EXFO. has developed a method and apparatus for fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) that utilizes low-cost coherent lasers and electronics for monitoring optical fiber telecommunication networks. By processing data in independent groups, the method reduces sensitivity to laser fluctuations, allowing for cost-effective monitoring solutions. GlobalData’s report on EXFO gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on EXFO, AI-assisted repair estimation was a key innovation area identified from patents. EXFO's grant share as of January 2024 was 66%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing method with low-cost components
A patent application (Publication Number: US20240012167A1) describes a method and system for performing acoustic and vibration measurements using fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves repetitive DAS acquisitions using a coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to obtain DAS traces representing backscattered and reflected light in the optical fiber link. These traces are processed to produce DAS signals, with multiple independent groups of DAS traces used to reduce sensitivity to light source fluctuations. A time lapse is left between acquisitions to prevent memory saturation, and DAS acquisitions during this time lapse can be discarded. The system includes a DAS acquisition device with multiple channels sharing a single light source, capable of both coherent and un-coherent OTDR modes for different measurements.
Furthermore, the patent application details a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with instructions for processing DAS acquisitions and producing DAS signals to reduce sensitivity to light source fluctuations. The fiber optic DAS acquisition device described in the application includes a light generating assembly for producing test light signals, with coherent and un-coherent OTDR modes for acoustic and vibration measurements and optical fiber loss measurement, respectively. The device also features a processing unit for independently processing groups of DAS traces to obtain independent DAS signals, reducing sensitivity to light source fluctuations. Additionally, the device includes multiple DAS acquisition channels sharing a single coherent light source, each equipped with a semiconductor optical amplifier, pulse generator, and detection module for performing DAS acquisitions towards multiple channels connected to optical fiber links.
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