Optical Modulator Driver Placement in Cut-Out for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical modulators with integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometers face challenges in downsizing due to increased mounting area caused by flexible printed circuits (FPC) connections, which lead to inefficient use of space and larger device sizes.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design where a driver is accommodated in a cut-out portion of the optical modulator, overlapping the optical fiber, and connected using a coaxial pin, reducing the need for detouring wiring and minimizing the mounting area by embedding a connector in the optical modulator's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RF pin and driver are connected via FPC, then electrical connection is achieved, but the device size and mounting area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driver from the main body of the optical modulator and places it in a cut-out portion, allowing the driver to be positioned directly below the optical fiber. This extraction eliminates the need for FPC connections and detoured wiring, thereby reducing the mounting area while maintaining electrical connection reliability through direct coaxial pin connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the driver below the optical fiber in the cut-out portion, rather than placing it horizontally adjacent to the optical modulator. This dimensional change allows wiring to connect directly vertically through coaxial pins, eliminating the need for horizontal detoured wiring and reducing the overall mounting area.
2Area of stationary object
If the driver is accommodated in the cut-out portion with direct connection, then mounting area is reduced, but wiring arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical module into distinct functional areas: the optical modulator in the main body, the driver in the cut-out portion, and the coaxial pin connection interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and connected through simple vertical interfaces, reducing overall wiring complexity despite the compact arrangement.
3Device complexity
If conventional horizontal arrangement is used, then wiring is simple, but mounting area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver and optical fiber positioning in the vertical dimension by placing the driver directly below the optical fiber in the cut-out portion. This merging allows the electrical connection to be made through the same vertical space, eliminating the need for separate horizontal wiring paths and reducing the mounting area.
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 effectively reduces the device size by minimizing the mounting area and avoiding detoured wiring, allowing for more compact optical module designs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical modulator that is connected to an optical fiber and provided on the board and that modulates light emitted from the optical fiber using the electrical signal generated by the driver
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a driver that is provided on a board and generates an electrical signal according to a data signal, and an optical modulator that is connected to an optical fiber and provided on the board and that modulates light emitted from the optical fiber using the electrical signal generated by the driver. The optical module has a cut-out portion that is formed by cutting out part of its outer shape and that accommodates the driver so that the driver overlaps the optical fiber when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the board.