Pluggable Optical Host Module Signal Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed data transmission over electrical interfaces faces significant losses due to increasing bit rate and trace lengths, limiting communication distances and wavelengths in optical networks.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable optical host and network I/O optoelectronic module with first and second OEO converters that convert inbound and outbound optical signals, utilizing N and M optical receivers and signal processing circuitry to change signal characteristics such as modulation, symbol rate, and bit rate, enabling efficient communication of 50 GBaud PAM-4 and 100 Gbps NRZ signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If electrical interfaces are used for high-speed data transmission, then data can be processed in the electrical domain at host cards, but transmission losses increase dramatically with increasing bit rate and trace lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical interface as an intermediary between the electrical domain (host card) and the transmission medium. The optical host I/O optoelectronic module converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, avoiding the limitations of electrical traces. This mediator enables high-speed data transmission over longer distances without the dramatic signal losses that plague electrical interfaces at high bit rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electro-optical conversion chip is used on the host card, then communication limitations are addressed, but communication is limited to specific link lengths and wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidlink length and wavelength adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability in the optical host I/O optoelectronic module, allowing it to adjust to different link lengths and wavelengths. The module can dynamically configure its transmission parameters, including wavelength selection and link distance optimization, thereby maintaining reliable communication across varying conditions rather than being fixed to specific parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to enable the optical conversion module to operate across multiple wavelengths and link lengths. By changing operational parameters such as wavelength and power levels, the system adapts to different communication requirements, overcoming the limitations of fixed-parameter electro-optical conversion chips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If pluggable optics are used for datacenter reaches, then transmission distance is improved, but cost increases compared to card-mounted optics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical transmission system into modular components: pluggable optical modules for long-distance datacenter reaches and simpler card-mounted optics for shorter intra-card reaches. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific use case, with pluggable modules providing extended reach when needed and standard card-mounted optics handling routine shorter-distance communications, thereby balancing cost and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 alleviates physics barriers to reach and speed, preserving the benefits of pluggable optics for datacenter reaches while implementing low-cost card-mounted optics for intra-card reaches, enhancing data transmission efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

N network-side optical receivers, first signal processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the N network-side optical receivers, and M host-side optical receivers communicatively coupled to the first signal processing circuitry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2976845B1Pluggable optical host and network I/O optoelectronic module

Publication Date: 2019.05.15 FINISAR CORP

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AI summary

In an embodiment, a pluggable optical host and network I/O optoelectronic module (hereinafter "module") includes a first optical-electrical-optical (OEO) converter and a second OEO converter. The first OEO converter is configured to convert N inbound optical signals to M inbound optical signals and includes N network-side optical receivers, first signal processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the N network-side optical receivers, and M host-side optical receivers communicatively coupled to the first signal processing circuitry. The second OEO converter is configured to convert M outbound optical signals to N outbound optical signals and includes M host-side optical receivers, second signal processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the M host-side optical receivers, and N network-side optical receivers communicatively coupled to the second signal processing circuitry.