Optical Module Dynamic Target Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modules using cooled or uncooled electro-absorption modulator elements face challenges in maintaining stable operation across a wide environmental temperature range while minimizing power consumption, as existing control methods lead to unstable operation due to large temperature differences and fluctuating current in the thermo-electric cooler.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a temperature sensor and a target temperature determining unit that adjusts the semiconductor element's temperature within a predetermined range, using a temperature controlling unit to maintain stability and low power consumption, regardless of environmental temperatures, by determining a target temperature based on environmental conditions and controlling the temperature continuously during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cooled EA element is used to maintain constant operating temperature, then the operating temperature stability is improved, but the power consumption increases extremely large when environmental temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the target temperature parameter dynamically based on environmental temperature. Instead of maintaining a constant operating temperature, the target temperature is adjusted according to the environmental temperature, thereby reducing the temperature difference and the power consumption required for temperature control while still keeping the temperature within the operable range.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an uncooled EA element is used to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the operable temperature range becomes narrower (0°C to 70°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic temperature control by continuously adjusting the target temperature based on environmental temperature readings. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to a wider range of environmental temperatures while still maintaining the semiconductor element within its operable temperature range, thus expanding the effective operable temperature range without requiring a cooled EA element.
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature control is started only when temperature exceeds operable range, then power consumption is lowered, but the fluctuation amount of current to TEC increases causing unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature control by continuously adjusting the temperature even when the semiconductor element is already within the operable temperature range. This preliminary action prevents large temperature excursions and reduces the fluctuation amount of current to the TEC, thereby maintaining stable operation while keeping power consumption low through efficient, continuous control.
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 solution allows the optical module to operate stably across a wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C with reduced power consumption by dynamically adjusting the semiconductor element's temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling and minimizing current fluctuations in the thermo-electric cooler.
Implementation Method 1
it is necessary to heat the cooled EA element by a thermo-electric cooler (TEC)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical module in which a temperature of a semiconductor element to be subjected to temperature control is controlled to fall within a desired operating temperature range regardless of whether an environmental temperature is outside or inside the operating temperature range of the semiconductor element, and which is stably operated with low power consumption. A control section 30 determines, based on the environmental temperature having a temperature range of from a first temperature to a second temperature, a target temperature from a predetermined operating temperature range of from a third temperature to a fourth temperature. The control unit 30, an ATC circuit 34, a TEC control IC 12, and a TEC 24 control the temperature of a laser module 20 to become the target temperature. The first temperature is lower than the third temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the fourth temperature.