Optical Transceiver Volume Reduction via Chip Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceiver devices have a large volume due to the need for multiple O/E transceivers and reserved space for optical fiber routing, limiting their miniaturization potential.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver device with an integrated O/E transceiver module on a single chip and an optical switching module using a mirror total reflection principle, which reduces the volume by eliminating the need for separate O/E transceivers and optimizing optical fiber routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple O/E transceivers are provided in conventional optical transceiver devices to connect to multiple optical network equipments, then the optical signal transmitting channels are maximized, but the volume of the device becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple O/E transceiver units onto a single integrated chip, merging what were previously separate discrete components into one unified device. This integration maintains multiple optical signal transmitting channels while dramatically reducing the overall device volume, as the integrated chip occupies significantly less space than multiple separate transceiver modules would require
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip is designed to perform multiple O/E transceiving functions simultaneously, with each unit on the chip capable of handling optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversions. This multi-functional design allows a single compact component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate transceivers, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing volume
2Productivity
If optical cables are used to transmit optical signals between optical switching switches and optical transceiving components, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but a certain degree of bending radius must be reserved, preventing volume reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical cable-based signal transmission system with an integrated on-chip optical signal transmission system. By incorporating optical wave guides directly into the integrated chip structure, the device eliminates the need for external optical cables that require bending radius clearance, allowing for compact device design while maintaining optical signal transmission capability between switching and transceiving components
3Reliability
If space is reserved inside the optical transceiver device to contain optical cables, then optical signal transmission without degradation is ensured, but the volume cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical cable function with the integrated chip by incorporating optical wave guides directly into the chip substrate. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable routing spaces while maintaining reliable optical signal transmission, as the wave guides provide protected, controlled pathways for light signals within the compact chip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional cable routing requiring lateral bending space to a planar two-dimensional wave guide structure integrated on the chip surface. This dimensional change allows optical signals to be transmitted within the flat chip plane without requiring the vertical or lateral clearance that cable bending would demand, thereby enabling volume reduction while preserving transmission reliability
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 solution significantly reduces the volume of the optical transceiver device by integrating multiple O/E transceiver units into a single chip and using a mirror total reflection principle for optical channel switching, allowing for more compact designs without the need for reserved space for fiber routing.
Implementation Method 1
Because the transmitting of optical signal in optical cables utilizes refraction and total reflection of optical signal
Implementation Method 2
Because the transmitting of optical signal in optical cables utilizes refraction and total reflection of optical signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical switching module using a mirror total reflection principle
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver device is provided, including an O/E transceiver module, an optical switching module and a switching control module, for providing network communication services for a first and a second optical fiber network equipment. The O/E transceiver module is an integrated chip having multiple transceiver units integrated therein. The switching control module is connected to an in-line equipment and the optical switching module for controlling the optical switching module to execute corresponding optical path switching operation according to an optical path switching control signal output from the inline equipment. In comparison with conventional optical transceiver devices, the invention is advantageous of simple structure, smaller volume and more flexible optical path switching.