Airframe-Integrated Optical Midplane for High-Bandwidth Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular computing systems face limitations in optical connectivity due to space constraints on the midplane, restricting bandwidth and redundancy, especially as emerging applications require data rates exceeding 56 Gbps per lane.
Innovation Solution
An optical midplane is introduced that utilizes the airframe to optimize airflow and includes optical connectors interconnected by fibers within structural cavities, enabling optical connectivity between modules across hemispheres and within the same hemisphere, thereby increasing bandwidth and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical connectors are placed on the midplane to provide optical connectivity, then bandwidth and connectivity are improved, but space constraints on the midplane limit the number of connectors and their locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves optical connectors from the traditional midplane location to the airframe structure itself, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the airframe cavities. This dimensional shift allows optical connectivity without consuming midplane area, resolving the space constraint problem while maintaining improved optical connectivity.
2Productivity
If electrical connectivity is used to connect modules, then system simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth is insufficient for emerging applications requiring data rates exceeding 56 Gbps per lane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connectivity infrastructure with optical connectivity infrastructure. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals through fiber optic connectors, the system achieves the required high data rates for emerging applications while the airframe integration keeps the overall system design manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical connectors are integrated into the airframe structure, then space utilization is improved and connectivity is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical connector mounting function with the airframe structure by integrating connectors into the airframe cavities. This consolidation allows the airframe to serve dual purposes: providing structural support and housing optical connectivity infrastructure, thereby improving space utilization and connectivity flexibility while managing manufacturing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical midplane includes an airframe having a first side on which first modules are disposed and a second side on which second modules are disposed. The airframe is to provide for optimized airflow through the first modules disposed on the first side. A plurality of optical connectors are disposed at respective locations on the airframe to provide optical connectivity. Optical connectivity is provided between at least one of any first module disposed on the first side of the airframe and any second module disposed on the second side of the airframe, any first modules disposed on the first side of the airframe, and any second modules disposed on the second side of the airframe.