Modular Optical Transceiver for Active Cable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active optical cables are complex and costly to assemble and repair due to their single component assembly design, requiring precise optical alignment and leading to high replacement costs when individual components are damaged.
Innovation Solution
A modular-type active optical cable design featuring a modular optical transceiver with interchangeable optical cable modules and a cassette system for easy assembly and repair, allowing for optical alignment and coupling of multiple optical fiber cables without the need for precise alignment during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional active optical cables are implemented as single component assembly, then transmission reliability is improved, but repairability deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver is divided into multiple independent modules: optical engine module, electrical engine module, and circuit board module. Each module can be independently replaced without affecting other components, enabling partial replacement repair strategy while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a repair strategy where only damaged modules are discarded and replaced, while functional modules are recovered and reused. This reduces waste and repair costs compared to replacing the entire cable assembly
2Device complexity
If conventional active optical cables are implemented as single component assembly, then structural simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple insertion operations. The housing includes standardized slots and guides that simplify the assembly process despite the multi-module complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board module serves multiple functions: electrical connections, signal processing, and module intercommunication. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both manufacturing and overall structure
3Quantity of substance
If multiple optical fiber cables are combined to increase transmission capacity, then transmission capacity is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fiber cables are grouped into separate optical engine modules, each handling a subset of fibers. This segmentation allows parallel assembly of modules rather than complex manual alignment of all fibers simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board module acts as an intermediary that integrates signals from multiple optical engine modules. It provides standardized electrical interfaces and signal routing, simplifying the combination of multiple fiber cables into a unified high-capacity system
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
The modular design simplifies assembly and repair, reduces costs by enabling component-level replacement rather than full cable replacement, and facilitates easier optical alignment during assembly, enhancing the practicality and efficiency of active optical cable systems.
Implementation Method 1
Optical transceivers perform photoelectric conversion and optical transmission/reception functions
Implementation Method 2
active optical cable has an optical fiber cable and an optical transceiver located at both ends
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical transceiver module and an active optical cable using the same. The optical transceiver module comprises a lower housing part, a first cassette part seated on the lower housing part and including a first optical connector, a divider insert seated on the first cassette part and coupled to a lower housing part, a second cassette part seated on the divider insert and including a second optical connector, and a upper housing part seated on the second cassette part and coupled to the lower housing part. The divider insert is combined with the lower housing part to form a first insertion hole into which the first optical cable module can be inserted, and the divider insert is combined with the upper housing part to form a second insertion hole into which the second optical cable module can be inserted.