WDM TO-Can Assembly for Multi-Wavelength Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TO-can assemblies are not well-suited for wavelength division multiplexing applications requiring more than two or three wavelengths due to their bulky size and configuration limitations, which restricts their use in applications needing increased bandwidth and compact packaging, especially in cloud computing and data centers.
Innovation Solution
A compact WDM TOSA TO-can assembly utilizing two dual-wavelength laser chips and a WDM filter or polarization beam combiner to combine four light beams into a multi-wavelength optical signal, allowing for transmission of at least four wavelengths at 25 Gbps data rates, and is designed for low-cost, quick manufacturing without significant capital investment or plant retooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TO-can assemblies are used for WDM applications with more than two wavelengths, then the device can transmit multiple wavelengths, but the package size becomes too bulky and the configuration becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diodes emitting different wavelengths into a single TO-can assembly package. The housing integrates multiple optical components and laser diodes that were previously packaged separately, allowing multi-wavelength transmission while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for standard optical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The TO-can assembly is designed as a universal package that can accommodate multiple laser diodes with different wavelengths (e.g., 1310nm, 1550nm, and other wavelengths) within a single standardized housing. This multi-functional design allows the same package type to handle various wavelength combinations without requiring different package formats.
2Volume of moving object
If PLCs are used for WDM applications, then many optical components can be integrated in a small package, but large capital investment for plant retooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional, readily manufacturable TO-can assemblies rather than expensive custom PLC devices. The design uses standard packaging and off-the-shelf components that can be manufactured using existing processes, avoiding the need for costly plant retooling while still achieving compact integration of multiple wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replicates the successful TO-can assembly design (previously used for single-wavelength applications) and adapts it for multi-wavelength use. By copying the proven packaging approach and modifying it to accommodate multiple laser diodes, the solution leverages existing manufacturing capabilities without requiring new process development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing BOSA and tri-OSA packages are used, then two or three wavelengths can be transmitted, but the wavelength spacing is limited to greater than 10nm and the number of channels is limited to three
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission function into multiple independent laser diodes, each handling a specific wavelength channel. This segmentation allows each laser to be optimized for its specific wavelength without being constrained by the wavelength spacing requirements of integrated optics, enabling flexible channel allocation and greater than 10nm spacing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the planar integration approach of PLCs (which constrains wavelength spacing) to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple laser diodes within the TO-can housing. This dimensional change allows flexible positioning of optical components and lasers, enabling arbitrary wavelength spacing and accommodating more than three channels by adding more laser diodes in the available space.
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
Enables the transmission of optical data signals with increased bandwidth in a compact, low-cost package, compliant with standards like QSFP and CFP, and supports higher data rates while maintaining efficient heat dissipation and operational temperature ranges, making it suitable for demanding applications like cloud computing and data centers.
Implementation Method 1
A compact wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transistor outline (TO)-can assembly is provided
Implementation Method 2
a WDM filter or polarization beam combiner to combine four light beams into a multi-wavelength optical signal
Implementation Method 3
A laser driver circuit of the module outputs an electrical drive signal to each respective laser diode to cause the respective laser diode to be modulated. When the laser diode is modulated, it outputs optical signals that have power levels corresponding to logic is and logic Os.
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transistor-outline (TO)-can assembly is provided that is capable of transmitting optical data signals having multiple wavelengths. The WDM TO-can assembly can be packaged in a relatively small package without requiring a large amount of plant retooling or capital investment, and that can be made available in the market relatively quickly. A plurality of the WDM TO-can assemblies can be incorporated into a small form factor or C form factor pluggable-type optical communications module to achieve high data rates.