QSFP Double Density Optical Transceiver Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing data rates and the number of channels in optical transceivers pose difficulties in optical data communications, as existing technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving data over multiple wavelengths without significant complexity and size increases.
Innovation Solution
A double density optical transceiver module with paired laser diodes, planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), and MEMS devices, which include optical multiplexers and demultiplexers, allows for efficient transmission and reception of data over multiple wavelengths using a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver housing, enabling higher data capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of channels and data rates are increased in optical transceivers, then data transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver is divided into functional modules including multiple laser diode pairs, PLCs with multiplexers/demultiplexers, and photodiode arrays. Each module handles specific wavelength channels, allowing independent optimization and reducing overall system complexity while increasing total capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC serves multiple functions by integrating both multiplexing and demultiplexing capabilities in a single component. The same PLC structure is used for both transmitting and receiving paths, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture
2Productivity
If the number of channels and data rates are increased in optical transceivers, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the physical size of the transceiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical components are integrated within the compact SFP form factor. The PLC contains embedded waveguides and optical paths that nest multiple functional elements within a small footprint, allowing high channel capacity without proportionally increasing physical size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion (adding more separate components side-by-side) to vertical integration (stacking functions within the same physical space). The PLC uses three-dimensional waveguide routing to accommodate multiple wavelength channels within a planar structure, effectively adding capacity without increasing the transceiver's external dimensions
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 enables increased data transmission speeds and capacities, such as 200 Gb/s, while maintaining a compact form factor, by effectively managing light transmission and reception through paired laser diodes and PLCs, enhancing the efficiency of optical data communications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of paired laser diodes, each of the pairs of laser diodes generating light at different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
Light from the laser diodes is passed through a planar lightwave circuit (PLC), for example including a pair of optical multiplexers
Implementation Method 3
Light from the optical demultiplexers is passed to a plurality of PLC receive side outputs, from which the light is passed to photodiodes for conversion to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver may include pairs of lasers, each laser of a particular pair generating light at the same wavelength and each pair of lasers generating light at different wavelengths. The light from the lasers may be demultiplexed onto a pair of outputs, with each output receiving light from different lasers of each pair of lasers.