Compact Optical Transceiver Card for 1 Tb/s Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceiver systems face limitations in achieving high bandwidths of at least one terabit per second due to space consumption, heat dissipation issues, and cost, particularly when trying to simultaneously transmit and receive large amounts of data, as existing solutions like MTP and Snap 12 transceiver modules require extensive space and generate significant heat, and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical transceiver system comprising multiple parallel transceiver modules mounted on a card with efficient heat dissipation and reduced space requirements, where each module is connected to an optical fiber ribbon cable, and a routing controller can be integrated for router functions, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception of data at rates equal to or greater than one terabit per second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple parallel transceiver modules are arranged in an array to increase bandwidth, then the bandwidth increases, but the space consumption and heat dissipation problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transceiver modules onto a single printed circuit board, integrating what would traditionally be separate rack-mounted units into one compact card. This consolidation achieves the same bandwidth capacity while dramatically reducing the physical space required, as the modules share common infrastructure including the PCB substrate, power supply, and control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal array arrangement of transceiver modules in racks to a vertical integration on a compact printed circuit board. By moving to a different spatial dimension and scale, the system achieves high bandwidth density in a much smaller footprint, effectively packing multiple channels into a card that occupies minimal rack space.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel transceiver modules are arranged in an array to increase bandwidth, then the bandwidth increases, but the heat dissipation problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple transceiver modules onto a single PCB with shared power and ground planes, the patent creates unified thermal management pathways. The combined heat generation from multiple modules can be dissipated through common heat sinks and thermal vias in the PCB, rather than requiring separate cooling infrastructure for each module, thereby improving overall heat dissipation efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MTP connectors are edge-mounted and transceiver modules are stacked in racks, then the system can accommodate multiple channels, but the solution becomes impractical for very large bandwidths due to space and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple transceiver modules, connectors, and control circuitry onto a single printed circuit board, merging what would traditionally be separate rack-mounted components into one unified card. This consolidation maintains multi-channel capability while dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of discrete components required.
4Area of stationary object
If transceiver modules are mounted on a card, then the space requirements are reduced, but the heat dissipation challenges remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal management layer between the high-density transceiver modules and the external environment. This includes implementing thermal vias in the PCB that conduct heat away from mounted components, along with strategically placed heat sinks that interface with high-power components, thereby managing heat dissipation effectively in the compact card format.
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
The system achieves high bandwidth with significantly reduced space and heat dissipation challenges, making it more cost-effective and suitable for use as a router, with the ability to interconnect multiple cards for even higher bandwidths.
Implementation Method 1
The laser driver 11 outputs electrical signals to the laser diodes 12 to modulate them. When the laser diodes 12 are modulated, they output optical signals
Implementation Method 2
The receive photodiodes 21 receive incoming optical signals output from the ends of respective receive optical fibers. The receive photodiodes 21 convert the incoming optical signals into electrical analog signals
Implementation Method 3
The optics system (not shown) of the transceiver module 2 focuses the light output from the ends of the receive optical fibers onto the respective photodiodes 21
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver system is provided that comprises multiple parallel transceiver modules that are mounted on a card. The transceiver card is small in terms of spatial dimensions, has very good heat dissipation characteristics, and is capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving data at a rate equal to or greater than approximately one Tb per second (1 Tb/s). A plurality of the transceiver systems may be interconnected to achieve a communications hub system having even higher bandwidths. In addition, the transceiver system may be configured such that each card has a routing controller mounted thereon for performing router functions. The router functions include, for example: causing signals received by one transceiver module on the card to be routed to and transmitted by another of the transceiver modules; causing signals received by one transceiver module on the card to be retransmitted by the same transceiver module over one of it's optical transmit channels; and causing signals received by one transceiver module on the card to be routed to and transmitted by a transceiver module on a different card.