Integrated Lightguide Coupler for Optical Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for remotely controlling and communicating with electrical appliances in buildings face challenges due to the prohibition of low voltage networks and the need for cost-effective, high-speed optical signal propagation without the use of copper wires, which is hindered by the limitations of current photocouplers and the increased manufacturing costs of lightguide systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a lightguide coupler system that directly connects optical fibers between photoelectric and photovoltaic receivers and LED or laser transmitters, using a semiconductor package with integrated optical elements like pin photo diodes, phototransistors, and MOSFETs, allowing for low-cost, high-speed optical communication and enabling remote control of electrical devices through optical signals via lightguides or optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional photocouplers with multiple assembled components are used, then electrical insulation between input and output is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LED transmitter, photodetector receiver, and optical guiding structure into a single integrated photocoupler device. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembled components while maintaining electrical insulation between input and output terminals, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photocoupler structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, guides optical signals from the LED to the photodetector, and enables signal transmission across different electrical potentials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and assembly steps.
2Reliability
If lightguide or optical fiber cables are used to connect relays and dimmers, then electrical insulation and compliance with building codes is achieved, but the number of parts and components increases adding to manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical transmission function with the electrical switching function into a single integrated photocoupler device. The optical cable connects to this integrated device which internally contains the LED, photodetector, and switching elements, thereby reducing the overall number of parts compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signal serves as an intermediary that transmits control commands from the low-voltage side to the high-voltage side without requiring direct electrical connection. The integrated photocoupler acts as the mediator that converts this optical signal into electrical switching action, simplifying the system architecture.
3Reliability
If optical signals are transmitted through thick insulation material, then electrical safety is improved, but light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical coupling structures with different insulation thicknesses optimized for their specific functions. The region where light transmission occurs has minimal insulation thickness to maximize light efficiency, while other regions have sufficient insulation for electrical safety. This localized optimization allows both electrical safety and light transmission efficiency to be maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical coupling structures such as optical cables, lenses, or prisms as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the LED and photodetector. These intermediaries are positioned in regions with optimized insulation, allowing light to transmit efficiently while maintaining adequate electrical insulation through the surrounding structure.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient method for remote control and monitoring of electrical appliances by enabling direct optical signal transmission between semiconductor devices, reducing manufacturing costs and overcoming the limitations of traditional photocouplers, while ensuring compliance with electrical safety codes.
Implementation Method 1
a current signal is fed to an LED or laser embedded into an IC package
Implementation Method 2
a current signal is fed to an LED or laser embedded into an IC package
Implementation Method 3
propagating optical signal to a pin diode or photo transistor, or other optical or photovoltaic receiving structures
Implementation Method 4
lightguide or optical fiber cables
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for coupling electrical and communication circuits, included in a packaged semiconductor comprising photo receivers, photo transmitters and photovoltaic cells, through lightguide and optical fiber cables. The packaged semiconductor combinations comprise one, two or plurality of photo elements for a single or plurality one way optical signal, receive or transmit, and a single or plurality of two way optical signal communications via direct optical links and via optical prisms, filters, half mirrors and lenses. The packaged semiconductor includes at least one optical access to a single or plurality of lightguides or optical fiber with single core and for multicore lightguides. A built-in or attachable holders are used for attaching the different lightguide cables to the one or plurality of optical accesses with the attached cable end is terminated by cutting, trimming and shaping. The packaged circuit comprising electrical switches, current sensors, basic elements such as diodes, transistors and FETs, switches and power switches and different basic electrical circuit and communication, distribution circuits including CPU, DSP and complex semiconductor circuits, as used for communicating within limited short distances through optical network of lightguides and fiber optical cables. A packaged semiconductor of an SPDT power switch circuit is integrated with an SPDT manually activated switch, for providing dual switching for lights and other electrical appliances, via manual action and remotely via the lightguide or the optical fiber.