Light Source Switching via Phase Modulation in Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of channels in optical modules based on silicon photonics technology increases, the cost and complexity of replacing failed light sources become significant issues, with high failure rates and increased operating temperatures shortening the lifespan of components, necessitating a more economical and efficient replacement solution.
Innovation Solution
A light source switching apparatus and method utilizing a combination of multi-mode interference couplers and a phase modulator to select between internal and external light sources, allowing for temporary use of a built-in low-cost light source when an external source fails, and subsequent replacement with a new external source, thereby improving reliability and reducing overall costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of channels in optical modules is increased, then the integration capability and power consumption are improved, but the cost and complexity of replacing failed light sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source replacement function into two independent parts: a built-in light source for temporary use and an external light source for permanent replacement. This segmentation allows the replacement process to be divided into separate steps, reducing the complexity of replacing failed light sources in high-channel optical modules while maintaining high integration capability.
2Productivity
If the number of channels in optical modules is increased, then the integration capability is improved, but the replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a built-in light source that is intentionally designed to be lower-cost and temporary, serving as a disposable component for maintaining system operation during the transition period. This allows the system to maintain high channel integration while reducing the overall replacement cost, as the expensive external light source is only used when permanently needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The built-in light source acts as an intermediary component between system failure and permanent replacement. It provides a temporary bridge that maintains system operation during the transition period, allowing time for proper replacement without incurring the full cost of immediate external light source installation.
3Speed
If high power light sources are used to increase transmission distance, then the transmission capability is improved, but the failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a built-in light source as a pre-prepared backup component that cushions against the high failure rate of high-power external light sources. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the primary high-power light source fails, the system can immediately switch to the backup source, maintaining transmission capability while mitigating the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting light source failures and switching between the built-in and external light sources without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces the impact of high failure rates by immediately compensating for failed high-power light sources, maintaining transmission distance capability while improving overall reliability.
4Speed
If high power light sources are used to increase transmission distance, then the transmission capability is improved, but the lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing a built-in light source that can serve as an immediate replacement when the high-power external light source reaches the end of its lifespan. This preliminary preparation extends the overall system lifespan by ensuring continuity of operation, allowing the high-power light source to operate at full capacity for maximum transmission distance without worrying about lifespan limitations.
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 enables fast and economical replacement of failed light sources, reducing the impact of high failure rates and extending the lifespan of light sources by using hybrid light sources, thus improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of optical modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler, a second MMI coupler
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulator, configured to select one light source from the two light sources connected to the third port and the fourth port for output from the seventh port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
This application discloses a light source switching apparatus, method, and system. In an implementation, the apparatus includes a first multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler, a second MMI coupler, and a phase modulator, where: the first MMI coupler includes four ports, where a first port and a second port are located on one side of the first MMI coupler, and a third port and a fourth port are located on the other side of the first MMI coupler; the second MMI coupler includes three ports, where a fifth port and a sixth port are located on one side of the second MMI coupler, and a seventh port is located on the other side of the second MMI coupler; the first port and the second port are connected to the fifth port and the sixth port in a one-to-one correspondence, to form two connections; the phase modulator is disposed on any one of the two connections, and the seventh port is configured to connect to an optical modulator; both the third port and the fourth port are configured to connect to a light source that outputs continuous light energy; and the phase modulator is configured to select one light source from the two light sources for output from the seventh port. The light source switching apparatus in this application can implement fast light source module switching.