Foldable Substrate Optical Interconnection Module for SMT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnection devices for densely packed circuit boards with reduced dimensions face challenges such as large size, lack of automation, temperature sensitivity, and high parasitic inductance due to the need for light bending means and complex assembly processes, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in optical interfacing.
Innovation Solution
An optical interconnection module with a foldable substrate portion allows for flexible alignment of optically active devices with respect to the main circuit board, eliminating the need for light bending means and enabling automated mounting by incorporating embedded conductive pathways and a holding fixture for secure optical coupling, thus facilitating efficient optical interfacing with optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pigtail connectors are used for optical interfacing, then optical connection between circuit board and external harness is achieved, but device size increases and automation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optically active device, substrate, and optical fiber coupling interface into a single integrated surface-mount module. The foldable substrate integrates the optical fiber connection path directly onto the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate pigtail connectors and headers, thereby enabling automated mounting while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a foldable substrate that changes the optical fiber connection path from a perpendicular through-hole arrangement to a parallel surface-mounted configuration. This dimensional transformation allows the optical fiber to run parallel to the circuit board plane, reducing the vertical space requirement and enabling automated surface-mount assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If light bending means are used to align optical fibers, then optical coupling is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foldable substrate that can be bent or folded to achieve the required optical alignment. This dynamic structural element allows the optical fiber connection path to be adjusted during assembly to match the orientation of the optically active device, eliminating the need for complex fixed light bending components while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable substrate structure is designed to self-align the optical fiber connection path with the optically active device through its geometric configuration. The folding mechanism inherently provides the necessary alignment without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-aligning and easy to manufacture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If through-hole interface is used for header connection, then optical connection is achieved, but parasitic inductance and resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical through-hole connection interface with a surface-mount electrical interface using conductive pathways embedded in the substrate. This substitution eliminates the long via holes that create parasitic inductance and resistance, providing a lower-impedance electrical connection between the optically active device and the circuit board while maintaining a compact footprint.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optoelectronic interconnection module for use in optical communications and comprising a substrate (10) having a main portion (15) and a foldable portion (20) formed on the substrate (10) for arranging an optically active device (25) therein. The foldable portion (20) is adapted to be folded with respect to the main portion (15) into a desired optical coupling orientation for which an optical operative axis (OA) of the optically active device (25) arranged therein is substantially aligned with an optical transmission axis (TT') that is not perpendicular to the main portion (15). An holding fixture (70) is provided for holding the foldable portion (20) in a desired optical coupling orientation with respect to the main portion (15).