All-in-one Converter for Low-Speed Optical Modules on High-Speed Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems face challenges in using low-speed optical modules with high-speed switches, requiring multiple low-speed modules and occupying significant space, making them inconvenient for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
An all-in-one converter is designed using a low-speed optical module on a high-speed switch, featuring a first electrical interface for connecting to a four-channel high-speed switch and a second interface for a single-channel optical module, with an MCU module for signal conversion and information management, enabling bidirectional signal transmission and supporting up to 28 GB/s signal transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple low-speed optical modules are used to achieve high-speed transmission, then transmission rate is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-speed optical modules into a single integrated converter that supports both high-speed and low-speed interfaces. The converter integrates a high-speed optical module (QSFP28) and a low-speed optical module (SFP28) into one device, allowing it to function as either a 100G switch or a 40G/25G converter depending on configuration, thereby reducing the total number of modules needed in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can operate as a 100G high-speed switch using the QSFP28 interface, or as a 40G/25G converter using the SFP28 interface. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for different transmission rates, simplifying the overall device architecture
2Speed
If multiple low-speed optical modules are used to achieve high-speed transmission, then transmission rate is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical module functions into a single physical device. The converter housing contains both the high-speed QSFP28 optical module and the low-speed SFP28 optical module, along with the necessary conversion circuitry, in one integrated unit. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required compared to deploying separate modules for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The converter employs a nested structure where the low-speed SFP28 optical module is integrated within the same housing as the high-speed QSFP28 optical module. The internal arrangement allows the conversion circuitry and control units to be compactly organized, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall footprint of the device
3Adaptability or versatility
If address conflicts occur between converter and optical module, then information management becomes complex, but compatibility is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary MCU (microcontroller unit) that acts as a mediator between the high-speed and low-speed optical modules. The MCU manages the I2C communication bus and handles address allocation, preventing conflicts between the converter's internal components and the external optical module. This intermediary layer simplifies information management by providing a centralized control mechanism that coordinates all communications
Solution Approach 2:
The converter implements feedback mechanisms through the MCU that monitor and manage the I2C communication between the switch, converter, and optical module. The MCU reads and writes information in the EEPROM of both the converter and the optical module, using feedback signals to detect and resolve any address conflicts, thereby maintaining compatibility while managing information flow efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an all-in-one converter using a low-speed optical module on a high-speed switch. The present invention relates to the field of optical modules in optical communications. It provides a solution of using a 25G optical module on a 100G switch, and simultaneously enabling a 10G optical module to be used on a 40G switch. A first electrical interface of the converter is connected with a 100G/40G switch, which meets the requirements of SFF-8636 protocol and realizes the bidirectional transmission of signals from the switch to the converter. A second electrical interface of the converter is connected with the optical module, which realizes the module's bidirectional transmission from the converter to the optical module. There is a signal conversion circuit inside the converter, which makes the signals of the two electrical interfaces meet the requirements of their respective protocols. An MCU is integrated inside the converter, which can read information of EEPROM inside the module, making the converter more user-friendly.