Optical backplane, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical communications, and provides an optical backplane, a communication device and a communication system. The optical backplane (200) comprises a support member (1), an optical fiber plate (2), and two groups of first optical connectors (3). The optical fiber plate (2) and the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are fixed on the support member (1), and the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are respectively located on two sides of a plane (20) where the optical fiber plate (2) is located. The optical fiber plate (2) comprises two groups of first tail fibers (211), and the two groups of first tail fibers (211) are respectively located on the two sides of the plane (20) where the optical fiber plate (2) is located and are respectively connected to the two groups of first optical connectors (3).

Description

Optical backplane, communication equipment and communication system

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202410114514.3, filed on January 25, 2024, entitled “Optical backplane, communication equipment and communication system,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical backplane, communication equipment, and a communication system. Background Art

[0003] The optical backplane is used to connect to multiple service boards so that different service boards can be optically connected through the optical backplane.

[0004] The optical backplane in related art includes a fiber optic board and multiple optical connectors. The fiber optic board extends a large number of pigtails, and each optical connector connects to at least one pigtail. This allows the optical connector to establish optical connections with other optical connectors through the fiber optic board. After the multiple optical connectors on the optical backplane are connected to multiple service boards, the different service boards can be optically connected through the optical backplane.

[0005] Since there are a large number of pigtails extending from the fiber optic board, there is a serious phenomenon of pigtail crossover, and even the pigtail breakage may occur.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides an optical backplane, communication equipment, and communication system. The optical backplane has two sets of first optical connectors located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides. The fiber optic board has two sets of first pigtails located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides and connected to the two sets of first optical connectors. Because the space on both sides of the fiber optic board is fully utilized for arranging the first pigtails, the phenomenon of first pigtails crossing is reduced. The technical solutions for the optical backplane, communication equipment, and communication system are described below.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical backplane. The optical backplane includes a support member, a fiber optic board, and two sets of first optical connectors. The fiber optic board and the two sets of first optical connectors are fixed to the support member, and the two sets of first optical connectors are located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board is located. The fiber optic board includes two sets of first fiber pigtails, which are located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board is located and are respectively connected to the two sets of first optical connectors.

[0009] The first pigtails interconnect within the fiber optic board. The two sets of first pigtails on the fiber optic board are connected to two sets of first optical connectors, respectively. This allows one first optical connector to establish an optical connection with one or more other first optical connectors through the fiber optic board. The first optical connector mates with the third optical connector on the service board, enabling optical connections between different service boards via the optical backplane.

[0010] The technical solution provided by this disclosure features two sets of first optical connectors located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides, and two sets of first pigtails located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides, each connected to the two sets of first optical connectors. This fully utilizes the space on both sides of the plane where the fiber optic board resides for arranging the first pigtails, reducing the density of the first pigtails on each side, alleviating the technical issue of first pigtail crossover and reducing the likelihood of first pigtail breakage. This also facilitates subsequent maintenance of the optical backplane.

[0011] In a possible implementation, each group of first optical connectors is arranged in a row, and the direction of the row is parallel to the plane where the optical fiber board is located.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first optical connectors in one row are aligned with the first optical connectors in another row. In this way, two first optical connectors in different rows can be connected to the same service board or to different service boards, expanding the application scenarios of the optical backplane.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the fiber optic board has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first optical connector is close to the second side and away from the first side, and the first fiber output position of the first pigtail is located on the first side of the fiber optic board.

[0014] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure provides sufficient space for the first fiber pigtail to bend by positioning the first fiber outlet position on the first side of the fiber optic board, farther from the first optical connector. This avoids degradation of the first fiber pigtail's optical transmission performance due to an excessively small bending radius. Furthermore, the greater distance allows for a greater length tolerance for the first fiber pigtail.

[0015] In one possible implementation, in a projection of the optical backplane along a first direction, each first optical connector is opposite a first fiber outlet position of a first pigtail connected to the first optical connector. The first side and the second side are arranged along the first direction. The first direction may also be referred to as the width direction of the optical fiber board.

[0016] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, by setting each first optical connector opposite to the first fiber output position of the first pigtail connected to the first optical connector, can prevent the first pigtails connected to different first optical connectors from crossing each other. In addition, the length of the first pigtail can be reduced, reducing costs. Furthermore, the path of the first pigtail connected to each first optical connector is consistent, so the routing of the first pigtail can be set in the same way, which improves the assembly efficiency of the optical backplane.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the two groups of first pigtails have the same length.

[0018] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure sets the lengths of the two groups of first pigtails to be consistent, so that when processing the optical fiber board, it is only necessary to set all the first pigtails of the optical fiber board to the same length, without setting each first pigtail to the corresponding target length, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the optical fiber board.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the optical backplane further includes a limiting assembly connected to the optical fiber board or the support member. The limiting assembly is configured to limit the shape of the first fiber pigtail such that the first fiber pigtail exhibits a wavy shape along a first direction. The first side and the second side are aligned along the first direction.

[0020] The technical solution provided by the present invention limits the first fiber pigtail into a wavy shape by setting a limiting component, so that the first fiber pigtail absorbs the excess length (or called absorption tolerance) in a wavy form without the need to absorb the excess length in a coiled fiber manner. The routing of the first fiber pigtail is simpler and occupies less space.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the limiting assembly has multiple connection locations with the first fiber pigtail, the multiple connection locations being arranged along a first direction, and the multiple connection locations being staggered in a distance from the fiber optic plate, one farther than the other. This allows the first fiber pigtail to maintain a wavy shape.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the limiting assembly includes a plurality of limiting members arranged along a first direction, and each limiting member has at least one connection position with the first pigtail.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the limiting member includes a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots are at different distances from the optical fiber plate, and the first pigtail is connected to one of the slots.

[0024] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure provides a limiter including a plurality of slots, so that the connection position of the first pigtail can be adjusted by switching the slot to which the first pigtail is connected, thereby adjusting the shape of the first pigtail.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the optical backplane further includes a second optical connector. The second optical connector is fixed to the support member and is oriented oppositely to the first optical connector. The fiber optic board further includes a second pigtail connected to the second optical connector.

[0026] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure improves the density of optical connectors included in the optical backplane by configuring the optical backplane to also include a second optical connector. In addition, the first optical connector and the second optical connector face opposite directions, thus realizing a double-sided optical port on the optical backplane.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the second optical connector is used to connect to the second optical connector of another optical backplane to connect the communication devices where the two optical backplanes are located. The second optical connector may be a multi-push-on (MPO) connector.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the optical backplane includes two sets of second optical connectors, located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board is located. The fiber optic board includes two sets of second pigtails, located on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board is located and connected to the two sets of second optical connectors, respectively.

[0029] The technical solution provided by this disclosure utilizes two sets of second optical connectors, one on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides, and two sets of second pigtails, one on either side of the plane where the fiber optic board resides, connected to each of the two sets of second optical connectors. This fully utilizes the space on both sides of the plane where the fiber optic board resides for arranging the second pigtails, alleviating the technical issue of second pigtail crossover and reducing the likelihood of second pigtail breakage.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic board has a first side and a second side opposite each other. The first optical connector is located near the second side, and the second optical connector is located near the first side. A first fiber outlet position of the first pigtail is located on the first side of the fiber optic board, and a second fiber outlet position of the second pigtail is located on the second side of the fiber optic board.

[0031] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure provides sufficient space for the first and second pigtails to bend by arranging the first fiber outlet position on the first side of the fiber optic board farther from the first optical connector, and the second fiber outlet position on the second side of the fiber optic board farther from the second optical connector. This avoids degradation of the optical transmission performance of the first and second pigtails due to excessively small bending radii. Furthermore, the greater distance also allows for a greater length tolerance between the first and second pigtails.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first optical connector and the second optical connector are staggered in a second direction. The second direction is the lengthwise direction of the first side and the second side. In a projection of the optical backplane along a third direction, each first optical connector is positioned opposite the first fiber outlet position of the first pigtail connected to the first optical connector, and each second optical connector is positioned opposite the second fiber outlet position of the second pigtail connected to the second optical connector. The third direction is perpendicular to the plane of the fiber optic board.

[0033] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure, through the above-mentioned setting, can make the first fiber output position and the second fiber output position staggered in the second direction, so that there is no intersection between the first pigtail and the second pigtail, and there is no intersection between the first pigtails connected to different first optical connectors and between the second pigtails connected to different second optical connectors.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the support member includes a main body and a raised portion. A portion of the fiber optic board extends into the main body, while another portion extends into the raised portion. The first optical connector or the second optical connector is positioned side by side with the raised portion. When the optical backplane is used in a chassis, the width of the fiber optic board is parallel to the depth of the chassis.

[0035] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure arranges the first optical connector or the second optical connector side by side with the raised portion, so that the first optical connector or the second optical connector and the optical fiber board share part of the space along the depth direction of the machine frame. While ensuring the width of the optical fiber board, the size of the optical backplane in the depth direction of the machine frame is reduced.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the optical backplane further includes a presence detection connector, which is fixed to the support member. The second optical connector has an electrical port, and the presence detection connector is electrically connected to the electrical port of the second optical connector via an electrical wire. The presence detection connector is used to detect whether the second optical connector is properly connected to the opposite optical connector.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a communications device. The communications device includes a chassis, an optical backplane, and a service board. The optical backplane is the optical backplane described in any one of the first aspects. The optical backplane and the service board are located within the chassis, and the service board is connected to a first optical connector of the optical backplane. The service board may also be referred to as a line card (LC) or line card board.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the optical fiber board in the optical backplane is orthogonal to the service board.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the optical fiber board is parallel to the height direction and the depth direction of the chassis.

[0040] In a possible implementation, each service board is connected to two first optical connectors in different groups.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the service boards include multiple first service boards and multiple second service boards. The multiple first service boards are connected to a set of first optical connectors, and the multiple second service boards are connected to another set of first optical connectors. In other words, the two sets of first optical connectors are used to connect to different service boards, respectively.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communications equipment also includes a switching network board (SBU). The SBU is arranged orthogonally to the service board. The service board also includes a first electrical connector, and the SBU includes a second electrical connector, with the first and second electrical connectors interfacing. The SBU is capable of receiving electrical layer services transmitted by the service board and performing cross-scheduling of the received electrical layer services. In this way, the communications equipment can process both optical and electrical services simultaneously, achieving a unified optical-electrical architecture.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the communications device further includes an electrical backplane. The electrical backplane is located between the optical backplane and the service board, and between the switching network board and the service board. The electrical backplane has a through hole for the first optical connector or the third optical connector to pass through, allowing smooth docking between the first and third optical connectors. The electrical backplane also includes a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector. The third electrical connector docks with the second electrical connector of the switching network board, and the fourth electrical connector docks with the first electrical connector of the first service board or the first electrical connector of the second service board. The electrical backplane is used to achieve electrical connection and electrical signal transmission between the first and second service boards.

[0044] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device and the second communication device are both communication devices according to the second aspect. A second optical connector of an optical backplane of the first communication device is connected to a second optical connector of an optical backplane of the second communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first optical backplane and a service board provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG3 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first optical backplane provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG4 is a top view of the optical backplane shown in FIG3 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a projection of a light backplane along a first direction provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG6 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an optical fiber plate and a limiting assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an optical backplane in which a first pigtail is wavy in shape, provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting member provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG9 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second optical backplane provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG10 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a third optical backplane provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG11 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another angle of the third optical backplane provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG12 is a top view of the optical backplane in FIG10 and FIG11 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] 13 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a first optical connector and a second optical connector provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a projection of a light backplane along a first direction provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG15 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fourth optical backplane provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a first communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG17 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second optical backplane and a service board provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a second communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a third communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a fourth communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Legend: 100, chassis, 200, optical backplane, 300, business board, 300a, first business board, 300b, second business board, 301, third optical connector, 302, first electrical connector, 400, fan, 500, switching network board, 501, second electrical connector, 600, electrical backplane, 601, third electrical connector, 602, fourth electrical connector; 1. Support member, 11, main body, 12, raised portion; 2. Optical fiber board, 20, plane, 21, first side, 210, first fiber output position, 211, first pigtail, 22, second side, 220, second fiber output position, 221, second pigtail; 3. First optical connector, 31, first critical plane, 32, second critical plane; 4. Limiting assembly, 40, connection position, 41, limiting member, 410, slot; 5. Second optical connector; 6. In-position detection connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communications device. The communications device includes a chassis 100, an optical backplane 200, and multiple service boards 300. The optical backplane 200 and the multiple service boards 300 are located within the chassis 100. The optical backplane 200 interfaces with the multiple service boards 300, and different service boards 300 can be optically connected via the optical backplane 200. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the X-axis is the width of the chassis 100, the Y-axis is the depth of the chassis 100, and the Z-axis is the height of the chassis 100.

[0068] The optical backplane 200 in the related art includes a fiber optic board and multiple optical connectors. The fiber optic board extends a large number of pigtails, which are interconnected within the board. Each optical connector is connected to at least one pigtail, enabling optical connections to other optical connectors through the fiber optic board. After the multiple optical connectors of the optical backplane 200 are connected to multiple service boards 300, the different service boards 300 can be optically connected through the optical backplane 200.

[0069] In the related art, the optical connector is located on one side of the plane where the optical fiber board is located, and since there are a large number of pigtails, there is a serious crossing phenomenon of the pigtails, and even the pigtails may be broken.

[0070] In view of the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an optical backplane 200. As shown in Figures 2-4, the optical backplane 200 includes a support member 1, a fiber optic board 2, and two sets of first optical connectors 3. The fiber optic board 2 and the two sets of first optical connectors 3 are fixed to the support member 1, and the two sets of first optical connectors 3 are respectively located on either side of the plane 20 on which the fiber optic board 2 is located. The fiber optic board 2 includes two sets of first pigtails 211, which are respectively located on either side of the plane 20 on which the fiber optic board 2 is located and are respectively connected to the two sets of first optical connectors 3.

[0071] The first fiber pigtails 211 are interconnected within the fiber optic board 2. The two sets of first fiber pigtails 211 on the fiber optic board 2 are respectively connected to the two sets of first optical connectors 3. Thus, one first optical connector 3 can achieve optical connectivity with one or more other first optical connectors 3 through the fiber optic board 2. In some examples, the first fiber pigtails 211 have connectors, such as mechanical transfer (MT) connectors, which plug into the first optical connectors 3 to connect the first fiber pigtails 211 to the first optical connectors 3. The first optical connectors 3 are configured to interface with the third optical connectors 301 on the service board 300. This allows optical connectivity between different service boards 300 via the optical backplane 200.

[0072] In the technical solution provided by the disclosed embodiment, two sets of first optical connectors 3 are located on either side of the plane 20 where the fiber optic board 2 is located. Two sets of first pigtails 211 of the fiber optic board 2 are located on either side of the plane 20 and are connected to the two sets of first optical connectors 3. This fully utilizes the space on both sides of the plane 20 where the fiber optic board 2 is located for arranging the first pigtails 211, reducing the arrangement density of the first pigtails 211 on each side, alleviating the technical problem of crossing the first pigtails 211, and reducing the possibility of first pigtails 211 breaking. Furthermore, this also facilitates the subsequent maintenance of the optical backplane 200.

[0073] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the arrangement of the two groups of first optical connectors 3. In some examples, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, each group of first optical connectors 3 is arranged in a row, where the row direction is parallel to the plane 20 on which the fiber optic board 2 is located. In some examples, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, each row of first optical connectors 3 is aligned one-to-one with another row of first optical connectors 3. In this way, two first optical connectors 3 in different rows can be connected to the same service board 300 or to different service boards 300. This expands the application scenarios of the optical backplane 200.

[0074] Of course, in other examples, each group of first optical connectors 3 may be arranged in two or more rows. The present disclosure does not limit the specific number of rows. Furthermore, the two groups of first optical connectors 3 may include the same or different numbers of rows. For example, one group of first optical connectors 3 may include one row of first optical connectors 3, while the other group of first optical connectors 3 may include two rows of first optical connectors 3.

[0075] The following is an exemplary description of the first fiber pigtail 211 at the first fiber output position 210 of the fiber optic board 2. Generally speaking, the fiber optic board 2 has a first side 21 and a second side 22 opposite to each other, and the first fiber output position 210 can be located at either the first side 21 or the second side 22.

[0076] 4 , the first optical connector 3 is close to the second side 22 and away from the first side 21 . The first fiber output position 210 of the first pigtail 211 is located on the first side 21 of the optical fiber board 2 .

[0077] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure provides sufficient space for bending of the first fiber pigtail 211 by positioning the first fiber outlet position 210 on the first side 21 of the fiber optic board 2, which is farther from the first optical connector 3. This prevents the first fiber pigtail 211 from having an excessively small bending radius, which would otherwise degrade the optical transmission performance of the first fiber pigtail 211. Furthermore, the larger space also allows for a greater length tolerance for the first fiber pigtail 211.

[0078] Of course, in other examples, the first fiber output position 210 can also be located on the second side 22 of the fiber optic board 2. In this case, to avoid a too small bending radius for the first fiber pigtail 211, two solutions are available. The first solution is to increase the distance between the second side 22 of the fiber optic board 2 and the first optical connector 3 to allow sufficient space for the first fiber pigtail 211 to bend. The second solution is to guide the first fiber pigtail 211 to a distant location for coiling, then guide the first fiber pigtail 211 back and connect it to the first optical connector 3.

[0079] To further improve the technical problem of the first pigtails 211 crossing, in some examples, as shown in FIG5 , in the projection of the optical backplane 200 along the first direction (the Y-axis direction, which is also the width direction of the optical fiber board 2), each first optical connector 3 is opposite to the first fiber output position 210 of the first pigtail 211 connected to the first optical connector 3. The first side 21 and the second side 22 are arranged along the first direction.

[0080] In this way, firstly, there is no intersection between the first pigtails 211 connected to different first optical connectors 3. Secondly, the length of the first pigtail 211 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Thirdly, the paths of the first pigtails 211 connected to each first optical connector 3 are consistent. Therefore, the routing of the first pigtails 211 can be set in the same manner, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the optical backplane 200. It is understandable that if the first optical connector 3 is not opposite to the first fiber output position 210 of the first pigtail 211 connected to the first optical connector 3, the paths of the various first pigtails 211 will be different, and a separate routing method will need to be set for each first pigtail 211, which will complicate the assembly of the optical backplane 200.

[0081] It should be noted that the first optical connector 3, being relative to the first fiber outlet position 210 of the first pigtail 211 connected to the first optical connector 3, means that, as shown in FIG5 , the first fiber outlet position 210 of the first pigtail 211 is located between the first critical plane 31 and the second critical plane 32 of the corresponding first optical connector 3. The first critical plane 31 is an extension of the first side wall of the first optical connector 3, and the second critical plane 32 is an extension of the second side wall of the first optical connector 3. The first side wall and the second side wall are opposite and arranged sequentially along the length direction of the first side 21.

[0082] Furthermore, since each first optical connector 3 is positioned opposite the first fiber outlet position 210 of the first pigtail 211 to which it is connected, the lengths of the plurality of first pigtails 211 can be set to be consistent. Thus, when processing the fiber optic board 2, it is only necessary to uniformly set all first pigtails 211 to the same length, rather than individually setting each first pigtail 211 to a corresponding target length. This reduces the difficulty of processing the fiber optic board 2.

[0083] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the optical backplane 200 further includes a limiting assembly 4. The limiting assembly 4 is connected to the optical fiber board 2 or the support member 1. The limiting assembly 4 is used to limit the shape of the first pigtail 211 so that the first pigtail 211 is wavy along the first direction (Y-axis direction). The first side 21 and the second side 22 are arranged along the first direction.

[0084] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure limits the first fiber pigtail 211 into a wavy shape by setting a limiting component 4, so that the first fiber pigtail 211 absorbs the excess length (or called absorption tolerance) in a wavy form without the need to absorb the excess length in a fiber coiling manner. The routing of the first fiber pigtail 211 is simpler and occupies less space.

[0085] The following describes an exemplary embodiment of the limiting method of the limiting assembly 4. In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the limiting assembly 4 has multiple connection locations 40 between it and the first pigtail 211. These connection locations 40 are arranged along a first direction (the Y-axis), and along this first direction, the connection locations 40 are staggered, with some farther away from the fiber optic plate 2 and some closer. This allows the first pigtail 211 to be constrained into a wavy shape.

[0086] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the optical backplane 200 includes a plurality of limiting components 4. Each limiting component 4 is used to limit the first pigtail 211 connected to a first optical connector 3 to a wavy shape.

[0087] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the limiting assembly 4 includes a plurality of limiting members 41 , which are arranged along a first direction, and each limiting member 41 has at least one connection position 40 with the first pigtail 211 .

[0088] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6-8 , the stopper 41 includes multiple slots 410 located at different distances from the fiber optic plate 2, and the first pigtail 211 is secured to one of the slots 410. Thus, by switching the slot 410 to which the first pigtail 211 is secured, the connection position 40 of the first pigtail 211 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the configuration of the first pigtail 211. The structure of the stopper 41 can be shown in Figure 6 or in Figure 8 .

[0089] In some examples, as shown in Figures 9-12, the optical backplane 200 further includes a second optical connector 5. The second optical connector 5 is fixed to the support member 1, and the orientation of the second optical connector 5 is opposite to the orientation of the first optical connector 3. The fiber optic board 2 further includes a second pigtail 221, which is connected to the second optical connector 5.

[0090] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure improves the density of optical connectors included in the optical backplane 200 by configuring the optical backplane 200 to also include a second optical connector 5. In addition, the first optical connector 3 and the second optical connector 5 face in opposite directions, achieving a double-sided output port on the optical backplane 200.

[0091] In some examples, the second optical connector 5 is used to connect to the second optical connector 5 of another optical backplane 200 to connect the communication devices where the two optical backplanes 200 are located. The second optical connector 5 can be a multi-push-on (MPO) connector.

[0092] In other examples, the second optical connector 5 is also used to connect to the service board 300. That is, the first optical connector 3 and the second optical connector 5 are both used to connect to the service board 300, and both sides of the optical backplane 200 can connect to the service board 300.

[0093] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the number and arrangement of the second optical connectors 5. In some examples, as shown in Figures 9-12, the optical backplane 200 includes two sets of second optical connectors 5, which are located on either side of the plane 20 on which the fiber optic board 2 is located. The fiber optic board 2 includes two sets of second pigtails 221, which are located on either side of the plane 20 on which the fiber optic board 2 is located and are connected to the two sets of second optical connectors 5, respectively.

[0094] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, two sets of second optical connectors 5 are located on either side of the plane 20 where the fiber optic board 2 is located. Two sets of second pigtails 221 are also located on either side of the plane 20 and are connected to the two sets of second optical connectors 5. This fully utilizes the space on both sides of the plane 20 where the fiber optic board 2 is located for arranging the second pigtails 221, improves the technical problem of crossing the second pigtails 221, and reduces the possibility of breakage of the second pigtails 221.

[0095] The following describes an exemplary arrangement of the second fiber pigtail 221 at the second exit position 220 of the fiber optic board 2. In some examples, as shown in FIG12 , the first optical connector 3 is located near the second side 22, and the second optical connector 5 is located near the first side 21. The second exit position 220 of the second fiber pigtail 221 is located on the second side 22 of the fiber optic board 2. This arrangement provides ample space for the second fiber pigtail 221 to bend, preventing a narrow bending radius for the second fiber pigtail 221, which could degrade its optical transmission performance. Furthermore, this increased space allows for a greater length tolerance for the second fiber pigtail 221.

[0096] Of course, in other examples, the second fiber output position 220 of the second pigtail 221 may also be located at the first side 21 of the optical fiber plate 2 , which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] In some examples, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, to prevent intersection between the first pigtail 211 and the second pigtail 221, the first optical connector 3 and the second optical connector 5 are staggered in the second direction (Z-axis direction). The second direction is the length direction of the first side 21 and the second side 22. In addition, in the projection of the optical backplane 200 along the third direction (X-axis direction) (the projection in the second direction is similar), each first optical connector 3 is opposite to the first fiber output position 210 of the first pigtail 211 connected to the first optical connector 3, and each second optical connector 5 is opposite to the second fiber output position 220 of the second pigtail 221 connected to the second optical connector 5. The third direction is perpendicular to the plane 20 where the fiber optic board 2 is located.

[0098] In this way, the first fiber outlet position 210 of the first pigtail 211 and the second fiber outlet position 220 of the second pigtail 221 can be staggered in the second direction, so that there is no intersection between the first pigtail 211 and the second pigtail 221. Furthermore, there is no intersection between the first pigtails 211 connected to different first optical connectors 3 and between the second pigtails 221 connected to different second optical connectors 5.

[0099] In some examples, the limiting assembly 4 is further configured to constrain the shape of the second fiber pigtail 221, such that the second fiber pigtail 221 also exhibits a wavy shape along the first direction (the Y-axis). This allows the second fiber pigtail 221 to absorb excess length (or tolerance) in a wavy shape, without requiring a coiled fiber arrangement to absorb the excess length. This simplifies routing the second fiber pigtail 221 and occupies less space.

[0100] In addition, as shown in Figure 9, since the optical backplane 200 also includes a second optical connector 5, the size of the optical backplane 200 in the depth direction of the machine frame 100 will inevitably increase. In the case where the depth direction size of the optical backplane 200 is limited, it is necessary to reduce the size of the optical fiber board 2 along the depth direction of the machine frame 100, but this is not conducive to the arrangement of the optical fibers in the optical fiber board 2.

[0101] To address the above technical issues, in some examples, as shown in Figures 10-12 , the support member 1 includes a main body 11 and a raised portion 12. A portion of the fiber optic plate 2 extends into the interior of the main body 11, while another portion extends into the interior of the raised portion 12. A second optical connector 5 is disposed side by side with the raised portion 12. The second optical connector 5 can be connected to the main body 11.

[0102] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is to arrange the second optical connector 5 and the protrusion 12 side by side, so that the second optical connector 5 and the optical fiber board 2 share part of the space along the depth direction of the machine frame 100. While ensuring the width of the optical fiber board 2, the size of the optical backplane 200 in the depth direction of the machine frame 100 is reduced.

[0103] In other examples, the first optical connector 3 and the raised portion 12 may be arranged side by side, so that the first optical connector 3 and the optical fiber board 2 share part of the space along the depth direction of the frame 100. While ensuring the width of the optical fiber board 2, the size of the optical backplane 200 in the depth direction of the frame 100 is also reduced.

[0104] Of course, if the size of the optical backplane 200 in the depth direction of the frame 100 is not limited, or the width of the optical fiber board 2 can be made very small, the support member 1 may not be provided with the protrusion 12, but may be provided as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0105] In some examples, as shown in Figure 15, the optical backplane 200 further includes a presence detection connector 6. The presence detection connector 6 is fixed to the support 1. The second optical connector 5 has an electrical port, and the presence detection connector 6 is electrically connected to the electrical port of the second optical connector 5 via a wire.

[0106] The in-position detection connector 6 is used to detect whether the second optical connector 5 is connected to the optical connector on the opposite side. The in-position detection connector 6 may be an EID connector.

[0107] The present disclosure also provides a communication device. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 16-20, the communication device includes a chassis 100, an optical backplane 200, and a service board 300. The optical backplane 200 and service board 300 are located within the chassis 100, and the service board 300 interfaces with the first optical connector 3 of the optical backplane 200. The service board 300 may also be referred to as a line card (LC) or line card board.

[0108] In some examples, the optical backplane 200 is arranged orthogonally to the service board 300 , or the optical fiber board 2 is arranged orthogonally to the service board 300 .

[0109] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the fiber optic board 2 is parallel to the height direction and the depth direction of the chassis 100 .

[0110] In some examples, as shown in FIG16 , each service board 300 is connected to two first optical connectors 3 of different groups.

[0111] In some examples, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the service board 300 includes multiple first service boards 300a and multiple second service boards 300b. The multiple first service boards 300a are connected to one group of first optical connectors 3, and the multiple second service boards 300b are connected to another group of first optical connectors 3. In other words, the two groups of first optical connectors 3 are used to connect to different service boards 300, respectively.

[0112] In some examples, as shown in Figure 19, the communications equipment also includes a switching network board 500, which is arranged orthogonally to the service board 300. The service board 300 also includes a first electrical connector 302, and the switching network board 500 includes a second electrical connector 501. The first electrical connector 302 and the second electrical connector 501 are connected. This establishes an electrical connection between the switching network board 500 and multiple service boards 300. The switching network board 500 can receive electrical layer services transmitted by the service boards 300 and perform cross-scheduling of the received electrical layer services. In this way, the communications equipment can process both optical and electrical services simultaneously, achieving an optical-electrical integrated architecture.

[0113] In some examples, as shown in FIG20 , the communication device further includes an electrical backplane 600, which is located between the optical backplane 200 and the service board 300, and between the switching network board 500 and the service board 300 (the first service board 300a and the second service board 300b). The electrical backplane 600 has a through hole for the first optical connector 3 or the third optical connector 301 to pass through, so that the first optical connector 3 and the third optical connector 301 can be smoothly connected without being blocked by the electrical backplane 600. The electrical backplane 600 also includes a third electrical connector 601 and a fourth electrical connector 602. The third electrical connector 601 is connected to the second electrical connector 501 of the switching network board 500, and the fourth electrical connector 602 is connected to the first electrical connector 302 of the service board 300. The electrical backplane 600 is used to achieve electrical connection and electrical signal transmission between the first service board 300a and the second service board 300b.

[0114] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 - FIG. 20 , the communication device further includes a fan 400 to reduce the temperature of various components in the communication device. The wind direction formed by the fan 400 may be the direction indicated by arrow F in the figure.

[0115] The present disclosure also provides a communication system. As shown in FIG21 , the communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The second optical connector 5 of the optical backplane 200 of the first communication device is connected to the second optical connector 5 of the optical backplane 200 of the second communication device.

[0116] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure increases the communication capacity of the communication system by arranging the first communication device and the second communication device to be connected via the second optical connector 5 .

[0117] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in this disclosure specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one" or "a" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprises" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprises" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. "Multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0118] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical backplane, characterized in that, The optical backplane (200) includes a support member (1), an optical fiber board (2), and two groups of first optical connectors (3); The optical fiber board (2) and the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are fixed to the support member (1), and the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are respectively located on both sides of the plane (20) where the optical fiber board (2) is located; The optical fiber board (2) includes two groups of first pigtails (211), the two groups of first pigtails (211) are respectively located on both sides of the plane (20), and are respectively connected to the two groups of first optical connectors (3).

2. The optical backplane according to claim 1, wherein The optical fiber board (2) has opposite first side (21) and second side (22), the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are close to the second side (22) and far from the first side (21); The first fiber output positions (210) of the two groups of first pigtails (211) are located on the first side (21) of the optical fiber board (2).

3. The optical backplane according to claim 2, wherein In the projection of the optical backplane (200) along the first direction, each of the first optical connectors (3) is opposite to the first fiber output position (210) of the first pigtail (211) connected to the first optical connector (3), wherein the first side (21) and the second side (22) are arranged along the first direction.

4. The optical backplane according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The lengths of the two groups of first pigtails (211) are the same.

5. The optical backplane according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The optical backplane (200) further includes a limiting component (4), and the limiting component (4) is connected to the optical fiber board (2) or the support member (1); The limiting component (4) is used to limit the shape of the first pigtail (211), so that along the first direction, the first pigtail (211) is wavy, wherein the first side (21) and the second side (22) are arranged along the first direction.

6. The optical backplane according to claim 5, characterized in that, There are multiple connection positions (40) between the limiting component (4) and the first pigtail (211), the multiple connection positions (40) are arranged along the first direction, and along the first direction, the distances of the multiple connection positions (40) from the optical fiber board (2) are staggered in a one-far-one-near manner.

7. The optical backplane according to claim 6, wherein The limiting component (4) includes multiple limiting members (41), the multiple limiting members (41) are arranged along the first direction, and each limiting member (41) has at least one of the connection positions (40) with the first pigtail (211).

8. The optical backplane according to claim 7, wherein, The limiting member (41) includes multiple card slots (410), the distances of the multiple card slots (410) from the optical fiber board (2) are different, and the first pigtail (211) is clamped in one of the card slots (410).

9. The optical backplane according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The optical backplane (200) further includes a second optical connector (5), the second optical connector (5) is fixed to the support member (1), and the orientation of the second optical connector (5) is opposite to the orientation of the first optical connector (3); The optical fiber board (2) further includes a second pigtail (221), and the second pigtail (221) is connected to the second optical connector (5).

10. The optical backplane according to claim 9, wherein, The optical backplane (200) includes two groups of second optical connectors (5), and the two groups of second optical connectors (5) are respectively located on both sides of the plane (20) where the optical fiber board (2) is located; The optical fiber board (2) includes two groups of second pigtails (221), the two groups of second pigtails (221) are located on both sides of the plane (20), and are respectively connected to the two groups of second optical connectors (5).

11. The optical backplane according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The optical fiber board (2) has opposite first side (21) and second side (22), the two groups of first optical connectors (3) are close to the second side (22), and the second optical connectors (5) are close to the first side (21); The first fiber output position (210) of the first pigtail (211) is located on the first side (21) of the optical fiber board (2), and the second fiber output position (220) of the second pigtail (221) is located on the second side (22) of the optical fiber board (2).

12. The optical backplane according to claim 11, wherein, The first optical connectors (3) and the second optical connectors (5) are arranged staggeredly in the second direction, wherein the second direction is the length direction of the first side (21) and the second side (22); In the projection of the optical backplane (200) along the third direction, each of the first optical connectors (3) is opposite to the first fiber output position (210) of the first pigtail (211) connected to the first optical connector (3), and each of the second optical connectors (5) is opposite to the second fiber output position (220) of the second pigtail (221) connected to the second optical connector (5), wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the plane (20) where the optical fiber board (2) is located.

13. The optical backplane according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The support member (1) includes a main body portion (11) and a convex portion (12), a part of the optical fiber board (2) extends into the interior of the main body portion (11), and another part extends into the interior of the convex portion (12); The first optical connector (3) or the second optical connector (5) is arranged side by side with the convex portion (12).

14. The optical backplane according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The optical backplane (200) further includes an in-position detection connector (6), and the in-position detection connector (6) is fixed to the support member (1); The second optical connector (5) has an electrical port, and the in-position detection connector (6) is electrically connected to the electrical port of the second optical connector (5) through an electric wire.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a chassis (100), an optical backplane (200) and a service board (300), and the optical backplane (200) is the optical backplane according to any one of claims 1-14; The optical backplane (200) and the service board (300) are located inside the chassis (100), and the service board (300) is docked with the first optical connector (3) of the optical backplane (200).

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The optical fiber board (2) in the optical backplane (200) is orthogonal to the service board (300).

17. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device, and both the first communication device and the second communication device include the optical backplane (200) according to any one of claims 9-14; The second optical connector (5) of the optical backplane (200) of the first communication device is connected to the second optical connector (5) of the optical backplane (200) of the second communication device.

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