Optical Module Linear Equalization Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems incur redundancy and increased costs, size, and power consumption due to duplication of equalization and retiming functionalities in both optical modules and host ASICs, which is not necessary if the signal is kept linear throughout the module.
Innovation Solution
A modified optic module design that maintains a linear processing path, eliminating duplication of elements by performing only linear equalization and amplification, with non-linear processing reserved for the host ASIC, thereby reducing hardware and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-linear equalization and retiming are implemented in both optical modules and host ASICs, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase due to redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the equalization functionality by implementing non-linear equalization and retiming exclusively in the host ASIC, while the optical module performs only linear equalization. This segmentation eliminates redundant non-linear processing elements in the optical module, reducing device complexity while maintaining signal integrity through the host's non-linear equalization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the non-linear equalization and retiming functionality from the optical module and relocates it to the host ASIC. This extraction removes unnecessary complex processing elements from the optical module, reducing its complexity while the host ASIC assumes full responsibility for non-linear signal recovery.
2Reliability
If non-linear equalization and retiming are implemented in both optical modules and host ASICs, then signal recovery capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to redundant processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power-consuming non-linear processing operations to occur only in the host ASIC, eliminating redundant power consumption from duplicate non-linear equalization and retiming circuits in the optical module. The host ASIC performs all non-linear signal recovery while the optical module handles only linear processing, significantly reducing overall system power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts power-intensive non-linear equalization and retiming operations from the optical module and consolidates them in the host ASIC. This extraction eliminates the power consumption associated with running duplicate non-linear processing in both devices, while the host ASIC's single instance of these operations provides sufficient signal recovery capability.
3Reliability
If non-linear equalization and retiming are implemented in both optical modules and host ASICs, then signal processing capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing functionality to eliminate redundant hardware. The optical module is simplified to perform only linear equalization, while the host ASIC handles all non-linear equalization and retiming. This segmentation reduces the optical module's hardware complexity and manufacturing cost, while the host ASIC's enhanced capabilities maintain overall signal processing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts non-linear equalization and retiming hardware from the optical module and relocates it to the host ASIC. This extraction reduces the optical module's bill of materials and manufacturing complexity, making it easier and cheaper to manufacture, while the host ASIC assumes full responsibility for advanced signal processing capabilities.
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 approach reduces costs, size, and power consumption while maintaining signal integrity and enabling end-to-end link optimization, allowing for efficient data communication without the need for non-linear equalization and retiming in the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to receive a received optic signal and convert the received optic signal to a received electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a linear amplifier configured to perform linear amplification on the received electrical signal to create amplified received signal
Implementation Method 3
an electrical to optical module configured to convert the equalized signal from the driver to an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A communication interface comprising a host with non-linear equalizers configured to perform non-linear equalization. Also part of the interface is a host to optic module channel electrically connecting the host to an optic module and the optic module. The optic module comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a linear equalizer and an electrical to optical module configured to convert the equalized signal from the driver to an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal over a fiber optic cable, such that the transmitter does not perform non-linear processing. The receiver includes a photodetector, configured to convert the received optic signal to a received electrical signal, and a linear amplifier configured to perform linear amplification on the received electrical signal. A driver sends the amplified received signal over an optic module to host channel, such that the receive does not perform non-linear processing.