Optical Signal Transmission Circuit for Mobile Device Miniaturization

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing data rates in modern mobile devices due to higher resolution displays and cameras generate high-frequency electromagnetic fields that interfere with sensitive neighboring receivers like Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi, requiring extensive and costly shielding measures, which hinder device miniaturization due to the large number of copper cables needed for data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement that serializes single-ended high-speed data and differential low-power data signals into a common signal stream for optical transmission, eliminating the need for multiple copper lines and reducing electromagnetic interference by using optical waveguides for data transfer between application processors, displays, and cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple copper cables are used for data transmission to support high-resolution displays and cameras, then data transmission capability is improved, but device size increases and electromagnetic interference with neighboring receivers occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple differential data lines and clock lines into a single optical waveguide for transmission. Instead of using separate copper cables for each data channel, the invention merges all data and clock signals into one optical medium, dramatically reducing the space required for wiring harnesses while maintaining high data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical/copper-based transmission system with an optical transmission system. By substituting copper cables with optical waveguides, the invention eliminates the high-frequency electromagnetic fields generated by copper transmissions, thereby removing the source of interference with neighboring receivers while maintaining high data rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple copper cables are used for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference with neighboring receivers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/copper-based transmission system with an optical transmission system. By substituting copper cables with optical waveguides, the invention eliminates the high-frequency electromagnetic fields generated by copper transmissions, thereby removing the source of interference with neighboring receivers while maintaining high data rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical waveguides as an intermediary medium to transmit data signals between components. This intermediary converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, preventing the generation of electromagnetic fields that would interfere with neighboring receivers, and then converts them back to electrical signals at the destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If extensive shielding measures are implemented on transmission cables, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding measures

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/copper-based transmission system with an optical transmission system. By substituting copper cables with optical waveguides, the invention eliminates the high-frequency electromagnetic fields generated by copper transmissions, thereby removing the source of interference with neighboring receivers while maintaining high data rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the source of electromagnetic interference by eliminating copper transmission lines entirely. Instead of adding shielding measures to existing copper cables, the invention extracts the problematic copper-based transmission mechanism and replaces it with an optical system that does not generate electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for miniaturization of mobile devices by reducing the number of transmission channels to a single optical waveguide, eliminating the need for extensive shielding and minimizing interference with neighboring receivers, while maintaining high-data-rate image transmission.

Implementation Method 1

processed into a common signal stream via at least one optical medium, in particular via at least one optical waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP2745478B1Circuit arrangement and method for transmitting signals

Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SILICON LINE

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (S, E) and to a corresponding method, using single-ended signals based on logic levels and differential, in particular common mode based signals, in which it is possible to further reduce the size of tools, which are associated with said type of circuit arrangement (S, E) and said type of method.