Free Space Optics Interface for High-Speed Isolated Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data transmission methods across electrical isolation barriers in medical devices, such as endoscopes, are limited by low bandwidth, leading to latency and poor image quality, especially for high-definition stereoscopic images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a free space optics interface assembly on a printed circuit board (PCB) within medical devices, which allows for high-speed data transmission (greater than 1 Gbps) between electrically isolated circuits using modulated light and optical transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional data transmission methods are used across electrical isolation barriers, then device safety is maintained, but data transmission speed is limited to less than 1 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical signal transmission across isolation barriers with optical signal transmission. Optical transceivers convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission across the isolation barrier, eliminating direct electrical contact while enabling high-speed data transmission exceeding 1 Gbps. This substitution of transmission medium (from electrical to optical) resolves the contradiction by maintaining electrical isolation safety while dramatically improving data transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium to transfer data across the electrical isolation barrier. The optical transceivers act as intermediary devices that convert electrical signals to optical signals on one side of the barrier and back to electrical signals on the other side. This intermediary approach allows high-speed data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the electrical isolation barrier, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
2Loss of information
If conventional data transmission methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and latency performance deteriorate for high-definition stereoscopic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of electrical isolation, high-speed data transmission, and optical signal conversion into a single integrated optical interface assembly. This assembly includes optical transceivers, isolation barriers, and signal conditioning circuits all working together as one unit. By combining these functions, the system achieves high-quality image transmission with reduced latency while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation, enables high-speed data transmission, supports high-definition stereoscopic image quality, and manages latency. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve superior image quality and performance across multiple parameters without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the same optical infrastructure supports all these functions.
3Ease of operation
If electrical cable contacts grounded surface, then cable flexibility is maintained, but capacitive coupling creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission path with an optical signal transmission path across the isolation barrier. By using optical transceivers instead of direct electrical connections, the system eliminates the capacitive coupling hazard that occurs when electrical cables contact grounded surfaces. The optical transmission medium is not affected by electrical ground potentials, allowing cable flexibility to be maintained while eliminating the safety hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the capacitive coupling hazard by converting the electrical transmission problem into an optical transmission solution. The isolation barrier, which physically separates electrical domains, becomes beneficial by blocking harmful capacitive coupling while still allowing data transmission through optical signals. This transforms the potential harm of electrical isolation into a beneficial safety feature while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 efficient and real-time processing of data-intensive content, such as high-definition stereoscopic images, while preventing capacitive coupling of electrical current, thus reducing the risk of electric discharges during electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter transmits, across a free space chamber, modulated light representative of data provided by a first electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver receives the modulated light
Data Source
AI summary
A free space optics interface assembly includes a housing defining a free space chamber, an optical transmitter at a first end of the free space chamber, an optical receiver at a second end of the free space chamber, a first end plate secured to a first end flange of the housing, a second end plate secured to a second end flange of the housing, a first elastic material in the first end plate and located to compress against the first end flange of the housing when the first end plate is secured to the first end flange of the housing, and a second elastic material in the second end plate and configured to compress against the second end flange of the housing when the second end plate is secured to the second end flange of the housing.