De-emphasis Signal Generator Using Parallel Optical Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high power consumption of existing silicon-based optical modulators for de-emphasis formatting in serial data transmission pose challenges in efficiently generating de-emphasis formatted optical signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a de-emphasis format signal generator that combines electrical non-de-emphasis formatted signals using optical modulators, optical attenuators, and optical delay units, allowing for separate and combined de-emphasis aspects in electrical and optical domains to produce a de-emphasis formatted optical signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing silicon-based optical modulators are used for de-emphasis formatting, then de-emphasis formatted optical signals can be generated, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the de-emphasis formatting function into separate components: an optical delay unit that delays one of the optical signals, and an optical combiner that combines the delayed signal with the other signal. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, reducing the complexity of any single device while maintaining the overall de-emphasis formatting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard optical components (optical modulators, optical delay unit, optical combiner) that can serve multiple functions. The optical modulators generate optical signals from electrical inputs, the delay unit provides timing adjustment, and the combiner merges signals - together achieving de-emphasis formatting without requiring a specialized complex modulator design.
2Reliability
If existing silicon-based optical modulators are used for de-emphasis formatting, then de-emphasis formatted optical signals can be generated, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the de-emphasis function into separate optical domain operations (delay and combine), the patent avoids the high power consumption of complex electrical domain processing. Each optical component consumes less power individually, and their combined operation achieves the desired formatting with lower total power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical domain processing with optical domain processing. Instead of using complex electrical circuits to achieve de-emphasis formatting (which would consume significant power), the system uses optical delay and optical combination operations that are more energy-efficient, replacing the need for high-power electrical processing.
3Ease of operation
If de-emphasis formatting is implemented in the electrical domain, then signal processing can be performed, but the complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical domain signal processing with optical domain processing. By performing delay and combination operations directly on optical signals rather than converting to electrical signals for processing, the system simplifies the overall architecture and reduces the complexity of the processing system while maintaining full signal processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A de-emphasis format signal generator can be configured to combine first and second electrical non-de-emphasis formatted signals provided to first and second optical modulators, coupled in parallel with one another, to provide a combined optical signal having a de-emphasis format. Accordingly, three aspects of a de-emphasis formatted signal, including a de-emphasis delay aspect, a de-emphasis attenuation aspect, and a de-emphasis combining aspect, can provided separately and in different domains (such as in the electrical domain and in the optical domain) which can be combined with one another to provide an output de-emphasis formatted optical signal.