Gearbox IC Phase Alignment for Optical Data Rate Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communications systems face challenges in increasing data rates without duplicating or redesigning optical transceiver modules and ASICs, which are costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox integrated circuit (IC) is introduced to perform data rate conversion and phase alignment, allowing existing ASICs to interface with high-speed optical transceivers, effectively doubling the data rate of optical fiber links without redesigning the ASICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical transceiver modules and ASICs are duplicated to increase data rates, then bandwidth increases, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data rate parameter of existing optical transceiver modules and ASICs through a gearbox IC that performs data rate conversion. Instead of duplicating hardware components, the system converts data rates electrically between 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, effectively doubling bandwidth while using the same physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox IC acts as an intermediary device between the ASIC and the optical transceiver module. It performs phase alignment and data rate conversion, enabling existing 10 Gbps components to communicate at 20 Gbps by mediating the data rate mismatch without requiring duplication of transceivers or ASICs.
2Productivity
If ASICs are redesigned to support higher data rates, then bandwidth increases, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox IC serves as an intermediary that handles the complex data rate conversion and phase alignment functions, allowing existing ASICs to operate at higher data rates without redesign. This transfers the complexity from ASIC manufacturing to a separate conversion device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data rate conversion function from the ASIC into a separate gearbox IC. This allows the ASIC to remain unchanged while the conversion functionality is implemented in a dedicated component, simplifying manufacturing and upgrading paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing ASICs are used without modification, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but data rate is limited to original specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox IC changes the operational parameters of existing ASICs by performing data rate conversion. Existing ASICs continue to operate at their original 10 Gbps rate, but the gearbox converts this to 20 Gbps for the optical interface, effectively doubling the data rate while using unchanged ASIC hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical data rate conversion in the gearbox IC for physical hardware upgrades. Instead of mechanically duplicating or redesigning ASICs and optical transceivers, the system uses electrical signal processing to achieve higher data rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox IC is incorporated into an optical communications system to enable an optical link that incorporates the system to achieve data rates that are at least double that which are currently achievable in optical links. The gearbox IC performs data rate conversion and phase alignment. In the transmit direction, the gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of X Gbps and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps. In the receive direction, the gearbox IC receives N/2 electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps and converts the N/2 electrical data signals into N electrical data signals having a data rate of X.