WSS with Hitless Switching Using 1D MEMS Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength selective switches (WSS) based on two-dimensional MEMS reflector technology face issues of high cost and small fill factor, along with manufacturing difficulties, leading to high prices and limited availability.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch utilizing a one-dimensional MEMS rotating mirror array combined with a transmission-type MEMS optical attenuator, which simplifies design, increases fill factor, and reduces complexity and costs by aligning and gluing the central axes of the MEMS attenuator and reflector, enabling optical path switching, attenuation, and hitless switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional MEMS reflector technology is used, then optical path switching function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase while fill factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one dimension from the MEMS reflector array, transitioning from two-dimensional to one-dimensional architecture. This extraction simplifies the device structure by eliminating redundant components while preserving the essential optical path switching functionality through carefully designed angular control of the remaining reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical switching function into discrete one-dimensional MEMS reflectors, each independently controllable. This segmentation allows simplified manufacturing and control while achieving the same overall switching capability as complex two-dimensional arrays, directly reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional MEMS reflector technology is used, then optical path switching function is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one dimension from the MEMS reflector array structure, extracting the complex rotational control mechanism while retaining the core switching function. This dimensional reduction transforms the manufacturing process from complex two-dimensional precision machining to simpler one-dimensional assembly, significantly improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, readily available MEMS reflector components that can be manufactured using conventional processes rather than specialized two-dimensional MEMS fabrication. This substitution of complex custom components with standard parts dramatically reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional MEMS reflector technology is used, then optical path switching function is achieved, but fill factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional architecture from two-dimensional to one-dimensional reflector array. This dimensionality change fundamentally alters the spatial utilization, allowing reflectors to be arranged in a linear configuration that maximizes the fill factor while maintaining the optical path switching function through angular control.
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 effectively realizes optical path switching, attenuation, and hitless switching with improved working bandwidth and reduced technical complexities and costs, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of optical networks.
Implementation Method 1
The WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) optical signal at the WSS input port is divided into individual wavelength channels by the spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the wavelength channel along different directions can be reflected by the corresponding movable reflector. The angle of the reflecting surface at each movable reflector corresponds to the position of the output port
Implementation Method 3
realizes attenuation of each channel signal through rotation in the other direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch (WSS) with hitless switching. The WSS includes the fiber collimator array, the focusing lens, collimating lens, diffraction grating, focusing lens, and attenuation reflection unit array. Each attenuation reflection unit has an interconnected transmission-type MEMS attenuator and a one-dimension MEMS reflector. The transmission-type MEMS attenuator is positioned in the front of the one-dimension MEMS reflector. The central axis of the transmission-type MEMS attenuator aligns and coincides with that of the one-dimension MEMS reflector, with the two central axes being glued together. The WSS of the present invention effectively utilizes the combination of a one-dimension reflector array and a transmission-type optical attenuator chip. With the use of one-dimension reflector array, instead of the known two-dimension reflector array, the complexity of design and manufacture is greatly reduced, thereby reducing the production costs of the switch.