KR102578471B1 - Apparatus of controling variable attenuator of optical power having double coupler and monitering the power and wavelength using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In addition to variable attenuation control, it precisely measures the degree of attenuation, monitors and displays the attenuation amount in real time, increases integration, is inexpensive, is suitable for mass production, and includes a dual coupler that expands additional functions. An attenuation control device and an optical power and wavelength monitoring device using the same are presented. The device includes an optical power distribution unit including a collimator combination, a variable attenuation control unit disposed between each collimator forming the collimator combination, and an input coupler and collimator disposed outside the collimator combination and distributing the input optical power. Includes an output-side coupler that distributes optical power.

Description

Optical power variable attenuation control device including a double coupler and optical power and wavelength monitoring device using the same {Apparatus of controlling variable attenuator of optical power having double coupler and monitoring the power and wavelength using the same}

The present invention relates to a variable attenuation control device and monitoring device, and more specifically, to provide various functions by utilizing a double coupler, and to output the attenuation degree by varying the degree of attenuation so that the optical power, which is the intensity of the input optical signal, matches the specific device. It relates to a variable attenuation control device and a device for monitoring it.

Wireless communication is developing into the Internet of Things, which connects things and sparks digital innovation. In addition, the era of ultra-delayed connectivity is coming, where various devices, including sensors, are connected as a key means of promoting the production, distribution, and utilization of data. In the era of ultra-latency connectivity, large-capacity data traffic is required as communication frequency signals for multiple services are integrated due to the explosive increase in data traffic, convergence of broadcasting and communications, and increased use of cloud. For this purpose, a variable attenuator is needed to control the intensity of the optical signal power of the system equipment in a high-speed communication network. In addition, the importance of optical power variable attenuators is increasing for high integration, miniaturization, and low cost.

Since conventional attenuators use only specific optical filters that match specific wavelength bands, numerous optical filters are needed, such as those in Domestic Patent No. 10-2295964, to apply to a wide wavelength band. However, since optical filters are relatively expensive, the unit cost of the attenuator increases. Meanwhile, in order to respond to the increasing demand for attenuators, there is a demand for attenuators that accurately measure the degree of attenuation in addition to variable attenuation control. In addition, there is a need for an attenuator with increased integration, low price, and suitable for mass production. Furthermore, conventional attenuators have limitations in additional functions, so it is desirable to expand additional functions.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to accurately measure the degree of attenuation in addition to variable attenuation control, monitor and display the attenuation amount in real time, increase integration, be inexpensive, suitable for mass production, and expand additional functions. The aim is to provide an optical power variable attenuation control device including a double coupler and an optical power and wavelength monitoring device using the same.

A variable attenuation control device for optical power to solve the problem of the present invention includes an optical power distribution unit including a collimator combination, a variable attenuation control unit disposed between each collimator forming the collimator combination, and an outside of the collimator combination. It is disposed and includes an input coupler that distributes the input optical power and an output coupler that distributes the optical power that has passed through the collimator. At this time, the variable attenuation control part includes a blocking part having an end whose width becomes narrower toward the end, and the blocking part moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the optical power input from the collimator on the input side, and the linear movement is the optical power. The degree of attenuation is controlled by adjusting the blocking area.

In the device of the present invention, the input coupler distributes the optical power to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the second optical fiber is reflected toward the variable attenuation processing unit and the communication unit. The output coupler distributes the optical power to the third optical fiber and the fourth optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to the terminal. At this time, the terminal may be connected to a communication unit connected to the second optical fiber by wire or wirelessly.

In a preferred device of the present invention, the input side coupler distributes the optical power to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the second optical fiber is reflected toward the variable attenuation processing unit and the optical loss detection unit. The output coupler distributes the optical power to the third optical fiber and the fourth optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal is connected to the optical loss detection unit and the wired system connected to the second optical fiber. It is connected inside or outside the transmission equipment or inside or outside the wireless transmission equipment.

In the device of the present invention, the degree of attenuation varies depending on the shape of the end of the blocking portion. The blocking portion may be made of a metal material. The blocking portion may have an awl shape. The blocking unit may be induced to move linearly by rotation of the adjuster.

In order to solve the problem of the present invention, an optical power and wavelength monitoring device using a variable attenuation control device for optical power monitors the amount of attenuation caused by the variable attenuation control device by a display.

According to the optical power variable attenuation control device including a double coupler of the present invention and the optical power and wavelength monitoring device using the same, by applying a blocking unit and a double coupler, variable attenuation control and attenuation degree measurement are precisely performed, The amount of attenuation is monitored and displayed in real time, the degree of integration is increased, the price is low, it is suitable for mass production, and additional functions are expanded.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing a first variable attenuation adjustment device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the control device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first optical power distribution unit of FIG. 1.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the variable attenuation control unit of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing a second variable attenuation control device according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the second optical power distribution unit of FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail below. Examples of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawing, the representation is exaggerated for convenience of explanation. Meanwhile, terms indicating location, such as top, bottom, front, etc., are only related to what is shown in the drawing. In practice, the adjusting device can be used in any optional orientation, and in actual use the spatial orientation changes depending on the orientation and rotation of the adjusting device.

The embodiment of the present invention applies a cutoff unit and a double coupler to accurately measure the degree of attenuation in addition to variable attenuation control, monitors and displays the attenuation amount in real time, increases integration, is inexpensive, and is suitable for mass production. In addition, an optical power variable attenuation control device including a dual coupler with expanded additional functions and an optical power and wavelength monitoring device using the same are presented. To this end, we will learn about the cutoff unit and the double coupler in detail, use the cutoff unit to adjust variable attenuation and measure the degree of attenuation, and explain in detail the process of expanding additional functions by the double coupler. The control device and monitoring device according to the embodiment of the present invention are more effective in large-capacity data traffic in which frequency signals for multiple services are integrated due to the explosive increase in data traffic, convergence of broadcasting and communication, and increased use of cloud. The variable attenuation maintains the system equipment stably by blocking and adjusting the power of the optical signal installed and serviced in advance of the system equipment.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first variable attenuation adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the adjustment device of FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows the main portion of FIG. 1 unfolded. However, it is not a drawing in the strict sense, and there may be components not shown in the drawing for convenience of explanation.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first variable attenuation control device of the present invention includes an input unit (IN), an output unit (OUT), and a case 100. The input unit (IN) and the output unit (OUT) are exposed to the outside of the case 100. The input unit (IN) receives an optical signal, and the output unit (OUT) outputs an optical signal that has passed through the case 100. Inside the case 100, a first module (A) and a second module (B) exist. The first module (A) includes a first optical power distribution unit 200 and a variable attenuation control unit 300. The first module (A) will be described in detail later. The second module (B) includes a variable attenuation processing unit 400 that measures, processes, and controls variable attenuation.

The second module (B) includes a substrate 41, a detection unit (C), a display 47, a power button 48, and an interface 49. The detection unit C includes an optical sensor 42 such as a photodiode, an amplification unit 43, a comparison unit 44, a signal processing unit 45, and a control unit 46. The optical sensor 42 detects an optical signal transmitted from one of the second optical fibers (20b in FIG. 3) by the transmission means (CL), and the amplifying unit 43 detects optical power in the form of a current through which photoelectric conversion has been performed. Amplify. At this time, the optical sensor 42 can directly receive the optical signal. The comparison unit 44 detects the optical signal in the form of a current that has passed through the amplification unit 43 and compares it with the look-up optical signal. The signal processing unit 45 calculates the attenuation of optical power by the amplifying unit 43 and the comparing unit 44 and processes the calculated optical signal. For example, the optical signal can be converted into digital information using an A/D converter. For this purpose, the signal processing unit 45 and the comparison unit 44 are interconnected.

The display 47 displays the optical power detected through the detection unit C in numerical and graphic form, and the interface 49 allows connection to external devices. The control unit 46 is connected to the comparison unit 44, signal processing unit 45, display 47, and interface 49 and controls their operations. Preferably, the interface 49 is connected to the communication unit 50. Here, for convenience of explanation, the first and second modules (A, B) are expressed in an unfolded state, but within the scope of the present invention, the arrangement of the first and second modules (A, B) can be variously modified. You can. The optical fiber (26b in FIG. 3) of the output unit (OUT) is connected to the terminal 51.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first optical power distribution unit 200 of FIG. 1. At this time, the variable attenuation control device will refer to the previous drawing.

According to Figure 3, the first optical power distribution unit 200 includes an input optical fiber 20 in the input direction, an input side coupler 21a, a first single collimator (SC1), a variable attenuation control unit 300, and a second single It includes a collimator (SC2), an output side coupler (21b), and an output optical fiber (26) in the output direction. The first and second single collimators (SC1, SC2) include a single peak tail (22) and a GRIN lens (23). The input coupler 21a is disposed on one side of the first single collimator SC1 and distributes optical power by radiating the input optical signal as parallel light.

The optical power passing through the input side coupler 21a is distributed to the first and second optical fibers 20a and 20b. Specifically, the optical power, which is the intensity of the optical signal, is divided into, for example, 95% and transmitted, and, for example, the remaining 5% of the optical signal is reflected toward the second optical fiber 20b, the variable attenuation processing unit 400, and the communication unit 50. do. The communication unit 50 is substantially connected to the second optical fiber 20b. The degree of division may vary depending on the use, characteristics, etc. of the first optical power distribution unit 200 of the present invention.

The first single collimator (SC1) collimates the optical power, which is the intensity of the optical signal input from the input side coupler (21a). The first and second single collimators SC1 and SC2 are spaced apart at an appropriate distance WD, and a variable attenuation control unit 300 is disposed at the distance WD. The variable attenuation control unit 300 will be described in detail later. The second single collimator (SC2) collimates the optical power, which is the intensity of the optical signal that has passed through the variable attenuation control unit 300, and emits it to the output coupler (21b). The parallel light passing through the GRIN lens 23 of the first and second single collimators (SC1, SC2) is an optical signal with a wavelength ranging from short wavelength to long wavelength (1260-1670 nm). At this time, the inclined surface of the GRIN lens 23 can be marked 24 with a marker such as a permanent marker. The first and second single collimators (SC1, SC2) are protected by being built into a glass tube (25).

The output coupler 21b is disposed on one side of the second single collimator SC2, and the optical power passing through the output coupler 21b is distributed to the third and fourth optical fibers 26a and 26b. That is, the first and second couplers 21a and 21b are respectively disposed outside the first and second single collimator SC2 combination. The third optical fiber 26a is connected to the output unit OUT. That is, the first optical fiber 20a is the input coupler 21a, the second optical fiber 20b is the communication unit 50, the third optical fiber 26a is the output unit (OUT), and the fourth optical fiber 26b is the terminal 51. ) is connected to. The communication unit 50 is connected to the terminal 51 wirelessly or by wire. In order to be connected to the upper terminal terminal 51, the communication unit 50 may include a known radio unit, a data processing unit, a distributed unit, a central unit, etc. You can. The communication unit 50 transmits and receives frequency and wavelength signals with the terminal 51, enabling two-way communication. The terminal 51 can monitor and control the variable attenuation, wavelength, and optical power received from the communication unit 50.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the variable attenuation control unit 300 of FIG. 1. At this time, the variable attenuation control device will refer to the previous drawing.

According to Figure 4, the variable attenuation control unit 300 is arranged to adjust the optical power, which is the intensity of the optical signal, with respect to the direction in which the optical signal travels. The variable attenuation control unit 300 includes a blocking unit 31, a support body 32, and an adjuster 35. The blocking portion 31 has an awl-shaped end and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical signal input from the dual collimator D. The blocking portion 31 is preferably made of a metal material such as aluminum. The end of the blocking unit 31 has an awl shape, and blocks the area of the traveling light by precisely dividing it for attenuation of optical power. Depending on the change in the width (WT) of the end portion, the degree of attenuation by the blocking portion 31 may be adjusted differently. In other words, the degree of attenuation by the blocking portion 31 can be freely adjusted by setting the shape of the awl-shaped end portion in various ways. Here, the awl shape is presented, but any shape that narrows toward the end like an awl is possible.

The support body 32 supports the first moving body 33, and the blocking portion 31 is fixed to the second moving body 34. When the adjuster 35 rotates, the first moving member 33 rotates and the second moving member 34 moves in a straight line. For example, the first and second mobile units 33 are coupled with screws, and when the first mobile unit 33 rotates, the second mobile unit 34 rotates and performs a linear motion along with the rotation of the blocking unit 31. induce. In some cases, the first and second moving elements 33 and 34 may induce linear movement of the blocking unit 31 in various ways, for example, a rack and pinion method, within the scope of the present invention. The rotation of the adjuster 35 can be operated manually, and the linear movement of the blocking portion 31 can be implemented by using the adjuster 35 with a precision motor such as a step motor.

The adjuster 35 is preferably exposed to the outside of the case 100, and the degree of attenuation of optical power can be adjusted by referring to the display 47. Specifically, if the adjuster 35 is rotated to move the blocking portion 31 in the direction a, the area that blocks the optical signal increases and thus the degree of attenuation increases. Likewise, specifically, when the adjuster 35 is rotated to move the blocking portion 31 in the b direction, the area that blocks the optical signal becomes smaller, so the degree of attenuation decreases.

Figure 5 is a diagram conceptually showing a second variable attenuation adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing the second optical power distribution unit 200a of Figure 5. The second optical power distribution unit 200a is the same as the first optical power distribution unit 200, except that it includes an optical loss detection unit 52, a terminal 53, and a charger 54. Accordingly. Detailed descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the second optical power distribution unit 200a includes an optical loss detection unit 52, a terminal 53, and a charger 54. The optical loss detection unit 52 is connected to the variable attenuation processing unit 400 connected to the second optical fiber 20b. The optical loss detection unit 52 is substantially connected to the second optical fiber 20b. The optical loss detection unit 52 serves as the communication unit 50 in the first optical power distribution unit 200, and checks and processes optical loss. The optical loss detection unit 52 may include a known radio unit, data processing unit, distributed unit, central unit, etc.

The optical loss detection unit 52 enables two-way communication by transmitting and receiving frequency and wavelength signals with the terminal 53. In addition, the optical loss detection unit 52 can check the communication status by transmitting the optical loss to the terminal 51 if the optical loss is, for example, 3 dB or more during the communication process, and if a communication failure occurs, the communication failure can be resolved. The terminal 53 can monitor and control the variable attenuation, wavelength, and optical power received from the optical loss detection unit 52.

The rechargeable battery 54 is charged by optical power passing through the output coupler 21b and the fourth optical fiber 26b. Specifically, the optical power is converted into an electrical signal such as an optical signal or frequency to charge the rechargeable battery 54. The rechargeable battery 54 may be a lithium secondary battery that is charged with a small current generated by the electric signal. The rechargeable battery 54 may be connected to the optical loss detection unit 52 or the terminal 53 by wire. If necessary, the charge amount can be displayed on the display 47 and a warning can be sent to the communication operator by voice and text. By using the rechargeable battery 54, power consumption in the control or monitoring device of the present invention can be reduced.

Above, the present invention has been described in detail with preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. possible. For example, the previous explanation focused on the single collimator (SC1, SC2), but a dual collimator can also be applied instead of the single collimator (SC1, SC2). When a dual collimator is applied, a known optical filter can be added to the opposing dual collimator.

100; case
200, 200a; First and second optical power distribution units
300; Variable attenuation control unit 400; Variable attenuation processing unit
20; Input optical fiber
20a, 20b, 26a, 26b; 1st to 4th optical fibers
21a, 21b; first and second coupler
22; Single pigtail 23; GRIN Lens
24; Marking 25; glass tube
26; output optical fiber 31; Blocking part
32; support
33, 34; first and second mobile bodies
35; regulator 41; Board
42; optical sensor 43; amplification unit
44; Comparative Department 45; Signal processing unit
46; control unit 47; display
49; interface 50; Ministry of Communications
51, 53; terminal
52; Optical loss detection unit 54; rechargeable battery

Claims (18)

An optical power distribution unit including a collimator combination;
a variable attenuation control unit disposed between each collimator forming the collimator combination; and
It is disposed outside the collimator combination and includes an input coupler for distributing input optical power and an output coupler for distributing optical power passing through the collimator,
The variable attenuation control unit includes a blocking unit having an end whose width becomes narrower toward the end,
The blocking unit moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the optical power input from the collimator on the input side, and the linear movement adjusts the degree of attenuation by adjusting the area that blocks the optical power,
The input side coupler distributes the optical power to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the second optical fiber is reflected toward the variable attenuation processing unit and the optical loss detection unit, and the optical loss detection unit functions as a communication unit. And, the communication unit is connected to the terminal by wire or wirelessly and transmits and receives frequency and wavelength signals to perform two-way communication. delete The optical power variable attenuation control device according to claim 1, wherein the output coupler distributes the optical power to a third optical fiber and a fourth optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to the terminal. delete delete The method of claim 1, wherein the output coupler distributes the optical power to a third optical fiber and a fourth optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to a terminal, and the terminal transmits the optical power connected to the second optical fiber. An optical power variable attenuation control device characterized by being connected to a loss detection unit by wire or wirelessly. The variable attenuation control device according to claim 1, wherein the degree of attenuation varies depending on the shape of the end of the blocking portion. The optical power variable attenuation control device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking portion is made of a metal material. The optical power variable attenuation control device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking portion has an awl shape. The variable attenuation control device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking unit is induced to move linearly by rotation of the adjuster. An optical power distribution unit including a collimator combination;
a variable attenuation control unit disposed between each collimator forming the collimator combination; and
It is disposed outside the collimator combination and includes an input coupler for distributing input optical power and an output coupler for distributing optical power passing through the collimator,
The variable attenuation control unit includes a blocking unit having an end whose width becomes narrower toward the end,
The blocking unit moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the optical power input from the collimator on the input side, and the linear movement adjusts the degree of attenuation by adjusting the area that blocks the optical power,
The amount of attenuation by the variable attenuation control unit is monitored by the display,
The input side coupler distributes the optical power to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the second optical fiber is reflected toward the variable attenuation processing unit and the optical loss detection unit, and the optical loss detection unit functions as a communication unit. And, the communication unit is connected to the terminal by wire or wirelessly to transmit and receive frequency and wavelength signals to perform two-way communication. An optical power and wavelength monitoring device using an optical power variable attenuation control device. delete The optical power variable attenuation control device according to claim 11, wherein the output coupler distributes the optical power to a third optical fiber and a fourth optical fiber, and the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to the terminal. Optical power and wavelength monitoring device used. delete The method of claim 11, wherein the output coupler distributes the optical power to a third optical fiber and a fourth optical fiber, the optical power passing through the fourth optical fiber is transmitted to a terminal, and the terminal transmits the optical power connected to the second optical fiber. An optical power and wavelength monitoring device using an optical power variable attenuation control device that is connected to a loss detection unit by wire or wirelessly. The optical power and wavelength monitoring device according to claim 11, wherein the degree of attenuation varies depending on the shape of the end of the blocking portion. The optical power and wavelength monitoring device using an optical power variable attenuation control device according to claim 11, wherein the blocking portion has an awl shape. The optical power and wavelength monitoring device using a variable attenuation control device according to claim 11, wherein the blocking unit induces linear movement by rotation of the adjuster.

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