Flexible PCB for Bidirectional Optical Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bi-directional optical transceivers typically require two separate fibers for optical transmission and reception, whereas the goal is to achieve bi-directional communication using a single fiber with different signal wavelengths, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional optical transceiver design that includes a bi-directional optical subassembly with two subassemblies, one for transmission and one for reception, where the optical axes are perpendicular to each other, and a flexible printed circuit board connects these subassemblies to a circuit board, allowing for electrical connection while maintaining the required optical axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bi-directional optical assembly uses two separate optical fibers for transmission and reception, then the optical connection is simple and reliable, but the fiber resource utilization is low and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmission and reception functions into a single optical fiber by using a bi-directional optical assembly. The assembly includes a transmission optical sub-assembly and a reception optical sub-assembly that share the same optical fiber, enabling bidirectional communication over one fiber through wavelength division multiplexing or time division multiplexing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the transmission medium for outgoing signals and the reception medium for incoming signals. The bi-directional optical assembly enables the single fiber to perform dual functions of transmitting and receiving optical signals, improving fiber utilization efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical axes of transmission and reception subassemblies are perpendicular to each other, then the single fiber bidirectional communication is enabled, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the perpendicular arrangement challenge by using a flexible printed circuit board that can bend in multiple dimensions. The FPC allows electrical connections to reach both the transmission and reception sub-assemblies positioned at perpendicular orientations, solving the spatial connectivity issue through flexible dimensional adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as a thin, adaptable electrical connection medium that can conform to the perpendicular arrangement of optical sub-assemblies. Its flexibility allows it to extend and connect to components oriented at different angles, simplifying the overall electrical connection structure despite the complex spatial layout.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect perpendicular subassemblies to the circuit board, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board introduces dynamic adaptability to the assembly process. Rather than requiring rigid, precision-fixed connections, the FPC can be bent and positioned to accommodate the perpendicular arrangement of sub-assemblies, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide an optical transceiver that installs a bi-directional optical sub-assembly. The bi-directional sub-assembly is installed within the transceiver and fixed by the holder with a pair of legs put the sub-assembly therebetween. By press-fitting these legs into respective pockets provided in the side of the transceiver, the sub-assembly is to be fixed with the housing. To press-fit the holder completes the fixing and the positioning of the sub-assembly at the same time.