Optical Waveguide FPC for High-Bandwidth Antenna Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical signal paths in mobile devices are inadequate for transmitting large amounts of data efficiently, particularly with the increased demands of 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission system utilizing a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with a conductive layer and an optical waveguide layer to transform data into optical signals, which are then transmitted and received wirelessly through antenna devices, enhancing data transmission speed and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical signal paths are used for data transmission in mobile devices, then the transmission path is simple and easy to implement, but the data transmission speed and bandwidth are insufficient for 5G network requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into distinct functional modules: optical waveguide layer for signal transmission, conversion devices for electro-optical conversion, and antenna devices for wireless transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving high-speed data transmission through optical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical signals serve as an intermediary medium between the electrical signal paths and wireless transmission. The conversion devices transform electrical signals to optical signals for high-speed transmission through the optical waveguide layer, then convert back to electrical signals for antenna transmission, enabling faster data transfer than direct electrical paths.
2Quantity of substance
If optical waveguide layer is added to flexible printed circuit board, then data transmission bandwidth and speed are increased, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide layer is merged with the flexible printed circuit board structure, allowing optical signal transmission capabilities to be integrated into the existing PCB framework. This combination enables high-capacity data transmission through optical waves while maintaining compatibility with conventional circuit board designs and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical signal routing through conductive layers and optical signal transmission through the optical waveguide layer. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle both traditional electrical communications and high-speed optical data transmission, increasing overall system capacity without requiring separate dedicated structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrical signal paths are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but interference between signals increases with huge data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical signal transmission is replaced with optical signal transmission in the waveguide layer. Optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference that plagues electrical paths, especially when transmitting huge data volumes. The conversion devices enable this substitution while maintaining compatibility with existing electrical interfaces, reducing signal interference without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 significantly increases data transmission speed and capacity, reducing interference and providing a faster response experience in electronic products.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one optical waveguide layer is configured to transmit the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The at least one conversion device is configured to transform between the at least one data and an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission system is disclosed. The data transmission system includes at least one signal processing device, at least one conversion device, at least one antenna device, and at least one flexible printed circuit board. The at least one signal processing device is configured to generate or receive at least one data. The at least one conversion device is configured to transform between the at least one data and an optical signal. The at least one antenna device is configured to obtain the at least one data according to the optical signal, and configured to receive or transmit the at least one data wirelessly. The at least one flexible printed circuit board includes at least one conductive layer and at least one optical waveguide layer. The at least one optical waveguide layer is configured to transmit the optical signal.