Method and system for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronic devices

• US 9,548,811 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2014
• Issued: 01/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Luxtera Incorporated (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Kucharski, Daniel, Welch, Brian, Abdalla, Sherif
• Primary Examiner(s): SAHLE, MAHIDERE S
• Application Number:
  US14/196,122
• Publication Number:
  US 20140186028A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,050 Days
• Field of Search: 359237-297
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/06 for controlling the phase of light G02B26/08 takes precedence , measuring optical phase difference G01J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/0121 Operation of devices; Circuit arrangements, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/212 Mach-Zehnder type
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/225 in an optical waveguide structure
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/2255 controlled by a high-frequency electromagnetic component in an electric waveguide structure
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/58 Arrangements comprising a monitoring photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/0795 Performance monitoring; Measurement of transmission parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/505 using external modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/5053 using a parallel, i.e. shunt, combination of modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/5161 Combination of different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/541 Digital intensity or amplitude modulation

Abstract

Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more of a plurality of electrical input signals. The optical modulator may configure levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Drivers may be coupled to the optical modulator, and the plurality of electrical input signals may be synchronized before being communicated to said drivers. Two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals may be selected utilizing one or more multiplexers. The one or more multiplexers may select an electrical input or a complement of the electrical input. Phase addition may be synchronized in a plurality of optical modulator elements in the optical modulator utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate.

Claims

1. A method for processing signals, the method comprising:

generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more of a plurality of electrical input signals, wherein;

said optical modulator configures levels in said multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal;

drivers are coupled to said optical modulator; and

said two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals are synchronized before being communicated to said drivers.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising selecting two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals utilizing one or more multiplexers.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said one or more multiplexers selects an electrical input or a complement of said electrical input.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising synchronizing phase addition in a plurality of optical modulator elements in said optical modulator utilizing one or more electrical delay lines.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said optical modulator is integrated on a single substrate.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said single substrate comprises one of:

silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, or polymer-based materials.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said optical modulator comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said optical modulator comprises one or more ring modulators.

9. The method according to claim 1, comprising measuring the configured levels utilizing one or more monitor photodiodes.

10. A method for processing signals, the method comprising:

generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more of a plurality of electrical input signals, wherein;

said optical modulator configures levels in said multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal;

one or more drivers are coupled to said optical modulator; and

said two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals are synchronized before being communicated to said one or more drivers.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising selecting said two or more of said plurality of electrical input signals utilizing one or more multiplexers.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more multiplexers selects an electrical input or a complement of said electrical input.

13. The method according to claim 10, comprising synchronizing phase addition in a plurality of optical modular sections in said optical modulator utilizing one or more electrical delay lines.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said optical modulator is integrated on a single substrate.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said single substrate comprise one of:

silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, or polymer-based materials.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein said optical modulator comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein said optical modulator comprises one or more ring modulators.

18. The method according to claim 10, comprising measuring the configured levels utilizing one or more monitor photodiodes.