Optical Module Pin Multiplexing for Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of pins on gold fingers in optical modules restricts the output of different control voltages, limiting the working modes and functionality of optical modules, as they cannot be made excessively large due to size constraints in standard machine frames and hosts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multiplexing pin with a comparing unit and a voltage dividing unit that regulates voltage levels, allowing different output voltages based on comparisons between input voltages and reference voltages, enabling various working modes without increasing the number of pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pins on gold fingers is increased to output different control voltages for various working modes, then the functionality and working modes of optical modules are improved, but the size of the optical module becomes excessively large, which cannot be accommodated in standard machine frames and hosts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control voltage output functions into a single pin by implementing a voltage selection circuit. The circuit receives a single control signal and internally generates different voltage levels (such as 3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V) based on the control signal state, thereby achieving multiple working modes through one pin instead of requiring multiple separate pins for each voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically through a voltage selection circuit that responds to control signals. The circuit adjusts output voltage levels based on the control signal state, enabling the optical module to switch between different working modes (such as different power states) without requiring physical changes to the pin configuration or increasing the number of pins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pins on gold fingers is increased to enable different control voltages, then the control capability and working modes are improved, but the number of available pins is limited by the physical constraints of the gold finger structure and standard interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism where a single pin serves multiple functions by controlling a voltage selection circuit. The same pin can enable different voltage outputs (3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V) and different working modes (normal mode, low power mode, deep sleep mode) depending on the control signal, making one pin universally capable of what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control voltage generation functions into a single integrated voltage selection circuit. Instead of having separate circuits or pins for each voltage level, the design consolidates these functions into one circuit that responds to a single control signal, thereby reducing the number of pins required while maintaining full control capability.
3Productivity
If more optical modules are inserted in a standard machine frame, then the communication capacity is improved, but the size constraints of the machine frame and host limit the number of pins available on each optical module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes in voltage levels through a voltage selection circuit controlled by a single control signal. This allows the optical module to adapt between different power states and working modes without requiring additional pins, thereby maintaining full adaptability even as the number of modules increases and pin availability becomes more constrained.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An optical module includes a gold finger, a comparing unit and a voltage dividing unit. The gold finger includes a plurality of pins. A first pin of the plurality of pins is capable of being multiplexed. The comparing unit includes a first input, a second input and a first output. The first input is connected with the first pin. The second input is configured to receive a reference voltage. The first output is configured to output an output voltage. The voltage dividing unit includes a third input and a second output. The third input is configured to receive a voltage input. The second output is connected with the first pin and configured to regulate a voltage on the first pin, so that the first input of the comparing unit receives a regulated voltage. Voltages of different levels are output by the comparing unit based on a comparison result between an input voltage of the first input of the comparing unit and the reference voltage of the second input.