Port indicating lamp module of communication equipment and communication equipment

The modular design of the port indicator module solves the bottleneck problems of heat dissipation and density of port LEDs in communication equipment, improves space utilization and status visibility, and reduces maintenance difficulty and heat dissipation design complexity.

CN120979849APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18NEW H3C TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511395196.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-26
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

As the performance and port density of communication equipment improve, the impact of port LEDs on port heat dissipation and density is becoming increasingly significant, thus becoming a bottleneck in the design of communication equipment.

Method used

The port indicator module adopts a modular design, including an indicator PCB and port indicator lights, which are arranged on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication equipment. It utilizes the panel space on the side of the port board PCB to reduce the space occupied by the port board PCB, and is electrically connected to the main control unit through flexible or cable means.

Benefits of technology

It improves panel space utilization, reduces the maintenance and heat dissipation design difficulty of port indicator lights, reduces the use of light guide columns, and enhances status visibility and device availability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a port indicating lamp module of communication equipment and the communication equipment, the port indicating lamp module comprises an indicating lamp PCB and a plurality of port indicating lamps installed on the indicating lamp PCB, and the number of the port indicating lamps installed on the indicating lamp PCB is matched with the number of ports of the communication equipment; wherein the port indicating lamp module is located on the side face, close to the front panel of the communication equipment, of the port board PCB, and the front panel of the communication equipment is provided with openings corresponding to the port indicating lamps installed on the indicating lamp PCB; and the indicating lamp PCB is electrically connected with the port board PCB or the main control unit from a specified position in a specified mode. By applying the embodiment of the invention, the space utilization rate of the communication equipment panel can be improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a port indicator module for a communication device and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The ports of communication equipment are the foundation for external transmission. Together with cables, optical modules, etc., they enable the exchange and forwarding of signals and messages. Ports usually need to be equipped with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to display the port's connection status, thereby enhancing maintainability.

[0003] As the performance and port density of communication equipment improve, port LEDs have an increasingly significant impact on port heat dissipation and density, and have even become a bottleneck in the design of communication equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a port indicator module for a communication device and a communication device to improve the utilization rate of the communication device panel space.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a port indicator light for a communication device is provided. The port indicator light module includes an indicator light PCB and a plurality of port indicator lights mounted on the indicator light PCB, wherein the number of port indicator lights mounted on the indicator light PCB matches the number of ports of the communication device; wherein:

[0006] The port indicator module is located on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication device. The front panel of the communication device has openings corresponding to the port indicator lights installed on the indicator PCB.

[0007] The indicator PCB is electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from a specified location using a specified method; wherein, the specified method includes a flexible PCB method or a cable method, and the specified location includes the side of the port board PCB perpendicular to the front panel of the communication device, or the gap between two horizontally adjacent ports.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the indicator PCB is deployed perpendicularly to the port board PCB, with the side of the indicator PCB on which the port indicator light is mounted facing away from the port board PCB, and the port indicator light is a top-emitting indicator light.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the indicator light PCB is mounted on the side of the port board PCB by adhesive bonding, or the indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the side of the port board PCB by mechanical structural components.

[0010] The indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the front panel.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the indicator PCB is deployed in parallel with the port board PCB.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the port indicator is a top-emitting indicator, and an electronic component for the port indicator to transmit light is provided on the side of the indicator PCB near the front panel of the communication device; or, the port indicator is a side-emitting indicator.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the indicator PCB is a flexible PCB.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the indicator PCB is a rigid-flex PCB, or the indicator PCB is a rigid PCB with flexible cables.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the indicator PCB is also equipped with a power supply drive unit for the port indicator.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, including: a main control unit, a front panel of the communication device, a port board PCB, a port, and a port indicator module provided in the first aspect.

[0017] By applying the technical solution disclosed in this application, the port indicator light is modularly designed as a port indicator light module including an indicator light PCB and a port indicator light, and arranged on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication equipment. This makes full use of the panel space on the side of the port board PCB and improves the panel space utilization rate. In addition, compared with the traditional solution of fixing the port indicator light on the port board PCB and guiding the light of the port indicator light through a light guide column, this reduces the space occupied by the port board PCB, reduces the maintenance difficulty of the port indicator light, reduces the use of light guide columns, and reduces the difficulty of heat dissipation design. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an indicator light module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the positional relationship between an indicator light module, a port board PCB, and the front panel of a communication device, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3A This is a front view of a communication device port indicator light design provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3B This is a side cross-sectional view of a port indicator light design for a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4A This is a front view of another communication device port indicator light design provided in this application embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4B This is a side cross-sectional view of another communication device port indicator light design provided in this application embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how an indicator light PCB is electrically connected to the port board PCB from the left side via a cable, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an indicator light PCB being mounted on the side of a port board PCB by adhesive bonding, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an indicator light PCB that is fixedly mounted on the side of a port board PCB by an elastic clip, according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, and to make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a port indicator module for a communication device. The exemplary communication device may include, but is not limited to, data center switch products, such as… Figure 1 As shown, the port indicator module 100 includes an indicator PCB 110 and multiple port indicator lights 120 mounted on the indicator PCB. The number of port indicator lights mounted on the indicator PCB matches the number of ports of the communication device.

[0029] In one example, one port of the communication device corresponds to one port indicator light, so the number of port indicator lights installed on the indicator light PCB is the same as the number of ports of the communication device.

[0030] In another example, if one port of a communication device corresponds to multiple (e.g., N, N≥2) port indicator lights, then the number of port indicator lights mounted on the indicator PCB is N times the number of ports of the communication device.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the port indicator module 100 is located on the side of the port board PCB 210 near the front panel 220 of the communication device.

[0032] Among them, the port indicator lights 120 installed on the indicator light PCB110 corresponding to the front panel 220 of the communication equipment are designed with openings.

[0033] In this embodiment of the application, the ports of the communication device can be located on the same side of the port board PCB, or the ports of the communication device can be located on both sides of the port board PCB.

[0034] In one example, a schematic diagram showing the ports (using a back-to-back design) located on the same side of the port PCB board can be found in the following examples. Figure 3A and Figure 3B ;in, Figure 3A Front view of a design for port indicator lights on a communication device; Figure 3B A side cross-sectional view of the design for port indicator lights on communication equipment.

[0035] In another example, a schematic diagram showing the ports positioned on both sides of the port PCB board can be found separately. Figure 4A and Figure 4B ;in, Figure 4A Front view of a design for port indicator lights on a communication device; Figure 4B A side cross-sectional view of the design for port indicator lights on communication equipment.

[0036] In this embodiment, the indicator PCB110 is electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from a specified location in a specified manner to realize the power supply and control signal reception of the port indicator 120.

[0037] It should be noted that when the indicator PCB is electrically connected to the port board PCB from a specified location in a specified manner, communication and interaction with the main control unit (such as the CPU) can be achieved through the port board PCB, for example, by receiving control signals from the main control unit.

[0038] In one example, the specified method may include a flexible PCB method, that is, the indicator PCB110 can be electrically connected to the port board or the main control board using a flexible PCB method. Through this electrical connection, the port indicator can be powered and receive control signals from the main control unit to realize the port status indication of the communication device.

[0039] For example, the indicator light PCB can be made entirely of flexible PCB, or a combination of rigid and flexible PCB.

[0040] For example, taking the indicator light PCB as an example of a rigid-flex PCB, the rigid PCB in the indicator light PCB can be used to install port indicator lights, while the flexible PCB part can be electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from a designated position.

[0041] In another example, the specified method may include a cable method, that is, the indicator PCB110 can be electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit via a cable. Through this electrical connection, the port indicator can be powered and receive control signals from the main control unit to realize the port status indication of the communication device.

[0042] For example, the indicator PCB can be a rigid PCB with flexible cables. The rigid PCB in the indicator PCB can be used to mount port indicator lights, and the flexible cable portion can be electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from a designated location.

[0043] In one example, the specified location may include the side of the port board PCB perpendicular to the front panel of the communication device.

[0044] Taking the front panel of the communication device as an example, the side of the port board PCB that is perpendicular to the front panel of the communication device can be either the left or right side of the port board PCB.

[0045] For example, the indicator PCB can be a flexible PCB or a cable, and be electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from the left or right side of the port board PCB.

[0046] In another example, the specified location can include the gap between two horizontally adjacent ports.

[0047] For example, considering that there may be gaps between horizontally adjacent ports of a communication device in a real-world scenario, the indicator PCB can be electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit through the gaps between horizontally adjacent ports in a specified manner.

[0048] For example, taking the indicator light PCB as an example, where the electrical connection is made to the port board PCB from the left side (when facing the front panel of the communication equipment) via a cable, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the indicator PCB can be a rigid PCB with a cable. The port indicator is mounted on the rigid PCB (the port indicator is not shown in the figure). The indicator PCB is electrically connected to the port board PCB from the left side via a cable (one end of which is connected to the indicator PCB, and the other end is equipped with a connector).

[0049] For example, the port indicator module can control different display states of the port indicator (such as different colored lights or flashing) according to different control signals received from the main control unit (corresponding to different port states).

[0050] As can be seen, in this embodiment, by modularly designing the port indicator light into a port indicator light module including an indicator light PCB and the port indicator light itself, and arranging it on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication device, the panel space on the side of the port board PCB is fully utilized, improving the panel space utilization rate. In addition, compared with the traditional solution of fixing the port indicator light on the port board PCB and directing the light of the port indicator light through a light guide column, the space occupied by the port board PCB is reduced, the maintenance difficulty of the port indicator light is reduced, and the use of light guide columns is reduced, thus reducing the difficulty of heat dissipation design.

[0051] In some embodiments, the indicator PCB is deployed perpendicularly to the port board PCB, with the side of the indicator PCB on which the port indicator light is mounted facing away from the port board PCB, and the port indicator light is a top-emitting indicator light.

[0052] For example, the indicator PCB and port board PCB in the communication device can be deployed in a relatively perpendicular manner (the plane where the indicator PCB is located is perpendicular to the plane where the port board PCB is located (a certain angular deviation is allowed)). The side of the indicator PCB where the port indicator light is installed (which can be defined as the front side of the indicator PCB) is arranged to face away from the port board PCB, that is, the front side of the indicator PCB faces the corresponding opening area on the front panel of the communication device.

[0053] The port indicator lights are top-lit (with the light emission direction perpendicular to the indicator PCB). This arrangement allows the light emitted by the port indicator lights to pass directly and unobstructed through the openings on the front panel of the communication equipment. This enables users to more easily and intuitively observe the display status of the port indicator lights, thereby gaining a more direct understanding of the working status of the communication equipment ports and significantly improving status visibility and equipment availability. This vertical layout also offers advantages such as compact space and reasonable wiring, making it suitable for communication equipment with high-density port layouts.

[0054] In one example, the indicator light PCB is mounted on the side of the port board PCB using adhesive.

[0055] For example, the indicator light PCB can be mounted on the side of the port board PCB by adhesive.

[0056] For example, high-strength double-sided tape or thermally conductive adhesive can be used to firmly attach the indicator light PCB to the side surface of the port board PCB. This method simplifies assembly, eliminates the need for additional fasteners, and helps reduce assembly costs and process complexity. A schematic diagram can be seen as follows... Figure 6 As shown (port indicator lights are not shown in the figure).

[0057] Preferably, the selected adhesive material should have good heat resistance and shock resistance to adapt to the long-term operating environment of the communication equipment.

[0058] In another example, the indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the side of the port board PCB by a mechanical structure.

[0059] For example, the indicator light PCB can also be fixedly mounted on the side of the port board PCB by mechanical structural components.

[0060] For example, an elastic buckle (such as a flexible C-shaped buckle) can be used to fix the indicator light PCB to the side of the port board PCB. The two ends of the elastic buckle can be fixedly connected to the front and back of the port board PCB respectively. The indicator light PCB can be fixed to the side of the port board PCB through one or more (preferably multiple) elastic buckles.

[0061] The elastic buckle can have raised structures (such as hemispherical protrusions or ribs) on its inner surfaces at both ends, and matching concave structures (such as grooves or holes) at designated positions on the front and back of the port board PCB. The elastic buckle can interlock with the raised structures on its inner surfaces at both ends to form a mechanical interlock, effectively preventing the buckle from loosening or shifting, and fixing the indicator light PCB to the side of the port board PCB. A schematic diagram can be seen as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0062] In yet another example, the indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the front panel.

[0063] For example, the port indicator module can also be installed by fixing the indicator PCB to the front panel.

[0064] For example, the indicator PCB can be fixedly mounted on the inside of the front panel by adhesive or mechanical structural components.

[0065] For example, the indicator light PCB can be fixed to the corresponding area on the back of the front panel by means of adhesive, screw fastening, snap-fit, or slot insertion. This installation method is particularly suitable for equipment structures with a certain degree of rigidity in the front panel and sufficient installation space. It has the advantages of flexible layout, short optical path, and minimal obstruction, while also facilitating alignment and adjustment during the assembly stage.

[0066] It should be noted that the above-mentioned installation methods can be selected or combined according to actual product requirements, production costs and assembly processes. They can also be combined with auxiliary structures such as guide columns and positioning holes to further optimize assembly accuracy and consistency.

[0067] In some embodiments, the indicator PCB is deployed in parallel with the port board PCB.

[0068] For example, the indicator light PCB can be deployed parallel to the port board PCB, that is, the indicator light PCB is deployed on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication device, and the plane on which the indicator light PCB is located is parallel to the plane on which the port board PCB is located (a certain angular deviation is allowed).

[0069] For example, a vertical pluggable board-to-board connector with a strong locking mechanism can be used to securely mount the indicator light PCB to the port board PCB. The connector itself provides electrical connection, and its robust housing and latches (such as screw latches or lever latches) provide the main mechanical support while inserting the indicator light PCB into the side of the port board PCB, firmly securing the two PCBs together in a parallel orientation.

[0070] For example, in addition to the connectors mentioned above, L-shaped metal or plastic mounting brackets can also be designed on the top and bottom of the indicator light PCB. One end of the bracket is fixed to the surface of the port board PCB with screws, and the other end clamps or locks the edge of the indicator light PCB to ensure that it is stable and does not wobble.

[0071] In one example, the port indicator is a top-lit indicator, and the indicator PCB has an electronic component on the side near the front panel of the communication device for the port indicator to transmit light.

[0072] For example, when the port indicator light is a top-emitting indicator light, since the light emission direction of the indicator light can be regarded as perpendicular to the indicator light PCB board surface, and the light does not shine directly on the front panel when the indicator light PCB and the port board PCB are deployed in parallel, in order to enable relevant personnel to more accurately determine the display status of the port indicator light, and thus more accurately determine the working status of the port, an electronic component for the port indicator light to transmit light can be provided on the side of the indicator light PBC near the front panel of the communication equipment.

[0073] For example, the aforementioned electronic components can be right-angle light guides. Each LED is equipped with a miniature right-angle light guide. This light guide has an incident light surface (aligned with the port indicator) and an exit light surface (facing the opening on the front panel), and the internal optical design (such as a 45-degree reflective surface) achieves a 90-degree bend in the light path.

[0074] For example, the aforementioned electronic components can be extremely thin fiber bundles, with one end bundled and aligned with the port indicator light, and the other end bent at 90 degrees and extended to the front panel of the communication device.

[0075] In another example, the port indicator is a side-lit indicator.

[0076] For example, when the indicator PCB and the port board PCB are deployed in parallel, the port indicator can be a side-emitting indicator (the light emission direction is parallel to the indicator PCB). The above arrangement structure allows the light emitted by the port indicator to be directly and unobstructed through the opening on the front panel of the communication device, so that users can more conveniently and intuitively observe the display status of the port indicator, thereby gaining a more intuitive understanding of the working status of the communication device port and significantly improving the visibility of the status and the availability of the device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the indicator light PCB may be a flexible PCB.

[0078] For example, the indicator PCB can be a flexible PCB, with a mounting hole or connector at one end for electrical interconnection with a corresponding connector (such as a ZIF connector) on the port board PCB; the other end carries the port indicator light and can be freely bent to the desired position and angle.

[0079] By utilizing the bendable nature of flexible PCBs, the portion carrying the LEDs can be flexibly bent, extended, and fixed to a suitable viewing position on the back of the device's front panel without the need for complex light guide structures. This allows the port board PCB layout to focus entirely on high-speed signal routing, eliminating the need to reserve specific installation space for indicator lights, thus greatly improving internal space utilization and layout freedom.

[0080] In addition, flexible PCBs can be used as independent, bendable modules, which can be bent and glued to the inside of the front panel in the final stage of the whole machine assembly. This simplifies the assembly process on the production line and makes it easy to automate the operation.

[0081] Furthermore, flexible PCBs have excellent bending resistance and vibration resistance, which can effectively absorb the mechanical stress generated during equipment operation or transportation, thereby improving the long-term reliability of port indicator modules.

[0082] In other embodiments, the indicator PCB may be a rigid-flex PCB.

[0083] For example, the indicator light PCB can be a rigid-flex PCB.

[0084] For example, a rigid-flex PCB may include at least one rigid region and one flexible region.

[0085] For example, the first rigid region can be fixed and electrically connected to the port board PCB by welding or connectors; the flexible region extends from the first rigid region; the second rigid region can be set at the end of the flexible region, and the port indicator light can be installed on the second rigid region.

[0086] For example, the rigid portion connecting to the port board PCB can be soldered onto the motherboard using standard SMT (Surface Mount Technology) surface mount technology, providing a connection strength far exceeding that of plug-in connectors and withstanding greater mechanical vibration. The rigid area at the end provides a flat, robust mounting platform for the LEDs, facilitating the use of surface mount LEDs and automated mounting processes, and allowing for precise fixation to the housing via screws or clips, ensuring accurate alignment of the optical path over long periods.

[0087] In addition, the flexible part can be bent in three dimensions according to the specific shape of the internal space of the equipment, bypassing other components (such as heat sinks, large capacitors, etc.) to achieve the most compact layout.

[0088] In some other embodiments, the indicator PCB is a rigid PCB with a cable.

[0089] For example, the indicator PCB can be a small rigid PCB and electrically connected to the port board PCB via a cable.

[0090] For example, a small, rigid PCB may integrate port indicator lights and optional control chips (such as power supply drive units).

[0091] For example, one end of the cable can be connected to the small PCB by soldering or socketing, and the other end can be connected to the port board PCB by board-end connector.

[0092] By using a rigid PCB with cables (such as ribbon cables, silicone wires, etc.), the cables have sufficient length and flexibility, and the fixing position of the indicator PCB can be more flexible.

[0093] In some embodiments, the indicator PCB is also equipped with a power supply driver unit for the port indicator.

[0094] For example, in order to improve the integration, signal integrity and reliability of the port indicator module, the power supply driver unit for the port indicator can also be integrated and installed on the indicator PCB.

[0095] In one example, the power supply driver unit integrated on the indicator PCB can be an ultra-small packaged constant current driver IC, which can be responsible for receiving the main control signal and providing a constant current to the port indicator.

[0096] By using the above method, the transmission path of the most susceptible low-voltage digital control signal is shortened to the shortest length (only 1-2mm from IC to port indicator light), effectively avoiding noise interference and attenuation in long-distance transmission and ensuring the accuracy of control commands.

[0097] Secondly, the constant current drive ensures that the current flowing through each port indicator light is constant. Regardless of the change in cable impedance, it can ensure that the brightness of all port indicator lights is highly uniform, eliminating the brightness difference caused by voltage drop.

[0098] Furthermore, the port board PCB only needs to provide simple digital signals and unregulated power, eliminating the need for sophisticated constant current drive circuits and reducing the design burden on the motherboard.

[0099] In another example, the power supply drive unit integrated on the indicator PCB may include several miniature capacitors to perform simple decoupling and filtering of the power signal from the port board PCB in order to improve noise performance.

[0100] By using the above method, a large current can be provided to the port indicator light instantly, and high-frequency noise from the power line can be absorbed, which can significantly improve the stability of the port indicator light and prevent the light from flickering or shaking.

[0101] Furthermore, due to the use of passive components, they do not generate heat and have extremely high reliability, improving the performance of port indicator lights without introducing thermal management or complexity issues.

[0102] In yet another example, the power supply driver unit integrated on the indicator PCB may include miniature resistors for signal integrity matching. After the driver unit on the port board PCB converts the input power into a stable, constant current source required by the port indicator, the drive current can be delivered to the port indicator on the indicator PCB via a cable.

[0103] As described above, when the control signal frequency is high or the cable is long, the signal will be reflected at the end of the transmission path, causing ringing and potentially leading to control errors. A series matching resistor can effectively absorb reflected energy, ensuring a clean signal waveform and improving communication reliability.

[0104] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described below in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0105] In this embodiment, considering that the front panel of the communication device at the port board PCB location is not fully utilized in the traditional solution, it belongs to the blind spot of the front panel utilization of the communication device.

[0106] Furthermore, considering that the thickness of the port board PCB in current communication equipment is about 6mm, the space on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication equipment (the space between the side of the port board PCB and the front panel of the communication equipment) can be considered for deploying port indicator lights.

[0107] Based on the above considerations, in this embodiment, the port indicator light is separated from the port board PCB and modularly designed as a port indicator light module, including an indicator light PCB and the port indicator light (which can be referred to as a port LED). This port indicator light module can be deployed on the side of the port board PCB closest to the communication device, as shown in the schematic diagram below. Figure 4A As shown.

[0108] like Figure 4A As shown, in the port indicator module, the port LEDs can be assembled on the front side of the indicator PCB.

[0109] The port indicator module is located on the side of the port board PCB closest to the communication device and is placed perpendicular to the port board PCB (the plane of the port board PCB is perpendicular to the plane of the indicator PCB).

[0110] For example, the port indicator module is fixedly mounted on the side of the port board PCB using double-sided adhesive, as shown in the schematic diagram below. Figure 6 As shown.

[0111] In addition to mounting port LEDs, the indicator PCB can also be equipped with a power supply driver unit for the port LEDs.

[0112] The power supply drive unit integrated on the indicator PCB can include several miniature capacitors to perform simple decoupling and filtering of the power signal transmitted from the port board PCB in order to improve noise performance.

[0113] or,

[0114] The power supply driver unit integrated on the indicator PCB may include miniature resistors for signal integrity matching. After the driver unit on the port board PCB converts the input power into a stable, constant current source required by the port indicator, the drive current can be delivered to the port indicator on the indicator PCB via a cable.

[0115] In this embodiment, the port-designated light module can use a flexible PCB, which makes it easier to transfer indicator light signals and power supply.

[0116] As can be seen, in this embodiment, by separating the port indicator light from the port board PCB, modular design, and deploying it between the side of the port board PCB and the front panel of the communication device, it does not conflict with the port, efficiently utilizes panel space, and is simple to implement. In design applications, it can effectively improve the design of port indicator lights, heat dissipation design, and high-density design of communication products.

[0117] Since the indicator light module is close to the panel, the light guide column can be eliminated, reducing material costs.

[0118] After the port indicator lights are removed from the port board PCB, the complexity of the port board PCB is reduced, and the overall material cost is reduced.

[0119] The port indicator lights and port board PCB are separated and modularly designed for easy repair and maintenance.

[0120] Indicator light modules can be designed in a standardized manner to be applied to different scenarios, avoiding redundant design.

[0121] This application also provides a communication device, including: a main control unit, a front panel of the communication device, a port board PCB, a port, and the port indicator module described in the above embodiments.

[0122] For example, the ports can be (taking a back-to-back design as an example) located on the same side of the port PCB board, as shown in the schematic diagram. Figure 3A .

[0123] or,

[0124] The ports can be located on both sides of the port PCB board, as shown in the diagram below. Figure 4A As shown.

Claims

1. A port indicator module for a communication device, characterized in that, The port indicator module includes an indicator PCB and multiple port indicator lights mounted on the indicator PCB. The number of port indicator lights mounted on the indicator PCB matches the number of ports of the communication device; wherein: The port indicator module is located on the side of the port board PCB near the front panel of the communication device. The front panel of the communication device has openings corresponding to the port indicator lights installed on the indicator PCB. The indicator PCB is electrically connected to the port board PCB or the main control unit from a specified location using a specified method; wherein, the specified method includes a flexible PCB method or a cable method, and the specified location includes the side of the port board PCB perpendicular to the front panel of the communication device, or the gap between two horizontally adjacent ports.

2. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is deployed perpendicularly to the port board PCB, and the side of the indicator light PCB on which the port indicator light is mounted faces away from the port board PCB. The port indicator light is a top-emitting indicator light.

3. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is mounted on the side of the port board PCB by adhesive bonding, or the indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the side of the port board PCB by mechanical structural components.

4. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is fixedly mounted on the front panel.

5. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is deployed in parallel with the port board PCB.

6. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The port indicator light is a top-emitting indicator light, and an electronic component for the port indicator light to transmit light is provided on the side of the indicator light PCB near the front panel of the communication device, or the port indicator light is a side-emitting indicator light.

7. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is a flexible PCB.

8. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator light PCB is a rigid-flex PCB, or the indicator light PCB is a rigid PCB with flexible cables.

9. The port indicator module of the communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator PCB also has a power supply driver unit for the port indicator light.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The main control unit, the front panel of the communication equipment, the port board PCB, the port, and the port indicator module as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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