Multi-channel wave division multiplexer system
AssigneeAnacom Systems, Inc.
InventorHenry John Wojtunik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a multichannel wave division multiplexer system the simultaneous bidirectional transmission through a single optical fiber of at least first and second optical signals each having a first wavelength is provided by electrically isolating each respective optical transmitter from the optical signal of the other optical transmitter.
Claims18
A multichannel wave division multiplexer (WDM) system operable for simultaneously transmitting individual optical carriers capable of being modulated with broadband non-band limited electrical signals bidirectionally through a single fiber, wherein at least one pair of the oppositely traveling optical carriers can have the same wavelength, comprising:
- a fiber optic cable having a first end and an opposing second end;
- a first laser transmitter for transmitting an analog or digital first electrical signal, for converting the first electrical signal into a first optical signal having a first wavelength;
- first optical coupling means connected between said first laser transmitter and said first end of said fiber optic cable, for coupling said first optical signal to said first end of said fiber optic cable;
- a second laser transmitter for transmitting an analog or digital second electrical signal for conversion into a second optical signal having said first wavelength;
- second optical coupling means connected between said second laser transmitter and said second end of said fiber optic cable, for coupling said second optical signal to said second end of said fiber optic cable;
- said first optical coupling means including a unidirectional first optical isolator of said first wavelength connected to said first laser transmitter, for optically isolating said first laser transmitter both from said second optical signal and from optical signals of wavelengths other than said first wavelength;
- said second optical coupling means including a unidirectional second optical isolator of said first wavelength connected to said second laser transmitter, for optically isolating said second laser transmitter both from said first optical signal and from optical signals of wavelengths other than said first wavelength;
- and
- first and second very low noise optical receivers of said first wavelength coupled to said second and first ends of said fiber optic cable, respectively, for receiving said first and second optical signals, respectively.
In a multichannel wave division multiplexer (WDM) system, a method for permitting the simultaneous bidirectional transmitting of at least first and second optical carriers capable of being modulated with broadband non-band limited electrical signals through a single optical fiber, wherein said first and second optical carriers have the same wavelength, comprising the steps of:
- applying a first electrical signal to a first laser transmitter for converting the signal into a first optical signal having a first wavelength;
- coupling said first optical signal to one end of said optical fiber;
- applying a second electrical signal to a second laser transmitter for converting the signal into a second optical signal having said first wavelength;
- coupling said second optical signal to another end of said optical fiber;
- optically isolating said first laser transmitter from said second optical signal, and signals of said first wavelength and other wavelengths, via a unidirectional first optical isolator of said first wavelength;
- optically isolating said second laser transmitter from said first optical signal, and signals of said first wavelength and other wavelengths, via a unidirectional second optical isolator of said first wavelength;
- coupling a first optical receiver to said one end of said optical fiber, for receiving said second optical signal;
- and
- coupling a second optical receiver to said other end of said single optical fiber, for receiving said first optical signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.