Wavelength Selective Switch Module Voltage Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MEMS optical switches face challenges in quickly correcting initial value voltage deviations due to temperature and interannual fluctuations, requiring multiple test light sources, which increases cost and size while prolonging switching time.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch module that uses a test light source to generate test light, multiplex it with incoming light, split it across output ports, and perform feedback control to determine deflection control amounts, allowing for interpolation-based calculations to adjust other ports, thus reducing the need for multiple test sources and shortening correction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If feedback control is performed for all paths to correct initial value voltage deviation, then correction accuracy is improved, but switching time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction process by selecting only two specific paths (first path through first wavelength to first output port, and second path through second wavelength to second output port) for actual feedback control measurement, while other paths are corrected through calculation based on these measurements. This segmentation reduces the number of paths requiring time-consuming feedback control from all paths to just two paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the correction data obtained from the two selected paths as a template or copy to derive correction values for all other paths through calculation. Instead of measuring each path individually, the system copies the correction approach from the measured paths and applies it to remaining paths, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining correction accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If test light sources are provided for all channels to enable feedback control, then correction accuracy is improved, but apparatus cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single test light source perform multiple functions by using it to test multiple wavelengths through different paths. The same test light source is reused across different wavelength channels (first wavelength, second wavelength, etc.) and different output ports, eliminating the need for separate test light sources for each channel. This universal usage of one test light source reduces apparatus cost and size while maintaining the ability to perform accurate feedback control.
3Speed
If initial value voltage is not corrected, then switching speed is maintained, but optical output level deviation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary correction by measuring the optical output levels through feedback control on the two selected paths and calculating the required voltage adjustments before actual switching operations. By pre-determining the correction values for all paths based on the two measured paths, the system prepares the optimal voltage settings in advance, ensuring both fast switching speed and stable optical output level during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual optical output levels through photodetectors and comparing them with desired levels, then using this feedback information to adjust the initial value voltages. The feedback mechanism operates on the two selected paths to generate correction data that is then applied to all paths, ensuring reliable optical output level stability while maintaining fast switching speed.
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 approach reduces the time required to correct initial value voltage, achieves cost and size reduction, and allows for efficient wavelength switching by using only one test light source, enhancing the speed and efficiency of optical signal routing.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection unit to which wavelength-multiplexed light is supplied; and a control unit for controlling the deflection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch module is disclosed. The wavelength selective switch module includes: a unit for generating test light; a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the test light with the wavelength multiplexed light; a splitting unit for splitting the test light from output light of each of two output ports; a feedback control unit for obtaining deflection control amounts for the deflection unit corresponding to a wavelength of the test light such that a light level of the test light that is split from the output light output from each of the two output ports becomes maximum; and a calculation unit for calculating deflection control amounts for output ports other than the two output ports for the deflection unit for the test light and calculating deflection control amounts for output ports for deflection units of wavelengths included in the wavelength multiplexed light using the deflection control amounts for the deflection unit for the test light output from each of the two output ports by which the light level of the test light becomes maximum.