Multicore Fiber Distribution Module for High-Density Optical Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-optic patching systems face challenges in achieving high channel densities while maintaining manageable assembly, installation, and handling, as well as reducing power consumption and increasing transmission rates, with conventional approaches often complicating fiber management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multicore fiber (MCF) technology in pre-terminated distribution modules, trunk cables, and jumper cables, which provide core-aligned connectivity between optical transceivers and MCF cores, enabling higher densities without increasing the physical space requirements or complicating fiber management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fiber-optic patching systems use traditional single-core fibers and standard connectors, then the system is easy to install and manage, but the channel density is limited to approximately 72 channels per rack unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-core fibers into a single multicore fiber cable containing multiple individual fibers (e.g., 12 cores). This allows multiple fiber connections to be combined into one physical cable, increasing channel density from 72 channels/U to 576 channels/U while maintaining manageable fiber distribution through the multicore structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional fiber routing to a multi-dimensional fiber architecture using multicore fibers with multiple individual fibers arranged in specific geometries (e.g., hexagonal patterns). This enables higher density connections without proportionally increasing physical space or management complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of connector ports is increased per rack unit to achieve higher density, then channel density increases, but the physical space requirements and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual fibers are merged into a single multicore fiber cable, allowing 12 or more fiber connections to be packed into one physical cable space. This merging approach achieves 576 channels/U density without requiring proportional increases in physical space or connector port complexity.
3Speed
If conventional patching systems are used, then fiber management is straightforward, but transmission rates and power consumption do not meet high-speed application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber cable into multiple individual cores within a single multicore fiber structure. Each core can be independently connected to different destinations, enabling parallel high-speed transmissions while maintaining a unified cable management approach that does not significantly increase system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-terminated distribution module is provided with a set of multicore fiber (MCF) connector adapters at its front end and a set of multifiber MCF connector adapters at a second end. The MCF connector adapters and multifiber MCF connector adapters are connected to each other within the module housing by means of an MCF fanout. The MCF connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connection for MCF jumper cables that are plugged into the front end of the module. The MCF jumper cables are configured to provide connectivity to an array of optical devices. The multifiber connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connectivity for multifiber MCF cables that are plugged into the back end of the module. The multifiber cables are configured to provide connectivity between the module and a trunk (backbone) cable. Further described are pre-terminated trunk (backbone) cables and pre-terminated fiber optic jumper cables (i.e., patchcords).