WDM Calibration Apparatus Center Frequency Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wavelength division multiplexing systems face significant insertion loss issues when optical signals pass through multiplexing devices, which hinder the efficient transmission of high-speed data services required for 5G communications, necessitating a solution to reduce optical signal loss over transmission links.

Innovation Solution

A calibration apparatus and method that aligns the center frequencies of multiplexers and demultiplexers using detection signals and feedback mechanisms, reducing insertion loss by adjusting the center frequencies of the optical signals to match those of the multiplexing devices, thereby minimizing power loss and enhancing transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If WDM technology with AWG is used to increase bandwidth, then more optical cables are required, but insertion loss increases and signal loss requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidinsertion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the detection signal to align with the center frequency of the multiplexing device. By adjusting the detection signal's frequency to match the multiplexing device's center frequency, the system minimizes insertion loss while maintaining high bandwidth capability through WDM technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power of the detection signal passing through the multiplexing device is detected, and this detection result is used to adjust the center frequency of the detection signal. This closed-loop feedback ensures optimal alignment between the detection signal and multiplexing device, minimizing insertion loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If detection signal power is increased to overcome insertion loss, then signal loss requirements may be met, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal loss requirement complianceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing power, the patent changes the frequency parameter of the detection signal to align with the multiplexing device's center frequency. This parameter optimization allows the system to meet signal loss requirements through efficient frequency matching rather than brute-force power increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the detection signal's center frequency based on detected power levels, finding the optimal frequency alignment that minimizes insertion loss. This ensures reliable signal transmission while avoiding unnecessary power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3672122B1Calibration apparatus and method, and wavelength division multiplexing system
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3672122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3672122B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3672122B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This application provides a calibration apparatus and method, and a wavelength division multiplexing system. The calibration apparatus includes: a sending module, configured to send a first detection signal to a first multiplexing device; a receiving module, configured to receive the first detection signal that passes through the first multiplexing device, and receive a second detection signal that passes through the first multiplexing device and a second multiplexing device; and a processing module, configured to adjust a center frequency of the first detection signal, so that an adjusted center frequency of the first detection signal is aligned with a center frequency of the first multiplexing device, and adjust a center frequency of the second detection signal and the center frequency of the first multiplexing device, so that the center frequency of the first multiplexing device is aligned with the center frequency of the second detection signal. Technical solutions provided in embodiments of this application can reduce an insertion loss of an optical fiber in a transmission process, thereby meeting a requirement of an optical signal loss over a transmission link.