Integrated Optical Device Modulator Array Signal Skew Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated optical devices with multiple modulators, existing configurations do not ensure uniform propagation paths for electric signals, leading to signal skews and inefficiencies due to varying wiring lengths and modulator placements.
Innovation Solution
The integrated optical device is designed with modulators arrayed along a specific axis, with electric signal input sections aligned along another axis, reducing wiring length differences and signal skews, and incorporating a waveguide type optical branching section to optimize signal propagation without interfering with signal input and output ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modulators are integrated with electric signal input sections, then the device achieves compact integration and improved productivity, but wiring line lengths vary causing signal skew and propagation time differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by strategically positioning the optical signal input section in one specific edge portion (third edge portion) rather than distributing it symmetrically across all edges. This asymmetric placement, combined with the specific array arrangement of modulators along the second axis, creates uniform wiring paths from the input section to all modulators, eliminating signal skew while maintaining compact integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric signal input sections are positioned to drive multiple modulators, then device functionality is achieved, but output ports interfere with input ports due to spatial overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves port interference by utilizing different spatial dimensions and edge portions of the substrate. Electric signal input sections are positioned at the third edge portion while optical signal output sections are positioned at the second edge portion, which are opposite edges along the first axis. This dimensional separation in opposite directions eliminates spatial overlap between input and output ports, enabling independent signal routing without interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wiring lines are extended to reach all modulators, then all modulators can be driven, but propagation time differences and signal skews increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves equipotentiality in terms of signal propagation by arranging modulators in a specific configuration along the second axis with the optical signal input section positioned at the third edge portion. This geometric arrangement ensures that all wiring lines from the input section to individual modulators have equal lengths, creating uniform propagation conditions. As a result, all modulators receive signals simultaneously without time skew, enabling high-speed operation.
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 configuration ensures uniform signal propagation times and reduces signal skews between modulators, enhancing the efficiency and alignment of signal inputs and outputs in the optical device.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide and an electrode portion provided on the optical waveguide, the optical waveguide extending in a direction of a first axis
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical device includes first, second, third, and fourth edge portions; a plurality of modulators each of which includes an optical waveguide and an electrode portion provided on the optical waveguide, the optical waveguide extending in a direction of a first axis; a plurality of electric signal input sections arrayed along the first edge portion extending in a direction of a second axis intersecting with the first axis, each of the electric signal input sections being connected to one of the electrode portions of the modulators; an optical signal input section; and an optical signal output section provided in the second edge portion extending in the direction of the second axis. The modulators are arrayed in the direction of the second axis. In addition, the optical signal input section is provided in one of the second edge portion, the third edge portion, and the fourth edge portion.