Packaged WDM Optical Device Stack Sharing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication systems, the manufacturing costs and mean time between failure (MTBF) of optical switching devices like wavelength selective switches (WSSs), optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs), and dynamic gain equalizers (DGEs) are high due to their complexity and the need for precise alignment and assembly of active and passive optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A packaged stack of WDM optical devices is proposed, where multiple devices share common optical elements such as diffraction gratings and beam polarization units, reducing per-channel manufacturing costs and improving MTBF by allowing for scalable and cost-effective assembly and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple WDM optical devices are manufactured and aligned to high tolerances individually, then proper operation of switching devices is achieved, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WDM optical devices (first WDM optical device and second WDM optical device) into a single packaged stack sharing a common housing and optical elements. This merging reduces the number of separate assemblies required, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining proper operation of each device through shared alignment references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling multiple WDM optical devices to share common optical elements (such as diffraction gratings and beam polarization units) and a common housing structure. These shared components serve multiple functions across different devices, reducing per-device complexity while ensuring proper operation through standardized interfaces and alignment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If precise alignment and assembly of active and passive optical elements are performed, then proper operation of optical switching devices is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical devices into a single packaged stack with shared optical elements and common alignment references. This consolidation reduces the total number of precision alignment operations required compared to manufacturing separate devices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining proper operation through shared alignment standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical elements (diffraction gratings, beam polarization units) that serve multiple devices within the stack. These shared elements require only single precision alignment operations that benefit all devices utilizing them, reducing per-device alignment costs while ensuring proper operation through standardized mounting and alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If individual WDM optical devices are manufactured separately, then device functionality is maintained, but per-channel manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WDM optical devices into a single packaged stack, allowing shared manufacturing processes and common optical elements to serve multiple channels. This merging reduces redundant manufacturing steps and material costs per channel while maintaining individual device functionality through isolated optical paths and dedicated input/output ports for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal optical elements (diffraction gratings, beam polarization units) that handle multiple wavelength channels simultaneously. These shared elements reduce per-channel manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for duplicate components, while each device maintains its functionality through dedicated optical paths and independent control mechanisms.
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 packaged stack reduces per-channel manufacturing costs and enhances MTBF by enabling efficient sharing of optical elements, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of individual device assembly while maintaining network bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
The shared optical element may include a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
The shared optical element may include a diffraction grating and/or a beam polarization unit
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged stack of optical devices includes two or more WDM optical devices, the stack having a reduced per-channel manufacturing cost and an improved mean time between failure relative to individual optical devices. WDM optical devices, which may be contained in a packaged stack, include wavelength selective switches, optical add-drop multiplexers, and dynamic gain equalizers. The optical switching devices in the stack may be configured so that one or more optical elements are shared by multiple switching devices. Optical components that may be shared between the switching devices contained in the stack include cylindrical lenses, diffraction gratings, mirrors, and beam steering units.