Redundant Laser Sources in Integrated Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional copper data channels face signal attenuation and crosstalk due to radiated electromagnetic energy, which are difficult to mitigate effectively with existing techniques, limiting scalability and requiring significant power and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A photonically-enabled integrated circuit system utilizing two inputs of an integrated modulator, specifically a Mach-Zehnder or ring modulator, with redundant laser sources to improve signal transmission and reduce the risk of failure by providing backup light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If copper data channels are used to meet bandwidth requirements, then data transmission capacity is improved, but signal attenuation and crosstalk increase due to radiated electromagnetic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper electrical channels with optical channels, substituting electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. This fundamental substitution eliminates the electromagnetic radiation issues inherent in copper channels while maintaining high bandwidth capability, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Reliability
If equalization, coding, and shielding techniques are applied to copper channels, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting copper channels with optical channels, the patent eliminates the need for equalization, coding, and shielding techniques that are required to mitigate copper channel deficiencies. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining or improving signal quality.
3Reliability
If equalization, coding, and shielding techniques are applied to copper channels, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper-based electrical transmission with optical transmission, eliminating the need for power-intensive equalization, coding, and shielding techniques. Optical channels inherently provide better signal integrity without requiring additional power consumption for signal restoration and protection.
4Device complexity
If a single laser source is used in an integrated modulator, then device simplicity is maintained, but system reliability decreases due to potential laser failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundant laser sources in the integrated modulator, where multiple laser sources are provided as backup for each other. This redundancy ensures that if one laser fails, another can take over, thereby cushioning against potential failures and improving system reliability while maintaining reasonable device simplicity.
5Adaptability or versatility
If copper channels are used for data transmission, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but scalability is limited due to channel limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes copper channels with optical channels, enabling scalability to higher bandwidth requirements and longer transmission distances. Optical channels provide superior performance characteristics that support future growth and expansion without being constrained by the physical limitations of copper channels.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for redundant light sources by utilizing two inputs of an integrated modulator are disclosed and may include: an optoelectronic transmitter integrated in a semiconductor die with first and second laser sources coupled to the semiconductor die, said optoelectronic transmitter comprising an optical modulator with a first input waveguide coupled to the first laser source and second input waveguide coupled to the second laser source, the optoelectronic receiver being operable to: configure the first laser source to provide an optical signal to the first input of the optical modulator; and if the first laser source does not provide an optical signal, configure the second laser source to provide an optical signal to the second input of the optical modulator. The first laser source may be optically coupled to the first input waveguide and the second laser source optically coupled to the second input waveguide using grating couplers.