WDM Assembly Parallel Routing Surfaces Channel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to increase the channel density of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) assemblies while maintaining proper signal performance and reducing the size of optical transceivers, as electronic signal speed limitations and manufacturing constraints restrict the miniaturization of WDM filters and reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The WDM assembly employs a configuration with a first and second routing surface, where the second routing surface is offset from the first, allowing for tighter channel pitches by controlling the offset between the surfaces, ensuring sufficient surface area for signal integrity and structural integrity, thereby increasing channel density without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pitch between adjacent channels is decreased to increase channel density, then the number of channels per unit area increases, but the surface area of WDM filters and reflective surfaces becomes insufficient for proper signal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical offset between routing surfaces) to resolve the two-dimensional packing constraint. By offsetting routing surfaces vertically, the system achieves higher channel density without reducing the lateral surface area of individual WDM filters, thus maintaining signal performance while increasing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested routing paths where multiple optical paths are arranged in a hierarchical structure. Inner routing surfaces are positioned within the vertical space created by outer routing surfaces, allowing efficient space utilization and maintaining adequate surface area for each filter while achieving high channel density
2Volume of moving object
If the size of WDM filters and reflective surfaces is reduced to decrease transceiver dimensions, then the overall device size decreases, but signal performance deteriorates due to insufficient surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical offset between routing surfaces to create three-dimensional routing paths. This allows the system to maintain large lateral surface areas for WDM filters (ensuring signal performance) while reducing the overall transceiver volume through efficient vertical space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the routing space into multiple segmented paths with different vertical offsets. Each routing surface is optimized independently for its specific function, allowing the system to maintain adequate surface area for signal performance while achieving compact overall dimensions through systematic segmentation of the optical paths
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 enables higher density routing with smaller channel pitches and more channels in a reduced volume, while maintaining proper signal performance and being easier to manufacture and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first routing surface having a first passband, the at least one first routing surface being configured to reflect the first signal component of the first multiplexed signal and the first signal component of the second multiplexed signal, and pass the second signal component of the first multiplexed signal and the second signal component of the second multiplexed signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one second routing surface configured to reflect the second signal component of the first multiplexed signal and the second signal component of the second multiplexed signal back through the at least one first routing surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and demultiplexing with signal entry and exit in a common routing surface to increase channel density. In particular, disclosed is a WDM assembly including a plurality of common ports and a plurality of channel sets having one or more channel ports. The WDM assembly includes a first routing surface with a first WDM passband and a second routing surface offset from the first routing surface. The second routing surface is configured to reflect at least one signal passed through the first routing surface back through the first routing surface at a laterally different location. Optical signal paths of at least a portion of the common ports are parallel to and offset from one another. In certain embodiments, such a configuration may increase channel density and decrease a form factor (e.g., footprint).