Photonics-Substrate Optical Links for High-Bandwidth Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems rely on slow, low-bandwidth, high-latency, and energy-inefficient electrical communication links, limiting their performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical link system utilizing a photonics substrate with waveguides and optoelectronic transducers to enable high-bandwidth, low-latency information transfer between electronics modules, optionally including photonic interposers and various network topologies for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical communication links are used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication bandwidth and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical communication links with optical communication links using waveguides and light signals. This substitution enables significantly higher communication speeds and bandwidth while reducing latency, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and system complexity by leveraging the inherent advantages of optical transmission over electrical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical signals to optical signals. By using light instead of electricity for communication, the system achieves higher speeds and bandwidth without proportionally increasing complexity, as the optical infrastructure can be integrated into existing semiconductor fabrication processes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical communication links are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through waveguides. Optical communication is inherently more energy-efficient for high-bandwidth applications, reducing power consumption while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, thus improving energy efficiency without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication system uses modulated light signals that can be transmitted periodically or continuously as needed, allowing for efficient energy utilization. The system activates optical transmission only when data communication is required, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuously active electrical links.
3Quantity of substance
If electrical communication links are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but communication bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical communication infrastructure with optical waveguide-based communication. This substitution enables massively parallel data transmission through multiple waveguides and wavelength-division multiplexing, dramatically increasing bandwidth and data capacity while the underlying fabrication processes remain relatively simple and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for data transmission. By using multiple wavelengths simultaneously in the same physical waveguide, the system achieves multiplexed communication channels, effectively increasing bandwidth without proportionally increasing physical complexity. This dimensional addition allows parallel data streams to coexist in the same infrastructure.
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 optical link system enhances computing performance by providing high-bandwidth, low-latency communication, reducing energy consumption, and improving computational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The photonics substrate includes a plurality of waveguides and optical transducers
Implementation Method 2
The photonics substrate includes a plurality of waveguides and optical transducers
Data Source
AI summary
An optical link system for computation, preferably including a photonics substrate and a plurality of electronics modules, such as processors, memory controllers, and/or switches, which are preferably bonded to the photonics substrate. A photonics substrate, preferably including a plurality of optical links including waveguides and optical transducers. A method for optical link system operation, preferably including operating electronics modules and using optical links, optionally in cooperation with electronics modules such as switches, to transfer information between the electronics modules.