Abstract: A WDM transmitter comprising an array of M pump lasers multiplexed by an M×N multiplexer, in the form of a coupler, and used to feed an array of N optically pumped fiber lasers emitting at wavelengths ?1, ?2, . . . ?N. The parameter M determines the number of pump lasers as well as the number of inputs of the pump-multiplexing coupler and can be smaller or equal to parameter N that determines the number of optically pumped lasers. The fiber laser outputs are passed through N isolators before entering N modulators were the signals are monolithically modulated. The outputs of the modulators are passed through an array of N tunable attenuators. Finally all the individual channel outputs are recombined into a single output in a combiner. The output will typically lead to an optical network. The proposed architecture may also be used for optical amplifiers, especially fiber-based optical amplifiers.

Abstract: A test method and apparatus are provided for testing parallel optical transceivers. Each of a plurality of channels of the parallel optical transceiver is connected in series. A predefined data pattern is applied to a first channel of the series connected plurality of channels. An output is detected from a last channel of the series connected plurality of channels and compared the applied predefined data pattern to identify operation of the parallel optical transceiver. An optical wrap plug and an electrical wrap plug are used for connecting in series the plurality of channels of the parallel optical transceiver. The optical wrap plug includes a plurality of optical connectors for respectively optically connecting each respective channel transmitter to a next respective channel receiver. The electrical wrap plug includes a plurality of electrical connectors for respectively electrically connecting a respective channel receiver to a corresponding respective channel transmitter.

Abstract: A device and method for operational switching between line-of-sight wireless communications transceivers requires evaluating a useful received signal strength intensity (RSSI) for a first transceiver, and switching to a second transceiver when the consequent bit error rate (BER) is not useful for the first transceiver. Subsequent switching between the first and second transceivers is accomplished in accordance with a timed sequence regimen that involves variable time delays, and considerations of RSSI changes within determined time periods. Preferably, the first transceiver transmits and receives on a laser beam and the second transceiver transmits and receives on a microwave beam.

Abstract: An on-chip parallel data generator, including a Built In Self Test (BIST) generator, is integrated into a laser driver array of a parallel optical communication transmitter so that all optical outputs switch simultaneously. The BIST generator requires only one clock input which clocks the BIST generator for all channels. The optical outputs respond to either the on-chip BIST generator or the electrical inputs if a valid signal is present on the inputs.

Abstract: A method of managing a free-space optical network includes monitoring environmental and weather conditions in the vicinity of one or more free-space optical links in the network. Data is gathered by environmental condition instruments, such as visibility meters, and is used to assess whether atmospheric conditions have deteriorated to the point where operation of one or more free-space links might be in jeopardy. If data from an environmental condition instrument falls below a predetermined level, network data traffic is routed over an alternate communication path, which may include radio frequency (RF) paths, fiber optic cables, wire cables, or other free-space links.

Abstract: A method for standby switching in optical transmission devices is provided, wherein, in addition to a working signal and a protection signal, respective control signals with information concerning the allocation state are transmitted and evaluated at the receiving end. The control signals are transmitted via a monitoring channel even when the useful signal is switched off.

Abstract: A high-speed optical transceiver for an integrated circuit (IC) includes a serializer-deserializer (SERDES) and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) combined with a detector array. By covalently bonding the SERDES die to the IC, the two components can be processed simultaneously to produce a tightly aligned, high-speed data interface. The SERDES can be coupled to the VCSEL/detector array using a flex interconnect, or the VCSEL/detector array can also be covalently bonded to the IC or SERDES to maximize data bandwidth. The SERDES and VCSEL/detector array can also be produced in a single die using a process technology appropriate for both to maximize manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A transceiver that includes a transmitter, a controller, and a memory accessible by the controller where the controller is configured to receive failure analysis information from the transmitter and store the failure analysis information in the memory is provided.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module for optical communication includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the transmitter and receiver and includes a transceiver operating code. The transceiver operating code includes a plurality of task code modules, with each task code module containing instructions for performing at least one task of a plurality of tasks for controlling the optical transceiver module, and each having an assigned priority level. The transceiver operating code further includes a priority code configured to control the order in which the controller executes the plurality of task code modules based on the assigned priority levels.

Abstract: An optical communication system wherein a light emission circuit operates with reduced power consumption. The optical communication system is used in a communication network wherein communication is had between a control node and plural controlled nodes using light rays amplitude-modulated with carrier modulation signals over 6 MHz. The control node transmits a transmission permission signal to each controlled node, which starts or interrupts light emission with desired transient characteristics by having reference to the transmission permission signal. For example, the amplitude of the infrared light rays is increased or decreased over e.g., a period as indicated at I1.

Abstract: An optical transmitter-receiver that does not have a harmful effect on the human eye when an optical fiber is disconnected from the apparatus and is able to determine easily when the fiber has been reconnected. A normal signal detector and a dummy signal detector determine when a signal from another optical transmitter-receiver is no longer received due to disconnection of an optical fiber. This result switches an output switch and causes a second reference voltage to be transmitted to an optical output automatic controller, thereby reducing the power of a laser diode. At the same time, a signal switch provides a dummy signal having a low frequency to the laser diode in place of the normal signal, resulting in output of a dummy optical signal. At this time, the other optical transmitter-receiver also outputs a dummy optical signal. When the optical fiber is reconnected, the dummy signal transmitted from the other optical transmitter-receiver is detected.

Abstract: In a spatial transmission optical transceiver, signals of two lines from a feeder-affixed twisted pair line 17 which is a data transmission line based on IEEE1394 standard are converted to signals of one line by a code conversion circuit 14, and further converted to optical signals and emitted to space by a optical transmitter 15. The optical signal transmitted through the space is converted to an electrical signal by a optical receiver 16. The code conversion circuit 14 receiving the electrical signal of one line thus converted to signals of two lines, and transmits the signals onto the feeder-affixed twisted pair line 17. The electrical signal from the optical receiver 16 is input to an interception and insertion/removal detection circuit 13 to detect the presence or absence of the optical signal and judge whether the received signal is a reflection signal, thereby detecting the interception of a communication path and the insertion/removal of a signal line connected to a confronting optical transceiver.

Abstract: A microprocessor is used to control the temperature of a laser emitter and thereby regulate the wavelength of optical signals from the laser. A serial interface in the microprocessor provides input and output lines to a host device, and temperature lookup tables are stored in nonvolatile memory. Control logic processes information stored in the memory as well as information on operating conditions of the laser emitter to precisely control the temperature of the laser emitter. A thermoelectric cooler adjusts the temperature of the laser emitter.

Abstract: A passive remote loop-back method and apparatus for optical circuit verification is described. The apparatus may be remotely controlled through either of a dial-up or a data connection. The apparatus is adapted to: perform loop-back of received optical signals; verify status on loss of carrier; and, verify the status of its dual power supplies. The apparatus is also adapted to report alarm conditions by dialing a predetermined telephone number. The advantage is a versatile apparatus that may be monitored by a remote manager, and which automatically reports alarms using a dependable alternate communications medium.

Abstract: A fiber optic transceiver adapted for use in an optical fiber data transmission system is capable of detecting fiber connection problems and providing visual or other indications of a problem. The fiber optic transceiver contains a fiber interface, a receiver, a transmitter, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the transmitter to modulate the laser power to transmit test data and the transceiver includes circuitry and microcode to detect fiber connection problems, including reflection and cross connections. This enables trouble shooting during installation and/or reconfiguring the connection automatically, in response to a connection problem, and provides a physical layer link.