Patent ID: 6246510
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
Apparatus for monitoring and controlling an EDFA light amplification pump comprising an optical pump having an input optical fiber connection for receiving light at a selected wavelength and carrying information, and having a plurality of output optical fibers each for receiving a portion of said amplified light at said selected wavelength and transmitting said information to a plurality of remote locations comprising:an adjustable power supply for providing electrical power to said pump;an optical power output sensor connected to said pump for determining the output optical power of said pump, and for providing an indication of said output optical power;a start switch; anda microcontroller connected to said power supply, said optical output sensor, and said start switch,said microcontroller including a ROM (read only memory) for storing a start up program comprising a predetermined sequence of steps of, and said microcontroller executing said predetermined sequence of steps for incrementally increasing power to said optical pump at a selected rate until said power sensor indicates a selected output optical power level is present in response to activation of said start switch.