Compact Multi-Channel Optical Transceiver Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical transceiver modules for wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks, there is a challenge in accommodating multi-channel transmitter and receiver optical subassemblies along with circuit components within a small space while ensuring effective thermal management due to heat generation from multiple lasers and photodiodes.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-channel optical transceiver design that includes a multi-channel transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) and receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) spaced from a circuit board, with the ROSA inverted and mounted proximate the transceiver housing top portion using an L-shaped support to facilitate heat transfer, allowing for efficient thermal dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers and photodiodes are electrically connected to circuit components in a multi-channel transceiver, then the transceiver can support multiple channel wavelengths, but the device generates excessive heat that adversely affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful thermal effect from the functional components by introducing a dedicated thermal management subsystem. The heat sink and thermoelectric cooler are separated from the optical components (lasers and photodiodes) and circuit board, creating an independent thermal control pathway that removes heat without interfering with the optical signal transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary thermal management components between the heat-generating elements and the environment. The heat sink acts as an intermediary that absorbs heat from the lasers and photodiodes, while the thermoelectric cooler serves as an intermediary that actively pumps heat away from the circuit board. These intermediaries mediate the heat transfer process to protect the sensitive optical components.
2Volume of moving object
If the transceiver module size is reduced to a compact form factor, then deployment complexity is reduced, but thermal dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the thermal dissipation challenge in a compact volume by transitioning to three-dimensional thermal management. The heat sink extends vertically from the circuit board, and the thermoelectric cooler is positioned between the circuit board and ROSA, utilizing the vertical dimension to create efficient heat transfer pathways without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the thermal management components within the compact transceiver housing. The heat sink is integrated with the circuit board assembly, the thermoelectric cooler is positioned between existing components (circuit board and ROSA), and the entire thermal management system is enclosed within the housing, achieving efficient thermal dissipation without increasing the overall device volume.
3Area of stationary object
If circuit components are mounted on the circuit board in a compact arrangement, then the device fits in small space, but heat from components accumulates and affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from the circuit board design by introducing a dedicated thermoelectric cooler positioned between the circuit board and the ROSA. This separate thermal control system actively removes heat from the circuit board components, allowing them to be densely mounted without temperature accumulation affecting operation.
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 design enables the accommodation of multi-channel optical transceivers in a small form factor with adequate heat dissipation and thermal management, supporting multiple channel wavelengths and maintaining desired wavelength precision and temperature control within a compact optical line terminal.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-channel ROSA may also be inverted and mounted proximate a transceiver top housing portion, for example, using an L-shaped ROSA support, to transfer heat from the ROSA to the transceiver housing portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact multi-channel optical may include a multi-channel transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), a multi-channel receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) and a circuit board configured and arranged to fit within a relatively small space. The multi-channel ROSA is spaced from the circuit board to allow circuit components to be mounted between the circuit board and the ROSA. The multi-channel ROSA may also be inverted and mounted proximate a transceiver top housing portion, for example, using an L-shaped ROSA support, to transfer heat from the ROSA to the transceiver housing portion. The optical transceiver may be used in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical system, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON).