Bidirectional Optical Module with Shared Fiber Port and Split TOSA ROSA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical communication systems face challenges in achieving small size and low energy consumption while maintaining high bandwidth and transmission speed, particularly in bidirectional optical modules used in 5G networks, which also suffer from reflection noise and increased costs due to complex circuit layouts and hermetic sealing requirements.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional optical module design featuring a TOSA and ROSA in separate casings, utilizing a thin film LiNbOx modulator and an optical filter to enable sharing a single fiber port, with components optically coupled and bonded by soldering or gluing, reducing size and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional optical modules use separate fiber ports for TOSA and ROSA, then transmission reliability is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module is segmented into functionally independent TOSA and ROSA subassemblies that can be separately optimized and manufactured, then integrated through precision positioning structures to share the fiber port while maintaining transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single fiber port serves dual functions by accommodating both TOSA and ROSA through the same interface, enabling bidirectional communication (transmission and reception) through one port, thereby reducing device size while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If hermetic sealing is applied to TOSA and ROSA, then environmental stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hermetic sealing requirement is segmented and applied only to the TOSA subassembly where environmental stability is critical for laser operation, while the ROSA subassembly uses simpler sealing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining necessary stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A ceramic sleeve acts as an intermediary component providing hermetic sealing for the TOSA without requiring the entire optical module to be hermetically sealed, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining environmental stability where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex circuit layouts are used in conventional optical modules, then functional completeness is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit functions are segmented and distributed: the TOSA contains minimal circuitry for laser control, while the ROSA contains the main signal processing circuits, reducing overall circuit complexity and energy consumption while maintaining functional completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Complex electrical circuit functions are replaced by optical mechanisms where possible, such as using optical filters and isolators for signal management, thereby reducing circuit complexity and energy consumption while maintaining functional completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design achieves compactness, lower manufacturing costs, and improved transmission quality for long-distance, high-speed optical communication with reduced energy consumption and cost-effective laser emitters, while meeting MSA specifications.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting unit and a thin film lithium niobate (LiNbOx) modulator, and the thin film LiNbOx modulator is optically coupled with the light emitting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

an optical filter. The TOSA includes a light emitting unit and a thin film lithium niobate (LiNbOx) modulator, and the thin film LiNbOx modulator is optically coupled with the light emitting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12541066B2Bidirectional optical module with separated subassemblies

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A bidirectional optical module includes a TOSA, a ROSA and an optical filter. The TOSA includes a light emitting unit and a thin film LiNbOx modulator, and the thin film LiNbOx modulator is optically coupled with the light emitting unit. The ROSA is connected with the TOSA. The optical filter is provided for a fiber port which the TOSA shares with the ROSA.