Patent ID: 7155129
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A free space optical interconnect apparatus for conveying data from a first subsystem to a second subsystem within a main system, the main system including a system processing unit that is connected by first conductors to the first subsystem and by second conductors to the second subsystem, the apparatus comprising: a light source connected to the first subsystem such that the light source generates light signals in response to first data values provided by the first subsystem; a micro-machined microlens assembly including a microlens array, a microlens support upon which the microlens array is mounted, at least one suspension member connected to the microlens support such that the microlens array is movably suspended over the light source, and at least one force generator for moving the microlens support relative to the light source, thereby causing the microlens array to direct the light signals generated by the light source in a direction determined by a position of the microlens array relative to the light source; and a receiver connected to the second subsystem for detecting the light signals generated by the light source, and for generating second data values from the detected light signals that are provided to the second subsystem; wherein the system processing unit includes control means for controlling the force generator of the microlens assembly such that the microlens array is automatically positioned to direct the light signals from the light source to the receiver, wherein said control means includes: means for transmitting first control signals to the force generator of the first subsystem via the first conductors such that the microlens array is moved according to a predefined series of positions relative to the light source, whereby each light signal generated by the light source is directed by a corresponding microlens of the microlens array over a wide area surrounding the receiver, means for identifying an optimal position of the microlens array using second control signals received from the second subsystem via the second conductors, the optimal position of the microlens array being associated with an optimal strength of said light signals received by the receiver, and means for transmitting third control signals to the force generator of the first subsystem such that the microlens array is locked into a position associated with the optimal strength of said light signals.