Wavelength Selective Switch Port Scaling via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic switches face challenges in handling high port counts without increasing device size, reducing performance and manufacturability requirements, and efficiently monitoring and switching multi-wavelength signals in WDM networks, leading to high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A high port count wavelength selective switch is designed with shared free space optics, beam steering elements, and MEMS mirrors, allowing for simultaneous switching and monitoring of multiple wavelengths with reduced component requirements, using a configuration that enables flexible and efficient switching and monitoring of WDM signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fiber optic switches are used to handle high port counts, then switching capability is provided, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into multiple independent instances, each handling a subset of wavelengths. Each instance contains its own dispersive element and MEMS mirror array, allowing parallel processing of different wavelength ranges. This segmentation enables high port counts to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as each instance can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength-dimension partitioning strategy where the spectral domain is divided into multiple bands, each handled by a separate switch instance. This transforms the problem from a single large-scale spatial switching challenge into multiple smaller-scale spectral-spatial switching problems, effectively managing complexity through dimensional decomposition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fiber optic switches are used to handle high port counts, then switching capability is provided, but manufacturing yields decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switch into smaller instances with fewer fiber ports each, the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements for each individual unit are reduced. This segmentation allows standardization of sub-components, improving manufacturing yields through repeated production of identical modules rather than custom assembly of large complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by assigning different wavelength ranges to different instances, allowing each instance to be optimized for specific spectral bands. This parameter-based partitioning enables manufacturing processes to be tuned for specific wavelength ranges, improving yields through specialized production rather than universal high-precision manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple dispersive elements are used to handle multiple wavelengths, then wavelength separation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each dispersive element is designed to handle multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously within its assigned instance, making it a multi-functional component. The MEMS mirror arrays are configured to reflect multiple wavelength bands to appropriate output ports, reducing the need for dedicated dispersive elements for each wavelength and thereby lowering overall device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If monitoring capabilities are added for each wavelength, then per-wavelength monitoring is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is merged with the switching function by using the same optical paths and components. The MEMS mirror arrays that perform switching also direct monitored wavelengths to monitoring ports, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware. This integration provides per-wavelength monitoring capability while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from dedicated monitoring subsystems.
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 solution enables increased fiber port counts with reduced size and complexity, improving manufacturing yields and reducing costs by utilizing shared optical components and advanced beam steering, while providing efficient per-wavelength monitoring and power control.
Implementation Method 1
beam steering element...positioning each wavelength from each input fiber port onto a designated MEMS mirror
Implementation Method 2
MEMS mirror...reflects the selected wavelength to a fixed mirror
Implementation Method 3
fixed mirror which redirects the selected wavelength to the output fiber port
Data Source
AI summary
A high port count instantiated wavelength selective switch comprising two or more discrete sets, or instances, of m fiber ports totaling N fiber ports co-packaged together, one or more shared optical elements and dispersive elements, and one or more steering elements in each instance. The steering elements steer λ(k) from each instance of m input fiber ports to a λ(k) mirror dedicated to that fiber port instance, and wherein λ(k) mirror of the instance of m fiber ports is utilized to select and switch one λ(k) from the instance of m fiber ports to a fixed mirror which in turn reflects λ(k) to the λ(k) output mirror. The λ(k) output mirror selects and switches one λ(k) from one of the one or more instances of m fiber ports of the N×1 optical switch to the 1 output fiber port for each wavelength, and vice-versa for the 1×N optical switch.