Optical interface board for wavelength-division multiplexing

An optical interface board is described for wavelength-division multiplexing network system that costs less than conventional systems and can be commonly used. It mainly consists of eight-channel DFB laser diode modules, photodiode modules, two circuits of Arrayed-Waveguide Gratings (AWGs) in the same module, driver circuits, and temperature controllers. It can receive optical signals from routers, switches, and broadcast television equipment, then transfer ITU grid laser lights with 100-GHz spacing in the wavelength region of 1.55 μm. One AWG multiplexes these lights and sends them through an optical fiber. At the receiving nodes, the light is de-multiplexed by another AWG. Application of this interface board to an optical full-mesh network system demonstrated its practicality.