Optoelectronic Device Using Photo-Induced Electro-Luminescence for Medical Transceivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transceivers face challenges in achieving high data rate transmission while maintaining sufficient power output for medical devices like catheters and guidewires, due to size constraints, flexibility issues, electromagnetic interference, and complexity associated with separate optoelectronic devices for energy harvesting and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical transceiver that employs photo-induced electro-luminescence (PIEL) in combination with a multiple signal-level coding scheme, where the optoelectronic device converts optical energy into electrical energy and emits optical pulses with multiple intensity levels, eliminating the need for additional devices like VCSELs and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large surface area LED is used for energy harvesting, then sufficient power output is achieved, but data transmission bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy harvesting and data transmission functions into a single LED device. The LED operates in photovoltaic mode for power generation while simultaneously modulating its light emission for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate VCSEL and LED components.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED serves multiple functions: it acts as a photovoltaic cell for power generation, a light source for data transmission via intensity modulation, and a detector for receiving incoming optical signals. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component perform roles previously requiring multiple components.
2Productivity
If a separate VCSEL is added for data transmission, then high bandwidth is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transmission function with the existing LED used for power harvesting. By modulating the LED's light output in response to incoming optical signals, the system achieves data transmission without requiring a separate VCSEL, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: power generation through photovoltaic effect and data transmission through intensity modulation. This eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Power
If multiple electrical wires are integrated for power and data delivery, then sufficient power and data capability is achieved, but flexibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring with optical fiber for both power delivery and data transmission. Optical fibers are flexible, thin, and do not suffer from electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for minimally invasive medical instruments where flexibility is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves dual purposes: delivering power to the distal end and transmitting data bidirectionally. This eliminates the need for separate electrical wires for power and data, reducing the number of rigid components and improving overall flexibility.
4Power
If electrical cables are used for power delivery, then power can be delivered to distal end, but electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical power delivery with optical power delivery through optical fibers. Optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference and do not generate electromagnetic fields, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining power delivery capability to the distal end.
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 enables higher data rate transmission with lower power consumption, simplifies the device design, and avoids electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for minimally invasive medical instruments without the need for additional power sources at the distal end.
Implementation Method 1
the optoelectronic device being configured to, upon receiving an incoming optical beam, convert the optical beam into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
emission of the optical pulses is induced by the incoming optical beam through photo-induced electro-luminescence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical transceiver, comprising an optical converter circuit (24) comprising an optoelectronic device (26), an electronic appliance (30) generating data, and circuitry (28) configured to control the optoelectronic device (26) and the electronic appliance (30). The optoelectronic device (26) is configured to, upon receiving an incoming optical beam, convert the optical beam into electrical energy. The optoelectronic device (26 ) is further configured to emit optical pulses, wherein emission of the optical pulses is induced by the incoming optical beam through photo-induced electro-luminescence (PIEL), wherein the optical pulses based on photo-induced electro-luminescence comprise the data generated by the electronic appliance (30). The circuitry (28) is configured to modulate the data onto the optoelectronic device (26) according to a multiple signal-level coding scheme causing the optoelectronic device (26) to emit the optical pulses in more than two different levels of a discrete set of optical intensities.