Free Space Optical Interconnect Using Reflective Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnect systems face challenges in maintaining alignment between circuit boards during data transmission, particularly in free space configurations, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased space requirements due to the need for precise alignment and additional components like waveguides.
Innovation Solution
A free space optical interconnect system is developed, featuring an optical source on one circuit board and a reflective modulator on another, which uses a collimated and focused light beam to ensure reliable data transmission despite misalignment, utilizing a reflective modulator and optical receiver to encode and decode data signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free space optical transmission is used between circuit boards, then alignment precision requirements increase, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective modulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical source and optical receiver across circuit boards. This modulator reflects and modulates optical signals, enabling reliable data transmission while reducing sensitivity to alignment errors between circuit boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflective modulation to add a functional dimension to the optical path, where the modulator surface orientation and reflection angle provide additional degrees of freedom for signal control, reducing dependence on precise board-to-board alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If waveguides are used to route optical signals, then alignment is easier to achieve, but fabrication costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the modulation function from the waveguide structure itself and implements it separately using reflective modulators on circuit board surfaces. This eliminates the need for complex embedded waveguide fabrication while maintaining alignment tolerance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical waveguide routing structure with a free-space optical path controlled by reflective modulators, substituting a complex mechanical alignment system with an optically-controlled reflective system that is less sensitive to physical misalignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If waveguides are used for optical signal routing, then alignment is improved, but additional space on circuit boards is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical routing function from embedded waveguides and implements it using reflective modulators that work with free-space optical paths, eliminating the need for space-consuming waveguide structures within the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective modulators are implemented as thin-film or surface-mounted components that occupy minimal board space while providing the necessary optical reflection and modulation functions, replacing bulky waveguide structures.
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 enables reliable, efficient, and compact data transmission between circuit boards, minimizing alignment issues and reducing the need for additional space and fabrication costs associated with waveguides, while maintaining high data transmission accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Light beams or optical signals are used for a variety of purposes in electronic systems
Implementation Method 2
an optical interconnect having an optical source, an optical modulator, and an optical receiver configured to receive the reflected modulated optical signals from the modulator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnect includes a first circuit board having an optical source and an optical receiver; and a second circuit board having data source and an optical modulator optically coupled with the optical source and optical receiver, wherein the optical modulator is configured to encode data from the data source into an optical signal from the optical source. The optical receiver is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical modulator. A method of optical communication includes generating on a first circuit board an optical signal directed at a second circuit board; modulating the optical signal with data at the second circuit board; reflecting the optical signal to the first circuit board; and demodulating the optical signal to receive the data at the first circuit board.