Optical Module Shared Photodiode Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of optical ports in data center networks is limited by the number of electrical ports in the optical module, posing a challenge in enhancing connectivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design incorporates a first directional coupler, optical attenuators, and photodiodes to manage optical signal power and convert optical signals into electrical signals efficiently, allowing for shared resources and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the quantity of optical ports is increased to improve connectivity, then the connectivity of the device is improved, but the quantity of electrical ports required increases which is limited by the device architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple photodiodes into a single shared photodiode that can detect optical signals from multiple optical ports through optical switching. This allows one electrical port to control and receive signals from multiple optical ports, thereby increasing connectivity without proportionally increasing the number of electrical ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared photodiode serves multiple functions by detecting optical signals from different optical ports through the optical switching mechanism. The single photodiode acts as a universal receiver that can handle signals from multiple sources, reducing the need for dedicated photodiodes for each optical port.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the quantity of optical ports is increased to improve connectivity, then the connectivity of the device is improved, but the cost of the optical module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photodiode functions into a single shared photodiode, reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity. This merging approach lowers the cost of the optical module while maintaining the ability to support multiple optical ports for improved connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared photodiode provides universal functionality across multiple optical ports, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated photodiodes. This multi-functionality reduces component costs and simplifies manufacturing processes while achieving enhanced connectivity.
3Device complexity
If a shared photodiode is used to reduce component count, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the optical signal power management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical signal power detection and feedback mechanisms that monitor the power levels of optical signals received through different optical ports. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts optical switching and attenuation to ensure proper signal power management, maintaining reliability despite the shared photodiode architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages optical signal power by adjusting optical switches and attenuators in real-time based on the detected signal power levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the shared photodiode to handle varying power levels from different optical ports, ensuring reliable operation while reducing component count.
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 design enhances the connectivity of the optical module by optimizing the use of optical ports and reducing costs through a simpler structural design, thereby supporting increased data transmission demands in data center networks.
Implementation Method 1
The first PD is configured to convert the first downlink optical signal into a first downlink electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The second PD detects a power of the optical signal obtained through coupling
Implementation Method 3
The first directional coupler includes two output ports. One output port transmits the first downlink optical signal to the first PD. The other output port transmits, to the second PD, an optical signal obtained through coupling from the first downlink optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module is disclosed. The optical module includes a first downlink port, a second downlink port, a directional coupler, a optical attenuator, a first photodiode (PD), and a second PD. The directional coupler, connected to the first downlink port, is configured to receive a downlink optical signal. The second PD connected to the directional coupler, is configured to obtain a power value. If the power value is greater than a first threshold, the optical attenuator is configured to receive a attenuation control signal, and attenuate, based on the attenuation control signal, a power of an optical signal passing through the second downlink port. The first PD is configured to: convert the downlink optical signal into a downlink electrical signal, and convert the optical signal passing through the second downlink port into an electrical signal. Both the first downlink port and the second downlink port are connected to the first PD.