Patent ID: 7639912

Claim:
A semiconductor device, comprising: a multi-layer substrate comprising a surface layer and a subterranean layer; at least one optical waveguide formed within the subterranean layer and configured for transmitting an optical signal; a plurality of electrical devices formed within the surface layer, each electrical device configured for receiving electrical signals, generating electrical signals, or a combination thereof; a plurality of optoelectronic devices formed within the surface and/or subterranean layer, each optoelectronic device configured for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal or converting an optical signal to an electrical signal; and at least one via formed for coupling electrical signals and/or optical signals between the subterranean layer and the surface layer, the at least one via being an electrical via or an optical via; said waveguide, optoelectronic devices and vias being arranged so as to communicate a data signal from one of said plurality of electrical devices in said surface layer to another of said plurality of electrical devices in said surface layer.