Wavelength Tunable Submodules for Flexible Grid Data Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arrayed transceivers with fixed wavelength lasers are inflexible, leading to cost inefficiencies, spare module requirements, and difficulties in migrating to new channel grids, limiting fiber capacity and network adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The development of wavelength tunable submodules with tunable lasers and locking devices, allowing each submodule to operate at a selected wavelength, enabling flexible grid applications and interchangeable components within an arrayed module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed wavelength lasers are used in arrayed transceivers, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but network adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically tunable lasers that can adjust their operating wavelength according to network requirements. Each laser in the array can be programmed to operate at different wavelengths, allowing the transceiver array to adapt to various network configurations and wavelength plans without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of hardware components.
2Reliability
If dedicated modules are manufactured for each wavelength sub-band, then wavelength performance is optimized, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal transceiver module design where a single array architecture can support multiple wavelength sub-bands (C-band, L-band, etc.) through software configuration. The same physical hardware can be programmed to operate across different wavelength ranges, eliminating the need to manufacture separate dedicated modules for each wavelength sub-band while maintaining optimized wavelength performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes tunable lasers whose operating parameters (wavelength) can be changed through control signals. By adjusting the wavelength parameter of the lasers in the array, a single module can be configured for different wavelength sub-bands, allowing one module design to replace multiple dedicated module designs and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If fixed wavelength arrayed transceivers are deployed, then initial deployment is straightforward, but migration to new channel grids requires replacing all modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable transceiver arrays where the wavelength assignment and channel grid configuration can be changed through software without physical intervention. When migration to a new channel grid is required, the system can be reprogrammed to accommodate the new grid structure, maintaining deployment simplicity while enabling flexible adaptation to evolving network standards.
4Reliability
If multiple spare modules are maintained for different wavelength sub-bands, then system reliability is ensured, but maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal spare modules that can replace transceivers across all wavelength sub-bands. Since the modules are not dedicated to specific wavelength ranges but can be programmed to operate at any required wavelength, a single type of spare module can service multiple wavelength sub-bands, reducing the number of different spare part inventories needed and simplifying maintenance operations while ensuring system reliability.
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 solution reduces the need for dedicated modules for each wavelength sub-band, lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for adaptable network configurations without replacing all modules, enhancing fiber optic transmission efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each wavelength tunable submodule has a tunable laser
Implementation Method 2
a device, system or subassembly for locking the tunable laser to a selected wavelength, such as a wavelength locker
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatus for data communications comprising a plurality of wavelength tunable submodules in an array is provided. Each submodule has a wavelength tunable laser, and each submodule comprises, as an individual unit, a self-contained wavelength locker having optical and/or optoelectronic functions. The system may be a transponder array comprising a plurality of WDM or DWDM modules. In some embodiments, the individual submodules may comprise photonic integrated wavelength tunable lasers with other optical, electrical and optoelectronic components. Each wavelength tunable submodule incorporated into the module or array can have the same or different optical wavelength and other parameters including but not limited to modulation format. By utilizing the wavelength tunable laser submodules to build a module or array, the need for individual modules dedicated to wavelength sub-bands in the array is eliminated. The same tunable module can be used to fill all the wavelengths on a transmission fiber.