Feed-Through Optical Cable Assembly for Datacenter Module Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenter enclosures require multiple optical connections to couple modules, leading to signal loss and increased costs due to the need for multiple optical connectors.
Innovation Solution
The use of feed-through optical cable assemblies with attach members that allow optical fibers to pass through module faceplates without intermediate connectors, reducing the number of necessary optical connections to two per module pair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical connectors are used to couple modules within a datacenter enclosure, then the modules can be connected, but the optical signal loss increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate optical connectors from the faceplate interface. Instead of having connectors at both ends of the optical path, the invention allows the optical fiber to pass directly through the faceplate via a feed-through opening, eliminating the need for connectors at the faceplate interface and reducing the total number of optical connectors in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feed-through opening as an intermediary structure in the faceplate that allows the optical fiber to pass through directly. This intermediary element enables the optical signal to traverse the faceplate without requiring traditional connectors, thereby simplifying the connection system while maintaining signal integrity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple optical connectors are used to couple modules, then module connectivity is achieved, but the implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the intermediate optical connectors from the faceplate interface, the invention reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity. The feed-through opening provides a simpler, more cost-effective solution for achieving module connectivity without requiring expensive connector components at the faceplate interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical connectors are used at faceplates, then optical connections can be made, but the number of optical connections increases to four per module pair
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates two of the four traditional optical connectors by allowing the optical fiber to pass directly through the faceplate. This reduction from four connectors to two per module pair maintains full optical connection capability while significantly reducing the quantity of connectors required in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Datacenter connection systems for use in datacenter enclosures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a datacenter connection system includes a first module and a feed-through optical cable assembly. The first module includes a first faceplate having at least one first feed-through opening, a first surface, and at least one first module connector disposed on the first surface. The feed-through optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having at least one optical fiber, a first feed-through attach member coupled to the optical cable, and a first optical connector coupled to a first end portion of the at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber passes through the first feed-through attach member, and the first feed-through attach member is disposed within the at least one first feed-through opening. The first optical connector is coupled to the at least one first module connector.