MT-Ferrule Optical Module for High-Density Channel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical modules have a low layout density of optical channels, limiting their capacity in high-density optical interface applications, particularly in expanding optical network systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical module incorporating an MT-Ferrule and a photoelectric conversion unit that enables parallel transmission of multiple single-mode optical signals, increasing layout density by connecting and converting multiple channels of optical signals between the MT-Ferrule and the photoelectric conversion unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional single-channel optical modules are used, then each module occupies a standard slot width of 1.0 inch, but the layout density of optical channels is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical channels (specifically 4 channels) into a single optical module housing. The MT ferrule integrates multiple optical fibers (12 fibers for 4 channels) into one connector assembly, allowing multiple channels to be transmitted through a single 1.0-inch slot, thereby increasing layout density from 24 channels per rack to 96 channels per rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-channel to multi-channel transmission by utilizing spatial arrangement of multiple optical fibers within the MT ferrule. The ferrule accommodates 12 optical fibers arranged in a specific geometric pattern (3x4 array), enabling 4 bidirectional channels to coexist in the same physical space that would traditionally accommodate only one channel.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple separate optical modules are deployed to increase channel capacity, then optical network capacity increases, but the number of required apparatuses and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 4 separate optical channel functions into a single integrated module. The MT ferrule with 12 optical fibers provides 4 bidirectional channels (each channel using 2 fibers for transmit and receive), eliminating the need for 4 separate single-channel modules. This reduces the number of apparatuses from 4 to 1, simplifying assembly and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module designed in the patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling 4 independent optical channels to operate simultaneously within a single module. The MT ferrule structure supports multiple fiber connections that can be configured for different channel functions, making the single module universally applicable for high-density optical interfacing scenarios.
3Productivity
If traditional optical modules are used, then assembly is straightforward, but integration efficiency and assembly efficiency are limited by low channel density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 4 optical interface functions into a single module assembly unit. The MT ferrule pre-assembles 12 optical fibers into one integrated connector that interfaces with a single receptacle, reducing the number of assembly operations from 4 separate connector installations to 1. This significantly improves assembly efficiency while providing 4 optical interfaces simultaneously.
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
This configuration enhances the layout density of optical channels, supports long-distance optical transport, reduces the number of required apparatuses, and lowers costs by allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple channels, thereby improving integration and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The MT-Ferrule is configured to connect multiple channels of optical channels outside the optical module with multiple channels of optical channels of the photoelectric conversion unit, and implement coupling and transmission of multiple channels of single-mode optical signals between the two
Implementation Method 2
The photoelectric conversion unit is configured to convert multiple channels of single-mode optical signals input from the MT-Ferrule into multiple channels of electrical signals and output the multiple channels of electrical signals, and generate, driven by multiple channels of input electrical signals, multiple channels of single-mode optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical module, including an MT-Ferrule and a photoelectric conversion unit. The MT-Ferrule is configured to connect multiple channels of optical channels outside the optical module with multiple channels of optical channels of the photoelectric conversion unit, and implement coupling and transmission of multiple channels of single-mode optical signals between the two. The photoelectric conversion unit is configured to convert multiple channels of single-mode optical signals input from the MT-Ferrule into multiple channels of electrical signals and output the multiple channels of electrical signals, and generate, driven by multiple channels of input electrical signals, multiple channels of single-mode optical signals and output the multiple channels of single-mode optical signals to the MT-Ferrule.