Composite module, composite cable assembly and method of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

A composite module, a composite cable assembly, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The composite module includes a housing (1), an optical device (2), a power supply device (3), and a first composite connector (4). The optical device (2) includes a photoelectric conversion device (21) and a first optical connector (22), one end of which is connected to the first optical connector (22). The power supply device (3) includes a power supply line (31) and a first electrical connector (32), one end of which is connected to the first electrical connector (32). The photoelectric conversion device (21) and the power supply line (31) are both located in the housing (1), and the first optical connector (22) and the first electrical connector (32) are both located at the first socket (11) of the housing (1). The first composite connector (4) is located at the second socket (12) of the housing (1) and includes a first base (41), a second optical connector (42) located on the first base (41), and two second electrical connectors (43). The two second electrical connectors (43) are located on both sides of the second optical connector (42). The second optical connector (42) is connected to the other end of the photoelectric conversion device (21). Both second electrical connectors (43) are connected to the other end of the power supply line (31). The composite module with the first composite connector (4) facilitates the miniaturization of switches and access point equipment and has good compatibility.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010831724.6, filed on August 18, 2020, entitled "Optical Module and Optical Port Power Supply Method", and Chinese Patent Application No. 202011004279.2, filed on September 22, 2020, entitled "Composite Module and Manufacturing Method Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to composite modules, composite cable assemblies and their manufacturing methods. Background Technology

[0003] Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that provides power to devices such as IP phones, access points (APs), and network cameras while they transmit data signals.

[0004] Taking a switch as the PoE power supply device and an access point (AP) as the PoE receiving device as an example, PoE power supply can be achieved between the switch and the AP via a fiber optic composite cable. Both ends of the fiber optic composite cable have separate fiber optic connectors and power connectors. Both the switch and the AP have optical and electrical interfaces on their respective front panels. An optical module is installed in the optical interface of both the switch and the AP. The fiber optic connector at one end of the fiber optic composite cable is inserted into the optical module on the switch, and the power connector is inserted into the electrical interface of the switch. The fiber optic connector at the other end of the fiber optic composite cable is inserted into the optical module of the AP, and the power connector is inserted into the electrical interface of the AP. Thus, the switch and the AP can simultaneously transmit data and power via the fiber optic composite cable, achieving PoE power supply.

[0005] The above solutions are not conducive to the miniaturization of switches and access points. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a composite module, a composite cable assembly, and a manufacturing method thereof, which can overcome the problems in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a composite module, which includes a housing, an optical device, a power supply device, and a first composite connector;

[0008] The first end of the housing has a first socket, and the second end of the housing has a second socket;

[0009] The optical device includes a photoelectric conversion device and a first optical connector, with a first end of the photoelectric conversion device connected to the first optical connector; the power supply device includes a power supply line and a first electrical connector, with a first end of the power supply line connected to the first electrical connector; both the photoelectric conversion device and the power supply line are located in the housing, both the first optical connector and the first electrical connector are located at a first socket, and the first composite connector is located at a second socket.

[0010] The first composite connector includes: a first base, a second optical connector, and two second electrical connectors; the second optical connector and the two second electrical connectors are all located on the first base, and the two second electrical connectors are symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector; the second optical connector is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device; the two second electrical connectors are all connected to the second end of the power supply line.

[0011] The optoelectronic conversion device and the power supply line of the power supply device are both located in the housing. The housing has a first socket and a second socket to facilitate the insertion of the composite cable and the device. The two ends of the optoelectronic conversion device are connected to a first optical connector and a second optical connector, respectively, and the two ends of the power supply line are connected to a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, respectively. The first optical connector and the first electrical connector are both located at the first socket, and a first composite connector integrating the second optical connector and the second electrical connector is located at the second socket. For example, the first socket can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the device, and the second socket can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the composite cable. This composite module integrates PoE power supply and optoelectronic conversion functions. Therefore, the panel of the device being plugged in, such as a switch or access point (AP), only needs to be provided with an interface for inserting the composite module, which helps save on the panel size of the switch and AP and promotes the miniaturization of switches and APs.

[0012] Specifically, the composite module provided in this application embodiment uses a first composite connector, which integrates a second optical connector and a second electrical connector, providing a novel composite module structure that meets the miniaturization needs of switches and access points. Because the optical and electrical connectors are integrated, the first composite connector can be obtained by defining an electrical interface on an existing optical interface or vice versa, thus improving the compatibility of the composite module.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the second electrical connector is also configured to be compatible with an electrical connector on an external connector, enabling precise mating between the second optical connector and the optical connector on the external connector. In other words, the second electrical connector serves both power transmission and positioning functions.

[0014] For example, some traditional optical interfaces generally have positioning guides, such as guide pins. If the guide pins are conductive, for example, made of metal, then the metal guide pins can be used as a second electrical connector. The first composite connector can be obtained by defining the electrical interface method on the traditional optical interface. In this way, the first composite connector can be easily obtained without changing the physical structure of the traditional optical interface, while ensuring the compatibility of the first composite connector with the traditional optical interface.

[0015] For example, an MPO interface refers to an optical module that uses an MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On Connector). It enables simultaneous connection of multiple fiber optic cores, and its size is comparable to only 1-2 SC connectors, representing a reduction of over 90%. MPO interfaces are typically used with MPO fiber optic patch cords. The following is a brief description of the structure of a traditional MPO interface and MPO fiber optic patch cord: An MPO interface includes: a first MPO connector and an interface socket. The first MPO connector is located within the first interface of the interface socket. An MPO fiber optic patch cord includes: an optical cable and a second MPO connector located at the end of the optical cable. One of the first and second MPO connectors is male, and the other is female. In application, the second MPO connector can be inserted into the second interface of the interface socket to mate and connect with the first MPO connector (i.e., a male-female adapter connection).

[0016] The first MPO connector includes: a first ferrule, a first ribbon optical fiber located on the first ferrule, and two first guides, which are respectively located on both sides of the first ribbon optical fiber. The structure of the first guides is determined according to the type of the first MPO connector. When the first MPO connector is a male connector, the first guide is a guide pin. Correspondingly, when the first MPO connector is a female connector, the first guide is a guide hole.

[0017] The second MPO connector includes: a second ferrule, a second ribbon fiber located on the second ferrule, and two second guides, wherein the two second guides are respectively located on both sides of the second ribbon fiber. When the second MPO connector is a female connector, the second guides are guide holes. Correspondingly, when the second MPO connector is a male connector, the second guides are guide pins.

[0018] The interface socket has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is configured to receive and lock a first MPO connector therein; the second interface is configured to receive and lock a second MPO connector therein. For an MPO interface, it includes an interface socket, and the first interface of the interface socket is occupied by the first MPO connector, while the second interface of the interface socket is unused and used to receive an external connector, such as the second MPO connector described above.

[0019] The first MPO connector and the second MPO connector are connected in the interface socket (the end faces of the first ferrule and the second ferrule are in face-to-face contact), which makes: (1) the first ribbon fiber of the first MPO connector is docked with the second ribbon fiber of the second MPO connector to obtain an optical signal path; and (2) the first guide of the first MPO connector is inserted into the second guide of the second MPO connector to achieve positioning.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first composite connector employs an MPO interface, which includes: a first MPO connector head and an interface socket;

[0021] The first MPO connector is located at the first interface of the interface socket, and the second interface of the interface socket is used to receive the external connector;

[0022] The first ferrule of the first MPO connector serves as the first base;

[0023] The first ribbon fiber of the first MPO connector serves as the second optical connector.

[0024] The first guide of the first MPO connector is conductive and serves as the second electrical connector.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the first MPO connector is a male connector, and correspondingly, the first guide is a guide pin.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the first MPO connector is a female connector, and correspondingly, the first guide is a guide hole.

[0027] Because the two first guide elements are symmetrically located on both sides of the first ribbon optical fiber, this also corresponds to the two second electrical connectors described in the embodiments of this application being symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector.

[0028] As an example, the first MPO connector is a male connector, and correspondingly, the first guide is a guide pin.

[0029] As another example, the first MPO connector is a female connector, and correspondingly, the first guide is a guide hole.

[0030] The composite module provided in this application fully utilizes the structure of the MPO interface itself. In the first MPO connector, its first guide element, such as a metal guide pin, is defined as an electrical connector, allowing the power supply line to be electrically connected to the first guide element for signal transmission. It is evident that without altering the physical structure of the MPO interface, the ribbon fiber on it can serve as a second optical connector, and the two metal guide pins on it can serve as second electrical connectors. This enables the MPO optical interface to be used as a first composite connector. This not only simplifies the fabrication process of the second optical connector and the second electrical connector (by directly using the MPO interface), but also allows the composite module provided in this application to meet the miniaturization needs of switches and access points, while remaining compatible with standard MPO connectors, thus improving the applicability of the composite module.

[0031] In some examples, the optical device is a device for converting optical signals into electrical signals, and may include an optoelectronic conversion device and a first optical connector, for example, the first optical connector can be used to connect to the plugged device.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the photoelectric conversion device and the power supply line are placed independently.

[0033] In some examples, the photoelectric conversion device and the power supply line are independent of each other. The photoelectric conversion device of the optical device is located on one layer, and the power supply line of the power supply device is located on one layer. These two layers are placed one above the other.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the power supply line includes: an interconnected power supply cable and a power supply circuit board; one end of the power supply cable is connected to the second electrical connector, the other end of the power supply cable is connected to one end of the power supply circuit board, and the other end of the power supply circuit board is connected to the first electrical connector.

[0035] For example, power supply cables are made of cables, and power supply circuit boards are made of flexible or rigid circuit boards.

[0036] In some possible implementations, at least part of the power supply line and the photoelectric conversion device are integrated into one unit.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the power supply line includes interconnected flexible and rigid sections, wherein the rigid section and the photoelectric conversion device are integrated into one unit.

[0038] In some examples, the power supply line and the optoelectronic conversion device are integrated together to obtain an optoelectronic composite device. The optoelectronic composite device may include a circuit board, in which a first portion of the wiring is electrically connected to a second optical connector and a first optical connector to form an optoelectronic conversion device, and a second portion of the wiring is electrically connected to a second electrical connector and a first electrical connector to form a power supply line.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the first electrical connector is located between the first optical connector and the inner wall of the second socket located at the top.

[0040] In some examples, the first optical connector and the first electrical connector are independent of each other and are stacked in the second socket. For example, the first electrical connector may be installed on the inner wall at the top of the second socket, and the side of the first optical connector may be installed on the inner wall at the side of the second socket.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the first electrical connector includes a first electrical connector mounting portion and a first electrical connector conductive portion;

[0042] The first electrical connector mounting part and the inner wall of the second socket at the top are fixed, the first electrical connector conductive part and the first electrical connector mounting part are fixed, and the first electrical connector conductive part is electrically connected to the power supply line.

[0043] The first electrical connector mounting part can be made of plastic or other materials, while the first electrical connector conductive part can be made of metal or other materials.

[0044] In some examples, the first electrical connector mounting part has a plate-like structure and is mounted on the top inner wall of the second socket. For example, it can be fixed to the top inner wall of the second socket by snap-fit ​​or by adhesive.

[0045] The first electrical connector mounting part serves as the carrier of the first electrical connector conductive part. The first electrical connector conductive part can be fixed on the first electrical connector mounting part, and the first electrical connector conductive part is also electrically connected to the power supply line.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the conductive part of the first electrical connector is a metal sheet;

[0047] The conductive part of the first electrical connector is fixed to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part, and the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0048] In some examples, the conductive portion of the first electrical connector may adhere to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting portion facing the first optical connector. Alternatively, the conductive portion of the first electrical connector may also adhere to the outer surface of the sidewall of the first electrical connector mounting portion. Furthermore, when the outer surface of the sidewall of the first electrical connector mounting portion is fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall of the second socket, the conductive portion of the first electrical connector may also adhere to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting portion facing away from the first electrical connector.

[0049] In some possible implementations, the conductive part of the first electrical connector is a metal rod;

[0050] The conductive part of the first electrical connector is fixed inside the first electrical connector mounting part and extends out of the end face of the first electrical connector mounting part away from the power supply line.

[0051] In some examples, the conductive portion of the first electrical connector extends through the interior of the first electrical connector mounting portion, with one end extending from the end face of the first electrical connector mounting portion near the power supply line and electrically connected to the power supply line, and the other end extending from the end face of the first electrical connector mounting portion away from the power supply line for electrical connection to the plugged-in device.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the conductive part of the first electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal spring;

[0053] The first electrical connector mounting part has a mounting groove, and the mounting groove has a slot on the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part. The outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0054] The end of the conductive part of the first electrical connector is fixed to the wall of the mounting groove, and the contact part of the conductive part of the first electrical connector for electrical connection with the inserted device extends out of the groove.

[0055] The surface parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the composite module can be the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part facing the first optical connector, the outer surface of the side wall of the first electrical connector mounting part, or the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part facing away from the first optical connector, etc.

[0056] In some examples, the first electrical connector mounting portion has a mounting groove with an opening on its outer surface facing the first optical connector. One end of the conductive portion of the first electrical connector, a strip-shaped metal spring, can be fixed to the groove wall, while the other end can be suspended in the groove. The contact portion of the conductive portion extends out of the groove. This contact portion is a part of the conductive portion of the first electrical connector used for electrical connection with the inserted device. For example, the contact portion can be a bent portion near the end of the conductive portion of the first electrical connector, or it can be the end of the conductive portion of the first electrical connector. The contact portion extends out of the groove so that when the composite module is inserted into the device, the contact portion can contact the conductive portion in the inserted device to achieve electrical connection.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the first electrical connector and the first optical connector are integrated to obtain an optoelectronic composite connector;

[0058] The optoelectronic composite connector includes an optoelectronic composite carrier and gold fingers. The gold fingers are fixed on the surface of the optoelectronic composite carrier, and the surface of the optoelectronic composite carrier is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0059] The first part of the metal sheet in the gold finger is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device to form the first optical connector, and the second part of the metal sheet in the gold finger is electrically connected to the power supply line to form the first electrical connector.

[0060] The gold fingers consist of multiple conductive contacts, which are laid on two opposite surfaces of the carrier.

[0061] In some examples, a first electrical connector and a first optical connector are integrated together to form a photoelectric composite connector. The photoelectric composite connector includes a photoelectric composite carrier and gold fingers. The photoelectric composite carrier has a plate-like structure, for example, it may be part of a circuit board near its end. The gold fingers may be located on the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier, such as on two opposite surfaces of the photoelectric composite carrier. A portion of the metal pieces in the gold fingers may be electrically connected to a photoelectric conversion device to form a first optical connector, and another portion of the metal pieces in the gold fingers may be electrically connected to a power supply line to form a first electrical connector. Exemplarily, a first portion of the metal pieces in the gold fingers is electrically connected to a photoelectric conversion device to form a first optical connector, and a second portion of the metal pieces in the gold fingers is electrically connected to a power supply line to form a first electrical connector.

[0062] This integration of the first optical connector and the first electrical connector saves installation space in the composite module and is conducive to the miniaturization of the composite module.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the power supply device is used to transmit electrical energy and data signals, the data signals including signals for adjusting the optical power of the optical device and signals indicating that the composite module is malfunctioning.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the composite module is used to determine the power consumption level of the optical communication device when it detects that the inserted optical communication device is a powered device, and to supply power to the optical communication device according to the power consumption level of the optical communication device.

[0065] In one scenario, the composite module is plugged into an interface of a switch, and the composite module is plugged into an interface of an access point (AP). The composite modules on the switch and the AP are connected via a composite cable. The switch is the power supply device, and the AP is the power receiving device. The switch outputs a small voltage to the AP through its port. The processor in the composite module plugged into the switch detects that the AP is a power receiving device. After enabling PoE power supply, it can report this to the switch. The switch then increases the voltage supplied to the AP, allowing the processor in the composite module to detect the AP's power consumption level. Subsequently, the processor in the composite module determines the power supply voltage corresponding to the AP's power consumption level based on a pre-stored correspondence between power consumption levels and supply voltages, and feeds back the required power supply voltage to the switch, enabling the switch to stably supply power to the AP according to the specified voltage.

[0066] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing a composite module is provided, wherein the composite module is the composite module described above, comprising:

[0067] Provide the first composite connector;

[0068] The first optical connector is connected to the first end of the photoelectric conversion device, and the second optical connector in the first composite connector is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device, thus completing the assembly of the first composite connector and the optical device.

[0069] Connect the first electrical connector to the first end of the power supply line, and connect the two second electrical connectors of the first composite connector to the second end of the power supply line to complete the assembly of the first composite connector and the power supply device.

[0070] The optical device, the power supply device, and the first composite connector are installed in the housing, with the first optical connector and the first electrical connector both located at the first socket of the housing, and the first composite connector located at the second socket of the housing.

[0071] In another aspect, a composite cable assembly is provided, which is adapted to be connected to the aforementioned composite module;

[0072] The composite cable assembly includes: a composite cable and a second composite connector connected to one end of the composite cable;

[0073] The second composite connector includes: a second base, a third optical connector, and two third electrical connectors; the third optical connector and the two third electrical connectors are all located on the second base, and the two third electrical connectors are symmetrically located on both sides of the third optical connector;

[0074] The composite cable includes: a sheath layer, and optical fibers and cables located inside the sheath layer;

[0075] One end of the optical fiber is connected to one end of the third optical connector, and the other end of the third optical connector is used to connect to the second optical connector of the composite module.

[0076] One end of the cable is connected to one end of the two third electrical connectors, and the other end of the two third electrical connectors is used to connect to the two second electrical connectors of the composite module.

[0077] The composite cable assembly provided in this application integrates an optical connector and an electrical connector to form a second composite connector. This allows the second composite connector to be obtained by defining an electrical interface on an existing optical interface or by defining an optical interface on an existing electrical interface, thereby improving the compatibility of the composite cable assembly.

[0078] In some possible implementations, the third electrical connector is also configured to be compatible with the second electrical connector on the composite module, so that the third optical connector can be precisely connected to the second optical connector on the composite module.

[0079] The third electrical connector serves both power transmission and positioning functions. For example, some traditional optical interfaces typically have positioning guide holes. If these guide holes are designed to be conductive, such as having a metal inner wall, then the second composite connector can be obtained by defining an electrical interface on the traditional optical interface. This allows for easy acquisition of the second composite connector without altering the physical structure of the traditional optical interface, while also ensuring compatibility between the second composite connector and the traditional optical interface.

[0080] In some possible implementations, the second composite connector employs a second MPO connector;

[0081] The second ferrule of the second MPO connector serves as the second base;

[0082] The second ribbon fiber of the second MPO connector serves as the third optical connector;

[0083] The second guide of the second MPO connector is conductive and serves as the third electrical connector.

[0084] For example, the second MPO connector is a female connector, and correspondingly, the second guide is a guide hole.

[0085] For example, the second MPO connector is a male connector, and correspondingly, the second guide is a guide pin.

[0086] The composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment can be adapted and plugged into the composite module provided in this application embodiment. In application, the second composite connector (i.e., the second MPO connector head) of the composite cable assembly is inserted into the second socket (i.e., the second interface of the interface socket) of the composite module of this application. In this way, the second MPO connector head in the composite cable assembly can be adapted and plugged into the first MPO connector head in the composite module. This includes: the second ribbon fiber (i.e., the third optical connector) on the second MPO connector head is aligned and tightly connected with the first ribbon fiber (i.e., the first optical connector) on the first MPO connector head; and the second guide (i.e., the third electrical connector) on the second MPO connector head is plugged into the first guide (i.e., the first electrical connector) on the first MPO connector head.

[0087] Taking the second guide as an example, the second guide can be made conductive by the following method: forming a mounting hole inside the second ferrule, preparing a metal collar that matches the size of the mounting hole, and installing the metal collar into the mounting hole to form a second guide with a guide hole structure whose inner wall is made of metal.

[0088] In the composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment, if an MPO connector female connector is used as the second composite connector, the physical structure of the MPO connector female connector remains unchanged; only a new electrical interface is defined, which refers to a conductive second guide. Therefore, the second composite connector is compatible with standard MPO adapters in the art, achieving the purpose of mating two MPO connectors.

[0089] Meanwhile, the second composite connector is also compatible with the standard MPO connector in the art. That is to say, the second composite connector is not only suitable for connecting with the composite module of this application, but also suitable for connecting with the standard MPO connector in the art, thus broadening its applicability.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the composite cable assembly includes two second composite connectors, which are respectively connected to both ends of the composite cable.

[0091] The two ends of the optical fiber of the composite cable are respectively connected to the second optical connectors of the two second composite connectors; and the two ends of the cable of the composite cable are respectively connected to the guide holes of the two second composite connectors, for example, to the end or inner wall of the guide hole.

[0092] In some possible implementations, the composite cable assembly further includes a plurality of branch connectors connected to the other end of the composite cable.

[0093] In some possible implementations, the branch connector is selected from at least one of SC type connectors, LC type connectors, FC type connectors, and ST type connectors.

[0094] The above-mentioned branch connectors inherently possess optical connectors for transmitting optical signals. Furthermore, the branch connectors described above can be improved to include electrical connectors. Depending on the specific type of branch connector, the inherent structure within the branch connector can be defined as an electrical connector, or new electrical connectors can be added to the branch connector to transmit electrical signals. Attached Figure Description

[0095] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a composite module provided in this application;

[0096] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the housing of a composite module provided in this application;

[0097] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the optical device and power supply device of a composite module, obtained from one perspective, as provided in this application;

[0098] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the MPO connector provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the optical device and power supply device of a composite module obtained from another perspective, as provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a composite module obtained from one perspective, as provided in this application;

[0101] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal connection relationship of the composite module provided in this application;

[0102] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply device for a composite module provided in this application;

[0103] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a composite module obtained from another perspective, as provided in this application;

[0104] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the optical device and the power supply device of a composite module provided in this application;

[0105] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the optical device and power supply device of a composite module provided in this application;

[0106] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated optical and power supply components of another composite module provided in this application;

[0107] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrical connector of a composite module provided in this application;

[0108] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrical connector of another composite module provided in this application;

[0109] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrical connector of another composite module provided in this application;

[0110] Figure 16 This is a partial structural diagram of the first electrical connector and the first optical connector of a composite module provided in this application after integration;

[0111] Figure 17 This is a structural schematic diagram of a composite cable assembly provided in this application;

[0112] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another composite cable assembly provided in this application;

[0113] Figure 19 This is a structural schematic diagram of another composite cable assembly provided in this application.

[0114] The reference numerals in the attached figures represent:

[0115] 1-Housing shell; 11-First socket; 12-Second socket;

[0116] 2-Optical devices;

[0117] 21-Photoelectric conversion device; 22-First optical connector;

[0118] 21a - Processing board; 21b - Optoelectronic devices;

[0119] 20-Optical composite connector;

[0120] 201-Photoelectric composite carrier; 202-Gold finger; 202a-First part metal sheet; 202b-Second part metal sheet;

[0121] 3-Power supply components;

[0122] 31-Power supply line; 32-First electrical connector;

[0123] 31a - Power supply cable; 31b - Power supply circuit board;

[0124] 30 - Optoelectronic composite device; 301 - Circuit board; 301a - First part of the ribbon cable; 301b - Second part of the ribbon cable;

[0125] 321 - First electrical connector mounting part; 322 - First electrical connector conductive part; 322a - Contact part;

[0126] 323 - Mounting slot; 321a - Contact part;

[0127] 32a - Connection section; 32b - Electrical contact section;

[0128] 4-First composite connector; 41-First base; 42-Second optical connector; 43-Second electrical connector;

[0129] 401-First MPO connector; 4011-First ferrule; 4012-First ribbon fiber; 4013-First guide element;

[0130] 402 - Interface socket; 4021 - First interface; 4022 - Second interface;

[0131] 403-Second MPO connector; 4031-Second ferrule; 4032-Second ribbon fiber; 4033-Second guide element;

[0132] 5-Composite cable; 51-Sheath layer; 52-Fiber optic cable; 53-Electric cable;

[0133] 6-Second composite connector; 61-Second base; 62-Third optical connector; 63-Third electrical connector;

[0134] 7-Branch connector. Detailed Implementation

[0135] In some related solutions, the switch and AP panels need to be equipped with at least two ports, one as an optical port for inserting optical modules and the other as an electrical port for inserting power connectors. This results in the following disadvantages for these related solutions: (1) they occupy a lot of panel space, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of switches and APs; (2) a single optical module does not support power supply; and (3) a single electrical module does not support the evolution of transmission with higher data transmission rates and greater capacity.

[0136] This application provides a composite module, also known as an optoelectronic composite module, which can be used to convert optical signals into electrical signals and to implement Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a technology that provides power to devices such as IP (Internet Protocol) phones, access points (APs), and network cameras while simultaneously transmitting data signals.

[0137] The composite module can be a module for converting optical signals into electrical signals, a module for converting electrical signals into optical signals, or a module that can convert both optical signals into electrical signals and electrical signals into optical signals.

[0138] One possible application scenario for this composite module is its use in the connection between switches and access points (APs). The composite module is plugged into the front panel of both the switch and the AP. The composite module plugged into the switch and the composite module plugged into the AP are connected by a composite cable, thereby realizing the connection between the switch and the AP.

[0139] Composite cables are cables that are covered with optical fibers and electrical cables, such as copper wires. The optical fibers are used to transmit optical signals, and the copper wires are used to transmit electrical energy.

[0140] When this composite module is used in the connection between a switch and an access point (AP), it can be used with optical communication equipment such as switches and APs, or with a composite cable. The optical communication equipment's front panel has a port for inserting the composite module. This port has an optical interface that connects to the composite module's optical connector, and also an electrical interface that connects to the composite module's electrical connector. Similarly, the composite cable's connector has an optical fiber connector that connects to the composite module's optical connector, and a power connector that connects to the composite module's electrical connector.

[0141] In one embodiment, the composite module includes a device for realizing photoelectric conversion and a device for realizing PoE function. The optical connector and the electrical connector are integrated into a socket, so that the panel of the optical communication device that cooperates with the composite module only needs to be provided with a port for inserting the composite module. The port has an electrical interface and an optical interface, which can save the panel size of the optical communication device and is conducive to the miniaturization of the device.

[0142] In terms of the type of composite module, according to its function, the composite module can be any one of the following: optical receiving composite module, optical transmitting composite module, optical transceiver composite module, and optical forwarding composite module.

[0143] Based on pluggability, the composite module can be either a hot-swappable composite module or a non-hot-swappable composite module.

[0144] Based on the packaging type, this composite module can be a multi-transmitter multi-receiver optical module, such as a QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable) composite module, an OSFP (octal small form-factor pluggable) composite module, and an NGSFP (next generation SFP) composite module.

[0145] In this embodiment, the specific type of the composite module is not specifically limited. The specific structure of the composite module that realizes the photoelectric conversion function and the PoE power supply function will be described in detail below.

[0146] like Figure 1 As shown, the composite module includes a housing 1, an optical device 2, a power supply device 3, and a first composite connector 4; (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, the first end of the housing 1 has a first socket 11, and the second end of the housing 1 has a second socket 12; the optical device 2 includes a photoelectric conversion device 21 and a first optical connector 22, the first end of the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the first optical connector 22 are connected; the power supply device 3 includes a power supply line 31 and a first electrical connector 32, the first end of the power supply line 31 and the first electrical connector 32 are connected; the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 are both located in the housing 1, the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are both located at the first socket 11, and the first composite connector 4 is located at the second socket 12.

[0147] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the first composite connector 4 includes: a first base 41, a second optical connector 42, and two second electrical connectors 43; the second optical connector 42 and the two second electrical connectors 43 are all located on the first base 41, and the two second electrical connectors 43 are symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector 42; the second optical connector 42 is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device 21; the two second electrical connectors 43 are all connected to the second end of the power supply line 31.

[0148] The optoelectronic conversion device 21 of the optical device 2 and the power supply line 31 of the power supply device 3 are both located in the housing 1. The housing 1 has a first socket 11 and a second socket 12 to facilitate the insertion of the composite cable and the device. The two ends of the optoelectronic conversion device 21 are connected to the first optical connector 22 and the second optical connector 42, respectively, and the two ends of the power supply line 31 are connected to the first electrical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 43, respectively. The first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are both located at the first socket 11, and the first composite connector 4, which integrates the second optical connector 42 and the second electrical connector 43, is located at the second socket 12. For example, the first socket 11 can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the device, and the second socket 12 can be used as the socket for inserting the composite module into the composite cable. This composite module integrates PoE power supply and optoelectronic conversion functions, solving the technical problems in related technologies where a single optical module does not support power supply and a single electrical module does not support the evolution of transmission with higher data transmission rates and greater capacity. In addition, the panels of the plugged-in devices, such as switches and access points, only need to be equipped with interfaces for plugging in the composite module, which helps to save the panel size of switches and access points and promotes the miniaturization of switches and access points.

[0149] Specifically, the composite module provided in this application embodiment uses a first composite connector 4, which integrates a second optical connector 42 and a second electrical connector 43, providing a novel composite module structure that meets the miniaturization needs of switches and access points. Because the optical and electrical connectors are integrated, the first composite connector 4 can be obtained by defining the electrical interface on an existing optical interface, thus improving the compatibility of the composite module.

[0150] In some possible implementations, the second electrical connector 43 is also configured to be compatible with an electrical connector on an external connector, so that the second optical connector 42 can be precisely mated with the optical connector on the external connector. In other words, the second electrical connector 43 serves both as a power transmission and positioning function.

[0151] An external connector refers to an optoelectronic composite connector on the device or composite cable that is compatible with the first composite connector 4 when the composite module is inserted into the device or composite cable. For example, the external connector may be located at the end of the composite cable, or it may be disposed on the device.

[0152] The second electrical connector 43 in the composite module can be adapted to be plugged into the electrical connector on the external connector. One of the two electrical connectors can be a bump-shaped structure (e.g., a guide pin) and the other can be a concave structure (e.g., a guide hole).

[0153] For example, some traditional optical interfaces may have positioning guide pins. If the guide pins are conductive, such as those made of metal, they can be used as the second electrical connector 43. Thus, the first composite connector 4 can be obtained by defining the electrical interface on the traditional optical interface. In this way, the first composite connector 4 can be easily obtained without changing the physical structure of the traditional optical interface, while ensuring the compatibility of the first composite connector 4 with the traditional optical interface.

[0154] For example, an MPO interface refers to an optical module that uses an MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On Connector). This allows for the simultaneous connection of multiple fiber cores, and its size is comparable to only 1-2 SC connectors, representing a reduction of over 90%. MPO connectors are plug-and-play, eliminating the need for cumbersome steps such as fiber stripping, splicing, and fusion, thus shortening installation time and reducing the difficulty of construction techniques. They are suitable for installing high-density fiber optic systems.

[0155] MPO interfaces are typically used in conjunction with MPO fiber optic patch cords. The following is a brief description of the structure of traditional MPO interfaces and MPO fiber optic patch cords:

[0156] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the MPO interface includes: a first MPO connector 401 and an interface socket 402. The first MPO connector 401 is located within the first interface 4021 of the interface socket 402.

[0157] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the MPO fiber optic patch cord includes an optical cable and a second MPO connector 403 located at the end of the optical cable. One of the first MPO connector 401 and the second MPO connector 403 is a male connector, and the other is a female connector. In application, the second MPO connector 403 can be inserted into the second interface 4022 of the interface socket 402 to adapt and connect with the first MPO connector 401 (i.e., an adaptation connection between a male connector and a female connector).

[0158] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the first MPO connector 401 includes: a first ferrule 4011, a first ribbon optical fiber 4012 located on the first ferrule 4011, and two first guide members 4013, which are respectively located on both sides of the first ribbon optical fiber 4012. The structure of the first guide member 4013 is determined according to the type of the first MPO connector 401, for example, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 4 The diagram shows that when the first MPO connector 401 is a male connector, the first guide 4013 is a guide pin. Correspondingly, when the first MPO connector 401 is a female connector, the first guide 4013 is a guide hole (not shown in the figures).

[0159] The number of optical fibers in the first ribbon fiber 4012 can be 8-144, such as 8, 12, or 24, for common data center or LAN applications; or, for example, the number of optical fibers can be 32, 48, or 60, for large optical switches, etc.

[0160] A first ribbon optical fiber 4012 penetrates the first ferrule 4011, and its two ends are exposed on opposite first and second end faces of the first ferrule 4011, respectively. Two first guide members 4013 penetrate the first ferrule 4011, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 When the first guide 4013 is a guide pin, one end of the first guide 4013 protrudes from both sides of the first end face of the first ferrule 4011. The first end face of the first ferrule 4011 refers to the surface of the end that is used to contact the end face of the second ferrule 4031 of the second MPO connector 403.

[0161] The second MPO connector 403 includes: a second ferrule 4031, a second ribbon fiber 4032 located on the second ferrule 4031, and two second guide members 4033, wherein the two second guide members 4033 are respectively located on both sides of the second ribbon fiber 4032. The structure of the second guide members 4033 is determined according to the type of the second MPO connector 403, for example, with... Figure 4 This diagram shows that when the second MPO connector 403 is a female connector, the second guide 4033 is a guide hole. Correspondingly, when the second MPO connector 403 is a male connector, the second guide 4033 is a guide pin.

[0162] The second ribbon fiber 4032 penetrates the second ferrule 4031, and its two ends are exposed on the opposite first and second end faces of the second ferrule 4031, respectively. The number of fibers in the second ribbon fiber 4032 can be 8-144, such as 8, 12, or 24, for common data center or LAN applications; or, for example, the number of fibers can be 32, 48, or 60, for large optical switches, etc.

[0163] Interface socket 402 has a first interface 4021 and a second interface 4022. The first interface 4021 is configured to receive and lock a first MPO connector 401 therein. The second interface 4022 is configured to receive and lock a second MPO connector 403 therein. For an MPO interface, it includes interface socket 402, and the first interface 4021 of interface socket 402 is occupied by the first MPO connector 401. The second interface 4022 of interface socket 402 is in an unused state and is used to receive an external connector, such as the second MPO connector 403 described above.

[0164] The first MPO connector 401 and the second MPO connector 403 are connected within the interface socket 402 (the end faces of the first ferrule 4011 and the second ferrule 4031 are in face-to-face contact), which enables: (1) the first ribbon fiber 4012 of the first MPO connector 401 and the second ribbon fiber 4032 of the second MPO connector 403 to be connected to obtain an optical signal path; and (2) the first guide 4013 of the first MPO connector 401 and the second guide 4033 of the second MPO connector 403 to be inserted to achieve positioning.

[0165] As can be seen from the structure of the MPO connector described above, an electrical connector can be defined on the first MPO connector 401 to serve as the first composite connector 4 as intended in the embodiments of this application.

[0166] For example, the first composite connector 4 provided in this application embodiment adopts an MPO interface, which includes: a first MPO connector 401 and an interface base 402. The first MPO connector 401 is located at the first interface 4021 of the interface base 402. The second interface of the interface base 402 is used to receive an external connector. That is, the external connector can enter the second interface 4022. At this time, the second interface 4022 actually acts as a socket. In this interface, the electrical connector on the external connector is adapted to connect with the second electrical connector 43, and the optical connector on the external connector is adapted to connect with the second optical connector 42.

[0167] The first ferrule 4011 of the first MPO connector 401 serves as the first base 41; the first ribbon optical fiber 4012 of the first MPO connector 401 serves as the second optical connector 42; the first guide 4013 of the first MPO connector 401 is conductive and serves as the second electrical connector 43.

[0168] Because the two first guide elements 4013 are symmetrically located on both sides of the first ribbon optical fiber 4012, this also corresponds to the two second electrical connectors 43 being symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector 42 as described in the embodiments of this application.

[0169] As an example, see attached Figure 4 As shown, the first MPO connector 401 is a male connector, and correspondingly, the first guide 4013 is a guide pin.

[0170] As another example, the first MPO connector 401 is a female connector, and correspondingly, the first guide 4013 is a guide hole.

[0171] The composite module provided in this application fully utilizes the structure of the MPO interface itself. In the first MPO connector 401, the first guide 4013, such as a metal guide pin, is defined as an electrical connector, allowing the power supply line 31 to be electrically connected to the first guide 4013 for signal transmission. It is evident that without altering the physical structure of the MPO interface, the ribbon fiber on it can serve as the second optical connector 42, and the two metal guide pins on it can serve as the second electrical connectors 43. This enables the MPO optical interface to be used as the first composite connector 4. This not only simplifies the fabrication process of the second optical connector 42 and the second electrical connector 43 (by directly using the MPO interface), but also allows the composite module provided in this application to meet the miniaturization needs of switches and access points, while remaining compatible with standard MPO connectors, thus improving the applicability of the composite module.

[0172] In this embodiment of the application, the interface base 402 of the first composite connector 4, specifically the outer shell of the interface base 402, is fixed to the second socket 12 of the housing 1. The fixing method includes, but is not limited to, the following: bonding, screw connection, snap-fit, key connection, etc.

[0173] Taking the first MPO connector 401 as a male connector as an example, the first guide 4013 of the first MPO connector 401 is a metal guide pin, which is used as the second electrical connector 43. The second electrical connector 43 needs to be connected to the power supply line 31. The connection method between the second electrical connector 43 and the power supply line 31 will be described exemplarily below:

[0174] In some possible implementations (1), as shown in the appendix Figure 3 and attached Figure 7 As shown, the power supply line 31 includes: a power supply cable 31a and a power supply circuit board 31b connected to each other; wherein, one end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to the second electrical connector 43, the other end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to one end of the power supply circuit board 31b, and the other end of the power supply circuit board 31b is connected to the first electrical connector 32.

[0175] In this way, the second electrical connector 43, the power supply line 31, and the first electrical connector 32 are connected in sequence to form a complete electrical signal and power channel.

[0176] The advantage of the above implementation is that the structure of the MPO connector used in the embodiments of this application can be maintained without changing it, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the composite module, while making the existing standard MPO connector applicable to this application.

[0177] In some possible implementations (2), the structure of the first MPO connector 401 can be adaptively improved. For example, the second end of the metal guide pin of the first MPO connector 401 can be made to protrude beyond the second end face of the first ferrule 4011 by a certain length, which allows the metal guide pin to be directly electrically connected to the power supply line 31. Here, the second end face of the first ferrule 4011 refers to the end face enclosed inside the housing 1. In this implementation, the power supply line 31 can be designed as a circuit board, and the second electrical connector 43 formed by the metal guide pin can be directly soldered to the circuit board of the power supply line 31.

[0178] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the composite module provided in this embodiment is a dual-fiber bidirectional composite module. Accordingly, there are two second optical connectors 42, one as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. The first ribbon fiber 4012 on the first MPO connector 401 is split into two paths, which are used for the two second optical connectors 42 respectively.

[0179] In some possible implementations, the composite module provided in this application embodiment is a single-fiber bidirectional composite module (not shown in the figure). Correspondingly, there is one second optical connector 42, which serves as both a transmitter and a receiver. By using part or all of the first ribbon fiber 4012 in the first MPO connector 401, it is made into one channel for use with the second optical connector 42.

[0180] This embodiment does not limit whether the composite module is a dual-fiber bidirectional module or a single-fiber bidirectional module; the accompanying drawings illustrate a dual-fiber bidirectional module.

[0181] The following sections will describe the housing 1, optical components 2, and power supply components 3 of this composite module:

[0182] The housing 1 serves as the protective shell of the composite module, protecting the internal components and providing protection against dust and water.

[0183] Optical device 2, also known as optoelectronic device, is a device used to convert optical signals into electrical signals. For example... Figure 3 As shown and referenced Figure 5 As shown, the optical device 2 includes a photoelectric conversion device 21 and a first optical connector 22. One end of the photoelectric conversion device 21 is connected to the first optical connector 22, and the other end is connected to the second optical connector 42. The connection between the optical connector and the photoelectric conversion device 21 can include physical connection and electrical connection.

[0184] Among them, the photoelectric conversion device 21 is the component required to realize the photoelectric conversion function, such as laser, detector, amplifier, clock data recovery and driver chip, etc.

[0185] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 and appendix Figure 7 As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 21 includes a processing board 21a and a photoelectronic device 21b. The second optical connector 42, the photoelectronic device 21b, the processing board 21a, and the first optical connector 22 are connected in sequence to realize the optical signal path and perform photoelectric conversion.

[0186] The processing board 21a is capable of receiving and processing optical signals. Thus, the second optical connector 42, the optoelectronic device 21b, the processing board 21a, and the first optical connector 22 are connected in sequence to form a complete optical signal path.

[0187] To simplify the internal structure of the composite module, the processing board 21a can also be configured to receive and process electrical signals (that is, the processing board 21a also essentially acts as the power supply line 31). Optical signals and electrical signals are implemented using a single processing board 21a, thereby realizing the processing and transmission of photoelectric signals.

[0188] For example, the above-mentioned ability for the processing board 21a to simultaneously receive and process optical and electrical signals can be achieved by the following method: the ribbon cable of the processing board 21a includes a first ribbon cable portion and a second ribbon cable portion, the two ends of the first ribbon cable portion are respectively connected to the optoelectronic device 21b and the first optical connector 22, and the two ends of the second ribbon cable portion are respectively electrically connected to the first electrical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 43 for the transmission of electrical signals and power.

[0189] Power supply device 3 is a device used to implement PoE power supply. Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the power supply device 3. The power supply device 3 includes the components required for the composite module to realize the PoE power supply function, and may include a power supply line 31 and a first electrical connector 32 located at one end of the power supply line 31. The first electrical connector 32 can be used to connect to the plugged-in device. In one example, the power supply line 31 may be a cable covered with copper wire, a flexible circuit board, or at least one of a rigid circuit board.

[0190] Based on the above, the photoelectric conversion device 21 of the optical device 2 and the power supply line 31 of the power supply device 3 are both located in the housing 1. The housing 1 has a first socket 11 for insertion into the device and a second socket 12 for insertion into the composite cable. Both the optical device 2 and the power supply device 3 are located in the housing 1. Figure 9As shown, the first optical connector 22 connected to one end of the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the first electrical connector 32 connected to one end of the power supply line 31 are both located at the first socket 11; as Figure 6 As shown, the second optical connector 42, which is connected to the other end of the photoelectric conversion device 21, and the second electrical connector 43, which is connected to the other end of the power supply line 31, are both located at the second socket 12. In this way, the power supply device 3, which enables PoE power supply, and the optical device 2, which enables photoelectric conversion, are integrated together to obtain a composite module. Therefore, the panels of the plugged-in devices, such as switches and access points, only need to be equipped with interfaces for plugging into this composite module, eliminating the need for interfaces for plugging into power connectors. This saves on the panel size of switches and access points, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of switches and access points.

[0191] The following will describe the positional relationship between the photoelectric conversion device 21 of the optical device 2 and the power supply line 31 of the power supply device 3, as well as the specific implementation structure of the power supply line 31.

[0192] like Figure 10 As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 are independent of each other. For example, the photoelectric conversion device 21 of the optical device 2 is located on one layer, and the power supply line 31 of the power supply device 3 is located on one layer. These two layers can be separated by a certain distance or can be stacked one on top of the other.

[0193] For example, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 21 may include a processing board 21a and a photoelectronic device 21b, which are located on the same layer. The power supply line 31 may include a flexible circuit board or a rigid circuit board, and is located below the processing board 21a and the photoelectronic device 21b. For example, the photoelectric conversion device 21 is located near the bottom inner wall of the housing 1, and the power supply line 31 is located near the top inner wall of the housing 1. The photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 can be stacked within the housing 1, which saves internal space in the composite module. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 can be located vertically spaced within the housing 1, which facilitates the placement of the first electrical connector 32. Figure 3 The desired location is shown.

[0194] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the power supply line 31 includes: a power supply cable 31a and a power supply circuit board 31b connected to each other; one end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to the second electrical connector 43, the other end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to one end of the power supply circuit board 31b, and the other end of the power supply circuit board 31b is connected to the first electrical connector 32.

[0195] For example, the power supply cable 31a is a cable, and the power supply circuit board 31b is a flexible circuit board or a rigid circuit board.

[0196] In some examples, the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 may be stacked one on top of the other in the first socket 11, or the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 may be integrated together, etc. This embodiment does not limit this, and the positional relationship between the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 will be described in detail below.

[0197] In this embodiment, the power supply line 31 can be a flexible circuit board, a rigid circuit board, a cable covered with copper wire, or any combination of two or three of the above. (See reference...) Figure 8 As shown, power supply line 31 is a cable.

[0198] As an example (1), see attached Figure 3 As shown, the power supply line 31 includes: a power supply cable 31a and a power supply circuit board 31b connected to each other; one end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to a second electrical connector 413, the other end of the power supply cable 31a is connected to one end of the power supply circuit board 31b, and the other end of the power supply circuit board 31b is connected to a first electrical connector 32. The power supply cable 31a is a cable, and the power supply circuit board 31b is a flexible circuit board or a rigid circuit board.

[0199] As another possible example (2), the difference from the above example (1) is that the power supply cable 31a is replaced with a flexible circuit board, while the rest remains unchanged.

[0200] As another possible example (3), the difference from the above example (1) is that the power supply cable 31a is replaced with a flexible circuit board, and the power supply circuit board 31b is replaced with a cable.

[0201] As described above, the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 can be independent of each other and stacked in the housing 1; the photoelectric conversion device 21 and at least part of the power supply line 31 can also be integrated together. The integration of the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31 can be achieved by arranging ribbon cables on the circuit board of the photoelectric conversion device 21 as the power supply line 31.

[0202] In this embodiment of the application, at least a portion of the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit, which includes: (1) integrating a portion of the power supply line 31 with the photoelectric conversion device 21 into one unit, and (2) integrating all the power supply line 31 with the photoelectric conversion device 21 into one unit.

[0203] In case (1) (not shown in the figure), for example, the power supply line 31 includes: a flexible section and a rigid section connected to each other, and the rigid section of the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit. For example, the flexible section can be a flexible circuit board or a cable, and the rigid section can be a rigid circuit board.

[0204] Accordingly, the processing board 21a of the photoelectric conversion device 21 can simultaneously receive and process optical and electrical signals, which can be achieved in the following ways:

[0205] For example, the processing board 21a of the photoelectric conversion device 21 includes a first ribbon cable section and a second ribbon cable section, wherein the first ribbon cable section is used for photoelectric conversion, and the second ribbon cable section is used for electrical signal and power transmission. The second ribbon cable section is the rigid circuit board section of the power supply line 31.

[0206] One end of the second ribbon cable portion of the processing board 21a of the photoelectric conversion device 21 is connected to one end of the flexible section of the power supply line 31, and the other end is connected to the first electrical connector 32. The other end of the flexible section of the power supply line 31 is connected to the second electrical connector 43.

[0207] For case (2), such as Figure 11 or Figure 12 As shown, the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit. The integration of the two can obtain the photoelectric composite device 30. The photoelectric composite device 30 may include a circuit board 301. The first part of the wiring 301, the first part of the wiring 301a, is electrically connected to the first optical connector 22 and the second optical connector 42 respectively to form a photoelectric path. The second part of the wiring 301, the second part of the wiring 301b, is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 43 respectively to form a power path.

[0208] For example, the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit, while the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 can still remain independent of each other, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit, but the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are stacked on top of each other in the first socket 11.

[0209] For example, the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit, and the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are also integrated together, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 are integrated into one unit, and the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are also integrated into one unit.

[0210] Regarding the integration of the power supply line 31 and the photoelectric conversion device 21 into one unit, this embodiment does not specifically limit the positional relationship between the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32. The positional relationship between the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 will be described in detail below.

[0211] The above describes the positional relationship between the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the power supply line 31. The following will describe in detail the positional relationship between the first optical connector 22 of the optical device 2 and the first electrical connector 32 of the power supply device 3, as well as the specific implementation structure of the first electrical connector 32.

[0212] In terms of positional relationship, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first electrical connector 32 can be located between the first optical connector 22 and the inner wall of the first socket 11 located at the top.

[0213] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are independent of each other and are stacked in the first socket 11. For example, the first electrical connector 32 can be installed on the inner wall at the top of the first socket 11, and the side of the first optical connector 22 can be installed on the inner wall at the side of the first socket 11.

[0214] In some examples, the first electrical connector 32 may include a first electrical connector mounting portion 321 and a first electrical connector conductive portion 322; the first electrical connector mounting portion 321 is fixed to the inner wall at the top of the first socket 11, the first electrical connector conductive portion 322 is fixed to the first electrical connector mounting portion 321, and the first electrical connector conductive portion 322 is electrically connected to the power supply line 31.

[0215] The first electrical connector mounting part 321 can be made of plastic or the like, and the first electrical connector conductive part 322 can be made of metal or the like.

[0216] For example, the first electrical connector mounting part 321 has a plate-like structure and is mounted on the top inner wall of the first socket 11. For example, it can be fixed to the top inner wall of the first socket 11 by snap-fit ​​or by adhesive.

[0217] The first electrical connector mounting part 321 serves as the carrier of the first electrical connector conductive part 322. The first electrical connector conductive part 322 can be fixed on the first electrical connector mounting part 321, and the first electrical connector conductive part 322 is also electrically connected to the power supply line 31. There are various possible fixed positions of the first electrical connector conductive part 322 on the first electrical connector mounting part 321.

[0218] For example, a fixed position could be, such as Figure 13As shown, the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is a metal sheet; the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is fixed to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part 321, and the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0219] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector can adhere to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting portion 321 facing the first optical connector 22. Alternatively, the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector can also adhere to the outer surface of the sidewall of the first electrical connector mounting portion 321. Furthermore, when the outer surface of the sidewall of the first electrical connector mounting portion 321 is fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall of the first socket 11, the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector can also adhere to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting portion 321 facing away from the first electrical connector 32.

[0220] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is a metal rod; the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is fixed inside the first electrical connector mounting part 321 and extends out of the end face of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 away from the power supply line 31.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, and with reference Figure 10 As shown, the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector penetrates the interior of the first electrical connector mounting part 321. One end extends out of the end face of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 near the power supply line 31 and is electrically connected to the power supply line 31. The other end extends out of the end face of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 away from the power supply line 31 for electrical connection with the plugged-in device.

[0222] In some examples, in order to make the electrical connection between the first electrical connector conductive part 322 and the inserted device more stable, the first electrical connector conductive part 322 of the metal rod can be a spring pin that can extend and retract along the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

[0223] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal spring; the mounting part 321 of the first electrical connector has a mounting groove 323, the mounting groove 323 has a slot on the outer surface of the mounting part 321 of the first electrical connector, and the outer surface of the mounting part 321 is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module; the end of the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector is fixed to the groove wall of the mounting groove 323, and the contact part 322a of the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector for electrical connection with the inserted device extends out of the slot.

[0224] The surface parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the composite module can be the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 facing the first optical connector 22, the outer surface of the side wall of the first electrical connector mounting part 321, or the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part 321 facing away from the first optical connector 22, etc.

[0225] For example, the first electrical connector mounting portion 321 has a mounting groove 323, such as Figure 15 As shown, the mounting groove 323 has a notch on its outer surface facing the first optical connector 22. One end of the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector of the strip-shaped metal spring can be fixed to the groove wall of the mounting groove 323, while the other end can be suspended in the mounting groove 323, as shown. Figure 15 As shown, the contact portion 322a of the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector extends out of the slot. The contact portion 322a is a part of the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector used for electrical connection with the inserted device. For example, the contact portion 322a can be a bent portion near the end of the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector, or it can be the end of the conductive portion 322 of the first electrical connector. The contact portion 322a extends out of the slot of the mounting groove 323, so that when the composite module is inserted into the device, the contact portion 322a can contact the conductive portion in the inserted device to achieve electrical connection.

[0226] For example, the first electrical connector 32 is integrally formed with the power supply line 31, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the first electrical connector 32 includes a connecting section 32a and an electrical contact section 32b located on the connecting section 32a. The connecting section 32a is plate-shaped, and one end of the connecting section 32a is perpendicularly connected to the surface of the power supply line 31. This ensures that the electrical contact section 32b is perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the composite module, allowing the electrical contact section 32b to smoothly contact the conductive parts in the inserted device to achieve electrical connection when the composite module is inserted into the device.

[0227] The above describes the situation where the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are independent of each other and superimposed in the first socket 11. The first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 can also be integrated together.

[0228] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the first electrical connector 32 and the first optical connector 22 are integrated to form a photoelectric composite connector 20; the photoelectric composite connector 20 includes a photoelectric composite carrier 201 and a gold finger 202. The gold finger 202 is fixed on the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201, and the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201 is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module; the first part of the gold finger 202, the metal sheet 202a, is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 21 to form the first optical connector 22, and the second part of the gold finger 202, the metal sheet 202b, is electrically connected to the power supply line 31 to form the first electrical connector 32.

[0229] The gold fingers consist of multiple conductive contacts, which are laid on two opposite surfaces of the carrier.

[0230] In some examples, such as Figure 16 As shown, the first electrical connector 23 and the first optical connector 33 are integrated together to form a photoelectric composite connector 20. The photoelectric composite connector 20 includes a photoelectric composite carrier 201 and gold fingers 202. The photoelectric composite carrier 201 has a plate-like structure, for example, it can be a part near the end of a circuit board. The gold fingers 202 can be located on the surface of the photoelectric composite carrier 201, such as on two opposite surfaces of the photoelectric composite carrier 201. A portion of the metal sheet in the gold fingers 202 can be electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 21 to form the first optical connector 22, and another portion of the metal sheet in the gold fingers 202 can be electrically connected to the power supply line 31 to form the first electrical connector 32. Exemplarily, as shown... Figure 16 As shown, the first metal piece 202a in the gold finger 202 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 21 to form the first optical connector 22, and the second metal piece 202b in the gold finger 202 is electrically connected to the power supply line 31 to form the first electrical connector 32.

[0231] This integration of the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 saves installation space for the composite module and is conducive to the miniaturization of the composite module.

[0232] Based on the above, the composite module not only has optical devices for converting optical signals to electrical signals, but also power supply devices for PoE power supply. In this way, the panels of devices into which the composite module is inserted, such as switches and access points, only need to be provided with an interface for inserting the composite module, without the need to provide a separate interface for PoE power supply, thereby saving panel space on the device.

[0233] As described above, the composite module has a power supply device 3 for realizing PoE power supply. In application, the composite module can be used to determine the power consumption level of the optical communication device when the inserted optical communication device is detected as a powered device, and to supply power to the optical communication device according to the power consumption level of the optical communication device.

[0234] In PoE power supply, there are power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PD). The power sourcing equipment can be PoE switches, etc., and the powered devices can be PoE network cameras and access points, etc.

[0235] For example, in one scenario, the composite module is plugged into an interface of a switch, and the composite module is plugged into an interface of an access point (AP). The composite modules on the switch and the AP are connected via a composite cable. The switch is the power supply device, and the AP is the power receiving device. The switch outputs a small voltage to the AP through its port. The processor in the composite module plugged into the switch detects that the AP is a power receiving device. After enabling PoE power supply, it can report back to the switch that the AP is a power receiving device. Then, the switch increases the voltage supplied to the AP, allowing the processor in the composite module plugged into the switch to detect the AP's power consumption level. Subsequently, the processor in the composite module plugged into the switch determines the power supply voltage corresponding to the AP's power consumption level based on a pre-stored correspondence between power consumption levels and supply voltages, and feeds back the required power supply voltage to the switch, so that the switch can stably supply power to the AP according to the aforementioned power supply voltage.

[0236] In some possible implementations, the power supply device 3 in the composite module can be used not only to transmit electrical energy, but also to transmit some data signals, which may include signals for adjusting the optical power of the optical device and signals indicating that the composite module is malfunctioning.

[0237] For example, the transmitter of optical device 2 can send an optical signal to the access point (AP), and the AP can send a feedback signal to optical device 2. The feedback signal carries the power of the received optical signal. The feedback signal sent by the AP to optical device 2 can be transmitted to the processor in the power supply device 3 through the copper wire in the composite cable and the power supply line 31 in the power supply device 3. This allows the processor to adjust the power of the optical signal sent by optical device 2 to the AP next time based on the power of the transmitted optical signal and the power of the optical signal in the feedback signal, so as to send an optical signal of appropriate power to the AP.

[0238] For example, when the composite module malfunctions, such as when the power of the transmitted optical signal is too low or when it cannot perform photoelectric conversion, an abnormal signal can be sent to the plugged device through the power supply device 3, so that technicians can understand through the device that the composite module has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

[0239] As can be seen, the composite module has a power supply device for realizing PoE power supply. This power supply device can not only realize power transmission, but also realize some data signal transmission. The composite module also has a PoE power supply management process.

[0240] In this embodiment, the composite module not only has an optical device for converting optical signals to electrical signals, but also a power supply device for PoE power supply. The first optical connector of the optical device and the first electrical connector of the power supply device are located at the same socket in the housing, namely the second socket in the housing. Thus, as a plugged-in device, its optical port for plugging in the optical module and its electrical port for plugging in the power connector are also located in the same port. For example, only the port for plugging in the composite module needs to be provided on the panel of a switch or access point, thereby saving panel space on the switch and access point and facilitating the miniaturization of switches and access points.

[0241] This embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a composite module, which is the composite module described above. The method may include the following steps:

[0242] A first composite connector 4 is provided, wherein the first composite connector 4 includes: a first base 41, a second optical connector 42, and two second electrical connectors 43; the second optical connector 42 and the two second electrical connectors 43 are all located on the first base 41, and the two second electrical connectors 43 are symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector 42.

[0243] Then, the first optical connector 22 is connected to the first end of the photoelectric conversion device 21, and the second optical connector 42 in the first composite connector 4 is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device 21, thus completing the assembly of the first composite connector 4 and the optical device 2.

[0244] The order in which the first optical connector 22 is connected to the first end of the photoelectric conversion device 21 and the second optical connector 42 in the first composite connector 4 is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device 21 is not limited; one can be done first and the other later, or they can be done simultaneously.

[0245] For example, as shown in the appendix Figure 5 As shown, the photoelectric conversion device 21 includes a processing board 21a and a photoelectronic device 21b. The processing board 21a, also known as the optical signal processing board, also houses other components. The photoelectronic device 21b is electrically connected to the processing board 21a. The second optical connector 42 uses a first MPO connector 401 to connect the ribbon fiber in the first MPO connector 401 to the photoelectronic device 21b, thereby achieving the connection between the second optical connector 42 and the photoelectric conversion device 21. Electrically, the second optical connector 42 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 21, and the first optical connector 22 is also electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 21.

[0246] Then, the first electrical connector 32 is connected to the first end of the power supply line 31, and the two second electrical connectors 43 in the first composite connector 4 are connected to the second end of the power supply line 31, thus completing the assembly of the first composite connector 4 and the power supply device 3.

[0247] For example, power supply line 31 may include a cable and a carrier plate for carrying the cable, with the cable laid on the carrier plate. The second electrical connector 43 uses the metal guide pin of the first MPO connector 401, and the power supply line 31 can be connected to the metal guide pin.

[0248] In terms of electrical connection, the two ends of the power supply line 31 are electrically connected to the second electrical connector 43 and the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector, respectively. The end of the conductive part 322 of the first electrical connector away from the cable is exposed in the first electrical connector mounting part 321 so that the composite module can be electrically connected to the plugged-in device.

[0249] Then, the optical device 2, the power supply device 3 and the first composite connector 4 are installed in the housing 1, and the first optical connector 22 and the first electrical connector 32 are both located at the first socket 11 of the housing 1, and the first composite connector 4 is located at the second socket of the housing 1.

[0250] For example, one possible manufacturing method for this composite module is that it can be manufactured based on an optical module. For instance, the housing of the optical module can be opened, and cables can be laid on the inner wall of the housing near the inner surface of the top cover or the inner surface of the base. Alternatively, a flexible circuit board can be laid, or ribbon cables can be directly arranged on the circuit board of the optical module as power supply lines for the power supply device. Then, a first electrical connector is installed on the housing of the optical module near the first optical connector. The first electrical connector can be installed on the inner surface of the housing near the first optical connector, or it can be integrated into the first optical connector. For example, the gold fingers of the first optical connector typically have a reserved metal piece, which can be used as the conductive part of the first optical connector.

[0251] In this embodiment, the specific manufacturing and installation process of the composite module is not specifically limited. It is sufficient that the photoelectric conversion device 21 of the optical device 2 and the power supply line 31 of the power supply device 3 are both located in the housing 1, the first optical connector 22 of the optical device 2 and the first electrical connector 32 of the power supply device 3 are located at the first socket 11, and the first composite connector 4 is located at the second socket 12 of the housing 1.

[0252] In this example, the composite module not only has an optical device for converting optical signals to electrical signals, but also a power supply device for PoE power supply. The first optical connector of the optical device and the first electrical connector of the power supply device are located at the same socket in the housing, i.e., at the first socket in the housing. Thus, as a plugged-in device, its optical port for plugging in the optical module and its electrical port for plugging in the power connector are also located in the same port. For example, only the port for plugging in the composite module needs to be provided on the panel of a switch or access point (AP), thereby saving panel space on the switch and AP and promoting the miniaturization of switches and APs.

[0253] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a composite cable assembly, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 17 As shown, the composite cable assembly includes: a composite cable 5 and a second composite connector 6 connected to one end of the composite cable 5.

[0254] The second composite connector 6 includes: a second base 61, a third optical connector 62, and two third electrical connectors 63; the third optical connector 62 and the two third electrical connectors 63 are all located on the second base 61, and the two third electrical connectors 63 are symmetrically located on both sides of the third optical connector 62.

[0255] The composite cable 5 includes a sheath layer 51, and optical fibers 52 and cables 53 located inside the sheath layer 51.

[0256] One end of optical fiber 52 is connected to one end of third optical connector 62, and the other end of third optical connector 62 is used to connect to the second optical connector 42 of the composite module. One end of cable 53 is connected to one end of two third electrical connectors 63, and the other ends of the two third electrical connectors 63 are used to connect to the two second electrical connectors 43 of the composite module.

[0257] The composite cable assembly provided in this application integrates an optical connector and an electrical connector to form a second composite connector 6. This allows the second composite connector 6 to be obtained by defining an electrical interface on an existing optical interface or by defining an optical interface on an existing electrical interface, thereby improving the compatibility of the composite cable assembly.

[0258] In some possible implementations, the third electrical connector 63 is also configured to be compatible with the second electrical connector 43 on the composite module, so that the third optical connector 62 can be precisely connected to the second optical connector 42 on the composite module.

[0259] The third electrical connector 63 serves both as a power transmission and positioning function. For example, some traditional optical interfaces typically have positioning guide holes. If the guide holes are designed to be conductive, such as having a metal inner wall, they can be used as the third electrical connector 63. In this way, the second composite connector 6 can be obtained by defining an electrical interface on a traditional optical interface. This allows for easy acquisition of the second composite connector 6 without altering the physical structure of the traditional optical interface, while also ensuring compatibility between the second composite connector 6 and the traditional optical interface.

[0260] Similar to the first composite connector 4, the second composite connector 6 can also be obtained using an MPO connector. For example, see attached... Figure 17As shown, the second composite connector 6 adopts an MPO connector, which is defined as the second MPO connector 403. The second MPO connector 403 can be adapted and connected to the first MPO connector 401 in the composite module.

[0261] The second ferrule 4031 of the second MPO connector 403 serves as the second base 61; the second ribbon fiber 4032 of the second MPO connector 403 serves as the third optical connector 62; and the second guide 4033 of the second MPO connector 403 is conductive and serves as the third electrical connector 63.

[0262] As an example, see attached Figure 17 As shown, the second MPO connector 403 is a female connector, and correspondingly, the second guide 4033 is a guide hole.

[0263] As another example, the second MPO connector 403 is a male connector, and correspondingly, the second guide 4033 is a guide pin (this implementation is not shown in the figure).

[0264] The second MPO connector 403 involved in the composite cable assembly can be a standard MPO connector female connector in the art. It can be applied to this application by designing the guide hole in the standard MPO connector female connector to be conductive.

[0265] The composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment can be adapted and plugged into the composite module provided in this application embodiment. In application, the second composite connector 6 (i.e., the second MPO connector 403) of the composite cable assembly is inserted into the second socket 12 (i.e., the second interface 4022 of the interface socket 402) of the composite module. In this way, the second MPO connector 403 in the composite cable assembly can be adapted and plugged into the first MPO connector 401 in the composite module. This includes: the second ribbon fiber 4032 (i.e., the third optical connector 62) on the second MPO connector 403 is aligned and tightly connected with the first ribbon fiber 4012 (i.e., the second optical connector 42) on the first MPO connector 401; and the second guide 4033 (i.e., the third electrical connector 63) on the second MPO connector 403 is plugged into the first guide 4013 (i.e., the second electrical connector 43) on the first MPO connector 401.

[0266] Taking the second guide 4033 as an example of a guide hole, the second guide 4033 can be made conductive by the following method: forming a mounting hole inside the second ferrule 4031, preparing a metal collar that matches the size of the mounting hole, and installing the metal collar into the mounting hole to form the second guide 4033 with a guide hole structure whose inner wall is made of metal.

[0267] In the composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment, if an MPO connector female is used as the second composite connector 6, the physical structure of the MPO connector female remains unchanged; only a new electrical interface is defined, which refers to the conductive second guide 4033. Therefore, the second composite connector 6 is compatible with standard MPO adapters in the art, achieving the purpose of mating two MPO connectors.

[0268] Meanwhile, the second composite connector 6 is also compatible with the standard MPO connector in the art. That is to say, the second composite connector 6 is not only suitable for connecting with the composite module of this application, but also suitable for connecting with the standard MPO connector in the art, thus broadening its applicability.

[0269] For the composite cable assembly, both ends of the composite cable 5 are connected to connectors. In this case, the composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment can be considered as an optical fiber patch cord with photoelectric transmission function.

[0270] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 18 As shown, the composite cable assembly includes two second composite connectors 6, which are respectively connected to both ends of the composite cable 5.

[0271] The two ends of the optical fiber 52 of the composite cable 5 are respectively connected to the third optical connector 62 of the two second composite connectors 6; and the two ends of the cable 53 of the composite cable 5 are respectively connected to the third electrical connector 63 of the two second composite connectors 6, for example, to the end or inner wall of the third electrical connector 63.

[0272] Among some possible implementations, as shown in the appendix Figure 19 As shown, the composite cable assembly also includes: multiple branch connectors 7, which are connected to the other end of the composite cable 5.

[0273] The types of connectors used in this branch connector 7 may include the following: conventional fiber optic connectors; improved fiber optic connectors with added electrical connectors; conventional network connectors, such as network cable plugs; and improved network cable plugs with added optical connectors.

[0274] When branch connector 7 uses a fiber optic connector, the type of fiber optic connector includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: SC type connector (Square Connector), LC type connector (Lucent connector), FC type connector (Ferrule Connector), and ST type connector (Straight Tip Connector). All of these types of connectors are common in the field, and the appropriate connector type can be selected aptly according to the actual mating object.

[0275] The branch connector 7 of the above type has an optical connector for transmitting optical signals. Furthermore, the branch connector 7 can be improved to include an electrical connector. Depending on the specific type of branch connector 7, the structure inherent in the branch connector 7 can be defined as an electrical connector, and additional electrical connectors can be added to the branch connector 7 to transmit electrical signals.

[0276] For example, branch connector 7 includes: an optical fiber connector and an electrical connector.

[0277] The optical fiber 52 is configured as multiple paths, with one end of each optical fiber 52 connected to the corresponding third optical connector 62 in the second composite connector 6, and the other end of each optical fiber 52 connected to the optical fiber connector of the corresponding branch connector 7.

[0278] The cable 53 is configured as multiple cables, with one end of each cable 53 connected to the third electrical connector 63 of the second composite connector 6, and the other end of each cable 53 connected to the electrical connector of the corresponding branch connector 7.

[0279] The optical fiber 52 can be separated using conventional optical channel separation methods in the art, and the cable 53 can be separated using conventional electrical channel separation methods in the art. For example, the wires in the cable 53 can be clustered to form multiple independent and insulated wire clusters.

[0280] Thus, the composite cable assembly provided in this application embodiment can realize one-to-many connectors, and simultaneously separate the optical channel and the electrical channel.

[0281] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A composite module, characterized in that, The composite module includes a housing (1), an optical device (2), a power supply device (3), and a first composite connector (4). The first end of the housing (1) has a first socket (11), and the second end of the housing (1) has a second socket (12). The optical device (2) includes: a photoelectric conversion device (21) and a first optical connector (22), wherein the first end of the photoelectric conversion device (21) is connected to the first optical connector (22); The power supply device (3) includes: a power supply line (31) and a first electrical connector (32), wherein the first end of the power supply line (31) is connected to the first electrical connector (32); The photoelectric conversion device (21) and the power supply line (31) are both located in the housing (1), the first optical connector (22) and the first electrical connector (32) are both located at the first socket (11), and the first composite connector (4) is located at the second socket (12); The first composite connector (4) includes: a first base (41), a second optical connector (42), and two second electrical connectors (43); the second optical connector (42) and the two second electrical connectors (43) are both located on the first base (41), and the two second electrical connectors (43) are symmetrically located on both sides of the second optical connector (42); the second optical connector (42) is connected to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device (21); the two second electrical connectors (43) are both connected to the second end of the power supply line (31); The first composite connector (4) adopts an MPO interface, which includes: a first MPO connector (401) and an interface socket (402), the outer shell of which is fixed to the second socket (12); The first MPO connector (401) is located at the first interface of the interface base (402), and the second interface of the interface base (402) is used to receive an external connector; The first ferrule (4011) of the first MPO connector (401) serves as the first base (41). The first ribbon fiber (4012) of the first MPO connector (401) serves as the second optical connector (42). The first guide (4013) of the first MPO connector (401) is conductive and serves as the second electrical connector (43). The composite module is used to determine the power consumption level of the optical communication device when it detects that the inserted optical communication device is a powered device, and to supply power to the optical communication device according to the power consumption level of the optical communication device.

2. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrical connector (43) is also configured to be compatible with an electrical connector on an external connector so that the second optical connector (42) is precisely mated with the optical connector on the external connector.

3. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first MPO connector (401) is a male connector, and correspondingly, the first guide (4013) is a guide pin.

4. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first MPO connector (401) is a female connector, and correspondingly, the first guide (4013) is a guide hole.

5. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion device (21) and the power supply line (31) are independent of each other.

6. The composite module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power supply line (31) includes: interconnected power supply cables (31a) and power supply circuit boards (31b). One end of the power supply cable (31a) is connected to the second electrical connector (413), the other end of the power supply cable (31a) is connected to one end of the power supply circuit board (31b), and the other end of the power supply circuit board (31b) is connected to the first electrical connector (32).

7. The composite module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power supply circuit board (31b) is a flexible circuit board.

8. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least part of the power supply line (31) and the photoelectric conversion device (21) are integrated into one unit.

9. The composite module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The power supply line (31) includes: a flexible section and a rigid section connected to each other, wherein the rigid section and the photoelectric conversion device (21) are integrated into one unit.

10. The composite module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first electrical connector (32) is located between the first optical connector (22) and the inner wall of the first socket (11) located at the top.

11. The composite module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first electrical connector (32) includes a first electrical connector mounting portion (321) and a first electrical connector conductive portion (322). The first electrical connector mounting part (321) and the first socket (11) are fixed on the inner wall at the top, the first electrical connector conductive part (322) and the first electrical connector mounting part (321) are fixed, and the first electrical connector conductive part (322) and the power supply line (31) are electrically connected.

12. The composite module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is a metal sheet; The conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is fixed to the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part (321), and the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part (321) is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module.

13. The composite module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is a metal rod; The conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is fixed inside the first electrical connector mounting part (321) and extends out of the end face of the first electrical connector mounting part (321) away from the power supply line (31).

14. The composite module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is a strip-shaped metal spring; The first electrical connector mounting part (321) has a mounting groove (323), the mounting groove (323) has a slot on the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part (321), and the outer surface of the first electrical connector mounting part (321) is a surface parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module. The end of the conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector is fixed to the groove wall of the mounting groove (323), and the contact part (322a) of the conductive part (322) of the first electrical connector for electrical connection with the inserted device extends out of the groove.

15. The composite module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first electrical connector (32) and the first optical connector (22) are integrated to form an optoelectronic composite connector (20). The optoelectronic composite connector (20) includes an optoelectronic composite carrier (201) and a gold finger (202). The gold finger (202) is fixed on the surface of the optoelectronic composite carrier (201). The surface of the optoelectronic composite carrier (201) is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the composite module. The first metal piece (202a) of the gold finger (202) is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device (23) to form the first optical connector (22), and the second metal piece (202b) of the gold finger (202) is electrically connected to the power supply line (31) to form the first electrical connector (32).

16. The composite module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply device (3) is used to transmit electrical energy and data signals, including signals for adjusting the optical power of the optical device (2) and signals indicating that the composite module is malfunctioning.

17. A method for manufacturing a composite module, wherein the composite module is the composite module according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, include: Provide a first composite connector (4); Connect the first optical connector (22) to the first end of the photoelectric conversion device (21), and connect the second optical connector (42) in the first composite connector (4) to the second end of the photoelectric conversion device (21) to complete the assembly of the first composite connector (4) and the optical device (2); Connect the first electrical connector (32) to the first end of the power supply line (31), and connect the two second electrical connectors (43) in the first composite connector (4) to the second end of the power supply line (31) to complete the assembly of the first composite connector (4) and the power supply device (3); The optical device (2), the power supply device (3) and the first composite connector (4) are installed in the housing (1), and the first optical connector (22) and the first electrical connector (32) are both located at the first socket (11) of the housing (1), and the first composite connector (4) is located at the second socket (12) of the housing (1).

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