A light source module, a matching socket of the light source module and a light signal transmission method

Abstract

The application discloses a light source module, a matching socket of the light source module and a light signal transmission method, and is used for realizing plug-and-play of the light source module. The light source module comprises a shell, an internal space of which is used for containing; a light signal transceiver connector and a light source connector are arranged outside a first side of the shell, the light source connector is used for outputting light emitted by a light source to a switch, and the light signal transceiver connector is used for transmitting light signals with the switch; an electric connector is arranged outside the first side and is used for supplying power for the light source module; and an optical connector adapter is arranged inside a second side of the shell and is connected with the light signal transceiver connector inside the shell through an optical fiber; the second side is opposite to the first side inside the shell; and the optical connector adapter is used for transmitting light signals with external equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a light source module, a matching socket for the light source module, and a method for transmitting optical signals. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the power consumption and heat dissipation issues of traditional pluggable optical modules used in switches mean that their architecture cannot meet the needs of data center development. Therefore, related technologies propose a pluggable light source module suitable for data center co-packaged optics (CPO) or near-packaged optics (NPO) switches. This proposed implementation uses an optical engine within the CPO switch to achieve the optoelectronic modulation section of the traditional pluggable optical module. The light output from the pluggable light source module is input to the optical engine via polarization-maintaining fiber. The optical engine then modulates the output optical signal, which is transmitted to an optical connector adapter via single-mode fiber. The optical connector adapter then outputs the optical signal. In other words, to ensure signal input and output, the CPO switch requires a configuration including both a pluggable light source module and an optical connector adapter, which cannot achieve plug-and-play functionality and results in poor maintainability. Furthermore, the presence of the optical connector adapter limits the heat dissipation of the pluggable light source module, reducing its lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application discloses a light source module, a matching socket for the light source module, and a method for transmitting optical signals. This enables plug-and-play functionality of the light source module while maintaining its power consumption below its thermal tolerance.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application proposes a light source module, including a housing, an optical signal transceiver connector, a light source connector, a light source, an electrical connector, and an optical connector adapter, wherein:

[0005] The shell has an internal accommodating space;

[0006] The optical signal transceiver connector and the light source connector are disposed on the outside of the first side of the housing. The light source connector is used to output the light emitted by the light source to the switch, and the optical signal transceiver connector is used to transmit optical signals with the switch.

[0007] The electrical connector is located on the outside of the first side and is used to supply power to the light source module;

[0008] The optical connector adapter is located inside the second side of the housing and is connected to the optical signal transceiver connector inside the housing via optical fiber; the second side is the side inside the housing opposite to the first side; the optical connector adapter is used to transmit optical signals with external devices.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a beam splitter:

[0010] The beam splitter is disposed between the light source and the light source connector, and is used to split the light emitted by the light source and transmit the split light to the light source connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a combiner and a splitter:

[0012] The multiplexer is disposed between the optical connector adapter and the optical transceiver, and is used to combine the optical signals output by the optical transceiver and send the combined optical signals to the optical connector adapter.

[0013] The wavelength division multiplexer is disposed between the optical connector adapter and the optical transceiver connector, and is used to separate the optical signal output by the optical connector adapter and send the separated optical signal to the optical transceiver connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a controller alarm light:

[0015] The controller is used to receive matching information from the switch through the electrical connector, determine the matching result between the switch and the light source module based on the matching information, and determine the lighting mode of the alarm light based on the matching result.

[0016] In some embodiments, the optical signal transceiver connector and the light source connector are arranged side by side along a first direction outside the first side;

[0017] The electrical connector is stacked on the outside of the first side along the second direction with the optical signal transceiver connector or the light source connector, and the optical signal transceiver connector, the light source connector and the electrical connector are oriented in the same direction;

[0018] Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to a third direction, which is the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket of the light source module.

[0019] In some embodiments, the optical signal transceiver connector is crimped or coupled with a single-mode optical fiber; the light source connector is crimped or coupled with a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.

[0020] In some embodiments, the projection of the electrical connector in the second direction is longer than the projection of the optical transceiver connector in the second direction in a third direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a positioning sleeve and a positioning guide hole, wherein:

[0022] The electrical connector is used for initial positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket;

[0023] The positioning sleeve is located on the first side and is used for secondary positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket;

[0024] The positioning guide hole is used for final positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

[0025] Secondly, this application proposes a matching socket for a light source module, the matching socket being connected to a switch, the matching socket including an optical signal transceiver interface, a light source interface, an electrical connector, and an electrical interface, wherein:

[0026] The optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are disposed on the side of the matching socket for plugging in the light source module; the optical signal transceiver interface is connected to the optical engine of the switch through an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals with the optical engine; the light source interface is connected to the optical engine through an optical fiber for transmitting the light received from the light source module to the optical engine.

[0027] The electrical connector is disposed on one side of the matching socket for pressing the circuit board of the switch, and is used to supply power to the matching socket based on the power provided by the circuit board;

[0028] The electrical interface is located inside the electrical connector and is used to connect with the electrical connector of the light source module. In some embodiments, the optical signal transceiver interface is crimped or coupled with a single-mode optical fiber, and the light source interface is crimped or coupled with a polarization-maintaining optical fiber; the optical signal transceiver interface is connected to the optical engine through a single-mode optical fiber, and the light source interface is connected to the optical engine through a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.

[0029] In some embodiments, the optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are arranged side by side along a first direction;

[0030] The electrical connector is stacked with the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface along the second direction and includes crimping pins pointing in the second direction, for the matching socket to be crimped onto the circuit board of the switch;

[0031] The light source interface, the optical signal transceiver interface, and the electrical interface are oriented in the same direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

[0032] In some embodiments, the matching socket further includes a positioning pin and two springs, wherein:

[0033] The positioning pin and the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface are stacked along the second direction. The optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are located between the positioning pin and the electrical connector, and one end of the positioning pin is connected to the electrical connector.

[0034] One end of the first spring is connected to the positioning pin, and the other end is connected to the optical signal transceiver interface; one end of the second spring is connected to the positioning pin, and the other end is connected to the light source interface.

[0035] In some embodiments, the projection of the positioning slightly in the second direction is longer than the projection of the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface in the second direction in the third direction; wherein the third direction is the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

[0036] In some embodiments, the matching socket further includes a positioning guide pin:

[0037] The electrical interface is used for initial positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket;

[0038] The positioning pin is used for secondary positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket;

[0039] The positioning guide pin is used for final positioning when the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

[0040] Thirdly, this application proposes a method for transmitting optical signals, comprising:

[0041] The optical connector adapter of the light source module receives the first optical signal from an external device;

[0042] The optical connector adapter transmits the first optical signal to the switch through the optical signal transceiver connector of the light source module;

[0043] The light source connector of the light source module outputs the light emitted by the light source of the light source module to the switch; the light is used by the switch for photoelectric modulation.

[0044] When the optical connector adapter receives the second optical signal returned by the switch through the optical signal transceiver of the light source module, it sends the second optical signal to the external device.

[0045] In some embodiments, before transmitting the first optical signal to the switch, the method further includes:

[0046] The wavelength division multiplexer of the light source module separates the first optical signal to obtain at least two third optical signals;

[0047] The optical transceiver connector transmits the at least two third optical signals to the switch.

[0048] In some embodiments, before outputting the light emitted by the light source module to the switch, the method further includes:

[0049] The beam splitter of the light source module splits the light emitted by the light source into multiple beams;

[0050] The light source connector outputs the multi-channel light to the switch.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0052] When the optical signal transceiver receives at least two fourth optical signals returned by the switch, the multiplexer of the light source module combines the at least two fourth optical signals to obtain the second optical signal;

[0053] The optical connector adapter sends the second optical signal to the external device.

[0054] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0055] The light source module proposed in this application integrates a light source and an optical connector adapter, meeting the requirements for plug-and-play operation. Employing dual optical ports increases the number of optical channels in the light source module, reducing the density requirements of the switch's optical connection ports while maintaining the same number of optical channels. Furthermore, since the light source and optical signal transmission use different optical fibers, using a uniform crimping method would decrease the interface yield. Therefore, transmitting the light source and optical signal through different optical ports also reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pluggable light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical connector adapter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4A A top view of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4B A front view of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5A A front view of a light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 5C A side view of a light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 6A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 6C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6D This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a multiplexer performing optical signal combining.

[0069] Figure 6E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a wavelength division multiplexer separating and processing optical signals, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 7A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 7C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 8A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 8C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 9A A front view of a matching socket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 9B A cross-sectional view of a matching socket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 9C A side view of a matching socket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 9D This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the insertion process of a light source module and its matching socket in an embodiment.

[0080] Figure 9E A front view of a matching socket being crimped onto a circuit board of a switch, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 9F A side view of a matching socket being crimped onto the circuit board of a switch, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 10A A top view of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 10B A front view of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 10C A side view of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission process of an optical signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 12A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 12B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 12C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 13A A front view of a matching socket being crimped onto a circuit board of a switch, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 13B A side view of a matching socket being crimped onto the circuit board of a switch, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 14A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 14C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 15A A front view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 15B A cross-sectional view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 15C A side view of another light source module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0097] Figure label:

[0098] 500-Optical signal transceiver connector, 5003-Positioning guide hole, 501-Light source connector, 5011-Positioning guide hole, 502-Electrical connector, 503-Light source, 505-Microcontroller, 506-Memory, 508-Demultiplexer, 509-Multiplexer, 510-Optical connector adapter, 511-Housing, 5111-Anti-collision and dustproof cover, 512-Positioning sleeve, 513-Alarm light, 900-Optical signal transceiver interface, 9001-Positioning guide pin, 901-Light source interface, 9011-Positioning guide pin, 902-Electrical connector, 9021-Crimp positioning pin, 9022-Crimp pin, 903-Spring, 904-Positioning pin. Detailed Implementation

[0099] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0100] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0101] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0102] Additionally, it should be noted that the size ratios of the components in the various illustrations provided in this application do not reflect the actual size ratios, but are only used to clearly express the relative positional relationships between the components.

[0103] To facilitate understanding, the application scenarios of the light source module, the matching socket for the light source module, and the optical signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first. See also Figure 1 The present application provides a system architecture diagram, which includes: a switch, a light source module, a matching socket for the light source module, and external devices.

[0104] in, Figure 1 The switch shown can be a co-packaged optoelectronic (CPO) switch or a near-packaged optoelectronic (NPO) switch. Internally, it may include a switch chip for data processing and an optical engine for photoelectric modulation. The light source module's matching socket is connected to the switch, for example, via a crimp connection. The light source module and its matching socket can be connected via a plug-in connection. The light source module can be used to transmit optical signals between the switch and external devices, and it can also provide a light source for the switch to perform photoelectric modulation. Figure 1The external device shown can be any communication device connected to the light source module via optical fiber. This application does not limit the implementation of the external device.

[0105] Currently, a structural diagram of the pluggable light source module used in CPO or NPO switches can be found here. Figure 2 ,in Figure 2 (a) is a front view of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art. Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art. Optionally, reference can be made to... Figure 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pluggable light source module along the AA direction. Figure 2 Image (c) shows a side view (including left and right views) of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art. It can be seen that the light source module proposed in the prior art includes structures such as a light source, microcontroller, memory, light source connector, and electrical connector, with the light source connector and electrical connector located on the same side of the light source module. It does not include an optical connector for transmitting optical signals. Therefore, to ensure normal input and output services of the switch, related technologies propose that a separate optical connector adapter needs to be configured in addition to the light source module. A schematic diagram of the optical connector adapter in the prior art can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 .in, Figure 3 (a) in the image is the front view of the optical connector adapter. Figure 3 (b) in the image is a top view of the optical connector adapter. Figure 3 (c) in the diagram is a side view (including the left and right views) of the optical connector adapter. For a clearer understanding of existing solutions, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4A The diagram exemplifies a top view of a system that connects an existing pluggable light source module and optical connector adapter to a switch. Figure 4B The main view of the system is shown. The presence of the optical connector adapter limits the heat dissipation of the existing pluggable optical modules, reducing their lifespan and preventing plug-and-play functionality, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0106] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a light source module and a matching socket. The light source module integrates a light source and an optical connector adapter, meeting plug-and-play requirements. Employing dual optical ports increases the number of optical channels in the light source module, reducing the density requirements of the switch's optical connection ports while maintaining the same number of optical channels. Furthermore, since the light source and optical signal transmission use different optical fibers, using a uniform crimping method would decrease interface yield. Therefore, transmitting the light source and optical signal through different optical ports also reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.

[0107] The following section details the light source module, the matching socket for the light source module, and the method for transmitting optical signals proposed in this application.

[0108] Example 1: Figure 5A — Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram of a light source module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5A This is a front view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 1 of this application (for example, refer to the view along...) Figure 5A (The cross-sectional view along the BB direction shown) Figure 5C The image shows a side view (including a left and right view) of the light source module provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. The light source module provided in this application may include an optical signal transceiver connector 500, a light source connector 501, an electrical connector 502, a light source 503, a microcontroller 505, a memory 506, an optical connector adapter 510, and a housing 511.

[0109] The housing 511 contains a space optical signal transceiver connector 500 and a light source connector 501 located on the outside of the first side of the housing and arranged side-by-side along a first direction, wherein the first direction can be referred to as... Figure 5B As shown. The electrical connector 502 is disposed on the outside of the first side of the housing and can be stacked with the optical signal transceiver connector 500 or the light source connector 501 along a second direction, wherein the second direction can be seen in... Figure 5C As shown. The electrical connector 502, optical transceiver connector 500, and light source connector 501 can all face the same direction. The light source 503 can consist of one or more lasers for outputting single-channel or multi-channel light. The optical connector adapter 510 is located on a second side inside the housing 511, which is the side of the housing opposite to the first side. The optical connector adapter 510 and the optical transceiver connector 500 are connected via optical fiber inside the housing.

[0110] Optionally, the optical signal transceiver connector 500 can be crimped or coupled with single-mode fiber, and the light source connector 501 can be crimped or coupled with polarization-maintaining fiber. Optionally, the projection of the electrical connector 502 in the second direction can be configured to be longer than the projection of the optical signal transceiver connector in the third direction. The third direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5AAs shown, the third direction refers to the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket. Optionally, the electrical connector 502, also commonly known as a "gold finger," has pin types including, but not limited to, power, ground, two-wire serial bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, I2C) communication connector, light source reset control pin, and light source low-power control pin. The electrical connector 502 can be used to transmit signals such as light source presence signals and light source interruption or alarm signals. Optionally, the housing 511 can extend along the third direction to form a shockproof and dustproof cover 5111, which can be used to provide shockproof and dustproof protection for the external optical signal transceiver connector 500 and light source connector 501 located on the first side of the housing 511. Optionally, the light source module provided in Embodiment 1 can also include a positioning sleeve 512, which can be used to position the light source module when it is plugged into the matching socket, facilitating plugging. Optionally, the optical signal transceiver connector 500 may include a positioning guide hole 5003, and the light source module 501 may include a positioning guide hole 5011, which serves to position the light source module when it is plugged into the matching socket, making the plugging easier.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the light source 503 can emit multiple or a single beam of light, which is output to the optical engine of the switch via the light source connector 501. The optical engine generates an optical signal after photoelectric modulation of the received light, and transmits the generated optical signal to the optical transceiver connector 500 via a single-mode fiber. Further, the optical transceiver connector 500 transmits the received optical signal to the optical connector adapter 510 via a single-mode fiber housed inside the housing 511. After receiving the optical signal, the optical connector adapter 510 can transmit the optical signal to the corresponding external device via optical fiber.

[0112] In another possible implementation, the optical connector adapter 510 receives optical signals from external devices and transmits them to the optical transceiver 500 via a single-mode optical fiber housed inside the housing 511. The optical transceiver 500 then transmits the optical signals to the optical engine of the switch via the single-mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the optical engine can demodulate the received optical signals and transmit the demodulated electrical signals to the switch chip for service processing.

[0113] Example 2: Figure 6A — Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of another optical module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6A This is a front view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 2 of this application (for example, refer to the view along...). Figure 6A (The cross-sectional view along the BB direction shown) Figure 6C A side view (including a left view and a right view) of the light source module provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0114] Optionally, Figure 6A — Figure 6C The optical signal transceiver connector 500, light source connector 501, electrical connector 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and housing 511 included in the displayed light source module are described in Embodiment 1 above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the light source module proposed in Embodiment 1, see [link to Embodiment 1]. Figure 6A — Figure 6C The light source module proposed in Embodiment 2 also includes a wavelength divider 508 and a wavelength combiner 509. The function of the wavelength combiner is to combine multiple optical signals of different wavelengths together for transmission through a single optical fiber, while the function of the wavelength divider is the opposite, separating multiple optical signals transmitted in a single optical fiber according to their wavelengths.

[0115] The demultiplexer 508 is located inside the housing 511, between the optical connector adapter 510 and the optical transceiver 500. The multiplexer 509 is also located inside the housing 511, between the optical connector adapter 510 and the optical transceiver 500.

[0116] In practical implementation, in one possible scenario, when transmitting optical signals, the light source 503 can emit multiple or single optical signals, which are output to the optical engine of the switch through the light source connector 501. The optical engine generates multiple optical signals, such as 16 optical signals, after photoelectric modulation of the received light. These 16 optical signals are then transmitted to the optical transceiver connector 500 via single-mode fiber. Further, the optical transceiver connector 500 transmits the 16 optical signals to the multiplexer 509 for combining. For example, the multiplexer 509 can combine the 16 optical signals into 4 optical signals and transmit them to the optical connector adapter 510. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a multiplexer merging optical signals according to an embodiment of this application.

[0117] In another possible scenario, when receiving optical signals, the optical connector adapter 510 can transmit multiple optical signals received from an external device to the demultiplexer 508. For example, the optical connector adapter 510 receives four optical signals. The demultiplexer 508 can separate the four optical signals according to wavelength, assuming 16 optical signals are obtained. Further, the demultiplexer can transmit the 16 separated optical signals to the optical transceiver connector 500. See, for example... Figure 6E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a wavelength division multiplexer separating and processing optical signals, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0118] Example 3: Figure 7A — Figure 7CThis is a schematic diagram of another optical module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7A This is a front view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application. Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application (for example, refer to the view along...). Figure 7A (The cross-sectional view along the BB direction shown) Figure 7C A side view (including a left view and a right view) of the light source module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0119] Optionally, Figure 7A — Figure 7C The optical signal transceiver connector 500, light source connector 501, electrical connector 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and housing 511 included in the displayed light source module are described in Embodiment 1 above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the light source module proposed in Embodiment 1, see [link to Embodiment 1]. Figure 7A — Figure 7C The light source module proposed in Embodiment 3 also includes an alarm light 513. The alarm light 513 is located on the second side inside the housing 511 and is controlled by a microcontroller 505. Optionally, the microcontroller 505 can receive matching information from the switch via the electrical connector 502, determine whether the switch and the light source module are compatible based on the matching information, and adjust the lighting rules of the alarm light according to the matching result. For example, when the switch and the light source module are incompatible, the alarm light 513 can be kept constantly lit to prompt maintenance personnel to replace the light source module.

[0120] It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of alarm lights included in the light source module. Figure 7C This example will only cover a scenario with three warning lights.

[0121] Example 4: Figure 8A — Figure 8C This is a schematic diagram of another optical module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8A This is a front view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 4 of this application. Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 4 of this application (e.g., along...) Figure 8A (The cross-sectional view along the BB direction shown) Figure 8C A side view (including a left view and a right view) of the light source module provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0122] Optionally, Figure 8A — Figure 8CThe optical signal transceiver connector 500, light source connector 501, electrical connector 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and housing 511 included in the displayed light source module are described in Embodiment 2 above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the light source module proposed in Embodiment 2, see [link to Embodiment 2]. Figure 8A — Figure 8C The light source module proposed in Embodiment 4 also includes an alarm lamp 513. The alarm lamp 513 is located on the second side inside the housing 511 and is controlled by the microcontroller 505. It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of alarm lamps included in the light source module. Figure 8C This example will only cover a scenario with three warning lights.

[0123] Below, based on the light source modules proposed in Embodiments 1-4 above, this application proposes a matching socket for the light source module. See also... Figure 9A — Figure 9C An exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, illustrating a matching socket. Wherein, Figure 9A This is a front view of the matching socket proposed in this application. Figure 9B A cross-sectional view of the matching socket proposed in this application (for example, refer to the section along the...) Figure 9A (Cross-section view along the CC direction shown) Figure 9C This is a side view (right view) of the matching socket proposed in this application.

[0124] The matching socket proposed in this application includes an optical signal transceiver interface 900, a light source interface 901, an electrical connector 902, and an electrical interface located within the electrical connector. The optical signal transceiver interface 900 includes two positioning guide pins 9001, and the light source interface 901 also includes two positioning guide pins 9011. The optical signal transceiver interface 900 corresponds to the optical signal transceiver connector 500 of the light source module, coupling or crimping single-mode optical fiber. The light source interface 901 corresponds to the light source connector 501 of the light source module, coupling or crimping polarization-maintaining optical fiber. Optionally, the matching socket may further include two springs 903 and a positioning pin 904. The positioning pin 904 is stacked with the optical signal transceiver interface 900 or the light source interface along a second direction, with the optical signal transceiver interface 900 and the light source interface 901 located between the positioning pin 904 and the electrical connector 902, and one end of the positioning pin 904 connected to the electrical connector. One end of the first spring 903 is connected to the positioning pin 904, and the other end is connected to the optical signal transceiver interface 900. One end of the second spring 903 is connected to the positioning pin 904, and the other end is connected to the light source interface 901. Due to the fixing structure of the matching socket in the positioning pin 904, the first spring can provide elastic force to the optical signal transceiver interface 900, reinforcing the connection between the optical signal transceiver interface 900 and the optical signal transceiver connector of the light source module after insertion. Similarly, the second spring can provide elastic force to the light source interface 901, reinforcing the connection between the light source interface 901 and the light source connector of the light source module.

[0125] For a better understanding of the connection process, see [link / reference]. Figure 9D This illustrates the connection process between the light source module and its matching socket. See also... Figure 9D In step (a), during the connection process, initial positioning can be performed based on the electrical connector 502 of the light source module and the electrical interface of the matching socket. Further, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9D In (b), secondary positioning can be performed based on the positioning sleeve 512 of the light source module and the positioning pin 904 of the matching socket. Further, see... Figure 9D In step (c), final-stage positioning can be performed based on the positioning guide hole 5011 of the light source module and the positioning guide pin 9011 of the matching socket, and based on the positioning guide hole 5003 of the light source module and the positioning guide pin 9001 of the matching socket. Further, see... Figure 9D (d) shows the light source module and matching socket completed based on positioning and plugging. Finally, see Figure 9D In step (e), the light source module can be pushed forward after the insertion is completed, so that the spring 903 in the matching socket is compressed.

[0126] See Figure 9A or Figure 9CThe bottom of the electrical connector 902 also includes a crimping positioning pin 9021 for positioning the mating socket when it is crimped onto the circuit board of the switch. The bottom of the electrical connector 902 also includes a crimping pin 9022 for securing the mating socket to the circuit board of the switch. For clarity, see [link to documentation]. Figure 9E The image shows an exemplary front view of the matching socket being crimped onto the circuit board of the switch. See also... Figure 9F The example shows a side view of the matching socket after it has been crimped onto the circuit board of the switch.

[0127] The following section describes the system after the light source module is plugged into the matching socket and the matching socket is crimped into the switch. See [link / reference]. Figure 10A — Figure 10C This is a schematic diagram of a switch system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10A This is a top view of the system. Figure 10B This is the front view of the system. Figure 10C This is a side view of the system. The system proposed in this application includes a switch chip, an optical engine, optical fibers, a fiber optic adapter box, matching sockets, and a light source module. The fiber optic adapter box, also known as a fiber optic terminal box, connects to an optical cable at one end and a pigtail at the other, allowing a single optical cable to be split into multiple optical fibers. It can provide fusion splicing between optical fibers or between an optical fiber and a pigtail. It should be noted that... Figure 10A — Figure 10C As an example only, this application does not specify the number of optical engines, optical fibers, matching sockets, and light source modules included in the system. Figure 10A — Figure 10C The example shows 32 light source modules in two layers, A and B, and their corresponding sockets.

[0128] Figure 10A — Figure 10C A schematic diagram of the system is shown below. Figure 10A — Figure 10C The example system provides a detailed description of the optical signal transmission process. See also... Figure 11 This exemplifies the transmission process of optical signals.

[0129] Figure 11The optical signal transmission process is as follows: Light source 503 outputs light (e.g., 4-channel light, represented as CW×4). CW×4 is transmitted to the optical engine after the wiring sequence is adjusted via light source connector 501, the matching socket light source interface 901, and the fiber optic adapter box connected to the pigtail. Optionally, before performing photoelectric modulation on CW×4, the optical engine can first determine whether the modulator type is compatible. For example, if the modulator is a 4-channel modulator, CW×4 can be directly modulated; if the modulator is a 16-channel modulator, CW×4 can be split before photoelectric modulation. Specifically, when performing photoelectric modulation, the optical transceiver chip in the optical engine can split CW×4 before inputting it into the modulator for modulation. Furthermore, the modulated output optical signal (taking a 16-channel modulator as an example, assuming the output optical signal is TX×16) returns to the fiber optic adapter box via optical fiber to adjust the wiring sequence, and then interconnects to the optical signal transceiver interface 900 of the matching socket, and then to the optical signal transceiver connector 500 of the light source module. Finally, the TX×16 signal can be transmitted to the optical connector adapter 510 through the optical signal transceiver connector 500, and then sent to external devices through the optical connector adapter 510.

[0130] Figure 11 The optical signal receiving process shown is as follows: the optical connector adapter 510 receives the optical signal (hereinafter referred to as RX×16) from the external device, the optical connector adapter 510 transmits the RX×16 to the optical signal transceiver 500 through the light inside the light source module, and then transmits it to the optical transceiver interface 900 of the matching socket and its interconnected pigtail to adjust the wiring sequence, and finally transmits it to the optical engine.

[0131] Optionally, Figure 11 As not shown, the system may also include a switch line card for providing power to the light engine.

[0132] The light source modules and matching sockets described in Embodiments 1-4 above can meet the requirements of a 400G transmission rate switch. In order to support a higher transmission rate, this application also proposes that the transmission rate of optical signals can be increased by setting up a beam splitter.

[0133] Example 5, Figure 12A — Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram of another optical module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12A This is a front view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 5 of this application. Figure 12B A cross-sectional view of the light source module provided in Embodiment 5 of this application (for example, refer to the view along...). Figure 12A (The cross-sectional view along the BB direction shown) Figure 12C A side view (including a left view and a right view) of the light source module provided in Embodiment 5 of this application.

[0134] Optionally, Figure 12A — Figure 12C The optical signal transceiver connector 500, light source connector 501, electrical connector 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and housing 511 included in the displayed light source module are described in Embodiment 1 above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the light source module proposed in Embodiment 1, see [link to Embodiment 1]. Figure 12A — Figure 12C The light source module proposed in Embodiment 5 also includes a beam splitter 504. The beam splitter is positioned between the light source 503 and the light source connector 501, and is used to split the light emitted by the light source and transmit the split-processed multi-path light to the light source connector 501. Optionally, in specific implementations, the power of the light source can be adjusted according to the splitting ratio of the beam splitter to ensure that the optical power requirement is still met after splitting.

[0135] Because the light source 503 of the light source module proposed in Embodiment 5 has a high power and can be deployed in large numbers, in order to avoid insufficient heat dissipation, this application proposes to add an air duct between the two matching sockets pressed onto the switch circuit board. For example, see... Figure 13A For example, a front view is shown after the matching socket has been crimped onto the circuit board of the switch following the addition of the air duct. See also Figure 13B The example shows a side view of the socket after it has been crimped onto the circuit board of the switch after the air duct has been added.

[0136] The following describes the switch system built based on the light source module proposed in Embodiment 5. (See also...) Figure 14A — Figure 14C This is a schematic diagram of a system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14A This is a top view of the system. Figure 14B This is the front view of the system. Figure 14C This is a side view of the system. The system proposed in this application includes a switch chip, an optical engine, optical fiber, an optical fiber adapter box, matching sockets, and a light source module. It should be noted that... Figure 14A — Figure 14C As an example only, this application does not specify the number of optical engines, optical fibers, matching sockets, and light source modules included in the system. Figure 14A — Figure 14C The example shows 64 light source modules in four layers and their corresponding sockets.

[0137] To meet market demands, this application also proposes the use of the pluggable light source module proposed herein in combination with traditional pluggable optical modules or linear pluggable optical modules from related technologies. For example, if there are a total of 128 light source modules, 64 of the light source modules proposed herein and 64 traditional pluggable optical modules (or linear pluggable optical modules) can be used, as can be seen in [reference needed]. Figures 15A-15C The diagram shows a schematic of the system. Wherein, Figure 15A This is a top view of the system. Figure 15B This is the main view of the system. Figure 15C This is a side view of the system. It should be noted that the pluggable light source module proposed in this application included in the system can be any of the light source modules proposed in the above embodiments.

[0138] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A light source module, characterized in that, Includes housing, optical signal transceiver connector, light source connector, light source, electrical connector, and optical connector adapter, wherein: The shell has an internal accommodating space; The optical signal transceiver connector and the light source connector are disposed on the outside of the first side of the housing. The light source connector is used to output the light emitted by the light source to the switch. The optical signal transceiver connector is used to transmit the optical signal to the optical engine of the switch through a single-mode optical fiber. The electrical connector is located on the outside of the first side and is used to supply power to the light source module; The optical connector adapter is located inside the second side of the housing and is connected to the optical signal transceiver connector inside the housing via optical fiber; the second side is the side inside the housing opposite to the first side; the optical connector adapter is used to transmit optical signals with external devices.

2. The light source module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module also includes a beam splitter: The beam splitter is disposed between the light source and the light source connector, and is used to split the light emitted by the light source and transmit the split light to the light source connector.

3. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light source module also includes a combiner and a demultiplexer: The multiplexer is disposed between the optical connector adapter and the optical transceiver, and is used to combine the optical signals output by the optical transceiver and send the combined optical signals to the optical connector adapter. The wavelength division multiplexer is disposed between the optical connector adapter and the optical transceiver connector, and is used to separate the optical signal output by the optical connector adapter and send the separated optical signal to the optical transceiver connector.

4. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light source module also includes a controller alarm light: The controller is used to receive matching information from the switch through the electrical connector, determine the matching result between the switch and the light source module based on the matching information, and determine the lighting mode of the alarm light based on the matching result.

5. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The optical signal transceiver connector and the light source connector are arranged side by side along a first direction outside the first side; The electrical connector is stacked on the outside of the first side along the second direction with the optical signal transceiver connector or the light source connector, and the optical signal transceiver connector, the light source connector and the electrical connector are oriented in the same direction; Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to a third direction, which is the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket of the light source module.

6. The light source module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The optical signal transceiver connector is crimped or coupled with a single-mode optical fiber; the light source connector is crimped or coupled with a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.

7. The light source module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The projection of the electrical connector in the second direction is longer than the projection of the optical signal transceiver connector in the second direction in the third direction.

8. A matching socket for a light source module, characterized in that, The matching socket connects to the switch, and the matching socket includes an optical signal transceiver interface, a light source interface, an electrical connector, and an electrical interface, wherein: The optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are located on the side of the matching socket for plugging in the light source module; the optical signal transceiver interface is connected to the optical engine of the switch through a single-mode optical fiber for transmitting optical signals with the optical engine; the light source interface is connected to the optical engine through an optical fiber for transmitting the light received from the light source module to the optical engine. The electrical connector is disposed on one side of the matching socket for pressing the circuit board of the switch, and is used to supply power to the matching socket based on the power provided by the circuit board; The electrical interface is located inside the electrical connector and is used to connect to the electrical connector of the light source module.

9. The matching socket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical signal transceiver interface is crimped or coupled with a single-mode fiber, and the light source interface is crimped or coupled with a polarization-maintaining fiber; the optical signal transceiver interface is connected to the optical engine through a single-mode fiber, and the light source interface is connected to the optical engine through a polarization-maintaining fiber.

10. The matching socket according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are arranged side by side along the first direction; The electrical connector is stacked with the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface along the second direction and includes crimping pins pointing in the second direction, for the matching socket to be crimped onto the circuit board of the switch; The light source interface, the optical signal transceiver interface, and the electrical interface are oriented in the same direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

11. The matching socket according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The matching socket also includes a positioning pin and two springs, wherein: The positioning pin and the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface are stacked along the second direction. The optical signal transceiver interface and the light source interface are located between the positioning pin and the electrical connector, and one end of the positioning pin is connected to the electrical connector. One end of the first spring is connected to the positioning pin, and the other end is connected to the optical signal transceiver interface; one end of the second spring is connected to the positioning pin, and the other end is connected to the light source interface.

12. The matching socket according to claim 11, characterized in that, The projection of the positioning pin in the second direction is longer than the projection of the optical signal transceiver interface or the light source interface in the second direction in the third direction; wherein the third direction is the direction in which the light source module is plugged into the matching socket.

13. A method for transmitting optical signals, characterized in that, include: The optical connector adapter of the light source module receives the first optical signal from the external device; The optical connector adapter transmits the first optical signal to the optical engine of the switch through the optical signal transceiver connector of the light source module and the single-mode optical fiber. The light source connector of the light source module outputs the light emitted by the light source of the light source module to the optical engine of the switch; the light is used by the optical engine for photoelectric modulation. When the optical connector adapter receives the second optical signal returned by the switch through the optical signal transceiver of the light source module, it sends the second optical signal to the external device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before transmitting the first optical signal to the switch, the method further includes: The wavelength division multiplexer of the light source module separates the first optical signal to obtain at least two third optical signals; The optical transceiver connector transmits the at least two third optical signals to the switch.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Before outputting the light emitted by the light source module to the switch, the method further includes: The beam splitter of the light source module splits the light emitted by the light source into multiple beams; The light source connector outputs the multi-channel light to the switch.

16. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the optical signal transceiver receives at least two fourth optical signals returned by the switch, the multiplexer of the light source module combines the at least two fourth optical signals to obtain the second optical signal; The optical connector adapter sends the second optical signal to the external device.

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