LED Array Package for Optical Data Links

Optical fiber technology is of potential use in data links for computers and switching systems where optical fibers can replace existing copper wires.1 In most of these applications, the space and the cost of the electro-optical interfaces can be decreased, as in the case of integrated circuits (ics), by using a batch fabrication process and by having several components share the same package. A further reduction in cost and space would result from the integration of several optical devices and several ics into a single package. This integration poses a new challenge for ic packaging where this package must include electronic components, heat sink, electrical connections, electro-optical interfaces, and optical connections. In the present work, a package with an array of six L E D S is presented as an initial effort toward the integration of several electro-optical interfaces that share a single package as a way of reducing space and fabrication cost. Figure 1 is a drawing of the experimental LED array package fabricated using standard dual-in-line packaging (DIP) techniques. The package has an array of six homojunction GaAs L E D S of the Burrus 713