Side-Radiating Waveguide Launcher for Package-to-Waveguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server architectures face challenges in achieving cost-effective and power-efficient data transfer between blades and racks due to the limitations of traditional electrical connections, which become expensive and power-hungry for high data rates, while optical solutions incur a power and cost penalty for short to medium distances.
Innovation Solution
The integration of millimeter-wave transceivers paired with waveguides and the development of side-radiating waveguide launchers on semiconductor packages, which facilitate efficient energy transfer to waveguides, overcoming alignment issues and space constraints in modern server designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional electrical connections are used for high data rates, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical cable connections with a waveguide-based electromagnetic radiation system. Millimeter-wave transceivers on semiconductor packages transmit data through free-space electromagnetic waves to waveguide launchers, eliminating the need for high-speed electrical cables and their associated power consumption and cost for achieving 25 Gbps and higher data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from electrical signal transmission to millimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation for data transmission. By changing the fundamental transmission parameter from electrical conduction to electromagnetic wave propagation, the system achieves high data rates with lower power consumption and reduced cost for short to medium distance connections
2Length of stationary object
If optical fiber solutions are used, then data transfer distance and bandwidth are improved, but power consumption and cost increase for short to medium distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission methods for different distance ranges. For short to medium distances (the local context), it uses millimeter-wave free-space transmission instead of optical fiber, optimizing power consumption and cost for this specific distance range while maintaining adequate bandwidth and connection reliability
3Loss of energy
If waveguide launchers are integrated into semiconductor packages, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide launcher is designed as a modular component that can be separately fabricated and then integrated with the semiconductor package. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling structure that facilitates efficient energy transfer from the millimeter-wave transceiver to the waveguide. This intermediary component simplifies the integration process by providing a standardized interface between the semiconductor package and the waveguide launcher, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency
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 enables efficient radio frequency and millimeter-wave communication by maximizing energy transfer between semiconductor packages and waveguides, supporting data transfer rates over 25 Gbps with reduced power consumption and cost, suitable for distances ranging from less than 1 meter to 10 meters.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductive structure conductively coupling the first conductive member with the second conductive member, the at least one conductive structure forming a shaped space in the dielectric medium
Implementation Method 2
at least one radio frequency (RF) excitation element disposed at a location within the dielectric medium electrically isolated from the first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the conductive structure
Data Source
AI summary
Integration of a side-radiating waveguide launcher system into a semiconductor package beneficially permits the coupling of a waveguide directly to the semiconductor package. Included are a first conductive member and a second conductive member separated by a dielectric material. Also included is a conductive structure, such as a plurality of vias, that conductively couples the first conductive member and the second conductive member. Together, the first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the conductive structure form an electrically conductive side-radiating waveguide launcher enclosing shaped space within the dielectric material. The shaped space includes a narrow first end and a wide second end. An RF excitation element is disposed proximate the first end and a waveguide may be operably coupled proximate the second end of the shaped space.