CFP Optical Transceiver EMI Shielding via MT Ferrule Push Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

As optical communication systems increase in transmission speed, electro-magnetic interference (EMI) noise becomes a significant issue due to shorter signal wavelengths and smaller housing dimensions, particularly in optical transceivers that use MT connectors for multiple fiber transmission, which are prone to EMI leakage.

Innovation Solution

The optical transceiver incorporates a mechanism, such as a metal plate or a combination of a holder and coil spring, to securely position and push an MT ferrule against the optical receptacle, enhancing EMI shielding and maintaining reliable optical coupling with external MPO connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If transmission speed increases to exceed 25 Gbps, then data transmission capability is improved, but EMI noise leakage worsens due to shorter wavelengths and smaller housing dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidEMI noise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing EMI shielding specifically at the connector interface region where EMI leakage occurs, rather than shielding the entire housing. The shield structure is localized to the optical connector mating area, providing targeted protection against EMI noise while maintaining overall system performance at high transmission speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-installing EMI shield structures and grounding mechanisms before the connector is mated. The shield is positioned and electrically connected to the housing in advance, creating a protective barrier that prevents EMI noise from entering or escaping the connector interface during high-speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Adaptability or versatility

If MT connector is installed for multiple fiber transmission, then fiber coupling capability is improved, but EMI shielding effectiveness worsens due to connector structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber coupling capabilityVSAvoidEMI shielding effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary EMI shield structure that mediates between the MT connector and the housing. This shield acts as a barrier that blocks EMI noise while allowing the connector to maintain its fiber coupling function. The shield is positioned between the connector interface and the external environment, preventing direct EMI exposure while preserving optical fiber connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing EMI shielding specifically at the MT connector interface region where EMI leakage occurs, rather than shielding the entire housing. The shield structure is localized to the optical connector mating area, providing targeted protection against EMI noise while maintaining overall system performance at high transmission speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If housing dimensions are reduced, then device compactness is improved, but EMI noise leakage worsens due to smaller gaps and spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing volumeVSAvoidEMI noise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the EMI shielding function from the overall housing structure by adding a separate, dedicated shield component at the connector interface. This segmentation allows the housing to remain compact while the localized shield provides targeted EMI protection without increasing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively reduces EMI noise while ensuring stable optical coupling, even with high-frequency signals, by using a mechanism that enhances the EMI tolerance of the optical transceiver, particularly when using MT ferrules with MPO connectors.

Implementation Method 1

the spring is set between the holder and the rear wall of the hollow to push another MT ferrule against the optical receptacle via the holder. The spring may be a coil spring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The mechanism may be a plate, typically made of metal, set behind the optical receptacle and has a U-shape cross section. Inserting the plate into a pocket provided in the housing, the plate pushes another MT ferrule against the optical receptacle so that the other end of the plate contact to the housing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEMI shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS20150293315A1Optical transceiver installing mt ferrule to mate with MPO connector

Publication Date: 2015.10.15 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A pluggable optical transceiver with the CFP type and the MT ferrule is disclosed. The optical transceiver provides in a rear of the optical receptacle a mechanism to push frontward the MT ferrule set in the optical receptacle and to shield the inside of the optical transceiver. Inner fibers connecting the MT ferrule with another MT ferrule assembled with optical devices pass the mechanism, which may be a metal plate with the elastic function and/or a coil spring combined with a holder to hold the MT ferrule.