An optical module power over Ethernet assembly, optical module, and communication device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of communication technology and discloses an optical module Ethernet power supply component, an optical module, and a communication device. The optical module Ethernet power supply component includes a first connector for electrical connection to a motherboard, a second connector for electrical connection to an external transmission cable, and an intermediate connector connecting the first and second connectors. The intermediate connector provides electrical conductivity between the first and second connectors. This optical module Ethernet power supply component, optical module, and communication device improve upon the problem of requiring two separate line installations (optical fiber and electrical cable) for device terminals, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly in terms of power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an optical module Ethernet power supply component, an optical module, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of enterprise-level all-optical network information technology, enterprises have increasingly diversified needs for information transmission, and the number of data and equipment terminals carried by the network is increasing, such as in office, production, and security monitoring. However, in related technologies, equipment terminals often require the laying of both optical cables and electrical cables, which is not only cumbersome and time-consuming, but also has high power supply costs.

[0003] Therefore, it is essential to design a new solution to address the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an optical module Ethernet power supply component, an optical module, and a communication device, which can improve the problem that the equipment terminal needs to lay two lines, one optical cable and one electrical cable, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and has high power supply costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An optical module Ethernet power supply component includes a first connector for electrical connection to the motherboard of a communication device, a second connector for electrical connection to an external transmission cable, and an intermediate connector connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the intermediate connector provides electrical conductivity between the first connector and the second connector. When the optical module uses the above-mentioned optical module Ethernet power supply component, downstream devices can draw power from the motherboard of the communication device through an external transmission cable (e.g., a hybrid fiber-optic cable) and the above-mentioned Ethernet power supply component, thereby achieving power and network connectivity with a single line laying, simplifying the construction process, shortening the construction period, and reducing power supply costs.

[0007] Optionally, the first connector includes a pin header connector.

[0008] Optionally, the first connector includes a female connector.

[0009] Optionally, the intermediate connector includes a flexible flat cable.

[0010] Optionally, the flexible flat cable is a flexible circuit board flat cable.

[0011] Optionally, the second connector includes terminal blocks.

[0012] Optionally, the wiring terminal is a Phoenix terminal, and the number of Phoenix terminals is two.

[0013] Optionally, the device includes a housing with a receiving cavity, in which the first connector, the second connector, and the intermediate connector are all disposed. The first connector is electrically connected to the motherboard of the communication device, and the second connector is electrically connected to an external transmission cable.

[0014] This invention also provides an optical module comprising an optical component and any of the optical module Ethernet power supply components provided in the above-described technical solutions. In this solution, downstream devices transmit signals to communication equipment via external transmission cables (e.g., hybrid optical-electrical cables) and the aforementioned optical component, while simultaneously drawing power from the motherboard of the communication equipment through the external transmission cables and the Ethernet power supply component. Thus, power and network connectivity can be achieved with a single line installation. Compared to related technologies where optical modules only transmit signals, and downstream devices require additional cable installation to draw power from a dedicated power source in addition to transmitting signals to the communication equipment via the optical module and optical cable—a two-step process—this solution simplifies the construction process, shortens the construction period, and reduces power supply costs.

[0015] This invention also provides a communication device, including a device body and the aforementioned optical module. The device body includes a motherboard, the optical module is signal-connected to the motherboard, and the optical module's Ethernet power supply component is electrically connected to the motherboard via a first connector. Downstream devices transmit signals to the communication device via external transmission cables (e.g., a hybrid optical-electrical cable) and the aforementioned optical module, while simultaneously drawing power from the motherboard of the communication device through the external transmission cables and the Ethernet power supply component. Thus, power and network connectivity can be achieved with a single line installation. Compared to related technologies where the optical module only enables signal transmission, and downstream devices require additional cable installation to draw power from a dedicated power source in addition to transmitting signals through the optical module and optical cable, this solution simplifies the construction process, shortens the construction period, and reduces power supply costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a partially cut-out structure of an optical module Ethernet power supply component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an optical module Ethernet power supply component provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 1-First connector; 11-Pin header connector; 2-Second connector; 3-Intermediate connector; 31-Flexible circuit board cable; 4-Housing; 41-First housing; 42-Second housing. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a partially cut-out structure of an optical module Ethernet power supply component provided in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an optical module Ethernet power supply component provided in this embodiment, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an optical module Ethernet power supply component including a first connector 1, a second connector 2, and an intermediate connector 3. The first connector 1 is used for electrical connection to the motherboard of the communication device, the second connector 2 is used for electrical connection to an external transmission cable, and the intermediate connector 3 connects the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, enabling them to conduct electricity. When the optical module uses the above-mentioned optical module Ethernet power supply component, the downstream device can transmit signals to the communication device through an external transmission cable (e.g., a hybrid optical-electrical cable), while simultaneously drawing power from the motherboard of the communication device through the external transmission cable and the Ethernet power supply component. Thus, power and network connectivity can be achieved with a single line laying. Compared to related technologies where optical modules can only transmit signals, and downstream devices need to draw power from a dedicated power source through additional cables in addition to transmitting signals to the communication device via optical cables and optical modules—a two-step line laying approach—this solution simplifies the construction process, shortens the construction period, and reduces power supply costs.

[0021] In one optional implementation of the first connector 1, the first connector 1 includes a pin header connector 11. Correspondingly, the motherboard of the communication device is provided with a female header connector that matches the pin header connector 11, thereby enabling the optical module's Ethernet power supply component to draw power from the motherboard.

[0022] In another alternative implementation, the first connector 1 includes a female header connector. Accordingly, the motherboard has a pin header connector that mates with the female header connector to enable the optical module's Power over Ethernet (PoE) component to draw power from the motherboard.

[0023] The optical module Ethernet power supply component is electrically connected to the motherboard via pin header connector 11 and female header connector. The pin header connector 11 and female header connector are pluggable, which not only makes the connection and disconnection between the optical module Ethernet power supply component and the motherboard more convenient, but also reduces the cost.

[0024] It is worth noting that the shape and number of the pin header connector 11 and the female header connector are not uniquely limited and can be specifically set according to actual needs to meet different appearance and power supply requirements.

[0025] Furthermore, the method of electrical connection between the optical module Ethernet power supply component and the motherboard is not limited to this. The two can also be electrically connected in other ways, such as through terminals.

[0026] Specifically, when configuring the aforementioned intermediate connector 3, the intermediate connector 3 may include a flexible flat cable. The flexible flat cable allows for arbitrary selection of the number and spacing of wires, not only making wiring more convenient but also significantly reducing product size, lowering production costs, and improving production efficiency. For example, the aforementioned flexible flat cable may be a flexible circuit board flat cable, i.e., an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) flat cable.

[0027] In one optional implementation of the second connector 2, the second connector 2 includes a terminal block. Correspondingly, the end of the external transmission cable used to connect to the second connector 2 has a connection structure that matches the terminal block. For example, the terminal block is a phoenix terminal, and there are two phoenix terminals. The end of the external transmission cable used to connect to the second connector 2 also has two phoenix terminals, which are connected one-to-one with the two phoenix terminals of the second connector 2, enabling high-current (e.g., 6A) power supply.

[0028] It is worth noting that when the second connector 2 includes wiring terminals, the shape and number of pins of the wiring terminals are not uniquely limited and can be specifically set according to actual needs to meet the requirements of different appearances, power supplies, etc.

[0029] In one specific implementation, the optical module Ethernet power supply component includes a housing 4 with a receiving cavity. The first connector 1, the second connector 2, and the intermediate connector 3 are all disposed within this receiving cavity. The first connector 1 can be electrically connected to the motherboard of the communication device, and the second connector 2 can be electrically connected to an external transmission cable. In this solution, the first connector 1, the second connector 2, and the intermediate connector 3 are all disposed within the receiving cavity of the housing, which facilitates the modularity of the optical module Ethernet power supply component and makes it easier to install the optical module Ethernet power supply component within the optical module.

[0030] For example, the housing 4 may include a first housing 41 and a second housing 42, the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 being fixedly connected to each other to jointly enclose the aforementioned receiving cavity.

[0031] The optical module Ethernet power supply component provided in this embodiment is applicable not only to ordinary optical modules, but also to customized optical modules, such as high-density colored optical modules.

[0032] This embodiment provides an optical module comprising an optical component and an Ethernet power supply component. The optical component enables photoelectric conversion, thereby achieving signal reception or transmission. The Ethernet power supply component draws power from the motherboard of the communication device and supplies power to the powered device via an external cable. In this solution, while the downstream device transmits signals to the communication device through an external transmission cable (e.g., a hybrid optical-electrical cable) and the optical component, it can also draw power from the motherboard of the communication device through the external transmission cable and the Ethernet power supply component. Thus, power and network connectivity can be achieved with a single line installation. Compared to related technologies where the optical module only enables signal transmission, and the downstream device needs to draw power from a dedicated power source via an additional cable in addition to transmitting signals to the communication device through the optical module and optical cable—a two-step installation—this solution simplifies the construction process, shortens the construction period, and reduces power supply costs.

[0033] In one specific implementation, the optical module provided in this embodiment is connected to the lower-level PD terminal (i.e., power device terminal, powered terminal) through a hybrid optical-electrical cable. After successful PoE (Power Over Ethernet) negotiation, the motherboard PoE circuit supplies power to the lower-level PD terminal device through the optical module's Ethernet power supply component.

[0034] This embodiment provides a communication device including a device body and the aforementioned optical module. The device body includes a motherboard, the optical component is signal-connected to the motherboard, and the optical module's Ethernet power supply component is electrically connected to the motherboard via a first connector. In this solution, downstream devices transmit signals to the communication device via external transmission cables (e.g., hybrid optical-electrical cables) and optical components, while simultaneously drawing power from the motherboard of the communication device through the aforementioned external transmission cables and Ethernet power supply component. Thus, power and network connectivity can be achieved with a single line laying. Compared to related technologies, where the optical module only enables signal transmission, and downstream devices need to draw power from a dedicated power source via additional cables in addition to transmitting signals to the communication device through optical cables and optical modules—a two-step line laying approach—this solution simplifies the construction process, shortens the construction period, and reduces power supply costs.

[0035] The communication device mentioned in this embodiment can be a switch or a server, etc.

[0036] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An optical module Ethernet power supply component, characterized in that, The device includes a first connector for electrical connection to the motherboard of a communication device, a second connector for electrical connection to an external transmission cable, and an intermediate connector connecting the first connector and the second connector. The intermediate connector is directly connected to both the first connector and the second connector and provides electrical conductivity between them. The intermediate connector includes a flexible flat cable. The optical module Ethernet power supply assembly also includes a housing, which forms a receiving cavity. The first connector, the second connector, and the intermediate connector are all disposed in the receiving cavity to form a modular structure for the optical module Ethernet power supply assembly. The first connector can be electrically connected to the motherboard of the communication device, and the second connector can be electrically connected to an external transmission cable.

2. The optical module Ethernet power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector includes a pin header connector.

3. The optical module Ethernet power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector includes a female connector.

4. The optical module Ethernet power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible flat cable is a flexible circuit board flat cable.

5. The optical module Ethernet power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector includes terminal blocks.

6. The optical module Ethernet power supply component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The terminal block is a Phoenix terminal block, and there are two Phoenix terminals.

7. An optical module, characterized in that, Includes optical components and the optical module Ethernet power supply component as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a device body and the optical module as described in claim 7. The device body includes a motherboard, the optical component is signal-connected to the motherboard, and the optical module's Ethernet power supply component is electrically connected to the motherboard through the first connector.

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