Unified Electro-Optical Connector for Dense Network Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face challenges in increasing data rate due to heat issues with optical components, limited laser power from eye safety concerns, and space constraints on network device panels, which restrict the number of ports and achievable data rates.
Innovation Solution
A system with a unified electro-optical (EO) connector that integrates both optical and electrical connections, allowing for a single port connection on a network device case, enabling increased port density and flexibility in heat management while containing all optical fibers within the case, thus improving data rates and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical components are physically located near electrical components to reduce latency, then communication speed is improved, but heat generation increases and optical component efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into separate optical and electrical connection components, allowing them to be physically close for low latency while maintaining thermal management through distinct pathways and mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure acts as an intermediary that houses both optical and electrical components, providing thermal isolation while maintaining physical proximity for high-speed communication
2Productivity
If more ports are added to increase data rate, then bandwidth is improved, but physical space on the front panel is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical and electrical connections into a single unified connector assembly, allowing multiple ports to be packed more densely on the front panel by eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces for each connection type
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical connector serves multiple functions (optical transmission, electrical power, electrical communication) through a single interface, enabling increased port density while maintaining full functionality
3Power
If laser power is increased to improve transmission capability, then signal strength is improved, but eye safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector and fiber optic cable act as intermediaries that enable safe coupling and alignment, allowing high-power laser transmission while maintaining eye safety through controlled light paths and proper connection mechanisms
4Reliability
If separate optical and electrical connectors are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate optical and electrical connectors into a single integrated electro-optical connector assembly, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the reliability of separate connection pathways
Data Source
AI summary
A device (e.g., a laser device, a remote laser module, or the like) may comprise a case configured to secure a laser source, an electro-optical connector to connect with an electro-optical (EO) port. The EO connector may comprise an optical connector configured to connect with an optical port of the EO port, where the optical connector provides light from the laser source to the optical port. The EO connector may further comprise an electrical connector configured to connect with an electrical port of the EO port. The laser source may receive at least one of power through the electrical connector or facilitate establishing a communication channel through the electrical connector. The optical connector and the electrical connector may be located on a first side of the case.