Dual Optical-Electrical Conversion Module for Flexible Link Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-speed transmission networks face limitations due to the need for electrical signal processing, which results in significant losses with increasing bit rate and trace lengths, and are restricted to specific link lengths and wavelengths when using electro-optical conversion chips.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dual optical-electrical conversion (DOEC) modules that condition electrical signals for transmission over optical networks of varying link lengths and wavelengths, using an integrated circuit to convert signals between optical and electrical forms, enabling flexible communication without the limitations of traditional electro-optical conversion chips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electro-optical conversion chips are used on host cards, then optical communication can be achieved, but the communication is limited to specific link lengths and wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different link lengths and wavelengthsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a host card with ASIC/PHY chip, an electro-optical conversion chip, and external DOEC modules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the DOEC modules handling the complexity of adapting to different link lengths and wavelengths while the host card maintains simpler, standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DOEC modules serve as intermediary devices between the host card and the optical network. These modules perform the complex tasks of converting optical signals to electrical signals, conditioning them for different link lengths and wavelengths, and converting back to optical signals, thereby enabling adaptability without complicating the host card design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If electrical signal processing is used for data transmission, then processing can be performed on host cards, but transmission losses increase dramatically with increasing bit rate and trace lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission lossVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal processing over long distances with optical signal transmission. By converting electrical signals to optical signals at the DOEC modules, the system eliminates the transmission losses associated with electrical traces while maintaining the ability to process data at high speeds through optical communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical to optical domain. This parameter change fundamentally alters the transmission characteristics, enabling high-speed data communication over long distances without the exponential loss increases that plague electrical trace-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If electro-optical conversion chips are used on host cards, then optical communication can be achieved, but the solution limits communication to specific link lengths and wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in communication parametersVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The DOEC modules provide dynamic adaptability by automatically adjusting to different link lengths and wavelengths. The integrated circuits within the DOEC modules can condition electrical signals for various transmission parameters, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to different communication requirements without manual intervention or complex configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for higher data speeds and adaptable communication over diverse optical networks, eliminating restrictions on link lengths and wavelengths, thereby enhancing the performance of optical communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

The optical receiver converts optical signals to electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The optical transmitter converts electrical signals to optical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS9054796B2Dual optical electrical conversion module

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

In an embodiment, a dual optical-electrical conversion (DOEC) module is described that includes an optical host interface, an optical network interface, and an integrated circuit. The optical host interface includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical network interface includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The integrated circuit conditions electrical signals communicated between the optical host interface and optical network interface. Optical signals received at and transmitted by the optical host interface may have different parameter requirements than optical signals received at and transmitted by the optical network interface, such as different wavelength parameters and/or fiber link length parameters.