Optical: systems and elements – Optical amplifier – Correction of deleterious effects
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-28
2001-06-12
Tarcza, Thomas H. (Department: 3662)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical amplifier
Correction of deleterious effects
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246510
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for using optical fibers as communication transmission paths, and more specifically to the amplification of light waves carrying information signals such as TV signals or telephonic signals and the automatic control and monitoring of such apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
The communication industry is using more and more optical or light fibers in lieu of copper wires since optical fibers have substantially greater bandwidth than traditional copper wires or cables. However, just as electrical signals which travel great distances over copper wiring must be amplified several times on their journey from one location to another, it is also necessary to amplify the light waves carrying telephonic, TV or other types of information signals.
Unfortunately, presently available techniques of light wave amplification require extremely expensive and complex and sensitive equipment. Consequently, the task of closely controlling and monitoring such light amplification equipment is of utmost importance if this expensive equipment is to be dependable and is to operate consistently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for light amplification suitable for use with optical fiber communication systems.
It is another object of the invention to provide substantially automatic light amplification equipment which does not require a great deal of continuous human monitoring, interaction, or control.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a light amplification system which is easy to troubleshoot and repair in the event of failure or poor performance.
These and other objects are achieved by the apparatus of this invention comprising an optical pump having an input optical fiber connection for receiving transmitted light at a selected wavelength and a plurality of output optical fibers each for carrying a portion of the amplified light at the selected wavelength to a plurality of locations. The apparatus further includes an adjustable power supply for providing the electrical power to drive the light pump and a light output sensor connected to the output of the pump for determining the output optical power from the pump. Also included is a temperature sensor located proximate the pump so as to monitor the temperature of the pump. A power “on” or start switch is included for purposes of turning on the power supply to the light amplification pump. The start switch, the pump, the power supply, the temperature sensor, the light output sensor, and the light input sensor are all connected to a microcontroller such that when the start switch is activated, the microcontroller incrementally increases power to the pump in response to activating the start switch. The microcontroller also monitors the output from the temperature sensor and the output power sensor against threshold values and incrementally adjusts the power from the power supply to the pump at a selected rate in response to temperature changes. The power to the pump is incrementally increased until the output level of the light reaches a predetermined power level.
The equipment further includes a stop switch connected to the microcontroller such that in the event the pump is to be turned off, the microcontroller incrementally decreases power going to the pump such that the light output from the pump is incrementally decreased. It should be noted however, that the incremental removal of power from the pump is significantly faster than the incremental increase of power to the pump during the turn-on sequence. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is also included along with various alarms and switches for complete monitoring of the apparatus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5032784 (1991-07-01), Smith
patent: 5245690 (1993-09-01), Aida et al.
patent: 5537570 (1996-07-01), Ushirozawa
patent: 5547283 (1996-08-01), Kronberg
patent: 5822112 (1998-10-01), Itou et al.
patent: 5914794 (1999-06-01), Fee et al.
patent: 6064501 (2000-05-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 6072609 (2000-06-01), Matsuda
BuAbbud George H.
Zuhdi Muneer
Hughes Deandra M.
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue
Marconi Communications Inc.
Tarcza Thomas H.
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