Optical Receivers And Transmitters Integrated Into Electronic Digital Logic Circuits

Abstract

The main reason for integrating optical receivers and transmitters into electronic data processing chips is to provide those chips with a high density of fast input/output (UO) ports for a high data throughput capability. To do such a task effectively, the optoelectronic circuits must be: 1) small, so they do not occupy an inordinate fraction of chip area; 2) low power dissipating, so they do not cumulatively add more thermal load than the VO ports they are replacing; 3) easily co-fabricated with the electronics for manufacturability; and 4) functionally compatible with the electronic circuits for direct interaction (any interface circuits therefore must be considered functionally part of the optoelectronic circuits).