Direct Opto-Mechanical Coupling for Pluggable Optical Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pluggable optical transceiver modules are inefficient in terms of cost, electrical signal integrity, thermal management, PCB area utilization, faceplate area utilization, and optical cable management due to the use of fiber jumpers, which introduce optical loss, space inefficiencies, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of direct opto-mechanical connections between external fiber cables and optical transceivers eliminates the need for fiber jumpers, ensuring tight alignment tolerances and efficient coupling of optical signals, thereby reducing optical loss and cost while optimizing space and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber jumpers are used to connect optical transceivers to faceplate connectors, then optical signals can be transmitted, but optical loss increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber jumper from the optical signal path, extracting the problematic intermediate component that causes optical loss and signal integrity issues. The optical transceiver is directly connected to the faceplate connector without requiring a separate fiber jumper cable, thereby eliminating the sources of optical loss associated with jumper cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical transceiver module directly with the faceplate connector assembly, combining what were previously separate components (transceiver + jumper + connector) into an integrated unit. This direct coupling eliminates the intermediate fiber jumper interface and reduces the number of connection points where optical loss can occur.
2Productivity
If fiber jumpers are used for connection, then optical signals can be transmitted, but space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber jumper is extracted and removed from the system architecture. By eliminating this intermediate component, the patent reduces cable management complexity and improves space utilization within the networking device chassis, as jumpers and their routing infrastructure are no longer required.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver and faceplate connector are merged into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate jumper cables and their associated routing pathways. This consolidation frees up space within the device and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If fiber jumpers are used to connect optical components, then optical signals can be transmitted, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber jumper component is extracted and eliminated from the system. This removal reduces the bill of materials and assembly costs associated with jumper cables, connectors, and their installation, while maintaining or improving optical connection reliability through direct coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the optical transceiver with the faceplate connector assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate jumper cables and their associated costs. This integration reduces component count, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers overall system cost while improving connection reliability.
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 enhances the efficiency and compactness of optical transceiver modules by eliminating the fiber jumper interface, improving signal integrity, reducing optical loss, and lowering costs, while maintaining precise alignment for effective optical signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The optical signals received at the faceplate by such devices are generally converted into electrical signals at the system interface side
Implementation Method 2
direct opto-mechanical connections between external fiber cables and optical transceivers eliminates the need for fiber jumpers, ensuring tight alignment tolerances and efficient coupling of optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Pluggable optical transceiver modules are described herein that are specifically configured to preclude use of fiber jumpers inside of the module. The pluggable optical transceiver modules include an on-board application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), optical transceiver, and an optical socket allowing a fiber to connect to the optical transceiver. Pluggable optical transceiver modules implement an opto-mechanical interface between an external fiber cable (attached to the pluggable optical transceiver module) and the optical transceiver in manner that does not require the fiber jumper, while ensuring tight alignment tolerances. In some embodiments, optical transceiver modules are designed to achieve a direct opt-mechanical coupling between the external fiber cable and on-board opto-electrical components (e.g., optical transceiver). For example, an adaptor is distinctly designed, directly connecting an external cable to the optical socket (eliminating the use of fiber jumper and faceplate connector in the module). In some embodiments, a rigid body opto-mechanical interface is used.