Optoelectric Composite Substrate Alignment via Embedded Connection Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectric composite substrates face challenges in achieving precise alignment between optical devices and optical waveguides, leading to suboptimal optical coupling characteristics due to difficulties in setting the correct distance and positional relationship, which limits the transmission rate and density of high-speed signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectric composite substrate design featuring an insulating film with an embedded optical waveguide, via holes, and conductors, where connection terminals are formed to project from or be embedded within the insulating film, allowing for precise adjustment of the optical device's position relative to the waveguide, thereby optimizing the distance and alignment for improved optical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical devices are mounted on circuit boards using adhesive layers, then electrical connections are established, but precise alignment between optical devices and optical waveguides becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and optical alignment function into a single integrated structure. The connection terminal serves dual purposes: providing electrical connection through the circuit board and enabling precise optical alignment by positioning the optical device directly over the optical waveguide. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and adhesive layers, thereby improving alignment precision while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection terminal acts as an intermediary structure that bridges both electrical and optical functions. It provides a precise mechanical reference structure that ensures the optical device is positioned correctly relative to the optical waveguide, while simultaneously establishing electrical connections. This intermediary structure resolves the alignment issue without requiring additional complex mounting mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If distance between optical device and optical waveguide is reduced for better coupling, then optical coupling characteristics improve, but manufacturing and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment action during the formation of the connection terminal structure itself. The connection terminal is designed with built-in positioning features that pre-establish the correct spatial relationship between the optical device and optical waveguide before assembly. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustment procedures, making manufacturing easier while maintaining optimal coupling distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection terminal structure incorporates adjustable or flexible elements that allow for fine-tuning of the distance between the optical device and optical waveguide during assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables manufacturers to optimize optical coupling characteristics while maintaining ease of assembly through simple positioning mechanisms rather than rigid fixed-distance structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional adhesive mounting is used, then assembly is simple, but positional discrepancies between optical components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal structure is designed to self-align and self-position the optical device relative to the optical waveguide. The structural geometry of the connection terminal inherently provides the correct positioning without requiring external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures. This self-positioning capability maintains ease of assembly while eliminating positional discrepancies that occur with conventional adhesive mounting.
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 closer proximity of optical devices to waveguides, reducing positional discrepancies and allowing for higher density and improved optical coupling characteristics, enhancing the precision and efficiency of high-speed signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
light signal incident upon the core portion 102 is propagated by repeating a total reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectric composite substrate of the present invention includes an insulating film, an optical waveguide embedded in the insulating film in a state that an upper surface is exposed from the insulating film, a via hole formed to pass through the insulating film, a conductor formed in the via hole, and a connection terminal on which an optical device is mounted and which is connected to an upper end side of the conductor, wherein the connection terminal is embedded in an upper-side portion of the via hole or is projected from the insulating film.