Silicon Photonics Optical Coupler for Signal Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional copper data channels face signal attenuation and crosstalk due to radiated electromagnetic energy, which are difficult to mitigate effectively with existing techniques, limiting scalability and requiring significant power and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for an optical coupler in silicon photonics devices, incorporating a photonics transceiver with a silicon photonics die, an electronics die, an optical source module, and a fiber connector, utilizing grating couplers and optical coupling elements to redirect modulated optical signals and generate electrical signals, enabling efficient communication with reduced losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If copper data channels are used to meet bandwidth requirements, then data transmission capability is improved, but signal attenuation and crosstalk increase due to radiated electromagnetic energy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces copper electrical transmission with optical transmission using silicon photonics. Optical signals transmit data through light waves instead of electrical currents, eliminating electromagnetic radiation and associated crosstalk while maintaining high bandwidth capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both high productivity (bandwidth) and reliability (signal quality) simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If equalization, coding, and shielding techniques are applied to copper channels, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for complex signal processing techniques by substituting copper channels with optical channels. The inherent properties of optical transmission provide superior signal integrity without requiring equalization, coding, or shielding, thereby reducing both power consumption and system complexity while maintaining high signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If equalization, coding, and shielding techniques are applied to copper channels, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive electrical signal processing with optical transmission that inherently maintains signal quality. Optical signals do not suffer from the same attenuation and interference issues as electrical signals, eliminating the need for power-consuming equalization and shielding techniques while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If copper data channels are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but scalability is limited due to channel limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidchannel performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes copper channel infrastructure with optical channel infrastructure using silicon photonics. This substitution enables superior scalability because optical channels support higher bandwidths and longer transmission distances without degradation, while maintaining excellent signal reliability. The optical platform allows for future expansion and adaptation to increasing data demands.

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

This solution provides improved scalability and reduced signal losses by integrating optical and electronic devices on separate chips, allowing for optimized performance and efficient optical communication with minimal power and complexity, overcoming the limitations of copper data channels.

Implementation Method 1

an array of grating couplers for coupling the modulated optical signals into the silicon photonics die

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The optical coupling element redirects the received modulated optical signals at a near right angle to the top surface of the photonics die

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

Electrical signals are generated in the silicon photonics die based on the received modulated optical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11275225B2Method and system for an optical coupler for silicon photonics devices

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for an optical coupler for photonics devices are disclosed and may include a photonics transceiver comprising a silicon photonics die and a fiber connector for receiving optical fibers and including a die coupler and an optical coupling element. The die coupler may be bonded to a top surface of the photonics die and aligned above an array of grating couplers. The optical coupling element may be attached to the die coupler and the electronics die and the source module may be bonded to the top surface of the photonics die. Modulated optical signals may be received in the photonics die from optical fibers coupled to the fiber connector.