuracy. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture by keeping signals in the optical domain longer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical hybrid coupler as an intermediary device that combines the local oscillator signal and data signal in a controlled manner. This hybrid coupler creates intermediate optical signals that facilitate simpler subsequent processing by the thyristor, breaking down the complex demodulation task into manageable optical mixing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If optical hybrid couplers and phototransistors are used to process signals, then signal processing capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemodulation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple components into the thyristor device. The thyristor simultaneously performs optical switching, signal detection, and logic operation (XOR function) that would traditionally require separate components. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete elements in the system while maintaining demodulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thyristor is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in different modes depending on the optical injection signals received. It serves as both an optical switch and a logic gate, and can perform demodulation functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving productivity without proportional increases in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If thyristor-based optical XOR circuit is implemented, then signal processing is simplified and data recovery accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery accuracyVSAvoidthyristor fabrication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the thyristor's ability to change its electrical and optical parameters dynamically based on injection currents. By controlling the optical injection signals, the thyristor transitions between different operational states (conducting/blocked) to perform logic operations. This parameter-based control allows for precise data recovery while the underlying fabrication remains based on standard semiconductor processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the ability to demodulate higher-order PSK signals by simplifying the signal processing and accurately recovering original data, improving the robustness and efficiency of coherent optical receivers.

Implementation Method 1

control circuitry operably coupled to terminals of the thyristor. The control circuitry is configured to control switching operation of the thyristor in response to the ON/OFF states of two digital optical signal inputs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The implementation of a thyristor-based optical XOR circuit that utilizes a network of optical hybrid couplers and phototransistors to split and process optical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coupling:

Implementation Method 3

utilizes a network of optical hybrid couplers and phototransistors to split and process optical signals, generating digital electrical or optical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9590742B2Thyristor-based optical XOR circuit
Publication Date: 2017.03.07 OPEL SOLAR INC
  • US9590742B2 patent drawing
  • US9590742B2 patent drawing
  • US9590742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical XOR circuit that includes a thyristor and control circuitry operably coupled to terminals of the thyristor. The control circuitry is configured to control switching operation of the thyristor in response to the ON/OFF states of two digital optical signal inputs such that the thyristor produces a digital signal output that is the XOR function of the two digital optical signal inputs.