Optoelectronic Switch Using Detector Remodulators and Passive Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic switches have a high component count and complex connectivity, which hinders scalability and energy efficiency in datacenter applications, despite the potential of optical switching for high-speed data routing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a plurality of detector remodulators (DRMs) with concentrators and a passive optical switch fabric that acts as a tunable wavelength converter, reducing component count and simplifying connectivity by using a DRM-AWG-DRM architecture, where DRMs aggregate and buffer optical signals based on destination ports and wavelength selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional electronic switching or complex optical switching architectures are used, then switching functionality is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (detection, modulation, wavelength conversion, and switching) into integrated detector remodulator units. Each DRM integrates a photodetector, modulator, and wavelength conversion capability, reducing the need for separate components and interconnections while maintaining full switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector remodulators serve multiple purposes: they detect optical signals, convert wavelengths, modulate signals, and perform switching operations. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while preserving adaptability and switching capabilities across different wavelengths and ports.
2Productivity
If more optical components and complex connectivity are added to improve switching performance, then throughput is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic switching mechanisms with passive optical switching using Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWGs). The AWGs perform wavelength-based routing passively without requiring active control or high power consumption, while the DRM units handle active functions efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high throughput.
3Device complexity
If detector remodulators with concentrators are used, then component count is reduced and connectivity is simplified, but signal aggregation and buffering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrators within the DRM units aggregate signals from multiple input ports into a single output path by utilizing wavelength division multiplexing. Signals are separated and combined in the wavelength domain rather than requiring complex spatial aggregation, simplifying the physical connectivity while maintaining the ability to buffer and aggregate signals from multiple sources.
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 enhances switch functionality, reduces component count, and simplifies connectivity, improving throughput performance by addressing 'head-of-line blocking' and enabling more efficient energy use in datacenter switch architectures.
Implementation Method 1
a passive optical switch fabric (C4+C5+C6, D2+D3+D4) connecting the N optical outputs of each of the first plurality of DRMs with the N optical inputs of each of the second plurality of DRMs, the path of an optical signal through the optical switch fabric depending upon its wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic switch comprising: a first plurality of detector remodulators (DRMs) (C3, D1), each DRM having an integer number M of optical inputs and an integer number N of optical outputs; a second plurality of DRMs (C7, D5), each DRM having N optical inputs and M optical outputs; a passive optical switch fabric (C4+C5+C6, D2+D3+D4) connecting the N optical outputs of each of the first plurality of DRMs with the N optical inputs of each of the second plurality of DRMs, the path of an optical signal through the optical switch fabric depending upon its wavelength; wherein each DRM (C3, D1) of the first plurality of DRMs is configured to act as a tunable wavelength converter to select the desired path of an optical signal through the optical switch fabric (C4+C5+C6, D2+D3+D4); and wherein each of the first plurality of DRMs (C3, D1) includes a concentrator, the concentrator configured to aggregate optical signals received from any of the M inputs of that DRM and to buffer them according to the one of the plurality of second DRMs (C7, D5) that includes their destination port.