Single Fiber Bidirectional Optical Module Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bidirectional optical modules suffer from forward radiated noise, LD/PD crosstalk, and outer noise due to the integration of laser diodes and photodiodes in metal packages, which increases component count and costs, and generates electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A single-fiber bidirectional optical module design where the metal chassis is insulated from the receptacle using an insulative pipe, with separate grounds for the transmitter and receiver to prevent electromagnetic interference, and the LD pins are floated from the chassis to prevent antenna effects, while the receptacle is isolated from the chassis using zirconia insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the LD and PD are integrated in a metal package, then the component count is reduced and cost is lowered, but electromagnetic noise and LD/PD crosstalk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent countVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the grounding system into two separate grounds: a FG (frame ground) connected to the metal package and an RG (receiver ground) connected to the receiver circuitry. This segmentation prevents the LD driving current from coupling into the PD through the ground path, thereby reducing electromagnetic noise and LD/PD crosstalk while maintaining component integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulating structure (such as an insulating layer or insulating stand-off) between the LD anode and the metal package to prevent direct electrical connection. This intermediary blocks the electromagnetic noise and driving current from coupling into the package, reducing harmful electromagnetic radiation while allowing the LD and PD to remain integrated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the LD driving current flows through the metal package, then the structure is simplified, but forward radiated noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidforward radiated noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating structure between the LD anode and the metal package to prevent direct electrical connection. This intermediary blocks the electromagnetic noise and driving current from coupling into the package, reducing harmful electromagnetic radiation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful electrical connection between the LD driving current and the metal package by implementing electrical isolation. This removes the source of forward radiated noise while preserving the structural benefits of integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the LD and PD are connected through the same ground, then the circuit is simplified, but LD/PD crosstalk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the grounding system into two separate grounds: FG (frame ground) connected to the metal package and RG (receiver ground) connected to the receiver circuitry. This segmentation prevents the LD driving current from coupling into the PD through the ground path, thereby reducing electromagnetic noise and LD/PD crosstalk while maintaining component integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design reduces electrical and electromagnetic crosstalk between the LD and PD, suppresses forward radiated noise, and minimizes the impact of outer noise on the receiver, enhancing the module's performance and cost-effectiveness by integrating components without increasing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

an insulative pipe connects a metal chassis including a transmitter and a receiver to a receptacle for removing an optical fiber. Thereby, the receptacle and the chassis are insulated from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

As a powerful driving current of the LD generates electromagnetic waves, intense radio waves are generated with the container acting as an antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a bidirectional optical module including a transmitter, a receiver, and a receptacle for bidirectionally transmitting a signal through a single optical fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7293921B2Single fiber bidirectional optical module and single fiber bidirectional optical transmission and receiver device
Publication Date: 2007.11.13 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US7293921B2 patent drawing
  • US7293921B2 patent drawing
  • US7293921B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A metal chassis including a laser diode (LD) and a photodiode (PD) is held at a receiver ground RG, which is the potential of the anode or the cathode of the PD. Meanwhile, a receptacle for removing an optical fiber is held at a frame ground FG of a separate frame. Lead pins of the LD are insulated from the metal chassis. The receiver ground RG and the frame ground FG are insulated from each other by an insulative member. Since the receiver ground RG is insulated from the LD and the frame, a receiver is not easily affected by inner noise and outer noise. Accordingly, a bidirectional optical module having reduced influence of forward radiated noise, LD/PD crosstalk, and the outer noise is provided.