Directly Mounted Optical Transceivers on Host PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceiver systems are limited by the need for separate encasings, which are bulky and expensive, restricting the number of transceivers that can be supported by a single host computing system, especially in space-constrained networking applications.
Innovation Solution
Directly mounting multiple optical transceivers, each comprising a Transmit Optical SubAssembly (TOSA) and a Receiver Optical SubAssembly (ROSA), onto a printed circuit board without separate encasings, allowing for increased density and reduced size, thereby supporting more transceivers without enlarging the host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate encasings are used for each optical transceiver module, then the transceiver modules are protected and easy to handle, but the host size increases and the number of supported transceivers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical transceiver modules are merged into a single integrated array structure mounted directly on the host printed circuit board. The transceivers share common mounting infrastructure and electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate encasings while maintaining functionality. This merging approach increases the number of supported transceivers without proportionally increasing host size.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver modules are nested within a compact array configuration on the printed circuit board, with each transceiver positioned in a designated slot. This nesting arrangement allows multiple transceivers to occupy minimal space by utilizing vertical and horizontal board real estate efficiently, rather than requiring separate external encasings for each module.
2Reliability
If separate encasings are used for each optical transceiver module, then the transceivers are protected, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transceiver modules share common mounting infrastructure, housing structures, and electrical connection pathways on the printed circuit board. This merging eliminates redundant encasing materials and assembly steps for each individual transceiver, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate protection through the shared array structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for all transceivers, electrical connections for each module, signal routing, and power distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate encasings and connection components that would otherwise be required for each individual transceiver module.
3Quantity of substance
If more optical transceivers are supported by increasing host size, then the number of transceivers increases, but the host becomes impractical for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver modules are arranged in a two-dimensional array on the printed circuit board surface, utilizing both horizontal and vertical space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple transceivers to be packed into a compact footprint, increasing the number of supported devices without requiring proportional increases in host volume, making the system suitable for space-constrained networking applications.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple optical transceivers are directly mounted on the printed circuit board, then the host size is reduced and more transceivers can be supported, but the transceivers lose separate encasings
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board array structure serves as a shared protective housing for all transceiver modules. While individual encasings are eliminated, the array provides collective protection through the board's structural integrity, mounting mechanisms, and shared environmental shielding, maintaining adequate protection while enabling compact integration of multiple transceivers.
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 approach enables a higher number of optical transceivers to be supported by a single host without increasing its size, reducing costs and space requirements, making it suitable for high-speed networking applications where space is limited.
Implementation Method 1
The TOSA, consisting of an electro-optic transducer driver and an electro-optic transducer, is configured to convert electrical signals into optical signals
Implementation Method 2
The ROSA, on the other hand, consisting of an optoelectronic transducer and a post-amplifier, is configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver host computing system (hereinafter simply referred as the “host”) printed circuit board has multiple optical transceivers directly mounted to it. Each optical transceiver is configured to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal and to transmit the optical signal and to receive an optical signal and convert the received signal into an electrical signal. By directly mounting the optical transceivers to the host printed circuit board, an increased number of transceivers may be supported by a single host without increasing the overall size of the host.