Kestrel Solutions, Inc.

Keotrel Solutions, Inc.

Abraham H Kou

Norman L Swenson

James F Coward

Ting K Yee

Minnie Ho

Laurence J Newell

Peter H Chang

David Alan Pechner

Michael W Rowan

David B Upham

Augustus Elmer

Stuart E Wilson

A frequency division multiplexing (FDM) node used in optical communications networks provides add-drop multiplexing (ADM) functionality between optical high-speed channels and electrical low-speed channels. The FDM node includes a high-speed system and an ADM crosspoint. The high-speed system converts between an optical high-speed channel and its constituent electrical low-speed channels through the use of frequency division multiplexing and preferably also QAM modulation. The ADM crosspoint couples incoming low-speed channels to outgoing low-speed channels, thus implementing the ADM functionality for the FDM node.

Optical communications networks utilizing frequency division multiplexing

A frequency division multiplexing (FDM) node used in optical communications networks provides add-drop multiplexing (ADM) functionality between optical high-speed channels, and low-speed tributaries. The FDM node includes a high-speed system and an ADM crosspoint. The high-speed system converts between an optical high-speed channel and its constituent electrical, low-speed channels through the use of frequency division multiplexing. The ADM crosspoint couples any incoming low-speed channels and any incoming tributaries to any outgoing low-speed channels and tributaries, thus implementing the ADM functionality for the FDM node.

Electrical add-drop multiplexing for optical communications networks utilizing frequency division multiplexing

An electro-optic modulator includes a splitting section, at least three transmission legs, an RF phase-shifting section, a DC-phase shifting section, and a combining section. The splitting section splits a received optical signal into sub-signals, one for each transmission leg. The RF phase-shifting section phase shifts at least two of the sub-signals by an amount proportional to a received RF signal; while the DC phase-shifting section phase shifts at least two of the sub-signals by a DC phase. The combining section combines the phase-shifted sub-signals into a modulated optical signal. In a preferred embodiment, the modulator is characterized by design parameters, such as splitting ratio, DC phase shift, RF coupling efficiency, and combining ratio, and these design parameters are selected to ensure that the modulator meets predetermined performance characteristics, such as maximum harmonic levels or minimum signal to noise ratios.

Electro-optic modulator with improved harmonic performance

The bias point of an electro-optic modulator, such as an Mach-Zender modulator, is automatically controlled. A pilot signal, preferably two pilot tones at different frequencies, is applied to the modulator. The output of the modulator then contains various components resulting from the pilot signal. An error signal is generated, preferably coherently, based on one of these components, termed the pilot component, which preferably is located at the difference frequency of the two pilot tones. A bias signal which controls the bias point of the modulator is adjusted based on the error signal. The coherent generation of the error signal facilitates feedback loops based on phase and/or amplitude control and also supports locking the electro-optic modulator to a bias point with a preselected slope (either negatively or positively sloping).

Automatic bias control for electro-optic modulators

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Abraham H Kou