Bi-Directional Optical Modules Using Band Pass Filters to Cut Cabling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical communication networks face challenges with excessive cabling requirements due to the use of distinct transmitting and receiving fibers for duplex pairs using the same wavelength, leading to space constraints and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

Bi-directional optical communication modules and cables utilize band pass filters to transmit and receive optical signals of different wavelengths simultaneously over a single optical fiber, reducing the need for redundant cabling by enabling interference-free, non-blocking bi-directional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distinct transmitting and receiving fibers are used for duplex pairs using the same wavelength, then reliable optical communication is achieved, but excessive cabling requirements and space constraints occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical communication reliabilityVSAvoidcabling quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges transmitting and receiving functions into a single optical fiber by using bidirectional optical modules that can both transmit and receive signals through the same fiber, eliminating the need for separate transmitting and receiving fibers and reducing cabling quantity by approximately half

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wavelength division multiplexing to add a wavelength dimension to the communication system, allowing different wavelengths (e.g., 1310nm and 1550nm) to carry signals in opposite directions through the same fiber, thereby resolving the conflict between reliability and cabling quantity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If band pass filters are used to transmit different wavelengths simultaneously over a single fiber, then cabling requirements are reduced, but interference between wavelengths may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabling quantityVSAvoidwavelength interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses band pass filters as intermediary components that selectively pass specific wavelengths while blocking others, acting as mediators between different wavelength signals traveling in opposite directions through the same fiber, thereby preventing interference while maintaining reduced cabling requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution significantly reduces routing burdens by at least a factor of two, minimizing physical intrusion and costs associated with conventional systems while maintaining efficient data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a first band pass filter supported by the first substrate... The first band pass filter may be configured to pass optical signals received from the first optical transmitter having the first wavelength into the optical communication medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBand pass filter: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

A first optical transmitter supported by the first substrate is also provided and communicably coupled with the first band pass filter. The first optical transmitter may be configured to generate optical signals having a first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmitter: Light

Implementation Method 3

A first optical receiver supported by the first substrate may be also provide and communicably coupled with the first band pass filter. The first optical receiver may be configured to receive optical signals having a second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical receiver: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12489528B2Bi-directional optical communication modules and cables

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses, devices, modules, cables, and systems are provided for bi-directional optical communication. An example module includes a substrate, a first band pass filter, a first optical transmitter, and a first optical receiver each supported by the substrate. The first optical transmitter is communicably coupled with the first band pass filter and configured to generate optical signals having a first wavelength. The first optical receiver is communicably coupled with the first band pass filter and configured to receive optical signals having a second wavelength. The first band pass filter passes optical signals received from the first optical transmitter having the first wavelength into an optical communication medium and directs optical signals received from the optical communication medium having the second wavelength into the first optical receiver.