Shared Remote Optical Power Supply for Multi-Chip Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data communication systems face challenges in achieving reliable and efficient laser light sources with minimal form factor and low energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a remote optical power supply connected to electro-optical chips through optical fibers, generating and distributing multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to each chip, with spare optical inputs for redundancy and efficient optical distribution networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple laser light sources are integrated into a single unit, then reliability and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical power supply is segmented into multiple independent laser modules, each generating a specific wavelength. This allows individual laser failures to be isolated while maintaining system reliability, and each module can be optimized independently for efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power supply is designed as a universal multi-functional device that simultaneously generates multiple wavelengths and distributes them to multiple electro-optical chips through a shared optical distribution network, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser light sources are distributed to multiple electro-optical chips, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical distribution network acts as an intermediary between the laser light sources and multiple electro-optical chips, efficiently routing optical signals with minimal loss through optical switches and waveguides
Solution Approach 2:
The optical distribution network dynamically configures connections between laser modules and electro-optical chips based on real-time system needs, allowing flexible adaptation while optimizing energy distribution paths
3Ease of operation
If optical fibers are used to connect remote electro-optical chips, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optical chips are extracted from the optical power supply unit and distributed remotely through optical fibers, allowing flexible placement and easier operation while using wavelength-division multiplexing to minimize energy loss in the fiber transmission
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 configuration enhances reliability and efficiency by providing a scalable, low-energy solution for optical data communication systems, supporting high bandwidth and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
The system incorporates a remote optical power supply connected to electro-optical chips through optical fibers, generating and distributing multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data communication system includes an optical power supply and a plurality of electro-optical chips that exists separate and remote from the optical power supply. The optical power supply includes a plurality of lasers, each of which is configured to generate and output a beam of continuous wave light of a different one of a plurality of wavelengths. The optical power supply has a plurality of optical outputs, and is configured to convey all of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light through each of the plurality of optical outputs. Each of the plurality of electro-optical chips has multiple optical inputs respectively optically connected to optical outputs within a corresponding portion of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply. Also, each of the plurality of electro-optical chips is optically connected to a different portion of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply.