Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectrical unit for converting information signals between an electrical signal format and an optical signal format. The proposed unit includes a circuit board, which contains at least one optoelectrical capsule. Each capsule is positioned on the circuit board, such that its footprint towards the circuit board has a smaller area than the area of a largest side of the capsule. Moreover, each capsule includes a feedthrough, which electrically connects one or more components therein to circuitry on the circuit board via a plurality of leads. The feedthrough also contains a shield, which electrically shields at least one signal lead from at least one auxiliary lead. The feedthrough is adapted for positioning the optoelectrical capsule at an arbitrary adapted location on the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for controlling the signal output power of an optical amplifier (100). A target output power utilised to monitor the amplifier output power comprises the sum of th desired signal output power and an estimation of the ASE generated at this power. The estimation of ASE at any gain is made using a predetermined relationship between the gain of an amplifier and the generated amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). In a simple implementation of the invention, the relationship is approximated as a linear dependence, when it is determined by measuring the ASE generated at two different gains. The received ASE is ascertained by measuring the received output signal power and deducting this from the total received output power. A more extensive measurement of the relationship may also be conducted. The determined target output power can be used to stabilise the amplifier output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectrical unit for converting information signals between an electrical signal format and an optical signal format. The proposed unit includes a circuit board, which contains at least one optoelectrical capsule. Each capsule is positioned on the circuit board, such that its footprint towards the circuit board has a smaller area than the area of a largest side of the capsule. Moreover, each capsule includes a feedthrough, which electrically connects one or more components therein to circuitry on the circuit board via a plurality of leads. The feedthrough also contains a shield which electrically shields at least one signal lead from at least one auxiliary lead. The feedthrough is adapted for positioning the optoelectrical capsule at an arbitrary adapted location on the circuit board.