Multiband QAM Interface for Slab Waveguide Terahertz Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated optical waveguides are limited to transmitting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and face challenges in interacting with silicon substrates and achieving high bandwidth due to their limited frequency range and compatibility with silicon's indirect band-gap semiconductor material.

Innovation Solution

An integrated chip with a dielectric waveguide disposed within an inter-level dielectric material over a semiconductor substrate, using coupling elements to transmit electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum, enabling data transfer across silicon substrates with increased bandwidth and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated optical waveguides are used to transmit electromagnetic radiation, then data transfer is enabled, but the frequency range is limited to the visible spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidsilicon substrate compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from visible spectrum to terahertz frequency range, enabling the waveguide to transmit electromagnetic radiation outside the traditional optical band. This parameter change allows compatibility with silicon substrates at terahertz frequencies while expanding the adaptable frequency range for data transfer applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining dielectric waveguide materials with silicon substrate, creating an integrated system that leverages the complementary properties of both materials. The dielectric waveguide enables terahertz transmission while the silicon substrate provides mechanical support and electrical functionality, resolving the compatibility issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If traditional integrated optical waveguides are used, then visible spectrum transmission is achieved, but bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidfrequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the frequency parameter to terahertz range, the patent achieves significantly higher bandwidth and data transfer rates compared to visible spectrum transmission. The terahertz frequency band offers wider available spectrum for data modulation, directly improving productivity in terms of data transfer rate while expanding frequency range adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10162198B2Multiband QAM interface for slab waveguide

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having a multiband transmission and reception elements coupled to an integrated dielectric waveguide. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a dielectric waveguide disposed within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) structure over a substrate. A multiband transmission element having a plurality of phase modulation elements is configured to generate a plurality of modulated signals in different frequency bands. A plurality of transmission electrodes are located along a first side of the dielectric waveguide and are respectively configured to couple one of the plurality of modulated signals into the dielectric waveguide.