Optical Communication Module Wavelength Band Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical communication modules experience significant cross-talk between light receiving and emitting devices due to overlapping wavelength bands, leading to reduced performance and increased manufacturing costs associated with high filter performance requirements.

Innovation Solution

The optical communication module incorporates separate groups of light receiving and emitting devices operating in distinct wavelength bands, with the first light emitting devices operating in a 620 nm to 870 nm band and the second in a 900 nm to 1680 nm band, minimizing cross-talk by ensuring non-overlapping wavelength bands and reducing the need for high-performance wavelength selection filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wavelength bands of light emitting and receiving devices overlap, then device integration is simplified, but cross-talk between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidcross-talk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical communication system into two distinct wavelength band segments: a first wavelength band for light emitting devices (e.g., 850nm VCSEL) and a second wavelength band for light receiving devices (e.g., 1300nm-1600nm InGaAs photodetector). This segmentation eliminates spectral overlap and cross-talk while maintaining functional integration within a single module housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high-performance wavelength selection filters are used, then cross-talk is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-talkVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex wavelength selection filters by fundamentally separating the emitting and receiving wavelength bands. Since the wavelength bands do not overlap, cross-talk is inherently prevented without requiring additional filtering components, thereby simplifying the bill of materials and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-overlapping wavelength bands are used, then cross-talk is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-talkVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal optical module architecture that accommodates multiple wavelength band combinations (e.g., 850nm VCSEL with 1300nm/1600nm InGaAs detector, or 940nm VCSEL with corresponding detector). This multi-functional design allows the same module structure to support different wavelength pairs, maintaining simplicity while achieving cross-talk reduction through non-overlapping bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces cross-talk between devices, allowing the optical communication module to operate with degraded filter performance while maintaining functionality, thereby simplifying the system structure and lowering manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

one or more first light emitting devices (11) connected to the first bidirectional multiplexer (16) and operating in a first light emitting wavelength band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

one or more first light receiving devices (13) connected to the second bidirectional multiplexer (17) and operating in a first light receiving wavelength band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reception: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a first bidirectional multiplexer (16) and a second bidirectional multiplexer (17) which are connected to each other through an optical fiber (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP2642671B1Optical communication module
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 OPTICIS CO LTD
  • EP2642671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642671B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2642671B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical communication module, which includes: a first bidirectional multiplexer; a second bidirectional multiplexer; an optical fiber for connecting the first bidirectional multiplexer and the second bidirectional multiplexer to each other; one or more first light emitting devices connecting to the first bidirectional multiplexer, and operating in a first light emitting wavelength band; one or more first light receiving devices connecting to the first bidirectional multiplexer, and operating in a first light receiving wavelength band; one or more second light receiving devices connecting to the second bidirectional multiplexer, and operating in a second light receiving wavelength band; and one or more second light emitting devices connecting to the second bidirectional multiplexer, and operating in a second light emitting wavelength band. The second light emitting wavelength band includes the first light receiving wavelength band, and the first light emitting wavelength band includes the second light receiving wavelength band. The first light receiving wavelength band is different from the second light receiving wavelength band.