Signal Interconnect Multiplexing Optical and Electrical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods in integrated circuits face challenges in achieving high-speed data transmission with increased bandwidth and security, particularly in designs that require concurrent transmission of optical and electrical signals while ensuring secure data communication.
Innovation Solution
A signal interconnect that multiplexes and concurrently transmits optical and electrical signals using a waveguide with a transmission medium that is both electrically conductive and optically transparent, employing metal oxides like indium tin oxide, and incorporates filtering mechanisms such as photonic crystals for secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional interconnects are used for high-speed data transmission, then bandwidth is increased, but signal integrity and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first layer for electrical signals and a second layer for optical signals. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific signal type, preventing interference and maintaining signal integrity at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer containing photonic crystals is introduced between the electrical and optical signal layers. This intermediary structure acts as a barrier that prevents coupling between the different signal types while allowing both to coexist in the same interconnect path, thus maintaining signal integrity.
2Reliability
If encryption mechanisms are added to secure data transmission, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the photonic crystal layer: it serves as both a structural intermediary to prevent signal coupling and as an encryption mechanism through its photonic bandgap properties. This merging of functions secures data transmission without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If both electrical and optical signals are transmitted concurrently, then bandwidth is doubled, but interference between signal types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal intermediary layer is positioned between the electrical signal layer and the optical signal layer. This intermediary structure利用 photonic bandgap properties to prevent optical signals from coupling into the electrical layer and vice versa, allowing concurrent transmission without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect structure assigns different local qualities to different layers: the first layer is optimized for electrical conductivity while the second layer is optimized for optical transparency. The photonic crystal intermediary provides localized optical filtering properties, creating distinct signal environments that prevent mutual interference.
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 solution enables high-speed, secure, and efficient data transmission with wide bandwidth and high signal/noise ratios, suitable for on-chip and off-chip communication, leveraging conventional CMOS technologies and providing secure encryption mechanisms for data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission medium that is both electrically conductive and optically transparent
Implementation Method 2
a transmission medium that is both electrically conductive and optically transparent
Implementation Method 3
incorporates filtering mechanisms such as photonic crystals for secure data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include communication methods, methods of forming an interconnect, signal interconnects, integrated circuit structures, circuits, and data apparatuses. In one embodiment, a communication method includes accessing an optical signal comprising photons to communicate information, accessing an electrical signal comprising electrical data carriers to communicate information, and using a single interconnect, communicating the optical and electrical signals between a first spatial location and a second spatial location spaced from the first spatial location.