US 7,010,230 B2 · Integrated high-speed multiple-rate optical-time-division-multiplexing module

Abstract

A novel integrated multiple-rate optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) module is disclosed. An integrated set of modulators generates optical RZ signal streams which are then time-delayed by a set of integrated optical delay switching and combining arrays and interleaved to produce an OTDM signal. The integrated optical delay switching and combining arrays are adapted to be controllably set to various delays to facilitate interleaving of many possible bit-rates. Such an approach alleviates stability problems offered by conventional fiber-based OTDM technology, increases flexibility, aids in reducing the size, complexity, and cost. Furthermore, the OTDM chip of the present invention offers fine tuning capabilities thereby allowing for slight adjustments in the interleaving of optical signal streams if needed. The present invention also provides for the integration of an optical pulse source chip and a multiple-rate OTDM chip onto a single substrate or platform using hybrid packaging technology.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An integrated multiple-rate optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) module comprising:

at least one integrated controllable optical delay switching and combining array for introducing at least one prescribed optical delay between a first optical RZ signal stream and a reference optical RZ signal stream to facilitate time division multiplexing of the first and the reference optical RZ signal streams,
wherein the at least one integrated controllable optical delay switching and combining array is adapted to controllably switch a path of the first optical RZ signal stream to one of a plurality of optical delay elements according to a data rate of the first optical RZ signal stream to introduce a selected one of a plurality of optical signal delays to the first optical RZ signal stream relative to the reference optical RZ signal stream, whereby the time division multiplexing of the optical RZ signal streams may be facilitated for a number of different data rates.

An integrated optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) subsystem comprising:

an optical pulse source (OPS) chip;
an integrated multiple-rate optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) chip comprising at least one integrated controllable optical delay switching and combining array for introducing at least one prescribed optical delay between a first optical RZ signal stream and a reference optical RZ signal stream to facilitate time division multiplexing of the first and the reference optical RZ signal streams, wherein the at least one integrated controllable optical delay switching and combining array is adapted to controllably switch a path of the first optical RZ signal stream to one of a plurality of optical delay elements according to a data rate of the first optical RZ signal stream to introduce a selected one of a plurality of optical signal delays to first optical RZ signal stream relative to the reference optical RZ signal stream, whereby the time division multiplexing of the optical RZ signal streams may be facilitated for a number of different data rates;
and
optical connections interconnecting the OPS chip and the multiple-rate OTDM chip, wherein the OPS chip and the multiple-rate OTDM chip are integrated in a single substrate using hybrid packaging technology.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrated high-speed multiple-rate optical-time-division-multiplexing module

Life of this patent

Integrated high-speed multiple-rate optical-time-division-multiplexing module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18