Optical Subassembly Acute Angle Layout for GPON Module Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical modules in passive optical access systems, such as those based on gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPON), face challenges in accommodating two optical subassemblies due to space constraints, particularly in coaxial packaging where the larger volume occupied by coaxial components limits the internal space for additional subassemblies.
Innovation Solution
The optical subassembly design includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, an optical splitter, and an optical fiber stub, where the optical axes form acute angles to reduce the overall volume, allowing for efficient packaging and increased space utilization within the optical module, enabling the integration of two subassemblies in a single module by optimizing the internal layout and using an optical isolator to maintain modulation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If coaxial packaging is used for optical subassemblies, then the packaging structure is simplified, but the volume occupied by coaxial components increases, limiting the internal space for additional subassemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The optical subassembly is divided into separate functional components (optical transmitter, optical receiver, optical splitter, optical fiber stub) that can be independently arranged and optimized, allowing for more flexible space utilization within the module while maintaining the benefits of integrated packaging
Solution Approach 2:
The optical axes of the optical receiver and optical fiber stub are configured to form an acute angle rather than being coaxial, transitioning from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional angular configuration. This dimensional change reduces the projected volume occupied by the optical path while maintaining functional performance, enabling additional subassemblies to be accommodated within the same module
2Volume of stationary object
If the optical axes are configured at acute angles, then the overall volume of the optical subassembly is reduced, but the alignment precision and coupling efficiency become more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitter is pre-configured with specific reflective surfaces and angular orientations during manufacturing to establish the acute angle configuration between optical axes. This preliminary setup of precise angular relationships before final assembly ensures that the reduced volume design maintains the required optical coupling efficiency without requiring complex real-time alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The optical splitter acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the optical transmitter and optical receiver, enabling the acute angle configuration between optical axes while maintaining efficient light coupling. The splitter's reflective surfaces are designed to redirect light at the appropriate angles, allowing the system to achieve compact volume without sacrificing coupling efficiency
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 allows for the efficient integration of two optical subassemblies within the optical module, enhancing port density, system integration, and reducing manufacturing complexity and power consumption, while maintaining low transmission losses and efficient light coupling.
Implementation Method 1
The optical splitter is configured to reflect light from the optical fiber stub to the optical receiver
Implementation Method 2
The optical transmitter is configured to transmit light from the optical transmitter to the optical fiber stub through the optical splitter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical subassembly and an optical module are provided. The optical subassembly includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, an optical splitter, and an optical fiber stub. The optical transmitter is configured to transmit light from the optical transmitter to the optical fiber stub through the optical splitter. The optical splitter is configured to reflect light from the optical fiber stub to the optical receiver. An optical axis of the optical receiver and an optical axis of the optical fiber stub form an acute angle. An optical axis of the optical transmitter and the optical axis of the optical fiber stub also form an acute angle.