Optical Module Shielding via Segmented Substrate Blocking Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
As optical modules increase in size and component density to support high-speed and long-haul optical communication, it becomes challenging to effectively prevent electromagnetic wave leakage from the gap between the housing components, leading to direct leakage outside the optical transmission apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a blocking unit with conductor patterns on both surfaces of the substrate, connected by vias, and auxiliary members that set potentials to frame ground, dividing the internal space into two areas to block electromagnetic waves emitted by high-speed components, while allowing optical fibers to pass through, thereby preventing wave propagation to the low-speed component area and external leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the substrate size is increased to accommodate more components for high-speed and long-haul optical communication, then the component mounting area is improved, but the electromagnetic wave leakage to the outside of the optical transmission apparatus worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the housing is divided into a first space and a second space by a blocking unit, which includes a first conductor pattern on one surface of the substrate, a second conductor pattern on another surface, and vias penetrating through the substrate to connect these patterns. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic waves generated in the first space from propagating to the second space and leaking outside the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking unit is introduced as an intermediary structure between the high-speed component area and the low-speed component area. The blocking unit includes conductor patterns on both surfaces of the substrate connected by vias, creating an electromagnetic barrier that blocks wave propagation while allowing the substrate to maintain its increased size for component mounting.
2Productivity
If the substrate size is increased to support more high-speed components, then the optical communication performance is improved, but the radio wave absorbent cannot be supplied at the appropriate position inside the optical transmission apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is segmented by the blocking unit into two separate spaces, allowing the radio wave absorbent to be installed only in the second space (low-speed component area) rather than throughout the entire housing. This selective installation is possible because the blocking unit prevents electromagnetic waves from the first space from reaching the second space, making the absorbent installation feasible even with increased substrate size.
3Volume of moving object
If the component density is increased to reduce the optical module size, then the miniaturization is improved, but the electromagnetic wave leakage prevention becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking unit extends in the thickness direction of the substrate, with conductor patterns on both the front and back surfaces connected by vias penetrating through the substrate. This three-dimensional configuration creates an effective electromagnetic barrier within a compact footprint, enabling leakage prevention without significantly increasing the lateral dimensions of the optical module.
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 configuration effectively blocks electromagnetic waves from high-speed components, preventing them from reaching the low-speed component area and external leakage, ensuring reliable electromagnetic interference protection even as component density increases.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking unit that divides the internal space in which the substrate is arranged into two spaces... effectively blocks electromagnetic waves from high-speed components, preventing them from reaching the low-speed component area and external leakage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: a housing formed of a conductor that is insertable and removable with respect to an opening portion of an apparatus; a substrate arranged in an internal space of the housing; and a blocking unit that divides the internal space in which the substrate is arranged into two spaces. The blocking unit includes: a first conductor pattern formed on one surface of the substrate; a second conductor pattern formed on another surface of the substrate; a plurality of vias that penetrate through the substrate and connect the first conductor pattern and the second conductor pattern; a first auxiliary member formed of a conductor that comes into contact with the first conductor pattern and the housing; and a second auxiliary member formed of a conductor that comes into contact with the second conductor pattern and the housing.