Light source module, companion socket for light source module, and optical signal transmission method

Abstract

The present application discloses a light source module, including a case having an accommodating cavity therein, a light source located in the accommodating cavity and configured to emit light, a light source joint located on a first side of the accommodating cavity, protruding from the case, and configured to receive the light emitted from the light source and output it to a communication device, an optical signal transmitting and receiving joint located on the first side of the accommodating cavity, protruding from the case, and configured to transmit an optical signal with the communication device, and an optical connector adapter located on a second side of the accommodating cavity, configured to transmit an optical signal with the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint, where the second side is opposite to the first side of the accommodating cavity. The present application further discloses a companion socket and an optical signal transmission method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on September 28, 2022, with the application number 202211188064.X and the application title "Light Source Module, Companion Socket of Light Source Module, and Optical Signal Transmission Method", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to a light source module, a companion socket of the light source module, and an optical signal transmission method.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, due to the power consumption problem and heat dissipation problem of the pluggable optical module used in conventional communication devices (such as switches), the architecture of the conventional pluggable optical module cannot meet the development of data centers. Therefore, in the prior art, it is known that a pluggable light source module applied to a co-packaged optics (CPO) or near-packaged optics (NPO) switch used in a data center has been proposed.

[0004] The photoelectric modulation part in the conventional pluggable optical module is realized by an optical engine inside the CPO switch or the NPO switch. The light from the pluggable light source module is input into the optical engine through a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The optical engine transmits the optical signal output after optical modulation to an optical connector adapter through a single-mode optical fiber and outputs the optical signal through the optical connector adapter.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Each exemplary embodiment of this application discloses a light source module, a companion socket for the light source module, and a method for transmitting optical signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, this application proposes a light source module comprising a case, an optical signal transmitting and receiving joint, a light source joint, a light source, an electrical joint, and an optical connector adapter, wherein, The case has a housing cavity inside, The optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and the light source joint are installed on the outside of the first side of the case, the light source joint is used to output light emitted from the light source to the switch, and the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint is used to transmit optical signals to the switch. The electrical joint is installed on the outside of the first side, and the electrical joint is used to supply power to the light source module. The optical connector adapter is installed inside the second side of the case and is connected to the optical signal transmission / reception joint via an optical fiber inside the case, the second side being opposite to the first side inside the case, and the optical connector adapter is used to transmit optical signals to external equipment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a spectrometer, The spectrometer is installed between the light source and the light source joint in order to spectrally process the light emitted from the light source and transmit the multipath light obtained after spectral processing to the light source joint.

[0008] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a multiplexer and a demultiplexer, The multiplexer is installed between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint in order to integrate the optical signals output from the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and transmit the integrated optical signals to the optical connector adapter. The demultiplexer is installed between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint in order to separate the optical signal output from the optical connector adapter and transmit the separated optical signal to the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a controller and a warning light. The controller is used to receive matching information from the switch via the electrical joint, determine the matching result between the switch and the light source module based on the matching information, and determine the lighting method of the warning light based on the matching result.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and the light source joint are installed in parallel along the first direction outside the first side, The electrical joint is installed outside the first side, stacked with the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint or the light source joint along the second direction, and the orientations of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint, the light source joint and the electrical joint are the same. Here, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the third direction, and the third direction is the direction in which the light source module and the companion socket of the light source module are inserted and connected.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint crimps or connects single-mode optical fibers, and the light source joint crimps or connects polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the projection of the electrical joint in the second direction is longer in the third direction than the projection of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint in the second direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a positioning jacket and positioning guide holes, where, The aforementioned electrical joint is used to perform primary positioning when inserting and connecting the light source module and the companion socket. The positioning jacket is located on the first side and is used to perform secondary positioning when inserting and connecting the light source module and the companion socket. The positioning guide holes are used to perform final positioning when inserting and connecting the light source module and the companion socket.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present application proposes a companion socket for a light source module, the companion socket connecting a switch, the companion socket including an optical signal transmission / reception interface, a light source interface, an electrical connector, and an electrical interface, wherein, The optical signal transmission / reception interface and the light source interface are mounted on the companion socket for plugging in one side of the light source module, the optical signal transmission / reception interface connects the optical engine of the switch via an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals to the optical engine, and the light source interface connects the optical engine via an optical fiber for transmitting light received from the light source module to the optical engine. The electrical connector is crimped to one side of the circuit board of the switch and mounted on the companion socket to supply power to the companion socket based on the electrical energy provided by the circuit board. The electrical interface is installed inside the electrical connector to connect to the electrical joint of the light source module, and in some embodiments, the optical signal transmission interface crimps or couples a single-mode optical fiber, the light source interface crimps or couples a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, the optical signal transmission interface is connected to the optical engine via a single-mode optical fiber, and the light source interface is connected to the optical engine via a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the optical signal transmission / reception interface and the light source interface are installed in parallel along a first direction. The electrical connector and the optical signal transmission / reception interface or the light source interface are stacked and installed along a second direction and include crimp pins facing the second direction for crimping the companion socket to the circuit board of the switch. Here, the orientation of the light source interface, the optical signal transmission / reception interface, and the electrical interface is the same, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the direction in which the light source module and the companion socket are inserted and connected.

[0016] In some embodiments, the companion socket further includes a positioning pin and two springs, where, The positioning pin and the optical signal transmission / reception interface or the light source interface are stacked and installed along a second direction, the optical signal transmission / reception interface and the light source interface are located between the positioning pin and the electrical connector, and one end of the positioning pin is connected to the electrical connector. One end of the first of the two springs is connected to the positioning pin and the other end is connected to the optical signal transmission / reception interface, and one end of the second of the two springs is connected to the positioning pin and the other end is connected to the light source interface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the projection of the positioning pin in a second direction is longer in a third direction than the projection of the optical signal transmission / reception interface or the light source interface in a second direction, where the third direction is the direction in which the light source module and the companion socket are plugged in and connected.

[0018] In some embodiments, the companion socket further includes a positioning guide pin. The electrical interface is used for primary positioning when the light source module and the companion socket are plugged and connected, The positioning pin is used for secondary positioning when the light source module and the companion socket are plugged and connected, The positioning guide pin is used for final positioning when the light source module and the companion socket are plugged and connected.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present application proposes a method for transmitting an optical signal, and this method includes: The optical connector adapter of the light source module receives a first optical signal from an external device; The optical connector adapter transmits the first optical signal to a switch via the optical signal transceiver joint of the light source module; The light source joint of the light source module outputs light emitted from the light source of the light source module to the switch, and the light is used by the switch for photoelectric modulation; When the optical connector adapter receives a second optical signal returned from the switch via the optical signal transceiver joint of the light source module, the second optical signal is transmitted to the external device.

[0020] In some embodiments, before transmitting the first optical signal to the switch, the method further includes: A demultiplexer of the light source module separates the first optical signal to obtain at least two third optical signals; The optical signal transceiver joint transmits the at least two third optical signals to the switch.

[0021] In some embodiments, before the switch outputs the light emitted from the light source of the light source module, the method further includes: A beam splitter of the light source module performs beam splitting on the light emitted from the light source to obtain multi-path light. The light source joint further includes outputting the multipath light to the switch.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method is When the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint receives at least two fourth optical signals returned from the switch, the multiplexer of the light source module integrates the at least two fourth optical signals to obtain the second optical signal. The optical connector adapter further includes transmitting the second optical signal to the external device.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, each exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a light source module, which light source module, A case with an internal storage cavity, A light source located within the aforementioned housing cavity and configured to emit light, A light source joint is located on the first side of the housing cavity, protrudes from the case, and is configured to receive light emitted from the light source and output it to a communication device, An optical signal transmitting and receiving joint is located on the first side of the housing cavity, protrudes from the case, and is configured to transmit optical signals to the communication equipment, The optical connector adapter is located on the second side of the housing cavity and is configured to transmit optical signals to the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint, Here, the second side is the side of the housing cavity that faces the first side.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, one end of which is connected to the light source and the other end of which is connected to the light source joint, and a single-polarization optical fiber, one end of which is connected to the optical connector adapter and the other end of which is connected to the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint.

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and the light source joint are installed in parallel on the first side along a first direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the plug-in connection direction of the light source module.

[0026] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a spectrometer located between the light source and the light source joint, configured to spectrally analyze the light emitted from the light source to obtain multipath light.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a demultiplexer located between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transceiver joint, configured to separate at least one path of optical signals output from the optical connector adapter and transmit the separated multipath of optical signals to the optical signal transceiver joint.

[0028] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a multiplexer located between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transceiver joint, configured to integrate the multipath optical signals output from the optical signal transceiver joint and transmit at least one path of the integrated optical signal to the optical connector adapter.

[0029] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes an electrical joint located on a first side of the housing cavity and protruding from the case, and configured to supply power to the light source module, wherein the electrical joint and the optical signal transceiver joint and / or the light source joint are stacked along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the projection length of the electrical joint in the projection plane formed by the second and third directions is greater than the projection length of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint or the light source joint in the projection plane, where the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions, respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a positioning jacket located on the first side and configured to position the plug-in connection of the light source module when the light source module is plugged in.

[0032] In some embodiments, the light source joint and / or the optical signal transceiver joint further includes a positioning guide hole configured to position the plug-in connection position of the light source joint and / or the optical signal transceiver joint when the light source module is plugged in.

[0033] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a microcontroller located within the housing cavity and connected to the electrical joint, configured to receive matching information from the communication device via the electrical joint, and a warning light located on the second side and connected to the microcontroller, configured to indicate the matching status with the communication device after the light source module has been plugged in, wherein the microcontroller determines the matching result between the communication device and the light source module based on the matching information, and controls the illumination method of the warning light based on the matching result.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optical connector adapter is an MPO connector or an SN connector.

[0035] In some embodiments, the light source module further includes a protective cover located on the first side and protruding from the case, protecting the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint and the light source joint.

[0036] According to the fifth aspect, each exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a companion socket for a light source module, which is connected to a communication device and to the light source module described in any one of the embodiments described above, wherein the companion socket is An optical signal transmission and reception interface is located on the side of the companion socket into which the light source module is plugged in, connected to the optical engine of the communication device, and configured to transmit optical signals to the optical engine, The system includes a light source interface located on the side of the companion socket for plugging in the light source module, connected to the optical engine, and configured to transmit light received from the light source module to the optical engine.

[0037] In some embodiments, the optical signal transmission / reception interface is configured to crimp or couple single-mode optical fibers, and the light source interface is configured to crimp or couple polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

[0038] In some embodiments, the companion socket further includes an electrical connector located on the side of the companion socket that is connected to the communication device and configured to supply power to the companion socket based on electrical energy provided by a circuit board, and a positioning pin configured to be stacked with the optical signal transmission / reception interface and / or the light source interface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end of which is connected to the electrical connector, wherein the optical signal transmission / reception interface and the light source interface are located between the positioning pin and the electrical connector.

[0039] In some embodiments, the companion socket further includes a first spring, one end of which is connected to the positioning pin and the other end of which is connected to the optical signal transmission / reception interface, and a second spring, one end of which is connected to the positioning pin and the other end of which is connected to the light source interface.

[0040] According to the sixth aspect, each exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting optical signals used in any one of the above-described embodiments of a light source module, wherein the method is: The light source of the light source module emits light to the light source joint, The light source joint of the light source module outputs the light emitted from the light source to the communication device, wherein the light is photoelectrically converted in the communication device and then generates a second optical signal. The optical signal transmitting and receiving joint of the light source module receives a second optical signal returned from the communication device and transmits the second optical signal to the optical connector adapter. The optical connector adapter transmits the second optical signal to the external device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes, before transmitting the second optical signal to the external device, receiving at least two fourth optical signals returned from the communication device at the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint, and having the multiplexer of the light source module integrate the at least two fourth optical signals to obtain the second optical signal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further includes, before the light source joint of the light source module outputs the light emitted from the light source to the communication device, the spectrometer of the light source module spectrally analyzes the light emitted from the light source to obtain multipath light, and the light source joint outputs the multipath light to the communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] Each exemplary embodiment of this application integrates a light source and an optical connector adapter, realizing a pluggable light source module. Furthermore, by installing a light source joint and an optical signal transmission / reception joint on the side where the light source module and communication equipment are plugged in, the problem of low crimping yield of optical fibers due to the different types of optical fibers used for the light source and optical signal transmission is solved, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of the optical fiber crimping process within the pluggable light source module. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] The drawings described herein are provided for further understanding of this application and constitute part of this application. The schematic embodiments and descriptions herein are for interpretation purposes only and do not constitute an unreasonable limitation of this application. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pluggable light source module according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical connector adapter according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4A] This is a top view of a switch system according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a front view of the switch system according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 5A] This is a front view of a light source module according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 6A] This is a front view of a light source module according to another embodiment of this application. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 6C] Figure 6A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 6D] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the process by which a multiplexer, according to the embodiment shown, performs integrated processing on an optical signal. [Figure 6E] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the process by which a demultiplexer, according to the embodiment shown, performs separation processing on an optical signal. [Figure 7A] This is a front view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 8A] This is a front view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 8C] Figure 8A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 9A] This is a front view of a companion socket according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9B] This is a cross-sectional view of a companion socket according to the embodiment shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is a side view of a companion socket according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 9D] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the process of plugging and connecting the light source module and the companion socket according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 9E] Figure 9A is a front view showing a companion socket, according to the embodiment shown, being crimped onto the circuit board of a switch. [Figure 9F] Figure 9A is a side view showing how the companion socket, according to the embodiment shown, is crimped onto the circuit board of the switch. [Figure 10A] This is a top view of a switch system according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a front view of the switch system according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 10C] Figure 10A is a side view of a switch system according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of an optical signal transmission process according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12A] This is a front view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 12B] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 12C] Figure 12A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 13A] This is a front view showing a companion socket according to one embodiment of the present application being crimped onto the circuit board of a switch. [Figure 13B] Figure 13A is a side view of a companion socket crimped onto the circuit board of a switch according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 14A] This is a front view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 14C] Figure 14A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 15A] This is a front view of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of a light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 15C] Figure 15A is a side view of the light source module according to the embodiment shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical concept in this application, the following provides a clear and complete description of the technical concept in the embodiments of this application, accompanied by drawings of the embodiments. Clearly, the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments derived from the embodiments of this application without requiring creative effort from those skilled in the art should also fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," and "outside" are directions or positional relationships shown based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description in this application. They do not indicate or imply that the mentioned devices or elements have a specific direction or must be configured and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limitations on this application.

[0047] The terms “first” and “second” are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing the same or similar elements and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, features limited by “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, “multiple” means two or more.

[0048] In the description of this application, unless otherwise explicitly defined or limited, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense, and may include, for example, a fixed connection, a removable connection, a one-piece connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be explained that the size ratios of each component in each illustration of the embodiments of this application do not reflect the true size ratios, and are used solely to clearly represent the relative positional relationships between the components.

[0050] As mentioned earlier, the structure requiring a CPO switch to guarantee signal input and output includes a pluggable light source module and an optical connector adapter. This prevents plug-and-play functionality and results in poor maintainability. Furthermore, the presence of the optical connector adapter restricts heat dissipation from the pluggable light source module, reducing its lifespan.

[0051] To facilitate understanding, we will first introduce application scenarios for the light source module, companion socket for the light source module, and optical signal transmission method according to the embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 1, this is a system architecture diagram according to the embodiment of this application, where the system includes a switch as a communication device, a light source module, a companion socket for the light source module, and external equipment.

[0052] The switch shown in Figure 1 may be a co-packaged optics (CPO) switch or a near-packaged optics (NPO) switch, and may contain a switch chip for specific data processing, and may further contain an optical engine for realizing photoelectric modulation. The companion socket of the light source module is configured to connect to the switch, and may be configured to connect to the switch by, for example, a crimping method. The light source module and the companion socket may be connected to each other by a plug connection method. The light source module may be used to enable the switch to transmit optical signals with an external device, and may be used to provide a light source to the switch, and may be used for the switch to perform photoelectric modulation. The external device shown in Figure 1 may be any one of the communication devices to which the light source module is connected via an optical fiber, and this application is not limited to the implementation method of the external device.

[0053] Currently, a schematic diagram of the structure of a pluggable light source module used in CPO or NPO switches can be found in Figure 2, where (a) in Figure 2 is a front view of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art, and (b) in Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art, along the AA direction (top view) of the pluggable light source module in Figure 2 (a). (c) in Figure 2 is a side view (including left and right side views) of a pluggable light source module proposed in the prior art. As shown in Figure 2, a light source module proposed in the prior art includes structures such as a light source, a microcontroller, memory, a light source joint and an electrical joint, and the light source joint and the electrical joint are located on the same side of the light source module. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the light source module does not include an optical joint for transmitting optical signals. An optical joint is a joint for transmitting optical signals and may include an optical signal transceiver joint and an optical connector adapter.

[0054] Therefore, in order to ensure the normal input / output operations of the switch, it has been suggested that the conventional technology requires the placement of a separate optical connector adapter in addition to the light source module. Refer to Figure 3 for a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical connector adapter in the conventional technology. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the optical connector adapter, Figure 3(b) is a top view of the optical connector adapter, and Figure 3(c) is a side view (including the right side view) of the optical connector adapter.

[0055] To facilitate understanding of the prior art approach, Figure 4A illustrates a top view of a system in which a conventional light source module 420 and a conventional optical connector adapter 410 are connected to a switch, while Figure 4B shows a front view of the system. As shown in the figures, the light source module 420 may be connected to the optical engine 430 via, for example, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, while the optical connector adapter 410 may be connected to the optical engine 430 via a single-polarization optical fiber. However, because the optical connector adapter 410 is located only on the upper side of the light source module 420, it limits heat dissipation from the upper side of the conventional light source module 420, thereby reducing the lifespan of the light source module 420, and prevents plug-and-play functionality (i.e., it cannot be "pluggable"), resulting in a relatively poor user experience.

[0056] To understand this, a single-polarization optical fiber (Zing fiber) transmits only light in a specific polarization direction, and light in other polarization directions either fails to meet the waveguide conditions or experiences strong optical loss. A polarization-maintaining optical fiber maintains the polarization state of incident light by introducing birefringence, thereby keeping the birefringence constant at each position in the axial direction of the optical fiber. That is, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber can transmit light in any polarization state, but when the polarization direction of the light is adjusted to be parallel to the birefringence axis, such an optical fiber can maintain that linear polarization state.

[0057] Each exemplary embodiment of this application proposes a light source module and a companion socket, where the light source module integrates a light source and an optical connector adapter, meeting the requirements for plug-and-play (i.e., pluggable) use. Furthermore, since different optical fibers are used for the light source and optical signal transmission, and a unified crimping method would reduce interface yield, transmitting the light source and optical signal through different optical ports can reduce process complexity and cost.

[0058] The following describes in detail the light source module, the companion socket for the light source module, and the optical signal transmission method proposed in each exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figures 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of the structure of a light source module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5A is a front view of a light source module according to an embodiment of this application, and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the light source module according to the embodiment of Figure 5A, along the BB direction (top view) shown in Figure 5A. Figure 5C is a side view (including the left side view and the right side view) of the light source module according to the embodiment of Figure 5A.

[0060] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the light source module includes an optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500, a light source joint 501, an electrical joint 502, a light source 503, a microcontroller 505, a memory 506, an optical connector adapter 510, and a case 511.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5A, the case 511 has an internal housing cavity, and the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501 are installed on the first side of the case 511 and protrude from the outside of the case 511 along a third direction.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5B, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501 may be installed in parallel along the first direction. The electrical joint 502 is installed on the first side of the case 511 and protrudes from the outside of the case 511 along the third direction. As shown in Figure 5C, the electrical joint 502 may be installed stacked with the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 or the light source joint 501 along the second direction.

[0063] To make it clear, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501 may be arranged in other ways, for example, they may be installed in parallel along a second direction, as long as both the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501 are installed on a light source module, and this application does not particularly limit the arrangement of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5B, the orientation of the electrical joint 502, the optical signal transceiver joint 500, and the light source joint 501 may be the same. The light source 503 may consist of one or more lasers to output single-channel or multi-channel light to the light source joint 501. The optical connector adapter 510 is installed on the second side of the housing cavity of the case 511, and the second side is opposite to the first side of the case 511. The optical connector adapter 510 and the optical signal transceiver joint 500 are connected via optical fiber inside the case 511.

[0065] The light source module according to this exemplary embodiment integrates optical signal transmission equipment into the light source module, thereby satisfying the power consumption of the light source module to be lower than the heat dissipation tolerance range, while simultaneously enabling plug-and-play functionality for the light source module.

[0066] The optical signal transceiver joint 500 can crimp or connect single-mode optical fibers, and the light source joint 501 can crimp or connect polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

[0067] Alternatively, the projection length of the electrical joint 502 in the projection plane formed by the second and third directions may be set to be greater than the projection length of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 in this projection plane, i.e., the projection distance of the electrical joint 502 in the third direction is greater than the projection distance of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 in the third direction. The third direction is shown in Figure 5A, and is the direction in which the light source module and the companion socket are plugged in and connected.

[0068] In this embodiment, since the protrusion distance of the electrical joint 502 in the third direction is greater than the protrusion distance of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 in the third direction, when the light source module is plugged into the companion socket, the electrical joint 502 makes more contact with the communication equipment than the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501. This allows the communication equipment to control the voltage within a safe range before fully plugging in the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501, thereby ensuring safety when plugging in the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 and the light source joint 501.

[0069] The electrical joint 502 may be a "Gold Finger," and its specific pin types include, but are not limited to, power, ground, and two-wire serial bus (I2C) communication joints, light source reset control pins, and light source low power control pins. The electrical joint 502 may be used to transmit signals such as a light source presence signal and a light source shut-off or warning signal.

[0070] In this embodiment, the electrical joint 502 is located on the first side of the housing cavity and protrudes from the case 511 and is configured to supply power to the light source module. The electrical joint 502 and the optical signal transceiver joint 500 and / or light source joint 501 are stacked along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0071] Additionally or interchangeably, the case 511 may extend along a third direction and constitute a protective cover protecting the optical signal transceiver joint 500 and the light source joint 501. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the protective cover may be an anti-knock dust cover 5111. The anti-knock dust cover 5111 may be used to provide anti-knock and dust protection to portions protruding from the optical signal transceiver joint 500 and the light source joint 501, located on the first side of the case 511.

[0072] Optionally or additionally, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5C, the light source module may further include a positioning jacket 512, which may serve a positioning function when plugging the light source module to the companion socket and may be used to facilitate the plugging connection.

[0073] The optical signal transceiver joint 500 may optionally include a positioning guide hole 5003, and the light source module 501 may optionally include a positioning guide hole 5011. The positioning guide holes 5003 and 5011 serve a positioning function when plugging the light source module and the companion socket together, and are used to facilitate the plugging connection.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the light source 503 can emit multipath or single-path light. The multipath or single-path light is transmitted, for example, via polarization-maintaining optical fiber 5012 to the light source joint 501 and further output to the optical engine of the switch. The optical engine generates an optical signal after photomodulating the received light and transmits the generated optical signal to the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 via a single-mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500 transmits the received optical signal to the optical connector adapter 510 via a single-mode optical fiber 5001 installed in the housing cavity of the case 511. After receiving the optical signal, the optical connector adapter 510 can transmit the optical signal to the appropriate external device via the optical fiber.

[0075] Alternatively, the optical connector adapter 510 can receive optical signals from external devices and transmit them to the optical signal transceiver joint 500 via a single-mode optical fiber 5001 installed inside the case 511. The optical signal transceiver joint 500 can then transmit the optical signals to the switch's optical engine via the single-mode optical fiber 5001. The optical engine can demodulate the received optical signals and transmit the resulting electrical signals to the switch chip for business processing.

[0076] Figures 6A to 6C are schematic diagrams of the structure of a light source module according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 6A is a front view of the light source module according to another embodiment of this application, Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the light source module along the BB direction shown in Figure 6A, and Figure 6C is a side view (including the left and right side views) of the light source module shown in Figure 6A.

[0077] Replaceable or additional structures such as the optical signal transceiver joint 500, light source joint 501, electrical joint 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510 and case 511 that may be included in the light source module, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, are not described further here.

[0078] Compared to the light source modules proposed in Figures 5A to 5C, the light source modules proposed in Figures 6A to 6C further include a demultiplexer 508 and a multiplexer 509. The function of the multiplexer 509 is to integrate multiple optical signals of different wavelengths and transmit them through a single optical fiber, while the function of the demultiplexer 508 is, conversely, to separate at least one pass of optical signal transmitted through a single optical fiber into more optical signals according to wavelength.

[0079] The demultiplexer 508 is installed inside the case 511 and may be located between the optical connector adapter 510 and the optical signal transceiver joint 500 to separate at least one pass of optical signal transmitted from the optical connector adapter 510 to the optical signal transceiver joint 500 into more optical signals according to wavelength. The multiplexer 509 is installed inside the case 511 and may be located between the optical connector adapter 510 and the optical signal transceiver joint 500 to integrate multiple optical signals transmitted from the optical signal transceiver joint 500 to the optical connector adapter 510 into a single optical signal.

[0080] In specific implementation, in one possible case, when emitting light, the light source 503 can emit multipath or single-path light and output it to the switch's optical engine via the light source joint 501. The optical engine generates a multipath optical signal, for example a 16-path optical signal, after photomodulating the received light, and transmits the generated 16-path optical signal to the optical signal transceiver joint 500 via a single-mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the optical signal transceiver joint 500 transmits the 16-path optical signal to the multiplexer 509 for optical signal integration processing. For example, the multiplexer 509 can integrate the 16-path optical signal into a 4-path optical signal and transmit it to the optical connector adapter 510. Figure 6D is a schematic diagram of the process by which the multiplexer performs integration processing on an optical signal according to an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Additionally, when the optical connector adapter 510 receives an optical signal transmitted by an external device, the optical connector adapter 510 can transmit at least one pass of the optical signal received from the external device to the demultiplexer 508. For example, the optical signal received by the optical connector adapter 510 is a four-pass optical signal. The demultiplexer 508 separates the four-pass optical signal according to wavelength, and can, for example, separate the four-pass optical signal to obtain a sixteen-pass optical signal. The demultiplexer 508 can transmit the separated sixteen-pass optical signal to the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint 500. Exemplary, Figure 6E is a schematic diagram of the process by which the demultiplexer 508 performs separation processing on an optical signal according to an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figures 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams of the structure of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. Figure 7A is a front view of the light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application, Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the light source module along the BB direction shown in Figure 7A in the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, and Figure 7C is a side view (including the left and right side views) of the light source module of the embodiment shown in Figure 7A.

[0083] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the structures of the light source module, such as the optical signal transceiver joint 500, light source joint 501, electrical joint 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and case 511, can be found in the embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 5C and will not be described further here. Compared to the light source module proposed in each of the exemplary embodiments described above, the light source module proposed in the embodiment shown in Figures 7A to 7C may additionally or interchangeably include a warning device, such as a warning light 513, a warning buzzer, etc. For example, the warning light 513 may be installed on the second side of the housing cavity of the case 511.

[0084] Additionally or interchangeably, the warning device can be controlled by a microcontroller 505 and receive matching information from the switch via an electrical joint 502 of the light source module. This matching information is used to indicate whether the switch and the light source module are matched. Based on the matching information, the microcontroller 505 controls, for example, the display method of the externally observable warning light 513 on the side where the switch and light source connector adapter 510 are located, or the sounding method of the warning buzzer. Selectively, the microcontroller 505 can receive matching information between the switch and the light source module via the electrical joint 502. Based on the matching information, it can determine whether the switch and the light source module are matched and adjust the lighting rules of the warning light 513 based on the matching result between the switch and the light source module. For example, when the switch and the light source module are not matched, the warning light 513 can be controlled to remain constantly lit to prompt maintenance personnel to replace the light source module.

[0085] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the number of warning lights 513 included in the light source module, and Figure 7C is presented only as an example that includes three warning lights.

[0086] It should be explained that, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7C, the optical connector adapter 510 is a Multi Push On (MPO) connector.

[0087] Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams of the structure of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. Figure 8A is a front view of the light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application, Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the light source module shown in Figure 8A along the BB direction shown in Figure 8A, and Figure 8C is a side view (including the left and right side views) of the light source module of the embodiment shown in Figure 8A.

[0088] As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, the structure of the light source module, including the optical signal transceiver joint 500, light source joint 501, electrical joint 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510, and case 511, is described in the embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 5C and will not be explained further here. Compared to the light source module proposed in each of the exemplary embodiments described above, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C, the light source module further includes a warning light 513. Here, the warning light 513 is installed on the second side inside the case 511 and controlled by the microcontroller 505. It should be noted that this application is not limited to the number of warning lights included in the light source module, and Figure 8C is presented only as an example including three warning lights.

[0089] The difference between the embodiments shown in Figures 8A to 8C and those shown in Figures 7A to 7C is that the optical connector adapter 510 uses SENKO's SN (registered trademark) connector.

[0090] In another embodiment, the light source joints 501 may be interchangeable and multiple may be installed to reinforce the power of light emission. For example, multiple light sources may be installed within the housing cavity, and each light source may be connected to one of the multiple light source joints 501.

[0091] By employing multiple light sources and light source joints to emit light, the number of optical channels in the light source module can be increased, and the density requirement for the optical connection ports of the switch can be reduced while maintaining the same number of optical channels.

[0092] This application further proposes a companion socket for a light source module. Referring to Figures 9A to 9C, the companion socket proposed in the embodiments of this application is shown exemplarily. Figure 9A is a front view of the companion socket proposed in this application, Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the companion socket shown in Figure 9A along the CC direction shown in Figure 9A, and Figure 9C is a side view (right side view) of the companion socket shown in Figure 9A.

[0093] The companion socket proposed in this application includes an optical signal transmission / reception interface 900, a light source interface 901, an electrical connector 902, and an electrical interface located within the electrical connector 902.

[0094] Additionally or interchangeably, the optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 may include two positioning guide pins 9001, and the light source interface 901 may include two positioning guide pins 9011. The optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 corresponds to the optical signal transmission / reception joint 500 of the light source module and couples or crimps a single-mode optical fiber. The light source interface 901 corresponds to the light source joint 501 of the light source module and couples or crimps a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.

[0095] Additionally or interchangeably, the companion socket may further include two springs 903 and a positioning pin 904. The positioning pin 904 and the optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 and / or the light source interface 901 are stacked along a second direction. The optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 and the light source interface 901 are located between the positioning pin 904 and the electrical connector 902 in the second direction, and the positioning pin 904 is connected to the electrical connector 902. One end of the first spring 903a of the two springs 903 is connected to the positioning pin 904 and the other end is connected to the optical signal transmission / reception interface 900, and one end of the second spring 903b of the two springs 903 is connected to the positioning pin 904 and the other end is connected to the light source interface 901. Since the positioning pin 904 is a fixed structure in the companion socket, the first spring 903a can provide elastic force to the optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 to reinforce the connection between the optical signal transmission / reception interface 900 and the optical signal transmission / reception joint 500 of the light source module after plugging in. The second spring 903b can provide elastic force to the light source interface 901 to reinforce the connection between the light source interface 901 and the light source joint 501 of the light source module.

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the plug-in connection process, refer to Figure 9D, which illustrates the plug-in connection process between a light source module and a companion socket. Referring to (a) in Figure 9D, when plug-in connection, primary positioning can be performed based on the electrical interface between the electrical joint 502 of the light source module and the electrical connector 902 of the companion socket. Referring to (b) in Figure 9D, secondary positioning can be performed based on the positioning jacket 512 of the light source module and the positioning pin 904 of the companion socket. Referring to (c) in Figure 9D, final positioning can be performed based on the positioning guide hole 5011 of the light source module and the positioning guide pin 9011 of the companion socket, and based on the positioning guide hole 5003 of the light source module and the positioning guide pin 9001 of the companion socket. Referring to (d) in Figure 9D, Figure 9D(d) shows the light source module and companion socket after the positioning plug-in connection has been completed. Referring to (e) in Figure 9D, the light source module can be further pushed after the plug connection is complete to compress the spring 903 in the companion socket.

[0097] Referring to Figure 9A or Figure 9C, the bottom of the electrical connector 902 additionally or interchangeably includes crimp positioning pins 9021 for positioning the companion socket when it is crimped to the circuit board of the switch. The bottom of the electrical connector 902 further includes crimp pins 9022 for enabling the companion socket to be crimped to the circuit board of the switch. For ease of understanding, referring to Figure 9E, Figure 9E illustrates a front view of the companion socket crimped to the circuit board of the switch. Referring to Figure 9F, Figure 9F illustrates a side view of the companion socket after it has been crimped to the circuit board of the switch.

[0098] The following describes the system after the light source module has been plugged into the companion socket and the companion socket has been crimped to the switch. Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, these are schematic diagrams of a switch system according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 10A is a top view of the system, Figure 10B is a front view of the system, and Figure 10C is a side view of the system. The system proposed in this application includes a switch chip, an optical engine, optical fibers, an optical fiber switching box, a companion socket, and a light source module. The optical fiber switching box, also called an optical fiber terminal box, may have an optical cable connected to one end and a pigtail connected to the other end, and may be used to split one optical cable into multiple optical fibers and to provide welding of optical fibers to optical fibers or welding of optical fibers to pigtails. It should be noted that Figures 10A to 10C are merely examples, and this application does not specifically limit the number of optical engines, optical fibers, companion sockets, and light source modules included in the system. Figures 10A to 10C illustrate a total of 32 light source modules and their corresponding companion sockets, which are divided into layers A and B.

[0099] Figures 10A to 10C show schematic diagrams of the system, and below, the optical signal transmission process will be specifically described by linking the exemplary systems in Figures 10A to 10C. Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 illustrates the optical signal transmission process.

[0100] The optical signal transmission process shown in Figure 11 is as follows:

[0101] The light source 503 outputs light (which may be, for example, 4-pass light, represented as CW×4), and the CW×4 is interconnected via the light source joint 501, the light source interface 901 of the companion socket, and the pigtail, and after adjusting the wiring sequence of the optical fiber switching box, it is transmitted to the optical engine.

[0102] Additionally or interchangeably, the optical engine may first determine whether the modulator type is a match before performing photoelectric modulation on CW×4. For example, if the modulator is a 4-channel modulator, CW×4 may be modulated directly, or if the modulator is a 16-channel modulator, the CW×4 may be spectroscopically processed first before photoelectric modulation.

[0103] Specifically, when the optical engine performs photoelectric modulation, the optical transceiver chip in the optical engine may perform spectral processing on CW×4 before inputting it to the modulator for modulation. The optical signal output after modulation (for example, if the modulator has 16 channels, the output 16-pass optical signal is represented as TX×16) returns to the optical fiber switching box via the optical fiber to adjust the wiring order, and is then interconnected to the optical signal transceiver interface 900 of the companion socket, and further to the optical signal transceiver joint 500 of the light source module. Finally, TX×16 may be transmitted to the optical connector adapter 510 via the optical signal transceiver joint 500, and TX×16 may be transmitted to an external device via the optical connector adapter 510.

[0104] The optical signal reception process shown in Figure 11 is as follows:

[0105] The optical connector adapter 510 receives an optical signal from an external device (for example, if the received optical signal has 16 channels, it is represented as RX×16), and the optical connector adapter 510 transmits RX×16 to the optical signal transceiver joint 500 via an optical fiber inside the light source module. Furthermore, RX×16 is transmitted to the optical switching box via the companion socket's optical signal transceiver interface 900 and its interconnected pigtails to adjust the wiring sequence, and finally transmitted to the optical engine.

[0106] Selectively, although not shown in Figure 11, the system may further include line cards of switches for supplying electrical energy to the optical engine.

[0107] The light source modules and companion sockets described in each of the exemplary embodiments above can meet the requirements for a 400G transmission rate switch. To support even higher transmission rates, this application further proposes a light source module that can increase the transmission rate of optical signals by installing a spectrometer.

[0108] Figures 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams of the structure of a light source module according to yet another embodiment of this application. Figure 12A is a front view of the light source module according to this embodiment, Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the light source module of the embodiment shown in Figure 12A along the BB direction shown in Figure 12A, and Figure 12C is a side view (including the left side view and the right side view) of the light source module of the embodiment shown in Figure 12A.

[0109] Selectively, as shown in Figures 12A to 12C, the structures of the light source module, such as the optical signal transceiver joint 500, light source joint 501, electrical joint 502, light source 503, microcontroller 505, memory 506, optical connector adapter 510 and case 511, should be referred to in the respective exemplary embodiments described above and will not be described further here. Compared to the light source modules of the respective exemplary embodiments described above, referring to Figures 12A to 12C, the light source module further includes a spectrometer 504. Here, the spectrometer 504 is installed between the light source 503 and the light source joint 501 to spectrally process the light emitted from the light source 503 and transmit the multipath light obtained after spectral processing to the light source joint 501.

[0110] When implemented in practice, the power of the light source can be adjusted according to the spectral ratio of the spectrometer, and the demand for light power can be met even after the spectral distribution is obtained.

[0111] Additionally or interchangeably, exemplary embodiments of this application further propose to enhance the heat dissipation capacity of a light source module by adding an air duct between two layers of companion sockets crimped to a switch circuit board. Referring to Figure 13A, for example, a front view is presented showing the companion socket after the air duct has been added and crimped to the switch circuit board. Referring to Figure 13B, an exemplary side view is presented showing the companion socket after the air duct has been added and crimped to the switch circuit board.

[0112] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, a two-layer companion socket is provided, with an air duct 907 between the upper companion socket 905 and the lower companion socket 906, and the air duct 907 is configured to dissipate heat between the upper companion socket 905 and the lower companion socket 906. Additionally, the air duct 907 may house a heat dissipation assembly for the lower companion socket 906 to improve the heat dissipation performance of the lower companion socket 906 when a light source module is inserted.

[0113] As an example, a switch system constructed based on the light source modules proposed in Figures 12A to 12C is described below. Referring to Figures 14A to 14C, the exemplary embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of the system. Figure 14A is a top view of the system, Figure 14B is a front view of the system, and Figure 14C is a side view of the system. The system proposed in this embodiment includes a switch chip, an optical engine, optical fibers, an optical fiber switching box, a companion socket, and a light source module. It should be noted that Figures 14A to 14C are merely examples, and this application does not specifically limit the number of optical engines, optical fibers, companion sockets, and light source modules included in the system. Figures 14A to 14C exemplify a total of 64 light source modules and corresponding companion sockets, divided into four layers.

[0114] This application further proposes a method for using the pluggable light source module proposed herein in combination with conventional pluggable optical modules or linear pluggable optical modules in the prior art.

[0115] Referring to Figures 15A to 15C, with a total of 128 light source modules, 64 of the light source modules proposed in this application and 64 conventional pluggable optical modules (or linear pluggable optical modules) can be used. Figure 15A is a top view of the system, Figure 15B is a front view of the system, and Figure 15C is a side view of the system. It should be noted that the pluggable light source modules proposed in this application included in the system can be light source modules proposed in any one of the above embodiments.

[0116] Specifically, referring to Figure 15C, columns 1-4 and 13-16 employ pluggable light source modules according to the embodiment of this application. Referring to Figures 15C and 15B together, Figure 15B shows a schematic connection diagram in which any one of columns 1-4 and 13-16 of the light source modules according to this application is used to connect to communication equipment. In this embodiment, the eight light source modules in each column are divided into two sets, and each set consists of four light source modules. Each set of light source modules is connected to one optical fiber switching box via an optical fiber to adjust the wiring order. Both optical fiber switching boxes are simultaneously connected to one optical engine of the switch.

[0117] The above describes only specific embodiments of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art could easily conceive within the scope of the art presented in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be the same as the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 410 - Conventional optical signal transceiver joint, 420 - Conventional light source module, 430 - Optical engine, 500 - Optical signal transceiver joint, 5001 - Single polarization optical fiber, 5003 - Positioning guide hole, 501 - Light source joint, 5011 - Positioning guide hole, 5012 - Polarization-maintaining optical fiber, 502 - Electrical joint, 503 - Light source, 504 - Spectrometer, 505 - Microcontroller, 506 - Memory, 508 - Demultiplexer, 509 - Multiplexer, 510 - Optical connector adapter, 511 - Case, 51 11-Anti-knock dust cover, 512-Positioning jacket, 513-Warning light, 900-Optical signal transmission / reception interface, 9001-Positioning guide pin, 901-Light source interface, 9011-Positioning guide pin, 902-Electrical connector, 9021-Crimping positioning pin, 9022-Crimping pin, 903-Spring, 903a-First spring, 903b-Second spring, 904-Positioning pin, 905-Upper companion socket, 906-Lower companion socket, 907-Air duct.

Claims

1. A light source module, A case with an internal storage cavity, A light source located within the aforementioned housing cavity and configured to emit light, Polarization-maintaining optical fiber and single-polarization optical fiber, A light source joint is located on the first side of the housing cavity, protrudes from the case, and is configured to receive light emitted from the light source by the polarization-maintaining optical fiber and output it to a communication device, An optical signal transmitting and receiving joint is located on the first side of the housing cavity, protrudes from the case, and is configured to transmit optical signals to the communication equipment, The optical connector adapter is located on the second side of the housing cavity and is configured to transmit optical signals to the optical signal transmission / reception joint via the single-polarization optical fiber, Here, the second side is the side of the housing cavity opposite the first side, which is the light source module.

2. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber has one end connected to the light source and the other end connected to the light source joint, The light source module according to claim 1, wherein one end of the single-polarization optical fiber is connected to the optical connector adapter and the other end is connected to the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint.

3. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and the light source joint are installed in parallel on the first side along a first direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the insertion connection direction of the light source module.

4. The aforementioned light source module is A spectrometer is located between the light source and the light source joint and is configured to spectrally analyze the light emitted from the light source to obtain multipath light, A demultiplexer is located between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transceiver joint and is configured to separate at least one path of optical signal output from the optical connector adapter and transmit the separated multipath optical signal to the optical signal transceiver joint. The light source module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: a multiplexer located between the optical connector adapter and the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint, configured to integrate the multipath optical signals output from the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint and to transmit at least one integrated optical signal to the optical connector adapter.

5. The light source module further includes an electrical joint located on the first side of the housing cavity and protruding from the case and configured to supply power to the light source module, The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the electrical joint, the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint, and / or the light source joint are stacked and installed along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The light source module according to claim 5, wherein the light source module includes the electrical joint, the length of the projection of the electrical joint in the projection plane formed by the second direction and the third direction is greater than the length of the projection of the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint or the light source joint in the projection plane, where the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

7. The aforementioned light source module is A positioning jacket located on the first side and configured to position the insertion connection position of the light source module when the light source module is inserted and connected, or The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a protective cover located on the first side and protruding from the case, protecting the optical signal transmitting and receiving joint and the light source joint.

8. The light source module is A microcontroller located within the aforementioned housing cavity and connected to an electrical joint, configured to receive matching information from the communication device via the electrical joint, The present invention further includes a warning light located on the second side and connected to the microcontroller, which is configured to indicate the matching status with the communication device after the light source module has been plugged in, The light source module according to claim 5, wherein the microcontroller determines the matching result between the communication device and the light source module based on the matching information, and controls the lighting method of the warning light based on the matching result.

9. The aforementioned light source joint and / or the aforementioned optical signal transmitting and receiving joint are The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a positioning guide hole configured to position the insertion connection position of the light source joint and / or the optical signal transmitting / receiving joint when the light source module is inserted and connected.

10. The light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical connector adapter is an MPO connector or an SN connector.

11. A companion socket for a light source module, each connected to a communication device and a light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An optical signal transmission and reception interface is located on the side of the companion socket into which the light source module is plugged in, connected to the optical engine of the communication device, and configured to transmit optical signals to the optical engine, A companion socket for a light source module, comprising: a light source interface located on the side of the companion socket for plugging in the light source module, connected to the optical engine, and configured to transmit light received from the light source module to the optical engine.

12. The companion socket according to claim 11, wherein the optical signal transmission / reception interface is configured to crimp or couple single-mode optical fibers, and the light source interface is configured to crimp or couple polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

13. The companion socket is, An electrical connector located on the side of the companion socket that is connected to the communication device and configured to supply power to the companion socket based on electrical energy provided by the circuit board, A positioning pin is configured to be stacked with the optical signal transmission / reception interface and / or the light source interface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and one end of which is connected to the electrical connector, A first spring, one end of which is connected to the positioning pin and the other end of which is connected to the optical signal transmission / reception interface, The present invention further includes a second spring, one end of which is connected to the positioning pin and the other end of which is connected to the light source interface, The companion socket according to claim 11, wherein the optical signal transmission / reception interface and the light source interface are located between the positioning pin and the electrical connector.

14. A method for transmitting optical signals used in a light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The light source of the light source module emits light to the light source joint by the polarization-maintaining optical fiber, The light source joint of the light source module outputs the light emitted from the light source to the communication device, wherein the light is photoelectrically converted in the communication device and then generates a second optical signal. The optical signal transmitting / receiving joint of the light source module receives a second optical signal returned from the communication device and transmits the second optical signal to the optical connector adapter via the single-polarization optical fiber. A method for transmitting an optical signal, comprising the optical connector adapter transmitting the second optical signal to an external device.

15. Before transmitting the second optical signal to the external device, the method The optical signal transmission / reception joint receives at least two fourth optical signals returned from the communication device, The multiplexer of the light source module integrates the at least two fourth optical signals to obtain the second optical signal, and / or, Before the light source joint of the light source module outputs the light emitted from the light source to the communication device, the method The spectrometer of the light source module spectrally analyzes the light emitted from the light source to obtain multipath light, The method according to claim 14, further comprising the light source joint outputting the multipath light to the communication device.

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