Patent ID: 6057959
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An optical communication apparatus, comprising:a plurality of optical transmitters, each emitting a corresponding one of a plurality of optical signals, each of said plurality of optical signals being at a respective one of a plurality of wavelengths;an optical combiner having a plurality of inputs, each of which being coupled to a respective one of said plurality of optical transmitters, and an output supplying said plurality of optical signals to a first end portion of an optical communication path;a plurality of optical amplifiers arranged in series along said optical communication path;an optical demultiplexer having an input configured to be coupled to a second end portion of said optical communication path, and a plurality of outputs, each of said plurality of outputs of said optical demultiplexer supplying a respective one of said plurality of optical signals;a plurality of optical receivers, each of which being coupled to a respective one of said plurality of outputs of said optical demultiplexer;a plurality of received power modules, each of which being coupled to a respective one of said plurality of receivers, each of said plurality of received power modules outputting a respective one of a plurality of power level signals indicative an optical power received at each of said plurality of receivers;a monitoring circuit coupled to each of said plurality of received power modules, said monitoring circuit receiving said plurality of power level signals and outputting an adjustment signal in response to said plurality of power level signals; anda plurality of tilt control circuits coupled to each of said plurality of optical amplifiers, each of said plurality of tilt control circuits receiving said adjustment signal from said monitor circuit, said tilt control circuits adjusting a gain tilt associated with each of said optical amplifiers in response to said adjustment signal.