Method and apparatus for controlling a variable optical attenuator in an optical network
US6987922B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B10/07955
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention describes a method for controlling attenuation for a variable optical attenuator (VOA) inserted in an optical path of an optical signal propagating in an optical network, comprising the steps of measuring power of the optical signal at the VOA; comparing the measured power with a target power; and if the measured power differs from the target power, changing the attenuation of the VOA in one or more variable size intervals (VSI) so that the power of the optical signal substantially equals to the target power, wherein the VSI being a function of the measured power and target power. The method further comprises the step of comparing the measured power with a Loss-of-signal (LOS) power threshold, and if the measured power is less than the LOS power threshold, changing the attenuation of the VOA in one or more variable size intervals so that the power of the optical signal substantially higher than the LOS power threshold, wherein the size of the variable interval being a function of the measured power and the LOS power threshold. The method dynamically computes a VSI, updates the VOA setting by said VSI, and manages a combination of open and closed VOA control loops to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.