Optical Module Volume Reduction via External Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules in optical fibre communication systems have a larger volume due to the inclusion of components like laser drive chips, which also increase the number of pins required for connection, limiting the density and capacity of optical modules on a system board.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a housing with an optical assembly and a memory unit for storing operation parameters, with a control circuit external to the module, reducing the volume and number of pins needed for connection, allowing for a more compact and higher-density configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical module includes a laser drive chip and control unit within the housing, then the optical module can perform complete signal transformation and control functions, but the volume of the optical module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control unit and laser drive chip from the optical module housing and relocates them to the system board. Only the optical assembly and memory unit remain in the optical module, significantly reducing its volume while maintaining complete signal transformation functionality through the external control unit that communicates via the data transmission pin.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical module includes a control unit and laser drive chip, then complete control functions are achieved, but the number of pins required for connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is extracted from the optical module and placed on the system board, eliminating the need for multiple control-related pins on the optical module connector. Only essential pins for power, data transmission, and optical assembly connection are retained, significantly reducing pin count while maintaining full control functionality through the external control unit.
3Productivity
If more optical modules are placed on a system board, then the capacity and density of the optical line terminal device increases, but the space required for each module must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the control unit and laser drive chip from each optical module and consolidating them on the system board, the patent dramatically reduces the volume of individual optical modules. This enables higher density arrangements of optical modules on the system board, increasing overall system capacity and productivity.
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 effectively decreases the volume of individual optical modules and increases the number of pluggable modules on a system board, enhancing the overall capacity and density of optical line terminal devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly (120) configured to be connected to the circuit board and to perform signal transformation between an optical signal and an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical module and an optical line terminal device are disclosed. According to an example, the optical line terminal device comprises a system board and an optical module. The system board comprises an optical module control circuit comprising a main control chip and a drive circuit. The optical module comprises a circuit board provided with an electrical interface, an optical assembly and a memory unit, The memory unit is configured to store an operation parameter of the optical assembly. The electrical interface has a first pin to be connected with a drive end of the optical assembly and a second pin to be connected with a data transmission pin of the memory unit. In this way, main control chip is allowed to read the operation parameter of the optical assembly through the first pin and configure the drive circuit accordingly, while the drive circuit is allowed to drive the optical assembly through the second pin.