Memory Controller Optical Transmission Unit for Power-Efficient Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bidirectional multi-drop optical interconnection structures, the use of optical splitters leads to increased power consumption in light sources as they need to output stronger optical signals to multiple receivers, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller optical transmission unit that electrophotically converts data signals into complementary first and second optical modulation signals, using a light source and a modulation unit with a coupler to split and couple optical signals, reducing the need for excessive light source power by ensuring each receiver receives signals of equal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical splitter is used to transmit optical modulation signals to multiple receivers, then the signal can be distributed to multiple devices, but the light source must output a stronger optical signal which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signal transmission is segmented into multiple independent transmission paths, each with its own optical modulator and signal generation unit. Instead of splitting a single optical signal, the system divides the transmission into separate channels (first optical modulation signal and second optical modulation signal), where each channel operates independently with optimized power levels for single-receiver communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates copies of the data signal in different optical forms (complementary optical modulation signals) rather than splitting a single optical signal. Each receiver receives a complete, full-strength optical signal that is a copy of the transmitted data, eliminating the need for power-intensive signal boosting that would be required if a single signal were split among multiple receivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical splitter divides the optical signal into multiple signals, then multiple receivers can be connected, but the output optical signal strength becomes insufficient for each receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into multiple independent transmission channels, each dedicated to a specific receiver. The first optical modulator generates a first optical modulation signal for the first receiver, while the second optical modulator generates a second optical modulation signal for the second receiver. This segmentation ensures that each receiver receives a full-strength optical signal without the signal degradation that occurs when a single optical signal is split.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of splitting a single optical signal and hoping each receiver gets sufficient strength, the invention inverts the approach by generating separate, full-strength optical signals for each receiver from the beginning. Each optical modulator produces an optical signal with adequate intensity for its designated receiver, eliminating the signal strength problem inherent in optical splitting.
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 approach reduces power consumption in light sources by ensuring each receiver receives signals of equal strength, optimizing power usage and efficiency in optical interconnections.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to output an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulator configured to modulate a phase of the first optical signal according to the data signal
Implementation Method 3
a coupler configured to couple the first optical signal having a modulated phase to the second optical signal to output the first optical modulation signal and the second optical modulation signal
Implementation Method 4
a photo detector configured to convert an optical modulation signal received from the memory controller into an electrical signal corresponding to the data signal
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a memory controller comprising a controller optical transmission unit photoelectrically-converting a data signal to output a first optical modulation signal and a second optical modulation signal, a first memory device which is optically connected with the memory controller to receive the first optical modulation signal, and a second memory device which is optically connected with the memory controller to receive the second optical modulation signal. The first optical modulation signal and the second optical modulation signal are complementary to each other.