Electro-Optical Chip Layout for Remote Multi-Wavelength Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data communication systems face challenges in achieving reliable and efficient laser light sources with minimal form factor and low energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical chip with an optical distribution network and ring resonators, separate from the optical power supply, multiplexes and routes multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple laser sources are integrated into a single device, then the form factor is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical distribution function by implementing separate optical distribution networks at the transmitting and receiving ends, each independently managing wavelength routing. This segmentation allows the complex task of multi-wavelength distribution to be divided into manageable units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it integrates optical distribution networks, ring resonators for wavelength selectivity, and transmitter/receiver macros all on a single chip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate discrete components, thereby reducing form factor while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Device complexity
If an optical distribution network is integrated onboard the electro-optical chip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical distribution network with the electro-optical chip by integrating it directly into the chip structure rather than using external discrete components. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating interconnections and assembly steps, while the shared fabrication process helps manage manufacturing precision requirements through standardized manufacturing techniques.
3Area of moving object
If multiple wavelengths are multiplexed onto a single optical waveguide, then the area efficiency is improved, but the optical coupling requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ring resonators that utilize resonant oscillation of light around a closed loop to achieve wavelength-selective coupling. The resonators are positioned within evanescent coupling distance of the waveguide, allowing multiple wavelengths to be coupled efficiently through resonant interaction rather than requiring precise geometric alignment, thus improving area efficiency while managing coupling precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring resonators serve as intermediary elements between the optical waveguide and the wavelength-selective functions. These resonators mediate the coupling process by providing a resonant interaction mechanism that is less sensitive to precise alignment, thereby enabling compact integration with relaxed precision requirements compared to direct waveguide coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical chip includes a plurality of transmit macros, each of which includes an optical waveguide and a plurality of ring resonators positioned along the optical waveguide. An optical distribution network is implemented onboard the electro-optical chip. The optical distribution network has a plurality of optical inputs and a plurality of optical outputs. The optical distribution network conveys a portion of light received at each and every one of the plurality of optical inputs to each of the plurality of optical outputs, such that light conveyed to each of the plurality of optical outputs includes all wavelengths of light conveyed to the plurality of optical inputs. Each of the plurality of optical outputs is optically connected to the optical waveguide in a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit macros. The electro-optical chip is optically connected to a remote optical power supply.