Bidirectional Optical Channels for High Bandwidth Low Crosstalk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnect technologies face challenges in implementing bidirectional data and signal channels with efficient alignment tolerance and low power dissipation, particularly in achieving high bandwidth and low crosstalk across various distances and devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bidirectional optical channels with two pairs of emitters and detectors that can be imaged onto each other, allowing for simultaneous interconnection in dense arrays, with the send/receive state controlled by electronic signals, local detectors, or dedicated control channels, enabling efficient switching between transmit and receive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional optical channels are implemented with two pairs of emitters and detectors, then bandwidth and data transmission capability are improved, but device complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two pairs of emitters and detectors into a single integrated bidirectional optical channel structure. Each optical channel includes an first emitter and detector pair for forward transmission and a second emitter and detector pair for reverse transmission, merging multiple functional elements into a unified structure that achieves bidirectional communication while managing complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional optical channel structure is designed to perform multiple functions within a single system. The same optical channel infrastructure (including the gradient index rod imager and mounting structure) supports both forward and reverse data transmission, making the system universal for bidirectional communication rather than requiring separate unidirectional channels.
2Manufacturing precision
If emitters and detectors are pre-aligned and fixed on gradient index rod imager, then alignment tolerance is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emitters and detectors are pre-aligned and pre-fixed to the gradient index rod imager before final assembly into the optical channel. This preliminary alignment action is performed on a manageable scale (attaching components to the imager) rather than attempting to align all components simultaneously during final assembly, thereby achieving high precision while managing assembly complexity through staged preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient index rod imager serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates precise alignment between emitters/detectors and the optical path. By fixing components to this intermediate element first, the system achieves accurate positioning without requiring direct alignment between all final components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If dense two-dimensional arrays of bidirectional optical channels are interconnected, then data transmission capacity is improved, but power dissipation and heat management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through the bidirectional optical channels. By using light carriers instead of electrical signals in the interconnect channels, the system reduces power dissipation and heat generation associated with electrical resistance, while maintaining high data transmission capacity through parallel optical paths in the dense array.
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
This approach allows for efficient bidirectional data transmission with reduced power dissipation, supporting high bandwidth and low crosstalk, while accommodating various interconnection scenarios, including short and long distances between chips, boards, and computers.
Implementation Method 1
gradient index rod imager
Implementation Method 2
gradient index rod imager
Implementation Method 3
photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present teachings provide for an efficient means to implement bidirectional data and signal channels in optical interconnects. Each optical interconnect channel may include two pairs of emitters and detectors that are imaged onto each other. Many such bidirectional optical channels may be simultaneously interconnected in dense two-dimensional arrays. The send or receive state of each bidirectional optical channel may be directly set in some embodiments by an electronic control signal. In other bidirectional optical channel embodiments, the send/receive state may be controlled locally and autonomously as derived from the output of the local detector.