Interconnection Module Assembly

Abstract

A connection module and a mating ring socket that form a vertically inserted interconnect module assembly will be described. The connection module may be an optical transceiver, transmitter, or receiver that is part of an optical communication system. The connection module has a removable cable assembly that is fixed to the connection module by a cable latch. A slidable ring socket latch secures the connection module to the ring socket. The cable latch that secures the removable cable assembly to the connection module has a pivot axis that can be moved in position to facilitate latching and unlatching of the removable cable assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Cross - Reference to Related Applications〕 This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 367,252, filed Jun. 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Background Art

[0002] Interconnection modules are used to transmit information between two points in a communication system. By using optical interconnection modules instead of electrical interconnections, significant gains can be achieved in terms of bandwidth - distance product and reduction of power dissipation. Optical interconnection modules can take the form of optical transceivers, optical transmitters, or optical receivers. An optical transceiver interfaces with optical fibers, and one or more of the optical fibers are optical receiving fibers configured to receive optical input signals, and one or more of the fibers of the optical fibers are optical transmitting fibers configured to transmit optical output signals. In some cases, a single fiber can be configured as both a transmitting fiber and a receiving fiber to enable bidirectional communication through a single fiber.

[0003] In some cases, the optical fiber is plugged into the optical transceiver, while in other cases, the optical fiber is permanently attached to the optical transceiver (commonly known as pigtailed). Interconnection modules with plug - in optical fibers are often desirable because the fiber pigtails are often inconvenient during the shipping, handling, and installation of the interconnection module. Further, if the fiber breaks during manufacturing or when implemented in the system, the entire module needs to be discarded.

[0004] The optical transceiver further includes electrical contacts, one or more of which are electrical receiving contacts (transmitter side) configured to receive an electrical input signal, and one or more of the electrical contacts are electrical transmitting contacts (receiver side) configured to transmit an electrical output signal. The electrical contacts of the transceiver are configured to mate with complementary electrical contacts of an electrical device such as an electrical connector or socket, and this electrical device is mounted on a host substrate that can be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0005] The optical transceiver includes an optical transmitter that receives an electrical input signal and activates a light source to generate an optical output signal to an optical transmission fiber for use in a communication system. The optical output signal corresponds to the received electrical input signal. The light source is typically a laser light source such as a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) or some other type of laser. The laser can be directly modulated, or the laser can operate in a continuous wave (CW) mode and then be modulated by a modulator (Mach-Zehnder, ring resonator, electro-absorptive modulators). In some cases, the optical transmitter includes a voltage-current converter, such as a driver, which amplifies and converts the modulated input voltage signal to output a drive current to the VCSEL, and the VCSEL effectively modulates its optical output. The driver is typically configured as an integrated circuit (IC) die. For a light source operating in CW mode, the IC is used to generate a constant current to the light source and can generate a constant output optical level, and another circuit typically provides a modulation signal for driving the modulator. The modulation circuit may be a separate IC or integrated into the light source driving IC.

[0006] The optical transceiver further includes an optical receiver that receives an optical input signal and converts the optical input signal into an electrical output signal corresponding to the received optical input signal. The optical receiver typically includes one or more photodetectors, such as a photodiode, which receives the optical input signal and converts the optical input signal into an electrical signal that may have a current level proportional to the amount of optical photons received per unit time in the optical signal. The optical receiver typically further includes a current-voltage converter, such as a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), that amplifies the current signal and converts it into a voltage level usable in a data communication system. The TIA is typically configured as an integrated circuit (IC) die.

[0007] As described above, the optical transceiver includes both a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter may be mechanically separated from the receiver. Alternatively, the transmitter may be mechanically integrated with the receiver. The light source of the transmitter and the photodiode of the receiver are both involved in either the conversion from an electrical signal to an optical signal or vice versa, and thus can generally be called electro-optical elements.

[0008] Unfortunately, the performance of the light source, such as the performance of the VCSEL, degrades by operating at high temperatures. Depending on the type of VCSEL used, operating the VCSEL at a temperature exceeding 70 °C, 80 °C, 85 °C, or 100 °C may make the lifetime or electro-optical conversion efficiency of the VCSEL unacceptable. Generally, the upper limit of the VCSEL operating temperature is significantly lower than the operating temperature limit of the associated IC that may be located adjacent to the VCSEL. For example, the IC may have an operating temperature limit of 100 °C or 125 °C. The IC can withstand a higher operating temperature but typically generates more than an order of magnitude more waste heat than the VCSEL. For example, during operation, the IC may generate 2.0 W of waste heat, while the VCSEL may only generate 0.1 W of waste heat. Therefore, efficient heat removal is an important matter in the implementation of the transceiver.

[0009] Conventional interconnect modules, such as those described in Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication WO2022081683, describe various methods and arrangements for latching a removable optical fiber cable to a transceiver and latching the interconnect module to a ring socket that mates the interconnect module. The methods and arrangements described in this application function well, but are limited in some applications. In particular, the arrangement for latching the interconnect module to the ring socket must be done before installing the heat sink on the interconnect module. It would be advantageous if the interconnect module could be mated and unmated without removing the heat sink.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In a first embodiment, an interconnect module is described that includes a rectangular module substrate, a connector housing having two opposing sides and two opposing ends mounted on the module substrate, a module frame mounted on the module substrate, and a cable latch carried by the module frame. The connector housing can support first and second columns of electrical contacts disposed on opposing sides of the connector housing, and the cable latch can be permanently attached to the interconnect module. The interconnect module is configured to receive a cable ferrule that is part of a removable cable assembly, which is fixed to an optical block within the interconnect module by the cable latch when the cable ferrule is mated with the interconnect module.

[0011] In a second embodiment, a ring socket is described that includes an electrically insulating ring socket housing having two opposing sides and a first end and an opposing second end that form a rectangular opening. The ring socket housing has two columns of electrical contacts mounted on two opposing sides of the ring socket housing. The ring socket further includes a slidable ring socket latch that protrudes from the second end of the ring socket housing.

[0012] In the third embodiment, a vertical insertion interconnection assembly will be described. The vertical insertion interconnection assembly includes an interconnection module including a cable latch configured to fix a removable cable assembly to the interconnection module, and a ring socket including a ring socket latch configured to fix the interconnection module to the ring socket.

[0013] The following detailed description is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments for purposes of illustration. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact arrangements and means shown.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring initially to FIGS. 1A - 1C, the vertical insertion interconnect assembly 17 includes an interconnect module 10 and a complementary electrical connector that can be configured as a ring connector such as a ring socket 16. The interconnect module 10 is configured to mate with the complementary electrical connector as described below. In this regard, the description of the ring socket 16 in this specification is equally applicable, with equal force, to any suitable electrical connector configured alternatively. The ring socket 16 includes an electrically insulating annular ring socket housing 50 and a plurality of ring electrical contacts 26 supported by the ring socket housing 50. The ring socket 16 can be mounted on a host substrate 20 such as a host printed circuit board to electrically communicate the ring electrical contacts 26 with electrical traces on the host substrate 20. In particular, the ring socket 16 can be mounted on the major surface 21 of the host substrate 20. The ring socket 16 can be mounted on the host substrate 20 by solder, press - fit pins, or any other means that provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the host substrate 20 and the ring socket 16. The ring socket 16 can define an internal void 27, which is configured to receive the interconnect module and mate the ring socket 16 with the interconnect module 10, and this mating causes the ring electrical contacts 26 to mate with the module electrical contacts 24 of the interconnect module 10. Thus, when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16, the ring socket 16 and the interconnect module 10 are in electrical communication with each other. In one embodiment, the interconnect module 10 can be in the lowest position in contact with the ring socket 16 or the host substrate 20 when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16.

[0016] The ring socket 16 can further include a ring socket latch 18 slidably coupled to the ring socket housing 50. The latch 18 can be selectively movable relative to the ring socket housing 50 to a first position or receiving position (FIG. 1A), a second position or locking position (FIG. 1B), and a third position or ejection position (shown in FIG. 1C). In one embodiment, the ring socket latch 18 is slidable relative to the ring socket housing 50 such that it is selectively positioned along the longitudinal direction L in the receiving position, the locking position, and the ejection position. The ring socket latch 18 can include an actuator member configured as a latch actuator 19, such as an actuator tab configured as a pull tab, or any other suitable actuator member alternatively constructed that receives sufficient operating force to move the ring socket latch 18. Thus, the position of the ring socket latch 18 can be adjusted by the user pushing or pulling on the latch actuator 19.

[0017] The ring socket latch 18 is movable bidirectionally along a selected direction, for example, slidable in a pure translational motion along the longitudinal direction L, relative to the ring socket housing 50 so as to be selectively positioned at a receiving position, a locking position, and a discharging position. In one embodiment, the first or receiving position may correspond to the position of the ring socket latch 18, particularly the latch actuator 19, which is in an intermediate position relative to the ring socket housing 50 along the lateral direction L. The discharging position may correspond to the position of the ring socket latch 18 in its most extended state with the latch actuator 19 being maximally spaced from the ring socket housing 50 along a selected direction that may be defined by the longitudinal direction L. In the locking position of the ring socket latch 18, the latch actuator 19 is minimally spaced from the ring socket housing 50 along the selected direction. The latch actuator 19 in the receiving position may be disposed between the locking position and the discharging position. In other words, the latch actuator 19 in the locking position is closer to the ring socket housing 50 along the longitudinal direction L relative to the receiving position. In the receiving position, the latch actuator 19 is disposed closer to the ring socket housing 50 along the longitudinal direction L relative to the discharging position.

[0018] Thus, by sliding the latch actuator 19 in a first or forward direction longitudinally from the receiving position, for example, towards the ring socket housing 50, the ring socket latch 18 can be placed in the locked position shown in FIG. 1B. In the locked position, the latch actuator 19 can have a minimum spacing between the latch actuator 19 and the ring socket housing 50. By sliding the latch actuator 19 in a second or rearward direction longitudinally opposite to the first direction, for example, away from the ring socket housing 50 from the receiving position shown in FIG. 1A, the ring socket latch 18 can be placed in the ejection position shown in FIG. 1C. For example, the latch actuator 19 can be moved in the second direction from the locked position to the receiving position and further moved in the second direction to the ejection position. The first and second directions can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Of course, it should be understood that the ring socket latch 18 can alternatively be configured as desired.

[0019] When the ring socket latch 18 is in the receiving position shown in FIG. 1A, the ring socket 16 is configured to receive or mate with the interconnect module 10 within the internal void 27 such that the module electrical contacts 24 of the interconnect module 10 mate with respective ones of the electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16. The interconnect module 10 can mate with the ring socket 16 in a mating direction 25 directed downward along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In the orientations shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C, the transverse direction T can define a vertical direction, and thus, it can be said that the ring socket 16 is configured to receive the interconnect module along a vertical insertion direction. Thus, the mating direction 25 can be substantially perpendicular to the major surface 21 of the host substrate 20 on which the ring socket 16 is mounted. Of course, it is understood that the actual orientations of the interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16 can vary during use.

[0020] When the ring socket latch 18 is in the locked position shown in FIG. 1B, the ring socket 16 is configured to lock or fix the interconnect module 10, and the interconnect module 10 is fitted into the ring socket 16 and cannot be removed from the ring socket 16 without moving the latch actuator 19 from the locked position, for example, to the ejection position, away from the ring socket housing 50. In the receiving position, the ring socket 16 unlocks the interconnect module 10 from the ring socket 16. Thus, the interconnect module 10 can be removed from the ring socket 16 by applying an appropriate force to the interconnect module 10 in the disengagement direction that separates the interconnect module 10 from the ring socket 16. The disengagement direction is opposite to the engagement direction 25 and is thus directed upward along the transverse direction T. Thus, the downward direction can be called the engagement direction, and vice versa, and the upward direction can be called the disengagement direction, and vice versa. Thus, the upward and downward directions are opposite to each other along the transverse direction T. Moving the latch actuator 19 to the ejection position causes the ring socket 16, particularly the ring socket latch 18, to move the interconnect module 10 in the disengagement direction from the ring socket 16, thereby disengaging the interconnect module 10 from the ring socket 16. With the interconnect module 10 ejected from the ring socket 16, the interconnect module 10 can be easily removed from the ring socket 16. Each of these positions of the ring socket latch 18 will be described in more detail below. It should be recognized that the terms "upward" and "downward" are used with respect to the interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16 in the illustrated orientations, and it is understood that these orientations can change during use. Thus, the terms "upward" and "downward" apply to the interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16 regardless of the orientation of the interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16 during use.

[0021] The ring socket latch 18 can include a retaining member configured to interfere with the ring socket housing 50 to prevent the interconnect module 10 from inadvertently separating from the ring socket housing. In one embodiment, the retaining member can be configured as a retaining arm 42 and a retaining hook 48 extending from the retaining arm 42. The retaining hook 48 can be formed after the ring socket latch 18 is inserted into the ring socket housing 50. The retaining hook 48 can interfere with the ring socket housing 50 to prevent the ring socket latch 18 from being removed from the ring socket housing 50 in a second direction.

[0022] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1A - 1C, the ring socket housing 50 can be electrically insulating and can form a ring within a plane defined by a longitudinal direction L, a transverse direction T that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L and thus perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction T, and a lateral direction A. The ring socket housing 50 can define longitudinal ends defined by a first ring socket end 72 and a second ring socket end 74 that is opposite the first ring socket end 72 along the longitudinal direction L. The first ring socket end 72 can define a gap 73 that provides clearance for receiving a cable of a removable cable assembly as described hereinafter in an insertion direction (see also FIG. 2B). The latch actuator 19 can project from the second end 74 of the ring socket housing 50. Thus, the gap 73 and the latch actuator 19 can be disposed at opposite ends of the ring socket 16 with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

[0023] The first direction or forward direction may be defined as the longitudinal direction from the second end 74 towards the first end 72. The second direction or rearward direction may be defined as the longitudinal direction L from the first end 72 towards the second end 74. Thus, the front end of the ring socket housing 50 may be defined by the second end 74, and the rear end of the ring socket housing 50 may be defined by the first end 72. It should be understood that the terms "front" and its derivatives used with respect to any component such as the interconnect module 10 refer to a location in the forward direction, and the terms "rear" and its derivatives refer to a location in the rearward direction. Thus, the front portion may be spaced apart from the rear portion in the forward direction. Conversely, the rear portion may be spaced apart from the front portion in the rearward direction.

[0024] The ring socket housing 50 can define a first ring socket side surface 76 and a second ring socket side surface 77 that each extend between the first ring socket end 72 and the second ring socket end 74 along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first ring socket side surface 76 and the second ring socket side surface 77 can each extend from the first ring socket end 72 to the second ring socket end 74 along the longitudinal direction L. The first ring socket side surface 76 and the second ring socket side surface 77 face each other along the transverse direction A. The ring socket 16 defines the width from the first ring socket side surface 76 to the second ring socket side surface along the transverse direction A. The ring socket 16 can define the length from the first ring socket end 72 to the second ring socket end 74 along the longitudinal direction L. The width may be shorter than the length.

[0025] The electrical insulating ring socket housing 50 can support a plurality of ring electrical contacts 26, which can be arranged in respective columns. For example, the first ring socket side surface 76 and the second ring socket side surface 77 can each carry a respective column of ring electrical contacts 26. The ring electrical contacts 26 can be constructed substantially identically to each other (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances). Each respective column of ring electrical contacts 26 can be oriented parallel to each other. For example, the columns can be arranged along respective linear arrays extending along the longitudinal direction L. The ring electrical contacts 26 can define a mating end facing the internal void 27. The ring electrical contacts 26 can be supported by each of the first ring socket side surface 76 and the second ring socket side surface 77. The ring socket 16 can be lacking in ring electrical contacts 26 along the first ring socket end 72 and the second ring socket end 74. Thus, it can be said that the ring electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16 can be arranged along the two long sides of the ring socket 16. The ring electrical contacts 26 can be arranged so as to have a uniform pitch between adjacent contacts. The two short sides of the ring socket 16 can be lacking in ring electrical contacts 26. Thus, the first and second columns of ring electrical contacts 26 can be supported by the first ring socket side surface 76 and the second ring socket side surface 77 respectively. In one embodiment, it should be understood that all columns of ring electrical contacts 26 can be held by a single ring socket housing 50. Alternatively, the ring socket 16 can include at least first and second bodies that support the first and second columns of ring electrical contacts 26 respectively. The first and second bodies can be coupled to each other by at least one ring socket mechanical link member that can be arranged at one or both of the respective longitudinal ends of the ring socket 16.

[0026] Ring socket mechanical members such as the first ring end 72 and the second ring end 74 can be connected to the first ring side 76 and the second ring side 77 of the ring socket 16, thereby forming an annular ring-shaped ring socket housing 50 that defines an internal void 27. Thus, the first ring end 72 and the second ring end 74 can be referred to as first and second coupling members, which extend from the respective first and second longitudinal ends of each row of the module electrical contacts 26, for example, the respective first and second longitudinal ends of the first ring side 76 and the second ring side 77, so as to form the internal void 27. The ends 72 and 74 and the sides 76 and 77 can be combined so as to define a shape that is rectangular in cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the transverse direction T. Thus, the internal void 27 may be rectangular in shape along a plane orthogonal to the transverse direction T, or may define any suitable alternative shape as desired. The first end 72 and the second end 74 can be mechanically attached to the respective ends of the first ring side 76 and the second ring side 77 in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the ring socket housing 50 may be an integral monolithic structure.

[0027] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1A-1C, each column of the ring electrical contacts 26 can include any number of electrical contacts as desired. For example, each column can include 25 ring electrical contacts 26. Each column can be designed to support high-speed differential signals. The electrical contacts 26 can be assigned in any suitable pattern along the column as desired. For example, the pattern can be an alternating GSSGSSG pattern, an alternating GSS pattern, an alternating GSSGGSSG pattern, or any suitable alternative pattern where G represents a ground contact and S represents a signal contact. Alternatively, the ring electrical contacts 26 can define unassigned open pin field contacts. As shown, the ring socket 16 can carry at least eight differential signal pairs suitable for data transmission of 1 to 112 Gbps or more, as well as up to 12 low-speed signals and power voltages. In a ring socket 16 having more ring electrical contacts 26 than the ring socket 16 shown in FIG. 1A, at least 12, at least 16, or more differential signal pairs are other options. The length, width, and number of the ring electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16 can be sized to accommodate the corresponding interconnect module.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1A, the interconnect module 10 is positioned above the ring socket 16 and is shown in an aligned state so as to be mated with the ring socket 16 in the mating direction 25. The interconnect module 10 may be a low-profile electrical connector mounted on the module substrate 32. The module substrate 32 may be oriented parallel to the host substrate 20. The interconnect module 10 can be selectively mated with and unmated from the ring socket in each mating direction and unmating direction that is substantially perpendicular to the major upper surface 21 of the host substrate 20 on which the ring socket 16 is mounted. The interconnect module 10 can include an electrically insulating module body 39 and a plurality of module electrical contacts 24 supported by the module body 39. In this regard, the module body 39 can also be referred to as a connector housing that supports the plurality of module electrical contacts 24. The module electrical contacts 24 can be mounted on the module substrate 32 which can be configured as a printed circuit board. Thus, the module electrical contacts 24 can be in electrical communication with respective electrical traces of the module substrate 32. A heat spreader 84 can be mounted on the module substrate 32 to dissipate heat generated by the interconnect module 10 during operation. The heat spreader 84 can define the upper surface 11 of the interconnect module 10.

[0029] A portion of the interconnect module 10 can be nested within the ring socket 16 when the interconnect module 10 is mated to the ring socket. Thus, the interconnect assembly 17 can have a low profile along the transverse direction T. In one embodiment, the interconnect assembly 17 can define the height from the bottom surface to the upper surface 11 of the host substrate 20. This height can be 3 mm to 10 mm, such as 4 mm to 8 mm, such as 5 mm to 7 mm. In one embodiment, the height can be 6 mm to 7 mm, such as 6 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0030] The ring socket 16, particularly the ring socket housing 50, and the rows of ring electrical contacts 26 can be configured to fully restrain the interconnect module 10 in all directions substantially parallel to the major surface 21 of the host substrate 20 when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16. That is, the ring socket 16 can be configured to restrain the interconnect module 10 along each of the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. Further, the ring socket latch 18 of the ring socket 16 can prevent the interconnect module 10 from being disengaged from the ring socket 16 along the transverse direction T.

[0031] The module electrical contacts 24 can be arranged in first and second rows on both sides of the interconnect module 10. The rows of module electrical contacts 24 can be spaced apart along the transverse direction A. Further, adjacent ones of the module electrical contacts 24 in each row may be separated from each other by a certain pitch along the longitudinal direction L. The module electrical contacts 24 are configured to physically contact the ring electrical contacts 26 and provide an electrical connection therebetween when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16. The interconnect module 10 can include a cable 22 that extends from a longitudinal end of the module body 39 along the longitudinal direction L. As will be described in more detail below, the cable 22 may be removable, and the cable can be mated and unmated with respect to the interconnect module 10. The cable 22 can have a plurality of optical fibers arranged in one or more rows. Thus, the interconnect module 10 can be referred to as an optical interconnect module. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 17-18B, the interconnect module 10 can alternatively be configured as an electrical interconnect module 110, whereby the cable 22 can include a plurality of electrical cables such as twinaxial cables or coaxial cables. Alternatively, the interconnect module 10 can be a hybrid interconnect module, whereby the cable 22 includes a combination of both optical fibers and electrical cables.

[0032] Accordingly, the interconnect module 10 may be an electrical or optical transceiver including a receiver and a transmitter, an electrical or optical receiver, or an electrical or optical transmitter. As a transmitter, the interconnect module 10 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the host substrate 20 through the ring electrical contact 26 when the interconnect module is mated with the ring socket 16, convert the electrical signal into an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal to an external device along the cable 22. As a receiver, the interconnect module 10 is configured to receive an optical signal from the cable 22, convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, and direct the electrical signal to the host substrate 20 through the ring electrical contact 26. The interconnect module 10 is configured to mate with the ring socket 16 to form an interconnect assembly 17 for high-speed data transmission. When the ring socket 16 is mounted on the host substrate 20 and the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16, the interconnect module 10 is in a state of performing data communication such as electrical communication with the host substrate 20. The interconnect module 10 may be arranged to mate perpendicularly to the ring socket 16 in the illustrated transverse direction T. The signal connection between the interconnect module 10 and a corresponding receptacle connector such as the ring socket 16 can be of an electrical nature and can be established by mating at least one conductive contact such as the ring electrical contact of the ring socket 16 with at least one corresponding conductive module contact 24 of the interconnect module 10. The electrical connection can be established by inserting the interconnect module 10 substantially downwardly or in the mating transverse direction into the ring socket 16, the host substrate 20, or both. The contact force between one or more of the conductive module contacts 24 of the interconnect module 10 and each corresponding one or more of the ring electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16 may be substantially perpendicular to the mating direction 25 between the interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16, such as the illustrated lateral direction A. Downward is defined in FIG. 1A as the direction perpendicular to the host substrate 20 and toward the host substrate 20 on the major surface 21 without first passing through the opposing major surface on the opposite side of the major surface 21.

[0033] When the interconnect module 10 is an optical transceiver, transmitter, or receiver, the cable 22 can include at least one optical waveguide such as one or more optical fibers terminated with a cable ferrule 23 (see FIGS. 3A - 3B). The cable 22 can be arranged as one or more fiber ribbon cables, such as the two - fiber ribbon cable depicted in FIG. 1A. Thus, it should be understood that the cable 22 can communicate data with the module electrical contact 24, and a signal in the form of an electrical signal from the contact 24 can be converted into an optical signal transmitted along the cable 22. Conversely, a signal in the form of an optical signal received from the cable 22 can be converted into a signal in the form of an electrical signal sent to the module electrical contact 24. When the interconnect module 10 is an electrical interconnect module, the cable 22 can include at least one conductive wire. In some embodiments, the cable 22 attached to the interconnect module 10 can include both an optical waveguide, which can be an optical fiber, and a conductive wire. The waveguide can be permanently attached to the interconnect module 10 or arranged to mate with the interconnect module through a cable ferrule 23 that can be part of an optical connector. The optical connector can be an MT, MPO, LC, SC connector, or other types of connectors. The optical connector typically includes a ferrule, such as the MT ferrule of an MT optical connector. The MT ferrule aligns the end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with two precision holes or dowels that are within or supported by the MT ferrule.

[0034] Next, referring to FIGS. 2A - 2B, the interconnect module 10 is shown in a mated state with the ring socket 16, and the ring socket latch 18 is positioned in the locked position, thereby fixing the interconnect module 10 within the ring socket 16 and preventing removal of the interconnect module 10 from the ring socket in the unmating direction. The cable 22 can extend from the ring socket 16 at the first ring socket end 72 of the ring socket 16 on the side opposite the ring socket latch 18 so that the cable 22 and the ring socket latch 18 do not mechanically interfere with each other. Advantageously, no portion of the ring socket latch 18 extends above the upper surface 11 of the interconnect module 10. The upper surface 11 can face away from the bottom surface of the interconnect module that faces the host substrate 20 when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16. Since no portion of the ring socket latch 18 extends above the upper surface 11, a heat transfer assembly such as a heat spreader 84 (FIG. 4) or a heat sink 100 (FIG. 5) can contact the upper surface 11 without mechanically interfering with the ring socket latch 18. The ring socket latch 18 can be slid to its receiving position, locked position, and ejection position when the heat spreader 84 is installed on the upper surface 11 of the interconnect module 10. Also, the ring socket latch 18 does not extend laterally in direction A beyond the ring socket side surfaces 76 and 77 (see FIG. 1B) of the ring socket 16. Advantageously, this minimizes the footprint of the ring socket 16 on the host substrate 20 and provides more space for additional components on the host substrate 20.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2A, the ring socket housing 50 can include an extension 61 that extends longitudinally from the first ring socket end 72. The extension 61 can be a continuous extension of the ring socket sides 76-77 and can extend a distance such that it is aligned with the latch actuator 19 along the lateral direction A at all positions of the latch actuator 19. The extension 61 can further extend upwardly over the latch actuator 19. Thus, the extension 61 can be aligned with the entire latch actuator 19 at all positions of the latch actuator 19. During operation, the extension 61 can protect the latch actuator 19 from inadvertent contact. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the extension 61 extends from the first ring socket end 72 and is aligned with the latch actuator 19 at the receiving and locking positions, but not at the ejection position. Further, the ring socket housing 50 can define a base that extends between the extensions 61 and defines a guide member 67 that is configured to guide the ring socket latch 18 to slide to its receiving, locking, and ejection positions during operation. The guide member 67 can include at least one guide channel 69, such as a pair of guide channels 69 that are elongated along the longitudinal direction L and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. The ring socket latch 18 can include a complementary guide member 65 that engages the guide member 67 of the ring socket 16 and travels along the guide member 67 during movement of the ring socket latch 18 during use. In other embodiments, the guide member 65 of the ring socket latch 18 can be configured as a channel and the guide member 67 of the ring socket 16 can be configured as a protrusion that rides in the channel. It should be understood that the guide members 65 and 67 can be configured in any suitable alternative manner as desired.

[0036] Next, referring to FIG. 2C, in yet another embodiment, the ring socket 16 can lack the extension 61 and can further lack the guide members 65 and 67. Instead, the latch actuator 19 can extend rearwardly from the first ring socket end 72 and seat on a pedestal 63 that is oriented along a plane orthogonal to the transverse direction T. The latch actuator 19 can travel along the pedestal 63 as it moves to each of the receiving position, the locking position, and the ejecting position. The pedestal 63 has a thickness along the transverse direction T, and the movement of the latch actuator 19 along the pedestal 63 is in the longitudinal direction L.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3A - 3B, the interconnect module 10 can include a module substrate 32, a module body 39, module electrical contacts 24 supported by the module body 39, an electrically insulating module frame 52, an optical engine 28, and a cable latch 29. The optical engine 28 can include electro - optical conversion elements and auxiliary electronic components mounted on an engine substrate 75. The engine substrate 75 can be oriented parallel to the module substrate 32 and the host substrate 20. The optical engine 28 can further include an optical block 78 that can be fixedly supported by the module frame 52. Alternatively, the optical block 78 can be fixedly supported by the engine substrate 75. As will be described in more detail below, the engine substrate 75 can be an optically transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. The engine substrate 75 has a first major surface 75a and a second major surface 75b that is opposite the first major surface 75a along the transverse direction T. The first major surface 75a can face away from the module substrate 32, and the second major surface 75b can face the module substrate 32. The electro - optical conversion elements and the auxiliary electronic components can be mounted on the first major surface 75a of the engine substrate 75. The second major surface 75b of the engine substrate 75 can be mounted on the first major surface 32a of the module substrate 32 so as to electrically communicate the module substrate 32 with the engine substrate 75.

[0038] During operation, when the interconnect module functions as a receiver, the optical engine 28 receives an optical signal from the optical fiber of the cable 22 and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is sent through the engine board 75 and the module board 32 to the module electrical contact 24. When the interconnect module functions as a transmitter, the received electrical signal travels from the module electrical contact 24 to the module board 32, and the module board 32 sends the electrical signal to the engine board 75. The optical engine 28 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal is then transmitted along the optical fiber of the cable 22.

[0039] The optoelectronic components of the interconnect module 10 can include one or more electro-optical conversion elements such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) or photonic integrated circuits, one or more photo-electric conversion elements such as photodiodes, drivers for the electro-optical conversion elements, transimpedance amplifiers for the photodiodes, passive components such as inductors, resistors, and capacitors, and optical engine components including a controller. The optical block 78 can provide an optical coupling between the optical fiber disposed within the cable ferrule 23 and the electro-optical elements of the optical engine components. In some embodiments, the optical block 78 can include a scratch-resistant window located on the surface of the optical block 78 facing the cable ferrule 23. Since the optical block 78 is configured to mate with the cable ferrule 23, it may also be referred to as a ferrule mating portion. When the cable ferrule 23 is mated with the interconnect module, an interconnect module cable assembly can be defined.

[0040] Optical engine 28, particularly optical block 78, can define the TIR (total internal reflection) surface 36 of optical block 78. When the interconnect module 10 functions as a receiver, the total internal reflection surface 36 can reflect the optical signal received from the cable to the photodetector, either directly or through intervening optical elements. The photodetector converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal can be sent to the transimpedance amplifier (TIA) of the interconnect module 10. Alternatively, when the interconnect module 10 functions as a transmitter, the optical signal emitted by a laser such as a VCSEL can be reflected from the TIR surface 36 to the cable, either directly or through intervening optical elements. The TIR surface 36 can be made of an optically reflective material having an optically reflective surface such as glass or plastic. In one embodiment, the TIR surface can be defined by plating a reflective material. The TIR surface 36 can be scratched, removed, textured, or otherwise thinned to reduce the intensity of the reflected light, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,884,198. U.S. Patent No. 10,884,198 is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein for all purposes.

[0041] The module body 39 and the module frame 52 can be combined to define the module housing 34. In this regard, the components of the module frame 52 can also be considered as part of the module housing 34. Similarly, the components of the module body 39 can also be considered as part of the module housing 34. Thus, as an example, it can be said that the module electrical contact 24 is supported by the module housing 34. In other words, the components of the module housing 34 can be components of the module body 39 and / or the module frame 52. Thus, references to the module housing 34 can be made with respect to the module body 39, the frame 52, or both the module body 39 and the module frame 52. The module frame 52 can be disposed inside the module body 39 with respect to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. In other words, the module body 39 can surround or enclose the module frame 52 with respect to each of the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. The module body 39 carries the electrical contact 24, while the frame 52 does not carry any electrical components in some embodiments. The module frame 52 can extend relative to the module body 39 along the transverse direction T, particularly in the release direction. The module frame 52 can support a cable latch 29, as will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The module housing 34, which includes the module body 39 and the module frame 52, can be supported by the module substrate 32. In particular, the module housing 34 can be mounted on the module substrate 32, particularly on the first major surface 32a, and the module housing 34 extends from the module substrate 32 along the transverse direction T. The module housing 34 can extend from the module substrate 32 in the fitting direction 25. The module electrical contacts 24 can likewise be mounted on the first major surface 32a of the module substrate 32. In other embodiments, the engine substrate 75 and the module substrate 32 can be combined to define a single substrate on which the optoelectronic components, the module housing 34, and the module electrical contacts 24 are mounted.

[0043] In one embodiment, the module body 39 and the module frame 52 can define a monolithic structure. In this regard, the module body 39 can be mounted on the module substrate 32, such as on the first major surface 32a, whereby the module frame 52 is also mounted on the module substrate 32. Alternatively, the module frame 52 can be mounted on the module substrate 32, such as on the first major surface 32a, whereby the module body 39 is also mounted on the module substrate 32. In yet other embodiments, the module body 39 and the module frame 52 can each be mounted on the module substrate 32, such as on the first major surface 32a. For example, the module body 39 and the module frame 52 can define separate structures as desired.

[0044] The cable latch 29 can rotate about a pivot axis 35 between an open position (FIG. 3A) and a closed position (FIG. 3B). The pivot axis 35 can be defined by a pivot member such as a pivot mandrel 31 supported by the module frame 52. For example, the pivot mandrel 31 can be captured within a frame slot 56 of the module frame 52 such that it is guided to translate along the longitudinal direction L. The frame slot 56 can prevent the pivot mandrel 31 from translating along the transverse direction T. The cable latch 29 is attached to the pivot mandrel 31 and is fixed to the pivot mandrel 31 in a translatable manner, such that the cable latch 29 cannot translate relative to the pivot mandrel 31. Thus, it can be said that the cable latch 29 is pivotally supported by the module housing 34, particularly by the module frame 52. Further, it can be said that the module housing 34, particularly the module frame 52, guides the cable latch 29 to translate along the longitudinal direction L and prevents the cable latch 29 from translating along the transverse direction T. The longitudinal direction L is parallel to the major surface of the module substrate 32 on which the interconnect module 32 is mounted. Thus, it should be understood that the pivot mandrel 31 can be permanently supported by the module frame 52 and the cable latch 29 can be permanently attached to the pivot mandrel 31. Accordingly, the cable latch 29 can be permanently supported by the module housing 34. Components that are permanently supported by another component cannot be removed from each other without damaging at least one or both of the components. The frame slot 56 can be elongated along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the pivot mandrel 31 can move within the frame slot 56 along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the pivot mandrel 31 can selectively move forward and backward in the longitudinal direction within the slot 56. Accordingly, the pivot axis 35 of the cable latch 29 can correspondingly move along the longitudinal direction L, and in particular, can selectively move forward and backward. The pivot axis 35 can be oriented along the lateral direction A.

[0045] The cable latch 29 can hold the cable ferrule 23 in place in contact with the optical block 78 when the cable assembly 15 is inserted in the insertion direction into the interconnect module 10 and the cable latch 29 is moved to its closed position shown in FIG. 3A. The cable latch 29 can include at least one compression member 33 on a side of the cable latch 29 opposite the pivot axis 35. For example, the cable latch 29 can include first and second compression members 33. Each compression member 33 can apply a force to bias the cable ferrule 23 against the optical block 78 in the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23. The cable latch 29 can further define a grip 79 that can be engaged by a user's finger when driving the cable latch 29 to its closed position. The grip 79 can be defined, for example, by an embossed pattern of a cable latch cover 93 that is described in more detail below.

[0046] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3A-3B, the module body 39, and thus the module housing 34, can include a base 99 and sides and ends that extend along a mating direction relative to the base 99. The sides and ends can also extend over a greater extent than the frame 52. The sides can include a first module side 80 and a second opposing module side 82 that is opposite the first module side 80 along a transverse direction A. The ends can include a first module end or front module end 81 and a second module end or rear module end 83 that face each other along a longitudinal direction L. The sides 80, 82 and the ends 81, 83 can extend in a transverse direction T from the base 99, particularly in the mating direction 25. The module sides 80 and 82 can each extend between the first module end 81 and the second module end 83. For example, the module sides 80 and 82 can extend from the first module end 81 to the second module end 83 so as to define an outer frame 30. The frame 52 can be referred to as an inner frame. The base 99 can surround or enclose the outer frame 30 that includes each of the module sides 80 and 82 and the module ends 81 and 83.

[0047] Module sides 80 and 82 can each extend a first distance along the longitudinal direction L, and module ends 81 and 83 can each extend a second distance along the transverse direction A. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. Module sides 80 and 82 and module ends 81 and 83 can cooperate to define an internal module void 85 that houses, in addition to other optical, mechanical, and electrical components of the interconnect module 10, the frame 52, the optical block 78, and the cable latch 29. The first direction or the forward direction can extend along the longitudinal direction L from the second module end 83 toward the first module end 81. The second direction or the rearward direction can extend along the longitudinal direction L from the second module end 83 toward the first module end 81. The insertion direction of the cable assembly 15 into the interconnect module 10 can be defined by the second direction. Thus, the front end of the outer frame 30 can be defined by the first module end 81, and the rear end of the outer frame 30 can be defined by the second module end 83. Similarly, the module frame 52 can define a front end 53a facing the first module end 81 of the module body 39 and an opposite rear end 53b facing the second module end 83 of the module body 39.

[0048] The module electrical contacts 24 can be supported by the module housing 34, and in particular can be supported by the module body 39. Alternatively, the module electrical contacts 24 may be supported by a body separate from the module body 39. The module electrical contacts 24 can be arranged in respective columns along the first module side surface 80 and the second module side surface 82. Thus, the first module side surface 80 and the second module side surface 82 can each carry a respective column of the module electrical contacts 24. The module electrical contacts 24 can be constructed substantially identically to each other (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances). Each respective column of the module electrical contacts 24 can be oriented parallel to each other. For example, these columns can be arranged along respective linear arrays extending along the longitudinal direction L. When the interconnect module functions as a receiver, the optical engine 28 receives an optical signal from the cable 22 and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is sent laterally outwards (i.e., from the electrical traces of the engine substrate 75 to the electrical traces of the module substrate 32) to each of the first and second columns of the module electrical contacts 24. When the interconnect module functions as a transmitter, the electrical signal is received at the module electrical contacts 24 and is sent laterally inwards, by way of the electrical traces of the module substrate 32 and the electrical traces of the engine substrate 75, to the optical engine. The electrical signal is then converted into an optical signal, which is transmitted from the interconnect module 10 along the optical fiber defined by the cable 22. The module substrate 32 can have a rectangular shape at its outer sides with respect to the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A.

[0049] The module electrical contact 24 can define a mating end portion that faces away from the internal void 85, and thus, when the interconnect module 10 is mated to the ring socket 16 (see FIG. 1A), faces the mating end portion of the ring electrical contact 26. The module electrical contact 24 can be supported by each of a first module side surface 80 and a second module side surface 82. The interconnect module can lack the module electrical contact 24 along a first module end 81 and a second module end 83. Thus, it can be said that the module electrical contact 24 can be disposed along two long sides of the interconnect module 10. Accordingly, the first and second rows of the module electrical contact 24 can be supported by the first module side surface 80 and the second module side surface 82, respectively. The module electrical contacts 24 can be arranged to have a uniform pitch between adjacent contacts. In one embodiment, it should be understood that all rows of the module electrical contacts 24 can be held by a single body that can be defined by the module body 39. Alternatively, the module housing 34 can include at least first and second bodies that support the first and second rows of the module electrical contacts 24, respectively. Each of the first and second bodies can be coupled to each other by at least one interconnect module mechanical link member that can be disposed at one or both of respective longitudinal ends of the module housing 34, or at any suitable alternative location. When the interconnect module 10 is mated to the ring socket 16, the module electrical contact 24 on the first side 80 of the interconnect module 10 mates with the ring electrical contact 26 on the first side 76 of the ring socket 16, and the module electrical contact 24 on the second side 82 of the interconnect module 10 mates with the ring electrical contact 26 on the second side 77 of the ring socket 16 (see FIG. 1A).

[0050] As described above, the interconnect module 10 can include an optical engine 28, which can include an optical block 78 and various electro-optic conversion elements and auxiliary electronic components mounted on the engine substrate 75 as described above. The optical engine 28 can be disposed within the internal module void 85. The optical block 78 can couple light between optical components such as VCSELs and photodetectors and the optical waveguides or optical fibers within the cable 22. The optical block 78 can also perform other functions such as redirecting a portion of the light to an optical power measurement system or attenuating the light emitted by a light source such as a VCSEL. In some embodiments, the optical engine 28 can include other components such as modulators, wavelength filters such as those used in WDM applications, isolators for transmission paths, and monitor photodiodes for monitoring the transmission power. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the optical engine 28 can include an array 37 of lenses 55, which can receive an optical signal from an optical fiber and collimate the optical signal when the interconnect module 10 is a photoreceiver, and can receive an optical signal and collimate the optical signal moving along the optical fiber to an external component when the interconnect module 10 is an optical transmitter. The lens array 37 can have a crete received in a complementary opening of the interconnect module substrate 32 or other structure such that the lenses 55 are aligned with each of the photodiodes and / or VCSELS and the optical fibers of the cable 22. The optical engine 28 can have parallel channels for transmitting and / or receiving high-speed data signals. The optical engine 28 can be positioned substantially between two columns of the module electrical contacts 24 of the interconnect module 10. The columns of module electrical contacts 24 can be substantially aligned when viewed in the longitudinal direction L parallel to the major surface 21 of the host substrate 20 when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16 (see FIGS. 2A-2B).

[0051] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3A - 3B, the module body 39 can perform several functions. For example, the module body 39 can hold the module electrical contacts 24 of each column of the interconnect module 10. The module body 39 can also provide a mechanical link for positioning and holding each column of the module electrical contacts 24 relative to each other. The module body 39 can also provide a housing that defines an internal module void 85 to protect or encapsulate the optical engine 28 from the environment and provide mechanical support for the cable 22. The module body 39 can also provide a passageway for the cable 22 that extends along the longitudinal direction L through the cable ferrule 23 and exits the interconnect module body 39 at a location spaced from the second end 83 along the transverse direction T. For example, the module body 39 can define a gap 73 that extends through the first end 81 along the longitudinal direction L, which is sized such that the cable 22 can extend through the gap 73 when the cable assembly 15 is fitted to the interconnect module 10.

[0052] The engine substrate 75 can be an organic substrate (such as epoxy glass, polyimide, etc.), a glass substrate, or a ceramic substrate (such as BeO, AlN, Al2O3 or LTCC (low - temperature co - fired ceramic, etc.). Each substrate material can be formed of several layers joined to each other along the transverse direction T, and conductive traces can be on the surfaces of some or all of the layers at most. Conductive vias can electrically connect electrical traces on different layers along the transverse direction T. Each substrate material has advantages and disadvantages. Both ceramic substrates and organic substrates are suitable for power, low - speed and high - speed signal transmission, and via support. Surface - mount components such as electrical connector leads, chip capacitors and resistors, microchip packages (such as BGA (ball grid array)), and bare die chips can be soldered, flip - chip mounted, and / or wire - bonded to the module substrate 32. Alternatively, a bare die chip can be adhered with an epoxy resin to any substrate material and wire - bonded.

[0053] The advantages of organic substrates include being low-cost and having a coefficient of thermal expansion closer to that of metals and polymers. Metal risers and reinforcements can be soldered or otherwise attached to the engine substrate 75 to provide a mounting surface, spacers, or increase the rigidity of the assembly. Organic substrates can have more complex peripheries or contours than ceramic or glass substrates and enable more easily manufactured vias. A potential drawback of organic substrates is the difficulty in supporting cavities and pockets, although in some cases small components can be embedded therein. Also, organic substrates can have a large loss of electrical signals transmitted, especially at high frequencies.

[0054] The advantages of ceramic substrates are generally high rigidity (high Young's modulus), flatness, and high thermal conductivity. Ceramic substrates can easily support cavities and pockets and can support wraparound and sidewall metallization. Their coefficients of thermal expansion match well with Si and III-V materials, although dimensional tolerances can be difficult to control due to batch-to-batch shrinkage variations during the firing process. Glass substrates have desirable dielectric properties and enable high-speed signals to be transmitted with good signal integrity. In some embodiments, different layers of the substrate can be formed from different materials.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the interconnect module 10 can include a heat spreader 84, which can define at least a portion of the upper surface 11 of the interconnect module 10. In one embodiment, the module substrate 32 can define a hole 64 that extends therethrough along the transverse direction T. The heat spreader 84 can be configured as a plate 84a having an extension 84b that can be positioned within the hole 64. For example, the hole 64 can be provided with a step, and the extension 84b can be provided with a step so as to be nested within the hole 64. The heat spreader 84, such as the extension 84b, can contact the heat-generating electro-optic element 91 of the optical engine 28 so as to dissipate heat along a heat conduction path along the transverse direction T from the interconnect module 10. In particular, the heat conduction path can extend in the mating release direction. The heat-generating element 91 can be mounted on the engine substrate 75, particularly the second surface 75b of the engine substrate 75. In one embodiment, the heat-generating element 91 can be configured as at least one integrated circuit (IC), such as a pair of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Various electronic components and electro-optic components may be in thermal contact with the inboard side of the heat spreader 84 (e.g., the side facing in the mating direction). These electrical and electro-optic components can include photodetectors and associated TIAs, light sources and associated light source drivers, and microcontrollers.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4B, each of the second surface 75b of the engine substrate 75 and the module substrate 32 can be spaced apart from the module substrate 32 along the transverse direction T so as to define a gap 101 therebetween. In some embodiments, the module substrate 32 can include holes extending therethrough along the transverse direction T, and the holes are aligned with the gap 101 so as to provide ventilation holes for discharging hot air from the interconnect module 10 during operation. Similarly, the heat spreader 84 can include holes extending therethrough along the transverse direction T, and the holes are aligned with the gap 101 so as to provide ventilation holes for discharging hot air from the interconnect module 10 during operation. The holes of the heat spreader 84 can be metallized in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that the components of the interconnect module 10 can be sealed to prevent unwanted debris from entering the interconnect module 10. Any suitable sealant such as an epoxy resin can be used. For example, the heat spreader 84 can be sealed to the module substrate 32. Other elements of the optical engine 28 can be sealed to the frame 52. For example, one or more surfaces of the optical block 78 can be sealed to the frame 52. Further, an epoxy resin can be disposed between the frame 52 and the surface of the optical block 78 that is opposite the surface of the optical block that mates with the cable ferrule 23 along the longitudinal direction L. The epoxy resin can extend along the entire surface of the optical block 78.

[0057] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the heat sink 100 can be installed on the interconnect module 100. In some embodiments, the heat sink 100 can be a zipper heat sink or any suitable alternative heat sink. In one embodiment, the heat sink 100 is in thermal communication, and in one embodiment may be in physical contact, with the upper surface defined by the heat spreader 84. Thus, the heat spreader 84 can provide a direct low thermal impedance path to the heat sink 100 that can be mounted on the outboard surface or upper surface 11 of the heat spreader. Thus, the heat dissipation path can be directed in the upward mating release direction along the transverse direction T away from the substrate 32. In particular, the heat spreader 84 and / or the heat sink 100 can direct heat away from the substrate 32 in a direction opposite to the surface of the substrate 32 on which the interconnect module housing 34 and the module electrical contacts 24 are mounted. The heat sink 100 can define a plurality of fins, if desired. The heat sink 100 can be positioned so as to provide access to the latch actuator 19. Thereby, the ring socket latch 18 can be selectively moved to its receiving position, locking position, and ejection position without mechanical interference between the latch 18 and the heat sink 100 installed on the interconnect module 10. Thus, the interconnect module 10 can be mated with and disengaged from the ring socket 16 without removing the heat sink 100 or the heat spreader 84.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 3A - 3B and 6A - 6C, as described above, the cable latch 29 can move or rotate hingedly about a pivot axis 35 between a closed position shown in FIGS. 3A and 6B - 6C and an open position shown in FIGS. 3B and 6A. In the closed position, the cable latch 29 secures the cable ferrule 23 of the cable assembly 15 fitted to the interconnect module 10. In particular, the cable latch 29 secures the cable ferrule 23 to the optical block 78. In this way, the interconnect module cable assembly is defined when the cable assembly 15 is fitted to the interconnect module 10. The cable latch 29 can extend in a first or forward direction from the pivot mandrel 31 when the cable latch 29 is in the closed position. The cable ferrule 23 can hold a portion of the cable 22, such as the end of the cable 22. Thus, it can be said that the cable 22 terminates at the cable ferrule 23. The cable ferrule 23 can define a first or front face 87 and a second or rear face 89 opposite the front face 87 with respect to the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23 into the interconnect module 10. The cable latch 29 can maintain the front face 87 in contact with the optical block 78, and the cable 22 and the optical block 78 are optically aligned with each other. The cable ferrule 23 can be an MT (multi - fiber termination) ferrule or some other ferrule that supports optical fibers that are part of an optical interconnect system between the cable 22 and the optical block 78.

[0059] The cable ferrule 23, and thus the cable assembly 15, is inserted into the interconnection module in the insertion direction, which can be defined by the longitudinal direction L, particularly the longitudinal rearward direction described above. Thus, the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23 can be substantially parallel to the major surface of the module housing 34 and the module substrate 32 on which the optical engine 28 is mounted. Accordingly, the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23 can also be substantially parallel to the major surfaces 75a and 75b of the engine substrate 75. The front face 87 of the cable ferrule 23 can be biased against the optical block 78 by the longitudinal compression force applied by the cable latch 29 when the cable latch 29 is in the closed position. In particular, the force from the cable latch 29 can be provided by the elastic deformation of one or more compression members 33, such as the pair of compression members shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. In one embodiment, the compression member 33 can be configured to cumulatively apply a longitudinal compression force in the range of 500 grams to 3000 grams. For example, the longitudinal compression force can be in the range of 1000 grams to 2000 grams. In one specific embodiment, the longitudinal compression force can be approximately 1200 grams (i.e., including 1200 grams plus or minus 10% of 1200 grams). Each compression member 33 can apply half of the longitudinal compression force. Thus, the cable latch 29 can apply to the ferrule 23 a sufficient force to ensure mechanical contact between the end face of the optical fiber in the cable 22 and the optical block 78. One of the optical block 78 and the cable ferrule 23 can define alignment pins 102, which are received by the other of the optical block 78 and the cable ferrule 23 to achieve mechanical alignment between the optical block 78 and the cable ferrule 23 when the cable assembly 15 is inserted into the interconnection module 10 in the insertion direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the cable latch 29 is in the open position, the cable latch 29 is positioned such that the interconnect module 10 is configured to receive or release a removable cable assembly 15. The cable assembly 15 may be defined by a cable 22 and a cable ferrule 23. The cable ferrule 23 supports an end face of an optical fiber present in the cable 22 where the front face 87 terminates at one end of the cable and is exposed at the front face 87. The cable latch 29 may be carried by the module frame 52 or some other structure of the interconnect module 10. The cable latch 29 may be arranged to be permanently connected to the remainder of the interconnect module 10.

[0061] To attach the cable assembly 15 to the interconnect module 10, the cable assembly 15 is inserted in a first direction or insertion direction defined by the longitudinal rearward direction towards the optical block 78 until the front face 87 of the cable ferrule 23 is disposed adjacent to the optical block 78. For example, the cable ferrule 23 can contact the optical block 78. Next, the cable latch 29 can be rotated downward in a first rotational direction about the pivot axis 35 to a closed position that fixes the cable ferrule 23 to the optical block 78. The pivot axis 35 is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23. Further, both the pivot axis 35 and the insertion direction of the cable ferrule 23 can be parallel to the major surface of the module substrate 32 on which the interconnect module 10 is mounted. The module frame 52 can include at least one inclined surface 90 that engages when the cable latch 29 moves to the closed position. For example, the module frame 52 can include first and second inclined surfaces 90 that face each other along the transverse direction A. The inclined surfaces 90 can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the bisecting plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T.

[0062] To remove the cable assembly 15 from the interconnect module 10, the cable latch 29 can be rotated in a second rotational direction about the pivot axis 35 from a closed position to an open position, and the cable assembly 15 can be removed from the interconnect module along a second direction or a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction. When the cable latch 29 is in the open position, the cable latch 29 does not interfere with the cable assembly 15.

[0063] Next, the cable latch 29 will be further described with further reference to FIGS. 7-8C. As shown, the cable latch 29 can include first and second cable latch arms 60 that are elongated along the longitudinal direction L and face each other along the transverse direction A. The cable latch arms 60, and the cable latch 29, may be symmetric with respect to a bisecting plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T.

[0064] The cable latch 29 defines an inner transverse direction that extends along a transverse direction T towards the module substrate 32, and an outer transverse direction that is opposite to the inner transverse direction along the transverse direction T and thus extends transversely away from the module substrate 32. Thus, the inner transverse direction also extends towards the mounting interface of the module housing 34 configured to be mounted on the module substrate 32. Thus, the outer transverse direction extends away from the mounting interface of the module housing 34 configured to be mounted on the module substrate 32. When the interconnect module 10 is mounted in the ring socket 16 (see FIG. 1A), the outer transverse direction can define the mating direction, and the inner transverse direction can define the demating direction. However, it is understood that the cable latch 29 can be actuated when the interconnect module 10 is demated from the ring socket 16 and the interconnect substrate 32 is disposed on a support surface. In particular, the second major surface 32b of the interconnect substrate 32 on the opposite side of the first major surface 32a can be disposed on the bottom support surface. Thus, during the operation of the cable latch 29 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C when the interconnect module 10 is demated from the ring socket 16, the inner transverse direction can be the downward direction along the transverse direction T towards the interconnect substrate 32, and the outer transverse direction can be the upward direction away from the interconnect substrate along the transverse direction T. The terms "downward" and "upward" and their derivatives used with respect to the cable latch 29 can be applied to the cable latch 29 when the cable latch 29 is in its closed position and the interconnect module 102 is in the orientation defined when the second major surface 32b of the module substrate 32 rests on the bottom support surface or base. The upward direction can define the mating direction when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16, and the downward direction can define the demating direction when the interconnect module 10 is demated from the ring socket 16. Thereafter, the interconnect module 10 can be inverted with respect to the transverse direction T such that it is positioned to mate with the ring connector 16 in the downward mating direction.The first major surface 32a and the second major surface 32b can be defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A, and thus can be perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

[0065] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 7-8C, each cable latch arm 60 can define an attachment member configured to be attached to a pivot member such as a pivot mandrel 31. In one embodiment, the attachment member of each cable latch arm 60 can be configured as a pivot hole 62 configured to receive a pivot mandrel 31 as shown in FIG. 3A so as to provide a pivot axis 35 for the cable latch 29. In some embodiments, the latch arm 60 can pivot about the pivot mandrel 31. In other embodiments, the latch arm 60 can be movably coupled to the pivot mandrel 31 such that the pivot mandrel 31 rotates as the latch arm 60 pivots. The pivot hole 62 can be disposed adjacent to the respective longitudinal rear end of the latch arm 60. It should be understood that the cable latch arm 60 can be attached to any suitable alternative pivot member in any suitable alternative manner as desired. For example, the cable latch arm 60 can define a protrusion, and the pivot member can define an opening for receiving the protrusion to provide the pivot axis 35.

[0066] The cable latch 29 can further include at least one compression member 33 supported by at least one of each of the cable latch arms 60. The at least one compression member 33 can be spaced apart from the pivot member of the latch arm 60 in the longitudinal forward direction. The cable latch 29 can include first and second compression members 33 supported by the first and second cable latch arms 60, respectively, and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. The compression members 33 can be elastically compressible along the longitudinal direction L from their natural state. This elastic compression applies to the cable ferrule 23 a holding force that biases the cable ferrule 23 against the optical block 78, in the insertion direction of the ferrule 23, thereby holding the cable ferrule 23, and thus the cable assembly 15, in its mating position against the optical block 78 when the cable latch 29 is in the closed position and the cable ferrule 23 is inserted within the interconnect module 10. The cable 22 can extend out of the interconnect module 10 along the longitudinal direction L between the compression members 33 with respect to the lateral direction A.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cable latch 29 can include a cable latch cover 93 extending from a first cable latch arm 60 to a second cable latch arm 60. The raised pattern 79 can be formed on the cable latch cover 93 to provide a grip that can be engaged by a user's finger when driving the cable latch 29 to its closed position (see also FIG. 3A). The cable latch 29 can include first and second compression members 33 extending from the cover 93. Each compression member 33 can extend from the cover 93 to a respective abutment surface 86. Thus, each compression member 33 can extend longitudinally rearward from the cover 93. Each abutment surface 86 can face longitudinally rearward and can be positioned to compress the cable ferrule 23 as described above. In one embodiment, each compression member 33 can terminate at a respective abutment surface 86. Each compression member 33 can be configured as a compression beam having one or more compressible pleats configured to elastically compress along the longitudinal direction L toward each other to apply a longitudinal holding force in the rearward direction to the cable ferrule 23.

[0068] Next, the compression member 33 in the initial or uncompressed state will be described. In one embodiment, each compression member 33 can be supported by a latch arm 60, particularly by a cover 93. In one embodiment, each compression member 33 can extend from the cover 93 to the distal end portion 108. For example, each compression member may include a support segment 103, and the support segment 103 extends forward from the cover 93 to a rear segment 106, and the rear segment 106 can extend downward from the support segment 103. The rear segment 106 can extend to a first curved segment 117a. In the direction along the compression member 33 from the cover 93 to the distal end portion 108, the first curved segment 117a can curve downward as it extends rearward from the rear segment 106, and then transition upward as it continues to extend rearward to a first intermediate segment 118a. The first intermediate segment 118a can extend generally upward from each respective first curved segment 117a. For example, the first intermediate segment 118a can spread away from the rear segment 106 as it extends away from the first curved segment 117a. The first intermediate segment 118a can extend to a second curved segment 117b. In the direction along the compression member 33 from the cover 93 to the distal end portion 108, the second curved segment 117b can curve upward as it extends rearward from the first intermediate segment 118a, and then transition downward as it continues to extend rearward to a second intermediate segment 118b. The second intermediate segment 118b can extend generally downward from the second curved segment 117b. For example, the second intermediate segment 118b can spread away from the first intermediate segment 118a as it extends downward from the second curved segment 117b. The second intermediate segment 118b extends from the second curved segment 117b to a third curved segment 117c. In the direction along the compression member 33 from the cover 93 to the distal end portion 108, the third curved segment 117c can curve downward as it extends rearward from the rear segment, the second intermediate segment 118b, and then transition upward as it continues to extend rearward to a front segment 121.The front segment 121 extends generally upwardly from the third curved segment 117c. For example, the front segment 121 can flare away from each of the first intermediate segment 118a and the second intermediate segment 118b in a rearward direction as it extends from the third curved segment 117c. The front segment 121 can define an abutment surface 86 configured to abut the ferrule 23 so as to provide a holding force to the ferrule 23. The front segment 121 extends from the third curved segment 117c to a curved distal tip that defines the distal end 108. The curved distal tip can curve forward as it extends upwardly. The distal tip can terminate at the distal end 108 that can define a free end.

[0069] The latch arm 60 can extend along a lateral direction to a position aligned with the front wall 121 and thus with the abutment surface 86. For example, the latch arm 60 can be aligned with the entirety of each abutment surface 86 along the lateral direction A. In this regard, the latch arm 60 can prevent inadvertent contact between the user and the abutment surface 86.

[0070] With respect to the view of the compression member 33 in the upward direction, the first curved segment 117a can define a first convex surface. With respect to the view of the compression member 33 in the upward direction, the second curved segment 117b can define a concave surface. With respect to the view of the compression member 33 in the upward direction, the third curved segment 117c can define a second convex surface. Thus, the concave surface can be disposed between the first convex surface and the second convex surface along the longitudinal direction. The first curved segment 117a, the rear segment 106, and the first intermediate segment 108a, in combination, define a first generally U-shaped configuration. The second intermediate segment 118b, the third curved segment 117a, and the front segment 121 can, in combination, define a second U-shaped configuration. The first intermediate segment 108a, the second curved segment 117b, and the second intermediate segment 108b, in combination, define an inverted generally U-shaped configuration adjacent to the first and second generally U-shaped configurations. Each of the curved segments 117a-c defines a fold of the compression member 33, and it should be appreciated that these folds are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L and are elastically compressible towards each other along the longitudinal direction L. It should further be appreciated that the compression member 33 has alternating convex and concave curved sections. The compression member 33 can have any suitable number of convex and concave surfaces as desired. As shown, the compression member 33 has a single concave surface between the first convex surface and the second convex surface. The concave surface can be offset upwardly with respect to the convex surfaces. The rear segment 106, the curved segments 117a-117c, the intermediate segments 118a-b, and the front segment 121 can generally define a W-shaped configuration.

[0071] It should be understood that each of the compression members 33 can be of an integral monolithic structure. Further, the compression members 33 can be monolithic with each other so as to define an integral structure. Further, the entire cable latch 29 can define a monolithic integral structure. For example, the cable latch can be formed by punching out from a flat sheet of metal. The cable latch 29 can alternatively be constructed in any suitable alternative manner as desired.

[0072] Each abutment surface 86 can be angled longitudinally rearward as it extends upward. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, each abutment surface 86 can travel along the cable ferrule 23 to a position where the abutment surface 86 is adjacent to the cable ferrule 23 in the longitudinal forward direction and apply the holding force described above. Each abutment surface 86 can be aligned with the cover 93 along the transverse direction T. It should be understood that the compression member 33 can be supported by the latch arm 60 in any suitable alternative manner as desired.

[0073] The cable latch 29 can further include at least one stabilizing arm 70 supported by at least one cable latch arm 60. For example, the cable latch 29 can include at least one spacer 57 extending from each cable latch arm 60 and extending toward the other cable latch arm 60 along the transverse direction A. The at least one spacer 57 can be substantially flat along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. Each of the at least one stabilizing arm 70 can extend forward from the at least one spacer 57. Each of the at least one stabilizing arm 70 can be angled downward along the transverse direction T as it extends forward. In one embodiment, the cable latch 29 can include first and second spacers 57 that extend from the first and second latch arms 60, respectively, along the transverse direction A and terminate along the transverse direction without contacting each other. The stabilizing arm 70 can extend from the respective transverse inner ends of the spacer 57. Alternatively, the stabilizing arm 70 can extend directly from the cable latch arm 60. The stabilizing arm 70 can be disposed between the attachment member such as the pivot hole 62 and the at least one compression member 33 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The cable latch 29 can define a hole 71 extending through each of the spacers 57 along the transverse direction T.

[0074] The stabilization arm 70 is positioned and configured to compress the cable ferrule 23 when the cable latch 29 is in the closed position. At least one stabilization arm 70 is removed from the cable ferrule 23 when the cable latch 29 is in the open position. The stabilization arm 70 can be configured to contact the upper surface of the cable ferrule 23 when the cable ferrule 23 is attached to the interconnect module 10 and the cable latch 29 is in the closed position. The stabilization arm 70 can be elastically deformable in the transverse direction T, and in this regard, can be referred to as a spring arm that is elastically deformed when contacting the cable ferrule 23. Thus, the arm 70 applies a spring force to the cable ferrule 23 that resists changes in the angular orientation of the ferrule. Alternatively, the arm 70 can be substantially rigid and apply a force other than a spring force to the cable ferrule 23. The stabilization arm 70 can maintain a constant orientation of the cable ferrule 23 when the cable ferrule 23 is biased against the optical block 78 by the compression member 33 (see FIGS. 8A-8C). For example, the stabilization arm 70 can prevent the cable ferrule 23 from twisting along the longitudinal direction L.

[0075] Each of the cable latch 29, particularly the latch arm 60, can further include at least one attachment member, which is configured to be releasably attached to the module frame 52 when the cable latch 29 is in the closed position, as described below, thereby releasably holding the cable latch 29 in the closed position. In one embodiment, the attachment member can be configured as a lance 66. Thus, at least one lance can releasably fix the cable latch 29 in the locked position. As shown, the cable latch 29 can include first and second lances 66 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. For example, at least one lance 66 can be defined by at least one cable latch arm 60. Thus, each cable latch arm 60 can define a respective lance 66. The lance 66 can be aligned with the hole 71 within a plane defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T.

[0076] The cable latch 29 can further include at least one engagement member, which is supported by the cable latch arm 60 and is configured to be engaged by a cable ejection tool that can disengage the engagement between the lance 66 and the module frame 52. The engagement member can be configured as a recess 68 extending from each of the cable latch arms 60. In one embodiment, the cable latch 29 can include first and second recesses 68 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. The first and second recesses 68 can extend from the first and second cable latch arms 60. The stabilization arm 70 can extend from the recess 68. The recess 68 can be disposed adjacent to each of the lances 66, and the lance 66 can be elastically moved by a force applied to the recess 68. In one embodiment, the recess 68 can be aligned with the lance 66 along the transverse direction T.

[0077] The cable latch 29 can include at least one bearing surface configured to engage the module frame to drive the cable latch 29 in a longitudinal rearward direction when the cable latch 29 is moved to its locked position (see FIGS. 8A - 8C). The bearing surface can be defined by a cable latch edge 92 supported by each of the cable latch arms 60. For example, the cable latch 29 can include first and second cable latch edges 92 spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction A. In one embodiment, the cable latch edge 92 can be defined by the cable latch arm 60. For example, the cable latch edge 92 can be defined by the most forward end in the longitudinal direction of the cable latch arm 60. The cable latch edge 92 can be inclined. For example, the cable latch edge 92 can be angled upward as it extends in the longitudinal forward direction. The cable latch edge 92 can be curved, straight, or alternatively shaped as desired. In some embodiments, the cable latch edges 92 can be oriented along a transverse direction T. As will be understood from the following description, the cable latch edges 92 are configured to travel along respective inclined surfaces 90 of the module frame 52.

[0078] Next, the operation of the cable latch 29 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 8A - 8C. FIGS. 8A - 8C show successive rotational orientations or positions of the cable latch 29 about a pivot axis defined by the pivot mandrel 31 in a first rotational direction as the pivotable cable latch 29 moves from an open position to a closed position. The cable latch 29 is configured to move between an open position where a removable cable assembly 15 (see FIG. 6A) can be attached to and removed from the interconnect module 10, and a closed position (see FIG. 8C) where the removable cable assembly 15 is secured to the interconnect module 10.

[0079] In the first position shown in FIG. 8A, the cable latch 29 is spaced apart from the cable ferrule 23. Thus, when the cable latch 29 is in the first position, which can be called the open position, the cable ferrule 23 can be inserted into or removed from the interconnect module 10 without interference from the cable latch 29. The cable latch edge 92 can be aligned with each of the inclined surfaces 90 of the module frame 52 along both the first rotational direction and the plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the direction T. When the cable latch 29 rotates in the first rotational direction from the first position shown in FIG. 8A to the second position shown in FIG. 8B, the abutment surface 86 of the cable latch 29 can contact the cable ferrule 23. The pivot mandrel 31 can be in any longitudinal position within the frame slot 56.

[0080] When the cable latch 29 is further rotated in the first rotational direction to the locked position shown in FIG. 8C (see also FIGS. 6B - 6C), the compression member 33 elastically deforms in the longitudinal direction L, thereby pressing the cable ferrule against the optical block 78, as will be described. In particular, the cable latch edge 92 can travel along the inclined surface 90 of the module frame 52, thereby driving the latch 29 in the insertion direction. In the closed position, the compression member 33 can be disposed between the camp surfaces 90 with respect to the lateral direction A.

[0081] When the cable latch 29 rotates to the closed position, the compression member 33 passes over the cable ferrule 23. When the cable ferrule 23 is disposed in contact with the optical block 78 while the cable latch 29 is rotating toward the closed position, as the cable latch 29 further rotates toward the closed position, the cable latch edge 92 further advances downward along the inclined surface 90 of the module frame 52, thereby driving the pivot mandrel 31 to move in the insertion direction within the frame slot 56, for example, toward the rear end portion 53b of the module frame 52. The cable latch 29 may be fixed to the pivot mandrel 31 so as to be translationally movable. When the pivot mandrel 31 moves to the rearmost end of the frame slot 56, further movement of the latch 29 toward the closed position causes each compression member 33 to be elastically compressed along the longitudinal direction L with the abutting surface 86 in contact with the complementary surface 89 of the ferrule 23. The elastic compression of the compression member 33 along the longitudinal direction increases the holding force exerted by the abutting surface 86 on the surface 89 of the ferrule 23, whereby the ferrule 23 also presses the optical block 78 with the force applied from the compression member 33 to the ferrule 23. In other words, when the cable latch 29 is in its closed position (which may be referred to as the locked position), the cable latch 29, for example, the compression member 33, particularly the abutting surface 86, applies a force directed in the insertion direction of the ferrule 23 to the surface 89 of the cable ferrule 23, pushing the ferrule 23 against the optical block 78. The cable latch edge 92 may be curved to provide a generally smooth increase in pressure that pushes the cable latch 29 so that it is driven in the insertion direction toward the rear end portion 53 of the module frame 52 as the cable latch 29 rotates downward into the interconnect module 10.

[0082] Advantageously, while the compression member 33 is deforming as the cable latch 29 rotates to its closed position, the contact location between the abutment surface 86 and the cable ferrule 23 does not move or moves only slightly. This eliminates or minimizes the rotational force applied to the cable ferrule 23 when the cable ferrule 23 is pressed against the optical block 78 in another situation. When the cable latch 29 is in its closed position, the cable ferrule 23 is captured between the optical block 78 and the abutment surface 86. Thus, the compression member 33 can be elastically deformed by the inclined surface 90 when the cable latch 29 is in its closed position, and it can be said that the compression member 33 and the inclined surface 90 fix the cable ferrule 23 in its mating position. The cable latch arm 60 does not transmit any of the compressive forces that fix the cable ferrule 23 to the optical block 78 when the cable latch 29 is in its closed position. When the cable latch 29 is in its open position (which can be called the unlocked position) shown in FIG. 6A, the compression member 33 is disengaged from interference with the cable ferrule 23. Thus, the cable assembly 15 can be removed from the interconnect module 10.

[0083] The cable latch assembly can include a cable latch 29, a pivot member such as a pivot mandrel 31, and a structure of the frame 52 that engages the cable latch 29 and the pivot mandrel 31, such as a slot 56 and each inclined surface 90. In this regard, the cable latch assembly can further include a cable assembly 15. The cable latch assembly also provides sufficient pressure between the optical block 78 and the cable ferrule 23 over a sufficiently wide range of the distance between the front surface 87 of the cable ferrule 23 and the rear surface 89 (see FIG. 6A) on the opposite side of the cable ferrule 23, so that it can accommodate variations in this distance that may occur naturally, for example, due to manufacturing during the manufacturing process. The advantage of the cable latch assembly is that when the cable latch 29 is moved from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position, the abutting surface 86 of each compression member 33 can pass through the upper front edge 88 of the cable ferrule 23 without interference or with minimal interference, thereby preventing potential damage to the cable latch 29 and / or the cable ferrule 23 that could occur in another situation where the cable latch 29 applies a holding force to the edge 88 of the cable ferrule 23.

[0084] The edge portion 88 can be defined by the intersection of the face 89 of the ferrule 23 and the upper face 123 of the ferrule 23. The upper face 123 can be substantially parallel to the major face of the interconnect substrate 32. The cable ferrule 23 can extend downwardly from the upper face 123 towards the interconnect module substrate 32. The upper face 123 can be the uppermost face of the ferrule 23, and no other face of the ferrule 23 is offset upwardly from the upper face 123. The compression member 33 can be aligned with the edge portion 88 of the ferrule 23 along each plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. As the cable latch 29 moves towards the closed position, a force that can be a manual force can move the cable latch 29 and thus the pivot mandrel 31 in the forward or removal direction. The pivot mandrel 31 can move forwardly or in the removal direction within the slot 56 until the compression member 33 moves rearwardly over the ferrule 23 past the ferrule 23 including the edge portion 88 when the cable latch 29 moves to the closed position. The surface of the compression member 33 can contact the edge portion 88 when the cable latch 29 moves to the closed position, but the surface of the compression member 33 that contacts the edge portion 88 is spaced upwardly from the abutment surface 86 and can be defined by a curved distal tip. The abutment member 86 is spaced from the edge portion 88 as the cable latch 29 moves to the closed position. Thus, the edge portion 88 is protected from the high holding force applied by the abutment member 86 when the compression member 33 is elastically compressed along the longitudinal direction.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8B, while the cable latch 29 is moving in the first rotational direction towards the closed position and the compression member 33, particularly the abutment surface 86, is moving past the edge 88, the latch edge 92, and thus the cable latch 29, is not biased in the rearward or insertion direction. For example, while the cable latch 29 is moving in the first rotational direction towards the closed position and the compression member 33, particularly the abutment surface 86, is moving past the edge 88, the latch edge 92 can be spaced apart from the inclined surface. Thus, the compression member 33 does not generate a compression force until after the compression member 33 has passed the cable ferrule 23, particularly the edge 88. The latch edge 92 can begin to advance along the inclined surface 90 when the compression member 33 moves past the edge 88, and the abutment surface 86 is aligned with the surface 89 of the ferrule 23 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the compression member 33 does not start elastic compression until the abutment surface 86 has moved past the edge 88 in the first rotational direction. Inadvertent contact of the cable latch 29 with the edge 88 while the cable latch 29 is moving from the open position to the closed position can move the pivot mandrel 31 rearward within the slot 56, thereby moving the cable latch 29 rearward, such that it is recognized that the cable latch 29 moves past the edge 88. Accordingly, even if the cable latch 29 contacts the edge 88, the cable latch 29 does not apply a holding force to the edge 88.

[0086] Similarly, when the cable latch 29 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the compression member 33 is decompressed to its respective natural state before the contact surface 86 moves past the edge 88 of the ferrule in the second rotational direction. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8A, when the cable latch 29 rotates in the second rotational direction, the latch edge 92 can be removed from the inclined surface 90 while the contact surface 86 is aligned with the rear surface 89 of the ferrule 23. Thus, the cable latch 29 can be positioned such that the pivot mandrel 31 is disposed at a position within the slot 56 where the contact member 86 remains separated from the edge 88 in the removal direction as the cable latch 29 moves from the closed position to the open position. Inadvertent contact of the cable latch 29 with the edge 88 while the cable latch 29 is moving from the closed position to the open position can move the pivot mandrel 31 rearwardly within the slot 56, thereby moving the cable latch 29 rearwardly such that it is recognized that the cable latch 29 moves past the edge 88. Thus, even if the cable latch 29 contacts the edge 88, the cable latch 29 does not apply a holding force to the edge 88.

[0087] When the cable latch 29 moves toward the closed position, the lance 66 can travel along the module frame 52, whereby the lance elastically deforms. When the cable ferrule 23 is in its closed position as shown in FIG. 8C, the lance 66 can return to its original shape and be releasably locked under the frame ledge 94 of the module frame 52 as shown in FIG. 6C. This arrangement captures the cable latch 29 with respect to inadvertent rotation of the cable latch 29 in the second rotational direction and thus releasably locks the cable latch 29 in its closed position. In this regard, the lance 66 can be referred to as a lock that engages the module frame 52 to releasably lock the cable latch 29 in its closed position.

[0088] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9-10, the cable latch assembly can include a cable ejection tool 96, which is configured to disengage the lock, thereby unlocking the cable latch 29 from the module frame 52. When the lock is disengaged, the cable latch 29 is configured to rotate along a second rotational direction toward the unlocked position. In one embodiment, the cable ejection tool 96 is configured to apply a unlocking force to the cable latch that disengages the module frame 52 from the lock of the cable latch 29, thereby enabling the cable latch 29 to rotate in a second rotational direction from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, the cable ejection tool 96 can include a tool body 95 and a pair of support arms 97 extending from the tool body 95. The support arms 97 face each other along the lateral direction A and terminate with latch release hooks 98. The latch release hooks 98 can face each other along the lateral direction A.

[0089] To unlatch the cable latch 29, the cable ejection tool 96 can be lowered onto the engagement member of the cable latch 29, which can be configured as the recess 68 as described above. One or both of the support arms 97 and the latch release hooks 98 can elastically deform or otherwise move away from each other when passing downwardly through the engagement member of the cable latch 29. The latch release hook 98 can engage below the recess 68 after the latch release hook 98 has passed over the recess 68. In particular, the latch release hook 98 can be disposed between the recess 68 of the cable latch 29 and the lance 66. With the latch release hook 98 positioned after passing over the recess 68, due to the elastic natural biasing force of the cable ejection tool 96 or otherwise by moving the latch release hooks 98 toward each other, the two cable latch arms 60 are biased to elastically deflect toward each other by a sufficient distance such that the lock of the cable latch 29 (which can be defined by the lance 66) is disengaged from interference with the ledge 94 of the module frame 52.

[0090] When the lock of the cable latch 29 is disengaged from interference with the module frame 52, the cable latch 29 can be rotated in the second rotational direction until the cable latch 29 reaches the open position shown in FIG. 6A. In particular, the elastic compression of the compression member 33 against the ferrule drives the latch 29 in the removal direction. Thus, each latch edge 92 is also driven to move in the removal direction. When the latch edge 92 moves in the removal direction, the latch edge 92 advances along the inclined surface 90, whereby the latch edge 92 moves upward. Due to the movement of the latch edge 92, the cable latch 92 is rotated in the second rotational direction to the open position. Thus, by disengaging the lock of the cable latch 29 from the module frame 52, the cable latch 29 can automatically pivot from the closed position to the open position. As described above, the cable latch 29 can move in the removal direction as the pivot mandrel 31 advances within the slot 56, whereby the compression member 33 can move past the edge 88 with no or minimal interference with the edge 88 as the cable latch 29 rotates to the open position. The compression member 33 is spaced apart from the edge 88 of the ferrule 23 by a sufficient distance in the removal direction. With the cable latch 29 in the open position, the cable assembly 15 can be easily removed from the interconnect module 10 in the removal direction by pulling the cable assembly 15 forwardly away from the optical block 78 and out of the interconnect module 10.

[0091] In other embodiments, the cable ejection tool can include an arm that extends into the hole 71 of the cable latch 29. The arms can be pulled toward each other along the lateral direction A, whereby the two cable latch arms 60 can be biased to elastically deflect toward each other by a sufficient distance such that the lock of the cable latch 29 (which can be defined by the lance 66) is disengaged from interference with the module frame 52 in the manner described above. In this regard, the cable ejection tool 96 can be configured as a C-ring plier.

[0092] Next, referring to FIG. 11, as described above, the interconnect module 10 can be positioned adjacent to the ring socket 16 with the ring socket latch 18 in the received position according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is helpful in explaining the positioning of the elements within the interconnect module 10 relative to the ring socket 16. To mate the interconnect module to the ring socket 16, the interconnect module is flipped along the transverse direction T so that the interconnect module 10 is aligned to be mated with the ring socket 16. Next, the interconnect module 10 is mated to the ring socket 16 by inserting the interconnect module 10 into the ring socket 16 in the mating direction defined by the transverse direction T as described above. While the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16, the latch actuator 19 can be in the received position. When the interconnect module 10 is inserted into the ring socket 16, the ring socket latch 18 can be moved towards the lock position towards the ring socket housing 50 to fix the interconnect module 10 to the ring socket 16. When the interconnect module 10 is mated to the ring socket, the first side surface 80 of the interconnect module 10 can proceed along the first side surface 76 of the ring socket 16, and the second side surface 82 of the interconnect module 10 can proceed along the second side surface 77 of the ring socket 16.

[0093] The ring socket latch 18 and the interconnect module 10 can define a plurality of interfaces that fix the interconnect module 10 to the ring socket 16 when the interconnect module 10 is mated with the ring socket 16 and the ring socket latch 18 is in the locked position. The first interface can be between a first locking member, such as the locking bar 40 of the ring socket latch 18, and a complementary locking member, such as the body ledge 41 of the locking projection 38 (FIG. 13) of the module housing 34, particularly the module body 39. The locking bar 40 can extend from the body of the ring socket latch 18 that defines the latch actuator 19 in a first or forward direction. The locking projection 38 can extend from the first module end 81 of the module body 39 in a second or rearward direction and a downward transverse (i.e., mating) direction. The locking projection 38 can define an opening therethrough so as to define a body ledge 41 that receives the locking bar 40 of the ring socket 16.

[0094] Between at least one latch arm 44 of the ring socket latch 18 and each abutment member 45 of the interconnect module 10, in particular of the module housing 34, second and third interfaces can each be defined. At least one latch arm 44 can include a first and a second latch arm 44 that face each other along a transverse direction A and extend from the latch actuator 19 in the longitudinal forward direction. The abutment member 45 of the interconnect module 10 can be defined by a channel 43 that extends through the module housing 34 and is sized to receive the latch arm 44, in particular the respective distal free end portion 59 of the latch arm 44. The channel 43 can define the abutment member 45, but it should be understood that the abutment member 45 can be defined by any suitable alternative structure as desired. When the ring socket latch 18 is in the locked position, the second locking members defined by the latch arms 44 can each extend to a position aligned with the abutment member 45. The abutment member 45 can be adjacent to the latch arm 44 in the mating direction. Thus, the abutment member 45 can be disposed between the latch arm 44 and the host substrate 20. Accordingly, a force applied to the interconnect module 10 relative to the ring socket 16 in the unmating direction (away from the host substrate 20) causes the abutment member 45 to contact the latch arm 44. Thus, the latch arm 44 prevents the interconnect module 10 from separating from the ring socket 16 along the unmating direction. Accordingly, the second and third interfaces can be defined when the latch 18 is in the locked position and prevent the interconnect module 10 from being removed from the ring socket 16 along the unmating direction. As will be explained in more detail below, when the latch 18 is moved to the receiving and discharging positions, the first, second and third interfaces are removed.

[0095] Next, referring to FIG. 12, the interconnect module 10 is shown aligned to fit into the ring socket 16 in the mating direction. The module housing 34 and the module substrate 32 can be combined to define a T-shaped cross section, and the ring socket 16 can form a U-shaped cross section that encloses the vertical portion of the T shape. When fitted into the ring socket 16, the optical engine 28 (see FIGS. 3A-3B) of the interconnect module 10 and the module housing 34 can be positioned between the module substrate 32 and the host substrate 20. At least a portion of one or more of the module substrate 32, the optical engine 28, and the module housing 34 can be positioned between the rows of ring electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16, so that the total height above the host substrate 20 of the fitted interconnect module 10 and the ring socket 16 can be made smaller than the total height of all the components. Similarly, since at least a portion of the module substrate 32 and the module housing 34 is directly above the rows of module electrical contacts 24, the footprint of the ring socket 16 on the host substrate 20 can be made as large as or smaller than the maximum width of the interconnect module 10 measured from the first module side 80 to the second module side 82.

[0096] The module housing 34 can be designed to have a portion narrower than the module substrate 32. Thereby, the ring socket 16 surrounding the module housing 34 on two or more sides can be made as small as possible (to the extent that it does not become wider / larger than the module substrate 32). In other words, the size of the module substrate 32 can be maximized with respect to the footprint of a given ring socket 16. Thereby, the maximum width and / or maximum length available for the optical engine 28 can be ensured. Maximizing the available space of the module substrate 32 helps to accommodate larger transimpedance amplifiers and laser driver dies and minimizes the overall footprint on the host substrate 20. The module housing 34, particularly the module frame 52, can function to protect the optical engine 28 from environmental factors and seal it from external influences. The sealing can be either hermetic or non-hermetic.

[0097] The module housing 34 can be formed from a polymer and attached to the module substrate 32 by any known means. For example, the module housing 34 can be injection molded and adhered to the module substrate 32 with an epoxy resin. When the module housing 34, particularly the module body 39, supports the module electrical contacts 24, the module electrical contacts 24 can be reflowed for soldering to the module substrate 32. Thereafter, an epoxy resin can be applied to form a seal between the module housing 34 and the module substrate 32. The module housing 34 can be made of a single component or multiple components. In this embodiment, the module housing 34 can be thick and have or define a cavity in which the optical engine 28 can fit. Thereby, the module substrate 32 does not require a deep cavity for placing the optical engine 28 and can be made relatively thin.

[0098] The module housing 34 and the module substrate 32 can form a part of the protective housing around the optical engine 28. By forming a protective housing around the optical engine 28, the environmental resilience of the interconnection module 10 can be enhanced. By separating the optical coupling function and the encapsulation function, the design of the optical block 78 can be simplified, and the degree of freedom in design for optimizing optical coupling is increased. Also, manufacturability can be improved.

[0099] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the module housing 34, and FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the ring socket latch 18 according to an embodiment. Both the module housing 34 and the ring socket latch 18 may be symmetric with respect to the same bisecting plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The module housing 34 includes a lock projection 38 and a body ledge 41. As described above, the body ledge 41 can engage with the lock bar 40 of the ring socket latch 18 when the ring socket latch 18 is in its locked position. Similarly, the end portion 59 of the latch arm 44 of the ring socket latch 18 can extend into the lock channel 43 of the module housing 34 when the ring socket latch 18 is in its locked position. Thus, the interconnection module 10 can be fixed within the ring socket 16 by a first interface between the body ledge 41 and the lock bar 40 and second and third interfaces between the end portion 59 of the module latch arm 44 (see FIG. 14) and the abutting members 45 forming the edges of the two lock channels 43 of the interconnection module housing 34.

[0100] FIG. 14 shows additional features of the ring socket latch 18. Each of the latch arms 44 may have at least one lifter, for example, a plurality of lifters. For example, each of the latch arms 44 may include a first upward lifter 46a and a second upward lifter 46b spaced longitudinally forward from the first lifter 46a. The first upward lifter 46a and the second upward lifter 46b may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction and may have different shapes from each other. The first upward lifter 46a and the second upward lifter 46b project upward. The upward lifters 46a and 46b may be defined by raised portions or inclined surfaces of the raised latch arms 44. Each of the upward lifters 46a and 46b can define a forward-inclined latch surface and a rearward-inclined latch surface. The forward-inclined latch surface is spaced from the rearward-inclined latch surface along the forward direction. For example, the first upward lifter 46a can define a first forward-inclined latch surface 107a and a first rearward-inclined latch surface 107b. The first forward latch inclined surface 107a can extend downward as it extends forward. The first rearward latch inclined surface 107b can extend upward as it extends forward. The second upward lifter 46b can define a second forward-inclined latch surface 109a and a second rearward-inclined latch surface 109b. The second forward latch inclined surface 109a can extend downward as it extends forward. The second rearward latch inclined surface 109b can extend upward as it extends forward.

[0101] Each latch arm 44 can further include a second or downward lifter 105, which is positioned such that a first upward lifter 46a is disposed longitudinally between the downward lifter 105 and a second upward lifter 46b. The downward lifter 105 can project downward. The downward lifter 105 can similarly define a forwardly inclined downward lifter surface 105a and a rearwardly inclined downward lifter surface 105b. The forwardly inclined downward lifter surface 105a can extend upward as it extends forward. The rearwardly inclined downward lifter surface 105b can extend downward as it extends forward. The ring socket latch 18 can also have a raised pattern 47 on each arm 44. The raised pattern 47 forms a downwardly projecting recess 49 (see FIG. 16A) and can be used to align the ring socket latch 18 relative to the interconnect module housing 34 at at least some of its locations, as will be further described below. The recess 49 can be defined by a raised pattern in one embodiment, but it should be understood that the recess 49 can be formed in any suitable alternative manner as desired.

[0102] Next, referring to FIGS. 15A to 15D, the module frame 52, and thus the module housing 34, can include at least one rail 104, such as first and second rails 104, configured to engage with respective arms 44 of the latch 18 described above with respect to FIG. 14. In particular, each rail 104 can include a plurality of protrusions configured to cooperate with a latch of the fitted ring socket 16 to selectively secure the interconnect module 10 to the ring socket 16. The rails 104 can face each other along the lateral direction A. The rails 104 can be disposed respectively laterally inwardly with respect to the module side surfaces 80 and 82 (see FIG. 3A). Thus, the rails 104 can be disposed between the module side surfaces 80 and 82 with respect to the lateral direction A (see FIG. 3A). The rails 104 can be integral with the module side surfaces 80 and 82, or can be separate structures from either or both of the module side surfaces 80 and 82. In this regard, the rails 104 can be independently mounted to the module substrate 32 as desired.

[0103] Each of the rails 104 can define at least one protrusion, such as a first protrusion 54a and a second protrusion 54b spaced apart from the first protrusion 54a in the longitudinal forward direction. The first protrusion 54a and the second protrusion 54b can extend downward. The first protrusion 54a can define a first forward inclined rail surface 58a that extends upward as it extends forward, and a first rear rail surface 58b that can be oriented or inclined substantially along the transverse direction T. The first protrusion 54a can define a first rail flat portion 58c that extends between the first forward inclined rail surface 58a and the first rear rail surface 58b. The second inclined protrusion 54b can define a second forward inclined rail surface 119a that extends upward as it extends forward, and a second rear inclined rail surface 119b that extends downward as it extends forward. The second protrusion can define a second rail flat portion 119c that extends between the second forward inclined rail surface 119a and the second rear inclined rail surface 119b.

[0104] Next, referring to FIG. 16A, the ring socket housing 50 can define at least one inclined housing surface 120 and at least one housing stop surface 122. The at least one housing stop surface 122 can be spaced apart from the at least one inclined housing surface 120 in the forward direction. The at least one inclined housing surface 120 can extend downward as it extends forward. Each of the at least one inclined housing surface 120 and the at least one housing stop surface 122 can be aligned with the latch arm 44. For example, a single continuous inclined housing surface 120 and a single continuous housing stop surface 122 can be aligned with each of the latch arms 144. Alternatively, first and second inclined housing surfaces 120 and first and second housing stop surfaces 122 can be aligned with respective ones of the latch arms 144.

[0105] The ring socket housing 50 can further define one or more pockets such as a first pocket 51a and a second pocket 51b. The second pocket 51b can be spaced apart from the first pocket 51a in the forward direction. As will be described, the recess 49 can define a chamfered or inclined forward recess surface with respect to the forward direction, which enables the recess to move from the first pocket 51a to the second pocket 51b. Alternatively or additionally, the first pocket 51a can be partially defined by a forwardly inclined surface that enables the recess 49 to exit the first pocket 51a and move into the second pocket 51b. The second pocket 51b can be partially defined by a rearwardly inclined surface that enables the recess 49 to move from the second pocket 51b to the first pocket 51a. Alternatively or additionally, the rear end portion of the recess 49 can be inclined to enable the recess 49 to move rearwardly from the second pocket 51b to the first pocket 51a.

[0106] Next, the operations of the latch 18 of the ring socket 16 and the rail 104 of the interconnect module 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C. In particular, the ring socket latch 18 is movable between a receiving position, a locking position, and an ejecting position with respect to the rail 104. The rail 204 may remain stationary while the latch 18 moves between its various positions. As shown in FIG. 16A, the interconnect module 10 is fitted with the ring socket 16 with the ring socket latch 18 in the receiving position. When the ring socket latch 18 is in the receiving position, the recesses 49 of the module latch arms 44 may be respectively disposed in the first pockets 51a. The alignment of the recesses 49 and the first pockets 51a helps to align the ring socket latch 18 in the receiving position. The receiving position can be an intermediate position between the minimum distance and the maximum distance of the latch actuator 19 from the ring socket housing 50. The first pocket 51a can be sized and positioned such that when the recess 49 attempts to move forward a distance sufficient for the recess 49 to move the ring socket latch 18 to the locking position, the recess 49 abuts against the ring socket housing 50 at the front end of the first pocket 51a. The abutment between the ring socket housing 50 and the recess 49 at the first end of the first pocket 51a prevents the ring socket latch 18 from inadvertently moving to the locking position. Further, when the ring socket latch 18 is disposed in the receiving position, each of the first upward lifters 46a of the latch 18 is respectively disposed between the first protrusion 54a and the second protrusion 54b of the rail 104 in the longitudinal direction. Further, each of the second upward lifters 46b of the latch 18 can be spaced apart from the second protrusion 54b in the forward direction.

[0107] When the latch 18 is in the receiving position shown in FIG. 16A, the locking bar 40 (see FIG. 14) of the ring socket latch 18 is spaced apart from the body ledge 41 of the locking projection 38 (see FIG. 13) of the module housing 34. Thus, the first interference is removed. Further, when the latch 18 is in the receiving position, the end portion 59 of the latch arm 44 is spaced rearwardly from the abutting member 45 of the interconnected module housing 34, and thus can be displaced from alignment with the abutting member 45. Thus, the second and third interferences are removed. Accordingly, the latch 18 does not prevent the interconnected module 10 from being fitted into the ring socket 16 in the manner described above. It is recognized that the fitted interconnected module 10 can be removed from the ring socket 16 when the latch 18 is in the receiving position. However, the latch 18 does not cause the interconnected module 10 to be disengaged from the ring socket 16 when the latch 18 is in the receiving position. Rather, as described below, the latch 18 can urge the fitted interconnecting member 10 to be removed from the ring socket 16 when the latch is in the eject position.

[0108] Next, referring to FIG. 16B, when an operating force is applied to the latch 18, for example, to the latch actuator 19, in a first direction toward the interconnect module housing 34, the latch 18 can move from the receiving position shown in FIG. 16A to the locking position shown in FIG. 16B. The latch actuator 19 is disposed closer to the ring socket housing 50 in the locking position as compared to when the latch actuator 19 is in the receiving position. As described above, interference can be involved when the latch 18 is in the locking position. In particular, the locking bar 40 (see FIG. 14) of the ring socket latch 18 is inserted into the opening of the locking projection 38. Thus, the locking bar 40 is aligned with the body ledge 41 of the locking projection 38 (see FIG. 13) in an upward direction away from the host substrate 20. Since the body ledge 41 is located at the rear end portion of the interconnect module 10, interference between the locking bar 40 and the body ledge 41 prevents the rear end portion of the interconnect module 10 from being removed from the ring socket 16. Further, the end portion 59 of the latch arm 44 is driven to a position aligned with the respective abutting member 45 of the interconnect module housing 34. In particular, the end portion 59 is adjacent to the abutting member 45 in the upward direction. Since the abutting member 45 of the interconnect module housing 34 can be located at the front end portion of the interconnect module housing 34, interference between the locking bar end portion 59 of the larch arm 44 and the abutting member 45 prevents the front end portion of the interconnect module 10 from being removed from the ring socket 16.

[0109] When the latch 18 moves from the receiving position to the locking position, the recess 49 translates from the first pocket 51a into the second pocket 51b. The abutment between the latch arm 44 and either or both of the interconnect module housing 34 and the ring socket housing 50 can limit the forward movement of the latch 18 as it moves from the receiving position to the locking position. For example, the first forward upward lifter 46a of the latch arm 44 can abut against the second protrusion 54b of the rail 104 respectively. In particular, the first forward inclined latch surface 107a of the first upward lifter 46a can abut against the second rearward inclined rail surface 119b of the second protrusion 54b. Further, the second downward lifter 105 of each latch arm 44 can abut against at least one housing stop surface 122. In particular, the front portion 105a of the forward inclined downward lifter surface of the downward lifter 105 can abut against at least one housing stop surface 122. The interference between the recess 49 and the rear end of the second pocket 51b can prevent inadvertent movement of the latch 18 from the locking position shown in FIG. 16B to the receiving position shown in FIG. 16A.

[0110] Next, referring to FIGS. 16B-16C, the latch 18 can move from the locking position to the receiving position and then to the ejection position. In particular, sufficient force is applied to the latch 18 in the rearward direction to move the latch 18 from the locking position to the receiving position and then from the receiving position to the ejection position. In particular, this force is sufficient to move the recess 49 from the second pocket 51b to the first pocket 51a. This force is further sufficient to move the recess 49 from the first pocket 51a to a position spaced rearwardly from the first pocket 51a when the latch is in the ejection position shown in FIG. 16C.

[0111] Referring particularly to FIG. 16C here, when the latch 18 is moved to the ejection position, the interference is removed in the manner described above with respect to the receiving position. Further, the first upward lifter 46a of the latch arm 44 travels rearward along the first protrusion 54a of the interconnect module housing 34. In particular, the first rearward inclined latch surface 107b of the first upward lifter 46a travels along the first forward inclined rail surface 58a of the first protrusion 54a. Thereby, the latch arm 44 biases the rear portion of the interconnect housing 34, and thus the interconnect module 10, away from the ring socket 16 in the upward release-fitting direction until the first upward lifter 46a rests on the flat portion 58c of the first protrusion 54a.

[0112] Continuing to refer to FIG. 16C, the rearward inclined downward lifter surface 105b of the downward lifter 105 of each latch arm 44 travels rearward from the receiving position along the respective at least one inclined housing surface 120. The downward lifter 105 can rest on the respective inclined housing surface 120, thereby further moving the rear portion of the interconnect module 10 away from the ring socket 16 in the upward release-fitting direction.

[0113] Further, the first upward lifter 46a and the downward lifter 105 each travel along the first protrusion 54a and the inclined housing surface 120, whereby the second upward lifter 46b of the latch arm 44 travels rearward along the second protrusion 54b of the interconnect module housing 34. In particular, the second rearward inclined latch surface 109b of the second upward lifter 46b travels along the second forward inclined rail surface 119a of the second protrusion 54b. Thereby, the latch arm 44 begins to urge the front portion of the interconnect housing 34, and thus the interconnect module 10, away from the ring socket 16 in the release direction. However, when the first upward lifter 46a and the downward lifter 105 of the latch arm 44 continue to travel along the first protrusion 54a and the inclined housing surface 120 respectively, the front portion of the interconnect module can move away from the ring socket 16, whereby the second protrusion 54b is spaced apart from the second lifter 46b in the upward release direction. In one embodiment, this causes the latch arm 44 to elastically flex and return to its initial shape after the interconnect module 10 is removed from the ring socket 16. When the interconnect module 10 is ejected from the ring socket 16 by the latch arm 44, the interconnect module 10 can be easily removed from the ring socket 16. Although the latch arm 44 cannot completely eject the interconnect module 10 from the ring socket 16, it is understood that the latch arm 44 ejects the interconnect module 10 a sufficient distance in the release direction so that the interconnect module 10 can be easily removed from the ring socket 16.

[0114] Referring again to FIGS. 16A - 16C, the longitudinal forward direction can be referred to as the locking direction in which the latch 18 moves from the receiving position to the locking position, and the longitudinal rearward direction can be referred to as the ejection direction in which the latch 18 moves from the locking position to the ejection position. In other embodiments, it should be readily understood that the latch arm 44, the rail 104, and the ring socket housing 50 can be configured such that the forward direction defines the ejection direction and the rearward direction defines the locking direction. However, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the rearward direction to define the ejection direction. In particular, when moving the latch 18 in the ejection direction, the latch 18 can experience the greatest force. The rearward movement of the latch 18 is caused by a pulling force in the rearward direction, which can better maintain the structural integrity of the latch with respect to the forward movement of the latch 18 caused by a pushing force moving the latch 18 in the ejection direction.

[0115] As described above, the interconnect assembly 17 can include a ring socket 16 and an interconnect module 10 that can be configured as an optical interconnect module that is an optical transmitter, receiver, or transceiver.

[0116] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 17, the interconnect module can be configured as an electrical interconnect module 110. Thus, the interconnect assembly 17 can include a ring socket 16 and an electrical interconnect module 110 configured as an electrical transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. The transceiver can provide the functions of both an electrical transmitter and an electrical receiver. The ring socket 16 configured to mate with the electrical interconnect module 110 can be identical to the above-described ring socket 16 configured to mate with the optical interconnect module 10. Thus, the ring socket 16 includes a ring socket housing 50, a ring socket latch 18, and all other structures of the above-described ring socket.

[0117] The electrical interconnection module 110 will be described with reference numerals incremented by 100 for corresponding elements of the optical interconnection module 10 for clarity and convenience. As will be described from the following description, the electrical interconnection module 110 may lack the optical block, engine board, frame, and cable latch assembly of the optical interconnection module 10. FIG. 17 shows the electrical interconnection module 110 positioned above the ring socket 16 along the transverse direction T and aligned to mate with the ring socket 16 in the mating direction 25. The electrical interconnection module 110 may be a low-profile electrical connector that can selectively mate and unmate with the ring socket in each of the mating and unmating directions that can be substantially perpendicular to the major upper surface 21 of the host substrate 20 on which the ring socket 16 is mounted. Thus, the interconnection module assembly may have the low profile described above.

[0118] The ring socket 16, particularly the rows of the ring socket housing 50 and the ring electrical contacts 26, may be configured to fully restrain the electrical interconnection module 110 along all directions substantially parallel to the major surface 21 of the host substrate 20 when the electrical interconnection module 110 mates with the ring socket 16. That is, the ring socket 16 may be configured to restrain the electrical interconnection module 110 along each of the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. Further, the ring socket latch 18 of the ring socket 16 can prevent the electrical interconnection module 110 from being unmated from the ring socket 16 along the transverse direction T, as described above with respect to the optical interconnection module 10.

[0119] The interconnect module 110 can include a module housing 134 and a plurality of module electrical contacts 124 supported by the module housing 134. The module housing 134 can be defined by a module body 139 that can define a base 199 and an outer frame 130 in the manner described above with respect to the interconnect module 10. The module electrical contacts 124 can be arranged in first and second columns that can be spaced apart along a lateral direction A. Adjacent ones of the module electrical contacts 124 in each column can be spaced apart from each other at a constant pitch along a longitudinal direction L. The pitch of the module electrical contacts 124 of the electrical interconnect module 110 can be the same as the pitch of the module electrical contacts 24 of the interconnect module 10 described above. The module electrical contacts 124 are configured to physically contact the ring electrical contacts 126 and provide an electrical connection therebetween when the electrical interconnect module 110 is mated with the ring socket 16. Thus, the optical interconnect module 10 and the electrical interconnect module 110 can be interchangeably mated with the ring socket 16.

[0120] The electrical interconnect module 110 may include a module substrate 132, which may be configured as a printed circuit board. The cable 122 is configured to be permanently mounted to the first major surface 225 (see FIG. 18B) of the module substrate 132. An interconnect module cable assembly may be defined when the cable 122 is mounted to the module substrate 132. Being permanently mounted means that the cable 122 cannot be removed from the module substrate 132 without damaging the cable 122, the module substrate 132, or both. In one embodiment, the cable 122 is soldered to the module substrate 132. The cable 122 can extend from the module housing 134, for example, along the longitudinal direction L. The cable 122 can be an electrical cable that is permanently mounted to the module substrate 132. The module substrate 132 can include electrical traces that send electrical signals from the cable 122 to each of the module electrical contacts 124. Thus, the cable 122 is in electrical communication with the module electrical contacts 124. In other embodiments, the cable 122 may be removable and reattachable to the electrical interconnect module 110 as desired. The electrical cable 122 can be a coaxial cable, a twinaxial cable, or any alternatively configured electrical cable. The cable 122 may be in data communication with the module electrical contacts 124, and it should be understood that electrical signals from the contacts 24 can be sent along the cable 22. Conversely, electrical signals received from the cable 22 can be sent to the module electrical contacts 24.

[0121] When the electrical interconnection module 110 is configured as an electrical transmitter, the interconnection module 110 receives an electrical signal from the host substrate 20 through the ring electrical contact 26 to the module electrical contact 124 when the electrical interconnection module 110 mates with the ring socket 16, and is configured to transmit the electrical signal from the module electrical contact 124 to the module substrate 132 and then to an external device along the electrical cable 122. As a receiver, the electrical interconnection module 110 is configured to receive a signal from the cable 122 and direct the signal to the interconnection module substrate 132, which sends the electrical signal to the module electrical contact 124. Thereafter, when the interconnection module 110 is mated with the ring socket 16, the electrical signal is sent from the module electrical contact to the ring contact 26 and finally to the host substrate 20.

[0122] Therefore, the electrical interconnection module 110 is configured to mate with the ring socket 16 to form an interconnection assembly 17 for high-speed data transmission. When the ring socket 16 is mounted on the host substrate 20 and the electrical interconnection module 110 is mated with the ring socket 16, the electrical interconnection module 110 is placed in a state of data communication such as electrical communication with the host substrate 20. The electrical interconnection module 110 can be arranged to mate perpendicularly to the ring socket 16 in the illustrated mating direction 25 oriented along the transverse direction T. The signal connection between the electrical interconnection module 110 and a corresponding receptacle connector such as the ring socket 16 can be essentially electrical, and can be established by mating at least one conductive contact such as the ring electrical contact 26 in the ring socket 16 with at least one corresponding conductive module contact 124 in the electrical interconnection module 110. The electrical connection can be established by inserting the electrical interconnection module 110 substantially downward or in the transverse mating direction 25 into the ring socket 16, the host substrate 20, or both. The contact force between one or more of the conductive module contacts 124 of the electrical interconnection module 110 and each corresponding one or more of the ring electrical contacts 26 of the ring socket 16 can be substantially perpendicular to the mating direction 25 between the electrical interconnection module 110 and the ring socket 16, for example, the illustrated lateral direction A. The downward mating direction 25 is defined in FIG. 17 as the direction perpendicular to the host substrate 20 and towards the host substrate 20 at the major surface 21 without first passing through the opposing major surface on the opposite side of the major surface 21.

[0123] Next, referring to FIGS. 17 to 18B, the electrical interconnection module 110 can include a module body 139 and a plurality of module electrical contacts 124 supported by the module body 139. For example, the module electrical contacts 124 can be supported by a frame 130. Thus, it can be said that the module electrical contacts 124 are supported by a module housing 134. The module housing 134 can include a module body 139 including a module base 199 and an outer frame 130. In this regard, the components of the module body 139 can also be regarded as the components of the module housing 134.

[0124] The outer frame 130 can extend along a transverse direction T with respect to the module base 199, particularly in the disengagement direction. The module base 199 can surround the outer 130 with respect to each of the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A. The module housing 134 including the module body 139 can be mounted on a second major surface 227 of a module substrate 132 on the opposite side of a first major surface 225. The module base 199 and the outer frame 130 can define a monolithic structure in one embodiment. In this regard, the module base 199 can be mounted on the module substrate 132, whereby the outer frame 130 is also mounted on the module substrate 132. Alternatively, the outer frame 130 can be mounted on the module substrate 132, whereby the module base 199 is also mounted on the module substrate 132. In still other embodiments, each of the module base 199 and the outer frame 130 can be mounted on the module substrate 134. For example, the module base 199 and the outer frame 130 can define separate structures as desired.

[0125] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 17 through 18B, the outer frame 130, and thus the module housing 134, can include sides and ends that extend along the transverse direction T with respect to the base 99. The sides can include a first module side 180 and a second opposing module side 182 that is opposite the first module side 180 along the lateral direction A. The ends can include a first module end 181 and a second module end 183 that face each other along the longitudinal direction L. The sides 180 and 182 and the ends 181 and 183 can extend in the transverse direction T from the base 199, particularly in the release direction. The module sides 180 and 182 can each extend between the first module end 181 and the second module end 183. For example, the module sides 180 and 182 can extend from the first module end 181 to the second module end 183. Thus, the module sides 180 and 182 and the module ends 181 and 183 can at least partially define the outer frame 130. The base 199 can surround the outer frame 130 that includes each of the module sides 180 and 182 and the module ends 181 and 183.

[0126] Module sides 180 and 182 can each extend a first distance along the longitudinal direction L, and module ends 181 and 183 can each extend a second distance along the transverse direction A. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. Module sides 180 and 182 and module ends 181 and 183 can cooperate to define an internal module void 185. The first direction or forward direction can extend along the longitudinal direction L from the second module end 183 towards the first module end 181. The second direction or rearward direction can extend along the longitudinal direction L from the second module end 183 towards the first module end 181. Thus, the front end of the module housing 134 can be defined by the second module end 183, and the rear end of the module housing 134 can be defined by the first module end 181. It should be understood that the terms "front" and its derivatives, as used with respect to any component such as the interconnect module 110, refer to a location in the forward direction, and the terms "rear" and its derivatives refer to a location in the rearward direction. Thus, the front portion can be spaced apart from the rear portion in the forward direction. Conversely, the rear portion can be spaced apart from the front portion in the rearward direction.

[0127] Module electrical contacts 124 can be supported by the module housing 134, and in particular, can be supported by the outer frame 130. The module electrical contacts 124 can be arranged in respective columns. For example, the first module side 180 and the second module side 182 can each carry a respective column of module electrical contacts 124. The module electrical contacts 124 can be constructed substantially identically to each other (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances). Each respective column of module electrical contacts 124 can be oriented parallel to each other. For example, these columns can be arranged along respective linear arrays extending along the longitudinal direction L. The module electrical contacts 124 can define mating ends that, when the electrical interconnect module 110 is mated to the ring socket 16, face away from the internal void 185 and thus towards the mating ends of the ring electrical contacts 126 (see FIGS. 17 and 20A - 20B).

[0128] The module electrical contact 124 can be supported by each of the first module side surface 180 and the second module side surface 182. The electrical interconnection module 110 may be lacking the module electrical contact 124 along the first module end 181 and the second module end 183. Thus, it can be said that the module electrical contact 124 can be arranged along two long sides of the electrical interconnection module 110. Therefore, the first and second columns of the module electrical contact 124 can be supported by the first module side surface 80 and the second module side surface 82 respectively. The module electrical contacts 124 can be arranged to have a uniform pitch between adjacent contacts. In one embodiment, it should be understood that all columns of the module electrical contacts 124 can be held by a single module housing 134. Alternatively, the electrical interconnection module 110 can include at least first and second bodies that support the first and second columns of the module electrical contacts 124 respectively. Each of the first and second bodies can be coupled to each other by at least one interconnection module mechanical link member that can be arranged at one or both of the respective longitudinal ends of the module housing 134. When the interconnection module 10 is fitted with the ring socket 16, the module electrical contact 24 on the first side surface 80 of the interconnection module 10 is fitted with the ring electrical contact 26 on the first side surface 76 of the ring socket 16, and the module electrical contact 24 on the second side surface of the interconnection module 10 is fitted with the ring electrical contact 26 on the second side surface of the ring socket 16 (see FIG. 17).

[0129] The module housing 134 can perform several functions. For example, the module housing 134 can hold the module electrical contacts 124 of each column of the electrical interconnection module 110. The module housing 134 can also provide a mechanical link for positioning and holding each column of the module electrical contacts 124 relative to each other. The module housing 134 can also provide a housing that defines a module internal void 185 to protect or seal the internal components of the electrical interconnection module 110 from the environment and can provide mechanical support for the cable 122.

[0130] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 17 - 18B, the electrical cable 122 and the module housing 134 are configured to be mounted on the major surfaces on both sides of the module substrate 132. The module substrate 132 defines a first major surface 225 and a second major surface 227 on the opposite side of the first major surface along the transverse direction T. The first major surface 225 can be an upper major surface, and the second major surface 227 can be a lower major surface spaced from the first major surface 225 in the fitting direction. Thus, the first major surface 225 can be spaced from the second major surface 227 in the fitting release direction. The second major surface 227 can face the host substrate 20 when the electrical interconnection module 110 is fitted into the ring socket 116. The electrical cable 122 can be mounted on the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132. The module housing 134 and the module electrical contacts 124 can be mounted on the second major surface 227 of the module substrate 132. The first major surface 225 and the second major surface 227 can be defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction A, and thus can be perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

[0131] The electrical interconnection module 110 can also include an electrically insulating module cover 211 configured to be mounted on the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132. The cover 211 can include a base 213 and first and second arms 212 that face each other along a lateral direction A and extend from the base 213. The arms 212 extend from the base 213 in a downward fitting direction and are elongated along a longitudinal direction L. The arms 212 can be spaced sufficiently apart from each other such that the cable 122 can be disposed between the arms 212 when the cover 211 is mounted on the module substrate 132. The base 213 can extend from the arms 212 in the longitudinal direction L so as to define an overhang 215. The overhang 215 can extend in the longitudinal forward direction in one embodiment. The overhang 215 can define an inner surface 214 facing the module substrate 132.

[0132] The arms 212 are mounted on the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132, and the base 213 is spaced from the module substrate 132 along a transverse direction. The electrical cable 122 extends between the base 213 and the module substrate 132 and terminates at the location where the electrical cable 122 is mounted on the first major surface 255 of the module substrate 132. The module housing 134 can be mounted on the module substrate 132, particularly on the second major surface 227 of the module substrate 132, in the manner described above. Thus, the base 199 and the outer frame 130 can extend from the second major surface 227 in the fitting direction.

[0133] The interconnect module 110 can include an organizer clip 252 disposed between the overhang 215 and the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132 with respect to the transverse direction T. The organizer clip 252 can cooperate with the cover 121 to bundle the first row of cables 122, and the organizer clip 252 can cooperate with the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132 to bundle the second row of cables 122. Thus, the cable 122 can extend along the longitudinal direction L through the clip 252 to respective locations between the arms 212 where the cable 122 is mounted to the module substrate 132. The first and second rows of the cable 122 can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction. In one embodiment, the cover 211 can include a plurality of cover grooves 250 that extend along the transverse direction T, face in the mating direction, and thus extend within the surface of the overhang 215 that faces the module substrate 132. The cover grooves 250 can be elongated along the longitudinal direction L. The organizer clip 252 can define a first row of clip grooves 251 that extend within the first surface of the organizer clip 252 facing the cover 211 along the transverse direction. For example, the first surface of the organizer clip 252 can face the overhang 215. The first row of clip grooves 251 can be aligned with each of the cover grooves 250, and the aligned pairs of the first row of clip grooves 251 and the cover grooves 250 receive respective ones of the first row of cables 122. Thus, the first row of cables 122 is captured between each of the aligned cover grooves 250 and the first row of clip grooves 251. The organizer clip 252 can define a second row of clip grooves 253 that extend within the second surface of the organizer clip 252 facing the module substrate 132 along the transverse direction. For example, the second surface of the organizer clip 252 can face the first major surface 225 of the module substrate 132. The clip grooves 253 of the second row of clip grooves 253 can be sized such that the second row of cables 122 is captured by the clip grooves 253 and the module substrate 132, respectively. The cable 122 can be configured as a coaxial cable or a twinaxial cable, as desired.

[0134] It should be understood that the organizer clip 252 can also provide strain relief for the cable 122. In particular, the organizer clip 252 can cooperate with the cover 121 to provide compression against the outer insulation jacket of the cables 122 in the first row. Thus, the tensile force applied to the cables 122 in the first row is absorbed by either or both of the organizer clip 252 and the cover 121. Therefore, the tensile force does not act on the mounting interface between each conductor of the cable 122 and the substrate 132. Similarly, the organizer clip 252 can cooperate with the substrate 132 to compress the cables 122 in the second row. Thus, the tensile force applied to the cables 122 in the second row is absorbed by either or both of the organizer clip 252 and the substrate 132. Therefore, the tensile force does not act on the mounting interface between each conductor of the cable 122 and the substrate 132. In this regard, the organizer clip 252 can also be referred to as a strain relief clip. The cover 121 can also be referred to as a strain relief member that cooperates with the strain relief clip to provide strain relief for the cables 122 in the first row.

[0135] For example, referring to FIG. 18C, it should be understood that cable 122 can be bundled according to any suitable alternative embodiment as desired. As shown, cable 122 can be configured as a twinaxial cable or, if desired, as a coaxial cable. Cover 211 can define a cover groove 257 sized to receive each of twinaxial cables 122. Cover 211 may lack overhang 215. Instead, arm 212 can extend to the rear end of cover 211. Cover 211 can be configured to bundle cable 122 and feed cable 122 to module substrate 132 on which cable 122 is mounted. Cover 211 can define a cover groove 257 extending within the surface of cover 211 facing module substrate 132. Cover groove 257 can be elongated along longitudinal direction L so as to guide the received cable 122 forward to a location between arms 212 where cable 122 is mounted to module substrate 132. Further, the surface of cover 211 can abut module substrate 132. Cover groove 257 can be sized to receive each of cables 122. The signal conductors of the twinaxial cable can be adjacent to each other along transverse direction A when received in cover groove 257. It should be understood that cover groove 257 can be sized in any manner as desired. In one embodiment, each of cover grooves 257 can be sized to receive one or more of cables 122 as desired. For example, each of cover grooves 257 can be sized to receive the first and second cables of cables 122 as desired. In particular, each of cover grooves 257 can be sized to receive a pair of cables 122 aligned with each other along transverse direction T. Further, each of cover grooves 257 can be sized to receive a first and a second pair of cables 122 aligned with each other along transverse direction T. The first pair and the second pair can be directly adjacent to each other along transverse direction A. By directly adjacent pairs of cables 122 is meant that no other of cables 122 is disposed between directly adjacent pairs of cables 122.As shown, different first and second directly adjacent pairs of cables 122 aligned with each other along the transverse direction T are received in respective ones of the cover grooves 257 and terminate at respective locations between the base 213 and the module substrate 132 with respect to the transverse direction T.

[0136] It should be understood that the cover 121 can also provide strain relief to the cables 122. In particular, the cover 121 can cooperate with the module substrate 132 to provide compression against the outer insulating jacket of the cable 122 received in the groove 257. Thus, the tensile force applied to the cable 122 is absorbed by any one, two, or all of the adjacent ones of the organizer clip 252, the module substrate 132, and the cable 122. Therefore, the tensile force does not act on the mounting interface between each conductor of the cable 122 and the substrate 132.

[0137] Next, referring to FIGS. 18A-19C, the outer frame 130, and thus the module housing 134, can include at least one rail 204, such as first and second rails 204, configured to engage respective arms 44 of the latches 18 of the ring sockets 16 as described above with respect to FIG. 14. In particular, each rail 104 can include a plurality of protrusions configured to interlock with the latches of the mating ring sockets 16 so as to selectively secure the interconnect module 10 to the ring sockets 16. The rails 104 can face each other along the transverse direction A. The rails 204 can be disposed transversely inwardly with respect to the module sides 180 and 182, respectively (see FIG. 18A). Thus, the rails 204 can be disposed between the module sides 180 and 182 with respect to the transverse direction A (see FIG. 18A). The rails 204 can be integral with the module sides 180 and 182, or can be a separate structure from one or both of the module sides 180 and 182. In this regard, the rails 204 can be independently mounted to the module substrate 132 as desired.

[0138] Each of the rails 204 can define at least one protrusion, such as a first protrusion 154a and a second protrusion 154b spaced apart from the first protrusion 154a in the forward direction. The first protrusion 154a and the second protrusion 154b can extend downward. The first protrusion 154a can define a first forwardly inclined rail surface 158a that extends upward as it extends forward, and a first rearward rail surface 158b that can be oriented or inclined substantially along the transverse direction T. The first protrusion 154a can define a first rail flat portion 158c that extends between the first forwardly inclined rail surface 158a and the first rearward rail surface 158b. The second inclined protrusion 154b can define a second forwardly inclined rail surface 219a that extends upward as it extends forward, and a second rearwardly inclined rail surface 219b that extends downward as it extends forward. The second protrusion can define a second rail flat portion 219c that extends between the second forwardly inclined rail surface 219a and the second rearwardly inclined rail surface 219b.

[0139] Next, the operation of the latch 18 of the ring socket 16 and the rail 204 of the electrical interconnection module 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20A - 20C. In particular, the ring socket latch 18 is movable relative to the rail 204 between a receiving position, a locking position, and an ejecting position. The rail 204 can remain stationary as the latch 18 moves between its various positions. As shown in FIG. 20A, the interconnection module 110 is mated with the ring socket 16 with the ring socket latch 18 in the receiving position. When the ring socket latch 18 is in the receiving position, the recesses 49 of the module latch arms 44 can be respectively disposed in the first pockets 51a. The alignment of the recesses 49 and the first pockets 51a helps to align the ring socket latch 18 in the receiving position. The receiving position can be an intermediate position between the minimum and maximum distances of the latch actuator 19 from the ring socket housing 50. The first pocket 51a can be sized and positioned such that when the recess 49 attempts to move forward a distance sufficient to move the ring socket latch 18 to the locking position, the recess 49 abuts the ring socket housing 50 at the front end of the first pocket 51a. The abutment between the ring socket housing 50 and the recess 49 at the first end of the first pocket 51a prevents the ring socket latch 18 from inadvertently moving to the locking position. Further, when the ring socket latch 18 is disposed in the receiving position, each of the first upward lifters 46a of the latch 18 is respectively disposed between the first protrusion 154a and the second protrusion 154b of the rail 204 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. Further, each of the second upward lifters 46b of the latch 18 can be spaced apart from the second protrusion 154b in the forward direction.

[0140] When the latch 18 is in the receiving position shown in FIG. 20A, the lock bar 40 (see FIG. 14) of the ring socket latch 18 is spaced apart from the body ledge 141 of the lock projection 138 (see FIG. 18A) of the module housing 134. Thus, the first interference is removed. Further, when the latch 18 is in the receiving position, the end portion 59 of the latch arm 44 is spaced rearwardly from the abutting member 145 of the interconnect module housing 134 and can thus be displaced out of alignment with the abutting member 145. Thus, the second and third interferences are removed. Accordingly, the latch 18 does not prevent the electrical interconnect module 110 from being fitted into the ring socket 16 in the manner described above. It is recognized that when the latch 18 is in the receiving position, the fitted electrical interconnect module 110 can be removed from the ring socket 16. However, the latch 18 does not cause the electrical interconnect module 110 to be disengaged from the ring socket 16 when the latch 18 is in the receiving position. Rather, as will be described below, when the latch 18 is in the eject position, the latch 18 can urge the fitted interconnect member 110 out of the ring socket 16.

[0141] Next, referring to FIG. 20B, when an operating force is applied to the latch 18, for example, to the latch actuator 19, in a first or forward direction toward the interconnect module housing 134, the latch 18 can move from the receiving position shown in FIG. 20A to the locking position shown in FIG. 20B. The latch actuator 19 is disposed closer to the ring socket housing 50 in the locking position as compared to when the latch actuator 19 is in the receiving position. As described above, interference can be involved when the latch 18 is in the locking position. In particular, the lock bar 40 (see FIG. 14) of the ring socket latch 18 is inserted into the opening of the lock projection 138 (see FIG. 18A). Thus, the lock bar 40 is aligned with the body ledge 141 of the lock projection 138 (see FIG. 18A) in an upward direction away from the host substrate 20. Since the body ledge 141 is located at the rear end portion of the interconnect module 10, interference between the lock bar 40 and the body ledge 141 prevents the rear end portion of the electrical interconnect module 110 from being removed from the ring socket 16. Further, the end portion 59 of the latch arm 44 is driven to a position aligned with the respective abutting members 145 of the interconnect module housing 34. In particular, the end portion 59 is adjacent to the abutting member 145 in an upward direction. Since the abutting member 145 of the interconnect module housing 134 can be located at the front end portion of the interconnect module housing 134, interference between the lock bar end portion 59 of the latch arms 44 and the abutting member 145 prevents the front end portion of the interconnect module 10 from being removed from the ring socket 16.

[0142] When the latch 18 moves from the receiving position to the locking position, the recess 49 translates from the first pocket 51a into the second pocket 51b. The abutment between the latch arm 44 and either or both of the interconnect module housing 134 and the ring socket housing 50 can limit the forward movement of the latch 18 when the latch 18 moves from the receiving position to the locking position. For example, the first forward upward lifter 46a of the latch arm 44 can abut against the second protrusion 154b of the rail 204 respectively. In particular, the first forward inclined latch surface 107a of the first upward lifter 46a can abut against the second rearward inclined rail surface 119b of the second protrusion 154b. Further, the downward lifter 105 of each latch arm 44 can abut against at least one housing stop surface 122. In particular, the front portion 105a of the forward inclined downward lifter surface of the downward lifter 105 can abut against at least one housing stop surface 122. The interference between the recess 49 and the rear end of the second pocket 51b can prevent the inadvertent movement of the latch 18 from the locking position shown in FIG. 20B to the receiving position shown in FIG. 20A.

[0143] Next, referring to FIGS. 20B-20C, the latch 18 can move from the locking position to the receiving position and then to the ejection position. In particular, sufficient force is applied to the latch 18 in the rearward direction to move the latch 18 from the locking position to the receiving position and then from the receiving position to the ejection position in the rearward direction. In particular, this force is sufficient to move the recess 49 from the second pocket 51b to the first pocket 51a. This force is further sufficient to move the recess 49 from the first pocket 51a to a position spaced rearwardly from the first pocket 51a when the latch 18 is in the ejection position shown in FIG. 20C.

[0144] Referring specifically to FIG. 20C here, when the latch 18 is moved to the ejection position, the interference is removed in the manner described above with respect to the receiving position. Further, the first upward lifter 46a of the latch arm 44 travels rearward along the first protrusion 154a of the interconnect module housing 134. In particular, the first rearward inclined latch surface 107b of the first upward lifter 46a travels along the first forward inclined rail surface 158a of the first protrusion 154a. Thereby, the latch arm 44 biases the rear portion of the interconnect housing 134, and thus the interconnect module 110, away from the ring socket 16 in the upward release fitting direction until the first upward lifter 46a rests on the flat portion 158c of the first protrusion 154a.

[0145] Continuing to refer to FIG. 20C, the rearward inclined downward lifter surface 105b of the downward lifter 105 of each latch arm 44 travels rearward from the receiving position along the respective at least one inclined housing surface 120. The downward lifter 105 can rest on the respective inclined housing surface 120, thereby further moving the rear portion of the interconnect module 110 away from the ring socket 16 in the upward release fitting direction.

[0146] Furthermore, the first upward lifter 46a and the downward lifter 105 each travel along the first protrusion 154a and the inclined housing surface 120, whereby the second upward lifter 46b of the latch arm 44 travels rearward along the second protrusion 154b of the interconnect module housing 134. In particular, the second rearward inclined latch surface 109b of the second upward lifter 46b travels along the second forward inclined rail surface 219a of the second protrusion 154b. Thereby, the latch arm 44 begins to urge the front portion of the interconnect housing 134, and thus the interconnect module 110, away from the ring socket 16 in the disengagement direction. However, when the first upward lifter 46a and the downward lifter 105 of the latch arm 44 continue to travel along the first protrusion 154a and the inclined housing surface 120, respectively, the front portion of the interconnect module can move away from the ring socket 16, whereby the second protrusion 154b is separated from the second lifter 46b in the upward disengagement direction. In one embodiment, this causes the latch arm 44 to elastically bend and be able to return to its initial shape after the interconnect module 10 is removed from the ring socket 16. Once the interconnect module 110 is ejected from the ring socket 16 by the latch arm 44, the interconnect module 110 can be easily removed from the ring socket 16. It is understood that the latch arm 44 cannot completely eject the interconnect module 110 from the ring socket 16, but can eject the interconnect module 110 a sufficient distance in the disengagement direction so that the interconnect module can be easily removed from the ring socket 16.

[0147] Referring again to FIGS. 20A - 20C, the longitudinal forward direction can be referred to as the locking direction in which the latch 18 moves from the receiving position to the locking position, and the longitudinal rearward direction can be referred to as the ejection direction in which the latch 18 moves from the locking position to the ejection position. In other embodiments, it should be readily understood that the latch arm 44, rail 204, and ring socket housing 50 can be configured such that the forward direction defines the ejection direction and the rearward direction defines the locking direction. However, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the rearward direction to define the ejection direction. In particular, when moving the latch 18 in the ejection direction, the latch 18 can experience the greatest force. The rearward movement of the latch 18 is caused by a pulling force in the rearward direction, which can better maintain the structural integrity of the latch with respect to the forward movement of the latch 18 caused by the pushing force moving the latch 18 in the ejection direction.

[0148] The terms "upward", "upper", "up", "above", and their derivatives are used herein with respect to the upward direction. The terms "downward", "lower", "down", "below", and their derivatives are used herein with respect to the downward direction. Of course, it should be understood that the actual orientation of the interconnect module assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 17 can change during use, and the terms "upward" and "downward" and their respective derivatives can be used consistently as described herein regardless of the orientation of the vertical insertion interconnect system and its components during use.

[0149] It should be understood that the illustrations and discussions of the embodiments shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure contemplates various embodiments. Further, it should be understood that the concepts described above, together with the embodiments described above, may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described above. It should be further understood that the various alternative embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment are applicable to all embodiments described herein unless otherwise indicated.

[0150] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) An interconnection module configured to fit with a ring socket, the interconnection module comprising: a module substrate; a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second opposing ends; a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side surfaces; and the module housing is configured to engage with a ring socket latch of the ring socket and is selectively configured to: 1) fit with and be disengaged from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position; and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position. (2) The interconnection module according to embodiment 1, wherein the module housing is configured to be received by the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the first position. (3) The module housing includes protrusions configured to abut against respective raised portions of the ring socket latch so as to discharge the interconnection module from the ring socket, the interconnection module according to Embodiment 1 or 2. (4) The first and second protrusions among the protrusions are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction, and the ring socket module latch is movable in translation along the longitudinal direction between the first position, the second position, and the third position, the interconnection module according to Embodiment 2 or 3. (5) The module housing includes first and second rails, and the first and second rails respectively define the first and second protrusions among the protrusions, the interconnection module according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[0151] (6) Each of the protrusions defines an inclined surface, the interconnection module according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 5. (7) The first and second opposite ends of the module housing are configured to be fixed to the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position, the interconnection module according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6. (8) The module housing includes a body ledge configured to abut against a lock bar of the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position and prevent the interconnection module from being disengaged from the ring socket, the interconnection module according to Embodiment 7. (9) The ring socket includes a channel in the module housing that defines the body ledge, the interconnection module according to Embodiment 8. (10) Further includes a contact member configured to abut against a front portion of the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position and prevent the interconnection module from being disengaged from the ring socket, the interconnection module according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 9.

[0152] (11) The module housing defines a channel sized to receive the front portion of the ring socket latch, the channel defining the abutting member, the interconnect module according to embodiment 10. (12) The abutting member and the body leg are disposed at opposite ends of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11. (13) Configured to be mounted on an interconnect module substrate, further including a heat spreader, the heat spreader facing away from the interconnect module substrate when the interconnect module is mounted on the interconnect module substrate, defining a portion of the upper surface of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12. (14) The heat spreader forms most of the upper surface of the interconnect module and is positioned within a hole of the module housing, the interconnect module according to embodiment 13. (15) Further including a cable latch supported by the module housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the interconnect module is configured to receive a removable cable assembly, and in the closed position, the cable latch is configured to fix the received removable cable assembly to the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14.

[0153] (16) The removable cable assembly includes a cable and a cable ferrule terminating an end of the cable, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 15. (17) The cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with respect to two precision holes or dowels within or supported by the MT ferrule, the interconnect module according to embodiment 16. (18) Further comprising an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, the cable ferrule being fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 16 or 17. (19) The cable latch rotates about a pivot axis between the open position and the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18. (20) Comprising a pivot mandrel supported by the module housing, the cable latch being connected to the pivot mandrel, the pivot mandrel defining the pivot axis, the interconnect module according to embodiment 19.

[0154] (21) The pivot mandrel is disposed within a slot of the module housing, the interconnect module according to embodiment 20. (22) The pivot mandrel is movable longitudinally within a frame slot, the interconnect module according to embodiment 21. (23) The pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the interconnect module according to embodiment 22. (24) The cable latch includes at least one compression member configured to apply a holding force to the cable assembly to hold the cable assembly when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 21 to 23. (25) The compression member is configured to apply a holding force to the surface of the ferrule, the compression member passing over the entire surface of the ferrule when the cable latch moves from the open position to the closed position and when the cable latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 16 to 24.

[0155] (26) The holding force is the interconnect module according to embodiment 24 or 25 that biases the ferrule of the cable assembly against the optical block of the interconnect module. (27) Each compression member is the interconnect module according to any of embodiments 24 to 26 that elastically deforms when the cable ferrule is fitted to the interconnect module and the cable latch is in the closed position. (28) The force supplied by the elastic deformation of the compression member defines the holding force, which is the interconnect module according to embodiment 27. (29) The module housing defines an inclined surface configured to engage the cable latch so as to elastically deform the compression member, which is the interconnect module according to any of embodiments 24 to 28. (30) The cable latch advances along the inclined surface, thereby causing the pivot mandrel to translate within the slot to the end of the slot, which is the interconnect module according to embodiment 29.

[0156] (31) Further engagement between the cable latch and the inclined surface elastically compresses the compression member, which is the interconnect module according to embodiment 30. (32) Movement of the cable latch from the open position to the closed position causes the pivot mandrel attached to the cable latch and disposed within the slot of the module housing to move to the end of the slot, which is the interconnect module according to any of embodiments 15 to 31. (33) When the cable latch is further moved toward the closed position after the pivot mandrel is disposed at the end of the slot, the compression member of the cable latch elastically deforms, thereby applying a holding force to the cable assembly, which is the interconnect module according to embodiment 32. (34) The cable latch includes at least one attachment member, and the at least one attachment member is releasably attached to the module housing when the cable latch is in the closed position, thereby being configured to hold the cable latch in the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 15 to 33. (35) The cable latch includes first and second latch arms respectively supported by respective attachment members, the interconnect module according to embodiment 34.

[0157] (36) The attachment member is configured as a lance configured to mechanically interfere with an associated frame ledge of the module housing so as to capture the cable latch in the closed position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 34 or 35. (37) The latch arm is elastically deformable so as to remove the attachment member from the module housing, thereby enabling the cable latch to move from the closed position towards the open position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 35 or 36. (38) The interconnect module according to embodiment 37, configured to receive a tool configured to elastically deform the latch arm. (39) The tool is a C-ring plier, the interconnect module according to embodiment 38. (40) The tool is a cable discharge tool having at least one latch release hook, and each latch release hook is configured to engage the latch arm, the interconnect module according to embodiment 38 or 39.

[0158] (41) Each latch release hook is configured to engage with respective recesses defined by the latch arms so as to elastically compress the latch arms towards each other, thereby releasing the latch arms from the module housing 34, the interconnect module according to embodiment 40. (42) The cable latch according to any one of embodiments 15 to 41, including at least one stabilizing arm configured to compress the cable ferrule when the cable latch is in the closed position. (43) The at least one stabilizing arm defines a spring arm that contacts and compresses the ferrule when the latch is in the closed position, and the at least one stabilizing arm applies a force that resists a change in the angular orientation of the ferrule. The interconnect module according to embodiment 42. (44) The force is a spring force. The interconnect module according to embodiment 43. (45) The at least one stabilizing arm includes first and second stabilizing arms spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ring socket latch moves between respective positions that configure the ring socket to: 1) selectively engage and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position; and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position. The interconnect module according to embodiment 43 or 44.

[0159] (46) The at least one stabilizing arm compresses the upper surface of the cable ferrule. The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 43 to 45. (47) The cable latch is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the cable latch. The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 15 to 46. (48) An interconnect module cable assembly including the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 47 and a removable cable assembly according to any one of embodiments 15 to 46. (49) The module housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing. The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 48. (50) The interconnect module according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 47, including an optical transceiver, an optical transmitter, or an optical receiver.

[0160] (51) The interconnect module according to Embodiment 50, wherein the optical transceiver, the optical transmitter, or the optical receiver includes an optical engine, and the optical engine is sealed from the environment. (52) The interconnect module according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 47, wherein the cable latch is permanently supported by the module housing. (53) The interconnect module according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, further including an electrical cable mounted on the module substrate. (54) The interconnect module according to Embodiment 53, including an electrical transceiver, an electrical transmitter, or an electrical receiver. (55) The interconnect module according to Embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the module housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing.

[0161] (56) An interconnect module configured to fit with a ring socket, the interconnect module including a module substrate, and a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining a first and a second opposing end, and first and second opposing sides extending between the first and the second opposing ends, a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing sides, Means for engaging with the ring socket latch of the ring socket, which are configured to: 1) selectively engage with and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position; and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position. An interconnection module including the same. (57) The interconnection module according to embodiment 56, wherein the module housing is configured to be received by the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the first position. (58) The interconnection module according to embodiment 56 or 57, further including means for abutting against the ring socket latch to eject the interconnection module from the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the third position. (59) The interconnection module according to any one of embodiments 56 to 58, including means for fixing to the ring socket latch at first and second opposing ends of the module housing when the ring socket latch is in the second position. (60) The interconnection module according to any one of embodiments 56 to 59, including means for dissipating heat from the interconnection module.

[0162] (61) The interconnection module according to any one of embodiments 56 to 60, further including means for releasably fixing a removable cable assembly. (62) The interconnection module according to embodiment 61, wherein the removable cable assembly includes a cable and a cable ferrule for terminating an end of the cable. (63) The interconnection module according to embodiment 62, wherein the cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with two precision holes or dowels located within or supported by the MT ferrule. (64) The interconnect module according to embodiment 62 or 63, further comprising an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, wherein the cable ferrule is fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position. (65) The interconnect module according to embodiment 64, wherein the means for releasably fixing includes means for applying a holding force to the cable assembly that fixes the MT ferrule to the optical block.

[0163] (66) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 61 to 65, wherein the means for releasably fixing includes means for releasably attaching the means for releasably fixing to the module housing. (67) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 62 to 66, further comprising means for resisting a change in the angular orientation of the ferrule. (68) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 56 to 60, further comprising an electrical cable mounted on the module substrate. (69) An interconnect module, a module substrate, a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides extending between the first and second opposing ends, a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns along the first and second opposing sides respectively, a cable latch supported by the module housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the interconnect module is configured to receive a removable cable assembly, and in the closed position, the cable latch is configured to fix the received removable cable assembly to the interconnect module, An interconnection module including (70) The module housing further includes a body ledge on a locking protrusion configured to receive a latch of the ring socket to fix the interconnection module to the ring socket when the interconnection module is fitted into the ring socket, the interconnection module according to embodiment 69.

[0164] (71) The interconnection module according to embodiment 70 further includes an abutting member configured to abut against a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnection module from being disengaged from the ring socket. (72) The interconnection module according to embodiment 71, wherein the abutting member and the body ledge are disposed at opposite ends of the interconnection module respectively. (73) The module housing defines a channel configured to receive the latch, and the channel defines the abutting member, the interconnection module according to embodiment 71 or 72. (74) The interconnection module according to embodiment 69 further includes an abutting member configured to abut against a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnection module from being disengaged from the ring socket. (75) The module housing includes a plurality of protrusions configured to abut against respective raised portions of the ring socket latch so as to eject the interconnection module from the ring socket, the interconnection module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 74.

[0165] (76) The module housing includes first and second rails, and the first and second rails respectively define first and second protrusions, the interconnection module according to embodiment 75. (77) Each protrusion defines an inclined surface, the interconnection module according to embodiment 75 or 76. (78) Configured to be implemented on an interconnect module substrate, further including a heat spreader, the heat spreader defining a part of the upper surface of the interconnect module that faces away from the interconnect module substrate when the interconnect module is implemented on the interconnect module substrate, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 77. (79) The heat spreader is positioned within a hole of the module housing that forms a majority of the upper surface of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to embodiment 78. (80) The removable cable assembly includes a cable and a cable ferrule that terminates an end of the cable, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 79.

[0166] (81) The cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with respect to two precision holes or dowels that are within or supported by the MT ferrule, the interconnect module according to embodiment 80. (82) Further including an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, the cable ferrule being fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 80 or 81. (83) The cable latch rotates about a pivot axis between the open position and the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 80 to 82. (84) Including a pivot mandrel supported by the module housing, the cable latch being connected to the pivot mandrel, the pivot mandrel defining the pivot axis, the interconnect module according to embodiment 83. (85) The pivot mandrel is disposed within a slot of the module housing, the interconnect module according to embodiment 84.

[0167] (86) The pivot mandrel is movable longitudinally within the frame slot, the interconnect module according to embodiment 85. (87) The pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the interconnect module according to embodiment 86. (88) The cable latch includes at least one compression member configured to apply a holding force to the cable assembly to hold the cable assembly when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 85 to 87. (89) The holding force biases the ferrule of the cable assembly against the optical block of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to embodiment 88. (90) Each compression member elastically deforms when the cable ferrule is fitted into the interconnect module and the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 88 or 89.

[0168] (91) The force supplied by the elastic deformation of the compression member defines the holding force, the interconnect module according to embodiment 90. (92) The module housing defines an inclined surface configured to engage the cable latch to elastically deform the compression member, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 88 to 91. (93) The cable latch advances along the inclined surface, thereby translating the pivot mandrel to the end of the slot within the slot, the interconnect module according to embodiment 92. (94) Further engagement between the cable latch and the inclined surface elastically compresses the compression member, the interconnect module according to embodiment 93. (95) By moving the cable latch from the open position to the closed position, a pivot mandrel attached to the cable latch and disposed within a slot of the module housing moves to an end of the slot, the interconnect module according to any of embodiments 69 to 82.

[0169] (96) After the pivot mandrel is disposed at the end of the slot, further moving the cable latch toward the closed position causes an elastic deformation of a compression member of the cable latch, whereby a holding force is applied to the cable assembly, the interconnect module according to embodiment 95. (97) The cable latch includes at least one attachment member, the at least one attachment member being releasably attached to the module housing when the cable latch is in the closed position, thereby configured to hold the cable latch in the closed position, the interconnect module according to any of embodiments 69 to 96. (98) The cable latch includes first and second arms respectively supported by respective attachment members, the interconnect module according to embodiment 97. (99) The attachment member is configured as a lance configured to mechanically interfere with a related frame ledge of the module housing so as to capture the cable latch in the closed position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 97 or 98. (100) The arms are elastically deformable to remove the attachment member from the module housing, thereby enabling the cable latch to move from the closed position toward the open position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 98 or 99.

[0170] (101) Configured to receive a tool configured to elastically deform the arms, the interconnect module according to embodiment 100. (102) The tool is a C-ring plier, the interconnect module according to embodiment 101. (103) The tool is a cable discharge tool having two latch release hooks, each latch release hook being configured to engage the arm, the interconnect module according to embodiment 102. (104) Each latch release hook is configured to engage each recess defined by the arm, the interconnect module according to embodiment 103. (105) The cable latch includes at least one stabilizing arm configured to compress the cable ferrule when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 104.

[0171] (106) The at least one stabilizing arm defines a spring arm that contacts and compresses the ferrule when the latch is in the closed position, the at least one stabilizing arm applying a force that resists a change in the angular orientation of the ferrule, the interconnect module according to embodiment 105. (107) The force is a spring force, the interconnect module according to embodiment 106. (108) The at least one stabilizing arm includes first and second stabilizing arms spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ring socket latch moves between respective positions that cause the ring socket to: 1) selectively engage and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position to prevent the interconnect module from disengaging from the ring socket; and 3) be discharged from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position, the interconnect module according to embodiment 106 or 107. (109) The at least one stabilizing arm compresses the upper surface of the cable ferrule, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 105 to 108. (110) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 109, wherein the housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing.

[0172] (111) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 110, wherein the cable latch is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the cable latch. (112) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 111, comprising an optical transceiver, an optical transmitter, or an optical receiver. (113) The interconnect module according to embodiment 112, wherein the optical transceiver, the optical transmitter, or the optical receiver comprises an optical engine, and the optical engine is sealed from the environment. (114) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 113, wherein the cable latch is permanently supported by the module housing. (115) An interconnect module cable assembly comprising the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 69 to 114 and a removable cable assembly according to any one of embodiments 69 to 114.

[0173] (116) An interconnect module, a module substrate, a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second opposing ends, a plurality of module electrical contacts disposed in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side surfaces, means for selectively receiving and securing a removable cable assembly to the interconnect module, comprising an interconnect module. The interconnect module according to embodiment 116, further comprising means for fixing the interconnect module to the ring socket when the interconnect module is fitted into the ring socket. (118) The interconnect module according to embodiment 117, further comprising means for abutting against a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket. (119) The interconnect module according to embodiment 118, wherein the means for fixing and the means for abutting are disposed at opposite ends of the interconnect module respectively. (120) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 117 to 119, comprising means for discharging the interconnect module from the ring socket.

[0174] (121) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 116 to 120, further comprising means for dissipating heat from the interconnect module. (122) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 116 to 121, wherein the means for selectively receiving and fixing comprises means for applying a holding force for fixing the removable cable assembly to the interconnect module to the cable assembly. (123) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 116 to 122, wherein the means for selectively receiving and fixing comprises means for resisting a change in the angular orientation of a ferrule of the removable cable assembly. (124) The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 116 to 123, comprising means for attaching the means for selectively receiving and fixing to the module housing. (125) The interconnect module according to embodiment 124, comprising means for removing the means for selectively receiving and fixing from the module housing.

[0175] (126) A ring socket, An electrical insulating ring socket housing having first and second ends facing each other along a longitudinal direction, and first and second sides facing each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the sides extend between the opposing ends so as to define a rectangular opening, and the electrical insulating ring socket housing. First and second rows of electrical contacts respectively supported by the first and second sides of the ring socket housing. A ring socket latch movable between a receiving position in which the ring socket is configured to mate with an interconnect module, a locking position in which the ring socket is fixed to the mated interconnect module to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket, and a discharging position in which the ring socket discharges the interconnect module. A ring socket including the above. (127) The ring socket according to embodiment 126, wherein the ring socket latch is supported by the ring socket housing. (128) The ring socket according to embodiment 126 or 127, wherein the ring socket latch includes a latch actuator, the latch actuator is spaced apart from the ring socket housing, and is configured to receive an operating force for moving the ring socket latch between the receiving position, the locking position, and the discharging position. (129) The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 128, wherein the receiving position is disposed between the locking position and the discharging position. (130) The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 129, wherein the ring socket latch is translatable along the longitudinal direction between the locking position and the discharging position.

[0176] (131) The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 130, wherein the receiving position corresponds to a state in which the latch actuator is at an intermediate position between the locking position and the discharging position. (132) The latch actuator in the locked position is disposed near the ring socket housing relative to the receiving position, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 131. (133) In the receiving position, the latch actuator is disposed near the ring socket housing relative to the discharge position, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 132. (134) The ring socket latch does not extend beyond the side surface of the ring socket along the lateral direction, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 133. (135) The ring socket latch is configured to abut against the ring socket housing to prevent the ring socket latch from being removed from the ring socket housing along the longitudinal direction, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 134.

[0177] (136) The ring socket according to embodiment 135 further includes a holding arm and a holding hook configured to abut against the ring socket housing to prevent removal of the ring socket latch. (137) The holding hook is formed after the ring socket latch is inserted into the ring socket housing, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 136. (138) The module housing defines a plurality of pockets, and each pocket is configured to align the interconnect cable latch at different positions, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 137. (139) The ring socket latch further includes first and second module latch arms, for the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 138. (140) Each of the module latch arms has a first upward lifter and a second upward lifter, and each lifter includes a respective raised portion, the ring socket according to embodiment 139.

[0178] (141) The first lifter and the second lifter of each latch arm are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and are aligned with each other, the ring socket according to embodiment 140. (142) The first lifter has a shape different from that of the second lifter, the ring socket according to embodiment 140 or 141. (143) The first lifter and the second lifter are configured to travel along a protrusion of the interconnect module so as to discharge the interconnect module from the ring socket when the actuator is in the discharge position, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 140 to 142. (144) Each of the module latch arms has a downward lifter, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 140 to 142. (145) The first upward lifter is disposed between the downward lifter and the second upward lifter, the ring socket according to embodiment 144.

[0179] (146) The downward lifter is configured to travel along an inclined housing surface of the ring socket housing so as to move the latch arm upward when the ring socket latch is in the discharge position, the ring socket according to embodiment 145. (147) The ring socket housing defines a first pocket configured to removably receive each recess of the latch arm so as to releasably fix the latch in the receiving position, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 139 to 146. (148) The ring socket housing defines a second pocket that is spaced from the first pocket and is configured to removably receive the respective recesses of the latch arm when the latch is in the locked position, the ring socket according to embodiment 147. (149) The second end of the ring socket includes a cutout configured to provide clearance for a cable of a cable assembly of the interconnect module, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 143. (150) The ring socket latch is symmetric with respect to a bisecting plane, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 149.

[0180] (151) The ring socket is symmetric with respect to a bisecting plane, the ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 150. (152) A ring socket, An electrically insulating ring socket housing having first and second ends facing each other along a longitudinal direction and first and second sides facing each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sides extending between the opposing ends to define a rectangular opening, the electrically insulating ring socket housing; First and second columns of electrical contacts respectively supported by the first and second sides of the ring socket housing; Means for selectively receiving, locking, and ejecting an interconnect module; A ring socket including. (153) The means for selectively receiving is configured to receive an actuating force, the ring socket according to embodiment 152. (154) The ring socket according to embodiment 152 or 153 further includes means for preventing the means for selectively receiving from being removed from the ring socket housing. The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 152 to 154, further comprising means for aligning the means for selectively receiving at different positions.

[0181] The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 152 to 155, comprising means for providing clearance for the cable of the interconnect module. The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 152 to 156, further comprising means for sending an electrical signal to and from a transceiver fitted to the ring socket. A method of fixing a cable ferrule inserted into an interconnect module in an insertion direction, rotating the cable latch of the interconnect module in a first rotational direction about a pivot axis from an open position towards a closed position, the cable latch being pivotally connected to the housing of the interconnect module about the pivot axis; causing movement of a compression member of the cable latch past an edge of the ferrule defined by an intersection of a face of the ferrule and an upper face of the ferrule during the rotating step; after the causing step, causing compression of the compression member against the ferrule along a longitudinal direction including the insertion direction, whereby the compression member applies a compressive force to hold the ferrule within the interconnect module to the face of the ferrule; comprising a method. The method according to embodiment 158, wherein the compression member does not apply the compressive force during the first causing step. The method according to embodiment 158 or 159, wherein the first face of the ferrule abuts an optical block of the interconnect module, and the face defines a second face opposite the first face.

[0182] (161) The optical block is fixedly supported by one of the housing and the engine board, according to the method of Embodiment 160. (162) The method according to any one of Embodiments 158 to 161, further comprising the step of inserting the ferrule into the interconnect module in the insertion direction. (163) The interconnect module is mounted on a major surface of the module board, and the ferrule extends from the upper surface toward the module board, according to the method of Embodiment 162. (164) The insertion direction is parallel to the major surface of the module board, according to the method of Embodiment 163. (165) A plurality of cables terminate within the ferrule, and optical waveguides of the cables are aligned with the optical block, according to the method of any one of Embodiments 160 to 164.

[0183] (166) The method according to any one of Embodiments 158 to 165, further comprising the step of moving the cable latch in a second direction opposite to the insertion direction during the first causing step. (167) The moving step includes moving a pivot member within a slot of the housing, and the pivot member defines the pivot axis, according to the method of Embodiment 166. (168) Contact between the compression member and the ferrule causes the moving step, according to the method of Embodiment 167. (169) An interconnect module cable assembly, An interconnect module mounted on a board, the interconnect module including a housing, a pivot member supported by the housing, and a cable latch attached to the pivot member such that the pivot member defines a pivot axis, the interconnect module; A cable assembly including a ferrule and a plurality of cables terminating within the ferrule, wherein a front face of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to an optical block of the interconnect module. including The cable latch is rotatable in a first rotational direction about the pivot axis such that a compression member of the cable latch passes through the ferrule. An interconnect module cable assembly that, after the cable latch has passed through the ferrule, compresses the compression member to apply a holding force to a rear face of the ferrule opposite the front face. (170) The interconnect module according to embodiment 169, wherein the compression member does not compress until after the cable latch has passed through the ferrule.

[0184] (171) An interconnect module cable assembly, An interconnect module mounted on a substrate, the interconnect module including a housing, a pivot member supported by the housing, and an optical block. A cable assembly including a ferrule and a plurality of cables terminating within the ferrule, wherein a front face of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block. Means for fixing the ferrule to the optical block with a compressive force and for preventing the compressive force from being applied to an edge of the ferrule, the edge being defined by an upper face of the ferrule and a rear face of the ferrule opposite the front face. An interconnect module cable assembly including (172) A method, Fitting an interconnect module with the electrical connector while a latch of the electrical connector is in a receiving position. After the step of fitting, fixing the interconnection module to the electrical connector and moving the latch to the locked position so as to prevent the interconnection module from being disengaged from the electrical connector; After the step of moving, moving the latch to the ejection position so as to eject the interconnection module from the electrical connector; A method comprising. (173) The method according to embodiment 172, wherein the electrical connector is a ring socket. (174) The method according to embodiment 172 or 173, wherein the latch translates between the receiving position, the locking position, and the ejection position. (175) The method according to embodiment 174, wherein the receiving position is between the ejection position and the receiving position.

[0185] (176) An interconnection module, A module housing mounted on a major surface of a module substrate; An optical block; A pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis; Including, The interconnection module is configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block; The pivot latch is rotatable from an open position to a closed position about the pivot axis so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnecting member, the pivot latch being translatable relative to the module housing along the insertion direction and a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction, and being prevented from translating relative to the module housing along a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the module substrate. An interconnection module. (177) The pivot latch is the interconnect module according to embodiment 176 that provides the ferrule with a holding force that biases the ferrule against the optical block when the pivot latch is in the closed position. (178) The cable latch is translationally fixed to a pivot mandrel that travels within a slot of the housing, the slot allowing translational movement of the pivot mandrel in the insertion direction and the removal direction and preventing translational movement of the pivot mandrel in a direction towards the major surface of the module substrate, the interconnect module according to embodiment 176 or 177. (179) The pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 176 to 178. (180) The pivot axis is oriented parallel to the major surface, the interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 176 to 179.

[0186] (181) An interconnect module, A module housing that supports an optical block, the module housing being mounted on a major surface of a module substrate, the module housing being configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block, a module housing; A pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis, the pivot latch being rotatable about the pivot axis from an open position to a closed position so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnect member, a pivot latch; Means for allowing translational movement of the pivot latch along the insertion direction and a removal direction opposite the insertion direction with respect to the module housing and for preventing translational movement of the pivot latch with respect to the module housing along a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the module substrate; An interconnect module comprising. (182) An interconnection module, comprising: a module housing; an optical block; a pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis; and the interconnection module is configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block; the pivot latch is rotatable about the pivot axis from an open position to a closed position so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnecting member, and the pivot axis is perpendicular to the insertion direction. (183) The interconnection module according to embodiment 182, wherein the module housing is mounted on a major surface of the module substrate, and the pivot axis is parallel to the major surface. (184) The interconnection module according to embodiment 182 or 183, wherein the optical block is supported by the module housing. (185) The interconnection module according to embodiment 182 or 183, wherein the optical block is supported by an engine substrate that supports components of an optical engine of the interconnection module.

[0187] (186) A ring socket, comprising: a ring socket housing supporting a plurality of electrical contacts, the ring socket being configured to receive the interconnection module so as to electrically communicate the interconnection module with the ring socket; a latch supported by the ring socket housing, the latch having a lifter configured to travel along a protrusion of the interconnection module so as to eject the interconnection module from the ring socket; and (187) The ring socket according to embodiment 186, further comprising a downward lifter configured to travel along the inclined housing surface of the interconnect module so as to discharge the interconnect module from the ring socket. (188) A method of discharging an interconnect member fitted into a ring socket, comprising: Actuating a ring socket latch and moving the ring socket latch to a discharge position, whereby a lifter of the ring socket latch travels along a protrusion of the interconnect module so as to discharge the interconnect module from the ring socket; A method comprising. (189) The method according to embodiment 188, further comprising advancing a second lifter of the ring socket along the inclined housing surface of the interconnect module so as to discharge the interconnect module. (190) The method according to embodiment 189, wherein the lifter is an upward lifter and the second lifter is a downward lifter.

[0188] (191) A ring socket, comprising: A ring socket housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts, the ring socket being configured to receive an interconnect module so as to electrically communicate the interconnect module with the ring socket; Including, The interconnect module includes means for discharging the interconnect module from the ring socket. (192) An interconnect assembly, comprising: The interconnect module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 47, 49 to 114, 116 to 125, 169 to 171, and 176 to 185; The ring socket according to any one of embodiments 126 to 157, 186 to 187, 1891; An interconnect assembly comprising. (193) An interconnect assembly, comprising: a ring socket, and an interconnect module mounted on a module substrate, the interconnect module being configured to mate with the ring socket, the interconnect module including a plurality of module electrical contacts configured to communicate data with a plurality of cables, the cables being one of 1) an optical cable removably mated with the interconnect module and 2) an electrical cable permanently mounted to the interconnect substrate, an interconnect module, and an interconnect assembly including the same. (194) An interconnect assembly comprising the ring socket described herein, and the interconnect module described herein, and an interconnect assembly including the same.

Claims

1. An interconnection module configured to mate with a ring socket, the interconnection module comprising: a module substrate; a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second opposing ends; a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side surfaces; and the module housing is configured to engage a ring socket latch of the ring socket and is selectively configured to: 1) mate with and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position; and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position.

2. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the module housing is configured to be received by the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the first position.

3. The interconnection module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the module housing includes protrusions configured to abut respective raised portions of the ring socket latch so as to eject the interconnection module from the ring socket.

4. The interconnection module according to claim 2, wherein first and second protrusions of the protrusions are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction, and the ring socket module latch is movable in translation along the longitudinal direction between the first position, the second position, and the third position.

5. The interconnection module according to claim 2, wherein the module housing includes first and second rails, the first and second rails respectively defining respective first and second protrusions of the protrusions.

6. The interconnection module according to claim 2, wherein each of the protrusions defines an inclined surface.

7. The first and second opposed ends of the module housing are configured to be fixed to the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position, the interconnect module according to claim 1.

8. The module housing includes a body ledge configured to abut against a locking bar of the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position and to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket, the interconnect module according to claim 7.

9. The ring socket includes a channel within the module housing that defines the body ledge, the interconnect module according to claim 8.

10. The interconnect module further includes a contact member configured to abut against a front portion of the ring socket latch when the ring socket latch is in the second position and to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket, the interconnect module according to claim 7.

11. The module housing defines a channel sized to receive the front portion of the ring socket latch, the channel defining the contact member, the interconnect module according to claim 10.

12. The contact member and the body ledge are disposed at opposite ends of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to claim 8.

13. It is configured to be mounted on an interconnect module substrate and further includes a heat spreader, the heat spreader facing away from the interconnect module substrate when the interconnect module is mounted on the interconnect module substrate and defining a part of the upper surface of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to claim 1.

14. The heat spreader is positioned within a hole of the module housing that forms most of the upper surface of the interconnect module, the interconnect module according to claim 13.

15. Further comprising a cable latch supported by the module housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the interconnect module is configured to receive a removable cable assembly, and in the closed position, the cable latch is configured to fix the received removable cable assembly to the interconnect module. The interconnect module according to claim 1.

16. The removable cable assembly includes a cable and a cable ferrule for terminating an end of the cable. The interconnect module according to claim 15.

17. The cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with respect to two precision holes or dowels that are within or supported by the MT ferrule. The interconnect module according to claim 16.

18. Further comprising an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, wherein the cable ferrule is fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 16.

19. The cable latch rotates about a pivot axis between the open position and the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 15.

20. Including a pivot mandrel supported by the module housing, the cable latch is connected to the pivot mandrel, and the pivot mandrel defines the pivot axis. The interconnect module according to claim 19.

21. The pivot mandrel is disposed within a slot of the module housing. The interconnect module according to claim 20.

22. The pivot mandrel is movable longitudinally within a frame slot. The interconnect module according to claim 21.

23. The pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The interconnect module according to claim 22.

24. The cable latch includes at least one compression member configured to apply a holding force to hold the cable assembly when the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 21.

25. The compression member is configured to apply a holding force to the surface of the ferrule, and the compression member passes over the entire surface of the ferrule when the cable latch moves from the open position to the closed position and when the cable latch moves from the closed position to the open position. The interconnect module according to claim 16.

26. The holding force biases the ferrule of the cable assembly against the optical block of the interconnect module. The interconnect module according to claim 24.

27. Each compression member elastically deforms when the cable ferrule is fitted into the interconnect module and the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 24.

28. The force supplied by the elastic deformation of the compression member determines the holding force. The interconnect module according to claim 27.

29. The module housing defines an inclined surface configured to engage the cable latch so as to elastically deform the compression member. The interconnect module according to claim 24.

30. The cable latch travels along the inclined surface, thereby translating the pivot mandrel within the slot to the end of the slot. The interconnect module according to claim 29.

31. By further engagement between the cable latch and the inclined surface, the compression member is elastically compressed. The interconnect module according to claim 30.

32. When the cable latch moves from the open position to the closed position, a pivot mandrel attached to the cable latch and disposed within a slot of the module housing moves to the end of the slot. The interconnect module according to claim 15.

33. After the pivot mandrel is disposed at the end of the slot and the cable latch is further moved toward the closed position, the compression member of the cable latch elastically deforms, thereby applying a holding force to the cable assembly. The interconnect module according to claim 32.

34. The cable latch includes at least one attachment member, and the at least one attachment member is releasably attached to the module housing when the cable latch is in the closed position, thereby being configured to hold the cable latch in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 15.

35. The cable latch includes first and second latch arms, each supported by a respective attachment member. The interconnect module according to claim 34.

36. The attachment member is configured as a lance that mechanically interferes with a related frame ledge of the module housing to capture the cable latch in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 34.

37. The latch arm is elastically deformable to remove the attachment member from the module housing, thereby enabling the cable latch to move from the closed position towards the open position. The interconnect module according to claim 35.

38. The interconnect module according to claim 37 is configured to receive a tool configured to elastically deform the latch arm.

39. The tool is a C-ring plier. The interconnect module according to claim 38.

40. The tool is a cable discharge tool having at least one latch release hook, and each latch release hook is configured to engage the latch arm. The interconnect module according to claim 38.

41. Each latch release hook is configured to engage a respective recess defined by the latch arm to elastically compress the latch arms towards each other, thereby releasing the latch arms from the module housing 34. The interconnect module according to claim 40.

42. The cable latch includes at least one stabilizing arm configured to compress the cable ferrule when the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 15.

43. The at least one stabilizing arm defines a spring arm that compresses against the ferrule when the latch is in the closed position, and the at least one stabilizing arm applies a force that resists a change in the angular orientation of the ferrule, the interconnect module of claim 42.

44. The force is a spring force, the interconnect module of claim 43.

45. The at least one stabilizing arm includes first and second stabilizing arms spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ring socket latch moves between respective positions that configure the ring socket to 1) selectively engage and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position, 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position, and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position, the interconnect module of claim 43.

46. The at least one stabilizing arm presses against an upper surface of the cable ferrule, the interconnect module of claim 43.

47. The cable latch is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the cable latch, the interconnect module of claim 15.

48. An interconnect module cable assembly including the interconnect module of claim 1 and the removable cable assembly of claim 15.

49. The module housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing, the interconnect module of claim 1.

50. The interconnect module of claim 1 including an optical transceiver, an optical transmitter, or an optical receiver.

51. The optical transceiver, the optical transmitter, or the optical receiver includes an optical engine, and the optical engine is sealed from the environment, the interconnect module of claim 50.

52. The cable latch is permanently supported by the module housing, the interconnect module of claim 15.

53. The interconnect module of claim 1 further including an electrical cable mounted to the module substrate.

54. The interconnect module according to claim 53, comprising an electrical transceiver, an electrical transmitter, or an electrical receiver.

55. The interconnect module according to claim 53, wherein the module housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing.

56. An interconnect module configured to mate with a ring socket, the interconnect module comprising: a module substrate; a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second opposing ends; a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side surfaces; means for engaging a ring socket latch of the ring socket, the means being configured to: 1) selectively mate with and disengage from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) be fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position; and 3) be ejected from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position; An interconnect module comprising the above.

57. The interconnect module according to claim 56, wherein the module housing is configured to be received by the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the first position.

58. The interconnect module according to claim 56 or 57, further comprising means for abutting against the ring socket latch to eject the interconnect module from the ring socket when the ring socket latch is in the third position.

59. The interconnect module according to claim 56, comprising means for fixing to the ring socket latch at first and second opposing ends of the module housing when the ring socket latch is in the second position.

60. The interconnect module according to claim 56, comprising means for dissipating heat from the interconnect module.

61. The interconnect module according to claim 56, further comprising means for releasably fixing a removable cable assembly.

62. The removable cable assembly according to claim 61, comprising a cable and a cable ferrule for terminating an end of the cable.

63. The cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with respect to two precision holes or dowels that are within or supported by the MT ferrule. The interconnect module according to claim 62.

64. Further comprising an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, the cable ferrule being fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 62.

65. The means for releasably fixing includes means for applying to the cable assembly a holding force for fixing the MT ferrule to the optical block. The interconnect module according to claim 64.

66. The means for releasably fixing includes means for releasably attaching the means for releasably fixing to the module housing. The interconnect module according to claim 61.

67. Further comprising means for resisting a change in angular orientation of the ferrule. The interconnect module according to claim 62.

68. Further comprising an electrical cable mounted on the module substrate. The interconnect module according to claim 56.

69. An interconnect module, a module substrate, a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side faces extending between the first and second opposing ends, a plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side faces. A cable latch supported by the module housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the interconnect module is configured to receive a removable cable assembly, and in the closed position, the cable latch is configured to secure the received removable cable assembly to the interconnect module. An interconnect module including the same. **Claim 70** The interconnect module according to claim 69, further comprising a body ledge on a locking protrusion, wherein the module housing is configured to receive a latch of the ring socket to fix the interconnect module to the ring socket when the interconnect module is fitted into the ring socket. **Claim 71** The interconnect module according to claim 70, further comprising a contact member configured to contact a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket. **Claim 72** The interconnect module according to claim 71, wherein the contact member and the body ledge are disposed at opposite ends of the interconnect module respectively. **Claim 73** The interconnect module according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the module housing defines a channel configured to receive the latch, and the channel defines the contact member. **Claim 74** The interconnect module according to claim 69, further comprising a contact member configured to contact a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket. **Claim 75** The interconnect module according to claim 69, wherein the module housing includes a plurality of protrusions configured to contact respective raised portions of the ring socket latch so as to discharge the interconnect module from the ring socket. **Claim 76** The interconnect module according to claim 75, wherein the module housing includes first and second rails, and the first and second rails respectively define first and second protrusions. **Claim 77** The interconnect module according to claim 75, wherein each protrusion defines an inclined surface. **Claim 78** configured to be mounted on an interconnect module substrate and further including a heat spreader, the heat spreader defining a portion of an upper surface of the interconnect module that faces away from the interconnect module substrate when the interconnect module is mounted on the interconnect module substrate, the interconnect module according to claim 69.

79. The heat spreader forms a majority of the upper surface of the interconnect module and is positioned within a hole of the module housing, the interconnect module according to claim 78.

80. The removable cable assembly includes a cable and a cable ferrule terminating an end of the cable, the interconnect module according to claim 69.

81. The cable ferrule is an MT ferrule, and the MT ferrule aligns end faces of a plurality of optical fibers with respect to two precision holes or dowels that are within or supported by the MT ferrule, the interconnect module according to claim 80.

82. Further including an optical block configured to receive the cable ferrule, the cable ferrule being fixed to the optical block by the cable latch when the cable latch is in the closed position, the interconnect module according to claim 80 or 81.

83. The cable latch rotates about a pivot axis between the open position and the closed position, the interconnect module according to claim 80.

84. Including a pivot mandrel supported by the module housing, the cable latch being coupled to the pivot mandrel, the pivot mandrel defining the pivot axis, the interconnect module according to claim 83.

85. The pivot mandrel is disposed within a slot of the module housing, the interconnect module according to claim 84.

86. The pivot mandrel is movable longitudinally within the frame slot, the interconnect module according to claim 85.

87. The pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the interconnect module according to claim 86.

88. The interconnect module according to claim 85, wherein the cable latch includes at least one compression member configured to apply a holding force to the cable assembly that holds the cable assembly when the cable latch is in the closed position.

89. The interconnect module according to claim 88, wherein the holding force biases the ferrule of the cable assembly against the optical block of the interconnect module.

90. The interconnect module according to claim 88, wherein each compression member elastically deforms when the cable ferrule is fitted into the interconnect module and the cable latch is in the closed position.

91. The interconnect module according to claim 90, wherein the force supplied by the elastic deformation of the compression member defines the holding force.

92. The interconnect module according to claim 88, wherein the module housing defines an inclined surface configured to engage the cable latch so as to elastically deform the compression member.

93. The interconnect module according to claim 92, wherein the cable latch advances along the inclined surface, thereby translating the pivot mandrel within the slot to the end of the slot.

94. The interconnect module according to claim 93, wherein further engagement between the cable latch and the inclined surface elastically compresses the compression member.

95. The interconnect module according to claim 69, wherein movement of the cable latch from the open position to the closed position causes a pivot mandrel attached to the cable latch and disposed within a slot of the module housing to move to the end of the slot.

96. The interconnect module according to claim 95, wherein further movement of the cable latch toward the closed position after the pivot mandrel is disposed at the end of the slot causes the compression member of the cable latch to elastically deform, thereby applying a holding force to the cable assembly.

97. The cable latch includes at least one attachment member, and the at least one attachment member is releasably attached to the module housing when the cable latch is in the closed position, thereby being configured to hold the cable latch in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 69.

98. The cable latch includes first and second arms respectively supported by respective attachment members. The interconnect module according to claim 97.

99. The attachment member is configured as a lance that mechanically interferes with a related frame ledge of the module housing so as to capture the cable latch in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 97.

100. The arm is elastically deformable to remove the attachment member from the module housing, thereby enabling the cable latch to move from the closed position toward the open position. The interconnect module according to claim 98.

101. The interconnect module according to claim 100 is configured to receive a tool configured to elastically deform the arm.

102. The tool is a C-ring plier. The interconnect module according to claim 101.

103. The tool is a cable discharge tool having two latch release hooks, and each latch release hook is configured to engage the arm. The interconnect module according to claim 102.

104. Each latch release hook is configured to engage a respective recess defined by the arm. The interconnect module according to claim 103.

105. The cable latch includes at least one stabilizing arm configured to compress the cable ferrule when the cable latch is in the closed position. The interconnect module according to claim 69.

106. The at least one stabilizing arm defines a spring arm that contacts and compresses the ferrule when the latch is in the closed position, and the at least one stabilizing arm applies a force that resists a change in the angular orientation of the ferrule. The interconnect module according to claim 105.

107. The mutual connection module according to claim 106, wherein the force is a spring force.

108. The at least one stabilizing arm includes first and second stabilizing arms spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ring socket latch moves between respective positions for configuring the ring socket to be: 1) selectively engaged with and disengaged from the ring socket when the latch is in a first position; 2) fixed to the ring socket when the latch is in a second position so as to prevent the mutual connection module from being disengaged from the ring socket; and 3) discharged from the ring socket when the latch is in a third position. The mutual connection module according to claim 106.

109. The mutual connection module according to claim 105, wherein the at least one stabilizing arm presses an upper surface of the cable ferrule.

110. The mutual connection module according to claim 69, wherein the housing is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the module housing.

111. The mutual connection module according to claim 69, wherein the cable latch is symmetric with respect to a plane bisecting the cable latch.

112. The mutual connection module according to claim 69, including an optical transceiver, an optical transmitter, or an optical receiver.

113. The mutual connection module according to claim 112, wherein the optical transceiver, the optical transmitter, or the optical receiver includes an optical engine, and the optical engine is sealed from the environment.

114. The mutual connection module according to claim 69, wherein the cable latch is permanently supported by the module housing.

115. A mutual connection module cable assembly including the mutual connection module according to claim 69 and a removable cable assembly according to claim 69.

116. A mutual connection module, comprising: a module substrate; a module housing mounted on the module substrate, the module housing defining first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second opposing ends. A plurality of module electrical contacts arranged in first and second columns respectively along the first and second opposing side surfaces; Means for selectively receiving a removable cable assembly and fixing it to the interconnect module; An interconnect module, comprising: **Claim 117** The interconnect module according to claim 116, further comprising means for fixing the interconnect module to the ring socket when the interconnect module is fitted into the ring socket. **Claim 118** The interconnect module according to claim 117, further comprising means for abutting against a latch of the fitted ring socket so as to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket. **Claim 119** The interconnect module according to claim 118, wherein the means for fixing and the means for abutting are arranged at opposite ends of the interconnect module respectively. **Claim 120** The interconnect module according to any one of claims 117 to 119, comprising means for discharging the interconnect module from the ring socket. **Claim 121** The interconnect module according to claim 116, further comprising means for dissipating heat from the interconnect module. **Claim 122** The interconnect module according to claim 116, wherein the means for selectively receiving and fixing comprises means for applying a holding force for fixing the removable cable assembly to the interconnect module to the cable assembly. **Claim 123** The interconnect module according to claim 116, wherein the means for selectively receiving and fixing comprises means for resisting a change in the angular orientation of a ferrule of the removable cable assembly. **Claim 124** The interconnect module according to claim 116, comprising means for attaching the means for selectively receiving and fixing to the module housing. **Claim 125** The interconnect module according to claim 124, comprising means for removing the means for selectively receiving and fixing from the module housing. **Claim 126** A ring socket, comprising: An electrically insulating ring socket housing having first and second ends facing each other along a longitudinal direction, and first and second sides facing each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the sides extend between the opposing ends so as to define a rectangular opening, the electrically insulating ring socket housing. First and second rows of electrical contacts respectively supported by the first and second sides of the ring socket housing. A ring socket latch movable between a receiving position in which the ring socket is configured to mate with an interconnect module, a locking position in which the ring socket is fixed to the mated interconnect module to prevent the interconnect module from being disengaged from the ring socket, and an ejection position in which the ring socket ejects the interconnect module. A ring socket including the above.

127. The ring socket according to claim 126, wherein the ring socket latch is supported by the ring socket housing.

128. The ring socket according to claim 126 or 127, wherein the ring socket latch includes a latch actuator, the latch actuator being spaced apart from the ring socket housing and configured to receive an actuating force for moving the ring socket latch between the receiving position, the locking position, and the ejection position.

129. The ring socket according to claim 126, wherein the receiving position is disposed between the locking position and the ejection position.

130. The ring socket according to claim 126, wherein the ring socket latch is translatable along the longitudinal direction between the locking position and the ejection position.

131. The ring socket according to claim 126, wherein the receiving position corresponds to a state in which the latch actuator is at an intermediate position between the locking position and the ejection position.

132. The ring socket according to claim 126, wherein the latch actuator in the locking position is disposed near the ring socket housing relative to the receiving position.

133. At the receiving position, the latch actuator is disposed near the ring socket housing relative to the discharge position, the ring socket according to claim 126.

134. The ring socket latch does not extend beyond the side surface of the ring socket along the lateral direction, the ring socket according to claim 126.

135. The ring socket latch is configured to abut against the ring socket housing to prevent the ring socket latch from being removed from the ring socket housing along the longitudinal direction, the ring socket according to claim 126.

136. The ring socket according to claim 135, further comprising a holding arm and a holding hook configured to abut against the ring socket housing to prevent removal of the ring socket latch.

137. The holding hook is formed after the ring socket latch is inserted into the ring socket housing, the ring socket according to claim 136.

138. The module housing defines a plurality of pockets, each pocket being configured to align the interconnect cable latch at different positions, the ring socket according to claim 126.

139. The ring socket latch further includes first and second module latch arms, the ring socket according to claim 126.

140. Each of the module latch arms has a first upward lifter and a second upward lifter, each lifter including a respective raised portion, the ring socket according to claim 139.

141. The first lifter and the second lifter of each latch arm are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and are aligned with each other, the ring socket according to claim 140.

142. The first lifter has a different shape from the second lifter, the ring socket according to claim 140.

143. The first lifter and the second lifter are configured to travel along a protrusion of the interconnect module to discharge the interconnect module from the ring socket when the actuator is in the discharge position, the ring socket according to claim 140.

144. Each of the module latch arms has a downward lifter, the ring socket according to claim 140.

145. The first upward lifter is disposed between the downward lifter and the second upward lifter, the ring socket according to claim 144.

146. The downward lifter is configured to travel along the inclined housing surface of the ring socket housing so as to move the latch arm upward when the ring socket latch is in the discharge position, the ring socket according to claim 145.

147. The ring socket housing defines a first pocket configured to removably receive each recess of the latch arm so as to releasably fix the latch in the receiving position, the ring socket according to claim 139.

148. The ring socket housing defines a second pocket, spaced from the first pocket and configured to removably receive each recess of the latch arm when the latch is in the locked position, the ring socket according to claim 147.

149. The second end of the ring socket includes a cutout configured to provide clearance for the cable of the cable assembly of the interconnect module, the ring socket according to claim 126.

150. The ring socket latch is symmetric with respect to the bisecting plane, the ring socket according to claim 126.

151. The ring socket is symmetric with respect to the bisecting plane, the ring socket according to claim 126.

152. A ring socket, An electrically insulating ring socket housing having first and second ends facing each other along a longitudinal direction and first and second sides facing each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sides extending between the opposing ends so as to define a rectangular opening, the electrically insulating ring socket housing; First and second rows of electrical contacts respectively supported by the first and second sides of the ring socket housing; Means for selectively receiving, locking, and discharging an interconnect module; A ring socket including.

153. The ring socket according to claim 152, wherein the means for selectively receiving is configured to receive an actuating force.

154. The ring socket according to claim 152 or 153, further comprising means for preventing the means for selectively receiving from being removed from the ring socket housing.

155. The ring socket according to claim 152, further comprising means for aligning the means for selectively receiving at different positions.

156. The ring socket according to claim 152, comprising means for providing clearance for the cable of the interconnection module.

157. The ring socket according to claim 152, further comprising means for sending an electrical signal to and from a transceiver fitted to the ring socket.

158. A method of fixing a cable ferrule inserted into an interconnection module in an insertion direction, comprising: rotating, in a first rotational direction about a pivot axis, the cable latch of the interconnection module from an open position towards a closed position, wherein the cable latch is pivotally connected to the housing of the interconnection module about the pivot axis; causing movement of a compression member of the cable latch past an edge of the ferrule defined by an intersection of a face of the ferrule and an upper face of the ferrule during the rotating step; after the causing step, causing compression of the compression member against the ferrule along a longitudinal direction including the insertion direction, whereby the compression member applies a compressive force to hold the ferrule within the interconnection module to the face of the ferrule; A method.

159. The method according to claim 158, wherein the compression member does not apply the compressive force during the first causing step.

160. The method according to claim 158 or 159, wherein a first face of the ferrule abuts an optical block of the interconnection module, and the face defines a second face on an opposite side of the first face.

161. The method according to claim 160, wherein the optical block is fixedly supported by one of the housing and the engine substrate.

162. The method according to claim 158, further comprising the step of inserting the ferrule into the interconnect module in the insertion direction.

163. The method according to claim 162, wherein the interconnect module is mounted on a major surface of a module substrate, and the ferrule extends from the upper surface toward the module substrate.

164. The method according to claim 163, wherein the insertion direction is parallel to the major surface of the module substrate.

165. The method according to claim 160, wherein a plurality of cables terminate within the ferrule, and optical waveguides of the cables are aligned with the optical block.

166. The method according to claim 158, further comprising the step of moving the cable latch in a second direction opposite to the insertion direction during the first causing step.

167. The method according to claim 166, wherein the moving step includes moving a pivot member within a slot of the housing, and the pivot member defines the pivot axis.

168. The method according to claim 167, wherein contact between the compression member and the ferrule causes the moving step.

169. An interconnect module cable assembly, An interconnect module mounted on a substrate, the interconnect module including a housing, a pivot member supported by the housing, and a cable latch attached to the pivot member such that the pivot member defines a pivot axis, the interconnect module; A cable assembly including a ferrule and a plurality of cables terminating within the ferrule, wherein a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to an optical block of the interconnect module, the cable assembly; comprising, The cable latch is rotatable about the pivot axis in a first rotational direction such that a compression member of the cable latch passes through the ferrule, An interconnect module cable assembly that, after the cable latch has passed through the ferrule, compresses the compression member to apply a holding force to a rear surface of the ferrule opposite the front surface.

170. The interconnect module according to claim 169, wherein the compression member does not compress until after the cable latch has passed through the ferrule.

171. An interconnected module cable assembly, An interconnected module mounted on a substrate, the interconnected module including a housing, a pivot member supported by the housing, and an optical block, A cable assembly including a ferrule and a plurality of cables terminated within the ferrule, wherein a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block, Means for fixing the ferrule to the optical block with a compressive force and for preventing the compressive force from being applied to an edge of the ferrule, the edge being defined by an upper surface of the ferrule and a rear surface of the ferrule on an opposite side of the front surface, An interconnected module cable assembly including the same.

172. A method comprising: Fitting an interconnected module with an electrical connector while a latch of the electrical connector is in a receiving position; After the fitting step, fixing the interconnected module to the electrical connector and moving the latch to a locking position to prevent the interconnected module from being disengaged from the electrical connector; After the moving step, moving the latch to an ejection position to eject the interconnected module from the electrical connector. A method including the above steps.

173. The method according to claim 172, wherein the electrical connector is a ring socket.

174. The method according to claim 172 or 173, wherein the latch translates between the receiving position, the locking position, and the ejection position.

175. The method according to claim 174, wherein the receiving position is between the ejection position and the receiving position.

176. An interconnected module, A module housing mounted on a major surface of a module substrate, An optical block, A pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis, Including, The interconnected module is configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block. The pivot latch is rotatable about the pivot axis from an open position to a closed position so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnecting member, the pivot latch is translatable relative to the module housing along the insertion direction and a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the pivot latch is prevented from translating relative to the module housing along a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the module substrate. An interconnecting module.

177. The interconnecting module according to claim 176, wherein the pivot latch provides a holding force to the ferrule that biases the ferrule against the optical block when the pivot latch is in the closed position.

178. The cable latch is translationally fixed to a pivot mandrel that travels within a slot of the housing, the slot allowing the pivot mandrel to translate in the insertion direction and the removal direction, and preventing the pivot mandrel from translating in a direction towards the major surface of the module substrate. The interconnecting module according to claim 176 or 177.

179. The interconnecting module according to claim 176, wherein the pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction.

180. The interconnecting module according to claim 176, wherein the pivot axis is oriented parallel to the major surface.

181. An interconnecting module, A module housing that supports an optical block, the module housing being mounted on a major surface of a module substrate, the module housing being configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that a front surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block. A module housing; A pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis, the pivot latch being rotatable about the pivot axis from an open position to a closed position so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnecting member. A pivot latch; Means for allowing the pivot latch to translate along the insertion direction and the removal direction opposite to the insertion direction with respect to the module housing, and preventing the pivot latch from translating with respect to the module housing along a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the module substrate. An interconnected module, including.

182. An interconnected module, comprising: A module housing; An optical block; A pivot latch pivotally supported by the module housing so as to define a pivot axis; Including; The interconnected module is configured to receive the ferrule along an insertion direction such that the ferrule is disposed adjacent to the optical block. The pivot latch is rotatable about the pivot axis from an open position to a closed position so as to fix the ferrule within the interconnecting member, and the pivot axis is perpendicular to the insertion direction.

183. The interconnected module according to claim 182, wherein the module housing is mounted on a major surface of the module substrate, and the pivot axis is parallel to the major surface.

184. The interconnected module according to claim 182 or 183, wherein the optical block is supported by the module housing.

185. The interconnected module according to claim 182, wherein the optical block is supported by an engine substrate that supports components of the optical engine of the interconnected module.

186. A ring socket, comprising: A ring socket housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts, the ring socket being configured to receive the interconnected module so as to electrically communicate with the ring socket; A latch supported by the ring socket housing, the latch having a lifter configured to travel along a protrusion of the interconnected module so as to eject the interconnected module from the ring socket. Including a ring socket.

187. The ring socket according to claim 186, further comprising a downward lifter configured to travel along the inclined housing surface of the interconnect module so as to eject the interconnect module from the ring socket.

188. A method of ejecting an interconnect member fitted to a ring socket, comprising: Actuating a ring socket latch and moving the ring socket latch to an ejection position, whereby a lifter of the ring socket latch travels along a protrusion of the interconnect module so as to eject the interconnect module from the ring socket. A method comprising the above.

189. The method according to claim 188, further comprising the step of advancing a second lifter of the ring socket along the inclined housing surface of the interconnect module so as to eject the interconnect module.

190. The method according to claim 189, wherein the lifter is an upward lifter and the second lifter is a downward lifter.

191. A ring socket, comprising: A ring socket housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts, the ring socket being configured to receive an interconnect module so as to establish electrical communication between the interconnect module and the ring socket. Including The interconnect module includes means for ejecting the interconnect module from the ring socket.

192. An interconnect assembly, comprising: The interconnect module according to claim 1, and The ring socket according to claim 126. An interconnect assembly comprising the above.

193. An interconnect assembly, comprising: A ring socket, and An interconnect module mounted on a module substrate, the interconnect module being configured to fit with the ring socket, the interconnect module including a plurality of module electrical contacts configured to communicate with a plurality of cables for data communication, the cables being one of 1) an optical cable removably fitted to the interconnect module and 2) an electrical cable permanently mounted on the interconnect substrate. An interconnect assembly comprising the above.

194. An interconnect assembly, comprising: The ring socket described herein, and The interconnect module described in this specification, An interconnect assembly including

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