Pluggable optical module with blind-fit optical connector

Abstract

This application includes several aspects of pluggable optical devices and related optical systems. A pluggable optical device includes a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing, and one or more blind-fit optical connectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB. The pluggable optical device also includes one or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end, one or more external optical connectors disposed near a second end of the PCB opposite the first end, and one or more optical components attached to the PCB and included in an optical path extending between the one or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind-fit optical connectors.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 446,013, filed August 26, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 199,825, filed January 27, 2021. The entire contents of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to co-packaged optics (CPO) applications, and more specifically to pluggable optical modules for CPO applications. Background Technology

[0004] Co-packaged optics (CPO) applications offer the potential for lower power and cost implementation, but the tighter integration of optics often presents operational challenges. For traditional CPO applications, users often experience reduced flexibility in the optical interface after installing network equipment. Lasers, typically used in CPO applications, may also present thermal challenges when co-located with other optical hardware. Furthermore, lasers can pose reliability risks, often due to recombination within increasingly complex laser systems. Attached Figure Description

[0005] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above, reference can be made to embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equivalent embodiments are conceivable.

[0006] Figure 1 It is a network device that supports multiple pluggable optical modules according to one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 Examples of coupling a pluggable optical module to a network device are illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 An example is illustrated of coupling two stacked, pluggable optical modules to a network device according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A view is provided of a pluggable optical module configured to have a plurality of remote laser sources, according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5A and Figure 5BA view is provided of a pluggable optical module configured with an optical adjustment unit having a fan-out device according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 A view is provided of a pluggable optical module configured as a hybrid laser module and an optical adjustment unit according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A view of a network device having multiple laser module units according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0013] Figures 8A to 8D This illustrates a sequence of connectors for assembling and coupling host-side connector assemblies with pluggable optical modules according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 9 A connector assembly having an opening through an end face is illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 10 A connector assembly having an I-shaped end face is illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to designate common elements in the drawings where possible. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without needing to be specifically described. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Overview

[0018] One embodiment of this disclosure is a pluggable optical device including a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing, and one or more blind-fit optical connectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB. The pluggable optical device also includes one or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end, one or more external optical connectors disposed near a second end of the PCB opposite to the first end, and one or more optical components attached to the PCB and included in an optical path extending between the one or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind-fit optical connectors.

[0019] Another embodiment of this disclosure is an optical system including a printed circuit board (PCB), a photonic integrated circuit (IC) attached to the PCB, and a cage attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB. The cage is configured to receive a pluggable optical device. The optical system also includes a connector assembly configured to couple with a plurality of blind-mating optical connectors arranged along a second end of the pluggable optical device when the pluggable optical device is received in the cage. One or more optical components of the pluggable optical device are coupled to the photonic IC. When the pluggable optical device is received in the cage, the connector assembly is also configured to couple with one or more electrical contacts arranged near the second end.

[0020] Example Implementation

[0021] The embodiments discussed herein include pluggable optical devices (also referred to as “pluggable optical modules”), comprising a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing, one or more blind-fit optical connectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB, and one or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end. The pluggable optical device also includes one or more external optical connectors attached to the PCB along a second end of the PCB opposite the first end, and one or more optical components attached to the PCB. The one or more optical components are included in an optical path extending between the one or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind-fit optical connectors.

[0022] The blind-fit optical connector can be attached to the top side of the PCB, and the electrical contacts can be disposed on the bottom side of the PCB. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts include an edge connector configured to couple with a resiliently biased contact of the host device. When the pluggable optics is inserted into the host device, the mechanical housing (or cage) of the host device engages with the housing of the pluggable optics module to ensure proper engagement of the optical connector when the electrical contacts also engage. The electrical contacts can transmit power and / or signals between the host device and the pluggable optics. For example, the electrical contacts can be USB-type or other suitable configurations to transmit power and management signals to the pluggable optics.

[0023] Pluggable optical devices can be configured to operate as laser module units (including one or more remote laser sources), optical conditioning units, or a hybrid of laser modules and optical conditioning units, the optical conditioning units providing one or more optical functions to optical signals carried on optical fibers via the pluggable optical device. Advantageously, the use of remote laser sources in pluggable optical devices solves the heat generation problem by isolating the remote laser sources from other optical hardware of the CPO, and allows for easy replacement of the remote laser sources to address reliability issues.

[0024] The electrical and optical connectors of pluggable optics are arranged to achieve high system density, such as multiple pluggable optical modules stacked together. High system density supports existing system integration technologies for power and cooling. Pluggable optics and host devices can use any suitable size, whether standardized (such as Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Dual Density (QSFP-DD), Octa Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP)) or proprietary.

[0025] Conventional pluggable form factor devices used as laser sources for systems based on co-packaged optics may include electrical connectors on the host side of the PCB and external optical connectors disposed on the panel. Conventional pluggable optics supply optical energy (e.g., power and / or signals) to the host device via external optical connectors, mating wires, and another connector on the panel. Advantageously, by including blind-fit optical connectors, pluggable optics reserve panel area for other functions (additional pluggable optics, air inlets, etc.) and tend to have generally lower optical loss.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a network device 100 that supports multiple pluggable optical modules according to one or more embodiments. The network device 100 may be a CPO device that provides any suitable networking functions, such as switching or routing.

[0027] Network device 100 includes a housing 105 in which components of network device 100 are housed. Housing 105 may be formed of any suitable material and may have any suitable size. In some embodiments, housing 105 has standardized dimensions, making network device 100 rack-mountable.

[0028] In some embodiments, housing 105 includes a system PCB (or host PCB) comprising electronic and optical components, and is coupled to pluggable optical devices inserted into openings 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-16 defined by a panel 110 of housing 105. Openings 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-16 are arranged in a “stacked” configuration (as shown, the vertical arrangement of the respective openings 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-16) as pairs 115-1, 115-2, ..., 115-8. Thus, network device 100 can support a stacked configuration of pluggable optical devices having respective pairs 115-1, 115-2, ..., 115-8.

[0029] Panel 110 also defines a plurality of air inlets 125, 130 that allow airflow through housing 105 to remove heat from various components of network device 100. In some embodiments, network device 100 also includes one or more fans that draw air into housing 105 through air inlets 125, 130. Air inlets 125, 130 may have any suitable size and arrangement. For example, air inlets 125 between pairs 115-1, 115-2 have a first size, while air inlets between pairs 115-4, 115-5 have a second size larger than the first size. As shown, air inlet 130 has a central location on panel 110, while air inlets 125 are located between adjacent pairs 115-1, 115-2, ..., 115-8, away from the central location.

[0030] Figure 2 This illustrates coupling a pluggable optical module to a network device according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in Figure 200 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as... Figure 1 100 network devices.

[0031] In Figure 200, the pluggable optical module 205 is inserted into the opening 120 of the network device (also known as the “host device”). Figure 1 Openings 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-16 can be considered instances of opening 120. The pluggable optical module 205 includes a housing 210, a PCB 215 within the housing 210, one or more blind-fit optical connectors 220 attached to the PCB 215 along a first end (e.g., the leading edge of the PCB 215 that inserts into the opening 120), and one or more electrical contacts 225 attached to the PCB 215 near the first end. In some embodiments, a network device uses one or more electrical contacts 225 to provide power and / or signals to the pluggable optical module 205.

[0032] Housing 210 may have any suitable size for being received into opening 120. Although not shown, network devices may include cages or other structures sized to receive pluggable optical modules 205 therein. In some embodiments, the profile of housing 210 is designed to slide into and out of network devices through opening 120. Housing 210 may have standardized dimensions (e.g., compliant with QSFP-DD) or may have proprietary dimensions.

[0033] One or more blind-mating optical connectors 220 and one or more electrical contacts 225 can have any suitable size. Some non-limiting examples of blind-mating optical connectors 220 include mechanical transfer (MT), multi-fiber push-up / pull-down (MPO, MTP), SN, etc. In some embodiments, each blind-mating optical connector 220 includes one or more ferrules coupled to a plurality of optical fibers. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts 225 include edge connectors having one or more conductive traces.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more blind-fit optical connectors 220 are attached to the top side of PCB 215, and one or more electrical contacts 225 are attached to the bottom side of PCB 215. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts 225 are coupled to electrical contacts 245 on the host device side, and in some cases, the electrical contacts on the host device side can be resiliently biased.

[0035] The host device includes a host PCB 240, one or more connectors 230 attached to the host PCB 240, and one or more optical fibers 235 coupled to the connectors 230. In some embodiments, each of the one or more connectors 230 is formed from a single component. In other embodiments, each of the one or more connectors 230 may be a connector assembly formed from multiple components. The one or more connectors 230 are configured to receive one or more blind-fit optical connectors 220 that align one or more optical components of the pluggable optical module 205 into a coupling configuration with the one or more optical fibers 235. In some embodiments, the one or more connectors 230 hold the one or more blind-fit optical connectors 220 in the coupling configuration.

[0036] In a coupling configuration, electrical contact 245 is coupled to one or more electrical contacts 225. In some embodiments, the compliance of electrical contact 245 (when resiliently biased) adapts to the alignment of one or more connectors 230 with one or more blind-mating optical connectors 220. As shown, electrical contact 245 is attached to host PCB 240. In an alternative embodiment, electrical contact 245 is attached to one or more connectors 230. Connector 230 may include electrical contacts on its bottom side that are coupled to corresponding electrical contacts on the top side of host PCB 240 when connector 230 is attached to host PCB 240.

[0037] Figure 3 This illustration demonstrates coupling two stacked, pluggable optical modules to a network device according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in Figure 300 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as... Figure 1 100 network devices.

[0038] In Figure 300, a first pluggable optical module 205-1 is inserted into the upper opening 120-1 of the pair 115-1, and a second pluggable optical module 205-2 is inserted into the lower opening 120-2. The network device includes a cage 305 attached to the host PCB 240 and defining the upper opening 120-1 and the lower opening 120-2.

[0039] One or more additional components of the host device may be attached to the cage 305. In some embodiments, the connector assembly 310 is attached to the cage 305 and includes a first connector 230-1 aligned with the upper opening 120-1 and a second connector 230-2 aligned with the lower opening 120-2. Each of connectors 230-1 and 230-2 represents Figure 2 This is one example of connector 230, and in some cases they can be configured similarly to each other. Connectors 230-1 and 230-2 can be connected to connector assembly 310 using any suitable technology. In an alternative embodiment, the first connector 230-1 and the second connector 230-2 are separate from each other.

[0040] Heat sink 315 is attached to the top of cage 305 and extends partially into the internal volume of cage 305. Heat sink 315 is thermally coupled to the first pluggable optical module 205-1, for example, by contacting the top of the cage of the first pluggable optical module 205-1 when the first pluggable optical module 205-1 is inserted into the upper opening 120-1. Heat sink 320 is attached to cage 305 and extends partially into the internal volume of cage 305. Heat sink 320 is thermally coupled to the second pluggable optical module 205-2, for example, by contacting the top of the cage of the second pluggable optical module 205-2 when the second pluggable optical module 205-2 is inserted into the lower opening 120-2. In some embodiments, heat sink 315 is configured as a top heat sink, and heat sink 320 is configured as an integrated riding-type heat sink.

[0041] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A view is provided of a pluggable optical module 405 configured to have multiple laser sources, according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 4A Figure 400 provides a top view of the pluggable optical module 405, and Figure 4B Figure 445 provides an end view of the blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 of the pluggable optical module 405. The features illustrated in Figures 400 and 445 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, the pluggable optical module 405 represents... Figure 2 One possible implementation of the pluggable optical module 205, which can be inserted into, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the host devices listed.

[0042] In Figure 400, the pluggable optical module 405 includes a housing 410 and a PCB 415 disposed within and attached to the housing 410. The pluggable optical module 405 also includes a plurality of blind-mating optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 attached to the top side of the PCB 415 along a first end, and a plurality of electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 disposed near the first end on the bottom side of the PCB 415. Although four (4) blind-mating optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 and five (5) electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 are shown, other numbers and arrangements of these contacts are also contemplated. For example, the plurality of electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 may be arranged on the top side of the PCB 415.

[0043] The pluggable optical module 405 also includes multiple laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4, which receive power from the host device via one or more electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5. The laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 generate light energy and transmit it to the host device via blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4. As shown in the figure, laser source 430-1 includes multiple laser channels coupled to blind-fit optical connector 420-1 via multiple optical fibers, laser source 430-2 is coupled to blind-fit optical connector 420-2 via multiple optical fibers, and so on.

[0044] The pluggable optical module 405 also includes multiple electronic components attached to the PCB 415 and receiving power from the host device. As shown, the multiple electronic components include a microcontroller 440 and three (3) DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3, but other arrangements of the electronic components are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3 convert the voltage level of the received power to a voltage level suitable for the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 440 receives input signals from the host device via one or more electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-4 and generates control signals to operate the DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3 and / or the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4.

[0045] Multiple laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 and multiple electronic components can be arranged in any suitable manner on PCB 415. As shown, the electronic components are typically arranged along the centerline of PCB 415, and the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 are arranged laterally outward from the electronic components. Advantageously, this arrangement can support wiring of various optical fibers through the pluggable optical module 405.

[0046] The small form factor of the pluggable optical module 405 accommodates known system integration and thermal cooling technologies. As described above, the pluggable optical module 405 is configured to operate as a laser module unit. The pluggable nature of the pluggable optical module 405 advantageously allows for easy (e.g., hot-swapping) replacement of degraded or faulty laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4. Routing the light energy from laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 to blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 ensures that the pluggable optical module 405 is eye-safe for the system user. Compared to routing light energy to the host device via external connectors, the blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 of the pluggable optical module 405 also provide lower optical loss.

[0047] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A view is provided of a pluggable optical module 505 configured with an optical adjustment unit having a fan-out device 535 according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 5A Figure 500 provides a top view of the pluggable optical module 505, and Figure 5B Figure 555 provides an end view of the external optical connectors 515-1 and 515-2 of the pluggable optical module 505. The features illustrated in Figures 500 and 555 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, the pluggable optical module 505 represents... Figure 2 One possible implementation of the pluggable optical module 205, which can be inserted into, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the host devices listed.

[0048] In Figure 500, the pluggable optical module 505 includes a housing 510 and a PCB 520 disposed in and attached to the housing 510. The pluggable optical module 505 also includes blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 attached to the top side of the PCB 520 along a first end of the PCB 520, and a plurality of electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 disposed near the first end on the bottom side of the PCB 520.

[0049] The pluggable optical module 505 also includes two (2) external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2, arranged near the second end of the PCB 520 opposite the first end. As shown, the external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 extend through the housing 510 and are in a stacked configuration. In an alternative embodiment, one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 may be attached to the PCB 520 near the second end. The external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 may have any suitable size. Some non-limiting examples of the external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 include mechanical transfer (MT), multi-fiber push-up / pull-down (MPO, MTP), SN, etc. In some embodiments, each of the external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 includes multiple sleeves coupled to multiple optical fibers.

[0050] The pluggable optical module 505 also includes one or more optical components attached to the PCB 520 and included in an optical path extending between one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 and blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4. As shown in FIG500, the one or more optical components include a fan-out device 535.

[0051] Other optical components of the pluggable optical module 505 do not need to be attached to the PCB 520. For example, multiple single-mode optical fibers 540 couple the fan-out device 535 to the first connector 515-1 of one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2, and multi-core optical fibers 530 couple the fan-out device 535 to the second connector 420-4 of one or more blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4. Additionally, one or more single-mode optical fibers 525-1 extend between the external optical connector 515-1 and the blind-fit optical connector 420-2, and one or more single-mode optical fibers 525-2 extend between the external optical connector 515-1 and the blind-fit optical connector 420-3.

[0052] The pluggable optical module 505 also includes multiple electronic components attached to the PCB 520 and receiving power from the host device. As shown, the multiple electronic components include a microcontroller 550 and a DC-DC converter 545, but other arrangements of the electronic components are also envisioned.

[0053] As described above, the pluggable optical module 505 is configured to operate as an optical adjustment unit. While a single fan-out device 535 is depicted for simplicity, the pluggable optical module 505 may include passive and / or active optical components (i.e., receiving power from a host device via one or more electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5) to provide any other suitable optical adjustment functionality. Optical adjustment can be performed on optical signals propagating through the pluggable optical module 505 in any direction (regardless of whether the optical signal is input at external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 or at blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4). In some embodiments, the pluggable optical module 505 includes one or more active optical components, including one or more of an optical amplifier, optical attenuator, optical filter, optical dispersion controller, optical multiplexer, optical demultiplexer, optical switch, and optical repeater.

[0054] The small form factor of the pluggable optical module 505 accommodates known system integration and thermal cooling technologies. By including external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2, the pluggable optical module 505 effectively allows the host device's panel to be reconfigurable, thus allowing the user to specify fiber optic connectors, pigtails, etc. Furthermore, the combination of electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 and blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 at the same end of the pluggable optical module 505 enables higher panel density. Furthermore, the pluggable optical module 505 provides a compact and protected fiber fan-out function (or any suitable alternative optical adjustment function), which is also field-replaceable.

[0055] Figure 6 A view is provided of a pluggable optical module 605 configured as a hybrid laser module and optical adjustment unit according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 600 provides a top view of the pluggable optical module 605. The features illustrated in FIG. 600 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, the pluggable optical module 605 represents Figure 2 One possible implementation of the pluggable optical module 205, which can be inserted into, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the host devices listed.

[0056] In Figure 600, the pluggable optical module 605 includes a housing 610 and a PCB 615 disposed in and attached to the housing 610. The pluggable optical module 605 also includes blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4 attached to the top side of the PCB 615 along a first end of the PCB 615, and a plurality of electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5 disposed near the first end on the bottom side of the PCB 615.

[0057] The pluggable optical module 605 also includes multiple laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4, which receive power from the host device via one or more electrical contacts 425-1, ..., 425-5. As shown, laser sources 430-1 and 430-2 each include multiple laser channels coupled to blind-fit optical connector 420-1 via multiple optical fibers, and laser sources 430-3 and 430-4 each include multiple laser channels coupled to blind-fit optical connector 420-2 via multiple optical fibers.

[0058] The pluggable optical module 405 also includes several electronic components attached to the PCB 615: a microcontroller 440 and DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, and 435-3.

[0059] The pluggable optical module 605 also includes two (2) external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2, arranged near the second end of the PCB 615 opposite the first end. Additionally, one or more single-mode optical fibers 620 extend between the external optical connector 515-1 and the blind-fit optical connector 420-3, and one or more single-mode optical fibers 625 extend between the external optical connector 515-1 and the blind-fit optical connector 420-4. The pluggable optical module 605 may also include one or more optical components attached to the PCB 615 and included in the optical path extending between the one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 and the blind-fit optical connectors 420-1, ..., 420-4. The one or more optical components can provide any suitable optical adjustment functionality for the pluggable optical module 605.

[0060] Due to its hybrid nature, the pluggable optical module 605 offers the various benefits discussed above with respect to the pluggable optical modules 405 and 505. Furthermore, integrating the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, and 430-4 in the pluggable optical module 605 with electronic and / or optical components that provide optical adjustment capabilities allows for higher panel density.

[0061] Figure 7A and Figure 7BA view is provided of a network device 702 having a plurality of pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 7A Figure 700 provides a top view of network device 702 (showing pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-4), and Figure 7B Figure 760 provides a side view of network device 702 (showing pluggable optical modules 740-4, 740-8). The features illustrated in Figures 700 and 760 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, network device 702 represents Figure 2 and Figure 3 One possible implementation of the illustrated host device.

[0062] In Figure 700, network device 702 includes a host PCB 705 and a substrate 710 disposed on the host PCB 705. In some embodiments, substrate 710 comprises a silicon substrate, but other embodiments of substrate 710 are also contemplated. Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 715 (e.g., host processor) and a plurality of photonic dies 720-1, ..., 720-4 are disposed on substrate 710. Corresponding electron dies 725 are disposed on the respective photonic dies 720-1, ..., 720-4. Each of the ASIC 715, the plurality of photonic dies 720-1, ..., 720-4, and the electron die 725 can provide any suitable functionality for processing electrical and / or optical signals.

[0063] The corresponding fiber array unit (FAU) 730 is arranged on each photonic core 720-1, ..., 720-4. The FAU 730 is attached to the corresponding optical fibers 745-1, ..., 745-4, and positions the optical fibers 745-1, ..., 745-4 for optical coupling to the optical waveguide or other optical components formed in the corresponding photonic cores 720-1, ..., 720-4. Each of the optical fibers 745-1, ..., 745-4 may represent one or more corresponding optical fibers, which may be single-mode fiber and / or multi-core fiber.

[0064] Network device 702 also includes a plurality of ports 735-1, ..., 735-8, each port being configured to receive a corresponding pluggable optical module 740-1, ..., 740-8. In some embodiments, each port 735-1, ..., 735-8 can be as follows: Figure 2 or Figure 3As shown and configured as described above. Each of the optical fibers 745-1, ..., 745-4 extends from the FAU(730) to the corresponding socket 735-1, ..., 735-4, such that the pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 are optically coupled to the photonic chips 720-1, ..., 720-4.

[0065] Pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 can provide any suitable functionality, such as Figure 4A , Figure 4B The laser module unit shown is as follows: Figure 5A , Figure 5B The optical adjustment unit shown, such as Figure 6 The hybrid laser module and optical adjustment unit are shown. In some embodiments, each of the pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 includes one or more external optical connectors arranged at panel 750 when the pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 are inserted into the corresponding sockets 735-1, ..., 735-8. The external optical connectors can transmit optical signals to one or more external optical devices and / or receive optical signals from one or more external optical devices.

[0066] In some embodiments, a plurality of sockets 735-1, ..., 735-8 are arranged on panel 750 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 At one or more cages 305, one or more air intake regions 755 are defined at the panel 750. As shown in FIG700, the air intake region 755 is located between sockets 740-2, 740-3, but other locations are also contemplated. In other embodiments, the panel 750 does not need to define an air intake region 755 as large as shown in FIG700. In some embodiments, the panel 750 may include one or more additional external optical connectors disposed between sockets 740-2, 740-3 (or at other locations along the panel 750). In an exemplary configuration, pluggable optical modules 740-1, ..., 740-8 may be configured as laser module units to provide optical energy to photonic dies 720-1, ..., 720-4. Based on signals received from the host PCB 705, ASIC 715 and / or electronic die 725, photonic dies 720-1, ..., 720-4 provide optical signals (e.g., modulation signals) to the additional external optical connectors.

[0067] Figures 8A to 8D This illustrates a sequence of connectors for assembling and coupling a host-side connector assembly to a pluggable optical module according to one or more embodiments. Features in Figures 800, 840, 850, and 885 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as for assembly. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The host device shown.

[0068] In Figure 800, connector 805 is connected to PCB 835 (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3 The host PCB 240 is separated. In some embodiments, connector 805 includes a blind-fit optical connector. Connector 805 includes a body 810 defining a recess 815 from a first side. An opening 820 extends from the recess 815, through the body 810, and reaches a second side opposite the first side.

[0069] Connector 805 also includes a horizontal protrusion 825 forming the bottom surface of connector 805. The horizontal protrusion 825 extends laterally from the first side surface. An electrical contact 830 extends from the top surface of the horizontal protrusion 825. Although not visible in Figure 800, one or more additional electrical connectors may extend from the top surface of the horizontal protrusion 825. In some embodiments, the electrical contact 830 is resiliently biased.

[0070] In Figure 840, the bottom surface of connector 805 is attached to the top surface of PCB 835 using any suitable technique. Attaching connector 805 to PCB 835 electrically couples one or more electrical contacts 830 to the contacts of PCB 835 along electrical interface 845.

[0071] In Figure 850, the pluggable optical module is inserted into the host-side connector assembly. On the pluggable optical module, a blind-mating optical connector 855 is attached to the top surface of the module PCB 865, and electrical contacts 870 are located on the bottom surface of the module PCB 865. The blind-mating optical connector 855 is attached to optical fiber 860.

[0072] The leading edge of the blind-mating optical connector 855 is received in the recess 815 of the connector 805. In some embodiments, the blind-mating optical connector 855 contacts the connector 805 along the connector interface 880, which aligns the optical fiber 860 with the opening 820 extending through the body 810. An electrical contact 870 contacts an electrical contact 830 along the electrical interface 875. In some embodiments, the compliance of the electrical contact 830 adapts to the alignment of the connector 805 with the blind-mating optical connector 855. In some embodiments, the blind-mating optical connector 855 may be held in contact with the connector 805, for example, using latches formed in the connector 805, applied adhesive, etc.

[0073] In Figure 885, a sleeve 890 is attached to an optical fiber 895. The sleeve 890 is received in an opening 820 and contacts the leading edge of a blind-fit optical connector 855. In other embodiments, one or more features of the connector 805 (e.g., the size of the opening 820) may limit the forward travel of the sleeve 890. In the contact relationship, the optical fiber 895 is aligned with the optical fiber 860 along the optical axis 899. In some embodiments, the sleeve 890 may be held in contact by the connector 805, for example, using latches formed in the connector 805, applied adhesive, etc.

[0074] Although the sequence of Figures 850, 885 illustrates connecting the blind-fit optical connector 855 to the connector 805 before connecting the sleeve 890 to the connector 805, an alternative sequence may connect the sleeve 890 to the connector 805 before connecting the blind-fit optical connector 855 to the connector 805.

[0075] Figure 9 An example is illustrated of a connector assembly having an opening through an end face according to one or more embodiments. The features in FIG900 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, to assemble such as... Figures 8A to 8D The host-side connector assembly is shown.

[0076] In Figure 900, electrical connector 905 has an opening 915 through its end face. While the outer contours of connector 905 and opening 915 are square, alternative shapes are also contemplated. Connector 905 also includes a horizontal protrusion 910. Although not shown, in some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts extend from the top surface of the horizontal protrusion 910. When connector 905 is attached to a PCB, one or more electrical contacts can couple with electrical contacts on the PCB.

[0077] The optical connector 920 can operate as a sleeve, thereby defining an opening 925 for receiving the optical fiber 930. The optical fiber 930 can be attached to the optical connector 920, for example, using applied adhesive. The optical connector 920 can be received into the electrical connector 905 through the opening 915. Although the optical connector 920 is shown as having a square outer profile, the optical connector 920 can have any suitable shape corresponding to the profile of the opening 915. The optical connector 920 can be held in contact with the electrical connector 905 using latches, adhesives, etc. The optical fiber 930 can be coupled to a blind-mating optical connector (e.g., for a pluggable optical module) through the opening 915.

[0078] Figure 10 An I-shaped end face is illustrated according to one or more embodiments. The I-shaped end face can alternatively be described as an H-shaped interface. The features in FIG1000 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, to assemble such as… Figures 8A to 8DThe host-side connector assembly is shown.

[0079] In Figure 1000, electrical connector 1005 has an I-shaped end face and defines openings 1010-1 and 1010-2. Electrical connector 1005 also includes a horizontal protrusion 1015. Although not shown, one or more electrical connectors may extend from the top surface of the horizontal protrusion 1015. When electrical connector 1005 is attached to a PCB, one or more electrical connectors may couple with electrical contacts on the PCB.

[0080] Optical connector 1020 can operate as one or more sleeves for one or more optical fibers, and as shown, optical connector 1020 defines openings 1025-1, 1025-2 for receiving corresponding optical fibers 1030-1, 1030-2. Optical fibers 1030-1, 1030-2 can be attached to optical connector 1020, for example, using applied adhesive. As shown, optical connector 1020 is U-shaped and is received through openings 1010-1, 1010-2 (i.e., around the web of electrical connector 1005). Optical connector 1020 can maintain contact with electrical connector 1005 using latches, adhesives, etc. Optical fibers 1030-1, 1030-2 can be coupled to blind-mating optical connectors around I-shaped end faces (e.g., for pluggable optical modules).

[0081] Other embodiments of the electrical connectors 905, 1005 and the optical connectors 920, 1020 are also conceivable. In some embodiments, the optical connectors 920, 1020 include electrical contacts that are coupled to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connectors 905, 1005 when the optical connectors 920, 1020 are received. For example, the optical connectors 920, 1020 may include electrical contacts along the outer surface of the optical connectors 920, 1020, which are coupled to the electrical contacts of the electrical connectors 905, 1005 exposed at openings 915, 1010-1, 1010-2. Thus, the electrical contacts of the optical connectors 920, 1020 can be coupled to the electrical contacts of a PCB or a blind-mating optical connector via the electrical connectors 905, 1005.

[0082] Various embodiments have been referenced in the present disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments specifically described. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements is contemplated for implementing and practicing the contemplated embodiments, regardless of whether different embodiments are involved. Furthermore, when elements of an embodiment are described in the form of "at least one of A and B," it should be understood that embodiments that exclusively include element A, exclusively include element B, and include both elements A and B are contemplated respectively. Moreover, while some embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a given embodiment achieves a particular advantage does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims. Similarly, references to "the invention" should not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0083] As those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, embodiments can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, all of which can be generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments can take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media on which computer-readable program code is embodied.

[0084] Any suitable medium may be used to transmit program code specifically implemented on a computer-readable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, RF, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0085] Computer program code used to perform the operations of embodiments of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0086] This document describes aspects of the present disclosure with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments set forth in this disclosure. It should be understood that individual blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0087] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing which includes instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in the frames of flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0088] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment provide for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0089] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, the individual blocks in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent modules, segments, or portions of code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated by the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that the individual blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action.

[0090] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pluggable optical module for insertion into a network device, comprising: case; Printed circuit board (PCB) inside the housing; One or more blind-fit optical connectors are attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB; One or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end; One or more external optical connectors are arranged near the second end of the PCB opposite to the first end; as well as One or more optical components are attached to the PCB and included in an optical path that extends between the one or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind-fit optical connectors. Wherein, the one or more optical components include a fan-out device, and the pluggable optical module further includes: Multiple single-mode optical fibers couple the fan-out device to a first connector among the one or more external optical connectors; and A multi-core optical fiber couples the fan-out device to a second connector in one or more blind-fit optical connectors.

2. The pluggable optical module according to claim 1, in, The one or more blind-fit optical connectors are attached to the top side of the PCB, and The one or more electrical contacts are arranged on the bottom side of the PCB.

3. The pluggable optical module according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more electrical contacts include an edge connector configured to couple with a resiliently biased contact of the host device.

4. The pluggable optical module according to claim 1, wherein, One or more external optical connectors include two external optical connectors configured in a stacked configuration.

5. The pluggable optical module according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more remote laser sources are coupled to at least one connector among the one or more blind-fit optical connectors.

6. The pluggable optical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more optical components include: One or more active optical components receive power via the one or more electrical contacts; or One or more passive optical components.

7. The pluggable optical module according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more active optical components or one or more passive optical components include one or more of the following components: Optical amplifier; Optical attenuator; Optical filters; Optical dispersion controller; Optical multiplexer; Optical demultiplexer; Optical switches; and Optical repeater.

8. An optical system comprising: Printed circuit board (PCB); Photonic integrated circuit (IC) is attached to the PCB; A cage, attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB, wherein the cage is configured to receive a pluggable optical module; and The connector assembly is configured such that when the pluggable optical module is received in the cage: Coupled to a plurality of blind-fit optical connectors arranged along the second end of the pluggable optical module, wherein one or more optical components of the pluggable optical module are coupled to the photonic IC; and Coupled with one or more electrical contacts arranged near the second end, The connector assembly includes: An electrical connector, attached to the cage and having an opening through the end face; and An optical connector is configured to couple with a first blind-fit optical connector among the plurality of blind-fit optical connectors through the opening.

9. The optical system according to claim 8, further comprising: One or more optical fibers couple the connector assembly to the photonic IC.

10. The optical system according to claim 9, further comprising: An optical fiber array unit that arranges one or more optical fibers to be coupled to the photonic IC.

11. The optical system according to claim 8, wherein, The cage is configured to receive two pluggable optical modules in a stacked configuration.

12. The optical system of claim 11, further comprising: One or more heat sinks are attached to the cage and configured to be thermally coupled to the two pluggable optical modules.

13. The optical system according to claim 8, wherein, The connector assembly includes: An electrical connector, attached to the cage and having an I-shaped end face; and An optical connector is configured to couple to a first blind-fit optical connector among the plurality of blind-fit optical connectors around the I-shaped end face.

14. The optical system according to claim 8, wherein, The cage is one of a plurality of cages attached to the PCB along the first end, and the optical system further includes: At the first end, a panel is provided, wherein each of the plurality of cages is configured to receive one or more pluggable optical modules via the panel. The plurality of cages are arranged on the panel to define one or more air intake areas at the panel.

15. The optical system according to claim 8, wherein, The pluggable optical module also includes: One or more remote laser sources are coupled to at least one connector among the plurality of blind-fit optical connectors. The one or more remote laser sources receive power via the one or more electrical contacts.

16. The optical system according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein, The pluggable optical module also includes: One or more external optical connectors are arranged near the third end of the pluggable optical module opposite the second end; and One or more optical components are included in an optical path that extends between the one or more external optical connectors and the plurality of blind-fit optical connectors.

17. The optical system according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more optical components include a fan-out device, and the pluggable optical module further includes: Multiple single-mode optical fibers couple the fan-out device to a first connector among the one or more external optical connectors; and A multi-core optical fiber couples the fan-out device to the second connector among the plurality of blind-fit optical connectors.

18. The optical system according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more optical components include one or more active optical components that receive power via the one or more electrical contacts.

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