Adapter Translating Pin Patterns for Optical Transceiver Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difference in pin patterns between SC, ST, and LC transceivers limits the compatibility of printed circuit boards with only one type of transceiver, restricting the use of multiple transceivers with a single pin pattern.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system that allow the use of multiple transceivers with a single pin pattern by providing an adapter that translates communications between different pin patterns, enabling an LC transceiver with a 2x5 pin pattern to be coupled with a 1x9 pin pattern, and facilitating the use of SC or ST transceivers with a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printed circuit board is designed with a specific pin pattern for one transceiver type, then compatibility with that transceiver type is ensured, but compatibility with other transceiver types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that couples between the printed circuit board and the optical transceiver. The adapter has a first interface that matches the PCB pin pattern and a second interface that matches the transceiver pin pattern, thereby mediating the connection between incompatible interfaces and enabling universal compatibility without modifying the PCB design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to support multiple transceiver types through different interface configurations. A single adapter design can be adapted to work with various transceiver pin patterns (such as LC, SC, ST), making the PCB universally compatible with multiple transceiver types by simply changing the adapter rather than the PCB
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceiver types are supported directly on a printed circuit board, then versatility is improved, but pin pattern complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transceiver interface functionality into two separate components: the printed circuit board and the adapter. The PCB maintains a standardized pin pattern, while the adapter handles the variability of different transceiver pin patterns. This segmentation allows the PCB to be manufactured with a single standardized design, while the adapter absorbs the complexity of supporting multiple transceiver types
3Ease of operation
If different pin patterns are used for different transceiver types, then each transceiver type has optimized connectivity, but interchangeability between transceiver types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures stable electrical connections between the PCB and various transceiver types. By providing dedicated contact points for each transceiver type while maintaining a standardized interface with the PCB, the adapter enables easy interchangeability of transceivers without compromising connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and devices for facilitating communication. An apparatus a first interface configured for coupling with a first pin pattern of an optical transceiver and a second interface configured for coupling with a second pin pattern of a printed circuit board. The apparatus is configured for communicatively coupling an optical transceiver having the first pin pattern with the second pin pattern of the printed circuit board.