Fiber Optic IC Power Supply Integration for Low-EMI Multi-Voltage Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication modules in electronic devices face challenges with discrete power converters that occupy volume and generate unwanted electromagnetic radiation, as they require multiple voltage outputs from a single source voltage, leading to inefficiencies and increased size.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a fiber optic IC with an integrated power supply, including a filter and a pulse width modulator (PWM) that generates a PWM output signal to control an active switch, reducing the need for discrete power converters and minimizing electromagnetic radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete power converters are used to convert single source voltage to multiple voltage outputs, then voltage conversion function is achieved, but device volume increases and electromagnetic radiation is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidmodule volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the power converter circuit directly into the optoelectronic device package, combining previously separate discrete power converters with the optical components. This merging eliminates the need for external discrete power converters, reducing overall module volume while maintaining the voltage conversion function from single source voltage to multiple voltage outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete power converters are used to provide multiple voltage outputs, then power conversion is achieved, but unwanted electromagnetic radiation is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-voltage output capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power conversion function from external discrete components and relocates it within the integrated circuit structure of the optoelectronic device. By taking out the voltage conversion requirement and implementing it through integrated power management circuits, the design reduces electromagnetic radiation while maintaining multi-voltage output capability for various components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete components are used for power conversion, then voltage regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation functionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal integrated power management architecture that provides multiple voltage outputs and regulation functions through a single integrated circuit structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple discrete power converter components, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining comprehensive voltage regulation capability for different device components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The integrated power supply within the fiber optic IC efficiently manages voltage outputs, reducing size and electromagnetic interference, while enhancing the compactness and performance of communication devices.

Implementation Method 1

The PWM is configured to generate a PWM output signal that triggers the active switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse Width Modulation:

Implementation Method 2

The filter is configured to convert a signal to an output signal of the integrated power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9941864B2Integrated power supply for fiber optic communication devices and subsystems

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

An example embodiment includes a fiber optic integrated circuit (IC). The fiber optic IC includes an integrated power supply. The integrated power supply includes a filter, an active switch, and a pulse width modulator (“PWM”). The filter is configured to convert a signal to an output signal of the integrated power supply. The active switch is configured to control introduction of the signal to the filter. The PWM is configured to generate a PWM output signal that triggers the active switch.