"This method may be less expensive than any other technique announced by other companies thus far," said Makoto Shigematsu, company president.

According to reports, cost reduction can be attributed to fewer components used in its production. The prototype eliminates the common use of a mirror or lens, by changing position of the photoelectric conversion modules installed on the board surface.

The company reports that the modules are installed in a recess on the board. As a result, the waveguide in the board can be extended vertically from the light receiving/emitting surface without being curved, eliminating the need for a mirror or lens. This configuration also allows a higher density of embedded components on the board, because additional components can be located in place of the eliminated optical parts.