Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Patent
1997-03-27
1999-07-13
Negash, Kinfe-Michael
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
359152, H04B 1000
Patent
active
059234512
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to optical connections between electronic devices for communication with one another. More specifically, the present invention relates to optoelectronic connectors for electronic devices which can assume the function of a data bus, a broadcast network or a combination of the two.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Electronic devices can be brought into communication with one another by means of buses, which have acquired enormous importance in data technology. This is due in particular to the fact that a bus represents a very universal data network to be used, which permits a plurality even of very different electronic devices to communicate with one another.
Until now, the data throughput of a bus given by word length times data rate had low values. The data rate amounted to a maximum of a few Mbit/s; the word length was generally 8 bits for external buses and 16 bits for internal buses. Very simple data lines could be used, in which it was hardly necessary to pay attention to matching of wave resistances or crosstalk. In the meantime, data throughput demands have increased sharply, and will increase further in the future due to the increased use of parallel computers, as well as external mass memories (shared memories). In buses constructed with purely electrical lines, the data throughput is actually increased by an enlargement of the bus width, but with purely electrical lines, one runs increasingly up against limits. In general, it can be assumed that data rates up to a maximum of about 100 to 400 Mbit/s are still possible for electrical bus lines (see 1 and 2). If, beyond this, it is desired to reach higher data rates, or to reduce the dimensions of the bus because insufficient surface is available, it is necessary to work with optical methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the aim of providing an active electrical-optical means for connecting electronic devices to be brought into communication with one another, which means can assume the function of a bus, of a broadcast network, or else also a combination of these two.
In the form of an active electrical-optical rear wall, the inventive means is advantageously suited for electronic devices in plug-in technique, e.g. a housing as a frame, e.g. 19" frame, electronics as plug-in cards, and particularly for newer construction techniques, such as e.g. with multi-clip modules (MCM).
Through the use of optical transmission channels in the form of optical waveguides, a maximally high packing density can be achieved even for high data rates, which packing density lies well above that of electrical lines.
The replacing of electrical plugs with optical unguided beam connections at the inputs and/or outputs, to be coupled to the optical transmission channels, of the terminal installation, and in the inputs and outputs allocated to the electronic devices, has the advantage of a channel density that is considerably higher (by a factor of about 10 to 20) in comparison with electrical plugs, and in addition there is no crosstalk due to radiation at the plug connection, as well as no impulse distortion due to inductive effects. In addition, the mechanical forces required for plugging and withdrawal of the cards are greatly reduced, since only a few electrical plugs are still required, mainly for the current supply.
The present invention also comprises a version in which the transmission channels are electrical channels, whereby each transmission channel comprises at each end an optical input and output, optically connected with an input and/or output of an optoelectronic terminal installation, and at each end of the transmission channel an optoelectrical transducer is provided for the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa. This corresponds to a replacement of electrical plug connections with optical connections, e.g. optical plugs.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for optically and electrically connecting a plurality of
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Tsang, "High-Speed Optical Interconnections for Digital Systems", MIT Journal, Sep. 1991, pp. 31-44.
Gerndt Christian
Karstensen Holger
Schneider Hartmut
Zarschizky Helmut
Negash Kinfe-Michael
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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