Optical Interface for EMI Suppression in Sealed Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density information handling systems face challenges with thermal management, mechanical positioning, and electrical concerns due to densely packed devices, particularly with electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission, which affects the efficiency and operation of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A data processing device with a sealed internal volume and an optical system that uses optical connections at frequencies outside the EMI range to transmit network data units, allowing communication while suppressing EMI emissions by at least 90 decibels across specific frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If devices are densely packed in high-density information handling systems, then space utilization is improved, but electromagnetic interference emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical/RF communication systems with an optical communication system. The optical system uses light transmission through optical fibers or free-space optical paths to communicate between devices, substituting the electromagnetic radiation-based electrical systems that generate EMI. This allows dense packing of devices while eliminating electromagnetic interference emissions through a fundamental change in the communication medium from electrical to optical.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a sealed volume is used to suppress EMI, then electromagnetic interference suppression is improved, but external communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical interface as an intermediary between the sealed volume and the external environment. Optical fibers or optical transducers penetrate the sealed enclosure, allowing optical signals to pass through while maintaining the electromagnetic seal. This intermediary enables communication functionality without compromising the EMI suppression provided by the sealed volume, as optical frequencies are unaffected by the electromagnetic shielding.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If optical communication is implemented through sealed volume, then EMI suppression is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical interface to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides communication pathways, maintains the sealed enclosure integrity, and enables EMI suppression. The optical components are integrated into the sealed volume structure, allowing a single design to achieve what would otherwise require separate systems. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity despite the introduction of optical technology.
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 effectively manages EMI emissions, enabling the use of EMI-emitting devices in high-density environments without compromising system performance, while allowing for communication through optical frequencies that are not affected by EMI suppression.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system. The optical system may include a first portion, disposed in the internal volume, adapted to receive network data units from devices disposed in the internal volume and a second portion of the optical system. The optical system may also include the second portion, disposed outside of the internal volume, adapted to obtain the network data units from the first portion via an optical connection using transmission at optical frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing device may include an internal volume that is sealed from space outside the internal volume and an optical system. The optical system may include a first portion, disposed in the internal volume, adapted to receive network data units from devices disposed in the internal volume and a second portion of the optical system. The optical system may also include the second portion, disposed outside of the internal volume, adapted to obtain the network data units from the first portion via an optical connection using transmission at optical frequencies.