Optical-to-Optical Transceiver Eliminates Electrical Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceivers require electrical signal processing, which increases complexity and power consumption, limiting the performance of optical networks due to the need for electrical I/O ports that can only support shorter distance applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical-to-optical (O2O) transceivers that process signals entirely in the optical domain, using optical amplifiers, filters, and isolators to enhance link budgets and enable longer transmission distances without electrical conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical signal processing is used in optical transceivers, then signal conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical signal processing components (electrical I/O ports, electrical signal processing circuitry) from the optical transceiver system. By eliminating these electrical components and implementing pure optical signal processing, the patent reduces device complexity and power consumption while maintaining signal conversion capability through optical domain processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical signal processing mechanisms with optical signal processing mechanisms. Instead of using electrical circuits to process signals, the invention uses optical components (optical amplifiers, optical filters, optical switches) to perform signal processing functions, thereby eliminating the need for electrical I/O ports and reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If electrical I/O ports are used in ICs, then signal processing capability is improved, but transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical I/O ports with optical I/O ports and substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. This substitution enables signals to be transmitted over longer distances without degradation, as optical signals are not subject to the same limitations as electrical signals in terms of transmission distance and bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical domain to optical domain. By operating entirely in the optical domain, the system achieves extended transmission distances and higher bandwidth capabilities, overcoming the inherent limitations of electrical I/O ports.
3Length of moving object
If optical amplifiers are used to extend transmission distance, then transmission distance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical amplifier functionality directly into the optical signal path, integrating it with other optical components (optical filters, optical switches) to form a unified optical processing system. This integration eliminates the need for separate electrical processing stages and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining extended transmission distance capability.
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 approach allows for increased bandwidth and reduced power consumption by eliminating the need for electrical signal processing, enabling longer transmission distances and more efficient signal transfer within optical networks.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical amplifier configured to receive a first optical signal from one of a host and a network through the first port and provide a first amplified optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical-to-optical (O2O) signal path, O2O and hybrid transceivers including the same, a network system or device including one or more of the transceivers, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The O2O signal path generally includes first and second ports and an optical amplifier configured to receive an optical signal from a host or a network through the first port and provide an amplified optical signal for the other of the host and the network through the second port. In some examples, the O2O signal path further includes one or more optical isolators and/or clock and data recovery functions. The optical signals in the O2O signal path are processed entirely in the optical domain. The transceiver includes the O2O signal path and may include an optoelectronic signal path, a pass-through connector, or a second O2O signal path.