Ring Modulator Multiplexing to Expand Optical Link Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data communication systems require an increase in the number of light sources to enhance data communication capacity, leading to increased device size and failure rates due to high operating temperatures, particularly in internal light source-type co-packages.
Innovation Solution
A modulator system utilizing multiple ring modulators with adjusted resonance frequencies and an output waveguide to multiplex beams, along with amplifiers and splitters, allowing for increased data communication capacity without additional light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of light sources is increased to enhance data communication capacity, then the data communication capacity is improved, but the device size increases and the failure rate increases due to high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light source into multiple virtual channels by segmenting the optical signal in the time domain. Each segmented signal is modulated independently, allowing one physical light source to serve multiple communication channels, thereby increasing capacity without adding more light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic time-division multiplexing where the single light source alternates between serving different channels in different time slots. This dynamic switching allows efficient utilization of the light source across multiple channels while maintaining reliability through reduced thermal stress
2Productivity
If the number of light sources is increased to enhance data communication capacity, then the data communication capacity is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single light source universal by enabling it to serve multiple communication channels through time-division multiplexing. The light source is shared across multiple channels, each accessed at different time slots, eliminating the need for separate light sources for each channel and thereby reducing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (using multiple light sources in parallel) to temporal multiplexing (using one light source across different time dimensions). This dimensional shift allows multiple channels to be supported without increasing the physical footprint of the device
3Productivity
If multiple light sources are used to increase data communication capacity, then the data communication capacity is improved, but the complexity of managing individual light source failures and end of life increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the failure management complexity from the system by eliminating multiple light sources. With a single light source, the system removes the need to monitor, manage, and replace multiple individual light sources, significantly simplifying maintenance and reducing operational 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
The system enhances data communication capacity while reducing the number of light sources, thereby decreasing device size and failure rates, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
All the ring modulators included in the modulation units have resonance frequencies adjusted to differ from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A modulator including multiple modulation units each including multiple ring modulators and an output waveguide configured to multiplex beams that have passed through the ring modulators included in the modulation units and output a multiplexed beam. The modulation units each include a sorting waveguide that guides a beam inputted from outside to the ring modulators. All the ring modulators included in the modulation units have resonance frequencies adjusted to differ from each other. A modulator, modulation system, and transmission module for increasing the data communication capacity without having to increase the number of light sources can be provided.