Optical Interconnect Modulation for Sideband and In-Band Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical interconnection schemes for high-speed data transmission, such as those compliant with the PCIe protocol, face challenges including increased complexity and cost due to separate signal lines for sideband and in-band signals, limited bandwidth, and physical limitations that hinder wiring density and electromagnetic compatibility.

Innovation Solution

An optical transmitter and receiver system utilizing optical fibers to transmit both control (sideband) and traffic (in-band) data, employing electro-optic modulation structures with separate modulators to combine signals into a single optical path through techniques like polarization, wavelength, or mode division multiplexing, reducing the need for additional electrical or optical signal lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate electrical signal lines are used for sideband and in-band signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sideband and in-band signals into a single optical channel for transmission. The optical transmitter modulates both types of signals onto optical carriers and transmits them through one optical fiber, eliminating the need for separate electrical signal lines while maintaining transmission reliability through optical isolation and reduced electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. By using optical modulators to convert electrical signals (sideband and in-band) into optical signals for transmission through optical fibers, the system eliminates the limitations of electrical wiring such as electromagnetic compatibility issues and bandwidth constraints, while simplifying the interconnection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If electrical signal lines are used for high-speed data transmission, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but bandwidth is limited and electromagnetic compatibility becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes optical transmission for electrical transmission to achieve high-speed data communication. Optical signals carry both sideband and in-band signals through optical fibers, providing vastly superior bandwidth compared to electrical lines while completely eliminating electromagnetic radiation and compatibility issues, as optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If device sizes continue to shrink, then integration density is improved, but physical limitations of electrical signal lines prevent further wiring density increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring densityVSAvoidsignal line length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical interconnection with optical interconnection to overcome the physical limitations of miniaturized electrical wiring. Optical fibers can be routed through three-dimensional spaces more flexibly and densely than electrical traces on PCBs, enabling higher wiring density in compact devices while maintaining signal integrity at reduced scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach simplifies system integration, reduces costs, and enhances transmission efficiency by leveraging optical interconnection to meet the demands of modern communication protocols while ensuring reliable and rapid initialization of communication channels.

Implementation Method 1

an electro-optic modulation structure comprising a first modulator and a second modulator, wherein the first modulator is configured to acquire a sideband signal for transmitting control data and modulate the optical carrier to load the sideband signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic modulation: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20250365076A1Optical transmitter, optical receiver, optical transmitting node, and optical interconnection system

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 OMATTRIX LTD CO

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an optical transmitter, an optical transmitting node, and an optical interconnection system. The optical transmitter comprises: a light source, for outputting an optical carrier; and an electro-optical modulation structure, comprising a first modulator and a second modulator, wherein the first modulator and the second modulator are configured to acquire a sideband signal for transmitting control data and an in-band signal for transmitting traffic data respectively, and modulate the optical carrier to load the sideband signal and the in-band signal respectively, thereby outputting a first optical signal and a second optical signal.