Integrated Micro Macro LED Device for Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro LED arrays used in optical communication systems have a low active area fill factor, resulting in low light intensity, making them unsuitable for general illumination purposes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated LED device comprising micro LEDs and macro LEDs formed on the same semiconductor substrate, where micro LEDs emit modulated light for communication and macro LEDs provide illumination, with a notch filter on the macro LEDs to block interfering wavelengths and an epoxy or color conversion layer for enhanced light generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If micro LED arrays are used for optical communication, then modulation rate is improved, but light intensity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The LED device is segmented into two distinct functional components: micro LEDs dedicated to optical communication and macro LEDs dedicated to illumination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise, resolving the contradiction between high modulation rate and sufficient light intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated LED device achieves multi-functionality by combining communication and illumination capabilities in a single device. The micro LEDs provide communication functionality with high modulation rates while the macro LEDs provide illumination functionality with sufficient light intensity, allowing the device to perform both functions simultaneously
2Reliability
If micro LED arrays are used for communication, then communication capability is improved, but illumination suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments communication and illumination functions into separate LED components with different size characteristics. Micro LEDs with small dimensions are optimized for communication reliability, while macro LEDs with large dimensions are optimized for illumination versatility, allowing the system to excel at both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device achieves universality by combining two functionally distinct LED types in one package. The micro LEDs ensure reliable communication performance while the macro LEDs provide suitable illumination performance, making the device adaptable to both communication and illumination applications
3Illumination intensity
If macro LEDs are added for illumination, then light intensity is improved, but interference with communication signal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful interference component is extracted and removed through the notch filter, which specifically targets and blocks the wavelength range emitted by macro LEDs. This extraction approach allows the macro LEDs to provide illumination without their harmful interference effect affecting the communication signal
Solution Approach 2:
The notch filter acts as an intermediary element between the macro LEDs and the communication channel. It selectively blocks the illumination wavelengths from interfering with the communication signal while allowing the communication wavelengths to pass through unaffected, mediating the interaction between illumination and communication functions
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 enhances light intensity for illumination while maintaining communication capabilities, improving the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and enabling multi-channel data transmission through orthogonal frequency division multiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
the LED device includes a notch filter on the macro LED for blocking a band of light with wavelength corresponding to the modulated light
Implementation Method 2
Each of the micro LEDs and the macro LED may be surrounded by a color conversion layer in either directly or in a remote location. This may consist of phosphors, QDs or an alternative material for white light generation
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) device includes micro LEDs and one or more macro LEDs formed on the same semiconductor substrate. Each micro LED emits modulated light to perform communication with another device. Each macro LED emits light to illuminate an environment surrounding the LED device and the size of the macro LED is relatively larger than the micro LED. The LED device may further include a notch filter to filter light generated by the macro LEDs so that the light from the macro LEDs do not interfere with communication performed by the micro LEDs.