Board-Edge Optical Connector Layout for Stable Fiber Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In communication apparatuses, the long optical fibers connecting an integrated circuit to an optical device face handling difficulties and are prone to misalignment and connection loss due to external loads, especially when routed externally from the device.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with a first optical connector integrated into the board edge near the package, which receives and secures the optical cables, preventing external loads from being transmitted to the connected fibers and facilitating accurate alignment and routing by restricting ferrule movement with a front and rear housing configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are routed externally from the device, then connection flexibility is improved, but handling difficulty and misalignment risk increase due to long fiber length
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is moved from an external routing position to an integrated position on the board edge (Planar dimension change), reducing the effective fiber length and improving handling while maintaining connection flexibility through the board-mounted connector interface
2Ease of operation
If optical connector is positioned远离 the package, then cable routing ease is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to external load transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is pre-positioned on the board edge close to the package before final cable connection, establishing a stable reference point that prevents external loads from affecting the optical fiber alignment while maintaining routing accessibility
3Reliability
If optical connector is integrated into the board edge, then connection stability is improved by preventing external load transmission, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is merged with the board structure by positioning it on the board edge, combining the connector function with the existing board infrastructure and reducing the need for separate mounting structures, thereby limiting complexity increase while achieving load isolation
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
This configuration reduces connection loss and improves handling efficiency by keeping the optical connector close to the package, preventing misalignment and damage, and allowing for stable optical communication.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device configured to convert an electrical signal from the integrated circuit into an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a package, a board, a plurality of first optical cables, and a first optical connector. The package includes an integrated circuit and an optical device that converts an electrical signal from the integrated circuit into an optical signal. The board includes a main surface, and the package is disposed on the main surface. Each of the plurality of first optical cables includes a plurality of optical fibers. Each of the plurality of first optical cables includes a first end portion and a second end portion on a side opposite thereto. Each of a plurality of the first end portions is optically coupled to the optical device, and each of a plurality of the second end portions is attached to the first optical connector. The first optical connector is disposed on the main surface of the board to be entirely located inside an edge of the board.