Bi-directional Optical Module Using LiNbOx Modulator and Folding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules face challenges with size constraints, high energy consumption, and increased costs due to the need for compactness and high-speed, long-distance transmission in modern communication networks, particularly in 5G networks, where they require complex circuit layouts and hermetically sealed structures.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional and multi-channel optical module design incorporating a thin film lithium niobate (LiNbOx) modulator, transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), and receiver optical subassemblies (ROSAs) within a single encapsulation casing, utilizing optical folding elements to manage light direction and sharing fiber access terminals, which reduces size and energy consumption while enhancing bandwidth and transmission speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical modules are designed for high-speed, long-distance transmission, then transmission quality is improved, but size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical channels (transmitter and multiple receivers) into a single integrated module housing, merging functions that would traditionally require separate modules. This integration reduces overall system size while maintaining high-speed transmission capabilities through shared optical paths and folding elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optical folding elements that change the dimensional arrangement of optical paths, allowing light to traverse longer effective distances within a compact physical footprint. This enables high-speed transmission performance without proportionally increasing module volume
2Reliability
If conventional optical modules are designed for high-speed, long-distance transmission, then transmission quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple receiver channels into a single module with shared optical components and folding paths, the system reduces redundant energy consumption while maintaining high-speed transmission quality across all channels through efficient resource utilization
3Volume of moving object
If multiple channels are integrated in a single module, then internal space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical folding elements introduce dimensional complexity in light path arrangement, allowing multiple channels to be packed efficiently in three-dimensional space within the module housing, maximizing internal space utilization while managing complexity through structured optical routing
4Productivity
If optical folding elements are used to share fiber access terminals, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding elements create multi-dimensional optical paths that converge at shared fiber access terminals, enabling multiple channels to access the same terminal through different spatial routes. This increases bandwidth efficiency by utilizing shared resources while the folding structure manages the complexity through organized光路 arrangement
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 design enables efficient, cost-effective, and compact optical signal transmission with improved bandwidth and reduced energy consumption, addressing the limitations of conventional modules by integrating multiple channels in a single module and minimizing transmission quality issues in high-speed applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film lithium niobate (LiNbOx) modulator
Implementation Method 2
The optical folding elements are optically coupled with a plurality of light propagation ends of the thin film LiNbOx modulator, respectively, for changing a traveling direction of light emitted by the TOSA
Implementation Method 3
The TOSA includes a light emitting element
Implementation Method 4
The ROSAs are configured to receive external optical signals propagating into the encapsulation casing
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional and multi-channel optical module incudes an encapsulation casing, a TOSA, a plurality of ROSAs and a plurality of optical folding elements. The TOSA is accommodated in the encapsulation casing. The TOSA includes a light emitting element and a thin film LiNbOx modulator, and a light receiving end of the thin film LiNbOx modulator is optically coupled with the light emitting element. The ROSAs are accommodated in the encapsulation casing. The ROSAs are configured to receive external optical signals propagating into the encapsulation casing. The optical folding elements are optically coupled with a plurality of light propagation ends of the thin film LiNbOx modulator, respectively, for changing a traveling direction of light emitted by the TOSA. Each of the optical folding elements is configured to enable one of the ROSAs share a fiber access terminal with the TOSA.