External Laser Source WDM Transceiver Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical transceiver modules face challenges in meeting density and throughput demands due to the large size and power consumption of onboard temperature-controlled tunable laser sources, which occupy significant space and resources, limiting the integration of other components and increasing heat dissipation requirements.
Innovation Solution
The WDM transceiver module design incorporates an external laser source, eliminating the need for an onboard laser source and associated thermoelectric coolers, allowing for reduced size and power consumption, and includes an optical modulator that receives the laser output from the external source for modulation based on digital signal processor-generated electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an onboard temperature-controlled tunable laser source is included in WDM optics, then the optical transceiver can achieve wavelength division multiplexing functionality, but the size and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser source from the WDM optical module and makes it an external component. The optical module no longer contains the laser source internally but instead connects to an external laser source through an optical interface, thereby reducing the module's size and power consumption while maintaining WDM functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the WDM optical module handles only the modulation and multiplexing functions, while the laser source is a separate external device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an onboard temperature-controlled tunable laser source is included in WDM optics, then the optical transceiver can achieve wavelength division multiplexing functionality, but the module size increases occupying large real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The laser source is extracted from the module and made external, eliminating the need for temperature-controlled enclosures and associated cooling mechanisms within the module. This significantly reduces the module's footprint and allows for more compact designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into separate laser source and optical module components, the patent enables the optical module to be much smaller while the laser source can be placed in an external chassis or rack unit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an onboard laser source with TEC is included, then the optical transceiver can maintain stable laser output, but heat dissipation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TEC and associated heat generation are extracted from the optical module by making the laser source external. The optical module no longer needs to provide thermal management for the laser, thereby eliminating this harmful factor from the module design.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical interface acts as an intermediary between the external laser source and the optical module. This interface allows the laser source to be physically separated while maintaining stable optical coupling, transferring the stability requirement away from the module.
4Length of stationary object
If the laser source height is reduced, then the assembly can fit into compact dimensions, but the integrated laser assembly height adds with PCBA preventing fitting into 9.5mm dimension
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the laser source from the module, the patent eliminates the height constraint imposed by the integrated laser assembly and PCBA. The optical module can now be designed to fit into compact 9.5mm dimensions without accommodating the laser source vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking sequence is changed by segmenting the laser source from the module. The optical module can be placed directly into the compact slot without the laser source height adding to the assembly, as the laser source is positioned externally.
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 approach enables a more compact and power-efficient WDM transceiver module that can be integrated into a host board, reducing bulk and heat-related constraints while maintaining high performance, and includes a control unit for monitoring and adjusting laser output conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the optical modulator may be operatively coupled to the optical port and configured to receive a laser output from the external laser source via the polarization-maintaining fiber and modulate the laser output based on analog electrical signals generated by a digital signal processor
Implementation Method 2
a laser source-in optical fiber connector configured to couple to a laser source external to the WDM transceiver module, and provide polarization alignment for a polarization-maintaining fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transceiver module comprising an optical port and an optical modulator is disclosed herein. The optical port includes a data transmit and receive optical fiber connector and a laser source-in optical fiber connector. The laser source-in optical fiber connector is configured to couple to a laser source external to the WDM transceiver module, and provide polarization alignment for a polarization-maintaining fiber. The optical modulator is configured to receive a laser output from the external laser source via the polarization-maintaining fiber and modulate the laser output based on analog electrical signals generated by a digital signal processor. The WDM transceiver module may not including an onboard laser source.