Planar Assemblies for Optical Transceiver Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-optic systems face challenges in efficiently coupling multiple optical transceivers to the same optical fiber, particularly in scalable architectures, where different data rates and modulation formats are required, and ensuring proper wavelength management for full duplex operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of planar assemblies with passive optical filters and bulk lenses on a substrate allows for the coupling of multiple optical transceivers to the same optical fiber, using non-overlapping footprints and wavelength-specific routing to manage different wavelengths, enabling scalable and efficient optical communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple optical transceivers are coupled to the same optical fiber using wavelength division multiplexing, then the system capacity and data throughput are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of wavelength management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical spectrum into multiple wavelength channels, with each transceiver assigned to a specific wavelength. The planar assembly segments the optical paths using wavelength-specific routing, where each transceiver communicates on its designated wavelength channel, preventing interference and simplifying management of multiple transceivers on the same fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces planar assemblies with integrated optical filters and bulk lenses as intermediary components between transceivers and the optical fiber. These intermediaries perform wavelength-specific routing and beam shaping, automatically directing each wavelength to its corresponding transceiver without requiring complex external alignment or management systems.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple optical transceivers are integrated on the same substrate, then the footprint area is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transceivers, optical filters, and bulk lenses onto a single planar assembly substrate. By integrating all these components on one substrate with unified manufacturing tolerances, the patent reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining alignment accuracy through monolithic construction rather than assembling separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges transceivers and optical components in a planar two-dimensional configuration rather than three-dimensional stacking. This planar layout simplifies manufacturing and alignment by confining all critical optical paths to a single plane, making it easier to maintain precision during assembly and operation while maximizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical filters are fixed to the planar surface for wavelength routing, then the system scalability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the planar assembly with a universal structure where passive optical filters and bulk lenses serve multiple functions: wavelength routing, beam shaping, and transceiver isolation. This multi-functionality allows the same basic architecture to support different numbers and types of transceivers, improving scalability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 solution enables efficient and scalable coupling of optical transceivers to a single optical fiber, supporting various data rates and modulation formats while ensuring effective wavelength management, thus enhancing the performance and flexibility of fiber-optic communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a passive optical filter fixed to said substrate and configured to direct along said planar surface, between an end face of an optical fiber and the first optical transceiver, light of first wavelengths, and to direct along said planar surface, between the end face and the second optical transceiver, light of second wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments may employ various bulk lenses fixed to said planar surface to suitably relay light-beam segments between the end face of the fiber and the optical transceivers
Data Source
AI summary
Planar assemblies for coupling a plurality of optical transceivers to the same optical fiber. For example, the optical transceivers may be PON transceivers functioning according to different data rates and/or different modulation formats. Each optical transceiver communicates using one or more different wavelength channels. At least some of the disclosed planar assemblies are scalable to couple various numbers of optical transceivers to the same end face of an optical fiber, e.g., by fixing a corresponding number of passive, slab-like optical filters to a substantially planar surface of the support substrate to which the optical transceivers are also fixed adjacent and along. Some embodiments may employ various bulk lenses fixed to said planar surface to suitably relay light-beam segments between the end face of the fiber and the optical transceivers and/or between the different slab-like optical filters.