EMR Shield for Optical Subassembly with Embedded Radial Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic modules face challenges in controlling electromagnetic radiation (EMR) transmission through optical ports, leading to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and susceptibility, as existing solutions like metal coatings or metal OSAs are either ineffective or costly.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shield with a central portion and radially extending arms is embedded within the optical subassembly (OSA), featuring a smaller central opening to limit EMR transmission while maintaining optical signal passage, avoiding the difficulties and costs of metal coatings or metal OSAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an OSA is formed from metal instead of plastic to control EMR transmission, then EMR shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a non-conductive OSA body (plastic) with an embedded conductive shield structure. This hybrid approach provides EMR shielding effectiveness comparable to metal OSAs while maintaining the manufacturing advantages and lower cost of plastic OSAs. The conductive shield is integrated within the plastic housing, creating a composite structure that leverages the benefits of both materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an OSA is coated with metal to control EMR transmission, then EMR shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability worsen due to coating adhesion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive shielding function from the OSA body material itself and implements it as a separate, dedicated shield structure embedded within the non-conductive OSA. This separation allows the shielding function to be provided by a specialized component rather than requiring metal coating of the entire OSA, thereby eliminating adhesion problems while maintaining EMR control effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the OSA housing is made electrically conductive to limit EMR escape, then EMI in nearby devices is reduced, but optical signal transmission through optical ports is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the OSA electrically conductive (the embedded shield structure) while keeping the optical port regions non-conductive and optically transparent. This localized approach allows EMR shielding in areas where it is needed while maintaining optical signal transmission capability at the optical ports, resolving the contradiction between EMI reduction and optical communication.
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
Effectively reduces EMR transmission into and out of optoelectronic modules, minimizing EMI and susceptibility while allowing optical signals to pass through, thus enhancing module performance without increasing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shield with a central portion and radially extending arms is embedded within the optical subassembly (OSA), featuring a smaller central opening to limit EMR transmission
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shield includes a central portion, a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central portion, and a substantially centrally located opening defined in the central portion. The perimeter of the central portion is approximately the same size and shape as that of a portion of an associated optical subassembly (OSA).