Fail-safe automatic shut-down apparatus and method for high output power optical communications system
US5428471A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B2210/08
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a fiber-optic communications system, a shut-down apparatus in the event of a fiber-optic cable disruption includes a first optical fiber cable for propagating signals in a first direction and having a plurality of adjacent amplifiers disposed along the first cable. A second optical fiber cable for propagating signals in a second direction, opposite the first direction, includes a plurality of adjacent amplifiers disposed along the second cable. Each of the amplifiers in the second optical fiber cable are interconnected to one of the amplifiers of the first optical fiber cable to form a plurality of amplifier pairs. Circuitry is provided for terminating operation or reducing the output power level of an amplifier within the first or second optical fiber cables in the event of a cable disruption between adjacent amplifier pairs, such that an amplifier within an amplifier pair adjacent to the cable disruption terminates generation or reduces its power level to a safe level at its output. Circuitry is further provided for generating a continuity signal on the first and second cables at the output of each of the amplifiers. Circuitry is provided for sensing the continuity signal upon…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.