|Publication number||US7103277 B2|
|Application number||US 11/063,022|
|Publication date||Sep 5, 2006|
|Filing date||Feb 22, 2005|
|Priority date||Sep 9, 2003|
|Also published as||US20050158050|
|Publication number||063022, 11063022, US 7103277 B2, US 7103277B2, US-B2-7103277, US7103277 B2, US7103277B2|
|Inventors||Richard W. Ridgway|
|Original Assignee||Optimer Photonics, Inc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (23), Referenced by (5), Classifications (32), Legal Events (4)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/547,004, filed Feb. 23, 2004 (OPI 0013 MA). This application is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/935,481, filed Sep. 7, 2004, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/501,460, filed Sep. 9, 2003 (OPI 0009 MA), and 60/547,004, filed Feb. 23, 2004 (OPI 0013 MA).
The present invention relates to optical data transfer system architectures and, more particularly, to Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) architectures and components for use therein.
Optical data transfer networks operate according to the general principle that information can be generated, shared, passed on, bypassed, or otherwise manipulated or communicated within a network of data transfer lines. Network applications include LANs, MANs, WANs, SANs, intrabuilding and interbuilding communications, broadcast distribution, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), telecommunications, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks, etc. It has been recognized that optical fiber data transfer lines embody a number of advantages over electrically conductive data transfer lines. Specifically, optical lines offer increased bandwidth, enhanced durability, easier installation, improved immunity to electromagnetic interference, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Accordingly, the present invention is directed at providing improved optical architectures for data transfer and, more particularly, to improved schemes for effectuating the transfer of data to and from homes, businesses, and other remote premises.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an optical architecture is provided comprising a plurality of mod/mux units, a master optical distribution hub, a plurality of additional optical distribution hubs, and a plurality of premise stations. Each of the mod/mux units is configured to (i) permit selective modulation of demultiplexed components of a target wavelength band of an optical signal, (ii) multiplex the selectively modulated optical signal, and (iii) direct the multiplexed signal to the master optical distribution hub. The master optical distribution hub is configured to distribute multiplexed signals from respective ones of the mod/mux units to corresponding ones of the plurality of additional optical distribution hubs. Each of the plurality of additional optical distribution hubs comprises an arrayed waveguide grating configured to demultiplex the multiplexed optical signal and distribute respective distinct wavelength portions of the target wavelength band to respective ones of the premise stations.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an optical architecture is provided comprising first and second broadband light sources, a mod/mux unit, and a plurality of premise stations in communication with the mod/mux unit via an optical distribution hub. The first light source is configured to generate a target wavelength band of an optical signal. The second light source is configured to generate a bypass wavelength band of the optical signal. The mod/mux unit is configured to (i) permit selective modulation of demultiplexed components of the target wavelength band of the optical signal, (ii) multiplex the selectively modulated optical signal, and (iii) direct the target wavelength band to the optical distribution hub. The optical distribution hub comprises an arrayed waveguide grating configured to demultiplex the multiplexed optical signal and distribute respective distinct wavelength portions of the target wavelength band and respective distinct wavelength portions of the bypass wavelength band to respective ones of the premise stations.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, an optical architecture is provided comprising a broadband light source, a mod/mux unit, and a plurality of premise stations in communication with the mod/mux unit via an optical distribution hub. The broadband light source is configured to generate a target wavelength band of an optical signal. The mod/mux unit is configured to permit selective modulation of demultiplexed components of the target wavelength band of the optical signal, multiplex the selectively modulated optical signal, and direct the target wavelength band to the optical distribution hub. The optical distribution hub comprises an arrayed waveguide grating configured to demultiplex the multiplexed optical signal and distribute respective distinct wavelength portions of the target wavelength band to respective ones of the premise stations.
As will be appreciated by those practicing the present invention, the architectures disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to use in particular contexts. For example, a “remote premise” need not be located a substantial distance from the mod/mux units. Indeed, it is contemplated that while architectures according to the present invention are well suited for residential fiber-to-the-home networks, they will also find utility in contexts where the premise stations are located very close to the central mod/mux units, e.g., in an intra-building data transfer network.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved optical data transfer system architectures. Other objects of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.
The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
Referring initially to
The first arrayed waveguide grating 10 is configured to demultiplex an optical signal propagating in a downstream direction from the optical input 12. The optical architecture 100 may comprise one or more broadband light sources S1, S2 coupled to the optical input 12. In this manner, the first arrayed waveguide grating 10 can demultiplex the optical signal from each light source S1, S2 into a plurality of signals of distinct wavelengths. For the purposes of defining and describing the present invention, it is noted that a broadband light source is characterized by a spectral width sufficient to permit wavelength division of the optical signal into a plurality of distinct and separately usable component signals characterized by different optical wavelengths. In this manner, distinct wavelength portions of the optical signal may be carried along respective branches of the waveguide network and may be subject to independent modulation, as is described below with reference to the modulator array 30.
Where the optical architecture 100 comprises a pair of broadband light sources S1, S2 characterized by two distinct wavelength bands or a single broadband light source configured to define two distinct wavelength bands, the first arrayed waveguide grating 10 can be configured for dual band wavelength division multiplexing. Specifically, the arrayed waveguide grating 10 is configured to superimpose respective wavelength-divided portions of each band on individual branches 42 of the waveguide network extending from the first arrayed waveguide grating 10 to the modulator array 30. For example, the pair of broadband light sources S1, S2 can be centered at different wavelengths so as to define a target wavelength band λT centered at, e.g., 1550 nm, and a bypass wavelength band λB centered at, e.g., 1310 nm. Alternatively, a single broadband light source can be configured with suitable optical components to define the two distinct wave bands. As a further alternative, a single broadband light source may be utilized where there is not a need for both the target wavelength band λT and the bypass wavelength band λB—in which case there would be little or no need for the below-described output coupler 90 or wavelength selectivity of the various components of the architecture 100.
The modulator array 30 can then be configured to modulate individual wavelength portions λT1, λT2, . . . of the target wavelength band and pass individual wavelength portions λB1, λB2, . . . of the bypass wavelength band without substantial modulation. As a result, the various wavelength-divided components of the bypass wavelength band can be preserved for downstream modulation at the premise stations 50 and subsequent return via the hub 70, eliminating the need for independent optical sources at the premise stations 50. The source used for generation of modulated signals from the various premise stations 50 need not be located at the premise stations 50 because the relatively low loss components used throughout the architecture 100 allow for transmission of the bypass band along an optical path of significant length.
The modulator array 30 is configured to permit selective modulation of demultiplexed components of the optical signal propagating in the downstream direction along the individual branches 42 of the waveguide network extending from the first arrayed waveguide grating 10 to the modulator array 30. As is illustrated in
It is contemplated that the optically functional cladding regions may include an electrooptic chromophore and may comprise a Pockels effect medium, a Kerr effect medium, or combinations thereof. In a Pockels effect medium, the functional cladding responds to a voltage control signal via the Pockels Effect—an electrooptic effect in which the application of an electric field produces a birefringence that is linear in the applied field. The Pockels Effect can only occur in anisotropic mediums. For a functional polymeric cladding, this anisotropy needed form the Pockels Effect is typically introduced through electric field poling of the cladding. In contrast, un-poled, substantially isotropic, polymer claddings are the most suitable for use in accordance with many embodiments of the present invention because they cannot exhibit the Pockels Effect, so the dominant electrooptic response results from the Kerr Effect—an electrooptic effect in which the application of an electric field produces a birefringence that varies with a square of the magnitude of the applied field or other control signal.
The core material may also comprise a medium where a control signal applied to the electrode pattern alters the velocity, phase, polarization, amplitude, or other transmission characteristic of light propagating along the waveguide core. It is contemplated that many of the embodiments described herein are also applicable for functional electrooptic waveguide cores—with or without functional claddings.
In some particular embodiments of the present invention, it may be preferable to ensure that the optically functional regions of the modulator array 30 comprise a Kerr Effect medium. The Kerr Effect medium can be configured to induce a phase shift Δφ in an optical signal propagating through the optically functional region in response to a suitable control signal. Successive phase shifts Δφ of 180° are induced in the optical signal as a magnitude of the control signal is increased in successive increments. The successive incremental increases in the magnitude of the control voltage decrease in magnitude as the magnitude of the control voltage increases. As a result, relatively small incremental changes in the control voltage can be used to control modulation of the control signal is biased to a sufficiently high value.
The second arrayed waveguide grating 20 is configured to multiplex the demultiplexed and selectively modulated optical signal propagating in the downstream direction from the modulator array 30. The multiplexed optical signal can subsequently be directed to the optical output 12. As is illustrated in
Referring once more to the optical distribution hub 70 and premise stations 50 of
Each premise station 50 is configured to detect a portion λTi of the target wavelength band λT via a suitable wavelength selective coupler 52 and detector 54. Further, each premise station 50 is also equipped with a signal reflector 56 and modulator 58 configured to selectively modulate a portion λBi of the bypass wavelength band λB and return the selectively modulated portion of the bypass wavelength band λB to the optical distribution hub 70. The hub 70, in turn, is configured to multiplex the plurality of selectively modulated portions λB1, λB2, λBi . . . of the bypass wavelength band returned from the premise stations 50 and direct the multiplexed portions of the bypass wavelength band λB to the second arrayed waveguide grating 20 in the upstream direction. The specific structures of the coupler 52, detector 54, signal reflector 56, and modulator 58 are beyond the scope of the present invention and may be gleaned from existing or subsequently developed teachings in the art of low loss optical transmission.
The second arrayed waveguide grating 20, which is described above as a multiplexer for downstream signals is also configured to demultiplex upstream signals into selectively modulated portions λB1, λB2, λBi . . . of the bypass wavelength band B returned from the premise stations 50. The selectively modulated demultiplexed portions λB1, λB2, λBi . . . of the bypass wavelength band λB returned from the premise stations 50 are then directed to respective upstream signal outputs via respective wavelength selective output couplers 90. The output couplers 90 may be provided as 50/50 optical splitters or another suitable device capable of coupling light in both the downstream and upstream directions. Specifically, in the case of a 50/50 optical splitter, a selectively modulated optical signal traveling downstream towards the second arrayed waveguide grating 20 is split such that 50% of the signal reaches the second arrayed waveguide grating 20 and 50% of the signal is lost. On return from the premises 50 via the hub 70, 50% of the signal is directed towards the output as signals λB1, λB2, λBi . . . while the remaining 50% of the signal is lost in the system. As such, the architecture 100 of the present invention provides for the selective modulation of and transmission of input signals in a target wavelength band to the premise stations 50 and for the return of selectively modulated signals in a bypass wavelength band, eliminating the need for separate optical sources at the premise stations 50. It should be appreciated that there would be little need for the output couplers 90 where only a single wavelength band is passed on to the premise stations 50 or where the bypass wavelength band is not returned to the architecture 100 via the second arrayed waveguide grating 20.
Referring finally to
For example, viewing the Mod/Mux unit 80 of
The optical architecture illustrated in
Additionally, we note that in the embodiment of
The optical architecture illustrated in
The mod/mux units 80 illustrated in
Where j mod/mux units 80 are provided, each having the capacity to generate i selectively modulated signals, the architecture illustrated in
The downstream and upstream functionality of the optical distribution hubs 70 is illustrated in further detail in
Turning to the upstream functionality illustrated in
The architecture of
For the purposes of defining and describing the present invention, it is noted that the wavelength of “light” or an “optical signal” is not limited to any particular wavelength or portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Rather, “light” and “optical signals,” which terms are used interchangeably throughout the present specification and are not intended to cover distinct sets of subject matter, are defined herein to cover any wavelength of electromagnetic radiation capable of propagating in an optical waveguide. For example, light or optical signals in the visible and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are both capable of propagating in an optical waveguide. An optical waveguide may comprise any suitable signal propagating structure. Examples of optical waveguides include, but are not limited to, optical fibers, slab waveguides, and thin-films used, for example, in integrated optical circuits. For the purposes of defining and describing the present invention, it is noted that a planar lightwave circuit is a device that incorporates a waveguide fabricated in or on a flat material such as, for example, a thin film of silica or silicon.
Although many embodiments of the present invention are illustrated herein with reference to optical signal splitters and combiners in the form of directional coupling regions, it is noted that the present invention contemplates utilization of any suitable conventional or yet to be developed structure for optical signal splitting or combining. For example, suitable alternative structures for splitting and combining optical signals include, but are not limited to, 2×2 directional coupling regions, 1×2 directional coupling regions, 1×2 Y signal splitters and combiners, and 1×2 and 2×2 multimode interference element splitters and combiners. The specific design parameters of these structures are beyond the scope of the present invention and may be gleaned from existing or yet to be developed sources, including U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0008916 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the term “device” is utilized herein to represent a combination of components and individual components, regardless of whether the components are combined with other components. Further, it is noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.
Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.
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|U.S. Classification||398/72, 398/90, 398/87, 398/70, 398/71, 398/68, 385/24, 398/69|
|International Classification||G02B6/00, H04B10/155, H04J14/02, H04J14/00, G02B6/34, H04B10/207|
|Cooperative Classification||H04J14/0246, H04J2014/0253, H04J14/025, H04J14/0247, H04J14/0252, G02B6/12019, H04B10/506, H04J14/02, H04B2210/258, H04B10/272, H04J14/0226, H04J14/0282|
|European Classification||H04J14/02N3, H04B10/272, H04B10/506, H04J14/02, H04J14/02F, G02B6/12M2O|
|Mar 23, 2005||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: OPTIMER PHOTONICS, INC., OHIO
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:RIDGWAY, RICHARD W.;REEL/FRAME:015812/0052
Effective date: 20050222
|Apr 3, 2007||CC||Certificate of correction|
|Mar 5, 2010||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Mar 5, 2014||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 8