Optical Transceiver Modulating Assembly Using P-i-n Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laser-based optical transceivers face challenges such as laser chirp, which is temperature-dependent and affects signal quality, requiring additional control circuitry, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The optical transceiver employs a modulating assembly comprising collimating lenses, mirrors, and a p-i-n diode to modulate an un-modulated optical signal, eliminating the need for internal light sources and associated control circuitry, thereby simplifying design and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser-based transceiver is used, then optical signal generation is achieved, but laser chirp and temperature dependency occur, requiring additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the laser source and its associated temperature control circuitry from the transceiver system. Instead of generating light internally with a laser, the system uses an external laser source and focuses only on the modulation function using a p-i-n diode, thereby eliminating the harmful laser chirp effects while maintaining signal generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external laser source as an intermediary element that provides the optical signal separately from the modulation circuitry. The p-i-n diode then acts as a mediator to modulate this external laser light without requiring the laser itself to be part of the transceiver's internal circuitry, thus avoiding laser chirp issues
2Stability of the object's composition
If temperature control circuitry is added to compensate for laser chirp, then signal stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the temperature control circuitry entirely from the system by eliminating the laser source from the transceiver. Since there is no internal laser, there is no laser chirp to compensate for, making temperature control unnecessary and thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and complex temperature control systems with a simpler, more reliable modulation approach using a p-i-n diode that does not require such sophisticated control mechanisms, effectively using a cheaper and simpler component to achieve the same functional outcome
3Reliability
If multiple control components are implemented, then laser chirp effects are mitigated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by removing the laser source and its associated control components from the transceiver design. The manufacturing process focuses only on assembling the modulation components (p-i-n diode, collimating lenses, mirrors) rather than integrating multiple laser control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical signal generation and modulation functions into separate components: an external laser source handles light generation, while the p-i-n diode and associated optics handle modulation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
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 reduces the complexity and cost of the transceiver by eliminating the need for temperature controllers and other control components, while providing reliable data modulation and improved coupling efficiency with fiber optic cables.
Implementation Method 1
a p-i-n diode. An un-modulated optical signal is introduced into the modulating assembly via the first collimating lens, and is redirected toward the p-i-n diode via the first mirror. Depending on the voltage state of the diode, the light signal is either transmitted through the diode or prevented from passing.
Implementation Method 2
first and second collimating lenses, first and second mirrors, and a p-i-n diode. An un-modulated optical signal is introduced into the modulating assembly via the first collimating lens
Implementation Method 3
redirected toward the p-i-n diode via the first mirror. The modulated light signal that is allowed to pass through the modulating assembly is reflected by the second mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver device including a modulating assembly. In contrast with conventional transceivers, the optical transceiver device uses a modulating assembly rather than a laser. The modulating assembly is located within the transceiver itself and includes first and second collimating lenses, first and second mirrors, and a p-i-n diode. An optical signal that has not yet been modulated is introduced into the modulating assembly via the first collimating lens, and is redirected toward the p-i-n diode via the first mirror. Depending on the voltage state of the diode, the light signal is either transmitted through the diode or prevented from passing, which results in modulation of the signal for data transmission. The modulated signal passes through the modulating assembly and is reflected by the second mirror toward the second collimating lens, through which it passes before exiting the transceiver.