Multiplexed RF-to-Optical Interconnect in Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems for portable devices lack efficient multiplexed RF-to-optical interconnects for wireless communication, limiting their ability to process and communicate data quickly and effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an optical communication channel within a display panel that couples a radio frequency (RF) transceiver subsystem and an antenna subsystem, enabling the transmission and reception of signals through optical paths within the display panel using multiplexing techniques such as wavelength division multiplexing or time division multiplexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional RF interconnects are used in portable devices, then device complexity is reduced, but wireless communication efficiency and data transmission speed are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication efficiencyVSAvoidinterconnect structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RF interconnect and optical interconnect into a single multiplexed interface within the display panel. The same physical pathway carries both RF signals (for wireless communication) and optical signals (for high-speed data transmission), eliminating the need for separate interconnect structures and improving communication efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel interconnect is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an RF signal pathway for wireless communication and an optical signal pathway for high-speed data transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to support both traditional RF operations and enhanced optical communication, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If optical communication channels are integrated into the display panel, then data transmission speed and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical communication channel is nested within the existing display panel structure. The optical waveguide is integrated into the display panel layers, utilizing the panel's internal space and manufacturing processes. This nesting approach allows optical communication to be added without requiring a completely new manufacturing system, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If multiplexing techniques are used to transmit both RF and optical signals, then bandwidth and communication capacity are increased, but signal interference risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexed interconnect is segmented into distinct functional regions: one dedicated to RF signal transmission and another to optical signal transmission. By spatially separating the signal pathways within the same physical interconnect structure, the patent enables both RF and optical signals to coexist without significant interference, while still achieving increased communication capacity through multiplexing.

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 enhances wireless communication efficiency by allowing for the multiplexing of RF signals into optical signals within the display panel, facilitating faster and more reliable data transmission and reception, thereby improving the overall performance of portable information handling systems.

Implementation Method 1

an optical communication channel coupled to the RF transceiver subsystem and the antenna subsystem. The optical communication channel communicates transmit signals from the RF transceiver subsystem to the antenna subsystem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical communication: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9794002B1Integrated multiplexed RF-to-optical interconnect for portable electronic devices

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system, a display panel, and a method for providing optical communication of signals within a display panel is provided. The information handling system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver subsystem, an antenna subsystem, and a display panel, the display panel for displaying graphic images, the display panel comprising an optical communication channel coupled to the RF transceiver subsystem and the antenna subsystem, the optical communication channel for communicating transmit signals from the RF transceiver subsystem to the antenna subsystem and for communicating receive signals from the antenna subsystem to the RF transceiver subsystem.