Electro-Optical Connector Layout for Dense High-Speed Switch 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 physical space constraints on switch racks, which hinder efficient optical and electrical component integration.
Innovation Solution
A unified electro-optical (EO) connector system that integrates both optical and electrical connections within a single port, allowing for efficient heat management and power delivery while maintaining eye safety by housing the laser source in a case with a heat sink and using optical fibers for internal connections, enabling increased port density and data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical components are physically located near electrical components to reduce latency, then data transmission speed is improved, but heat generated by electrical components causes overheating of optical components and reduces their efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical and optical connectors into a single unified connector assembly that is inserted through a single port. This merging allows electrical components and optical components to be in close proximity (reducing latency) while sharing common structural elements like the housing and insertion mechanism, thereby achieving speed improvement without proportionally increasing heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical connection (for power and control signals) and optical connection (for data transmission) through a single interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, allowing tighter integration while managing thermal loads through shared structural support and positioning.
2Productivity
If laser power is increased to improve data rate, then transmission capability is improved, but eye safety concerns are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical connection as an intermediary that enables control and monitoring of the laser source. Through the electrical connector, the system can regulate laser power output, implement safety interlocks, and control when the laser is active, thereby enabling high data rates while maintaining eye safety through electronic control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the number of ports on a switch rack is increased to improve data rate, then network capacity is improved, but physical space constraints on the front panel are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
By merging electrical and optical connections into a single unified connector and port assembly, the patent effectively halves the space requirement per connection point. This allows more ports to be accommodated on the same front panel area, increasing network capacity without proportionally increasing physical footprint.
4Reliability
If optical connector and electrical connector are separated into different ports, 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 unified connector assembly with integrated housing, alignment features, and insertion mechanisms. This integration maintains connection reliability through precise mechanical alignment while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting, alignment, and connection procedures for optical and electrical components.
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
The EO connector system enhances data rates by allowing for more efficient heat dissipation and power delivery, reduces the risk of laser exposure, and increases port density on switch racks, addressing the limitations of traditional connection methods.
Implementation Method 1
the case comprises a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from at least the laser source
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical fibers connected between the optical port on the second side of the case and the optical connector on the first side of the case
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A device (e.g., a laser device, a remote laser module, or the like) may comprise a case (112) configured to secure a laser source (114), an electro-optical connector (108) to connect with an electro-optical (EO) port (110). The EO connector (108) may comprise an optical connector (124) configured to connect with an optical port (126) of the EO port (110), where the optical connector (124) provides light from the laser source (114) to the optical port (126). The EO connector (108) may further comprise an electrical connector (120) configured to connect with an electrical port (122) of the EO port (110). The laser source (114) may receive at least one of power through the electrical connector (120) or facilitate establishing a communication channel through the electrical connector (120). The optical connector (124) and the electrical connector (120) may be located on a first side of the case (112).