Photonic Interposer with Micro-Ring Resonator Routers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical interconnects for chiplet communication face challenges such as high energy consumption, heat sensitivity, and limited flexibility due to fixed interconnects, which hinder power efficiency and data transmission speed.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optoelectronic device incorporates a photonic interposer with micro-ring resonator routers and a multimode waveguide, enabling efficient optical signal routing and modulation. This setup includes a conductive layer between a dielectric layer and a base substrate, with chiplets attached to the oxide layer and connected to micro-ring resonators through conductive interconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical interconnects are used for chiplet communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and heat sensitivity arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical interconnects with optical interconnects using photonic waveguides and modulators. Optical signals transmit data at higher speeds with lower energy consumption compared to electrical signals, directly addressing the contradiction between speed and energy efficiency. The photonic interposer uses optical modulators to encode data onto light waves, enabling fast data transmission while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical signals to optical signals. By using photonic waveguides and optical modulators, the system transitions to a different physical domain (optical instead of electrical), which fundamentally changes the energy-speed trade-off relationship. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of high speed and low energy consumption.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed interconnects are used after fabrication, then manufacturing is simplified, but system flexibility is reduced and resource inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable optical interconnects using programmable optical modulators and switches. Instead of fixed interconnects, the system allows dynamic reconfiguration of optical paths based on real-time communication needs. This enables the same physical infrastructure to adapt to different system requirements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic interposer serves multiple functions: it provides optical signal transmission, enables reconfigurable routing, and supports various communication protocols. The universal design allows a single photonic interposer to handle different data transmission scenarios and system configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interconnect designs and maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If traditional optical devices are used, then data transmission capability is achieved, but device area becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (modulators, switches, waveguides) into a compact nested structure within the photonic interposer. Smaller optical components are embedded within larger ones, and multiple functions are combined in single integrated units. This nesting approach maintains high data transmission capability while significantly reducing the overall device area compared to traditional separate optical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges optical signal generation, modulation, routing, and detection functions into a single integrated photonic interposer device. By combining multiple optical components and functions into one unified structure, the system achieves high data transmission capability without requiring large separate devices, thus reducing overall area occupation.
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
The solution achieves low-latency, low-loss data transmission with improved power efficiency and flexibility, allowing for reconfigurable optical interconnects that enhance the overall performance of chiplet systems.
Implementation Method 1
each micro-ring resonator router is electromagnetically coupled to the multimode waveguide such that each of the micro-ring resonators are able to selectively couple optical signals propagating in the multimode waveguide
Implementation Method 2
A micro-ring modulator of the first MRR router is configured to resonate at a first wavelength. While the micro-ring modulator is resonating at the first wavelength, it selectively couples an optical signal having the first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes an optoelectronic device comprising a photonic interposer that is provided with a plurality of chiplets and a multimode waveguide. Each of the plurality of chiplets are communicatively connected to a micro-ring resonator router that is provided adjacent to each chiplet, and each micro-ring resonator router is electromagnetically coupled to the multimode waveguide such that each of the micro-ring resonators are able to selectively couple optical signals propagating in the multimode waveguide