Optical Module Electrical Connection via Cap Pad Electrodes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical modules face restrictions in orientation due to electrical connections, limiting their application scope and optical coupling flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The optical module design includes a bench part with electrodes on both areas, a semiconductor optical device, and a cap with a cavity, allowing for electrical connection via pad electrodes on the cap, reducing constraints on optical coupling orientation and enabling flexible mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical connections are made on the bench part only, then the structure is simple, but the orientation flexibility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bench part is divided into a first area for optical components and a second area for electrical connections. This segmentation allows electrical connections to be separated from the optical mounting area, enabling flexible orientation of the optical components while maintaining simple electrical connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection area is extended to the side surface of the bench part, adding a spatial dimension to the electrical connection layout. This allows electrical connections to be made without restricting the optical axis orientation, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the orientation flexibility constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes are disposed only on the first area, then the manufacturing is simple, but the electrical connection flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection flexibilityVSAvoidelectrode layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the optical components are arranged without considering the optical reference plane, then the mounting is flexible, but the optical coupling precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling precisionVSAvoidmounting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical reference plane is defined locally for the optical components (semiconductor optical device, lens, and front wall) to ensure precise optical coupling, while the electrical connection area maintains independence. This localized precision requirement allows flexible mounting of electrical connections without compromising optical coupling accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9825426B2Optical module, optical apparatus, method for fabricating optical module

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical module includes a bench part and a cap on the bench part. The bench part includes a bench, an electrode, a semiconductor optical device and a lens. The electrode is disposed on the first and second areas of the bench. The semiconductor optical device is disposed on the electrode in the first area. The cap includes a base, a pad electrode, a conductor, a ceiling, a front wall, and a rear wall. The pad electrode is disposed on the base. The conductor is disposed on the base and connected to the pad electrode. The electrode is electrically connected to the conductor on the second area. The ceiling extends along a first plane. The front wall has a front outer face extending along a second plane intersecting the first plane. The rear wall extends from the ceiling in a direction from the cap to the bench.