The advantages of OE vs. Conventional Approaches

 Manufacturing Cost Reduction

The costliest steps in the assembly of an optical engine is the placement of lasers, detectors, photonic components on the device.  Each time such a component is positioned, the optical alignment must be tested to ensure optimal transmission of light.  This can only be done one single placement and alignment at a time. Optical engine only need onetime alignment leveraging fiducials on interposer, while conventional approaches need multiple alignments and tests, so there are many factors affecting yield.

The Optical Engines well reduce the cost of transceivers.

Conventional Approach

• Consumable materials such as solder, silver paste and UV epoxies are needed
• Active alignments of laser to waveguide is required
• Other incidental materials like carriers, plates and bases, lenses, etc. are used
• Expensive CAPEX investment is needed to scale production
• And, there are many yield points to manage that can lower yield and increase cost.

The OE Advantages

• Eliminates active alignment of the laser to waveguide (huge savings)
• Eliminates the need for many incidental materials, including consumables
• Minimizes expensive alignment equipment for scaling production
• Reduces number of yield points
• Utilizes a known good OE die to increase final yield and lower cost