Abstract: A controller for controlling the reverse-bias voltage of an avalanche photodiode in a transceiver or receiver. The controller includes memory for storing information related to the avalanche photodiode, and analog to digital conversion circuitry for receiving an analog signal corresponding to the temperature of the avalanche photodiode, converting the received analog signal into a digital value, and storing the digital value in a predefined location within the memory. Control circuitry in the controller controls the operation of the avalanche photodiode and a temperature lookup table store in the memory. A serial interface enables a host device to read from and write to locations within the memory. The invention also controls the reverse-bias voltage of an avalanche photodiode in a transceiver or receiver.

Abstract: The optoelectronic transceiver includes first and second controller ICs. Each controller IC includes logic, a memory, an interface, and at least one input port. Each memory is configured to store digital diagnostic data and has a unique serial device address to allow a host access to each of these controller ICs separately and independently. At least some of the digital diagnostic data is common to both the first controller IC and the second controller IC. The inclusion of two controller ICs allows the same diagnostic data to be stored in completely different memory mapped locations. This allows hosts that are preconfigured differently to read different memory mapped locations on the different controller ICs to obtain the same diagnostic data.

Abstract: An optoelectronic transceiver includes first and second controller ICs. Each controller IC includes logic, a memory, an interface, and at least one input port. Each memory is configured to store digital diagnostic data and has a unique serial device address to allow a host access to each of these controller ICs separately and independently. At least some of the digital diagnostic data is common to both the first controller IC and the second controller IC. The inclusion of two controller ICs allows the same diagnostic data to be stored in completely different memory mapped locations. This allows hosts that are preconfigured differently to read different memory mapped locations on the different controller ICs to obtain the same diagnostic data.

Abstract: A loss of signal assert and de-assert level programming mechanism in an optical transceiver coupled to a host computing system. A control module is connected to the host so as to receive the programmable loss of signal level. A post-amplifier detects when the receive power drops below a loss of signal level. However, in this case, instead of the loss of signal level being static, a loss of signal level adjustment mechanism changes the loss of signal level detected by the post-amplifier as directed by the programmable loss of signal level received from the host. The loss of signal assert and de-assert levels may be calibrated by comparing receive power to the threshold for assertion and de-assertion of the loss of signal.

Abstract: A method for compensating for wavelength drift in a fiber-optic laser transmitter includes 1) controlling a temperature within the optoelectronic assembly at a defined level; 2) driving the optoelectronic assembly to emit light, wherein the emitted light has a wavelength that is within a channel of operation, the channel of operation including a range of wavelengths centered around a channel center wavelength; 3) accessing from memory within the optoelectronic assembly a control value associated with the temperature of the optoelectronic assembly at defined points within an operational lifetime of the optoelectronic assembly; and 4) recalculating the defined level by reference to the control value, whereby a wavelength of the optoelectronic assembly is maintained within the channel of operation despite an expected drift of wavelength.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-channel laser emitter in an optoelectronic transceiver or an optoelectronic transmitter for a first wavelength includes monitoring the wavelength of optical signals from the laser emitter while varying its temperature as well as other operating conditions, and then storing calibration information in the memory of a microprocessor. The initial values of the calibrating procedure are reset and the calibrating procedure is repeated to obtain calibration information for a next desired wavelength.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-channel laser emitter in an optoelectronic transceiver or an optoelectronic transmitter for a first wavelength includes monitoring the wavelength of optical signals from the laser emitter while varying its temperature as well as other operating conditions, and then storing calibration information in the memory of a microprocessor. The initial values of the calibrating procedure are reset and the calibrating procedure is repeated to obtain calibration information for a next desired wavelength.

Abstract: One example of a method for operating a transceiver includes selecting a first operating wavelength from a set of operating wavelengths. Next, a first control value is accessed that corresponds to the first operating wavelength. The first control value also corresponds to a first operating temperature of the transceiver, and the first operating temperature resides within a range of about 30° C. to about 50° C. Finally, the transceiver is operated substantially at the first operating temperature.

Abstract: Optoelectronic devices and methods are used to maintain a CWDM transmitter operating within design parameters over an extended ambient temperature range. In order to avoid excessive wavelength drift with temperature shifts, lasers in the CWDM transmitters are heated or cooled to a selected temperature, for example by using a thermoelectric cooler. By heating and cooling the lasers, any wavelength drift that an ambient temperature variation might inflict on the laser is minimized to the range hotter or colder than the selected temperature. As the temperature range of the laser increases above the selected temperature, the AC swing driving the laser is increased to maintain a sufficient extinction ratio for acceptable transmitter performance.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems, methods and devices for temperature-based control of laser performance. One example of a method is performed in connection with a laser of an optoelectronic transceiver. In particular, the laser is operated over a range of temperatures and the optical output of the laser is monitored. During operation of the laser, the bias current and current swing supplied to the laser are adjusted to the extent necessary to maintain a substantially constant optical output from the laser over the range of temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal computer system and method including a biometric sensor which is protected from environmental forces and which resists certain attacks by sensing whether a living person is providing the biometric identification. A second sensor provides an input as to whether the biometric input is from a living person, through the sensing of a life-indicative parameter such as an appropriate level of blood oxygen in the sensed item, and the sensors are covered by a removal cover which provides electrostatic discharge when the cover is opened.

Abstract: A method of maintaining desirable optical performance of optical emitters over temperature variations is disclosed. The optical performance of an optical emitter in terms of power, extinction ratio, jitter, mask margin and general fiber optic transmitter eye quality can be maintained by the present invention over a wide range of temperatures. Advantageously, the present invention enables the use of inexpensive optical emitters in optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic transmitters.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, method and article of manufacture are disclosed which provide for selectively providing power to an attached heat-dissipating apparatus having a cooling probe in thermal contact with a cooling unit, to remove heat generated by a heat-generating source within the computer to an external environment outside of the computer. Power may be conserved, portable battery life extended, higher-speed processors utilized, and overall dimensional characteristics of a personal computer may be slimmed and reduced by utilizing the apparatus with a personal computer. Heat energy is transferred across a thermal connection interface from the heat-generating source of the personal computer to a collection face of the apparatus, and thereafter collected heat energy is dissipated in relation to the available power of the power source and/or the planned operating speed of the processor.

Abstract: Methods and processes are disclosed for calibrating optoelectronic devices, such as optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic receivers, based upon an avalanche photodiode breakdown voltage. In general, the method involves adjusting a reverse-bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode until avalanche breakdown of the avalanche photodiode occurs. An optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is then determined by reducing the reverse-bias voltage at which avalanche breakdown occurs by a predetermined offset voltage. This process is performed at a variety of different temperatures. Information concerning each temperature and the corresponding optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is stored in a memory of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: Methods and processes are disclosed for calibrating optoelectronic devices, such as optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic receivers, based upon a measured avalanche photodiode bit error rate. In general, the method involves measuring a bit error rate for the avalanche photodiode and adjusting the reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode until the bit error rate is minimized. This process is repeated for each of a variety of different thermal conditions. Information concerning each thermal condition and the corresponding reverse bias voltage is stored in a memory of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A method for compensating for wavelength drift in a fiber-optic laser transmitter includes 1) controlling a temperature within the optoelectronic assembly at a defined level; 2) driving the optoelectronic assembly to emit light, wherein the emitted light has a wavelength that is within a channel of operation, the channel of operation including a range of wavelengths centered around a channel center wavelength; 3) accessing from memory within the optoelectronic assembly a control value associated with the temperature of the optoelectronic assembly at defined points within an operational lifetime of the optoelectronic assembly; and 4) recalculating the defined level by reference to the control value, whereby a wavelength of the optoelectronic assembly is maintained within the channel of operation despite an expected drift of wavelength.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-channel laser emitter in an optoelectronic transceiver or an optoelectronic transmitter for a first wavelength includes monitoring the wavelength of optical signals from the laser emitter while varying its temperature as well as other operating conditions, and then storing calibration information in the memory of a microprocessor. The initial values of the calibrating procedure are reset and the calibrating procedure is repeated to obtain calibration information for a next desired wavelength.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, method and article of manufacture are disclosed which provide for selectively providing power to an attached heat-dissipating apparatus having a cooling probe in thermal contact with a cooling unit, to remove heat generated by a heat-generating source within the computer to an external environment outside of the computer. Power may be conserved, portable battery life extended, higher-speed processors utilized, and overall dimensional characteristics of a personal computer may be slimmed and reduced by utilizing the apparatus with a personal computer. Heat energy is transferred across a thermal connection interface from the heat-generating source of the personal computer to a collection face of the apparatus, and thereafter collected heat energy is dissipated in relation to the available power of the power source and/or the planned operating speed of the processor.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-channel laser emitter in an optoelectronic transceiver or an optoelectronic transmitter for a first wavelength includes monitoring the wavelength of optical signals from the laser emitter while varying its temperature as well as other operating conditions, and then storing calibration information in the memory of a microprocessor. The initial values of the calibrating procedure are reset and the calibrating procedure is repeated to obtain calibration information for a next desired wavelength.

Abstract: A system for holding a device in a computer system, the computer system including a drive cage for holding the device, is disclosed. The system comprises a first rail coupled to one side of the device and adapted to fit into the drive cage and a second rail coupled to the device at a side opposite the one side and adapted to fit into the drive cage, wherein the first and second rails are coupled to the device without requiring a tool. Computer systems utilizing the system in accordance with the present invention, will be better equipped to handle the acoustic vibrations created during the operation of different types of drives such as Direct Access and Storage Devices (DASDs). Accordingly, this will enable computer system manufacturers to incorporate faster DASDs without acoustically coupling the DASD to the chassis. Furthermore, by employing a screw-less rail, PC manufacturers and users will no longer be required to use a tool to remove the attached rails.