Method and Apparatus for Transmitting Phase-Shift-Keyed Optical Signals

Optical communication via differential phase-shift-keying (DPSK) signals has been a cornerstone of modern high-speed data transmission technology. Yet, efficient power utilization and multirate operation of such communication systems have always been challenges. Systems often face limitations that are due to strictly defined data rates and high laser line-width requirements, creating a need for a more flexible, efficient system. The problem with existing DPSK solutions revolves around the lack of flexibility and efficiency. Conventional DPSK systems have been typically characterized by their fixed, rigid data rates, which limit their application in diverse use scenarios. Likewise, maintaining the precise laser line-width requirements for lower data rates imposes resource and practical constraints, thereby necessitating a novel approach to implement DPSK systems.

Technology Description

The burst-mode phase-shift-keying (PSK) communications apparatus, designed for efficient transmission and reception of signals, is a technological breakthrough in the field of multirate communications. The apparatus operates on differential PSK (DPSK) signals and adopts a unique approach of transmitting data in bursts. The data rate can be conveniently selected as per the function of the burst-on duty cycle, allowing the DPSK symbols to be transmitted in clusters. This progressive method enhances power management by allowing changes in the data rate through a variable ratio of burst-on to burst-off time. The distinguishing factor of this invention is its scope of benefits over the conventional DPSK implementations. It promises near-optimum photon efficiency across a wide array of data rates, facilitating power-efficient transmissions. A noticeable simplification in multirate transceiver implementation is achieved because of the adaptability to variable data rates. This apparatus also eases the bitterly stringent transmit laser line-width requirements at lower data rates, which is uncommon in typical models.