Heat dissipater assembly and connector cable for telecommunications unit

Abstract

A heat dissipater assembly (100) for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter, the heat dissipater assembly comprising: a dissipater body (110) configured to couple to an optical connector cable; a thermal connector (130) adapted to be located in a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of the telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead; and heat dissipation structures (132) connected to the dissipater body and configured to dissipate heat from the dissipater body into an environment around the heat dissipater assembly, wherein the dissipater body comprises a thermally conductive material and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures.

Description

[0001] HEAT DISSIPATER ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTOR CABLE FOR

[0002] TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNIT

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The disclosure relates to a heat dissipater assembly for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter. The disclosure further relates to a connector cable for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising a telecommunications unit comprising one or more optical bulkhead connector adapters and one or more heat dissipater assemblies.

[0005] Background

[0006] With reference to Figure 1 , a radio unit 2, e.g. a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), may be installed at a remote site 4 and a baseband or hub unit 6 may be installed at a hub site 8. The radio unit 2 and the baseband unit 6 can be equipped with grey, e.g. single channel, or Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical modules, such as pluggable optical modules.

[0007] As illustrated in Figure 1 , a multiplexor / de-multiplexor unit 10 may be provided at either end of a link 12 extending between the hub site 8 and the remote site 4. Optical cables 14, such as LC-LC optical cables, may be used to connect optical modules of the radio unit 2 and baseband unit 6 to the respective multiplexor / de-multiplexor units 10 or to the link 12 itself, e.g. when no multiplexor / de-multiplexor is present. The optical cables 14 may comprise standard optical connectors, such as AXS™ connectors or OTIS (Optical Transpose Interconnection Systems) connectors for connecting to the radio unit 2.

[0008] Remote radio units, such as the radio unit 2, are often deployed in outdoor scenarios, such as mounted on poles, or at the top of buildings or towers. In such scenarios, the remote radio units can be exposed to weather and outdoor environmental conditions. For this reason, the remote radio units 2 have housings / enclosures designed to protect the internal parts against the weather and environmental conditions they may experience. For example, the enclosures may be designs to IP (Ingress Protection) 65 standards or greater. In some situations, such enclosures are camouflaged to respect the local rules for deployment in urban environments. When the remote radio unit 2 is installed within such an enclosure, the internal temperature of the remote radio unit 2 can reach high temperatures. For example, the remote radio unit 2 may reach a temperature above 85 degrees Celsius. In particular, such internal temperatures can be reached when the remote radio unit 2 is installed within enclosure in an environment where the temperature can reach or exceed 50 degrees Celsius, even for short periods.

[0009] Normally, the radio units to be installed within such enclosures are designed to be fan-less. However, even when a fan is present, the optical modules, e.g. pluggable optical modules, installed in the radio unit 2 may not benefit from any airflow. Furthermore, the optical modules are typically positioned close to other high temperature components of the radio units, such as the power supply and its dissipaters, which can further increase the temperature of the optical modules.

[0010] Remote Radio units are getting smaller and more compact while increasing their capacity and therefore their required power supply. To dissipate heating, Radio Units are being designed to increase their heat dissipation areas. High internal temperature, due to insufficient heat dissipation areas, may affect the electronic components, increasing electrical noise and therefore requiring additional power to discriminate the bits.

[0011] Pluggable optical modules and, in particular, pluggable WDM optical modules can be sensitive to circuitry temperature, and have a maximum permitted temperature for the lasers. For this reason, most commercially available optical modules are limited to operating in environmental conditions in which the temperature is between -40 and +85 degrees Celsius. Exceeding this temperature leads to laser frequency drifting and excessive noise, decreasing the SNR below operational margins.

[0012] The sensitivity of pluggable optical modules to temperature can limit the possibility of providing pluggable optical modules in radio units in some countries where the ambient temperature can reach or exceed desirable operating temperatures of the radio units, and / or where the regulatory camouflage prevents sufficient passive air circulation around the radio unit. WO 2023 / 110226 A1 addresses the optical module overheating problem by taking the pluggable optical modules outside the Radio Unit.

[0013] Summary

[0014] It is an object to provide an improved heat dissipater assembly for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter. It is a further object to provide an improved connector cable for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit.

[0015] An aspect of the disclosure provides a heat dissipater assembly for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter. The heat dissipater assembly comprises a dissipater body, a thermal connector and heat dissipation structures. The dissipater body is configured to couple to an optical connector cable. The thermal connector is adapted to be located in a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead. The heat dissipation structures are connected to the dissipater body. The heat dissipation structures are configured to dissipate heat from the dissipater body into an environment around the heat dissipater assembly. The dissipater body comprises a thermally conductive material and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures.

[0016] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a connector cable for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector cable comprises an optical fibre cable, an optical connector and a heat dissipater assembly. The optical connector is provided at an end of the optical fibre cable for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The heat dissipater assembly comprises a dissipater body, a thermal connector and heat dissipation structures. The dissipater body is configured to couple to an optical connector cable. The thermal connector is configured to be located in a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of the telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead. The heat dissipation structures are connected to the dissipater body. The heat dissipation structures are configured to dissipate heat from the dissipater body into an environment around the heat dissipater assembly. The dissipater body comprises a thermally conductive material and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures. The optical connector is received in the recess defined by the dissipater body. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a system comprising a telecommunications unit comprising one or more optical bulkhead connector adapter and one or more heat dissipater assemblies. The telecommunications unit comprises one or more optical bulkhead connector adapters. A heat dissipater assembly comprises a dissipater body, a thermal connector and heat dissipation structures. The dissipater body is configured to couple to an optical connector cable. The thermal connector is adapted to be located in a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of the telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead. The heat dissipation structures are connected to the dissipater body. The heat dissipation structures are configured to dissipate heat from the dissipater body into an environment around the heat dissipater assembly. The dissipater body comprises a thermally conductive material and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures. The optical connector is received in the recess defined by the dissipater body.

[0017] Advantageously, the present disclosure enables excess heat to be drained away from the inside of a telecommunications unit by providing extra heat dissipation capacity in the form of a heat dissipater assembly that can be plugged into existing external optical bulkhead connector adapters on the unit, while preserving electrical insulation and ingress protection, and may provide more effective heat dissipation than the provision of additional external fins on the telecommunications unit enclosure. Advantageously, the present disclosure enables dissipation of heat generated by elements, such as small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical modules, within a telecommunications unit while enabling the optical modules to be fully retained within the telecommunications unit.

[0018] Advantageously, use of a heat dissipator assembly according to the present disclosure can reduce the temperature inside a telecommunications unit, thus the telecommunications unit may be used in high temperature environments without the performance of optical modules within the telecommunications unit being reduced. The present disclosure provides a minimal footprint heat dissipation solution that can be provided on a telecommunications unit in the radio access network, such as remote unit radio units, without changing the unit design or footprint. The heat dissipater assembly is compatible with known Full-AXS connectors.

[0019] Brief Description of the drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a previously proposed communications system;

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a heat dissipater assembly according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective front view of the heat dissipater assembly of Figure 2;

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the dissipater body and heat dissipation structures of the heat dissipater assembly of Figure 2;

[0024] Figure 5 are perspective views of (a) the compressible spring connector and (b) the thermal connector pad of the heat dissipater assembly of Figure 2;

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective sectional part view of the heat dissipater assembly of Figure 2 and a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit;

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit;

[0027] Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of a heat dissipater assembly according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connector cable of an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 is a sectional view of a connector cable of an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the dissipater body and heat dissipation structures of a heat dissipater assembly according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 12 is a perspective sectional part view of the heat dissipater assembly of Figure 11 and a bulkhead of an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit;

[0032] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a connector cable of an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 14 is a perspective sectional view of the connector cable of Figure 13;

[0034] Figure 15 is a plan view of a system of an embodiment; Figure 16 shows thermal test thermal images of (a) a radio unit; and (b) a system as shown in Figure 15; and

[0035] Figure 17 shows thermal test measurements of (a) a radio unit; and (b) a system as shown in Figure 15.

[0036] Detailed description

[0037] The same reference numbers will be used for corresponding features in different embodiments.

[0038] The present disclosure provides an Outdoor Connector (IP65 or higher) compatible heat dissipater assembly that can be used on a telecommunications unit, e.g. in a radio access network, e.g. as a fronthaul connection, such as Remote Radio Units, routers or outdoor active units, to dissipate heat generated by optical modules and other elements within the telecommunications unit by means of mechanical and thermal components that include:

[0039] - A thermal connector and a thermal conductor within the assembly with mechanical arrangements to create thermal continuity with the inner parts of the telecommunications unit.

[0040] - A thermal dissipator in thermal connection with the thermal conductor to dissipate the heat collected by the thermal conductor into the external environment.

[0041] - An area for optical fibre cable interconnection compatible with de-facto industry standards (e.g. full AXS) to be received within the heat dissipater assembly.

[0042] The heat dissipation that is provided is separate to any thermal connection between the optical fibre cable and the telecommunications unit.

[0043] The heat dissipater assembly of the present disclosure is designed to allow smooth upgrade of the existing telecommunications units in a radio access network, such as Radio Units, routers or outdoor active units, to support tougher environmental conditions. It may also be considered as a design assumption for new 5G and 6G Radio Unit design since it can provide extra heat dissipation capacity without impacting the Radio Unit footprint.

[0044] The heat dissipater assembly of the present disclosure has been found in testing to be more effective than traditional fins provided externally on a Radio Unit enclosure since it can dissipate heat directly from the Radio unit internal circuitry with a gain factor of around 2-3 times with respect to traditional fins having the same area. This is illustrated in the test result thermal images of Figure 16 and the test measurements of Figure 17.

[0045] The heat dissipater assembly of the present disclosure can be provided on a telecommunications unit where it is most required, so it does not affect the form factor of the unit, and it drains heat directly from the connector areas that are the hottest parts of the unit since they contain power converters and have almost zero airflow due to segregation of outdoor connection areas from the environment (e.g. rain, dust, etc.).

[0046] The heat dissipater assembly of the disclosure is fully compatible with de-facto industry standards, such as Full-AXS connectors, used in most installed outdoor remote radio units, RRUs, and it advantageously enables draining excessive heat out of the connection area, preserving the optical module and the fibre connectors. The heat drained out of the telecommunication unit by the thermal conductor is dissipated around the heat dissipater assembly thermal dissipater disposed around it.

[0047] According to thermal simulations that have been performed on the heat dissipater assembly it allows the temperature around an optical module, such as an optical transceiver, within a telecommunications unit, such as an RRU, to be reduced by more than 4-5 degrees and also the rest of the unit can benefit from around 3-4 degrees temperature reduction with respect to the existing dissipation structures provided on an RRU enclosure, thanks to the full contact of the thermal connector with the inner cage of the Radio Unit.

[0048] EMI and IP65 protection are preserved since the thermal connector is fully enclosed within the heat dissipation assembly and the heat dissipation assembly uses the same connector mechanics used by the Radio Unit side.

[0049] The present disclosure also provides a connector cable, for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit, incorporating the heat dissipater assembly.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 to 7, an embodiment provides a heat dissipater assembly 100 for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. The heat dissipater assembly comprises a dissipater body 110, a thermal connector 130 and heat dissipation structures 132.

[0051] The dissipater body 110 is configured to couple to an optical connector cable 116. The thermal connector is adapted to be located in a bulkhead 140 of an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of the telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead.

[0052] The dissipater body 110 comprises a thermally conductive material, such as a metallic material or thermally conductive plastic material, and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures.

[0053] As shown in detail in Figure 5, the thermal connector 130 comprises a compressible spring connector 134 and a thermal contact pad 138. The spring connector 134 comprises a thermally conductive material, such as stainless steel.

[0054] The thermal contact pad 138 comprises thermally conductive material. The thermal contact pad may be a pad of compressive thermally conductive material, such as a silicone thermal pad. As can be seen in Figure 6, the thermal contact pad 138 is provided on the dissipater body 110 at the end to be located in the bulkhead 140 of the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. The compressible spring connector 134 is provided radially around and on top of the thermal contact pad 138.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 comprises a bulkhead 140 (also known as a bulkhead fitting), for location through a wall of a housing enclosure of a telecommunications, and an optical connector adapter 144. In certain embodiments, the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 is an LC bulkhead connector, with the optical connector adapter 144 being an LC adapter. As will be well known to the skilled person LC connectors and adapters are widely used for optical fibre interconnects.

[0056] As can be seen in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the compressible spring connector 134 comprises a plurality of spring tines 136 configured to be resiliently deformed onto the thermal contact pad. The spring tines have generally L-shaped profiles and are arranged such that they extend axially along the outside of the dissipater body and down onto an end face of the dissipater body. The thermal contact pad 138 similarly extends axially along the outside of the dissipater body and down onto the end face of the dissipater body, under the spring tines. The spring tines 136 are configured to be resiliently compressed radially onto the thermal contact pad when the spring connector is located in the bulkhead 140. This takes advantage of the slight conical internal shape of the bulkhead which increasingly compresses the compressible spring connector 134 onto the thermal contact pad as the spring connector is pushed in to the bulkhead. This causes the spring connector to be pushed onto the compressive thermally conductive material, while also ensuring that the spring connector is in contact with the internal surface of the bulkhead, thus forming a thermal path from the bulkhead to the thermal contact pad.

[0057] A connector portion 150 is provided for coupling the heat dissipater assembly 100 to an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector portion comprises a fixed portion 156, connected to the dissipater body, and a movable portion 152, movably mounted on the fixed portion.

[0058] The engagement features 154 on the movable portion are configured to selectively engage the engagement features 144 on the bulkhead 140 of the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. For example, moving the movable portion 152 relative to the fixed portion 156, when the thermal connector 130 is located in the bulkhead causes the engagement features 154 on the movable portion to engage, or disengage from, the engagement features 144 on the bulkhead. Engagement between the engagement features 154 on the connector portion and the engagement features 144 on the bulkhead may act to securely connect the heat dissipater assembly 100 to the optical bulkhead connector adapter 140.

[0059] The movable portion 152 may comprise a metallic material or a plastic material. In either case, the movable portion may comprise an electromagnetic interference shielding material.

[0060] A seal element 158 is provided on the connector portion 150 to engage the bulkhead 140 to create a seal between the bulkhead and the dissipater body. The seal element 158 may be configured, e.g. positioned and / or shaped, to contact the bulkhead 140 when the thermal connector 130 is located in the bulkhead in order to create a seal between the bulkhead and the heat dissipater assembly 100. The seal may be to prevent or reduce the ingress of water and dust or debris into the heat dissipater assembly 100 or into the telecommunications unit. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 6, the dissipater body 110 may be substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the dissipater body 110 may be any other shape. For example, the dissipater body 110 may be shaped substantially as a square, rectangular, triangular or oval prism. The dissipater body defines a cavity 112, for receiving optical fibre interconnection parts.

[0061] The heat dissipation structures 132 are provided on an external surface of the dissipater body. This portion of the heat dissipator assembly 100 may be referred to as a heat sink. The heat dissipation structures 132 may be configured to increase a rate of heat dissipation from the dissipater body 110 compared to if the heat dissipation structures 132 were not present. For example, the heat dissipation structures 132 may be configured to increase a surface area of the heat dissipater assembly 100 available to dissipate heat into the environment around the heat dissipater assembly 100. It should be appreciated that various forms of the heat dissipation structures 132 are possible.

[0062] In the embodiment depicted, the heat dissipation structures 132 comprise the same material as the rest of the dissipater body 110. For example, the dissipater body, including the heat dissipation structures 132 may comprise, e.g. be manufactured from, a thermally conductive material, such as a thermally conductive plastic or a metal material, such as aluminium. In other embodiments, portions of the dissipater body 110 may comprise a (relatively) thermally insulating material, such as a plastic material, and the heat dissipation structures 132 may comprise a (relatively) thermally conductive material, such as a metal material, e.g. aluminium.

[0063] The heat dissipation structures comprise a plurality of heat dissipation fins 132 arrayed, e.g. spaced apart from one another over, regularly or irregularly the external surface of the dissipater body over an external surface of the dissipater body. The heat dissipation fins 132 are arrayed about the longitudinal axis of the dissipater body 110 through an angle of substantially 360 degrees. The heat dissipation structures 132 may project radially outwards from the dissipater body 110. The heat dissipation fins 132 are located on the dissipater body such that the heat dissipation fins are spaced apart from the telecommunications unit when the thermal connector 130 is connected to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 on the telecommunications unit, as can be seen in Figure 6. In other embodiments, the heat dissipation structures 132 may be shaped and arranged over the external surface of the dissipater body 110 in any other desirable manner. In embodiments where the dissipater body has another, non-cylindrical, shape, the heat dissipation structures 132 may project outwardly in respective directions that are perpendicular to adjacent portions of the external surface of the dissipater body 110.

[0064] The thermal pathway from the bulkhead of the optical bulkhead connector adapter through the thermal connector and the dissipater body to the heat dissipation structures is separate to any thermal connection between the optical connector cable and the telecommunications unit. The heat dissipater assembly 100 provides a thermal pathway to enable heat to be drained away from the inside of a telecommunications unit via the bulkhead 140 of an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of the telecommunications unit. This enables dissipation of heat generated by elements, such as small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical modules, within a telecommunications unit while enabling the optical modules to be fully retained within the telecommunications unit.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the movable portion comprises a collar 152 movably coupled to the fixed portion. The engagement features 154 on the collar are first and second slots formed on the inside surface of the collar and the engagement features 144 on the bulkhead are first and second lugs formed on an external surface of the bulkhead.

[0066] The collar 152 is movable relative to the fixed portion 156 in order to engage or disengage the slots and the lugs. The lugs 144 are engaged with the slots 154 by pushing the lugs into openings of the slots and then rotating the collar relative to the slots, thereby moving the lugs along the slots. The engagement of the lugs in the slots securely connects the heat dissipater assembly to the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. The lugs are disengaged from the slots by the reverse action.

[0067] The connector portion is configured such that engagement of the slots 154 on the collar 152 with the lugs 144 on the bulkhead also acts to securely engage the seal element 158 with the bulkhead.

[0068] In the embodiment depicted, the spring tines are configured to rest on the thermal contact pad when located outside the bulkhead. In other embodiments, the spring tines may be spaced from the thermal contact pad when located outside the bulkhead and configured to be brought into contact during location in the bulkhead. In certain embodiments, the thermal contact pad 138 additionally comprises a protective layer of thermally conductive material provided on the pad of compressible thermally conductive material. The protective layer may be a thin layer of stainless steel. The protective layer is located between the pad of compressible thermally conductive material and the compressible spring connector to protect the pad of compressible thermally conductive material as the compressible spring connector is brought into contact with it. The spring tines, for example, have many edges and friction between these edges and the compressible thermally conductive material could otherwise damage the compressible thermally conductive material.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the connector portion 150 is a full-AXS connector meeting Ingress Protection 65 (IP 65) standards or greater defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the international standard IEC 60529.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the heat dissipater assembly 100 is configured to provide electromagnetic interference shielding.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the telecommunications unit is a radio unit, a router or an outdoor active unit.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the telecommunications unit is in a radio access network.

[0073] Referring to Figure 8, an embodiment provides a heat dissipater assembly 200 for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. The heat dissipater assembly 200 of this embodiment additionally comprises an optical connector adapter 218, an optical connector 220 and an optical fibre 222.

[0074] The optical connector 220 is provided towards the same end of the dissipater body as the thermal connector 130, within the cavity 112. The optical connector is configured to optically connect to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit. The first optical connector may, for example, be an LC connector and the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 may, for example, be an LC bulkhead adapter.

[0075] The optical connector adapter 218 is provided towards the opposite end of the dissipater body, partly within the cavity 112, and is configured to optically connect to an optical connector 414 of an optical connector cable 116. The optical connector adapter may for example be an LC connector adapter and the optical connector 414 of the optical connector cable may be an LC connector. The optical fibre 222 extends through the cavity 112 in the dissipater body 110. The optical fibre connects the optical connector adapter 218 to the optical connector 220, thus an optical connector cable 116 may be optically connected to the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit.

[0076] The thermal pathway from the bulkhead through the thermal connector and the dissipater body to the heat dissipation structures is separate to any thermal connection between the optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 and the optical connector 220.

[0077] Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment provides a connector cable 300 for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector cable comprises an optical fibre cable 302, an optical connector and a heat dissipater assembly 100, as described above.

[0078] The optical connector is provided at an end of the optical fibre cable 302 for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit. The optical connector is received in the recess 112 defined by the dissipater body 110.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the optical fibre cable 302 has a Full AXS connector 304 at the end with the optical connector.

[0080] Referring to Figure 10, an embodiment provides a connector cable 400 for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector cable comprises an optical fibre cable 302, an optical connector 414 and a heat dissipater assembly 200, as described above.

[0081] The optical connector is provided at an end of the optical fibre cable 302 for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit. The optical connector is received in the recess 112 defined by the dissipater body 110.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the optical fibre cable 302 has a Full AXS connector 304 at the end with the optical connector.

[0083] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, an embodiment provides a heat dissipater assembly

[0084] 500 for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter 142. The heat dissipater assembly comprises a dissipater body 510, a thermal connector 130 and heat dissipation structures 532.

[0085] The dissipater body 510 is configured to couple to an optical connector cable 616. The thermal connector is adapted to be located in a bulkhead 140 of an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of the telecommunications unit and to thermally connect to the bulkhead.

[0086] The dissipater body 510 comprises a thermally conductive material, such as a metallic material or thermally conductive plastic material, and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures.

[0087] As described above and illustrated in Figures 3, 5 and 6, thermal connector 130 comprises a compressible spring connector 134 and a thermal contact pad 138.

[0088] As described above and illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a connector portion 150 is provided for coupling the heat dissipater assembly 100 to an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector portion comprises a fixed portion 156, connected to the dissipater body, and a movable portion 152, movably mounted on the fixed portion.

[0089] As described above, a seal element 158 is provided on the connector portion 150 to engage the bulkhead 140 to create a seal between the bulkhead and the dissipater body.

[0090] In the embodiment depicted in Figures 11 to 14, the dissipater body 510 is substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the dissipater body 510 may be any other shape. The dissipater body 510 defines a cavity 512, for receiving an optical connector.

[0091] The dissipater body defines a recess 512 open at a first end for receiving an optical connector 614 of an optical connector cable 616. The recess 512 is configured to locate the first optical connector of the optical connector cable at the end of the dissipater body 510 with the optical connector 130. The recess 512 is configured to locate the first optical connector such that it is configured to optically connect to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit.

[0092] The heat dissipation structures 532 are provided on an external surface of the dissipater body. This portion of the heat dissipator assembly 500 may be referred to as a heat sink. The heat dissipation structures 532 may be configured to increase a rate of heat dissipation from the dissipater body 510 compared to if the heat dissipation structures 532 were not present. It should be appreciated that various forms of the heat dissipation structures 532 are possible.

[0093] In the embodiment depicted, the heat dissipation structures 532 comprise the same material as the rest of the dissipater body 510. For example, the dissipater body, including the heat dissipation structures 532 may comprise, e.g. be manufactured from, a thermally conductive material, such as a thermally conductive plastic or a metal material, such as aluminium. In other embodiments, portions of the dissipater body 510 may comprise a (relatively) thermally insulating material, such as a plastic material, and the heat dissipation structures 532 may comprise a (relatively) thermally conductive material, such as a metal material, e.g. aluminium.

[0094] The heat dissipation structures comprise a plurality of heat dissipation fins 532 arrayed, e.g. spaced apart from one another over, regularly or irregularly the external surface of the dissipater body over an external surface of the dissipater body. The heat dissipation fins 532 are arrayed about the longitudinal axis of the dissipater body 510 through an angle of substantially 360 degrees. The heat dissipation structures 532 may project radially outwards from the dissipater body 510.

[0095] The heat dissipation structures 532 extend longitudinally beyond a length of the dissipater body 510. The heat dissipation fins 532 are located on the dissipater body such that the heat dissipation fins are spaced apart from the telecommunications unit when the thermal connector 130 is connected to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 on the telecommunications unit, as can be seen in Figure 12.

[0096] In other embodiments, the heat dissipation structures 132 may be shaped and arranged over the external surface of the dissipater body 110 in any other desirable manner.

[0097] The thermal pathway from the bulkhead of the optical bulkhead connector adapter through the thermal connector and the dissipater body to the heat dissipation structures is separate to any thermal connection between the optical connector cable and the telecommunications unit. The heat dissipater assembly 500 provides a thermal pathway to enable heat to be drained away from the inside of a telecommunications unit via the bulkhead 140 of an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of the telecommunications unit. This enables dissipation of heat generated by elements, such as small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical modules, within a telecommunications unit while enabling the optical modules to be fully retained within the telecommunications unit.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the recess 512 is configured with at least one internal engagement formation configured to engage with at least one external engagement formation on an optical connector cable 616 to secure the dissipater body to the optical connector cable.

[0099] Referring to Figure 13, an embodiment provides a connector cable 600 for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector cable comprises an optical fibre cable 616, an optical connector and a heat dissipater assembly 500, as described above.

[0100] The optical connector is provided at an end of the optical fibre cable 302 for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit. The optical connector is received in the recess 112 defined by the dissipater body 110.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the optical fibre cable 302 has a Full AXS connector 304 at the end with the optical connector.

[0102] Referring to Figure 13, an embodiment provides a connector cable 600 for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit. The connector cable comprises an optical connector cable 616, an optical connector 414 and a heat dissipater assembly 500, as described above.

[0103] The optical connector cable comprises an optical fibre cable 602, a cable adapter and an optical connector 614. The optical connector 614 is provided at an end of the optical fibre cable 602 for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter 142 of a telecommunications unit. The optical connector is received in the recess 512 defined by the dissipater body 510.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the cable adapter 604 has at least one engagement formation 608 and the dissipater body 510 is configured with at least one complementary engagement formation 534 configured to engage with the engagement formation on the cable adapter to secure the dissipater body to the cable adapter. In certain embodiments, the cable adapter 604 is a Full AXS connector.

[0105] Referring to Figure 15, an embodiment provides a system 700 comprising a telecommunications unit 702 and one or more heat dissipater assemblies 100, 200, as described above.

[0106] The telecommunications unit comprises one or more optical bulkhead connector adapters 142. The heat dissipater assemblies 100, 200 are connectable to respective optical bulkhead connector adapters.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the system 700 is a radio system, such as a remote radio system, or a router.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the telecommunications unit is in a radio access network.

[0109] A comparison test of a standard Radio Unit and a system 700 was carried out in a thermal test chamber having an ambient temperature of 55C. The results are shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0110] Figure 16(a) shows a thermal image of a Radio Unit having standard heat dissipation fins provided externally on its enclosure (housing). The temperature scale goes from blue indicating 45C to red indicating 126C.

[0111] Figure 16(b) shows a thermal image of a system 700 comprising a radio unit 702 and a plurality of heat dissipater assemblies 200, as described above. The temperature scale goes from blue indicating 45C to red indicating 126C.

[0112] Comparing Figure 16(b) with Figure 16(a) a noticeable reduction in overall temperature can be seen as well as a reduction in the peak temperatures measured at number of points.

[0113] In Figure 17, the upper plot (a) is temperature measurements from the Radio Unit and the lower plot (b) is temperature measurements from the system 700 comprising a radio unit 702 and a plurality of heat dissipater assemblies 200, as described above.

[0114] The tests show that the heat dissipater assembly 200 is more effective than traditional fins provided externally on a Radio Unit enclosure since it can dissipate heat directly from the Radio unit internal circuitry with a gain factor of around 2-3 times with respect to traditional fins having the same area.

[0115] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heat dissipater assembly (100, 200, 500) for a telecommunications unit comprising at least one optical bulkhead connector adapter, the heat dissipater assembly comprising: a dissipater body (110, 510) configured to couple to an optical connector cable (116, 616); a thermal connector (130) adapted to be attached to a bulkhead (140) with an optical bulkhead connector adapter (142) and to thermally connect to the bulkhead; and heat dissipation structures (132, 532) connected to the dissipater body and configured to dissipate heat from the dissipater body into an environment around the heat dissipater assembly, wherein the dissipater body comprises a thermally conductive material and is configured to form a thermal path from the thermal connector to the heat dissipation structures.

2. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: a first optical connector adapter (218) provided at a first end of the dissipater body, wherein the first optical connector adapter is configured to couple to a first optical connector (414) of the optical connector cable; a second optical connector (220) provided at a second end of the dissipater body, wherein the second optical connector is configured to couple to the optical connector adapter (142) of the telecommunications unit; and an optical fibre (222) connecting the first optical connector adapter to the second optical connector, and wherein the thermal connector is provided at a second end of the dissipater body.

3. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 1 , wherein the dissipater body (510) defines a recess (512) open at a first end for receiving a first optical connector (614) of the optical connector cable (616), and wherein the recess (512) is configured to locate the first optical connector (614) of the optical connector cable (616) at the second end of the dissipater body (510) such that the first optical connector is configured to couple to the optical connector adapter (142) of the telecommunications unit.

4. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 3, further comprising a cable adapter (616) provided around the optical connector cable (616) behind the firstoptical connector (614), wherein the cable adapter has at least one engagement formation and the recess (512) is configured with at least one complementary engagement formation configured to engage with the at least one engagement formation on the cable adapter to secure the dissipater body to the cable adapter.

5. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermal connector (130) is configured to be compressed when located in the bulkhead (140) of the telecommunications unit to thermally connect to the bulkhead of the telecommunications unit.

6. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 5 wherein the thermal connector (130) comprises: a compressible spring connector (134) comprising thermally conductive material; and a thermal contact pad (138) of thermally conductive material provided on the dissipater body, wherein the compressible spring connector is configured to be compressed into close thermal contact with the thermal contact pad when located in the bulkhead of the telecommunications unit.

7. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 6, wherein the thermal contact pad (138) comprises a pad of compressible thermally conductive material.

8. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 7, wherein the thermal contact pad (138) additionally comprises a protective layer of a second thermally conductive material provided on the pad of compressible thermally conductive material such that the protective layer is located between the pad of compressible thermally conductive material and the compressible spring connector.

9. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the thermal contact pad (138) is provided on the dissipater body at the second end and the compressible spring connector (134) is provided radially around the thermal contact pad, and wherein the compressible spring connector is configured to be radially compressed onto the thermal contact pad when located in the bulkhead (140) of the telecommunications unit.

10. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 9, wherein the compressible spring connector (134) comprises a plurality of spring tines (136) configured to beresiliently deformed onto the thermal contact pad when located in the bulkhead (140) of the telecommunications unit.11 . The heat dissipater assembly of claim 10, wherein the spring tines (136) have generally L-shaped profiles and the thermal contact pad (138) is provided around the second end of the dissipater body and extends onto an end face of the second end, such that the thermal contact pad extends under the spring tines, and wherein the spring tines are configured to be resiliently compressed radially onto the thermal contact pad when located in the bulkhead (140).

12. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the spring tines are additionally configured to rest on the thermal contact pad when located outside the bulkhead.

13. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat dissipation structures comprise a plurality of heat dissipation fins (132, 532) arrayed over an external surface of the dissipater body (110, 510).

14. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 13, wherein the dissipater body (110, 510) is substantially cylindrical and the heat dissipation fins (132, 532) are arrayed about the longitudinal axis of the dissipater body through an angle of substantially 360 degrees.

15. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat dissipation structures (132, 532) are located on the dissipater body (110, 510) such that the heat dissipation structures are spaced apart from the telecommunications unit when the thermal connector (130) is located in the bulkhead (140) of the telecommunications unit.

16. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connector portion (150) coupled to the dissipater body, the connector portion to be coupled to the telecommunications unit.

17. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 16, wherein the connector portion (150) comprises one or more engagement features (154) configured to selectively engage one or more engagement features (144) on the bulkhead (140) of the telecommunications unit to securely connect the heat dissipater assembly to the optical bulkhead connector adapter of the telecommunications unit.

18. The heat dissipater assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or more engagement features on the connector portion are formed on a movable portion (152) movably coupled to a fixed portion (156) of the connector portion, wherein the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion in order to engage or disengage the one or more engagement features on the connector portion from the one or more engagement features on the bulkhead.

19. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the connector portion (150) comprises a seal (158) configured to engage the bulkhead of the telecommunications unit to create a seal between the bulkhead and the dissipater body.

20. The heat dissipater assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat dissipater assembly is configured to provide electromagnetic interference shielding.21 . The heat dissipater assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunications unit is a radio unit.

22. A connector cable (300, 400, 600) for an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit, the connector cable comprising: an optical fibre cable (302, 602); an optical connector (114) provided at an end of the optical fibre cable for connection to an optical bulkhead connector adapter of a telecommunications unit; and a heat dissipater assembly (100, 200, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical connector is received in the recess defined by the dissipater body.

23. The connector cable of claim 22, wherein the heat dissipation structures (532) extend longitudinally beyond a length of the dissipater body (510).

24. A system (700) comprising: a telecommunications unit (702) comprising one or more optical bulkhead connector adapter (142); and one or more heat dissipater assemblies (100, 200) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 connected to the one or more optical bulkhead connector adapters.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the telecommunications unit is a radio unit.

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