Attenuated Optical Splitter Module with Integrated Waveguide Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical splitter modules require external attenuators for certain applications, leading to increased complexity and cost, and are composed of separate parts that can be simplified for cost reduction and compactness.
Innovation Solution
An attenuated planar splitter module with a splitter chip and branching waveguide network that includes 50:50 splitters to form output waveguides, where unsuitable ports are terminated to achieve desired attenuation without external attenuators, and a direct-connect splitter module that integrates the splitter chip and ferrule for reduced size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external attenuators are used to achieve desired attenuation levels, then the required attenuation can be obtained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attenuator functionality with the splitter chip by integrating absorption layers directly into the waveguide structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external attenuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining the required attenuation levels through the integrated absorption mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces absorption layers as an intermediary element within the waveguide structure to achieve attenuation. These layers act as a mediator that absorbs optical power within the waveguide, providing the desired attenuation effect without requiring external attenuator components.
2Ease of operation
If separate connectors are used to attach to the splitter unit, then communication between remote devices can be established, but the module size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector functionality directly into the splitter chip structure. The splitter chip is designed with integrated connector interfaces that allow direct attachment of optical fibers, eliminating the need for separate external connectors. This integration reduces the overall module size while maintaining full communication capability between remote devices.
3Reliability
If a standard splitter unit with separate connectors is used, then communication can be established, but manufacturing cost and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (splitter chip, connectors, and attenuation mechanism) into a single integrated module. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps and components, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and assembly labor while maintaining communication reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated splitter module performs multiple functions simultaneously: signal splitting, attenuation, and connection interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assembly operations, lowering manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable communication through the unified design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The attenuated planar splitter module reduces the need for external attenuators, simplifies the module structure, and achieves desired attenuation levels, while the direct-connect module minimizes size and labor costs, enhancing optical performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The branching waveguide network has j≥1 50:50 splitters that form up to n≤2j output waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
A compact optical splitter module is disclosed. One type of compact optical splitter module is a planar attenuated splitter module that includes a branching waveguide network having j≧1 50:50 splitters that form up to n≦2j output waveguides having associated n output ports, wherein only m<n output ports are suitable for transmitting light to the at least one external output device. This provides a 1×m splitter module wherein each output port has the attenuation of a 1×n splitter module, thereby obviating the need for external attenuation. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a direct-connect splitter module that eliminates the need for an optical fiber array when coupling to external optical fibers. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a microsplitter module that serves as device and module at the same time and that eliminates the differentiation between device and module. The integration of device and module also makes manufacturing the microsplitter module cost-effect. Embodiments of microsplitter modules that account for differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials making up the microsplitter are also disclosed.