Bi-direction Optical Subassembly Layout Reduces Flexible Circuit Boards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bi-direction optical subassemblies in optical communication systems have complex circuit layouts, increased signal loss, and electromagnetic interference due to the cross arrangement of transmitters and receivers, which complicates assembly and reduces high-frequency performance.

Innovation Solution

A bi-direction optical subassembly with a main body that positions the first transmitter and first receiver on the same side, allowing them to share a flexible circuit board, and arranges the second transmitter opposite to the optical fiber connection port with the second receiver staggered, reducing the number of flexible circuit boards and simplifying wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If transmitters and receivers are arranged crosswise in the Bi-direction Optical Subassembly, then the assembly can be completed with traditional layout designs, but the connection circuit path becomes longer requiring three or four flexible circuit boards, making the assembly process complicated and increasing signal loss and electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidconnection circuit path

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a crosswise layout to a side-by-side layout where transmitters and receivers are positioned adjacent to each other on the same side of the main body. This dimensional reorganization allows both transmitters and receivers to share common flexible circuit boards, reducing the total number of flexible circuit boards from three or four to just one or two, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing connection path complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the flexible circuit board resources by having both transmitters and receivers connect to the same flexible circuit board(s). This consolidation reduces the number of separate flexible circuit boards needed, simplifies the wiring process, and reduces the overall connection path length, directly addressing the complexity issue while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If transmitters and receivers are arranged crosswise, then the layout can be completed with traditional designs, but the connection circuit path becomes longer increasing signal loss and electromagnetic interference, reducing high frequency performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh frequency performanceVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By reorganizing the spatial arrangement from crosswise to side-by-side, the patent significantly shortens the connection circuit path length. This reduced path length minimizes signal loss and electromagnetic interference, thereby improving high frequency performance and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of longer connection paths (which cause signal loss and interference) into a benefit by using the side-by-side arrangement to create shorter paths. The redesigned layout inherently provides better signal integrity and reduces electromagnetic interference, turning what would be a disadvantage into an advantage for high frequency performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If three or four flexible circuit boards are used to complete the connection circuit path, then the crosswise arrangement can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection circuit pathVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple flexible circuit board functions into one or two shared flexible circuit boards that serve both transmitters and receivers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate flexible circuit boards from three or four to just one or two, significantly simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining all necessary connection paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240288640A1Bi-direction optical subassembly, combo optical module, and optical network device

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 POTRON TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A bi-direction optical subassembly, a combo optical module and an optical network device are provided. The bi-direction optical subassembly includes a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver. A first optical transmission port, a second optical transmission port, a first optical reception port, and a second optical reception port are encapsulated in the main body. The first optical transmission port and the first optical reception port are arranged on a same side of the main body, which optimizes a structural layout and reduces the number of flexible circuit boards.