Optical Module Polarization Multiplexing Substrate Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher-speed and larger-capacity optical fiber communication networks has led to a need for smaller optical modules, but the size of the Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly (TOSA) and Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (ROSA) components has not decreased correspondingly, resulting in a constrained substrate area for the control circuit, limiting design flexibility due to strict size and scale constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a polarization adjustment system using Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS) and a shared optical filter for both multiplexing and demultiplexing, allowing the transmission and reception light to have orthogonal polarization states, reduces the number of optical components and enables the expansion of the substrate area by eliminating the need for separate demultiplexing elements in the ROSA, thereby alleviating the size constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical module size is reduced to meet market demand, then the overall module dimensions decrease, but the substrate area for the control circuit becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multiplexing function (typically in TOSA) and demultiplexing function (typically in ROSA) into a single shared optical filter. This consolidation eliminates redundant optical components and reduces the overall optical path length, enabling smaller optical module dimensions while preserving sufficient substrate area for the control circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed to serve dual functions: multiplexing transmission light in the TOSA and demultiplexing reception light in the ROSA. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical components required, directly contributing to reduced module size while maintaining adequate space for control circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate multiplexing and demultiplexing elements are used in TOSA and ROSA, then the optical functions are clearly separated, but the number of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is designed to serve dual functions: multiplexing transmission light in the TOSA and demultiplexing reception light in the ROSA. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical components required, directly contributing to reduced module size while maintaining adequate space for control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the multiplexing function (typically in TOSA) and demultiplexing function (typically in ROSA) into a single shared optical filter. This consolidation eliminates redundant optical components and reduces the overall optical path length, enabling smaller optical module dimensions while preserving sufficient substrate area for the control circuit.
3Device complexity
If the number of optical components is reduced, then the mounting area decreases, but the design flexibility of the control circuit substrate is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multiplexing function (typically in TOSA) and demultiplexing function (typically in ROSA) into a single shared optical filter. This consolidation eliminates redundant optical components and reduces the overall optical path length, enabling smaller optical module dimensions while preserving sufficient substrate area for the control circuit.
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 the mounting area of optical parts by approximately 50% to 80% in the ROSA, allowing for a significant expansion of the substrate area for the control circuit, enhancing design flexibility and reducing the overall size of the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
The polarizer is arranged between the optical filter and the light emitter and between the optical filter and the light receiver, outputs the transmission light that has been received from the light emitter and that is in the first linearly polarized light state to the optical filter, and outputs the reception light that has been received from the optical filter and that is in the second linearly polarized light state to the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
The polarization adjuster polarizes the reception light received from the reception port to a second linearly polarized light state that has an orthogonal relationship with the first linearly polarized light state
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an emitter that emits transmission light with P polarization, a receiver that receives reception light, a transmission port that outputs the transmission light, a reception port that inputs the reception light, and an adjuster that polarizes the reception light received to S polarization. The device includes a filter that outputs the transmission light with P polarization received from the emitter by allowing the transmission light to propagate through inside a propagation path, and that outputs the reception light with S polarization received from the adjuster by allowing the reception light to propagate through inside the path. The device includes a polarizer that is arranged between the filter and the emitter and between the filter and the receiver, outputs the transmission light with P polarization received from the emitter to the filter, and outputs the reception light with S polarization received from the filter to the receiver.