Wavelength-Sharing Optical Power Supply for Multi-Chip Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data communication systems face challenges in achieving reliable and efficient laser light sources with minimal form factor and low energy consumption, necessitating improved designs for optical power supplies and electro-optical chips.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a remote optical power supply with multiple lasers generating different wavelengths, optically connected to electro-optical chips through optical fibers, allowing for separate and efficient distribution of continuous wave light across multiple optical outputs and inputs, with spare optical inputs for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If multiple laser light sources are integrated into a single optical power supply unit, then the form factor and energy consumption are optimized, but the system complexity and reliability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical power supply into multiple independent laser modules, each capable of generating specific wavelengths. These modular units can be independently controlled and failover, reducing the impact of single-point failures while maintaining compact integration. The electro-optical chips are segmented to receive specific wavelength subsets from different laser modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power supply is designed as a universal unit that can provide multiple wavelength types through different laser modules. The system can dynamically configure which wavelengths are delivered to which electro-optical chips based on operational needs, allowing a single power supply unit to serve multiple functions and reduce overall system complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple laser light sources are integrated into a single optical power supply unit, then the form factor is reduced, but the reliability and robustness against failures decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The laser array is segmented into multiple independent laser modules, each generating specific wavelengths. This segmentation allows independent failure isolation - if one laser module fails, others continue to operate. The electro-optical chips are also segmented to receive specific wavelength subsets, enabling selective operation based on available laser outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant wavelength channels and backup laser modules that can be activated if primary sources fail. The optical distribution network is pre-configured with alternative routing paths so that if a laser or fiber fails, the system can switch to backup paths without interruption, cushioning against potential failures before they impact operation.
3Productivity
If a centralized optical power supply distributes light to multiple electro-optical chips, then the system achieves efficient light distribution, but the vulnerability to single points of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical distribution network is segmented into multiple independent wavelength channels and fiber paths. Each electro-optical chip receives specific wavelength subsets through dedicated optical inputs, isolating failures to specific channels rather than affecting the entire system. The modular architecture allows efficient distribution while maintaining failure isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries between the laser modules and electro-optical chips, providing flexible and reliable light transmission. The fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary medium that can be physically isolated and routed independently, reducing the impact of failures on the centralized control and distribution system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical connections are established between the optical power supply and electro-optical chips, then the system achieves flexible and robust light delivery, but the number of optical components and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical power supply is designed as a universal unit that can dynamically configure which wavelengths are delivered to which electro-optical chips based on operational needs. The system can adapt connections and wavelength assignments without physical reconfiguration, reducing the need for multiple dedicated physical connections while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical distribution network incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow real-time reconfiguration of wavelength-to-chip mappings. The system can dynamically adjust which laser modules serve which electro-optical chips based on operational requirements, providing flexibility without requiring permanent dedicated connections for all possible configurations.
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 configuration enhances the reliability and efficiency of optical data communication by optimizing energy consumption and form factor while ensuring robustness against input failures.
Implementation Method 1
The optical power supply includes a plurality of lasers. Each of the plurality of lasers is configured to generate and output a beam of continuous wave light of a different one of a plurality of wavelengths.
Implementation Method 2
Each electro-optical chip of the plurality of electro-optical chips has multiple optical inputs respectively optically connected to optical outputs within a corresponding portion of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data communication system includes an optical power supply and a plurality of electro-optical chips that exists separate and remote from the optical power supply. The optical power supply includes a plurality of lasers, each of which is configured to generate and output a beam of continuous wave light of a different one of a plurality of wavelengths. The optical power supply has a plurality of optical outputs, and is configured to convey all of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light through each of the plurality of optical outputs. Each of the plurality of electro-optical chips has multiple optical inputs respectively optically connected to optical outputs within a corresponding portion of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply. Also, each of the plurality of electro-optical chips is optically connected to a different portion of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply.