Twin Multicast Switch Module for Low-Loss Optical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switching technologies face challenges in achieving efficient light beam switching between input and output optical fibers with high precision, low loss, and low power consumption, while also requiring compact and scalable designs for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a twin multicast switch module comprising a drop optical multicast switch unit and an add optical multicast switch unit, each equipped with multiple optical ports, splitters, and MEMS-based optical switches, allowing for symmetrical or asymmetrical configurations and enabling efficient signal routing with low insertion loss and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional optical switching technologies are used, then light beam switching between input and output optical fibers can be achieved, but the system suffers from high insertion loss, high power consumption, and lack of compact integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical switching functions (add and drop operations) into a single integrated module containing multiple optical switches, splitters, and combiners. This merging approach reduces the number of discrete components and connections, thereby lowering insertion loss while maintaining functional complexity through clever architectural integration rather than simple component stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The switching system is segmented into functional units (add unit and drop unit) that can operate independently yet are integrated within a compact module. Each unit contains its own optical switches and passive components, allowing the system to achieve low loss by optimizing each segment's light path while maintaining overall system functionality
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional optical switches are deployed, then signal routing between optical ports can be performed, but the power consumption is high and the physical size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanically-controlled optical switches with MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) based optical switches. This substitution dramatically reduces power consumption by using electrostatic actuation instead of mechanical actuators, while the micro-scale nature of MEMS devices enables compact integration within a small module footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching module is designed with multi-functionality, where a single compact module performs both add and drop operations for multiple optical signals simultaneously. This universal design achieves space efficiency by consolidating multiple switching functions into one integrated unit rather than requiring separate dedicated switches for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are split and distributed to multiple switches, then routing flexibility is improved, but cross-talk between channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical splitters and combiners as intermediary components between the optical switches and input/output ports. These intermediaries enable flexible routing by distributing optical signals to multiple switches while maintaining signal integrity. The careful design of the splitter/combiner network ensures that cross-talk is minimized through proper isolation and signal path management
Solution Approach 2:
The switching architecture implements local quality control by ensuring that each optical switch operates with dedicated input and output paths from the splitter/combiner network. This localized signal handling maintains high routing flexibility while preventing cross-talk by isolating each switching operation to its specific local pathway rather than allowing interference from other channels
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 twin multicast switch module provides a compact, low-loss, and low-power solution for both adding and dropping optical signals, offering hitless operation and minimal cross-talk, thereby enhancing the efficiency and scalability of optical switching systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical switches are MEMS based optical switches
Implementation Method 2
An input optical signal at a first optical input port of the first optical multicast switch unit is split into M portions by a corresponding optical splitter
Implementation Method 3
multiple optical splitters, each optical combiner coupled to each optical switch of the multiple optical switches
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for optical switching. An optical switch device includes a first multicast switch unit; and a second multicast switch unit, wherein each of the first and second multicast switch units respectively include: multiple optical input ports; multiple optical switches; multiple optical splitters/combiners; and multiple optical output ports.