Optical Modulator Segmentation for Driver Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the baud rate increases in optical modulators, the power consumption of drivers increases due to the need for larger amplitude analog signals, and controlling the timing of electric signals across multiple segments becomes complex, especially as modulation levels enhance.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulator with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and multiple segments of varying lengths, where the optical path lengths from input ends of segments to the next are equal, and delay elements are used to adjust signal timings, allowing for efficient power management and simplified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the baud rate is increased to achieve higher transmission capacity, then the transmission capacity is improved, but the power consumption of the driver increases due to the need for larger amplitude analog signals
Solution Approach 1:
The optical modulator is divided into multiple segments (first through fourth segments) with different lengths, where each segment corresponds to a specific bit position. This segmentation allows independent control of each bit, enabling the use of inverter drivers that consume power only during data transitions rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of segment length to create a gradient structure where segment lengths vary according to bit significance. This parameter change enables different voltage amplitudes to be applied to different segments, optimizing the balance between transmission capacity and power consumption by matching signal amplitude requirements with segment characteristics.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple segments with different lengths are used to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the control complexity of the circuit for adjusting signal timings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric delay elements with different delay periods corresponding to different bit positions. This asymmetric design compensates for the timing differences caused by varying segment lengths, ensuring that all segments are properly synchronized without requiring complex control circuits. The asymmetry is deliberately designed to match the segment length variations, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Loss of energy
If segments of different lengths are used to generate multilevel optical signals, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit control for adjusting signal timings becomes more complicated as modulation level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timing adjustment by introducing delay elements before the segments to pre-synchronize the electric signals. This preliminary action ensures that all signals arrive at their respective segments at the correct timing, simplifying the control operation. The delay elements are designed with specific delay periods that correspond to the segment positions, allowing for straightforward control even as modulation levels increase.
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 configuration reduces power consumption and enhances the quality of optical signals by ensuring appropriate timing adjustments, maintaining efficiency even as modulation levels increase.
Implementation Method 1
When an output signal of the driver is supplied to the electrodes, the phase of light propagating thorough the waveguides will change in response to the signal, and a modulated optical signal indicating the transmission data will be output
Implementation Method 2
The optical modulator includes optical waveguides forming a Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Implementation Method 3
three or more segments that are provided in series along an optical path of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and respectively shift a phase of light propagating through the optical path based on the three or more electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulator, that includes a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and three or more segments, generates an optical signal based on three or more electric signals transmitted in parallel. The three or more segments are provided in series along an optical path of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and respectively shift a phase of light propagating through the optical path based on the three or more electric signals. A length of at least one of the three or more segments is different from lengths of the other segments. Optical path lengths from input ends of respective segments to input ends of corresponding next segments are the sae.