Field-Configurable Optical Switch in Multi-Chip Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical multichip packaging (MCP) systems lack flexibility in dynamic bandwidth management and signal routing, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to fixed fiber assignments, which cannot adapt to changing workload demands or hardware failures.
Innovation Solution
An optical switching multichip package (OSMCP) with a configurable optical switch integrated on a semiconductor die, coupled with optical transceivers and electronic circuitry, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of optical fiber assignments and signal routing through a processor or FPGA, enabling adaptive bandwidth allocation and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed fiber assignments are used in optical MCP, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability in optical MCP by integrating optical switches that can dynamically alter fiber routing connections. The system transitions from static fixed assignments to dynamic configurable connections, allowing the optical network to adapt to changing bandwidth demands and hardware conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reconfiguration capability is added to optical MCP, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating optical switching capabilities into the existing optical MCP architecture. The optical switch serves multiple functions: dynamic routing, bandwidth management, and fault tolerance. This universal approach allows a single component to handle various operational requirements, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical switch as an intermediary component between fiber inputs and outputs. This mediator enables dynamic reconfiguration by acting as a controllable routing element that can redirect optical signals based on current system needs, providing adaptability while isolating the complexity of reconfiguration logic within a dedicated component rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If field-configurable optical switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated control mechanisms that manage optical switch configuration without requiring manual intervention. The system can automatically detect hardware conditions, assess bandwidth demands, and reconfigure fiber assignments accordingly. This automation improves ease of operation by eliminating complex manual reconfiguration tasks while containing the complexity within the automated control system itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an optical die comprising a configurable optical switch. The configurable optical switch comprises an optical switch operably coupled to one or more optical transceivers. An optical connector comprises at least one exo-package optical port. The at least one exo-package optical port is operably coupled to the configurable optical switch. The configurable optical switch is to pass an optical signal on the at least one of the one or more exo-package ports to at least one of the one or more optical transceivers, and an IC die comprising electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the one or more optical transceivers.