Multi-channel Optical Transmitter-Receiver Assembly with Partitioned Main Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-channel optical transmitter-receiver modules are costly due to high coupling efficiency requirements and expensive connectors, which hinder cost reduction and functionality improvement in optical communication systems, especially in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel optical transmitter-receiver assembly is designed with an optical transmitter-receiver device coupled via a first optical fiber to an optical splitter, featuring a partitioned main body with a receiver module in the top portion and a transmitter module in the bottom portion, utilizing coaxial lasers with angled arrangements and duplex LC connectors for improved coupling efficiency and reduced space, along with a protective cover structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If expensive MPO/MTP connectors are used for multi-channel parallel signal transmission, then the transmission capacity and density are improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-channel transmission system into separate single-channel connections using standard LC connectors instead of using expensive MPO/MTP connectors. Each optical transmitter-receiver pair uses individual fiber connections, segmenting the multi-channel signal into multiple single-channel pathways that use lower-cost connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive MPO/MTP connectors with standard LC connectors that are significantly cheaper (reducing connector cost from up to 15 USD to much lower costs). While individual LC connectors may be replaced more frequently, their low cost makes this economically viable for achieving overall system cost reduction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If coupling efficiency is increased to reduce power consumption, then the drive current is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical isolators as intermediary components between the laser diodes and optical fibers. These isolators act as mediators that ensure unidirectional light transmission and protect the laser diodes from back-reflections, thereby stabilizing the optical output without requiring extremely tight coupling precision, thus reducing the manufacturing precision burden while maintaining efficient power transfer.
3Productivity
If the number of channels is increased to improve data center capacity, then the transmission density is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-channel system into multiple independent single-channel transmission paths. Instead of using complex multi-channel connectors and alignment mechanisms, each channel is transmitted separately through individual LC-connected fibers, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining high data center capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard LC connectors that are universally compatible and already widely deployed in existing optical infrastructure. This allows the multi-channel system to leverage existing single-channel components and interfaces, reducing the need for specialized complex connectors and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 achieves low-cost, high-efficiency multi-channel parallel signal transmission by reducing the need for expensive connectors and optimizing the arrangement of optical components, enhancing coupling efficiency and stability while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of second optical fibers each has a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other. The first ends are coupled to the optical splitter, and the second ends are respectively coupled to a plurality of optical connectors.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of coaxial lasers is disposed in the bottom portion. Every two of the plurality of coaxial lasers that are adjacent to each other are side by side in the bottom portion. Each of the plurality of coaxial lasers has an emitting end coupled to the first fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmitter-receiver assembly includes an optical transmitter-receiver device coupled via first optical fiber to optical splitter, plurality of second optical fibers each having a first end and a second end. The first ends is coupled to the optical splitter, the second ends are respectively coupled to plurality of optical connectors. The optical transmitter-receiver device includes main body and rubber sleeve. Space in the main body is divided into top portion and bottom portion by partition. Receiver is disposed in the top portion and coupled via fiber array to the first optical fiber. The receiver coupled via amplifier to flexible circuit board. Plurality of coaxial lasers is disposed in the bottom portion. Each of the plurality of coaxial lasers has an emitting end coupled to the first fiber, and the plurality of coaxial lasers coupled via inflexible circuit board to flexible circuit board.