PCIe Optical Module Noise Suppression via Voltage Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical fiber communication using PCIe devices, the differential-mode voltage at the receiving end can exceed 175 mV due to light emission characteristics, leading to incorrect signal interpretation and abnormalities when the transmitting end is in an electrical idle state or outputs noise signals.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device with detection and control modules is used to detect differential-mode voltage and control optical modules to prevent noise signal transmission by disabling the optical module when the voltage is below a threshold, ensuring accurate signal interpretation and maintaining normal communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical modules are installed to convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, then transmission rate and quality are improved, but light emission characteristics cause the receiving end to receive abnormal voltage levels when the transmitting end is in idle state or outputting noise
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical-optical conversion module is introduced as an intermediary between the transmitting end and the optical fiber. This module converts electrical signals (including idle states and noise) into optical signals, allowing the optical module to remain enabled while preventing abnormal voltage transmission. The conversion process transforms the problematic electrical domain signals into optical domain signals that can be properly managed at the receiving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter domain from electrical voltage to optical intensity for signal transmission. By converting electrical signals to optical signals, the transmission medium changes from electrical cable to optical fiber, fundamentally altering how signals are transmitted and received. This parameter change allows the receiving end to interpret signals correctly even when the transmitting end is in idle state.
2Reliability
If optical modules convert electrical signals to optical signals, then transmission quality is improved, but the receiving end cannot distinguish between normal signals and noise signals when voltage exceeds 175 mV threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical-optical conversion module acts as a mediator that transforms electrical signal characteristics into optical signal characteristics. This conversion allows the receiving end to detect optical signal presence/absence rather than electrical voltage levels, enabling accurate distinction between active transmission and idle/noise states even when electrical voltage thresholds are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical voltage-based detection mechanism with an optical signal-based detection mechanism. Instead of measuring electrical voltage at the receiving end to determine signal state, the system uses optical signal detection, which provides clearer distinction between active and inactive states, thereby improving measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitting end outputs electrical signals through optical modules, then communication capability is improved, but abnormal optical signals are generated when the transmitting end is in electrical idle state
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical-optical conversion module serves as an intermediary that controls the conversion process based on the electrical signal state. When the transmitting end is in idle state or outputting noise, the module converts these states into specific optical signal patterns that do not cause abnormality at the receiving end, thereby eliminating harmful optical signal output while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful electrical idle states and noise signals into beneficial optical signal patterns through the electrical-optical conversion process. By transforming these problematic electrical states into controlled optical signals, the system turns what would be harmful outputs into useful or neutral optical transmissions that maintain link integrity.
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
Prevents abnormal signal reception at the receiving end by ensuring the transmitting end does not output noise signals, maintaining the integrity of optical fiber communication links.
Implementation Method 1
The optical module at the transmitting end converts the electrical signal into an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
the optical module at the receiving end converts the optical signal back into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a communication node for suppressing output noises of peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) devices in optical fiber communication is provided. The communication node includes a PCIe chip and a detection and control circuit connected to a transmitting end of the PCIe chip. The PCIe chip transmits an electrical signal by a transmitter of a first lane. The detection and control circuit detects a differential-mode voltage of the electrical signal. If the differential-mode voltage is lower than a first threshold, the detection and control circuit controls an optical module connected to the PCIe chip not to transmit an optical signal through the first lane of the optical module. When a PCIe system includes the communication node, output noises of the transmitter is suppressed, and a normal optical fiber communication link is ensured.