Optical Filtering Unit for High-Speed Low-Dispersion Links

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fibre-optic communication systems face challenges in precise alignment, high costs due to complex digital circuitry, and chromatic dispersion, especially at higher speeds, limiting data bandwidth and transmission distance.

Innovation Solution

An optical transmitter unit with an array of micro-LEDs and a controller using analogue circuitry for encoding data across multiple channels, combined with optical filters to reduce chromatic dispersion, and a photodetector array with CMOS sensors for decoding, all connected via a multicore fibre optic cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If complex digital circuitry and advanced coding schemes are used to maximise bandwidth per lane, then data transmission speed is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoiddigital circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the transmission task across multiple parallel communication channels instead of relying on a single high-speed channel. Each channel uses simple OOK modulation, but the aggregate bandwidth is achieved through parallel transmission across multiple channels, avoiding the need for complex single-channel digital signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex digital signal processing and advanced modulation schemes with simpler optical modulation techniques. By using direct optical modulation of LED arrays and basic OOK coding, the system achieves high bandwidth through parallel channels rather than through complex digital circuitry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If higher speed transmission is implemented, then data bandwidth is improved, but chromatic dispersion increases and limits transmission distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidchromatic dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating parameters by using longer wavelength light (red spectrum) which has lower chromatic dispersion in the fibre. It also uses optical filtering to narrow the spectral bandwidth of the light sources, reducing the spread of wavelengths that cause dispersion, thereby enabling higher speed transmission over longer distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If precise alignment of optical fibres with light sources and detectors is ensured, then signal quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpackaging complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light sources and detectors into integrated arrays that are coupled to multicore fibre bundles. This integration approach maintains precise optical coupling while simplifying the overall packaging structure, as the arrays can be manufactured and assembled as unified components rather than requiring precise alignment of individual fibres and components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables cost-effective, high-bandwidth data transmission over longer distances using commodity components, reducing the need for complex digital signal processing and mitigating chromatic dispersion.

Implementation Method 1

an optical band-pass filter configured to narrow pulses of modulated light emitted by the array of light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

optical filters to reduce chromatic dispersion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatic dispersion reduction: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

an array of light sources, each light source configured to transmit visible light along a respective core of the multicore fibre optic cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

array of micro-LEDs and a controller using analogue circuitry for encoding data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 5

photodetector array with CMOS sensors for decoding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250224567A1Filtering unit, optical transmitter unit, optical receiver unit and optical transceiver unit

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A filtering unit for an optical communication system includes an optical band-pass filter that narrows pulses of modulated light emitted by an array of light sources in the communication system. The filtering unit can be included in an optical transmitter that includes the array of light sources, and a controller that receives data from a transmitting computer system and encodes and transmits it by modulating the visible light output by the array of light sources. The filtering unit can also be included in an optical receiver unit that includes a photodetector array to receive the modulated visible light; and a controller to receive the output of the photodetectors; decode data from the received output, and provide the decoded data to a receiving computer system.