Wireless-Enabled Components Replace Ohmic Contacts for Intra-Chip Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance, capabilities, and form factors of integrated circuits (ICs) and their functional blocks are limited by the use of Ohmic contacts for coupling, which restrict intra-chip, inter-chip, and inter-device communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless-enabled components (WECs) that utilize wireless communication links, including RF and optical links, to establish a wireless bus for intra-chip, inter-chip, and inter-device communication, eliminating the need for Ohmic contacts and enabling adaptable communication configurations based on activity levels, power consumption, and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ohmic contacts are used to couple functional blocks and ICs, then electrical connection is established, but communication capacity and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical Ohmic contact system with an optical wireless communication system. Optical transceivers convert electrical signals to optical signals for wireless transmission, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts between functional blocks and ICs. This substitution enables higher communication capacity and flexibility while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical transceivers as intermediary devices that convert between electrical and optical domains. These transceivers act as mediators that enable wireless optical communication while interface circuits maintain the necessary electrical connections, thus bridging the gap between traditional electrical systems and wireless optical communication.
2Reliability
If Ohmic contacts are used for coupling, then electrical connection is maintained, but interference increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical Ohmic contacts with wireless optical communication links. By using optical transceivers to transmit data wirelessly through optical signals rather than through shared electrical conductors, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference and ground loops that plague traditional electrical connections, thereby improving communication reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication links are implemented, then communication flexibility and capacity are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication functionality into separate modular components: optical transceivers for wireless optical communication and interface circuits for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining the boundaries and responsibilities of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs optical transceivers and interface circuits that can serve multiple functions: optical transceivers handle both wireless communication and signal conversion, while interface circuits maintain electrical connections and provide signal conditioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If wireless-enabled components are used, then form factors are no longer limited by Ohmic contacts, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication system into discrete, manufacturable modules: optical transceivers that can be independently fabricated and tested, and interface circuits that can be integrated into existing IC fabrication processes. This modular segmentation enables specialized manufacturing techniques to be applied to each component, potentially simplifying overall manufacturing despite the increased functionality.
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 enhances communication capacity and reliability while reducing interference, allowing for flexible and efficient communication within and between ICs and devices, thereby overcoming the limitations imposed by traditional Ohmic contacts.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna element configured to (i) transmit a search signal to locate a proximally situated wireless-enabled component
Implementation Method 2
transmit a communication signal to communicate with the proximally situated wireless-enabled component
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for locating wireless-enabled components, and applications thereof. Such an apparatus includes a wireless-enabled component (WEC), which may be a functional block of an integrated circuit (IC), an IC, or a device that includes an IC. The WEC includes a functional module (e.g., a processing resource or a memory resource) and an antenna element coupled to the functional module. The antenna element is configured to (i) transmit a search signal to locate a proximally situated WEC and (ii) transmit a communication signal to communicate with the proximally situated WEC. The antenna element may be a phased array, an electrically steered phased array, a mechanically steered phased array, a directional antenna, a mechanically steered directional antenna, an RF antenna, an optical antenna, and/or any combination thereof.