Modular Optical Interconnect Unit for Datacenter Switches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules in datacenter switch systems, such as Mid Board Optical Modules (MBOMs), have lower reliability and require the entire switch system to be accessed for replacement, leading to increased costs and downtime due to their lower mean time between failures compared to electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit with a housing, printed circuit board assembly, optical module, board-to-board connector, and external connectors, allowing the optical module to be easily replaced without disturbing other components of the main switch system, by being modularly housed and connected via existing connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If optical modules are integrated into the main switch board (MBOM), then the electrical routing distance to the main switch ASIC is reduced, but the reliability of the switch system decreases due to lower MTBF of optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is segmented from the main switch board and placed in a separate housing that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows the optical component to be isolated from the main switch system, enabling independent replacement without disturbing other components, thus maintaining system reliability while preserving the shortened electrical routing distance benefit.
2Speed
If optical modules are integrated into the main switch board, then higher-speed protocols can be supported, but the complexity of replacement and maintenance increases as the entire switch system must be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is extracted from the main switch board and housed in a separate accessible location. This extraction allows the optical module to be replaced independently through a simplified access mechanism, reducing replacement complexity while maintaining support for higher-speed protocols through the preserved electrical connection to the ASIC.
3Length of stationary object
If optical modules are integrated into the main switch board, then the distance to the main switch ASIC is reduced, but the cost and downtime for maintenance increases due to required system access
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical module into a separately accessible housing, the maintenance operation is isolated to only the optical component rather than requiring access to the entire switch system. This reduces maintenance downtime and cost while preserving the short electrical routing distance to the ASIC through the maintained board-to-board connector connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the benefits of reduced electrical routing distance to the main switch ASIC while allowing for easy replacement of optical modules, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by allowing the optical module to be replaced independently of the entire switch system.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module supported on the printed circuit board assembly and configured to convert between optical signals and corresponding electrical signals for respectively transmitting or receiving optical signals through a fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods of assembly are described that provide mechanisms for integrating an optical module (e.g., an MBOM) into a main switch system to allow the optical module to be replaced without having to replace other components of the main switch system. The field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly supported within the housing, an optical module supported on the printed circuit board assembly that converts between optical signals and electrical signals for transmitting or receiving optical signals through a fiber optic cable, a board-to-board connector on a rear panel of the housing that enables electrical signals to be transmitted between the printed circuit board assembly and a main switch system box, and an external connector on a front panel of the housing that can engage an external optical fiber for transmitting optical signals between the optical module and an external component.