CN116184692A

CN116184692A - Optical switch array, optical signal transmission method and optical network

Info

Publication number: CN116184692A
Application number: CN202111473670.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 常天海; 刘晨; 米光灿
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-29
Filing date: 2021-11-29
Publication date: 2023-05-30
Also published as: WO2023093895A1

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an optical switch array, an optical signal transmission method and an optical network. Which can reduce the circuit complexity of the optical switch array. The optical switch array includes an optical switch driver, a first optical switch, and a first sub-array. The first sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. The first optical switch is connected to each of the plurality of optical switches. The optical switch driver is connected with the first optical switch. The plurality of optical switches are connected in parallel to the optical switch driver. An optical path of a second optical switch of the plurality of optical switches is used to transmit an optical signal from the first optical switch.

Description

Optical switch array, optical signal transmission method and optical network

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of optical communications technologies, and in particular, to an optical switch array, a method for transmitting optical signals, and an optical network.

Background

An optical switch array for implementing optical signal transmission includes a plurality of optical switches. The plurality of optical switches are respectively connected with the optical switch driver. Each optical switch is driven by an independent driving voltage from the optical switch driver. Different optical switches need to be driven by different drive voltages from the optical switch driver. When one optical path of a certain optical switch needs to be conducted, the optical switch driver provides one path of driving voltage for the optical switch. The optical switch turns on the optical path according to the driving voltage. An optical signal is transmitted via an optical path of the optical switch.

The circuit complexity of the optical switch driver is increased because the different optical switches comprised by the optical switch array need to be driven by different driving voltages.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides an optical switch array, an optical signal transmission method and an optical network. Which can reduce the circuit complexity of the optical switch array.

A first aspect of embodiments of the present application provides an optical switch array. The optical switch array includes an optical switch driver, a first optical switch, and a first sub-array. The first sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. The first optical switch is connected to each of the plurality of optical switches. The optical switch driver is connected with the first optical switch. The plurality of optical switches are connected in parallel to the optical switch driver. An optical path of a second optical switch of the plurality of optical switches is used to transmit an optical signal from the first optical switch. In the optical switch array shown in this aspect, the plurality of optical switches included in the first sub-array are connected in parallel to the optical switch driver. Thus, the plurality of optical switches included in the first sub-array are driven by a single driving voltage of the optical switch driver. The circuit complexity of the optical switch array is effectively reduced.

In an optional implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a first voltage dividing module. The first voltage dividing module is connected between the optical switch driver and the second optical switch. The first voltage dividing module is used for dividing the driving voltage of the optical switch driver so as to provide the divided driving voltage for the second optical switch. The divided driving voltage is used for conducting the light path of the second optical switch. In the implementation manner, in the first subarray, the purpose that a single driving voltage can conduct the optical path of the second optical switch is achieved by setting the voltage divided by the first voltage dividing module connected with the second optical switch. Successful conduction of the optical path of the second optical switch is effectively ensured.

In an alternative implementation manner, the second optical switch includes a second voltage dividing module and a waveguide module. The second voltage dividing module is connected between the optical switch driver and the waveguide module. The second voltage dividing module is used for dividing the driving voltage of the optical switch driver so as to provide the divided driving voltage for the waveguide module. The divided driving voltage is used for conducting the light path of the waveguide module. In the implementation manner, in the first subarray, the purpose that the single driving voltage can conduct the optical path of the second optical switch is achieved by setting the voltage divided by the second voltage dividing module.

In an optional implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a third voltage dividing module. The plurality of optical switches further includes a third optical switch. The second optical switch and the third optical switch are connected in parallel to the third voltage dividing module. The third voltage division module is also connected with the optical switch driver. The third voltage dividing module is used for dividing the driving voltage of the optical switch driver so as to respectively provide the divided driving voltage for the second optical switch and the third optical switch. The divided driving voltage is used for conducting the light path of the second optical switch. In the implementation manner, in the first subarray, the purpose that the single driving voltage can conduct the optical path of the second optical switch is achieved by setting the voltage divided by the third voltage dividing module. And the same third voltage division module is connected with a plurality of optical switches in parallel, so that the number of the third voltage division modules included in the optical switch array is reduced, and the circuit complexity of the optical switch array is reduced.

Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the optical switch driver is configured to provide a single driving voltage to the first subarray to conduct an optical path of the second optical switch. In this implementation, the optical switch driver is capable of providing the single driving voltage directly to the first sub-array to turn on the optical path of the second optical switch light. The optical switch driver can ensure the accuracy of the supplied driving voltage. Successful conduction of the optical path of the second optical switch is effectively ensured.

Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the optical switch driver is further configured to obtain a transmission list. The transmission list includes a correspondence between the second optical switch and the driving voltage. The optical switch driver is further configured to determine the driving voltage corresponding to the second optical switch according to the transmission list. In this implementation, the magnitude of the driving voltage provided to the second optical switch can be accurately determined based on the transmission list. Successful conduction of the second optical signal is effectively ensured.

In an optional implementation manner, the plurality of optical switches further includes a third optical switch based on the first aspect. And an analog switch is also connected between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver. The analog switch is used to turn off the circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver. In this embodiment, the analog switch can prevent the third optical switch from being frequently applied with the driven voltage. The safety and lifetime of the third optical switch can be improved.

In an alternative implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a photodetector. The photodetector is connected with the second optical switch. The light detector is used for detecting whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch. In this implementation, it can be determined by the photodetector whether the optical signal is successfully transmitted to the second optical switch.

In an optional implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a processing module based on the first aspect. The processing module is connected with the light detector. The light detector is also used for sending detection information to the processing module. The detection information is used for indicating whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch. In this implementation, the processing module determines whether the optical signal is accurately transmitted along the transmission path according to the detection information from the optical detector. And the processing module can also realize rapid investigation of the optical switch with faults in the transmission process of the optical signal.

In an alternative implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a second sub-array. The second sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. Each optical switch included in the first subarray is connected with at least one optical switch included in the second subarray.

A second aspect of embodiments of the present application provides an optical switch array. The optical switch array includes a first optical switch and a first sub-array. The first sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. The first optical switch is connected to each of the plurality of optical switches. The first optical switch is used for being connected with the optical switch driver. The plurality of optical switches are for parallel connection to the optical switch driver, and an optical path of a second optical switch of the plurality of optical switches is for transmitting an optical signal from the first optical switch. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of the optical switch array shown in this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

A third aspect of the present application provides a method for transmitting an optical signal. The method is applied to an optical switch array. The optical switch array includes an optical switch driver, a first optical switch, and a first sub-array. The method comprises the following steps: the optical switch driver provides a single driving voltage to the first sub-array to turn on an optical path of the second optical switch. The second optical switch is one of a plurality of optical switches included in the first sub-array. The optical path of the second optical switch is used for transmitting the optical signal from the first optical switch. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation manner, before the optical switch driver provides a single driving voltage to the first subarray to conduct an optical path of the second optical switch included in the first subarray, the method further includes: first, the optical switch driver acquires a transmission list. The transmission list includes a correspondence between the second optical switch and the driving voltage. And secondly, the optical switch driver determines the driving voltage corresponding to the second optical switch according to the transmission list.

Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes an analog switch and a processing module. The first subarray further includes a third optical switch, the method further comprising: first, the processing module inputs a turn-off electrical signal to the analog switch. And secondly, the analog switch turns off a circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver according to the turn-off electric signal.

In an alternative implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a photodetector. The optical switch driver provides a single driving voltage to the first sub-array to turn on an optical path of a second optical switch included in the first sub-array, and the method further includes: the photodetector detects whether the optical signal is input to an optical path of the second optical switch.

Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the optical switch array further includes a processing module. After the photodetector detects whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch, the method further includes: the light detector sends detection information to the processing module. The detection information is used for indicating whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch.

A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an optical network. The optical network includes an optical transmitting device, a plurality of optical receiving devices, and an optical switch array. Wherein: the optical transmitting device and each of the plurality of optical receiving devices are connected to the optical switch array. The optical switch array is configured to transmit an optical signal from the optical transmitting device to one of the plurality of optical receiving devices. The optical switch array includes an optical switch driver, a first optical switch, and a first sub-array. The first sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. The first optical switch is connected to each of the plurality of optical switches. The optical switch driver is connected with the first optical switch. The plurality of optical switches are connected in parallel to the optical switch driver. An optical path of a second optical switch of the plurality of optical switches is used to transmit an optical signal from the first optical switch. For a description of the specific structure and advantageous effects of the optical switch array, please refer to the first aspect or the second aspect.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection structure of a first optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 3 is a structural example diagram of a first optical switch according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a first optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a second optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a third optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a fourth optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second optical switch array connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a flowchart of steps of a first optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 10 is a flowchart of steps of a second optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a flowchart of steps of a third optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that the described embodiments are only some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without making any inventive effort, are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical network shown in this embodiment includes one or more optical transmission devices. As shown in fig. 1, the optical network includes M optical transmission apparatuses, that is, optical transmission apparatus 101 to optical transmission apparatus 10M. M is any positive integer greater than 1. The optical network further includes N light receiving devices, that is, a light receiving device 131, a light receiving device 132 to a light receiving device 13N. N is any positive integer greater than 1. The optical network further comprises an optical switch array 100 connected between the M optical transmitting devices and the N optical receiving devices. The optical switch array 100 is used to transmit an optical signal from any one of the M optical transmission apparatuses to any one of the N optical reception apparatuses.

The optical switch array 100 includes M optical input ports. For example, the optical switch array 100 includes optical input ports 111 to 11M. The M optical input ports are respectively connected with M optical transmitting devices. The optical switch array 100 includes N optical output ports. For example, the optical switch array 100 includes

optical output ports

121, 122 through 12N. The N light output ports are respectively connected with the N light receiving devices. Taking the optical transmission device 101 as an example, an optical signal output from the optical transmission device 101 is input to the optical switch array 100 via the optical input port 111. The optical switch array 100 is capable of routing the optical signal to any one of the optical output ports for transmission to an optical receiving device to which the optical output port is connected. As can be seen, the optical switch array 100 enables communication between the optical transmitting device 101 and any one of the N optical receiving devices included therein. For example, the optical switch array 100 routes an optical signal from the optical transmission device 101 to the optical output port 12N. The optical output port 12N transmits the optical signal to the optical receiving device 13N.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection structure of a first optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical switch array shown in this embodiment includes a first optical switch 201 and at least one sub-array. Each sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches. The present embodiment is exemplified by an optical switch array including two sub-arrays, namely, a first sub-array 210 and a second sub-array 220. In other examples, the optical switch array may include a first sub-array, or include more than two sub-arrays, which is not limited in this embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a structural example diagram of a first optical switch according to an embodiment of the present application. The first optical switch 201 includes an optical input port 111. The optical input port 111 is connected to the optical transmission device 101. The first optical switch 201 further comprises a first optical output port 241 and a second optical output port 242. The first light output port 241 is connected to the optical switch 211 included in the first sub-array 210. The second light output port 242 is connected to the light switch 212 comprised by the first sub-array 210. The first optical path 243 between the optical input port 111 and the first optical output port 241 is in a conductive state. Then, an optical signal from the optical transmission apparatus 101 is input via the optical input port 111 and transmitted to the first optical output port 241 via the first optical path 243. The optical signal is input to the optical switch 211 via the first optical output port 241. The second optical path 244 between the optical input port 111 and the second optical output port 242 is in an on state. Then, the optical signal from the optical transmission apparatus 101 is input via the optical input port 111 and transmitted to the second optical output port 242 via the second optical path 244. The optical signal is input to the optical switch 212 via the second optical output port 242. The first optical switch 201 is driven by the driving voltage to conduct the corresponding optical path. For example, when the first driving voltage Va is applied to the first optical switch 201, the first optical path 243 of the first optical switch 201 is turned on. As another example, in the case where the second driving voltage Vb is applied to the first optical switch 201, the second optical path 244 of the first optical switch 201 is turned on. The first driving voltage Va and the second driving voltage Vb have different voltage values.

The present embodiment is not limited to the description of the number of input ports and the number of output ports of the first optical switch as an alternative example. The first optical switch may further comprise a plurality of optical input ports and more than two optical output ports. For a description of the structure of the optical switch included in any sub-array shown in this embodiment, please refer to a description of the structure of the first optical switch, which is not repeated. The present embodiment is also exemplified by the example in which the optical switch array includes different optical switches each having the same number of optical input ports and optical output ports, and in other examples, the different optical switches may also have different numbers of optical input ports and optical output ports.

Each optical switch included in the first sub-array 210 is connected to at least one optical switch included in the second sub-array 220. For example, the second sub-array 220 includes an optical switch 221, an optical switch 222, an optical switch 223, and an optical switch 224. The two optical output ports of the optical switch 211 of the first sub-array 210 are connected to the optical switch 221 and the optical switch 222, respectively. The two optical output ports of the optical switch 212 of the first sub-array 210 are connected to the optical switch 223 and the optical switch 224, respectively. Each of the optical output ports of the optical switches included in the second sub-array 220 is connected to one of the optical receiving devices. For example, two output ports of the optical switch 221 are connected to the light receiving device 131 and the light receiving device 132, respectively. The present embodiment is not limited to this description of the number of optical switches included in each sub-array as an alternative example.

The optical switch array in this embodiment further includes a processing module 240 and an optical switch driver 230 connected to the processing module 240. The optical switch driver 230 is connected to the first optical switch 201. The optical switch driver 230 is also connected to the first sub-array 210 and the second sub-array 220, respectively. Wherein the connection of the optical switch driver 230 with the first sub-array 210 means that the optical switch 211 and the optical switch 212 included in the first sub-array 210 are connected to the optical switch driver 230 in parallel. Likewise, the connection of the optical switch driver 230 with the second sub-array 220 means that the optical switch 221, the optical switch 222, the optical switch 223, and the optical switch 224 included in the second sub-array 220 are connected in parallel to the optical switch driver 230.

It should be appreciated that the processing module is optional. That is, the optical switch array may process the modules; alternatively, the optical switch array and the processing module cooperate to complete transmission/switching of the optical signal.

The optical switch driver 230 in this embodiment may be a separate driver chip. Then, the first optical switch, the first sub-array 210 and the second sub-array 220 are connected to different pins of the driving chip. And all the optical switches included in the first sub-array 210 are connected in parallel to the same pin of the driving chip. All the optical switches included in the second sub-array 220 are connected in parallel to the same pin of the driving chip. The number of driving chips included in the optical switch driver 230 is not limited in this embodiment, as long as the first optical switch 210, the first sub-array 210 and the second sub-array are connected with different pins.

The processing module 240 shown in this embodiment may be a field-programmable gate array (field-programmable gate array, FPGA), an application-specific integrated chip (application specific integrated circuit, ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processing unit (central processor unit, CPU), a network processor (network processor, NP), a digital signal processing circuit (digital signal processor, DSP), or other integrated chip, or any combination of the above chips or processors, etc. The processing module 240 shown in this embodiment may be integrated on the driving chip shown above. Or the processing module 240 may be integrated with a different chip than the driver chip.

The path of the optical switch array transmitting the optical signal from the optical transmission device will be described with reference to fig. 2.

The processing module 240 determines a transmission path for transmitting the optical signal. This example takes the example that the transmission path is used to transmit an optical signal from the optical transmission device 101 to the optical reception device 13N via the optical switch array. For a description of the connection between the optical transmitting device 101 and the first optical switch 201, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 3, and details are not described herein. The light receiving device 13N is connected to the second light output port of the optical switch 224. The present embodiment exemplifies that an optical switch for transmitting an optical signal in each sub-array is referred to as a second optical switch. It can be seen that the processing module 240 determines the transmission path of the optical signal to be a second optical path sequentially passing through the first optical switch 201, a second optical path of the second optical switch 212, and a second optical path of the second optical switch 224. The second optical path of each optical switch on the transmission path of the optical signal shown in this embodiment is in a conductive state. The optical signal from the optical transmission device 101 is ensured to be transmitted to the optical reception device 13N via the transmission path. For a description of the second optical path of each optical switch in the transmission path, please refer to the description of the second optical path of the first optical switch shown in fig. 3, which is not repeated. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the optical switches and the optical path of each optical switch through which the optical signal passes are optional descriptions, and are not limited. It can be seen that, in the transmission path of the optical signal, one optical path of the first optical switch is in a conductive state. And one optical path of one second optical switch included in each sub-array is also in a conductive state.

The processing module 240 sends a first driving digital signal to the optical switch driver 230. The first drive digital signal is a bit stream. The different optical paths of the first optical switch 201 are turned on by the difference in the bit values included in the bit stream. For example, the value of each bit of the bit stream of the first drive digital signal is "1". Then, the first driving digital signal is used to turn on the first optical path of the first optical switch 201. For another example, the bit stream of the first driving digital signal includes each bit having a value of "0". The first driving digital signal is then used to turn on the second optical path of the first optical switch 201. The description of the values of the respective bits included in the first driving digital signal in this embodiment is an optional example, and is not limited.

The present embodiment is exemplified by taking the second optical path of the first driving digital signal for turning on the first optical switch 201 as an example. The processing module 240 sends the first driving digital signal with each bit value of "0" to the optical switch driver 230. The optical switch driver 230 is configured to obtain a corresponding second driving voltage according to the first driving digital signal. The optical switch driver 230 supplies the second driving voltage to the first optical switch 201. When the second driving voltage is applied to the first optical switch 201, the second optical path of the first optical switch 201 can be turned on. For the description of the second driving voltage, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 3, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The processing module 240 sends a second driving digital signal to the optical switch driver 230. The second driving digital signal is used to turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. For a specific description of the second driving digital signal, please refer to the above description of the first driving digital signal, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The optical switch driver 230 supplies a single second driving voltage to the first sub-array 210. The second optical switch 211 and the second optical switch 212 are in a state of being connected to the optical switch driver 230 in parallel. Then, a single second driving voltage from the optical switch driver 230 can be applied to the second optical switch 211 as well as the second optical switch 212. The second driving voltage can turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. For the description of the second driving voltage for turning on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212, please refer to the above-mentioned description of the second driving voltage for turning on the second optical path of the first optical switch 201, which is not described in detail.

The optical signal output from the first optical switch 201 can be transmitted to the optical input port of the second optical switch 212 via the optical waveguide connected between the first optical switch 201 and the second optical switch 212. In a state in which the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 is on, the optical signal can be transmitted to the second optical output port of the second optical switch 212 via the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. Because of the optical signal from the first optical switch 201, it is transmitted only to the second optical switch 212 of the first sub-array 210. The second optical path of the second optical switch 212 is responsible for transmitting the optical signal. The optical signal from the first optical switch 201 is not transmitted to the optical switch 211. It is understood that, even if the second driving voltage is applied to the optical switch 211, the transmission of the optical signal through the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 is not affected regardless of whether any optical path included in the optical switch 211 is in the on state.

The processing module 240 sends a third driving digital signal to the optical switch driver 230. The third driving digital signal is used to turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 224. For a specific description of the third driving digital signal, please refer to the above description of the first driving digital signal, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The optical switch driver 230 provides a single second driving voltage to the second sub-array 220. Each optical switch included in the second sub-array 220 is connected in parallel to an optical switch driver 230. Then a single second driving voltage from the optical switch driver 230 can be applied to each optical switch included in the second sub-array 220. The second driving voltage can turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 224. For the description of the second driving voltage for turning on the second optical path of the second optical switch 224, please refer to the above-mentioned description of the second driving voltage for turning on the second optical path of the first optical switch 201, which is not described in detail.

The optical signal output from the second optical switch 212 can be transmitted to the optical input port of the second optical switch 224 via an optical waveguide connected between the second optical switch 212 and the second optical switch 224. In a state where the second optical path of the second optical switch 224 is on, the optical signal can be transmitted to the light receiving device 13N via the second optical path of the second optical switch 224.

With the optical switch array shown in this embodiment, a plurality of optical switches included in the same sub-array are connected in parallel to the same pin of the optical switch driver. Thus, a plurality of optical switches included in the same sub-array are driven by a single driving voltage of the optical switch driver. The different optical switches included in the same sub-array shown in this embodiment need not be connected to different pins of the optical switch driver. The number of pins of the optical switch driver connected with the subarray is effectively reduced, and the circuit complexity of the optical switch array is further reduced.

The optical switch driver shown in this embodiment can supply the same driving voltage to each optical switch included in the same sub-array. Taking the second optical switch 212 as an example, the first driving voltage can turn on the first optical path of the second optical switch 212. The second driving voltage can turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. The specific description can refer to fig. 3 for the description of the conduction of the optical path of the first optical switch, which is not repeated in detail. If the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 needs to be turned on, however, the driving voltage applied to the second optical switch 212 by the optical switch driver is not equal to the second driving voltage. Then, there will be a case where the driving voltage provided by the optical switch driver to the second optical switch 212 cannot turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. For this purpose, a first voltage dividing module is also connected between each optical switch and the optical switch driver included in the sub-array in the optical switch array. The first voltage dividing module is used for dividing the driving voltage from the optical switch driver so as to provide the divided driving voltage for the optical switch. The first voltage dividing module can ensure successful conduction of the second optical switch for transmitting the optical signal. The description is given in connection with the illustration shown in fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a first optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application.

As can be seen from the explanation of the transmission paths corresponding to fig. 2, in the first sub-array 210, the optical switch for transmitting the optical signal is the second optical switch 212. A first voltage dividing module 401 for dividing voltage is connected between the second optical switch 212 and the optical switch driver 230. The first voltage dividing module 401 includes at least one resistor for dividing voltage. For example, the first voltage dividing module 401 may include a constant resistance or variable resistance. As another example, the first voltage dividing module 401 may include a plurality of resistors connected in series.

The optical switch driver 230 shown in fig. 4 includes a differential driving module 421 and a schottky diode 422 connected in sequence. The differential driving module 421 is also connected to the processing module 240. The schottky diode 422 is also connected to the first voltage divider block 401. When the first driving voltage Va is applied to the second optical switch 212, the first optical path of the second optical switch 212 is in a conductive state. When the second driving voltage Vb is applied to the second optical switch 212, the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 is in a conductive state. The magnitude of the voltage divided by the first voltage dividing module 401 is V0.

The differential driving module 421 inputs the first driving analog signal Ia and the second driving analog signal Ib to the schottky diode 422. If the optical signal is required to be transmitted to the optical receiving apparatus 13N, the processing module 240 determines that the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 needs to be in a conductive state. The processing module 240 controls the second driving analog signal Ib to be a positive polarity electrical signal and controls the first driving analog signal Ia to be a negative polarity electrical signal through the differential driving module 421. The driving voltage=vb+v0 of the second driving analog signal Ib. Since the schottky diode 422 has unidirectional conductive characteristics. Then, the schottky diode 422 is in a conductive state for the second driving analog signal Ib. The schottky diode 422 is in an off state for the first driving analog signal Ia. The second driving analog signal Ib is transmitted to the first voltage dividing module 401. The first voltage division module 401 divides the second driving analog signal Ib having the voltage vb+v0 such that the first voltage division module 401 can apply the divided second driving voltage Vb to the second optical switch 212. It is known that the second driving voltage Vb applied to the second optical switch 212 can turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 to ensure that the optical signal can be transmitted through the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. If the processing module needs to conduct the description of the process of the first optical path of the second optical switch, the description of the process of the processing module conducting the second optical path of the second optical switch will be omitted.

The present embodiment can change the magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the second optical switch by setting the magnitude of the voltage divided by the first voltage dividing module. The divided driving voltage can conduct the light path corresponding to the second optical switch, and successful conduction of the second optical switch is effectively ensured.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of a connection structure of a second optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application. Continuing with the example of the optical switch in the first sub-array for transmitting optical signals as the second optical switch 212. The second optical switch 212 includes a second voltage divider module 501 and a waveguide module 502. The second voltage divider module 501 is connected between the optical switch driver 230 and the waveguide module 502. The waveguide module 502 is made of a waveguide material. The second voltage dividing module 501 is configured to divide the driving voltage of the optical switch driver 230 to provide the divided driving voltage to the waveguide module 502. The divided driving voltage can form an optical path for transmitting an optical signal in the waveguide module 502. For example, if a first driving voltage is applied to the waveguide module 502, a first optical path can be formed in the waveguide module 502. As another example, if a second driving voltage is applied to the waveguide module 502, a second optical path can be formed in the waveguide module 502. For the description of the first optical path and the second optical path, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 3, and detailed description is omitted. The specific description of the optical switch driver 230 and the second voltage dividing module 501 can be referred to the description of the optical switch driver 230 and the first voltage dividing module 401 in the corresponding embodiment of fig. 4, and the description is omitted.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a connection structure of a third optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical switch array further comprises a third voltage dividing module 601. Taking the first sub-array 210 as an example, the second optical switch 212 and the third optical switch 211 in the first sub-array 210 are connected to the third voltage division module 601 in parallel. The third optical switch 211 is an optical switch that is included in the first sub-array 210 and is not required to transmit an optical signal. It is known that the third optical switch 211 is not located in the transmission path of the optical signal determined by the processing module. The third voltage dividing module 601 is also connected to the optical switch driver 230. The third voltage dividing module 601 is configured to divide the driving voltage from the optical switch driver 230. For the description of the voltage dividing process of the third voltage dividing module 601, please refer to the description of the voltage dividing process of the first voltage dividing module 401 in the embodiment corresponding to fig. 4, which is not repeated. Since the second optical switch 212 and the third optical switch 211 are connected in parallel to the third voltage dividing module 601, the third voltage dividing module 601 can provide divided driving voltages to the second optical switch 212 and the third optical switch 211, respectively. The divided driving voltage can turn on the optical path of the second optical switch 212. For a description of a specific process of turning on the second optical switch 212 by the divided driving voltage, please refer to the description of turning on the second optical switch 212 in the embodiment corresponding to fig. 4, which is not repeated. The divided driving voltage outputted from the third voltage dividing module 601 can be supplied to the third optical switch 211. However, since the optical signal is not transmitted to the third optical switch 211, the driving voltage does not affect the transmission of the optical signal in the second optical switch 212.

The present embodiment is an alternative example of the structure of the optical switch driver 230, and is not limited thereto. For example, the optical switch driver 230 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an analog switch connected to the DAC. The DAC outputs two driving analog signals, namely a first driving analog signal Ia and a second driving analog signal Ib. The processing module transmits the first driving analog signal Ia to the second optical switch 212 or transmits the second driving analog signal Ib to the second optical switch 212 by controlling the on-off of the analog switch. The optical switch array supplies a driving voltage to the second optical switch included in each sub-array through the DAC. The DAC can ensure the accuracy of the driving voltage provided by the optical switch driver. Successful conduction of the optical path of the second optical switch is effectively ensured.

In this embodiment, the second optical switch included in each sub-array has two optical paths. Then, the optical switch driver can supply two different driving voltages. In other examples, the second optical switch included in each sub-array may have P optical paths. P is any positive integer greater than 2. Then, the optical switch driver can provide P different driving voltages, and the description of the first driving voltage Va and the second driving voltage Vb is omitted.

The structure of the optical switch array provided in this embodiment can also be seen in fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a connection structure of a fourth optical switch array according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical switch driver in this embodiment is a DAC module 701. Taking the first sub-array 210 as an example, the optical switch 211 and the optical switch 212 are connected in parallel to the DAC module 701. In the case that the DAC module 701 determines that the second optical path of the second optical switch needs to be turned on, the DAC module 701 can determine the second driving voltage, and for the description of the second driving voltage, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment of fig. 3, which is not repeated.

The DAC module 701 determines a second driving voltage for turning on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212. The DAC module 701 provides a single one of the second driving voltages to the first subarray 210. It is known that each optical switch in the first sub-array 210 can obtain the second driving voltage. Then, in the case where the second driving voltage is applied to the second optical switch 212, the second optical path of the optical switch 212 is in a conductive state. It can be seen that the second driving voltage provided by the DAC module 701 in this embodiment can successfully turn on the second optical switch, thereby ensuring that the optical signal can be successfully transmitted along the transmission path.

Specifically, the DAC module 701 acquires a transmission list. The transmission list includes a correspondence relationship of a second optical path of the second optical switch 212 for transmitting an optical signal and a second driving voltage. In the case where the DAC module 701 needs to turn on the second optical path of the second optical switch 212, the DAC module 701 determines, according to the transmission list, a second driving voltage corresponding to the second optical path of the optical switch 212. The DAC module 701 supplies the second driving voltage to the first subarray 210. The second optical switch 212 can turn on the second optical path according to the second driving voltage. For a specific description of the DAC module 701 conducting any optical path of the second optical switch of any sub-array included in the optical switch array, reference may be made to the description of the DAC module 701 conducting the second optical path of the second optical switch 212 included in the first sub-array 210 shown in this embodiment, which is not described in detail.

As can be seen from the above embodiments, any sub-array of the optical switch array includes a second optical switch for transmitting an optical signal and a third optical switch that does not need to transmit an optical signal. However, the optical switch driver supplies the driving voltages to the second optical switch and the third optical switch located in the same sub-array, respectively. In the case where a driving voltage is applied to the third optical switch, the driving voltage acts on the third optical switch. The driving voltage changes the refractive index of the waveguide material of the third optical switch. The optical switch array shown in the embodiment can avoid frequent driven voltage action of the third optical switch, so as to improve the safety and service life of the third optical switch. An analog switch is also connected between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver as shown in this embodiment. The analog switch is also connected with the processing module. In the event that the processing module determines that the third optical switch does not need to be turned on, the processing module sends an off electrical signal to the analog switch. The analog switch turns off the circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver according to the off electrical signal. It is known that the driving voltage is effectively prevented from being applied to the third optical switch by the way that the third optical switch turns off the circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver. The service life and the safety of the third optical switch are effectively improved.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second optical switch array connection structure according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical switch array shown in fig. 8 includes a first optical switch 201 and at least one sub-array. For specific illustration, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 2, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Fig. 8 does not show the connection position of the optical switch driver, and the description of the connection position of the optical switch driver is shown in fig. 2, which is not repeated.

The optical switch array shown in this embodiment includes a plurality of photodetectors. The light detector may also be referred to as a light detection module. The photodetector may be a Photodiode (PD). The optical switch array includes a plurality of photodetectors for detecting whether an optical signal is transmitted along a transmission path. The description of the transmission path can be referred to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Specifically, the optical switch array includes a first photodetector 801. The first photodetector 801 is connected to an optical input port of the first optical switch 201. The first light detector 801 is also coupled to the processing module 240. The first photodetector 801 is configured to generate first detection information according to whether or not an optical signal is input to the first optical switch 201. The first light detector 801 sends the first detection information to the processing module 240. The processing module 240 determines whether the optical signal is successfully input to the first optical switch 201 according to the first detection information.

The optical switch array also includes a second optical detector 802. The second photodetector 802 is connected to an optical input port of the optical switch 212 for transmitting an optical signal. The second light detector 802 is also coupled to the processing module 240. The second photodetector 802 is configured to generate second detection information according to whether or not an optical signal is input to the optical switch 212. The second light detector 802 sends the second detection information to the processing module 240. The processing module 240 determines whether the optical signal is successfully input to the optical switch 212 according to the second detection information.

Similarly, a photodetector may be connected between the optical input port of each optical switch in the array of optical switches and the processing module. It can be seen that the processing module 240 can determine whether the optical signal can be successfully input to the corresponding optical switch according to the detection information sent by each optical detector. The processing module 240 can also realize rapid investigation of the optical switch with fault in the transmission process of the optical signal. For example, if the processing module 240 determines that the optical signal needs to be transmitted sequentially through the first optical switch 201, the optical switch 212 and the optical switch 224. The processing module 240 determines that the first optical switch 201 is in a normal optical signal transmission state according to the first detection information from the first optical detector 801. The processing module 240 determines that the optical switch 212 is in a state in which the optical signal cannot be normally transmitted according to the second detection information from the second optical detector 802. The processing module 240 determines that the optical switch 212 is a failed optical switch.

The embodiment of the application also provides a transmission method of the optical signal. The transmission method of the optical signal shown in the embodiment is applied to the optical switch array. For a specific description of the optical switch array, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of fig. 2, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The execution of the optical signal transmission method is shown in fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of steps of a first optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 901, an optical switch driver provides a driving voltage to a first optical switch.

Step 902, the first optical switch turns on the optical path of the first optical switch according to the driving voltage from the optical switch driver.

In step 903, the optical path of the first optical switch transmits the optical signal from the optical transmitting device to the second optical switch in the first sub-array.

For a description of the specific process of steps 901-903, please refer to the related description of the optical switch driver, the first optical switch and the first sub-array in the embodiment corresponding to fig. 2, which is not repeated.

Step 904, the optical switch driver provides a single drive voltage to the first sub-array.

In step 905, the second optical switch in the first sub-array turns on the optical path of the second optical switch according to the driving voltage from the optical switch driver.

Step 906, transmitting an optical signal from the first optical switch by an optical path of the second optical switch in the first sub-array.

For a description of the specific process of steps 903-906, please refer to the description of the optical path of the second optical switch of the first sub-array driven by the optical switch driver in the embodiment corresponding to fig. 2, which is not repeated.

The present embodiment describes a process of transmitting an optical signal by driving an optical path of a second optical switch included in a first sub-array by an optical switch driver, and a description of a process of transmitting an optical signal by other sub-arrays included in the optical switch array is omitted herein.

For a description of the beneficial effects shown in the embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to fig. 2, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The transmission method of the optical signal provided in the embodiment of the present application may also be shown in fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of steps of a second optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 1001, the optical switch driver provides a driving voltage to the first optical switch.

Step 1002, the first optical switch turns on an optical path of the first optical switch according to a driving voltage from an optical switch driver.

Step 1003, the optical path of the first optical switch transmits the optical signal from the optical transmitting device to the second optical switch in the first sub-array.

For a description of the execution process of steps 1001-1003, refer to steps 901-903 corresponding to fig. 9, which are not described in detail.

Step 1004, the optical switch driver obtains a transmission list.

Step 1005, the optical switch driver determines a driving voltage corresponding to the second optical switch according to the transmission list.

For a description of the execution process of steps 1004-1005, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment of fig. 6, which is not repeated.

Step 1006, the optical switch driver provides a single drive voltage to the first subarray.

Step 1007, the second optical switch in the first sub-array turns on the optical path of the second optical switch according to the driving voltage from the optical switch driver.

Step 1008, transmitting the optical signal from the first optical switch by the optical path of the second optical switch in the first sub-array.

For a description of the execution of steps 1006-1008, refer to the description of steps 904-906 corresponding to fig. 9, which is not repeated.

The transmission method of the optical signal provided in the embodiment of the present application may also be shown in fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of steps of a third optical signal transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 1101, the optical switch driver provides a driving voltage to the first optical switch.

Step 1102, the first optical switch turns on the optical path of the first optical switch according to the driving voltage from the optical switch driver.

For a description of the execution of steps 1101-1102, please refer to the description of steps 901-902 corresponding to fig. 9, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step 1103, the first photodetector sends the first detection information to the processing module.

For the description of the first detection information, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to fig. 8, which is not repeated.

Step 1104, the optical path of the first optical switch transmits the optical signal from the optical transmitting device to the second optical switch in the first sub-array.

Step 1105, the optical switch driver provides a single drive voltage to the first sub-array.

Step 1106, the second optical switch in the first sub-array turns on the optical path of the second optical switch according to the driving voltage from the optical switch driver.

For a description of the execution of steps 1104-1106, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of steps 903-905 in fig. 9, which are not repeated.

Step 1107, the second light detector sends the second detection information to the processing module.

For the description of the second detection information, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to fig. 8, which is not repeated.

In step 1108, the optical path of the second optical switch in the first sub-array transmits the optical signal from the first optical switch.

For a description of the execution process of step 1108, refer to step 906 corresponding to fig. 9, which is not described in detail.

The embodiment of the application also provides an optical network. The optical network provided in this embodiment may be applied to a data center, a metropolitan area network, a passive optical network (passive optical network, PON), or long-distance transmission, which is not specifically limited. The present embodiment is exemplified by application of an optical network to a data center, which may be a data center network (data center network, DCN). The structure of the optical network shown in this embodiment can be seen in fig. 1. The structure of the optical switch array included in the optical network may be referred to the description of the corresponding embodiments of fig. 2 to 8, which is not repeated in detail.

The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical solution of the present invention, and not for limiting the same; although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that: the technical scheme described in the foregoing embodiments can be modified or some technical features thereof can be replaced by equivalents; such modifications and substitutions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical switch array comprising an optical switch driver, a first optical switch, and a first sub-array, wherein:

the first sub-array includes a plurality of optical switches, the first optical switch being connected to each of the plurality of optical switches;

the optical switch driver is connected with the first optical switch, the plurality of optical switches are connected to the optical switch driver in parallel, and an optical path of one second optical switch of the plurality of optical switches is used for transmitting an optical signal from the first optical switch.

2. The optical switch array of claim 1, further comprising a first voltage dividing module connected between the optical switch driver and the second optical switch, the first voltage dividing module configured to divide a driving voltage of the optical switch driver to provide the divided driving voltage to the second optical switch, the divided driving voltage being configured to turn on an optical path of the second optical switch.

3. The optical switch array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second optical switch comprises a second voltage dividing module and a waveguide module, the second voltage dividing module is connected between the optical switch driver and the waveguide module, the second voltage dividing module is used for dividing a driving voltage of the optical switch driver so as to provide the divided driving voltage to the waveguide module, and the divided driving voltage is used for conducting an optical path of the waveguide module.

4. The optical switch array of claim 1, further comprising a third voltage dividing module, wherein the plurality of optical switches further comprises a third optical switch, wherein the second optical switch and the third optical switch are connected in parallel to the third voltage dividing module, wherein the third voltage dividing module is further connected to the optical switch driver, and wherein the third voltage dividing module is configured to divide a driving voltage of the optical switch driver to provide the divided driving voltage to the second optical switch and the third optical switch, respectively, and wherein the divided driving voltage is used to turn on an optical path of the second optical switch.

5. The optical switch array of claim 1, wherein the optical switch driver is configured to provide a single drive voltage to the first sub-array to turn on the optical path of the second optical switch.

6. The optical switch array of claim 5, wherein the optical switch driver is further configured to obtain a transmission list, the transmission list including a correspondence between the second optical switch and the driving voltage, and wherein the optical switch driver is further configured to determine the driving voltage corresponding to the second optical switch according to the transmission list.

7. The optical switch array of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of optical switches further comprises a third optical switch, an analog switch further connected between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver, the analog switch for turning off a circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver.

8. The optical switch array of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a light detector coupled to the second optical switch for detecting whether the optical signal is input to an optical path of the second optical switch.

9. The optical switch array of claim 8, further comprising a processing module coupled to the optical detector, the optical detector further configured to send detection information to the processing module, the detection information being configured to indicate whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch.

10. The optical switch array of any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second sub-array comprising a plurality of optical switches, each optical switch comprised by the first sub-array being connected to at least one optical switch comprised by the second sub-array.

11. A method of transmitting an optical signal, the method being applied to an optical switch array, the optical switch array comprising an optical switch driver, a first optical switch and a first sub-array, the method comprising:

the optical switch driver provides a single driving voltage to the first sub-array to turn on an optical path of a second optical switch, which is one of a plurality of optical switches included in the first sub-array, and the optical path of the second optical switch is used to transmit an optical signal from the first optical switch.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the optical switch driver provides a single drive voltage to the first sub-array to turn on the optical path of a second optical switch included in the first sub-array, the method further comprising:

the optical switch driver acquires a transmission list, wherein the transmission list comprises the corresponding relation between the second optical switch and the driving voltage;

the optical switch driver determines the driving voltage corresponding to the second optical switch according to the transmission list.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the optical switch array further comprises an analog switch and a processing module, the first subarray further comprising a third optical switch, the method further comprising:

The processing module inputs a turn-off electric signal to the analog switch;

the analog switch turns off a circuit between the third optical switch and the optical switch driver according to the turn-off electrical signal.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the optical switch array further comprises a photodetector, the optical switch driver providing a single drive voltage to the first sub-array to turn on an optical path of a second optical switch comprised by the first sub-array, the method further comprising:

the photodetector detects whether the optical signal is input to an optical path of the second optical switch.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the optical switch array further comprises a processing module, and wherein the optical detector detects whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch, the method further comprising:

the light detector sends detection information to the processing module, wherein the detection information is used for indicating whether the optical signal is input to the optical path of the second optical switch.

16. An optical network comprising an optical transmitting device, a plurality of optical receiving devices, and an optical switch array, wherein:

The optical transmitting device and each of the plurality of optical receiving devices are connected to the optical switch array for transmitting an optical signal from the optical transmitting device to one of the plurality of optical receiving devices;

the optical switch array comprises an optical switch driver, a first optical switch and a first subarray, wherein the first subarray comprises a plurality of optical switches, the first optical switch is connected with each optical switch in the plurality of optical switches, the optical switch driver is connected with the first optical switch, the plurality of optical switches are connected to the optical switch driver in parallel, and an optical path of one second optical switch in the plurality of optical switches is used for transmitting optical signals from the first optical switch.

17. The optical network of claim 16, wherein the optical switch array further comprises a first voltage dividing module connected between the optical switch driver and the second optical switch, the first voltage dividing module configured to divide a driving voltage of the optical switch driver to provide the divided driving voltage to the second optical switch, and the divided driving voltage is configured to turn on an optical path of the second optical switch.