Voltage Controlled Optical Directional Coupler for Dynamic Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical directional couplers have fixed coupling ratios, making it complicated and costly to design and deploy daisy chain networks with equal power at each tap, limiting network length and the number of taps, and requiring excessive fiber usage.
Innovation Solution
A voltage controlled optical directional coupler (VCODC) with adjustable coupling ratio through voltage tuning, allowing for dynamic power distribution and optimized network design by adjusting the transparency of voltage controlled optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical directional couplers with fixed coupling ratios are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but network adaptability and deployment flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the fixed coupling ratio into a variable one that can be dynamically adjusted through voltage control. The optical directional coupler incorporates voltage-controlled optical elements (such as electro-optic modulators or variable optical attenuators) that allow real-time modification of the coupling ratio, enabling the network to adapt to different power distribution requirements without changing the physical device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the coupler through voltage application. By changing the voltage parameter applied to the controlled optical elements, the coupling ratio parameter is adjusted, allowing the system to achieve different power splitting configurations (e.g., 50:50, 70:30, 90:10) using the same hardware component, thereby improving network adaptability.
2Length of moving object
If fixed coupling ratios are used in daisy chain networks, then device complexity is reduced, but network length and number of taps are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustability of the coupling ratio enables longer daisy chain networks by allowing optimization of power distribution at each stage. As optical power attenuates along the chain, variable couplers can compensate by adjusting their splitting ratios to maintain adequate power levels at remote taps, thereby extending the feasible network length beyond what fixed couplers can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the coupling ratio parameter dynamically along the daisy chain, the system can maintain consistent power delivery to multiple taps over extended distances. Each coupler in the chain can be configured with appropriate voltage to achieve the desired power split, enabling scalable network expansion without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional fixed couplers are deployed to achieve equal power at each tap, then device simplicity is maintained, but fiber usage increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The variable coupling ratio capability allows precise control of power distribution, enabling equal power delivery to each tap without requiring excessive fiber length or redundant pathways. By optimizing the coupling ratio at each stage through voltage control, the system minimizes fiber usage while achieving uniform power distribution across all network nodes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voltage controlled optical elements are added to achieve variable coupling ratio, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as manual attenuators or physically reconfigurable couplers) with voltage-controlled optical elements. This substitution allows electronic control of the coupling ratio through voltage signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex mechanical structures while achieving precise and repeatable adjustment of power distribution.
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
Enables longer daisy chains with more taps, reduces fiber requirements, and simplifies network deployment by maintaining a constant target optical power at each tap, minimizing power loss and deployment costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more voltage controlled optical elements having a variable transparency depending on a voltage applied to the one or more voltage controlled optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage controlled optical directional coupler (VCODC) having a coupling ratio that can be adjusted to any desired value through voltage tuning is disclosed. The VCODC may include a first optical hybrid coupler and a second optical hybrid coupler, which may be coupled with each other via one or more voltage controlled optical elements having a variable transparency depending on a voltage applied to the one or more voltage controlled optical elements. The VCODC may be configured to divert a portion of optical power received to a trunk input of the VCODC to a tap output of the VCODC based on the variable coupling ratio of the VCODC, which may be dependent on the variable transparency of the one or more voltage controlled optical elements.