Optical Interconnect Alignment via Diffractive Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnect systems face challenges with misalignment issues and space occupancy when transmitting data between circuit boards, particularly in free space optical communication, which can lead to increased optical impedance, interference, and distortion, especially when implementing multiple channels.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a plurality of optical data sources and receivers, a diffractive optical element, and an aligning mechanism with actuators to ensure precise alignment of optical beams using feedback loops and sensors, minimizing misalignment and optimizing board space usage through the use of translatable lenses or mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If free space optical communication is used to transmit data between circuit boards, then data transmission capability is improved, but misalignment issues and optical impedance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the position of optical components and actuators adjust the alignment based on sensor readings. This closed-loop system continuously monitors and corrects misalignment, ensuring precise optical beam alignment while maintaining high data transmission capability through free space optical communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-adjusting, using sensors to detect misalignment conditions and actuators to automatically correct the positioning without external intervention. This self-service alignment mechanism maintains optimal optical coupling between circuit boards, reducing optical impedance and interference while preserving transmission productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple optical channels are implemented to increase bandwidth, then data transmission bandwidth is improved, but space occupancy and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar space utilization to three-dimensional optical routing by implementing translatable lenses and mirrors that redirect optical beams in multiple spatial dimensions. This allows multiple optical channels to be packed more efficiently by utilizing vertical and angular dimensions, reducing the footprint area occupied while maintaining high bandwidth through parallel multi-channel transmission.
3Area of stationary object
If optical components are positioned to minimize space usage, then board space occupancy is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment components including translatable lenses and mirrors that can move to optimize optical paths. Rather than fixed rigid positioning, the system uses adjustable elements that can be repositioned to maintain precise alignment even when components are densely packed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows high alignment precision to be achieved within reduced space constraints.
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 reliable, high-bandwidth, multi-channel optical communication between circuit boards with reduced optical impedance and interference, maintaining alignment and efficiency even under mechanical stress or vibrations, while minimizing physical space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element configured to diffract an optical beam from an alignment optical source to at least one sensor
Implementation Method 2
Light beams or optical signals are frequently used to transmit digital data between electronic devices, both over long distances and between adjacent circuit boards. A light beam may be modulated as needed to carry data.
Implementation Method 3
directing the light beam of the optical signal to a sensor that detects the encoded light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnect has a plurality of optical data sources, a plurality of optical data receivers, a diffractive optical element configured to diffract an optical beam from at least one alignment optical source to at least one sensor, and an aligning element configured to align optical beams from the optical data sources to said optical data receivers, according to readings from the sensor.