Dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier
First Claim
1. A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:
- a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dynamic controller for a multi-channel EDFA-type optical amplifier is provided that is capable of providing a substantially tilt-free output over a range of selectable gain set points. The dynamic controller includes a variable optical attenuator coupled between the two amplification coils of the EDFA amplifier, and a control circuit that instructs the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated to achieve a tilt-free output at a selected gain point. The controller further includes a gain controller and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit of the variable optical attenuator for providing signals indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation and a relative amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point while reducing or eliminating tilt, respectively.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:
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a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A dynamic controller for a multi-channel, erbium-doped fiber amplifier of the type including a pump laser for amplifying an optical input, comprising:
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a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit and the pump laser for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:
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a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit, wherein said gain controller includes a ratio circuit connected to input and output signals of said amplifier for providing a signal indicative of actual amplifier gain.
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26. A dynamic controller for a multi-channel optical amplifier, comprising:
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a variable optical attenuator coupled between an input and output of the amplifier;
a control circuit connected to the variable optical attenuator for generating control signals instructing the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated;
a gain controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point, and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit for providing a signal indicative of relative amounts that different channels should be attenuated to reduce tilt, including a noise monitoring circuit, wherein said gain controller further includes a set point circuit connected to said ratio circuit for providing a difference signal to said control circuit indicative of a difference between selected amplifier gain and actual gain.
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Specification