Optical modules, ferrules, and fiber optic connectors

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide an optical module, a ferrule, and an optical fiber connector, so that multiple optical signals are transmitted through one optical interface, and the optical module can meet the demand for system capacity expansion. The optical module includes N optical units, a demultiplexing unit, and an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule and M optical fibers. The M optical fibers are disposed in the ferrule, and each of the M optical fibers corresponds to at least one of the N optical units, and the optical units corresponding to any two of the M optical fibers are different, where M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and N is an integer equal to or greater than M. The first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal received by the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber and / or configured to transmit an optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, where the first optical fiber is any one of the M optical fibers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of optical communication technologies. More specifically, they relate to optical modules, ferrules, and optical fiber connectors.

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202111497530.8, titled "OPTICAL MODULE, FERRULE, and OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 9, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of informatization and the increasing requirements of network applications, single-fiber bidirectional optical modules are widely used in communication networks compared to conventional two-fiber bidirectional optical modules. This is because single-fiber bidirectional optical modules can save optical fiber resources and increase the capacity of communication systems. As shown in FIG. 3, when a single-fiber bidirectional optical module is used for communication between a baseband unit (BBU) and an active antenna unit (AAU), the multiplexer / demultiplexer can simultaneously receive and transmit optical signals via optical fiber #1, which causes contention. Therefore, single-fiber bidirectional optical modules cannot be applied to scenarios where a single-fiber bidirectional optical module is directly connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer. In addition, with the development of communication systems, when there is a need to expand to a larger capacity, single-fiber bidirectional optical modules may not be able to meet the requirements for capacity expansion.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide an optical module, a ferrule, and an optical fiber connector, which as a result enable the transmission of multiple optical signals through a single optical interface, and the optical module is capable of meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion.

[0005] An optical module is provided according to a first embodiment. The optical module includes N optical units, a demultiplex unit, and an optical fiber connector, wherein the optical fiber connector includes a ferrule and M optical fibers, the M optical fibers being arranged within the ferrule, each of the M optical fibers corresponding to at least one of the N optical units, and any two of the M optical fibers corresponding to different optical units, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and N is an integer greater than or equal to M. A first optical unit among the N optical units is configured to receive or transmit an optical signal, and the first optical unit is any one of the N optical units. A first optical fiber among the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal received by the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, and / or the first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, where the first optical fiber is any one of the M optical fibers. The demultiplexing unit is configured to transmit an optical signal received from an optical fiber corresponding to the first optical unit to the first optical unit, and / or to transmit an optical signal received from an optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber to the first optical fiber.

[0006] According to the optical module described above, the ferrule included in the optical fiber connector contains two or more optical fibers. Compared to existing solutions in which the ferrule in the optical fiber connector contains only one optical fiber, this solution can transmit more optical signals by using a single optical module, thereby meeting the requirements for expanding system capacity. For example, if the optical module contains three optical units and two optical fibers are included in the ferrule, one of the optical fibers corresponds to one optical unit and is configured to transmit an optical signal having one wavelength, and the other optical fibers correspond to the other two optical units and are configured to transmit optical signals having two wavelengths. In this case, the optical module is configured to transmit a total of three optical signals. Compared to existing single-fiber bidirectional optical modules, the optical module provided in this application can transmit more optical signals. If the optical module is placed on a baseband module and the three optical units included in the optical module each communicate with three radio frequency modules, the baseband module can communicate with the three radio frequency modules by using the optical module. On the other hand, a baseband module can communicate with a maximum of two radio frequency modules by using a single-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, when optical modules are placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0007] It should be noted that the fiber optic connector connects to other units included in the optical module via ambient light, rather than via the optical fiber within the ferrule.

[0008] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to any two of the N optical units are different.

[0009] Based on the aforementioned optical module, when the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by all the optical units are different, and each optical fiber embedded in the ferrule corresponds to one of the N optical units, when the optical module provided in this application is connected to an existing multiplexer / demultiplexer, the case will not occur in which the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals over the same optical fiber. Therefore, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the existing multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0010] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the length of the first optical fiber is equal to the length of the ferrule.

[0011] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the length of the first optical fiber is longer than the length of the ferrule.

[0012] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the N optical units include a first optical receiving unit and a first optical transmitting unit, and the M optical fibers include a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber. The second optical fiber is configured to transmit a first optical signal received by the first optical receiving unit. The third optical fiber is configured to transmit a second optical signal received from the first optical transmitting unit.

[0013] Based on the optical module described above, since two optical fibers reside within a single ferrule, optical signals can be received and transmitted over different optical fibers without the need for additional optical interfaces. Compared to a one-fiber bidirectional optical module that receives and transmits optical signals over a single optical fiber, the optical module provided in this application can be directly connected to an existing multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0014] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the demultiplex unit includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter is configured to reflect the first optical signal and transmit the second optical signal. The second filter is configured to reflect the second optical signal.

[0015] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the N optical units further include a second optical receiving unit and a second optical transmitting unit, and the M optical fibers further include a fourth optical fiber and a fifth optical fiber. The fourth optical fiber is configured to transmit a third optical signal received by the second optical receiving unit. The fifth optical fiber is configured to transmit a fourth optical signal received from the second optical transmitting unit.

[0016] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the N optical units further include a second optical receiving unit and a second optical transmitting unit, and the M optical fibers further include a sixth optical fiber. The sixth optical fiber is configured to transmit a fourth optical signal received from the second optical transmitting unit. The sixth optical fiber is further configured to transmit a third optical signal received by the second optical receiving unit.

[0017] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the demultiplex unit includes a first filter, a second filter, a third filter, and a fourth filter. The first filter is configured to reflect the first optical signal and transmit another optical signal; the second filter is configured to reflect the second optical signal and transmit another optical signal; the third filter is configured to reflect the third optical signal and transmit another optical signal; and the fourth filter is configured to transmit the fourth optical signal and reflect another optical signal.

[0018] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the N optical fibers are arranged in the same direction within the ferrule.

[0019] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, N optical fibers are arranged around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule.

[0020] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the N optical fibers include one or more multicore optical fibers.

[0021] Optionally, each optical core in a single multicore optical fiber is configured to transmit optical signals having different wavelengths.

[0022] A ferrule is provided according to a second embodiment, wherein M optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule, and each of the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength, where M is an integer of 2 or more.

[0023] Based on the aforementioned ferrule, two or more optical fibers are embedded in the ferrule, and each optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength. Therefore, by using one ferrule, at least two optical signals can be transmitted. When this ferrule is used in an optical module, at least two optical signals can be transmitted through one optical interface. This helps to meet the requirements for system capacity expansion. For example, if three optical fibers are embedded in the ferrule, three optical signals can be transmitted by using one ferrule. When the optical module using the ferrule is placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can transmit three optical signals by using the optical module, and thus the baseband module can communicate with up to three radio frequency modules by using three optical signals. On the other hand, the baseband module can only communicate with a maximum of two radio frequency modules by using a single-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, when the optical module using the ferrule is placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0024] In relation to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two of the M optical fibers are different.

[0025] Based on the above ferrule, when the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two optical fibers are different, when each of the M optical fibers transmits an optical signal having one wavelength, the optical signals having different wavelengths can be transmitted through different optical fibers by using one ferrule. When a ferrule is used in an optical module, each optical fiber of the optical module is configured to transmit an optical signal having a different wavelength. Therefore, when the optical module is connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer, the case where the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals through one optical fiber does not occur. Therefore, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0026] In relation to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the M optical fibers include a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber. The second optical fiber is configured to transmit a first optical signal received by a first optical receiving unit. The third optical fiber is configured to transmit a second optical signal received from a first optical transmitting unit.

[0027] In relation to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the M optical fibers further include a sixth optical fiber. The sixth optical fiber is configured to transmit a fourth optical signal received from a second optical transmitting unit. The sixth optical fiber is further configured to transmit a third optical signal received by a second optical receiving unit.

[0028] According to the third aspect, an optical fiber connector is provided. The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule, M optical fibers are built in the ferrule, and each of the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength. Here, M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0029] Based on the foregoing optical fiber connector, two or more optical fibers are built into the ferrule of the optical fiber connector, and each optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength. Therefore, by using one optical fiber connector, at least two optical signals can be transmitted. When the optical fiber connector is used in an optical module, at least two optical signals can be transmitted via one optical interface. This helps to meet the requirements for system capacity expansion. For example, when three optical fibers are built into the ferrule, three optical signals can be transmitted via one optical interface. When the optical module using the optical fiber connector is disposed on a baseband module, the baseband module can transmit three optical signals by using the optical module. Therefore, the baseband module can communicate with up to three radio frequency modules by using the three optical signals. On the other hand, the baseband module can only communicate with up to two radio frequency modules by using a one-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, when the optical module using the optical fiber connector is disposed on the baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0030] In connection with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two of the M optical fibers are different.

[0031] Based on the aforementioned optical fiber connector, when the wavelengths of optical signals transmitted by any two optical fibers are different, and each of the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal having one wavelength, then optical signals with different wavelengths can be transmitted through different optical fibers using a single optical fiber connector. When the optical fiber connector is used in an optical module, each optical fiber in the optical module is configured to transmit optical signals with different wavelengths. Therefore, when the optical module is connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer, there is no case where the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals through a single optical fiber. Consequently, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0032] In relation to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the M optical fibers include a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber. The second optical fiber is configured to transmit a first optical signal received by a first optical receiving unit. The third optical fiber is configured to transmit a second optical signal received from a first optical transmitting unit.

[0033] In relation to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the M optical fibers further include a sixth optical fiber. The sixth optical fiber is configured to transmit a fourth optical signal received from a second optical transmitting unit. The sixth optical fiber is further configured to transmit a third optical signal received by a second optical receiving unit.

[0034] A fiber optic transmission system is provided according to a fourth embodiment. The fiber optic transmission system includes a radio frequency unit, a baseband unit, and an optical module according to either the first embodiment or an implementation thereof. The radio frequency unit communicates with the baseband unit using the optical module.

[0035] In relation to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the optical module is located on a baseband unit.

[0036] The optical module provided in this application can transmit more optical signals. Therefore, when the optical module is placed on a baseband unit, the baseband unit can transmit more optical signals by using the optical module without increasing the size of the baseband unit. As a result, the baseband unit can communicate with more radio frequency devices, meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a wireless access network device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber transmission system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another optical fiber transmission system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of a ferrule according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an optical fiber connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram relating to the configuration of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram relating to the configuration of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as fourth-generation (4G) systems like long-term evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation (5G) systems like new radio (NR), and other communication systems that may emerge in the future.

[0040] In the aforementioned communication system, a base station can communicate with one or more terminals. A base station may include one or more baseband modules, one or more radio frequency modules, and one or more antennas. A base station can communicate with one or more terminals by using one or more baseband modules, one or more radio frequency modules, and one or more antennas.

[0041] A baseband module can perform baseband processing on a signal, for example, it can process a digital signal or a baseband signal. A radio frequency module can perform radio frequency processing on a signal, for example, it can perform mutual conversion between a digital signal or a baseband signal and a radio frequency signal. An antenna can transmit or receive a radio frequency signal. For example, after processing a digital signal or a baseband signal, the baseband module can transmit the digital signal or baseband signal to the radio frequency module, which can convert the digital signal or baseband signal back to a radio frequency signal, and the antenna can transmit the radio frequency signal. Alternatively, the antenna can transmit the received radio frequency signal to the radio frequency module, which can convert the radio frequency signal back to a digital signal or a baseband signal, and the baseband module can process the digital signal or baseband signal.

[0042] Transmission between a baseband module and a radio frequency module may be called fronthaul. A baseband module may include one or more fronthaul interfaces, and a radio frequency module may include one or more fronthaul interfaces. One or more fronthaul interfaces in a baseband module may be connected to one or more fronthaul interfaces in a radio frequency module. The names fronthaul and fronthaul interface are merely examples. It should be understood that transmission between a baseband module and a radio frequency module may have a different name, and that interfaces in a baseband module or radio frequency module may have a different name. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0043] In the following examples, we will use 4G and 5G base stations for illustrative purposes.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of 4G and 5G RAN base stations. Refer to Figure 1. A 4G RAN base station may include a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio unit (RRU), and an antenna. The BBU is the baseband module, and the RRU is the radio frequency module. Transmission between the BBU and RRU is called fronthaul. A 5G RAN base station may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), an RRU, and an antenna. The CU implements some of the base station's functions, and the DU implements some of the base station's functions. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, and implements the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU (Digital Unit) is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. The DU is the baseband module, and the RRU (Radio Frequency Unit) is the radio frequency module. Transmission between the DU and RRU is called fronthaul, and transmission between the CU (Control Unit) and DU is called midhaul. In one implementation, the RRU and antenna may be implemented by an active antenna unit (AAU), in which case the AAU is the radio frequency module. Transmission between the BBU (Baseband Unit) and AAU, or between the DU and RRU, may be called fronthaul.

[0045] One of the core links in optical fiber communication is the conversion between optical and electrical signals. During optical fiber communication, the optical signals carrying information are transmitted within the optical fiber, and low-cost and low-loss information transmission can be implemented by utilizing the passive transmission feature of light within the optical fiber. However, information processing devices such as computers use electrical signals, and this requires the interconversion between electrical and optical signals in the signal transmission process. Optical modules implement the aforementioned optical-to-electrical conversion function in the field of optical fiber communication technology, and the interconversion between optical and electrical signals is a core function of optical modules.

[0046] Optical modules are essential components in optical communication systems. An optical module includes a transmitting end and a receiving end. The transmitting end primarily performs optical transmission via a laser, while the receiving end primarily performs optical reception via a photodetector. Commonly used optical modules mainly include two-fiber bidirectional optical modules, where the transmitting and receiving ends are separate, and one-fiber bidirectional (Bidi) optical modules, where the transmitting and receiving ends are combined. Optical modules can take the form of pluggable optical interfaces. One optical interface has one ferrule, and one ferrule contains one optical fiber. A two-fiber bidirectional optical module has two optical interfaces. The optical fiber in the ferrule located at one optical interface is used to output an optical signal by the transmitting end, and the optical fiber in the ferrule located at the other optical interface is used to receive an optical signal by the receiving end. The optical fiber in the ferrule located at the optical interface of a single-fiber bidirectional optical module may be used by the transmitting end to output an optical signal, or by the receiving end to receive an optical signal.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram relating to an optical fiber transmission system. As shown in Figure 2, the baseband module 210 may be connected to a plurality of two-fiber bidirectional optical modules (221-226), and a plurality of radio frequency modules (231-236) are each connected to a two-fiber bidirectional optical module (241-246). A multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 may be located on the baseband module 210 side, and a multiplexer / demultiplexer 260 may be located on the radio frequency module side. For example, as shown by optical module 226 in Figure 2, each optical module in Figure 2 includes one transmitting end and one receiving end, and the transmitting end and receiving end are each connected to one optical fiber. When the optical fiber transmission system is in operation, the transmitting ends of multiple 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules (221-226) connected to the baseband module 210 may transmit signals via optical fiber to a multiplexer / demultiplexer 250, which may combine the multiple optical signals and then transmit them via a single optical fiber to a multiplexer / demultiplexer 260. The multiplexer / demultiplexer 260 then separates the received optical signals based on wavelength and transmits them to each of the multiple 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules (241-246). Similarly, 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules (241-246) connected to the radio frequency module (231-236) can also transmit optical signals to 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules (221-216) connected to the baseband module 210.

[0048] When system capacity is expanded, if the panel size of the current baseband module needs to remain unchanged, a 2-fiber bidirectional optical module connected to the baseband module can be replaced with a 1-fiber bidirectional optical module. Compared to a 2-fiber bidirectional optical module that transmits and receives optical signals through two optical fibers, a 1-fiber bidirectional optical module transmits and receives optical signals through one optical fiber. Therefore, when a baseband module communicates with the same number of radio frequency modules, the number of optical fibers can be reduced by using a 1-fiber bidirectional optical module. As mentioned above, one optical interface in an optical module has one ferrule, and one ferrule has one optical fiber. Therefore, as the number of optical fibers decreases, the number of optical interfaces decreases. If the 1-fiber bidirectional optical module on the baseband module is an optical module with two optical interfaces (e.g., a dual small form-factor pluggable (DSFP) optical module), then reducing the number of optical interfaces reduces the number of optical modules used by the baseband module. In other words, if the number of optical modules connected to the baseband module remains constant, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency modules by using one bidirectional optical module, and as a result, the capacity expansion requirement can be met if the size of the baseband module remains unchanged.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, when multiple 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules (221-226) connected to the baseband module 210 are replaced with multiple 1-fiber bidirectional optical modules (321-326), comparing Figure 2 with Figure 3 reveals that, while the number of radio frequency modules (231-236) communicating with the baseband module remains unchanged, the number of 1-fiber bidirectional optical modules used by the baseband module is half the number of 2-fiber bidirectional optical modules in Figure 2. In addition, the baseband module 210 can communicate with other radio frequency modules (not shown in Figure 3) by using three other 1-fiber bidirectional optical modules (324-326). In other words, compared to the optical fiber transmission system shown in Figure 2, the optical fiber transmission system shown in Figure 3 may allow the baseband module 210 to communicate with more radio frequency devices, while the panel size of the baseband module 210 remains unchanged.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, optical fiber #1 of optical module 321 is configured to receive an optical signal with wavelength λ1 and also to transmit an optical signal with wavelength λ2. If the optical signal received by multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 from multiplexer / demultiplexer 260 includes an optical signal with wavelength λ1, and optical module 321 transmits an optical signal with wavelength λ2 via optical fiber #1, then multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 cannot receive the optical signal with wavelength λ2 from optical module 321 via optical fiber #1, nor can it transmit the optical signal with wavelength λ1 to optical module 321 via optical fiber #1. Therefore, in the optical fiber transmission system shown in Figure 3, multiplexer / demultiplexer 271 and multiplexer / demultiplexer 272 need to be additionally added to the baseband module side in order to reuse the existing multiplexer / demultiplexer (250). Multiplexer / demultiplexer 271 receives an optical signal of wavelength λ1 from multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 via one optical fiber and transmits the optical signal of wavelength λ1 to optical module 321 via optical fiber #1. Multiplexer / demultiplexer 251 is further configured to receive an optical signal of wavelength λ2 from optical module 321 via optical fiber #1 and transmit the optical signal of wavelength λ2 to multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 via another optical fiber. Multiplexer / demultiplexers 272 and 273 have similar functions.

[0051] However, adding multiplexer / demultiplexer 271 and multiplexer / demultiplexer 272 to the optical fiber transmission system, based on the optical fiber transmission system shown in Figure 3, increases the complexity of the optical fiber transmission system. In addition, as the system develops and needs to be expanded to a larger capacity, a single-fiber bidirectional optical module may not be able to meet the capacity expansion requirements.

[0052] With this in mind, embodiments of the present application provide a ferrule, an optical fiber connector, and an optical module, expected to transmit multiple optical signals through a single optical interface so that the optical module meets the requirements for capacity expansion.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of a ferrule according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ferrule shown in Figure 4(a), M optical fibers are embedded in the ferrule 400. Specifically, the M optical fibers are optical fibers 1 to M, where M is an integer of 2 or more. Each of the optical fibers 1 to M is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength. Specifically, the first optical fiber in optical fibers 1 to M is configured to transmit an optical signal having one wavelength, or the first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal having multiple wavelengths, and the first optical fiber is any one of optical fibers 1 to M.

[0054] Optionally, the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted from optical fiber 1 through any two optical fibers M are different. For example, if optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit optical signal 1, optical fiber 2 is configured to transmit optical signal 2, ..., optical fiber M is configured to transmit optical signal M, then the wavelengths of any two optical signals from 1 to M are different.

[0055] In the ferrule provided in this embodiment of the present application, two or more optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule, and each optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength, so that at least two optical signals can be transmitted using one ferrule. When the ferrule is used in an optical module, at least two optical signals can be transmitted through one optical interface. This helps to meet the requirements for expanding system capacity. In addition, since at least two optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule provided in this embodiment of the present application, when the amount of wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by all optical fibers is the same, compared to existing solutions in which only one optical fiber is incorporated into the ferrule, the ferrule provided in this embodiment of the present application can be used to transmit more optical signals having different wavelengths. For example, if three optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule, three optical signals can be transmitted using one ferrule. When the optical module in which the ferrule is used is located on a baseband module, the baseband module can transmit three optical signals using the optical module, so the baseband module can communicate with up to three radio frequency modules using three optical signals. On the other hand, a baseband module can only communicate with a maximum of two radio frequency modules by using a single-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, if the optical module using the ferrule is located on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. If the optical module using the ferrule is located on a baseband module, and each of the three optical fibers embedded in the ferrule is configured to transmit multiple optical signals with different wavelengths, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency modules.In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0056] In addition, if each of the M optical fibers transmits an optical signal having one wavelength, and the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two optical fibers are different, then the optical signals with different wavelengths can be transmitted through different optical fibers by using a single ferrule. When a ferrule is used in an optical module, each optical fiber in the optical module is configured to transmit optical signals with different wavelengths, so when the optical module is connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer, the case does not occur where the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals through a single optical fiber. Therefore, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the multiplexer / demultiplexer. For example, when an optical module using the ferrule provided in this embodiment of the present application is placed on a baseband module 210 shown in Figure 3, the optical module may be directly connected to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250, and does not need to be connected to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 by using additional multiplexers / demultiplexers (271-273), thereby reducing the complexity of the optical fiber transmission system.

[0057] It should be understood that the positions and relative relationships of the M optical fibers in the ferrule are not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0058] In possible implementations, the M optical fibers are arranged around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule. For example, a cross-sectional view of the ferrule when the M optical fibers are arranged around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule is shown in Figure 4(b).

[0059] In another possible implementation, one of the M optical fibers is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, and the remaining optical fibers are positioned around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule. For example, a cross-section of the ferrule when one of the M optical fibers is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the ferrule and the remaining optical fibers are positioned around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule is shown in Figure 4(c).

[0060] In another possible implementation, the M optical fibers are arranged side by side within the ferrule. For example, a cross-section of the ferrule is shown in Figure 4(d) when the M optical fibers are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ferrule.

[0061] Note that in Figures 4(b) through 4(d), N=6 or N=4 are used merely as examples.

[0062] Optionally, the distances between different optical fibers among the M optical fibers and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule may be equal or unequal. As shown in Figure 4(b), the distance between optical fiber 1 and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule may be equal to the distance between optical fiber 2 and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, or the distance between optical fiber 1 and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule may not be equal to the distance between optical fiber 2 and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule.

[0063] Optionally, the distance between two adjacent optical fibers among the M optical fibers may be equal or unequal. As shown in Figure 4(d), the distance between optical fiber 1 and optical fiber 2 may be equal to the distance between optical fiber 2 and optical fiber 3, or the distance between optical fiber 1 and optical fiber 2 may not be equal to the distance between optical fiber 2 and optical fiber 3.

[0064] It should be further understood that the type of optical fiber is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. For example, the M optical fibers may include single-core optical fibers, multi-core optical fibers (MCFs), single-mode optical fibers, few-mode optical fibers, single-core few-mode optical fibers, and multi-core few-mode optical fibers. In addition, all types of the M optical fibers may be the same, or the different types of the M optical fibers may be different. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Optionally, M optical fibers may include one or more multicore optical fibers, and each optical core within one multicore optical fiber may be configured to transmit optical signals having different wavelengths. If each optical core within one multicore optical fiber may be configured to transmit optical signals having different wavelengths, then it can be understood that one multicore optical fiber may be configured to transmit optical signals having multiple wavelengths.

[0066] It should be further understood that the relationship between the length of the optical fiber and the length of the ferrule is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. For example, the length of each of the M optical fibers is equal to the length of the ferrule. In another example, the length of each of the M optical fibers is longer than the length of the ferrule.

[0067] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the optical fiber connector 500 includes a ferrule 510, and M optical fibers are housed in the ferrule 510. Specifically, the M optical fibers are optical fiber 1 to optical fiber M. Each of optical fibers 1 to M is configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength.

[0068] Optionally, the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted from optical fiber 1 through any two optical fibers M are different. For example, if optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit optical signal 1, optical fiber 2 is configured to transmit optical signal 2, ..., optical fiber M is configured to transmit optical signal M, then the wavelengths of any two optical signals from 1 to M are different.

[0069] For further details regarding ferrule 510, please refer to the explanation above in Figure 4.

[0070] It should be noted that the optical fiber connector 500 shown in Figure 5 may further include other necessary modules or units, and this is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0071] According to the optical fiber connector provided in this embodiment of the present application, at least two optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule of the optical fiber connector, and each optical fiber may be configured to transmit an optical signal having at least one wavelength, so that at least two optical signals can be transmitted using one optical fiber connector. When the optical fiber connector is used in an optical module, at least two optical signals can be transmitted through one optical interface. This helps to meet the requirements for system capacity expansion. In addition, since at least two optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule of the optical fiber connector, compared to existing solutions in which only one optical fiber is incorporated into the ferrule of the optical fiber connector, if the amount of wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by all optical fibers is the same, the optical fiber connector provided in this embodiment of the present application can be used to transmit more optical signals having different wavelengths. For example, if three optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule, three optical signals can be transmitted through one optical interface. When the optical module in which the optical fiber connector is used is located on a baseband module, the baseband module can transmit three optical signals by using the optical module, so that the baseband module can communicate with up to three radio frequency modules by using three optical signals. On the other hand, a baseband module can communicate with a maximum of two radio frequency modules by using a single-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, if optical modules using fiber optic connectors are placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion.When the optical module using the optical fiber connector is placed on a baseband module, and each of the three optical fibers embedded in the ferrule of the optical fiber connector is configured to transmit multiple optical signals of different wavelengths, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency modules. In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0072] In addition, if each of the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal having one wavelength, and the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two optical fibers are different, then the optical signals with different wavelengths can be transmitted through different optical fibers using a single optical fiber connector. When the optical fiber connector is used in an optical module, each optical fiber in the optical module is configured to transmit optical signals with different wavelengths, so when the optical module is connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer, the case does not occur where the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals through a single optical fiber. Therefore, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the other multiplexer / demultiplexer. For example, when an optical module using the optical fiber connector provided in this embodiment of the present application is placed on a baseband module 210 shown in Figure 3, the optical module may be directly connected to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250, and by using additional multiplexers / demultiplexers (271-273), it is not necessary to connect to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250, thereby reducing the complexity of the optical fiber transmission system.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram relating to the structure of an optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the optical module 600 includes N optical units, from optical unit 611(1) to optical unit 611(N). The first optical unit of the N optical units is configured to receive or transmit an optical signal, and the first optical unit is any one of the N optical units.

[0074] The optical module 600 further includes a demultiplexing unit 612 and an optical fiber connector 620. The optical fiber connector 620 includes a ferrule 621, and M optical fibers are contained within the ferrule 621. Specifically, the M optical fibers are optical fiber 1 through optical fiber M, where N is an integer greater than or equal to M. See the description in Figure 5 for a description of the optical fiber connector 620. See the description in Figure 4 for a description of the ferrule 621.

[0075] Each optical fiber in the optical module 600 corresponds to at least one of N optical units, and any two of the M optical fibers correspond to different optical units. Specifically, the number of optical units corresponding to the first optical fiber among the M optical fibers is equal to the number of wavelengths of the optical signal transmitted by the first optical fiber, and the first optical fiber is one of the M optical fibers. For example, if the first optical fiber is configured to transmit optical signals having L different wavelengths, then the first optical fiber corresponds to L optical units, and each of the L optical units is configured to transmit or receive an optical signal having one wavelength. For example, M optical fibers have a one-to-one correspondence with N optical units. It can be understood that M=N when M optical fibers have a one-to-one correspondence with N optical units. In another example, M optical fibers include at least one optical fiber that corresponds to multiple optical units. It can be understood that N>M when M optical fibers include at least one optical fiber that corresponds to multiple optical units.

[0076] Arbitrarily, the wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to any two of the N optical units are different. The optical signals corresponding to the optical units are optical signals that can be correctly processed by the optical units. For example, the optical signals corresponding to the optical units are optical signals that the optical units support transmitting or optical signals that the optical units support receiving. As shown in Figure 6, optical unit 611(1) is configured to transmit or receive optical signal 1, optical unit 611(2) is configured to transmit or receive optical signal 2, ..., optical unit 611(N) is configured to transmit or receive optical signal N. n = 1, 2, ..., N. When the wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to any two of the N optical units are different, it can be understood that the wavelengths of the optical signals transmitted by any two of the M optical fibers are different, since the optical units corresponding to any two of the M optical fibers are different.

[0077] Optionally, the wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to different optical units within the N optical units may be the same.

[0078] Of the M optical fibers, the first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal received by the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, and / or the first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber. Assume that optical fiber 1 corresponds to optical unit 611(1), as shown in Figure 6. When optical unit 611(1) is a transmitting module, optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit the optical signal 1 received from optical unit 611(1). When optical unit 611(1) is a receiving module, optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit the optical signal 1 received by optical unit 611(1).

[0079] The demultiplexing unit 612 is configured to transmit an optical signal received from the optical fiber corresponding to the first optical unit to the first optical unit, and / or to transmit an optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber to the first optical fiber. As shown in Figure 6, assume that the optical fiber 2 corresponds to optical units 611(2) and 611(3). When optical unit 611(2) is the receiving module, the demultiplexing unit 612 is further configured to transmit an optical signal 2 received from optical fiber 2 to optical unit 611(2). When optical unit 611(3) is the transmitting module, the demultiplexing unit 612 is further configured to transmit an optical signal 3 transmitted by optical unit 611(3) to optical fiber 2.

[0080] For example, based on the wavelengths of different optical signals, the demultiplexing unit 612 transmits the optical signal received from the optical fiber corresponding to the first optical unit to the first optical unit, and / or transmits the optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber to the first optical fiber. Specifically, the demultiplexing unit 612 selects an optical signal having a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the first optical unit from the received optical signals and transmits the optical signal to the first optical unit, and / or, the demultiplexing unit 612 selects an optical signal having a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the first optical unit from the received optical signals and transmits the optical signal to the first optical fiber.

[0081] In possible implementations, optical units 611(1) through 611(N) and the demultiplex unit 612 are encapsulated within the transceiver component 610.

[0082] It should also be noted that the optical fiber connector 620 is connected to an optical module 600, for example, a demultiplexing unit 612, via spatial light instead of the optical fiber in the ferrule.

[0083] According to the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application, two or more optical fibers are incorporated into a ferrule contained within an optical fiber connector, and each optical fiber corresponds to a different optical unit. Compared to existing solutions in which the ferrule in the optical fiber connector contains only one optical fiber, this solution allows for the transmission of more optical signals by using a single optical module, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. In addition, since at least two optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule of the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application, compared to existing solutions in which only one optical fiber is incorporated into the ferrule of the optical module, if the amount of wavelength of the optical signal transmitted by all optical fibers is the same, the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application can be used to transmit more optical signals having different wavelengths. For example, if three optical fibers are incorporated into the ferrule, and each of the three optical fibers corresponds to three optical units, then three optical signals can be transmitted by using a single optical module. When an optical module is placed on a baseband module, if the three optical units each correspond to three radio frequency modules, the baseband module can communicate with three radio frequency devices by using the optical module. On the other hand, the baseband module can communicate with a maximum of two radio frequency modules by using a single-fiber bidirectional optical module. Therefore, when an optical module is placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency devices without increasing the number of optical modules, thus meeting the requirements for system capacity expansion. When each of the three optical fibers embedded in the ferrule is configured to transmit multiple optical signals having different wavelengths, the optical module may include at least three optical units, and when the optical module is placed on a baseband module, the baseband module can communicate with more radio frequency modules.In addition, since there is no need to increase the number of optical modules, the panel size of the baseband module can also remain unchanged.

[0084] In addition, since each optical fiber embedded in the ferrule is configured to transmit an optical signal of one wavelength, and different optical fibers transmit optical signals of different wavelengths, when the optical module is connected to a multiplexer / demultiplexer, the case does not occur where the multiplexer / demultiplexer simultaneously receives and transmits optical signals through a single optical fiber. Therefore, there is no need to add an additional multiplexer / demultiplexer between the optical module and the multiplexer / demultiplexer. For example, when an optical module using the ferrule provided in this embodiment of the present application is placed on a baseband module 210 shown in Figure 3, the optical module may be directly connected to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250, and there is no need to connect to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 250 by using additional multiplexers / demultiplexers (271-273), thereby reducing the complexity of the optical fiber transmission system.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7, the optical module shown in Figure 6 is used below as an example for illustrative purposes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, an example in which both M and N are 2 is used to illustrate the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the optical module 700 includes an optical receiving unit 711 (i.e., a first optical receiving unit), an optical transmitting unit 712 (i.e., a first optical transmitting unit), a demultiplexing unit 713, and an optical fiber connector 720. The optical fiber connector 720 includes a ferrule 721, and optical fibers 1 (second optical fiber) and 2 (third optical fiber) are housed in the ferrule 721. The optical receiving unit 711 and the optical transmitting unit 712 correspond to optical units 611(1) and 611(2) in Figure 6, respectively; the demultiplexing unit 713 corresponds to the demultiplexing unit 612 in Figure 6; the optical fiber connector 720 corresponds to the optical fiber connector 620 in Figure 6; the ferrule 721 corresponds to the ferrule 621 in Figure 6; and optical fibers 1 and 2 correspond to optical fibers 1 and 2 in Figure 6, respectively.

[0087] The optical receiving unit 711 is configured to receive optical signal 1 (i.e., the first optical signal), and the optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit the optical signal 1 received by the optical receiving unit 711. The optical transmitting unit 712 is configured to transmit optical signal 2 (i.e., the second optical signal), and the optical fiber 2 is configured to transmit the optical signal 2 received from the optical transmitting unit 712. The wavelength of optical signal 1 is different from the wavelength of optical signal 2. It should be understood that the optical receiving unit 711 can be any component or structure capable of performing optical signal reception. For example, the optical receiving unit 711 may be an avalanche photon diode (APD). The optical transmitting unit 712 may be any component or structure capable of performing optical signal transmission. For example, the optical transmitting unit 712 may be a laser.

[0088] The demultiplexing unit 713 is configured to select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to the optical fiber 2, and to select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to the optical receiving unit 711.

[0089] For example, the multiplexer / demultiplexer 713 includes a filter (i.e., a first filter) 7132 and a filter 7131 (i.e., a second filter). Filter 7132 is configured to reflect optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 2, and filter 7131 is configured to reflect optical signal 2. When the optical transmission unit 712 transmits optical signal 2, filter 7132 transmits the optical signal 2 received from the optical transmission unit 712 to the optical fiber 2. Upon receiving optical signal 1 from the optical fiber 1, reflector 7132 reflects optical signal 1 to filter 7131. Furthermore, filter 7131 reflects optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 711.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the optical receiving unit 711, the optical transmitting unit 712, and the demultiplexing unit 713 are encapsulated within the transceiver component 710.

[0091] Note that the example in Figure 7 where the demultiplex unit 713 includes filters 7132 and 7131 is merely an example used for illustrative purposes. Embodiments of this application do not necessarily limit the demultiplex unit 713 to including filters 7132 and 7131.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the demultiplexing unit 713 includes only the filter 7132 and can also select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to optical fiber 2, and select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 711.

[0093] It should be further noted that filter 7132 may be replaced with any other component that can be configured to transmit optical signal 2 and reflect optical signal 1, and that filter 7131 may also be replaced with any other component that can be configured to reflect optical signal 1.

[0094] It should be further noted that Figure 7 uses an example in which the two optical units in the optical module 700 are each configured to receive optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 2, and that the two optical units in the optical module 700 may each be configured to receive optical signal 1 and optical signal 2, or each may be configured to transmit optical signal 1 and optical signal 2. Correspondingly, if both of the two optical units in the optical module 600 are configured to transmit optical signals, then both of the two optical fibers in the optical module 700 are also configured to transmit the optical signals transmitted by the optical units, and the demultiplex unit is also configured to transmit the optical signals transmitted by the optical units to the optical fibers corresponding to each optical unit. Alternatively, if both of the two optical units included in the optical module 700 are configured to receive optical signals, both of the two optical fibers included in the optical module 700 are also configured to transmit the optical signals received by the optical units, and the demultiplexing unit is also configured to transmit the optical signals received by the optical fibers to the optical units corresponding to each optical fiber.

[0095] It should be further noted that Figure 7 uses an example where the wavelength of optical signal 1 is different from the wavelength of optical signal 2. The wavelength of optical signal 1 may be the same as the wavelength of optical signal 2.

[0096] Referring to Figure 9, the optical module shown in Figure 6 is used below as an example for illustrative purposes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, one example in which both M and N are 4 is used to illustrate the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the optical module 900 includes an optical receiving unit 911 (same as the optical receiving unit 711 in Figure 7), an optical transmitting unit 912 (same as the optical transmitting unit 712 in Figure 7), an optical receiving unit 913 (i.e., a second optical receiving unit), an optical transmitting unit 914 (i.e., a second optical transmitting unit), a demultiplexing unit 915, and an optical fiber connector 920. The optical fiber connector 920 includes a ferrule 921, and optical fibers 1 (same as optical fiber 1 in Figure 7), 2 (same as optical fiber 2 in Figure 7), 3 (i.e., a fourth optical fiber), and 4 (i.e., a fifth optical fiber) are housed in the ferrule 921. The optical receiving unit 913 and the optical transmitting unit 914 correspond to the optical units 611(3) and 611(4) in Figure 6, respectively; the demultiplexing unit 915 corresponds to the demultiplexing unit 612 in Figure 6; the optical fiber connector 920 corresponds to the optical fiber connector 920 in Figure 6; the ferrule 921 corresponds to the ferrule 621 in Figure 6; and the optical fibers 3 and 4 correspond to the optical fibers 3 and 4 in Figure 6, respectively.

[0098] For details on the functions of the optical receiving unit 911, the optical transmitting unit 912, the optical fiber 1, and the optical fiber 2, please refer to the explanation in Figure 7.

[0099] The optical receiving unit 913 is configured to receive optical signal 3 (i.e., the third optical signal), and the optical fiber 3 is configured to transmit the optical signal 3 received by the optical receiving unit 913. The optical transmitting unit 914 is configured to transmit optical signal 4 (i.e., the fourth optical signal), and the optical fiber 4 is configured to transmit the optical signal 4 received from the optical transmitting unit 914. Any two wavelengths of optical signals 1 to 4 are different. It should be understood that the optical receiving unit 913 can be any component or structure capable of performing optical signal reception. For example, the optical receiving unit 913 could be an APD. The optical transmitting unit 914 can be any component or structure capable of performing optical signal transmission. For example, the optical transmitting unit 914 could be a laser.

[0100] The demultiplexing unit 915 is configured to select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to optical fiber 2, select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 911, select optical signal 4 and transmit optical signal 4 to optical fiber 4, and select optical signal 3 and transmit optical signal 3 to optical receiving unit 913.

[0101] For example, the demultiplexing unit 915 includes filters 9151 (i.e., the first filter), 9152 (i.e., the second filter), 9153 (i.e., the third filter), and 9154 (i.e., the fourth filter). Filter 9151 is configured to reflect optical signal 1 and transmit another optical signal. Filter 9152 is configured to reflect optical signal 2 and transmit another optical signal. Filter 9153 is configured to reflect optical signal 3 and transmit another optical signal. Filter 9154 is configured to transmit optical signal 4 and reflect another optical signal. When filter 9154 receives optical signal 1 from optical fiber 1, filter 9154 reflects optical signal 1. Furthermore, optical signal 1 reaches filter 9151 via filters 9153 and 9152, and is then reflected by filter 9151 to the optical receiving unit 911. When the optical transmission unit 912 transmits optical signal 2, filter 9152 reflects the optical signal 2 transmitted by the optical transmission unit 912. The optical signal 2 reaches filter 9154 via filter 9153, and then reflects the optical signal 2 back to the optical fiber 2. When filter 9154 receives optical signal 3 from the optical fiber 3, filter 9154 reflects the optical signal 3 back to filter 9153, and then reflects the optical signal 3 back to the optical receiving unit 913. When the optical transmission unit 914 transmits optical signal 4, the optical signal 4 reaches the optical fiber 4 via filter 9154.

[0102] In possible implementations, the optical receiving unit 911, optical transmitting unit 912, optical transmitting unit 913, optical receiving unit 914, and demultiplexing unit 915 are encapsulated within the transceiver component 910.

[0103] Note that the example in Figure 9 where the demultiplexing unit 915 includes filters 9151, 9152, 9153, and 9154 is merely an example used for illustrative purposes. The embodiments of this application do not necessarily limit the demultiplexing unit 915 to include the aforementioned elements. The demultiplexing unit falls within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application if it can select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 911, select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to optical fiber 2, select optical signal 3 and transmit optical signal 3 to optical receiving unit 913, and select optical signal 4 and transmit optical signal 4 to optical fiber 4.

[0104] It should be further noted that one example in Figure 9 is that the four optical units included in the optical module 900 include two optical receiving units and two optical transmitting units. The four optical units included in the optical module 900 may include more optical receiving units or more optical transmitting units. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application. It can be understood that when the function of an optical unit changes, the function of the optical fiber corresponding to the optical unit also changes, and the function of the demultiplexing unit also changes. For example, if an optical receiving unit 911 included in the optical module 900 is replaced with an optical transmitting unit 911 configured to transmit an optical signal 1, then the optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit the optical signal 1 transmitted by the optical transmitting unit 911, and the demultiplexing unit 915 selects the optical signal 1 and transmits the optical signal 1 to the optical fiber 1.

[0105] It should be further noted that Figure 9 uses an example where any two of the optical signals 1 through 4 have different wavelengths. The wavelengths of the different optical signals 1 through 4 could be the same.

[0106] Referring to Figure 10, the optical module shown in Figure 6 is used below as an example for illustrative purposes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, an example in which M=3 and N=4 is used to illustrate the optical module provided in this embodiment of the present application.

[0107] As shown in Figure 10, the optical module 1000 includes an optical receiving unit 1110 (referencing optical receiving unit 711 in Figure 7), an optical transmitting unit 1120 (referencing optical transmitting unit 712 in Figure 7), an optical receiving unit 1130 (referencing optical receiving unit 913 in Figure 9), an optical transmitting unit 1140 (referencing optical transmitting unit 914 in Figure 9), a demultiplexing unit 1150, and an optical fiber connector 1200. The optical fiber connector 1200 includes a ferrule 1210, and optical fibers 1 (referencing optical fiber 1 in Figure 7), 2 (referencing optical fiber 2 in Figure 7), and 5 (i.e., the sixth optical fiber) are housed in the ferrule 1210. The demultiplexing unit 1150 corresponds to the demultiplexing unit 612 in Figure 6, the optical fiber connector 1200 corresponds to the optical fiber connector 920 in Figure 6, the ferrule 1210 corresponds to the ferrule 621 in Figure 6, and the optical fiber 5 corresponds to the optical fiber 3 in Figure 6.

[0108] For details on the functions of the optical receiving unit 1110, optical transmitting unit 1120, optical receiving unit 1130, optical transmitting unit 1140, optical fiber 1, and optical fiber 2, please refer to the explanations in Figures 7 and 9.

[0109] The optical fiber 5 is configured to transmit the optical signal 3 (i.e., the third optical signal) received by the optical receiving unit 1130, and the optical fiber 5 is further configured to transmit the optical signal 4 received from the optical transmitting unit 1140. Any two wavelengths of optical signals 1 to 4 are different.

[0110] The demultiplexing unit 1150 is configured to select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to optical fiber 2, select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 1110, select optical signal 4 and transmit optical signal 4 to optical fiber 5, and select optical signal 3 and transmit optical signal 3 to optical receiving unit 1130.

[0111] For example, the demultiplexing unit 1150 includes filter 1151 (same as filter 9151 in Figure 9), filter 1152 (same as filter 9152 in Figure 9), filter 1153 (i.e., a third filter), and filter 1154 (i.e., a fourth filter). Filter 1153 is configured to reflect optical signal 3 and transmit another optical signal. Reflector 1154 is configured to transmit optical signal 4 and reflect another optical signal. For the process by which filter 1151 selects optical signal 1 and transmits optical signal 1 to the optical receiving unit 1110, and for the process by which filter 1152 selects optical signal 2 and transmits optical signal 2 to the optical fiber 2, see the above description in Figure 9. When filter 1154 receives optical signal 3 from optical fiber 5, filter 1154 reflects the optical signal 3 to filter 1153, and then filter 1153 reflects the optical signal 3 to optical receiving unit 1130. When optical transmitting unit 1140 transmits optical signal 4, the optical signal 4 reaches optical fiber 5 via filter 1154.

[0112] In possible implementations, the optical receiving unit 1110, optical transmitting unit 1120, optical transmitting unit 1130, optical receiving unit 1140, and demultiplexing unit 1150 are encapsulated within the transceiver component 1100.

[0113] Note that the example in Figure 10 where the demultiplexing unit 1150 includes filters 1151, 1152, 1153, and 1154 is merely an example used for illustrative purposes. Embodiments of this application do not necessarily limit the demultiplexing unit 1150 to include the aforementioned elements. The demultiplexing unit falls within the scope of protection of embodiments of this application if it can select optical signal 1 and transmit optical signal 1 to optical receiving unit 1110, select optical signal 2 and transmit optical signal 2 to optical fiber 2, select optical signal 3 and transmit optical signal 3 to optical receiving unit 1130, and select optical signal 4 and transmit optical signal 4 to optical fiber 5.

[0114] It should be further noted that in Figure 10, an example is used in which the four optical units included in the optical module 1000 include two optical receiving units and two optical transmitting units. The four optical units included in the optical module 1000 may include more optical receiving units or more optical transmitting units. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application. It can be understood that when the function of the optical units changes, the function of the optical fiber corresponding to the optical unit also changes, and the function of the demultiplexing unit also changes. For example, if the optical receiving unit 1110 included in the optical module 1000 is replaced with an optical transmitting unit 1110 configured to transmit an optical signal 1, then the optical fiber 1 is configured to transmit the optical signal 1 transmitted by the optical transmitting unit 1110, and the demultiplexing unit 1150 selects the optical signal 1 and transmits the optical signal 1 to the optical fiber 1.

[0115] It should be further noted that Figure 10 uses an example where any two of the optical signals 1 through 4 have different wavelengths. The wavelengths of the different optical signals 1 through 4 could be the same.

[0116] One embodiment of this application further provides an optical fiber transmission system. The optical fiber transmission system includes a baseband unit, a radio frequency unit, and an optical module as described in the above embodiment. The baseband unit and the radio frequency unit communicate with each other using the optical module.

[0117] For example, the optical module is located on the baseband unit.

[0118] The foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modification or substitution that is readily conceivable by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the art disclosed in this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical module comprising N optical units, a demultiplexing unit, and an optical fiber connector, The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule and M optical fibers. The M optical fibers are arranged within the ferrule, Each of the M optical fibers corresponds to at least one of the N optical units, The optical units corresponding to any two of the M optical fibers are different. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and N is an integer greater than or equal to M. The first optical unit among the N optical units is configured to receive or transmit an optical signal, and the first optical unit is any one of the N optical units. The first optical fiber among the M optical fibers is configured to transmit an optical signal received by an optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, and / or the first optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal received from the optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber, and the first optical fiber is one of the M optical fibers, and The demultiplexing unit is configured to transmit an optical signal received from an optical fiber corresponding to the first optical unit to the first optical unit, and / or to transmit an optical signal received from an optical unit corresponding to the first optical fiber to the first optical fiber. The N optical units include a first optical receiving unit and a first optical transmitting unit. The aforementioned M optical fibers include a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber. The second optical fiber is configured to transmit the first optical signal received by the first optical receiving unit, and The third optical fiber is configured to transmit the second optical signal received from the first optical transmission unit. The N optical units further include a second optical receiving unit and a second optical transmitting unit. The M optical fibers further include a fourth optical fiber and a fifth optical fiber. The fourth optical fiber is configured to transmit the third optical signal received by the second optical receiving unit, The fifth optical fiber is configured to transmit the fourth optical signal received from the second optical transmission unit. Optical module.

2. The wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to any two of the N optical units are different. The optical module according to claim 1.

3. The length of the first optical fiber is equal to the length of the ferrule. The optical module according to claim 1.

4. The length of the first optical fiber is longer than the length of the ferrule. The optical module according to claim 1.

5. The demultiplexing unit includes a first filter and a second filter, The first filter is configured to reflect the first optical signal and transmit the second optical signal, The second filter is configured to reflect the second optical signal. The optical module according to claim 1.

6. The demultiplexing unit includes a first filter, a second filter, a third filter, and a fourth filter. The first filter is configured to reflect the first optical signal and transmit another optical signal. The second filter is configured to reflect the second optical signal and transmit another optical signal. The third filter is configured to reflect the third optical signal and transmit another optical signal. The fourth filter is configured to transmit the fourth optical signal and reflect another optical signal. The optical module according to claim 1.

7. The M optical fibers are arranged in the same direction within the ferrule. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The M optical fibers are arranged around the longitudinal axis of the ferrule. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The M optical fibers include one or more multicore optical fibers. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. A fiber optic transmission system, A radio frequency unit, a baseband unit, and an optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The radio frequency unit communicates with the baseband unit by using the optical module. Optical fiber transmission system.

11. The optical module is located on the baseband unit, The optical fiber transmission system according to claim 10.

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