Switchable Drop Filters for Dynamic Optical Bandwidth Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network topologies in multi-chip modules (MCMs) face challenges in providing high, dynamically configurable site-to-site bandwidth while maintaining low latency and power consumption, often requiring arbitration and additional components that increase complexity and power loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-chip module with integrated circuits using statically tuned optical light sources and switchable drop filters, where control logic specifies adjustable bands of wavelengths for routing optical signals, allowing for contention-free communication and dynamic bandwidth allocation without the need for arbitration or switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If statically allocated bandwidth is used in optical waveguides, then low arbitration overhead and low optical power loss are achieved, but site-to-site bandwidth is constrained and cannot be dynamically configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable optical networks by making the bandwidth allocation flexible through tunable light sources and switchable drop filters. The network topology can be reconfigured on-demand to establish dedicated point-to-point channels between any pair of sites, transforming a static bandwidth allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network is segmented into reusable wavelength channels that can be independently allocated to different communication pairs. Each wavelength channel represents a separable resource that can be dynamically assigned, allowing the system to provide dedicated bandwidth between sites without requiring permanent physical connections for all possible pairs.
2Productivity
If dedicated channels are provided between all site pairs, then high site-to-site bandwidth is achieved, but the number of optical waveguides increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical waveguide is designed to serve multiple destinations by carrying multiple wavelength channels. A single waveguide can simultaneously or sequentially carry traffic to different sites depending on the wavelength being transmitted, making the waveguide a universal resource that replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light signals to create multiple independent communication channels within a single optical waveguide. By modulating light at different wavelengths and using WDM (wavelength division multiplexing), the system achieves multiple logical channels on physical infrastructure, reducing the total quantity of waveguides needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wavelength-selective drop filters are used to redirect wavelengths to destination sites, then routing flexibility is improved, but optical power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary wavelength selection and channel establishment before data transmission begins. Control logic pre-configures the drop filters and light sources to the required wavelengths and routing paths, allowing the optical signals to be directed efficiently without requiring dynamic switching during active communication, thereby reducing power loss from repeated switching operations.
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 a high, dynamically configurable site-to-site bandwidth with low latency and power consumption, reducing contention and arbitration overhead, and enabling flexible bandwidth allocation, suitable for interconnect applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical network that includes optical interconnects (such as silicon optical waveguides)
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength-selective 'drop filter' redirects one of the multiplexed wavelengths to a destination site
Implementation Method 3
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), which allows a single optical link to carry multiple channels
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-chip module (MCM), integrated circuits are coupled by optical waveguides. These integrated circuits receive optical signals from a set of light sources which have fixed carrier wavelengths. Moreover, a given integrated circuit includes: a transmitter that modulates at least one of the optical signals when transmitting information to at least another of the integrated circuits; and a receiver that receives at least one modulated optical signal having one of the carrier wavelengths when receiving information from at least the other of the integrated circuits. Furthermore, the MCM includes switchable drop filters optically coupled to the optical waveguides and associated integrated circuits, wherein the switchable drop filters pass adjustable bands of wavelengths to receivers in the integrated circuits. Additionally, control logic in the MCM provides a control signal to the switchable drop filters to specify the adjustable bands of wavelengths.