Optical Memory System Light Distribution Unit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computing systems with optically connected memory modules face limitations in increasing memory capacity due to high costs and power consumption associated with the number of required light sources, which deteriorate signal integrity as the transfer speed increases.

Innovation Solution

An optical memory system design that includes a plurality of memory modules, a light source, and a light distribution unit with optical transmission lines and electrical-to-optical converters, allowing for efficient distribution of light signals to multiple memory modules, reducing the need for multiple light sources and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of optically connected memory modules is increased, then the system memory capacity is improved, but the number of required light sources increases resulting in increased cost and power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem memory capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple memory modules share a single light source through optical coupling. The light source is optically coupled to a optical splitter that distributes optical signals to multiple memory modules, allowing one light source to serve multiple modules simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of light sources required in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single light source performs multiple functions by serving multiple memory modules through optical distribution. The light source is not dedicated to a single memory module but rather provides optical signals to multiple modules via the optical splitter and couplers, making the light source universal across multiple memory interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of optically connected memory modules is increased, then the system memory capacity is improved, but the cost increases due to the increased number of required light sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem memory capacityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the transfer speed of the electrical signal is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the signal integrity deteriorates due to impedance mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission between the memory controller and memory modules. By using optical signals instead of electrical signals, the system eliminates impedance mismatch issues that plague electrical connections, thereby maintaining signal integrity at high transfer speeds. Optical signals are immune to the electrical interference and impedance issues that affect electrical signaling.

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

The optical memory system effectively increases system memory capacity while reducing costs and power consumption by sharing a single light source among multiple modules, maintaining signal integrity even at higher transfer speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a light source; a light distribution unit connected to the light source through a first optical transmission line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of electrical to optical converters, each connected to at least one of the second optical transmission lines; and a plurality of output optical transmission lines connected to the plurality of electrical to optical converters, each output optical transmission line for outputting an electrical to optical converted signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical to optical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9054805B2Optical memory system including an optically connected memory module and computing system including the same

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical memory system according to example embodiments includes a plurality of memory modules, each memory module including a plurality of memory devices; a light source; a light distribution unit connected to the light source through a first optical transmission line; a plurality of second optical transmission lines connected between the light distribution unit and the plurality of memory modules; a plurality of electrical to optical converters, each connected to at least one of the second optical transmission lines; and a plurality of output optical transmission lines connected to the plurality of electrical to optical converters, each output optical transmission line for outputting an electrical to optical converted signal.