Multi-Channel Optical Receiver Using Waveguide Grating Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical receiving modules in fiber optical communications face challenges in increasing channel density and reducing costs due to complex connections and high manufacturing costs, particularly in data centers where multiple channels are needed.

Innovation Solution

A multi-channel parallel optical receiving module is designed with an arrayed waveguide grating on a carrier that reflects optical signals to optoelectronic diodes at a predetermined angle, eliminating the need for precise coupling and allowing for simplified manufacturing by integrating diodes and the light receiving chip on the same surface, reducing bonding wire length and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multi-channel parallel optical receiving is implemented using conventional optical modules connected by jumpers, then the channel capacity and data transmission capability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical receiving channels into a single integrated module. The arrayed waveguide grating integrates multiple wavelength channels, and the optoelectronic diodes are arranged in array to simultaneously receive multiple channels. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate optical modules and jumper connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-channel capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the optical signal into multiple wavelength channels using the arrayed waveguide grating, which separates different wavelengths and directs them to corresponding optoelectronic diodes. This segmentation enables independent processing of each channel within a unified structure, achieving multi-channel functionality without requiring multiple complete optical modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multi-channel parallel optical receiving is implemented using conventional optical modules connected by jumpers, then the channel capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple optical receiving functions into a single module with integrated waveguide grating and arrayed optoelectronic diodes, the patent eliminates the need for expensive jumper connections and multiple separate modules. This consolidation reduces component count and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining multi-channel capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the optoelectronic diodes and light receiving chip are disposed on different surfaces requiring precise coupling, then the signal reception accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places both the optoelectronic diodes and the light receiving chip on the same substrate surface, eliminating the need for precise coupling between separate components. This co-location simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective optical signal reception and processing.

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

This design enhances the integrity and reduces the manufacturing cost of the module while enabling efficient multi-channel signal reception and transmission, addressing the limitations of existing modules by streamlining the assembly process and improving product integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The optical signals may be divided into multi-channel optical signals in parallel by the arrayed waveguide grating based on their wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing: Diffraction Grating

Implementation Method 2

The top surface of an output end of the arrayed waveguide grating may be at a predetermined angle so that the multi-channel optical signals may be reflected by the top surface to photosensitive surfaces of the plurality of optoelectronic diodes arranged in array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the optoelectronic diodes may be electrically connected to the light receiving chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10379301B2Multi-channel parallel optical receiving device
Publication Date: 2019.08.13 APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC(US)
  • US10379301B2 patent drawing
  • US10379301B2 patent drawing
  • US10379301B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a multi-channel parallel optical receiving device, including a carrier, a light receiving chip, a plurality of optoelectronic diodes disposed on a top surface of an end of the carrier, an optical fiber connector disposed in another end of the carrier, and an arrayed waveguide grating disposed on the top surface of the carrier. The plurality of optoelectronic diodes is electrically connected to the light receiving chip, and an input end of the arrayed waveguide grating is connected to the optical fiber connector for receiving an optical signal from the optical fiber. The optical signals are divided into multi-channel optical signals in parallel. The top surface of an output end of the arrayed waveguide grating is at a predetermined angle, causing the multi-channel optical signals to be reflected by the top surface and to photosensitive surfaces of the optoelectronic diodes arranged in parallel.