Optical Printed Circuit Board Waveguide Coupling Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed circuit boards face issues with signal loss and electromagnetic interference at high-speed data transmission rates, such as those required for ultra-high speed computing systems and high-resolution video-on-demand, due to limitations in copper traces.
Innovation Solution
An optical printed circuit board is developed, featuring an electrical conductor and an optical waveguide with a coupling interface that includes sockets or plugs for engagement with external optical devices, allowing for efficient optical signal transmission and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper traces on conventional PCBs are used for high-speed data transmission, then electrical connection and mechanical support are provided, but signal loss and electromagnetic interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical copper trace system with an optical waveguide system. Optical waveguides transmit data as light signals instead of electrical signals, eliminating electromagnetic interference and signal loss associated with copper traces at high speeds. The waveguide structure guides light through total internal reflection, providing reliable high-speed data transmission without the harmful electromagnetic effects of conventional electrical conductors.
2Reliability
If optical waveguide is introduced to eliminate signal loss and interference, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical waveguide fabrication process with existing PCB manufacturing processes. The waveguide structure is integrated into the PCB layer structure, allowing simultaneous formation of electrical conductors and optical waveguides during standard PCB lamination and etching processes. This integration reduces fabrication complexity by using established manufacturing techniques rather than requiring entirely new fabrication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for both electrical components and optical waveguides, enables both electrical signal transmission and optical signal transmission, and maintains compatibility with standard PCB manufacturing processes. The multi-functional design allows the same base structure to accommodate different signal transmission methods without requiring separate specialized fabrication processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical waveguide coupling interface is added to enable engagement with external optical devices, then optical coupling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface structure is nested within the existing PCB and waveguide structure. The socket or plug interface is formed as an integral part of the PCB layer structure, with the waveguide extending directly into the coupling interface. This nested design allows the interface to be embedded within the board structure rather than adding external protruding components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability for connecting external optical devices.
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
The optical printed circuit board effectively addresses signal loss and interference issues by enabling high-speed data transmission while being easy to fabricate and integrate with existing PCB manufacturing processes, facilitating cost-effective production and alignment with standard photonics components.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide arranged for transmitting optical signal
Implementation Method 2
the core is made of a material with a first refractive index and the cladding is made of a material with a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index
Data Source
AI summary
An optical printed circuit board and its fabrication method. The optical printed circuit board includes an electrical conductor arranged for conducting electric signal, an optical waveguide arranged for transmitting optical signal, and an optical waveguide coupling interface arranged at an end of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide coupling interface is arranged for engagement with an external optical device to optically couple the external optical device with the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide coupling interface includes a first engagement mechanism with a socket defining a space for receiving with a corresponding plug on the external optical device or a plug arranged to be received in a corresponding socket on the external optical device.