Integrated Optical Power Detection for EMI-Stable Signal Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical power detectors require an external amplifier to amplify weak electrical signals, which are prone to interference from strong electromagnetic signals, leading to instability in the light emitting device and the need for costly and inefficient manual installation of metal shields.

Innovation Solution

An optical power detection apparatus that integrates an optical splitter, a photocell, and an electrical amplification module within a micro-shield, protecting the components from external interference and eliminating the need for external amplifiers and shields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an external amplifier is used to amplify weak electrical signals from the photodetector, then the signal strength is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to electromagnetic interference and requires additional shielding components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the photodetector and amplifier into a single integrated module where the amplifier is directly coupled to the photodetector output. This integration eliminates the need for external amplifiers and associated shielding, as the signal is amplified immediately upon detection without exposure to external electromagnetic interference. The integrated design maintains signal strength while eliminating vulnerability to interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a metal shield is added to protect against electromagnetic interference, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to manual installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking stabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the shielding function directly into the module housing that encases the photodetector and amplifier. The housing is designed with electromagnetic shielding properties as an inherent feature rather than as a separate component requiring manual installation. This integration maintains reliability by protecting against interference while eliminating the need for additional assembly steps, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If external amplifiers and shields are used, then the signal detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical signal detectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the photodetector, amplifier, and shielding into a single integrated optical detection module. This consolidation reduces the total number of discrete components while maintaining optical signal detection capability. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate external amplifiers and shields, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly requirements while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated design enhances signal protection from external interference, improves sensitivity and integration, reduces material and labor costs, and ensures stable operation of the light emitting device.

Implementation Method 1

an optical splitter for splitting an input optical signal into a first optical signal and a second optical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical splitting:

Implementation Method 2

a photocell connected to an output end of the optical splitter for outputting the first optical signal, where the photocell receives the first optical signal output by the optical splitter and converts the first optical signal into a current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3680633B1Optical power detection device and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ZTE CORP
  • EP3680633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680633B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3680633B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is an optical power detection device, including: an optical splitter configured to split an input optical signal into a first optical signal and a second optical signal at a preset fixed proportion; a photocell connected to an output end of the optical splitter, the photocell being configured to convert the first optical signal into a current signal; an electrical amplification module connected to an output end of the photocell, the electrical amplification module being configured to convert the current signal into a voltage signal, and perform gain processing on and then output the voltage signal; and a micro-shield configured to encapsulate the photocell and the electrical amplification module.