1xN Optical Switch Integrated Driver Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical switch technologies face challenges with high power consumption and reduced switching speed due to the need for separate drivers for MZI and EAM, which require positive and negative signal polarities and increase the size of the driving circuit and power consumption, especially when the distance between the driver and the optical switch increases.

Innovation Solution

A 1×N optical switch with a driving circuit integrated near the control electrode, utilizing a plurality of 2×2 optical switches and N optical gates with equal power supply voltages, and employing a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) for high-speed voltage amplification, allowing for the same FPGA and driving circuit to control both, eliminating the need for individual power supplies for MZI and EAM and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate drivers are used for MZI and EAM with different signal polarities, then each component can be controlled independently, but the driving circuit size increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent control capabilityVSAvoidDriving circuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the driving circuits for MZI and EAM into a single integrated driver that can control both components. The driver circuit is designed to output both positive and negative signal polarities from a single circuit structure, eliminating the need for separate drivers for each component and thereby reducing the overall driving circuit size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit is designed with multi-functionality to control both MZI and EAM components. By incorporating both positive and negative signal generation capabilities within a single driver circuit, the patent achieves universal control of different optical switching components without requiring multiple specialized drivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate drivers are used for MZI and EAM, then each component can be controlled independently, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent control capabilityVSAvoidPower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power consumption of separate drivers into a single integrated driver circuit. By combining the control functions for MZI and EAM into one driver, the overall power consumption is reduced while maintaining the ability to independently control both components through the same circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional driver circuit serves both MZI and EAM components, thereby reducing the total power consumption compared to having separate dedicated drivers for each component. The single driver shares its power supply and control resources across both optical switching elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between driver and optical switch increases, then layout flexibility improves, but switching speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLayout flexibilityVSAvoidSwitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the driver circuit in close proximity to the optical switch components, merging the control function with the optical path. This integration minimizes the distance between the driver and the optical switch, thereby maintaining high switching speed while providing sufficient layout flexibility through the integrated circuit design.

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 configuration enables high-speed, low-power consumption operation with high-density integration of drivers, allowing for direct LVDS signal-driven optical switches without the need for separate power supplies, thereby improving switching speed and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

employing a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) for high-speed voltage amplification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron mobility:

Implementation Method 2

an optical switch element... for supporting a large capacity optical communication network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic modulation: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS12117712B21 x N optical switch

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

An optical switch is provided which is capable of driving control by the same FPGA and the same driving circuit configuration, and hence is capable of driving at a high speed and a low consumption power. The optical switch of the present disclosure is a 1×N optical switch having a structure in which with respect to an optical switch, a driving circuit of the optical switch is integrated in the vicinity of a control electrode of the optical switch. The optical switch includes a plurality of 2×2 optical switches and N optical gates. Different bias voltages (Vb) are set between the optical switches and the optical gates, and a driver for the 2×2 optical switch of the driving circuit and a driver for the optical gate are of the same circuit form.