Optical Physical Interface Module Power Footprint Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical interface modules and active optical cables consume excessive power and have a large footprint due to their design, which is not optimized for size, and lack flexibility and interoperability, especially when used for optical signal transmission directly from ASIC devices to circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A true optical physical interface module with optical interfaces at both ends, capable of processing optical signals for longer distances and wavelength conversion, integrated directly onto circuit boards or within connectors, using optical engines to convert electrical signals to optical signals, and providing optional control and power interfaces through alignment pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical interface modules are designed for flexibility and interoperability with standardized form factors, then adaptability is improved, but footprint and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical interface mechanical system with an optical interface system. Optical engines convert electrical signals to optical signals, eliminating the need for lengthy electrical traces between ASIC and physical interface modules. This substitution maintains adaptability through standardized optical connectors while significantly reducing the footprint required for signal transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from electrical signal transmission through PCB traces to optical signal transmission through optical fibers or waveguides. This dimensional change in signal transmission medium allows for much shorter physical paths and smaller form factors while maintaining the same level of interoperability and adaptability through standardized optical connectors.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical traces between ASIC and physical interface module are lengthened to accommodate board layout, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical trace transmission with optical transmission. Optical engines positioned close to the ASIC convert electrical signals to optical signals that can be transmitted through optical fibers or waveguides. This eliminates the need for lengthy electrical traces, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining board layout flexibility through standardized optical connector positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical engines as intermediary components between the ASIC and the physical interface module. These optical engines convert electrical signals to optical signals, allowing signal transmission without relying on lengthy electrical traces across the PCB. This intermediary solution reduces power consumption while preserving manufacturing ease through standardized mounting positions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical engines are placed at very close proximity to electrical signal source, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs optical engines with multi-functional capabilities, integrating clock data recovery (CDR) and other signal processing functions within the optical engine itself. This universal design allows the optical engine to perform multiple functions in a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining close proximity to the ASIC for optimal power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (optical conversion, clock data recovery, signal processing) into a single integrated optical engine component. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components and interconnections required, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling close placement to the ASIC for minimal power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standardized physical interface modules are used, then interoperability is improved, but form factor is not optimized for size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical physical interface module with an optical interface module that uses optical engines for signal conversion. This substitution eliminates the need for large electrical trace routing areas and bulky shielding structures, significantly reducing module volume while maintaining interoperability through standardized optical connectors and form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from electrical signal transmission requiring large PCB trace areas to optical signal transmission through compact optical fibers or waveguides. This dimensional change in transmission medium allows for much smaller module volumes while preserving interoperability through standardized optical connector interfaces.
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 significantly reduces power consumption and footprint, enabling smaller, more energy-efficient networking systems with flexible optical signal processing and interoperability, while maintaining hot-swappability and compatibility with existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
An optical engine is included in each connector of the AOC. Each optical engine converts signals between the electrical and optical domains.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical physical interface module is provided which includes a first optical physical interface, a second optical physical interface and one or more optical components. The first optical physical interface is configured to plug into a first connector and communicate optical signals toward the first connector. The second optical physical interface is configured to receive a second connector and communicate optical signals toward the second connector. The one or more optical components are operable to process optical signals between the first and second optical physical interfaces. The optical physical interface module may be provided at the edge of a circuit board so that the circuit board has an optical interface for external communication. The optical physical interface module may be a stand-alone module or integrated into a connector of an optical cable, among other configurations.