Multi-fiber Connector Adapter for 400 Gb to Higher Speed Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic network speeds in data centers are limited to 400 Gb/s due to hardware interface constraints, which inhibit further speed increases as existing structures are unable to directly interface with higher-speed components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fiber connector apparatus with specific pin-to-pin distances and terminal spacings, allowing for the integration of 400 Gb PMD with sixteen-fiber connectors, enabling the transition to higher speeds such as 800 Gb, 1.6 Tb, or 3.2 Tb by using a housing with adapters that accommodate different key interfaces for twelve-way and sixteen-way connectors, facilitating the coupling of optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If current 400 Gb hardware interfaces are used, then network speed is limited to 400 Gb/s, but the hardware interface cannot directly interface with higher-speed structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between existing 400 Gb hardware interfaces and higher-speed structures. The adapter includes a first interface compatible with current hardware and a second interface that supports higher-speed operations, enabling seamless transition and maintaining compatibility while achieving speed enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: a first multi-fiber connector with a first interface for existing hardware, a second multi-fiber connector with a second interface for higher-speed operations, and an adapter housing that integrates both. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.
2Speed
If higher-speed structures are incorporated, then network speed increases beyond 400 Gb/s, but existing hardware interfaces cannot directly interface with them
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediating structure that simplifies the integration of higher-speed components with existing hardware. By providing standardized interfaces on both sides, the adapter reduces the complexity of direct integration and enables higher-speed operations without requiring complete hardware replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal functionality to support multiple operating speeds. The first interface accommodates existing 400 Gb hardware while the second interface supports higher-speed structures, making the adapter a multi-functional component that can operate across different speed tiers and reduce overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-fiber connectors with different pin-to-pin distances are used, then interface compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a precision intermediary that compensates for differences in pin-to-pin distances between connector types. The adapter's internal geometry is designed to accommodate the specific spacing requirements of both the first and second connectors, translating manufacturing tolerances into compatible interfaces without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of individual connector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates compensating geometric parameters that adjust for the different pin-to-pin distances. By designing the adapter with specific dimensional characteristics that bridge the gap between the first and second connector specifications, the system achieves compatibility while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements through the adapter's compensating design.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fiber connector apparatus and fiber optic network are provided. The apparatus includes a housing surrounding a first multi-fiber connector and a second multi-fiber connector, the housing including at least two first multi-fiber connectors operably coupled to the second multi-fiber connector, the first multi-fiber connectors operably coupled to respective second multi-fiber connectors by a plurality of optical fibers within the housing. The first multi-fiber connector includes a first interface, the first interface including a first pin to pin distance of approximately 4.6 millimeters and a first total terminal spacing of approximately 2.75 millimeters. The second multi-fiber connector includes a second interface, the second interface including a second pin to pin distance of approximately 5.3 millimeters and a second total terminal spacing of approximately 3.75 millimeters.