Automatic Wavelength Recognition for Tunable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength tunable light sources in optical network units (ONUs) and optical line terminals (OLTs face challenges in identifying the correct wavelength for initialization, requiring manual intervention and increasing installation costs due to the need for wavelength measurement devices and manual input.
Innovation Solution
An automatic wavelength recognition apparatus that divides an optical signal into multiple signals, filters them using wavelength-dependent filters, measures intensities, compares these values, and determines the wavelength using a pre-stored look-up table, allowing for automatic wavelength recognition without additional settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wavelength tunable light source is used in conventional ONU and OLT, then high bandwidth can be provided, but the wavelength corresponding to each channel cannot be identified, requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic wavelength recognition without requiring manual intervention or external measurement devices. The wavelength determination unit automatically identifies the correct wavelength by comparing detection unit outputs against stored reference values, allowing the system to self-configure during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wavelength determination unit that acts as a mediator between the wavelength tunable light source and the channel identification process. This unit uses detection units and comparison logic to bridge the gap between signal transmission and wavelength recognition, eliminating the need for external measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If manual wavelength measurement and initialization is performed, then accurate wavelength identification is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference wavelength values and detection characteristics in the wavelength determination unit before installation. This allows the system to automatically recognize wavelengths without requiring time-consuming manual measurement during installation, as all reference data is already prepared in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of physical wavelength measurement with an automated electronic system. Instead of using external wavelength measurement devices and manual reading, the system uses detection units to capture signal characteristics and electronic comparison logic to automatically determine wavelengths, substituting mechanical procedures with automated electronic processing.
3Measurement precision
If additional wavelength measurement devices and manual settings are used, then wavelength recognition is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated wavelength determination unit. The detection units, comparison logic, and wavelength determination functionality are combined into one module that works with the wavelength tunable light source, eliminating the need for separate external measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength determination unit serves multiple functions: it detects optical signal characteristics, compares them against stored references, determines wavelengths, and initializes the light source. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices and manual procedures into a single integrated system.
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 easy initialization of wavelength tunable light sources by automating wavelength recognition, reducing installation costs and complexity, and providing a plug & play functionality with improved resistance to external noise.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of filter units filtering the optical signals and having different and wavelength-dependent pass characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The detection units may be photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an automatic wavelength recognition apparatus and method. The automatic wavelength recognition apparatus includes: a division unit receiving a single optical signal and dividing the received optical signal into a plurality of optical signals; a plurality of filter units filtering the optical signals and having different and wavelength-dependent pass characteristics; a plurality of detection units detecting the filtered optical signals and measuring intensities of the detected optical signals; at least one comparison unit comparing outputs of any two of the detection units; and a wavelength determination unit receiving an output of the at least one comparison unit and determining a wavelength of the above single optical signal using a pre-stored look-up table.