Uneven-Split Optical Splitter Melt-Draw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems with uneven-split optical splitters struggle to control output ratios by port and wavelength for wavelength-multiplexed light, making it difficult to provide multiplexed services due to wavelength dependency and differences in optical budgets, leading to unreceivable services for some users.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration of combined 2×2 fiber-optic splitters with adjustable melt-draw distances to set independent split ratios for each wavelength, allowing control of output ratios by port and wavelength, and incorporates even-split optical splitters to optimize signal transmission ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an uneven-split optical splitter is used to extend transmission range and accommodate more users, then the transmission range and user capacity are improved, but the split ratio becomes wavelength-dependent causing service multiplexing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the melt-draw distance of the fiber-optic splitter to control the split ratio for different wavelengths. By changing the physical parameter (melt-draw distance) during the manufacturing process, the splitter can be configured to provide wavelength-independent split ratios, enabling service multiplexing while maintaining extended transmission range capabilities
2Reliability
If the split ratio is optimized for one wavelength service, then that service achieves minimum reception sensitivity, but other wavelength services become unreceivable due to optical budget differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different split ratios for different wavelength services through controlled melt-draw distances. Each wavelength service can have its own optimized split ratio configuration, allowing the system to provide reliable reception sensitivity for multiple services simultaneously by tailoring the optical properties to local service requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wavelength-insensitive optical splitter is used to provide universal service, then service multiplexing is enabled, but transmission range extension for unbalanced user distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using parameter changes during the melt-draw process to create splitters with specific wavelength-independent characteristics. By controlling the melt-draw distance and glass structure, the splitter achieves both wavelength insensitivity for service multiplexing and optimized transmission range extension for unbalanced user distributions
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 configuration enables effective control of output ratios and transmission ranges, ensuring all users receive services with minimum reception sensitivity, thereby extending the system's ability to accommodate multiple services and expand user coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The split ratio of an optical splitter is known to change generally depending on the wavelength as indicated in Expressions (1) and (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an optical communication system capable of controlling the output ratio by port and by wavelength for incident light of different wavelengths, a method of determining the split ratio of an uneven-split optical splitter for controlling the output ratio by port and by wavelength, and a transmission range determination method for the optical communication system. The split ratio determination method for an uneven-split optical splitter according to the present invention uses the melt-draw distance to adjust the split ratio of each fiber-optic splitter included in the uneven-split optical splitter such that the light output from the farthest ONUs among each of the ports connected under the ports B to M of the uneven-split optical splitter arrives with the minimum reception sensitivity at OLT receivers in a PON system.