Electro-Optic Modulator Probes for High-Speed Signal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing electrical signals from microelectronic devices, such as direct probing and copy and repeat approaches, face challenges at high speeds (above 5 Gb/s) due to signal integrity perturbation, latency, increased area, power consumption, and development complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of electro-optic modulator (EOM) probes that modulate light based on electrical signals, allowing for non-invasive sensing of signals through electromagnetic fields, reducing perturbation and enabling faster data rates, with EOM probes integrated into connectors or proximity to electrical signaling media, and a logic analyzer module for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct probing is used to capture electrical signals, then signal capture is achieved, but signal integrity is perturbed and implementation becomes challenging at speeds above 5 Gb/s
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electro-optic modulator as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission. This mediator allows the original electrical signal to be captured and analyzed without directly probing the high-speed electrical interconnect, thereby maintaining signal integrity while enabling signal capture at speeds above 5 Gb/s
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical probing with an optical-based measurement system. By substituting electrical measurement methods with optical methods using electro-optic modulators, the system achieves high-speed signal capture without the signal integrity issues inherent in direct electrical probing
2Productivity
If copy and repeat approach is used with a debug chip, then signal copying is achieved, but latency increases and area, power consumption, or cooling resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic modulator serves as an intermediary that performs real-time signal conversion from electrical to optical domain without requiring a debug chip to intercept, copy, and forward signals. This eliminates the latency introduced by the copy and repeat approach while maintaining signal fidelity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the electrical signal through electro-optic modulation. Instead of using a debug chip to copy electrical signals (which introduces latency), the system creates an optical replica that can be analyzed simultaneously with the original signal transmission, eliminating time loss
3Productivity
If copy and repeat approach is used with a debug chip, then signal interception is achieved, but area, power consumption, or cooling resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic modulator acts as an energy-efficient intermediary that converts electrical signals to optical signals without requiring the power-intensive debug chip infrastructure. The optical conversion process consumes significantly less power while achieving the same signal interception and analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the power-consuming debug chip with an optical-based measurement system. By replacing electrical signal processing with optical signal processing, the system dramatically reduces power consumption and cooling requirements while maintaining full signal interception capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If debug chip is developed and changed, then testing adaptability is achieved, but time and effort are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic modulator provides a universal interface for signal capture that works across different high-speed protocols and applications. Rather than developing protocol-specific debug chips, the optical measurement system can adapt to different signaling standards through software configuration, reducing development complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying to create signal replicas that can be analyzed without modifying the original electrical signal path. This approach provides testing adaptability for different protocols without requiring physical debug chip changes, as the optical measurement system can be reconfigured through software to match different signaling standards
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 minimizes signal integrity and latency issues while supporting high-speed data capture and analysis, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional debugging methods.
Implementation Method 1
electro-optic modulator (EOM) probes that modulate light based on electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector to be electrically disposed between a first circuit board and a second circuit board to electrically couple the first circuit board with the second circuit board is disclosed. The electrical connector may have an electro-optic modulator to modulate optical signals based on electrical signals exchanged between the first and second circuit boards through the electrical connector. Systems incorporating such electrical connectors, and methods of using the electrical connectors and systems, such as for debug, are also disclosed.