Optical Beam Tracking via Cross-Correlation Extrapolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data transmission between circuit boards is disrupted by acoustic noise and vibrations, leading to misalignment and reduced effectiveness of optical communication systems, particularly in free space optical interconnects, which also occupy significant board space and face challenges with alignment and interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a light sensing array with a beam tracking module and position controller to dynamically track and compensate for optical beam shifts caused by vibrations, using cross-correlation calculations to adjust the alignment of optical transmitters and receivers, thereby maintaining accurate data transmission across multiple channels without active steering of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If free space optical interconnects are used for data transmission, then board space is reduced compared to waveguides, but alignment precision deteriorates due to acoustic noise and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment systems with an optical-based beam tracking and sensing system. Light sensing arrays detect beam position shifts caused by vibrations, and computational algorithms calculate displacement without requiring mechanical actuators or physical realignment mechanisms, thus maintaining precision while avoiding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light sensing arrays to create optical copies or representations of the beam position information. By detecting the spatial distribution of light and computing cross-correlation data, the system creates a digital model of beam displacement that can be analyzed and compensated without physically moving components.
2Reliability
If active steering of optical components is implemented to maintain alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through automated beam tracking and displacement calculation. The light sensing array continuously monitors beam position, and the control system automatically computes and applies compensation without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical steering mechanisms, achieving stability through self-correcting optical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an optical feedback loop where the light sensing array detects beam position deviations caused by vibrations, and this information is fed back to the beam tracking module. The system uses cross-correlation calculations to determine displacement and adjusts the optical path accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains alignment stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If waveguides are used for optical transmission, then alignment is easier to maintain, but board space and interference issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical transmission path from physical waveguide structures and implements free space optical communication. By removing the waveguide constraint, the system eliminates the need for complex waveguide fabrication and assembly while reducing board space occupancy, and compensates for alignment challenges through active beam tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from confined waveguide-based optical transmission to free space optical communication, effectively moving the optical path to a different dimensional space. This allows optical beams to travel through air rather than being constrained to planar waveguide paths, reducing board space requirements and enabling more flexible system design.
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 solution ensures continuous and reliable multi-channel optical data transmission by actively compensating for mechanical displacements, reducing data loss and interference, while minimizing energy consumption and board space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensing array, each element of which outputs an electrical signal in response to optical energy incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnect includes an optical transmitter having a plurality of optical sources; a light sensing array configured to receive optical beams emitted from the optical sources; and a beam tracking module in communication with the light sensing array. The beam tracking module is configured to calculate a displacement of at least one of the optical beams by extrapolating an extremum from cross-correlation data obtained between at least a portion of a sample reading from the light sensing array and at least a portion of a plurality of shifted versions of a reference reading from the light sensing array. A related method includes calculating a displacement of an optical beam by extrapolating an extremum from cross-correlation data obtained between a sample reading of the optical beam and at least a portion of a plurality of shifted versions of a reference reading from the light sensing array.