GaN Optical Modulator for Temperature-Insensitive LED Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceiving modules for wired communication networks require temperature compensation devices and optical isolators, which increase costs and instability due to sensitivity to ambient temperature and reflected light, especially in extreme environments like −50° C. to 150° C.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission module using a light-emitting diode (LED) with a gallium nitride (GaN)-based optical modulator that operates without a temperature compensation device or optical isolator, employing a filter to adjust the light spectrum half width for stable operation across a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a laser diode (LD) is used as a light source, then high-output high-quality light transmission is achieved, but temperature compensation devices and optical isolators are required, increasing cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive laser diode with a cheaper light-emitting diode (LED) that has broader spectral width. While LEDs are less efficient for long-distance transmission, they eliminate the need for expensive temperature compensation devices and optical isolators, reducing overall system cost and complexity for short-distance applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light source parameters by using an LED with broader spectral width instead of a laser diode with narrow spectral width. This parameter change allows operation without temperature compensation devices and optical isolators, trading off some transmission quality for reduced system complexity and cost
2Reliability
If a laser diode (LD) is used as a light source, then stable operation is achieved with narrow spectrum half width, but temperature sensitivity requires additional compensation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a LED instead of a laser diode, accepting broader spectral width in exchange for eliminating temperature compensation devices. The LED's broader spectral width makes it less sensitive to temperature variations, eliminating the need for TECs and simplifying the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral width parameter by using an LED with broader spectrum instead of a laser diode with narrow spectrum. This parameter change reduces temperature sensitivity and eliminates the need for temperature compensation devices
3Reliability
If emitted light is reflected by surroundings and incident on the LD, then operating characteristics become unstable, but optical isolators are required to prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser diode with a LED that is less sensitive to reflected light. The broader spectral width and different emission characteristics of the LED make it more tolerant to optical feedback, eliminating the need for expensive optical isolators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the LED's broader spectral width, which is typically considered a disadvantage compared to laser diodes, into a benefit by making the system more tolerant to reflected light and eliminating the need for optical isolators
4Reliability
If temperature compensation devices and optical isolators are used, then reliable operation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a LED instead of a laser diode, eliminating the need for expensive temperature compensation devices and optical isolators. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient reliability for short-distance optical communication applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the temperature compensation device and optical isolator from the system by using a LED that inherently tolerates temperature variations and reflected light, simplifying the overall system structure and reducing manufacturing costs
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 solution enables reliable, cost-effective transmission of high-speed light signals over short distances by eliminating the need for temperature compensation and optical isolators, while maintaining stability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) and an optical modulator configured to modulate first light emitted by the LED
Implementation Method 2
The optical modulator transmits the first light when a voltage is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes an optical transmission module, an optical transceiver, and an optical communication system including the same, the optical transmission module comprising: a light emitting diode; and an optical modulator for modulating first light emitted from the light emitting diode, wherein the light emitting diode and the optical modulator include GaN, and the optical modulator transmits the first light therethrough when a voltage is applied.