Optical Connector for Stacked Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication devices face challenges with alignment issues and space constraints due to the need for optical transfer units, leading to increased manufacturing costs and limitations in miniaturizing electronic systems, especially when dealing with vertically stacked data sources in high-speed, high-performance systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design that eliminates the need for optical transfer units by positioning light emitting and receiving devices close to each other, allowing direct optical signal transfer between vertically stacked component modules, utilizing bonding wires and penetration electrodes for signal transfer and mounting on circuit boards, thereby reducing the overall size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an optical transfer unit (optical cable) is used to transfer optical signals between light emitting diode and photo detector, then the optical signal can be transferred over distance, but the alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain and the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical cable from the system by directly coupling the light emitting diode and photo detector through air or vacuum space. This extraction of the optical transfer unit eliminates the alignment and positioning issues associated with flexible optical cables while maintaining optical signal transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light emitting diode and photo detector into a single integrated optical module where the two components are positioned in close proximity. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical cables and alignment mechanisms, reducing both volume and alignment complexity.
2Length of moving object
If a flexible optical cable is used for optical signal transfer, then the light emitting diode and photo detector can be spaced apart, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional alignment tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the light emitting diode and photo detector in precise alignment during the module manufacturing process. By establishing the correct spatial relationship between components before final assembly, the need for additional alignment tools and procedures is eliminated, reducing manufacturing cost.
3Productivity
If optical transfer units are used in vertically stacked module configuration, then data communication between modules is enabled, but the occupancy space increases and system size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal optical cable routing to vertical optical signal transfer between stacked modules. By utilizing the vertical dimension for optical communication, the design achieves high-speed data communication between stacked modules without requiring additional horizontal space for optical cables.
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 enables high-speed, reliable data transfer between vertically stacked modules without additional optical transfer units, reducing occupancy space and manufacturing costs while maintaining high data transfer efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device connected to the input device and generating an optical signal in response to an input signal
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving device positioned close to the light emitting device in such a configuration that the optical signal may directly reach the light receiving device from the light emitting device, the light receiving device generating an output signal in response to the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector for directly transferring data is disclosed. The optical connector includes a first input device connected to a first data source and to which a first input signal is applied, a first light emitting device connected to the first input device and generating a first optical signal corresponding to the first input signal, a first light receiving device positioned close to the first light emitting device in such a configuration that the first optical signal directly reaches the first light receiving device from the first light emitting device, the first light receiving device generating a first output signal corresponding to the first optical signal, and a first output device connected to the first light receiving device and to a second data source to which the first output signal is transferred. Large-sized data may be transferred at high speed and high reliability without light transfer units.