Optocoupler With Stacked Diodes for Logic Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optocouplers lack efficient integration of transmitter and receiver units within a shared housing, limiting their ability to generate source voltages above 1V and requiring external power for binary logic operations, while also occupying more space due to lateral diode arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a transmitter unit with two semiconductor diodes of different optical wavelengths and a receiver unit with stacked semiconductor diodes, where each partial source is designed to generate energy when irradiated with specific wavelengths, allowing for modulated direct voltage and efficient AND, OR, and XOR logic operations without external power, using a shared housing and MOVPE epitaxy process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If transmitter and receiver units are integrated into a shared housing, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter unit and receiver unit are integrated into a single shared housing, merging two previously separate components into one compact device. This reduces the overall device volume while maintaining functional independence of the transmitter and receiver units through internal optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment for both transmitter and receiver units, establishes optical coupling between them, and enables compact integration. The housing thus acts as both a mechanical enclosure and an optical interface structure.
2Area of moving object
If stacked semiconductor diodes are used in the receiver unit, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor diodes are arranged in a stacked configuration along the vertical dimension rather than being laid out laterally. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal area occupied by the receiver unit while concentrating the manufacturing precision requirements in the vertical layer alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple semiconductor diodes are nested vertically in a stack configuration, with each diode layer positioned above the other. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by stacking functional elements in the vertical direction, reducing the footprint area of the receiver unit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple semiconductor diodes with different absorption edges are used, then energy generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different semiconductor diodes within the receiver unit are assigned different absorption edges tailored to specific wavelength ranges. Each diode is optimized for detecting particular portions of the optical spectrum, enabling efficient multi-wavelength energy generation while maintaining functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver unit employs a composite structure of multiple semiconductor diodes with different material compositions and bandgap energies. This composite approach enables the system to harvest energy from multiple optical wavelengths simultaneously, improving overall energy generation capability.
4Loss of information
If transmitter diodes operate at different optical wavelengths, then information transmission capability is improved, but receiver unit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver unit incorporates semiconductor diodes with absorption edges specifically matched to the optical wavelengths emitted by the transmitter diodes. This wavelength-specific matching enables accurate signal detection and differentiation, preserving information transmission accuracy while managing the complexity through targeted optimization.
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 configuration enables the generation of source voltages above 1V, reduces space requirements, and allows for binary logic operations without external power, while maintaining efficient energy generation and Boolean representation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first semiconductor diode has an absorption edge adapted to the first optical wavelength, so that the first partial source generates energy when irradiated with the first optical wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the second semiconductor diode has an absorption edge adapted to the second optical wavelength, so that the second partial source generates energy when irradiated with the second optical wavelength
Implementation Method 3
The transmitter unit can include at least one first transmitter diode, having a first optical wavelength and a second transmitter diode having a second optical wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An optocoupler having a transmitter unit and a receiver unit being electrically isolated from each other and optically coupled with each other and integrated into a shared housing. The receiver unit includes an energy source that has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The transmitter unit includes at least one first transmitter diode having a first optical wavelength and a second transmitter diode having a second optical wavelength. The first optical wavelength differing from the second optical wavelength by a difference wavelength, and the energy source of the receiving unit including two partial sources. The energy source being designed as a current source or as a voltage source, and the first partial source including a first semiconductor diode, and the second partial source including a second semiconductor diode. Each partial source having multiple semiconductor layers for each partial source being arranged in the shape of a stack.