Modular Optical Waveguides for Inter-Board Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the distance between circuit boards increases, electrical signal routing becomes inefficient due to increased power requirements and decreased signal speed, necessitating a more effective method for signal transmission between separated boards.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising modular waveguides that allow for the alignment and exchange of light signals between different modules, enabling efficient communication between circuit boards by using optical modules with complementary alignment structures, allowing for the assembly of various optical components into a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical signals are routed through wires between circuit boards, then signal transmission is achieved, but power requirements increase and signal speed decreases as routing distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through wires with optical signal transmission through waveguides. This substitution of the transmission medium from electrical to optical domain resolves the contradiction by enabling faster signal speed and longer transmission distance without the power loss and speed degradation inherent in electrical routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical modules with waveguides as an intermediary system between circuit boards. These modules serve as a mediator that converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, then converts back to electrical signals at the destination, thereby solving the problem of power requirements and signal speed over distance.
2Productivity
If optical modules with alignment structures are used, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into separate modular units, each containing its own waveguides and alignment structures. This segmentation allows for independent fabrication and testing of modules, then assembly into a complete system, improving transmission efficiency while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment structures that are pre-formed during module fabrication. These pre-aligned waveguides reduce the complexity of final assembly by eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment procedures, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular optical components are assembled into a single system, then fabrication complexity and costs are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into separate modules that can be fabricated independently using standard processes. This segmentation simplifies fabrication by allowing each module to be manufactured and tested separately, reducing overall fabrication complexity while enabling precise alignment through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment structures that are pre-formed during module fabrication. These pre-aligned features establish precise geometric relationships before final assembly, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements during assembly while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
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 modular optical system facilitates efficient data communication between circuit boards by generating and transmitting modulated light signals, reducing fabrication complexity and costs, while maintaining signal integrity over longer distances.
Implementation Method 1
First electronics operate a transmitter on a first one of the optical modules so as to generate one of the light signals
Implementation Method 2
Second electronics operate a receiver on a second one of the modules such that the electronics generate an electrical signal in response to the receiver receiving one of the light signals
Implementation Method 3
Module waveguides from different modules are aligned such that the aligned module waveguides exchange light signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes optical modules. Each module includes a different base and one or more module waveguides on the base. Module waveguides from different modules are aligned such that the aligned module waveguides exchange light signals. At least a portion of one of the aligned module waveguides is between the base of one of the modules and the base of another module. First electronics operate a transmitter on a first one of the optical modules so as to generate one of the light signals. Second electronics operate a receiver on a second one of the modules such that the electronics generate an electrical signal in response to the receiver receiving one of the light signals.