Optical Adapter With Absorptive Housing For EMI Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication modules experience electromagnetic wave emission issues due to their design, particularly at the opening sections of the receptacle, which is exacerbated by metal components within the optical connector plug.
Innovation Solution
An optical adapter with a housing and ferrule made from electromagnetic wave absorption materials, such as resin with additives like iron, iron oxide, or carbon, is used to absorb electromagnetic waves, effectively suppressing emissions when inserted into the receptacle and connector plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a metal casing is used to prevent electromagnetic wave emission, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but electromagnetic waves are still emitted from the opening sections of the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical adapter as an intermediary component between the optical communication module and the optical connector plug. The adapter housing contains electromagnetic wave absorption material that acts as a mediator to absorb and attenuate electromagnetic waves leaking from the receptacle opening sections, preventing them from propagating outward while maintaining optical signal transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by incorporating electromagnetic wave absorption material into the optical adapter housing. This composite structure combines the optical transparency requirements with electromagnetic wave absorption properties, allowing the housing to simultaneously permit optical signal passage while absorbing harmful electromagnetic waves from the opening sections.
2Strength
If metal components are used in the optical connector plug, then structural strength is improved, but electromagnetic waves are induced and emitted by the metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adapter serves as an intermediary that positions the electromagnetic wave absorption material between the metal components of the optical connector plug and the external environment. This mediator absorbs the electromagnetic waves induced by the metal components, preventing their emission while allowing the metal components to maintain their structural strength functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic wave emission from metal components into a controlled phenomenon by using electromagnetic wave absorption material. The absorption material transforms the harmful radiated energy into heat or other non-radiative forms, effectively eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the beneficial structural properties of the metal components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electromagnetic wave absorption material is added to the housing or ferrule, then electromagnetic wave absorption is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electromagnetic wave absorption material into the housing or ferrule as a composite material structure. This approach allows the electromagnetic wave absorption function to be built into the base material during the molding process, avoiding the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added functional requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnetic wave absorption function with the existing housing or ferrule structure. By combining multiple functions (structural support, optical transmission, and electromagnetic wave absorption) into a single integrated component, the design reduces the number of separate parts and assembly operations, thereby mitigating the increase in manufacturing complexity.
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 optical adapter effectively reduces electromagnetic wave emissions from the optical communication module across a wide frequency range (1 GHz to 50 GHz), minimizing radiating noise and induced emissions even with metal components present.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the housing or at least a part of the ferrule is formed of electromagnetic wave absorption material... electromagnetic waves emitted from the opening section of the receptacle are absorbed by the housing of the optical adapter or the ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical adapter, which can suppress electromagnetic waves from an optical communication module, is provided. An optical adapter comprises: a housing; an optical fiber which is housed in the housing; and a ferrule which is housed in the housing. The housing has a first edge to be inserted into a receptacle of an optical communication module, and a second edge for insertion of an optical connector plug. The optical fiber has a first edge to optically couple with the receptacle, and a second edge to optically couple with the optical connector plug. The ferrule houses the optical fiber. At least a part of the housing or at least part of the ferrule is formed of an electromagnetic absorption material.