Modular Optical Adapter for Transceiver Interface Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data center networking technologies face challenges in designing and testing optical connectors for various transceiver types, as manufacturers lack expertise and resources, and multiple integrally formed connector portions are needed for different optical interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical transceiver system with an adapter that includes a housing, latch assembly, and adapter optical ferrules, allowing it to be mated to various transceiver shells and spacers, providing interchangeable optical interfaces without the need for significant electrical and mechanical testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers design and test optical connectors for various transceiver types, then product versatility is improved, but development cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver system is divided into separate functional modules: the transceiver unit and the optical connector unit. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce standardized transceivers that can interface with multiple types of optical connectors (LC, SC, ST, etc.) without redesigning the entire device, thereby improving versatility while reducing development complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate coupling mechanism is introduced between the transceiver and optical connector. This intermediary component enables the transceiver to work with different connector types through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for manufacturers to design and test multiple specialized connectors for each transceiver type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integrally formed connector portions are designed for different optical interfaces, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is designed with a universal coupling interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical connectors (LC, SC, ST, etc.). This single universal design replaces the need for multiple integrally formed connector portions, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining interface adaptability across different optical standards.
3Reliability
If significant electrical and mechanical testing is performed on transceiver and shell, then reliability is improved, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into standardized tests for the universal coupling interface and type-specific tests for individual connector types. Since the transceiver uses a standardized interface design, the same set of electrical and mechanical tests can be applied across different connector types, reducing redundant testing time while maintaining comprehensive reliability verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include optical adapters. In some examples, an optical connector adapter includes a housing with a first end and a second end, a latch assembly inside the housing, and an adapter optical ferrule. The latch assembly may include two latch arms and an engagement feature to mate the adapter to a number of optical transceiver shells. The engagement feature may protrude beyond the second end of the housing. The adapter optical ferrule is attached to the two latch arms.