Optical Module on Folded Flexible PCB

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical interface modules are complex and bulky due to the need for multiple connectors and interconnections, which complicates assembly and increases size, making them unsuitable for high-speed and small-space applications.

Innovation Solution

A single flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with conductive traces is used to integrate opto-electronic transducers, ancillary circuitry, and an electrical connector, allowing for oblique folding to separate transducers and connectors, eliminating the need for additional interconnections and enabling a compact form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and interconnections are used in optical interface modules, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (opto-electronic transducers, ancillary circuitry, and electrical connectors) onto a single flexible PCB substrate. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate connectors and interconnection elements, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary functions through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and interconnections are used in optical interface modules, then functional completeness is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidmodule size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates all functional components onto one flexible PCB, eliminating the space required for multiple separate connectors and interconnection elements. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall module volume while preserving complete optical and electrical functionality through the unified substrate design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional rigid PCB structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to compact forms is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidform factor flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible PCB substrate that can be folded and bent to achieve compact three-dimensional configurations. This flexible substrate maintains manufacturing precision through controlled trace routing and component placement while enabling adaptability to small-space applications through its ability to assume various folded geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8867870B2Optical module fabricated on folded printed circuit board

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

An optical interface module includes a single flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including conductive traces. An electrical connector, one or more opto-electronic transducers and ancillary circuitry are disposed on the flexible PCB. The electrical connector is configured to mate with a corresponding connector on a substrate. The opto-electronic transducers are configured to be coupled to optical fibers carrying optical signals. The ancillary circuitry is coupled by the traces to the opto-electronic transducers and the electrical connector so as to convey electrical signals corresponding to the optical signals between the opto-electronic transducers and the electrical connector.