Line-Side Electrical Interface for Optoelectronic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for communicating out-of-band digital diagnostics and programming commands with optoelectronic modules often require a host interface, which can be inconvenient or not equipped for such communication, especially in high-speed data transmission networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a line-side electrical interface that allows direct electrical communication between a printed circuit board and an optical connector within an optoelectronic device, enabling out-of-band communication without the need for a host interface, while minimizing electromagnetic interference and simplifying device assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a host interface is used for out-of-band communication with optoelectronic modules, then communication capability is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases when the host is not equipped for such communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveout-of-band communication capabilityVSAvoidhost interface requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the out-of-band communication functionality from the host interface and relocates it to the optical connector itself. The optical connector now contains integrated electrical contacts that provide diagnostic and programming communication capabilities independently of the host system, eliminating the need for specialized host interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical connector is designed to serve multiple functions: optical signal transmission and electrical out-of-band communication. By integrating electrical contacts into the optical connector, it becomes a universal component that handles both optical and electrical communication tasks without requiring separate dedicated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a host interface is used for out-of-band communication, then communication is enabled, but ease of operation worsens when the host is not equipped with the interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidhost equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is extracted from the host and embedded in the optical connector. This allows any standard optical connector to provide out-of-band communication capabilities without requiring the host system to have specialized interfaces or configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical connections are routed through the host, then communication is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical communication path is extracted from the host and relocated to the optical connector. This shortens the electrical connection path and eliminates the need for long electrical traces through the host, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional electrical interface assembly is used, then connections are established, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinterface assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical contacts are merged with the optical connector assembly, combining what were previously separate components into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate electrical interface assemblies and simplifies the overall manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8083415B2Line-side out-of-band electrical interface for optoelectronic modules

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Electrical connections from the printed circuit board (“PCB”) of an optoelectronic device through the front or line-side of the device enable a microcontroller or other component on the PCB to electrically communicate with an optical connector or other line-side device. The electrical connections can be integrated within a lead frame and trace structure providing mechanical support for the electrical connections and the PCB, with each electrical connection including a PCB-side contact and a line-side contact supported by the integrated structure. Alternately, the electrical connections can be integrated within one or more flex circuits. The optical connector can include traces and contacts configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding line-side contacts when the optical connector is received within the device.