The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 04, 2012
Filed:
Jun. 29, 2009
Pietro Bernasconi, Aberdeen, NJ (US);
Pietro Bernasconi, Aberdeen, NJ (US);
Alcatel Lucent, Paris, FR;
Abstract
In communications where synchronization of optical signals containing data is required, a multi-channel optical arrayed time buffer may be used. The time buffer includes multiple delay paths comprising delay elements, some of which can be shared to dispense different delays. In an embodiment, an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is illustratively used to route an optical signal to a first delay path, which is returnable to the AWG through the first delay path to be rerouted to a second delay path. The total delay affordable to the optical signal is a function of at least a first delay afforded by a delay element in the first delay path, and a second delay afforded by a delay element in the second delay path. In addition, without returning to the AWG, another optical signal may be routed through the second delay path alone to be afforded the second delay only.