Dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier

A dynamic controller for a multi-channel, erbium-doped fiber amplifier of the type including a pump laser for amplifying an optical input, comprising:

• a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
• a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
• a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and
• a tilt controller connected to the control circuit and the pump laser for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt.

A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:

• a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
• a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
• a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and
• a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit,
• wherein said gain controller includes a ratio circuit connected to input and output signals of said amplifier for providing a signal indicative of actual amplifier gain.

A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:

• a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
• a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
• a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and
• a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit,
• wherein said gain controller further includes a set point circuit connected to said ratio circuit for providing a difference signal to said control circuit indicative of a difference between selected amplifier gain and actual gain.