MEMS-Aligned Fiber Array Connector for Optical Frontplane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face challenges in efficiently passing high data throughput without the need for a backplane, which can lead to increased power consumption and electrical interference, limiting data transmission rates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical frontplane using a fiber array connector and socket with MEMS alignment structures, allowing for precise alignment of optical fibers to connect equipment cards and network devices, reducing the need for a backplane and enhancing data transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an optical frontplane with fiber array connector and socket is implemented, then data transmission efficiency and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases due to MEMS alignment structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical backplane connections with an optical frontplane system using fiber array connectors and sockets. Optical fibers transmit data directly between equipment cards without electrical conversion, eliminating the need for complex electrical backplane routing and improving transmission efficiency while reducing electrical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) as an intermediary alignment mechanism between the fiber array connector and socket. The MEMS structures provide precise positioning and alignment of optical fibers, enabling high-density fiber connections while managing the complexity through automated alignment rather than manual precision assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a traditional backplane is used for data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases and electrical interference limits data transmission rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission through a backplane with optical signal transmission through fiber arrays. Optical fibers transmit data as light signals directly between equipment cards, eliminating the need for electrical-to-optical conversion at the backplane and reducing power consumption while increasing transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a traditional backplane is used for data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical interference increases limiting data transmission rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidelectrical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through the backplane with optical signal transmission through fiber arrays. Optical fibers are immune to electrical interference, allowing high-speed data transmission without the electromagnetic interference problems that limit backplane performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8280208B2Optical fiber connector and network device configuration

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A fiber-optic coupler may include a first optical fiber including an end portion to send or receive optical signals to or from an end portion of a second optical fiber. The coupler may also include a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure to align the end portion of the first optical fiber with the end portion of the second optical fiber.