Host-equalized optical transceivers for power reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication links are complex and consume more power due to the need for transmitter and receiver equalization circuits, which increase complexity and power consumption while performing equalization and correction operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing host-equalized optical transceivers that directly couple linear laser diode drivers and transimpedance amplifiers to host integrated circuits, eliminating the need for transmitter and receiver equalization circuits by relying on host ICs to perform equalization and correction operations, thereby simplifying the communication link and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical communication links are implemented with transmitter and receiver equalization circuits, then data transmission quality is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the equalization circuits from the optical communication link, relocating the equalization function to the host system. This eliminates the need for dedicated equalization hardware in the optical transceiver, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission quality through host-based equalization processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system is given multiple functions: it performs both data processing and equalization operations. By making the host system universal and capable of handling both roles, the patent eliminates the need for separate equalization circuits in the optical link, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance.
2Reliability
If traditional optical communication links are implemented with transmitter and receiver equalization circuits, then data transmission quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the equalization function from the optical communication link's power domain and relocates it to the host system. This eliminates the need for dedicated equalization power consumption in the optical transceiver, reducing overall power usage while maintaining transmission quality through host-based equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the equalization function with the host system's existing processing capabilities. By combining these functions, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with separate equalization circuits in the optical link, achieving power savings of approximately 500 milliwatts while maintaining performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If copper or non-optical communication links are used, then power consumption is reduced, but data rate limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the communication medium from copper/non-optical to optical, enabling high data rates. By utilizing optical signals with their inherent high bandwidth capabilities, the system achieves data rates that far exceed copper links while the host-based equalization approach keeps power consumption manageable, effectively resolving the trade-off between speed and power.
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 approach reduces the complexity and power consumption of optical communication links, allowing for efficient data transmission with minimal equalization needs, while maintaining high data rates and reducing the overall power usage by approximately 500 milliwatts.
Implementation Method 1
The optical transmitter may be electrically coupled to the LLDD. The optical transmitter may be configured to receive the driving signal from the LLDD and to generate an optical signal that is representative of the driving signal
Implementation Method 2
The optical receiver may be configured to receive optical data signals communicated along the optical fiber and to convert the received optical data signals to electrical data signals that are representative of the received optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a host-equalized optical transceiver. The host-equalized optical transceiver includes a driver analog interface, a linear laser diode driver (LLDD), and an optical transmitter. The driver analog interface is configured to interface with a host integrated circuit (IC) of a host system. The LLDD is directly electrically coupled to a host IC of the host system via the driver analog interface. The LLDD is configured to receive an equalized electrical data signal directly from the host IC via the driver analog interface and to generate a driving signal based on the equalized electrical data signal. The equalized electrical data signal is a linear signal. The optical transmitter is electrically coupled to the LLDD. The optical transmitter is configured to receive the driving signal from the LLDD and to generate an optical signal that is representative of the driving signal.