A FA-MT optical assembly manufacturing clamp for a silicon light engine
By using vacuum nozzles and locking screws in the fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonics engines, the problems of slow fiber assembly speed and low precision in traditional fixtures are solved, achieving fast, accurate and consistent assembly results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNI-LIGHT HEFEI ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Traditional silicon photonic engines using FA-MT optical components to fabricate fixtures suffer from low efficiency due to the difficulty in achieving fast, accurate, and consistent assembly when fiber length tolerances are strictly required.
The TX fiber array and ferrule are fixed by a vacuum nozzle, and the RX fiber array is fixed by a locking screw. The vacuum nozzle and locking mechanism enable a fast and precise assembly process.
This improved the fixing speed and accuracy of FA-MT optical components, ensuring assembly consistency and efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224553530U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a fixture for manufacturing FA-MT optical components for silicon photonic engines. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional silicon photonics engines generally use FA (fiber array)-MT (ferrule) optical components. The FA-MT optical component includes: an RX (receiver) fiber array, a TX (transmitter) fiber array, and a ferrule. In the RX fiber array, the pigtail of the RX fiber is stripped of its bare fiber and inserted into the ferrule. In the TX fiber array, the pigtail of the TX fiber is stripped of its bare fiber and inserted into the ferrule. Due to the limited space in the module, the fiber length is generally only 15mm to 50mm. Especially for 400G DR4 silicon photonics engines, the fiber length is generally less than 30mm. Therefore, the fiber length tolerance requirement is very strict. If it is too short, it cannot be assembled into the module (it will break the fiber). The tolerance is generally required to be ±0.3mm.
[0003] The fabrication of this type of FA-MT optical component is typically completed in a fabrication fixture. Traditional silicon photonics engines use FA-MT optical component fabrication fixtures such as... Figure 1As shown, it includes: a positioning plate, on the upper surface of the positioning plate, on the left end, an RX fiber array positioning slot and a TX fiber array positioning slot are formed in corresponding directions. The RX fiber array positioning slot penetrates through the left end face of the positioning plate, and the TX fiber array positioning slot also penetrates through the left end face of the positioning plate. On the upper surface of the positioning plate, RX fiber array positioning scale lines are respectively formed on both sides of the RX fiber array positioning slot, and TX fiber array positioning scale lines are respectively formed on both sides of the TX fiber array positioning slot. On the upper surface of the positioning plate, on the right end, a ferrule positioning slot is formed in corresponding directions. On the upper surface of the positioning plate, ferrule positioning scale lines are respectively formed on both sides of the ferrule positioning slot. There are two RX fiber array positioning scale lines, TX fiber array positioning scale lines, and ferrule positioning scale lines, with a line spacing of 0.1mm. A groove for accommodating optical fibers is formed in the middle area of the upper surface of the positioning plate, and the RX fiber array positioning slot, TX fiber array positioning slot, and ferrule positioning slot are respectively connected to the groove. The positioning plate is equipped with an RX fiber array locking mechanism for fixing the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot, a TX fiber array locking mechanism for fixing the TX fiber array in the TX fiber array positioning slot, and a ferrule locking mechanism for fixing the ferrule positioning slot. The RX fiber array locking mechanism, TX fiber array locking mechanism, and ferrule locking mechanism have the same structure, all including: a locking screw and a threaded hole on the positioning plate, one end of which is connected to the RX fiber array positioning slot, TX fiber array positioning slot, or ferrule positioning slot, and the other end of which passes through the side of the positioning plate. The threaded hole is positioned opposite the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot, or opposite the TX fiber array in the TX fiber array positioning slot, or opposite the ferrule in the ferrule positioning slot. The screw end of the locking screw is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.
[0004] The method for fabricating FA-MT optical components using this fixture is as follows: First, assemble the RX fiber array (which includes a fixing part and RX fibers, with the bare RX fibers fixed to the fixing part using glue) and the TX fiber array (which includes a fixing part and TX fibers, with the bare TX fibers fixed to the fixing part using glue). In the RX fiber array, strip the bare fiber from the pigtail of the RX fiber and insert it into the ferrule. Similarly, in the TX fiber array, strip the bare fiber from the pigtail of the TX fiber and insert it into the ferrule. At this point, neither the RX nor the TX fibers are fixed to the ferrule, so they can be relatively displaced to position the RX and TX fiber arrays within their respective positioning slots. Then, adjust the RX and TX fiber arrays, visually aligning the end faces of the RX fiber array with the positioning scale lines. Align the end face of the TX fiber array with the TX fiber array positioning scale line (if not, move the fiber array until the end face is within the scale line). Then, use the RX fiber array locking mechanism and the TX fiber array locking mechanism to fix and lock the RX fiber array and TX fiber array positioning slots respectively. Position the ferrule in the ferrule positioning slot. Visually adjust the end face of the ferrule to align with the ferrule positioning scale line (usually manually adjusted with tweezers). Fix and lock the ferrule in the ferrule positioning slot using the ferrule locking mechanism. Finally, apply glue to the ferrule through the window on the ferrule to fix the ferrule, RX fiber, and TX fiber, thus completing the FA-MT optical component fabrication. This entire fabrication process uses visual adjustment, resulting in poor consistency and low efficiency due to manual adjustment. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a FA-MT optical component manufacturing fixture for silicon photonics engines, so as to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonics engines includes: a positioning plate; an RX fiber array positioning slot and a TX fiber array positioning slot are formed at one end of the upper surface of the positioning plate in a corresponding direction; positioning scale lines are provided on both sides of the RX fiber array positioning slot on the upper surface of the positioning plate; a ferrule positioning slot is formed at the other end of the upper surface of the positioning plate in a corresponding direction; a groove is formed in the middle area of the upper surface of the positioning plate, which communicates with the RX fiber array positioning slot, the TX fiber array positioning slot and the ferrule positioning slot and is used to accommodate optical fibers; a locking mechanism is provided on the positioning plate to fix the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot; a TX fiber array vacuum nozzle is arranged in the TX fiber array positioning slot to fix the TX fiber array; and a ferrule vacuum nozzle is arranged in the ferrule positioning slot to fix the ferrule.
[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.
[0008] Furthermore, the TX fiber array vacuum nozzle is used to adsorb the optical end of the TX fiber array located in the TX fiber array positioning slot.
[0009] Furthermore, the ferrule vacuum nozzle is used to adsorb the smooth end of the ferrule located in the ferrule positioning slot.
[0010] Furthermore, the TX fiber array vacuum nozzle and the ferrule vacuum nozzle are respectively connected to external vacuum monitoring instruments.
[0011] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes: a locking screw and a threaded hole on the positioning plate, one end of which is connected to the RX fiber array positioning slot and the other end of which passes through the side of the positioning plate. The threaded hole is positioned directly opposite the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot, and the screw end of the locking screw is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.
[0012] Furthermore, each side of the RX fiber array positioning slot has two positioning scale lines, and the distance between the two positioning scale lines is 0.1mm.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: in the process of manufacturing FA-MT optical components using this fixture, the TX fiber array and ferrule are fixed by suction nozzles, which results in fast fixing speed, high precision, good consistency and high efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a fixture used to lock and fix the FA-MT optical component in a silicon photonics engine in the prior art. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the fixture for fabricating the FA-MT optical component of the silicon photonic engine in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the fixture used to lock and fix the FA-MT optical component in the silicon photonic engine of this utility model.
[0015] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Positioning plate; 110. RX fiber array positioning slot; 120. TX fiber array positioning slot; 130. Positioning scale line; 140. Filament positioning slot; 150. Groove; 2. Locking mechanism; 3. TX fiber array vacuum nozzle; 4. Filament vacuum nozzle. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0017] Example 1 like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonics engines includes: Positioning plate 1 has an RX fiber array positioning slot 110 and a TX fiber array positioning slot 120 formed on the left end of its upper surface in corresponding directions. The RX fiber array positioning slot 110 penetrates the left end face of positioning plate 1, and the TX fiber array positioning slot 120 also penetrates the left end face of positioning plate 1. Positioning scale lines 130 are provided on both sides of the RX fiber array positioning slot 110 on the upper surface of positioning plate 1. A ferrule positioning slot 140 is formed on the right end of its upper surface in corresponding directions, penetrating the right end face of positioning plate 1. A space for accommodating light is formed in the middle area of the upper surface of positioning plate 1. The fiber positioning plate 1 has a groove 150, and the RX fiber array positioning groove 110, TX fiber array positioning groove 120 and ferrule positioning groove 140 are respectively connected to the groove 150. In addition, the positioning plate 1 is provided with a locking mechanism 2 for fixing the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning groove 110. The TX fiber array positioning groove 120 is provided with a TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 for fixing the TX fiber array. The position of the TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 is fixed. The ferrule positioning groove 140 is provided with a ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 for fixing the ferrule. The position of the ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 is fixed.
[0018] The process of fabricating FA-MT optical components using this fixture is as follows: First, prepare the RX fiber array and TX fiber array. Strip the bare fiber from the pigtail of the RX fiber array and insert it into the ferrule. Similarly, strip the bare fiber from the pigtail of the TX fiber array and insert it into the ferrule. At this point, neither the RX nor the TX fiber is fixed to the ferrule, so they can be moved relative to each other. Position the RX fiber array within the RX fiber array positioning slot 110. Then, adjust the RX fiber array. During the adjustment process, visually align the end faces of the optical surfaces of the RX fiber array with the positioning scale line 130 (if they are not within the scale line, move the fiber array so that its end faces are within the scale line). Finally, use the locking mechanism 2 to fix and lock the RX fiber array within the RX fiber array positioning slot 110. Next, position the TX fiber array within the TX fiber array positioning slot 120 and use the TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 to attach and fix it. Then, position the ferrule within the ferrule positioning slot 140 and use the ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 to attach and fix it. After the TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 and the ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 are attached and flattened together, the vacuum suction sound will decrease, and the vacuum level will meet the standard. Before attachment and when there is air leakage due to misalignment, there will be obvious sound and the vacuum level will not meet the standard. Finally, apply glue to the ferrule through the window on the ferrule to fix the ferrule, RX fiber, and TX fiber, thus completing the fabrication of the FA-MT optical component. In this fabrication process, since the TX fiber array and the ferrule are fixed with nozzles respectively, the fixing speed is fast, the precision is high, the consistency is good, and the efficiency is high.
[0019] Example 2 like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, as detailed below: The TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 is used to adsorb the optical surface end of the TX fiber array located in the TX fiber array positioning slot 120. The TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 should be designed to avoid areas with slots and gaps in the TX fiber array to avoid failing to adsorb the TX fiber array. The ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 is used to adsorb the optical surface end of the ferrule located in the ferrule positioning slot 140. The ferrule vacuum nozzle should be designed to avoid areas with holes in the ferrule to avoid failing to adsorb the ferrule.
[0020] Example 3 like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1 or 2, as detailed below: The TX fiber array vacuum nozzle 3 and the ferrule vacuum nozzle 4 are respectively connected to external vacuum monitoring instruments. The vacuum level can be monitored by the vacuum monitoring instruments. When the nozzle is not flat and tightly attached, the vacuum level will not meet the standard.
[0021] Example 4 like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, 2, or 3, as detailed below: The locking mechanism 2 includes a locking screw and a threaded hole on the positioning plate 1, one end of which is connected to the RX fiber array positioning slot 110 and the other end of which passes through the side of the positioning plate 1. The threaded hole is positioned directly opposite the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot 110. The screw end of the locking screw is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. Rotating the locking screw can prevent the locking screw from contacting the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot 110, thereby releasing the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot 110, or allow the locking screw to contact the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot 110, thereby locking and fixing the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot 110.
[0022] Example 5 like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4, as detailed below: The RX fiber array positioning slot 110 has two positioning scale lines 130 on each side, and the distance between the two positioning scale lines 130 is 0.1mm.
[0023] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonic engines, characterized in that, include: Positioning plate (1), on the upper surface of the positioning plate (1), an RX fiber array positioning groove (110) and a TX fiber array positioning groove (120) are opened at the left end in the corresponding direction. Positioning scale lines (130) are respectively provided on both sides of the RX fiber array positioning groove (110) on the upper surface of the positioning plate (1). On the upper surface of the positioning plate (1), a ferrule positioning groove (140) is opened at the right end in the corresponding direction. On the upper surface of the positioning plate (1), positioning scale lines (130) are respectively provided on both sides of the RX fiber array positioning groove (110) on the middle area. The positioning slot (110), the TX fiber array positioning slot (120) and the ferrule positioning slot (140) are connected and used to accommodate the optical fiber. The positioning plate (1) is provided with a locking mechanism (2) for fixing the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning slot (110). The TX fiber array positioning slot (120) is provided with a TX fiber array vacuum nozzle (3) for fixing the TX fiber array. The ferrule positioning slot (140) is provided with a ferrule vacuum nozzle (4) for fixing the ferrule.
2. The FA-MT optical component fabrication fixture for a silicon photonics engine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The TX fiber array vacuum nozzle (3) is used to adsorb the optical end of the TX fiber array located in the TX fiber array positioning groove (120).
3. The FA-MT optical component fabrication fixture for a silicon photonics engine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule vacuum nozzle (4) is used to adsorb the smooth end of the ferrule located in the ferrule positioning groove (140).
4. A fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonic engines according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The TX fiber array vacuum nozzle (3) and the ferrule vacuum nozzle (4) are respectively connected to a vacuum monitoring instrument.
5. A fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonic engines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (2) includes a locking screw and a threaded hole on the positioning plate (1), one end of which is connected to the RX fiber array positioning groove (110) and the other end of which passes through the side of the positioning plate (1). The threaded hole is positioned directly opposite the RX fiber array in the RX fiber array positioning groove (110). The screw end of the locking screw is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.
6. A fixture for fabricating FA-MT optical components for silicon photonic engines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The RX fiber array positioning slot (110) has two positioning scale lines (130) on each side, and the distance between the two positioning scale lines (130) is 0.1mm.