Claims
- 1. A transceiver for multi-bit word parallel communications having one or more input and output optical fibers, where each bit in each multi-bit word is carried on a single distinct wavelength, and said multi-bit word is communicated as wavelength division multiplexed data; comprising:
- means for generating a plurality of monochromatic output light beams, each of said monochromatic light beams to optically encode one bit in said multi-bit word;
- means for guiding said plurality of monochromatic light beams into one or more of said optical output fibers;
- means for receiving one or more of said optical input fibers, each of said optical input fibers carrying wavelength division multiplexed data on a plurality of input light beams;
- means for separating said input light beams into distinct monochromatic light beams; and
- means for detecting said wavelength division multiplexed data carried on said distinct monochromatic light beams.
- 2. A transceiver according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating a plurality of single wavelength output light beams comprises a plurality of modulators.
- 3. A transceiver according to claim 2 wherein said modulators are MQW diodes.
- 4. A transceiver according to claim 2 wherein said modulators are powered by a single broadband light beam and said means for generating further comprises a diffraction grating for separating multiple monochromatic light beams from said broadband light beam, so that each monochromatic light beam is incident on a different one of said modulators.
- 5. A transceiver according to claim 4 wherein said broadband light beam has a given diameter, said means for generating step further comprises:
- means for expanding said diameter of said broadband light beam; and
- a filter placed at a predetermined angle to said expanded broadband light beam for separating two or more wavelengths with a desired spacing therebetween from said expanded broadband light beam.
- 6. A transceiver according to claim 5 wherein said filter comprises an etalon having a dielectric substrate with front and back sides, said front and back sides being covered with partially reflective metal or dielectric coating.
- 7. A transceiver according to claim 2 wherein each of said modulators is powered by a distinct monochromatic light source, and said multiple monochromatic sources are combined into a single optical power fiber using wavelength division multiplexing techniques.
- 8. A transceiver according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating comprises a plurality of CMOS integrated light sources.
- 9. A transceiver according to claim 8 wherein said CMOS integrated light sources are VCSELs.
- 10. A transceiver according to claim 1 further comprising an off-axis optical system for separating said input light beams from said output light beams.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/691,101 filed Aug. 1, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,751; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/018,417 filed May 28, 1996.
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Divisions (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
691101 |
Aug 1996 |
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