Variable delay apparatus for optical signals
US5953142A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L7/0337
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In order to reduce its switching time, the delay apparatus comprises a coupler and a multiplexer provided with n inlets set respectively to n distinct wavelengths. Inlets of the multiplexer are coupled respectively to outlets of the coupler via wavelength conversion apparatuses, and via delay lines all of which are different. Each conversion apparatus has an amplifying optical gate function and delivers to the corresponding inlet of the multiplexer a wave carried by the wavelength associated with said inlet. The invention also concerns apparatus for synchronizing channels of a wavelength multiplex using the variable delay apparatus. Application in particular to synchronizing optical packets in a switched optical network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.