Optical Transceiver Assembly Compact Layout WDM Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical transceiver assemblies in passive optical networks have a scattered layout and large size, leading to inefficiencies and potential signal interference when accommodating both GPON and XGPON systems.

Innovation Solution

The optical transceiver assembly is designed with two separate cavities for receivers and transmitters, each equipped with corresponding wavelength division multiplexers and lenses, along with an optical reflection component to manage signal paths and prevent crosstalk, while using a common cavity wall to maintain compactness and minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If independent packaging of transmitters and receivers is used, then device functionality is ensured, but layout becomes scattered and size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout compactnessVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges transmitters and receivers into a common packaging cavity, integrating multiple optical devices that were previously packaged separately. This consolidation achieves compact layout while maintaining independent functionality of each component through shared optical paths and wavelength division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common packaging cavity serves multiple functions: housing both transmitters and receivers, providing shared optical coupling structures, and enabling wavelength division multiplexing operations. This multi-functional design reduces overall assembly complexity despite increased integration.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WDM devices are added for XGPON and GPON coexistence, then wavelength separation is achieved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength separation capabilityVSAvoidWDM assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple WDM devices for different wavelength bands (XGPON and GPON) are merged into a single integrated WDM assembly within the common packaging. This combines wavelength separation functionality for multiple protocols without requiring separate external WDM devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical combiner/splitter as an intermediary component that handles multiple wavelength paths simultaneously. This mediator enables XGPON and GPON signals to coexist and be routed appropriately without requiring separate WDM assemblies for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If transmitters and receivers are placed in the same cavity, then layout compactness is improved, but signal crosstalk may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly volumeVSAvoidsignal crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation by creating distinct optical path regions within the common cavity for transmitters and receivers. Different spatial zones and optical coupling structures are designed with specific properties to guide wavelengths appropriately, ensuring that transmit and receive signals remain isolated despite shared packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and separates optical paths using wavelength-specific routing and directional couplers. By extracting transmit and receive optical paths into distinct routing channels within the common cavity, signal crosstalk is prevented while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design results in a more compact and efficient optical assembly that effectively separates transmit and receive signals, reducing mutual interference and allowing for coexistence of GPON and XGPON systems without the need for external WDM devices, thus optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

The WDM corresponding to the optical receiver is configured to: separate, from light emitted from an optical fiber, light of a wavelength that can be received by the corresponding optical receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical reflection component, configured to totally reflect the light transmitted or reflected from the WDMs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

lenses corresponding to each optical receiver and each optical transmitter, respectively, where the lens corresponding to the optical receiver is disposed in the first cavity, and is configured to transmit, to the optical receiver, the light emitted from the WDM corresponding to the optical receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through lens: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3514591B1Light transceiving assembly
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3514591B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3514591B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3514591B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An optical transceiver assembly is used to resolve a problem that an optical assembly has a large size. The optical transceiver assembly includes: a first cavity, where the first cavity includes at least two optical receivers, and the at least two optical receivers are configured to receive light of different wavelengths, respectively; a second cavity, where the second cavity includes at least two optical transmitters, and the at least two optical transmitters are configured to emit light of different wavelengths, respectively; each optical receiver and each optical transmitter correspond to different WDMs, respectively; the WDM corresponding to the optical receiver is configured to: separate, from light emitted from an optical fiber, light of a wavelength that can be received by the corresponding optical receiver, transmit the light to the corresponding optical receiver, and reflect the other wavelengths; and the WDM corresponding to the optical transmitter is configured to: transmit light of a wavelength emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter, and reflect light of the other wavelengths emitted from the optical fiber; and an optical reflection component, configured to totally reflect the light transmitted or reflected from the WDMs.