Hybrid Waveguide Transmission Line Interconnect for High-Speed Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transmission lines attenuate high-frequency signals, limiting data transmission rates to approximately 20 Gb/sec due to their low-pass filter behavior, making it difficult to design high-speed digital systems that can handle increasing data rates according to Moore's Law.

Innovation Solution

A parallel combination of a waveguide and a transmission line, with a low-pass filter in series with the transmission line to maintain linear phase response, allowing the waveguide to propagate high-frequency data and the transmission line to propagate low-frequency data, thereby increasing the overall bandwidth for digital data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a traditional transmission line is used for data transmission, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but high-frequency signals are dramatically attenuated due to low-pass filter behavior, limiting data rates to approximately 20 Gb/sec

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect is segmented into two distinct pathways: a transmission line for low-frequency components and a waveguide for high-frequency components. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal frequency range, with the transmission line handling baseband signals and the waveguide carrying high-frequency harmonic components, thereby resolving the attenuation problem at high data rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hybrid coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the transmission line and waveguide, enabling seamless energy transfer between the two modes. This intermediary coupling allows the system to switch between transmission line mode and waveguide mode depending on the frequency content, maintaining signal integrity across the entire bandwidth from DC to over 20 GHz

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If data rates are increased beyond 20 Gb/sec, then higher bandwidth is achieved, but the harmonic components of the digital waveform are so attenuated that the signal is not recoverable at the receiver end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidsignal recoverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-dimensional transmission approach (transmission line only) to a two-dimensional hybrid approach by introducing the waveguide dimension. This additional dimension provides a new propagation path for high-frequency harmonic components that would otherwise be lost, enabling signal recovery at data rates exceeding 20 Gb/sec with sufficient fidelity for reliable reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If a waveguide is used to transmit high-frequency signals, then high-frequency propagation is improved, but the waveguide cannot effectively transmit low-frequency signals below its cutoff frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-frequency signal propagationVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the transmission line and waveguide into a hybrid interconnect system where both components work together. The transmission line provides coverage from DC to microwave frequencies, while the waveguide extends the bandwidth to millimeter-wave frequencies. The combined system achieves comprehensive frequency coverage from DC to over 20 GHz, with each component compensating for the other's limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration significantly increases the usable bandwidth for digital data transmission, enabling data rates up to at least 100 Gb/sec and beyond conventional limits, while maintaining low loss and cost-effectiveness, thus overcoming the speed limitations imposed by traditional transmission lines.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide and a transmission line coupled in parallel with the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

a low pass filter connected in series with the transmission line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS7800459B2Ultra-high bandwidth interconnect for data transmission

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In some embodiments an interconnect includes a waveguide and a transmission line coupled in parallel with the waveguide. Other embodiments are described and claimed.