Optical PAM Serdes Transmitter Feedback Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems are inadequate for handling high-bandwidth demands in modern applications, such as social networks and cloud computing, due to limitations in bandwidth and latency in traditional network architectures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication interface using Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) formats over optical communication networks, coupled with a feedback mechanism to adjust transmission power levels, enables high-bandwidth and low-error data transfer in leaf-spine network architectures, allowing for efficient data sharing among servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional network architectures are used, then device complexity is low, but bandwidth and latency performance are insufficient for high-bandwidth demands

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network architecture is segmented into leaf switches and spine switches, creating a modular two-tier structure. Leaf switches handle local data aggregation while spine switches provide backbone connectivity, enabling scalable high-bandwidth connections without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical communication dimension to traditional electrical networking, transitioning from electrical signals to optical signals for data transmission. This dimensional change enables significantly higher bandwidth capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized optical interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If optical communication with PAM modulation is used, then bandwidth is improved, but transmission power level optimization becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidpower level control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the receiving end communicates back to the transmitting end about received signal quality and power levels. This feedback loop enables automatic power level adjustment and optimization without manual intervention, resolving the complexity of multi-level power control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission power levels as a variable parameter based on feedback information. By changing power levels adaptively rather than using fixed values, the system optimizes data transfer rate while managing complexity through automated parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If feedback mechanism is implemented for power level adjustment, then transmission accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror rateVSAvoidfeedback loop complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism uses standardized optical communication protocols to transmit power level information back to the transmitter. This standardized approach reduces feedback loop complexity while maintaining high reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment of transmission parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If high power levels are used for optical transmission, then data transfer rate is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidtransmitter power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes transmission power levels based on actual communication needs and feedback conditions. By using adaptive power control rather than constant high power, the system achieves high data transfer rates when needed while reducing power consumption during lower-demand periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Transmission power is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adjust power levels in real-time based on channel conditions and data transfer requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables optimization between power consumption and data transfer rate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides high-bandwidth data transfer capabilities, reduces power consumption, and minimizes errors, making it suitable for modern data-intensive applications while being compatible with existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

transfer data at high bandwidth using PAM format(s) over optical communication networks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse Amplitude Modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS10333622B2Method and system for transmitter optimization of an optical PAM serdes based on receiver feedback

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

The present invention is directed to data communication system and methods. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide a communication interface that is configured to transfer data at high bandwidth using PAM format(s) over optical communication networks. A feedback mechanism is provided for adjusting the transmission power levels. There are other embodiments as well.