Active Fiber Optic Connector Insert with Integrated O/E Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors face challenges such as reduced optical power transmission, added cost, weight, and complexity due to passive designs, particularly in aircraft applications, where routing optical fibers requires careful bending and conversion between optical and electrical signals, and existing active connectors may not be readily manufacturable or mechanically robust.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector insert with a housing, circuit board, and opto-electronic converters, featuring electrically conductive pins and a retention shoulder for secure mounting, along with an optical fiber termination assembly and dielectric potting material for protection, allowing for reliable and efficient signal conversion and mechanical robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive fiber optic connectors are used with O/E converters routed through optical fiber backplane, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but cost, weight, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the passive connector body with active O/E converter components into a single integrated unit. The connector housing directly mounts O/E converters, eliminating the need for separate optical fiber backplane routing and electrical backplane connections. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining optical signal transmission capability.
2Reliability
If passive fiber optic connectors are used with optical fiber routing through housing, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but cable bend radius constraints and signal power loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The O/E converters are pre-integrated into the connector housing before final assembly. This preliminary integration allows the optical fibers to be directly coupled to the converters without requiring long routing paths through the housing, thereby minimizing cable bend radius constraints and reducing optical power loss along the fiber path.
3Device complexity
If active fiber optic connectors with integrated O/E converters are used, then system complexity is reduced, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector is designed with modular segments: a connector housing portion, O/E converter components, and a circuit board with electrical contacts. These segmented modules can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, making the complex integrated design easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reduced system complexity.
4Reliability
If optical fibers are routed from connector to O/E converters within housing, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but minimum cable bend radius constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the O/E converters directly into the connector housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate cable routing paths through the housing. The optical fibers can be directly coupled to the converters at the connector interface, providing routing flexibility and eliminating minimum cable bend radius constraints while maintaining reliable optical signal transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a mechanically robust and reliable active fiber optic connector insert that is easily manufactured and assembled, reducing signal loss and system complexity while offering electromagnetic shielding and improved durability for harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The O/E converters convert electrical signals to optical signals, and/or optical signals to electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
The use of an optical fiber backplane within the housing may add to the cost, weight and complexity of the electronic system
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector insert for a connector may include a housing to be received within a passageway of a connector body, a circuit board extending longitudinally within the housing and having opposing first and second ends, and a first base and first electrically conductive pins carried thereby. The first electrically conductive pins may be coupled to the circuit board adjacent the first end thereof. The fiber optic connector insert may also include an opto-electronic (O/E) converter having a second base and second electrically conductive pins extending outwardly therefrom. The second electrically conductive pins may be coupled to the circuit board adjacent the second end thereof.