Optical Module TEC Protrusion Layout for Lower Signal Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges with small internal accommodation space, high power consumption, and high-frequency signal loss due to lengthy signal transmission paths in electronic communication apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a thermoelectric cooler with a protrusion part at its cold end, positioning the optical modulator closer to the electrical feedthrough, and uses a tunable laser diode to reduce signal loss and improve space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical modulator is positioned farther from the electrical feedthrough, then the temperature control is improved, but the high-frequency signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the thermoelectric cooler in the lateral direction (creating a protrusion part) rather than increasing the longitudinal distance. This dimensional change allows the optical modulator to be positioned closer to the electrical feedthrough laterally while maintaining adequate temperature control distance longitudinally, thus reducing signal loss without sacrificing thermal management effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion part of the thermoelectric cooler serves as an intermediary structure that simultaneously provides thermal management and mechanical support. It enables the optical modulator to be mounted closer to the electrical feedthrough while the thermoelectric cooler continues to provide effective temperature control, mediating between the conflicting requirements of signal transmission and thermal management.
2Ease of operation
If the internal space is increased, then the component arrangement is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical modulator is nested on the protrusion part of the thermoelectric cooler, which itself is integrated into the housing structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, improving component arrangement flexibility without proportionally increasing the overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the longitudinal length of the module to accommodate better component arrangement, the patent utilizes the lateral dimension by creating a protrusion part. This allows improved component positioning and space utilization without significantly increasing the overall module size in the primary dimension.
3Ease of operation
If the thermoelectric cooler is extended laterally, then the optical modulator positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion part of the thermoelectric cooler serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the optical modulator, maintains thermal management capability, and enables closer positioning to the electrical feedthrough. By making this single structural element multi-functional, the patent improves positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function and thermal management function into a single integrated component (the protrusion part of the thermoelectric cooler). This consolidation allows the optical modulator to be positioned optimally while avoiding the need for separate support structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the lateral extension.
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 stabilizes temperature control of the optical modulator, reduces high-frequency signal loss, and enhances bandwidth and transmission rate while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric cooler includes a cold end and a hot end which are coupled to each other... the thermoelectric material components couple the cold end to the hot end
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical module, including a housing, a thermoelectric cooler, and an optical transmitter assembly. The thermoelectric cooler is disposed in the housing. The thermoelectric cooler includes a cold end and a hot end which are coupled to each other. The optical transmitter assembly includes an optical transmitting unit and an optical modulator. The optical modulator is optically coupled to the optical transmitting unit. The thermoelectric cooler further includes a protrusion part extending from an edge of the cold end. The optical transmitting unit is disposed at the cold end. At least a part of the optical modulator is disposed at the protrusion part.