XFP Optical Transceiver Wavelength Division Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical transceivers in the XFP form factor lack the necessary electronic signal processing capabilities to efficiently handle high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet signals, relying on external host board circuits due to size constraints, which limits their performance and protocol independence.

Innovation Solution

A compact optical transceiver module with a serial XFI interface and multiple semiconductor lasers for wavelength division multiplexing, integrated within the XFP form factor, enabling direct conversion and multiplexing of electrical signals into optical signals for high-speed transmission over optical fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the XFP form factor is used to miniaturize the transceiver size, then port density is improved, but electronic signal processing capabilities deteriorate due to limited space for circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransceiver sizeVSAvoidelectronic signal processing capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple semiconductor lasers operating at different wavelengths into a single integrated optical source within the transceiver module. This merging of multiple light sources enables wavelength division multiplexing functionality directly in the module, compensating for the limited electronic signal processing capability by integrating optical processing functions that would otherwise require external circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver module is designed to support multiple protocols including 10 Gigabit Ethernet, SONET OC-192, and Fibre Channel through a universal architecture. The combination of wavelength division multiplexing capability and protocol-independent design allows a single module to perform multiple functions, making up for the reduced electronic processing capability with versatile optical processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external host board circuits are used for signal processing, then electronic signal processing capabilities are maintained, but device independence and integration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol independenceVSAvoidexternal dependencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver module is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating the necessary signal processing and optical modulation functions directly within the module. The wavelength division multiplexing capability is built into the module itself rather than requiring external host board circuits, enabling the device to independently handle multiple protocols and optical channels without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If wavelength division multiplexing is implemented with multiple lasers, then transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple semiconductor lasers operating at different wavelengths are merged into a single integrated optical source assembly within the transceiver module. This consolidation of multiple laser sources into one compact unit enables wavelength division multiplexing while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to using separate modules for each wavelength, thereby improving transmission capacity without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient high-speed optical transmission in a small form factor, supporting 10GBASE-LX4 standards with improved port density and reduced external dependencies, suitable for both short-range and long-haul applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electro-optical subassembly in the housing for converting between an information containing electrical signal and a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical including a transmitter subassembly including first and second lasers operating at different wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from semiconductor lasers: Laser

Implementation Method 2

an optical multiplexer for receiving the first and second beams and multiplexing the respective optical signals into a single multi-wavelength beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing:

Data Source

PatentUS20080050074A110gbase-LX4 optical transceiver in XFP package

Publication Date: 2008.02.28 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC DEVICE INNOVATIONS U S A

AI summary

An optical transceiver for including an electrical connector with a serial interface for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device, a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber, and an electro-optical subassembly for converting between an information containing electrical signal and a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal including a transmitter subassembly including at least first and second lasers operating at different wavelengths and modulated with respective first and second electrical signals for emitting first and second laser light beams, and an optical multiplexer for receiving the first and second beams and multiplexing the respective optical signals into a single multi-wavelength beam.