Angled Connector Blocks for Stable Pluggable Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in data centers face challenges in efficiently connecting pluggable optical modules to data processors, particularly in terms of electrical and optical signal transmission, mechanical stability, and heat management, which affect data throughput and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system with a connector block and pluggable module design that includes angled electrical contacts, fiber guides, and a mounting mechanism to secure optical modules, enabling efficient electrical and optical connections, heat dissipation, and high data throughput, utilizing angled orientations and fiber guides for mechanical support and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pluggable optical modules are used for connecting to fiber-optic cables, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but mechanical stability and electrical connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate pluggable optical modules that can be independently inserted and removed from the circuit board, allowing adaptability while maintaining reliable electrical connections through standardized contact interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is nested within a housing structure that provides mechanical support and alignment, with electrical contacts nested within the connector block to ensure stable electrical connection while maintaining pluggability
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical contacts are arranged in conventional configurations, then ease of manufacture is improved, but data throughput and signal transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern on the connector block, transitioning from conventional one-dimensional arrangements to a two-dimensional configuration that increases data throughput while maintaining manufacturability through standardized PCB routing
3Ease of operation
If optical modules are positioned close to the front panel for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical stability and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A fiber guide structure acts as an intermediary between the optical module and the front panel, providing mechanical support and precise alignment while allowing the module to be positioned for easy access during operation
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional connector block orientations are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency and mechanical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block is oriented at an angled relationship to the circuit board rather than perpendicular, creating an asymmetric configuration that improves heat dissipation by exposing more surface area while maintaining mechanical stability through the angled mounting structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a substrate on which a data processor and a connector block are mounted. The connector block has a first array of electrical connectors on a first surface, and a second array of electrical conducts on a second surface that is oriented at an angle between 45° to 135° relative to a main surface of the substrate. At least a portion of the first array of electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the data processor, and the second array of electrical contacts are electrically connected to the electrical contacts of a pluggable module. The pluggable module includes an optical module, at least one first optical connector, a first fiber optic cable optically coupled between the optical module and the first optical connector, and a fiber guide positioned between the optical module and the first optical connector and provides mechanical support for the optical module and the first optical connector.