Optical Splitting Adaptor for InfiniBand and Ethernet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networking communication systems require separate, distinct housing designs for InfiniBand® and Ethernet standards, leading to costly manufacturing and cumbersome installation, especially in applications with limited clearance, such as densely-packed fiber optic networking racks.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical splitting adapters with a single backshell design that can interface with transceivers of different types, including Ethernet and InfiniBand®, using multi-fiber ferrules like MT16 and MT12, allowing for optical splitting between transceivers operating at different data rates, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and facilitating installation in constrained spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate housing designs are used for InfiniBand and Ethernet standards, then compatibility with specific transceiver types is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both InfiniBand and Ethernet transceiver types through a single design. The housing includes receptacles configured to receive different multi-fiber ferrule types (MT12, MT16, MPO) and interface with various transceiver standards, eliminating the need for separate housing designs for different protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate housing designs are used for InfiniBand and Ethernet standards, then specific transceiver compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single housing design serves multiple transceiver standards (InfiniBand and Ethernet) through configurable receptacles that can receive different ferrule types. This universal approach consolidates manufacturing processes, reduces tooling requirements, and eliminates the need to produce multiple housing variants, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining broad compatibility.
3Reliability
If conventional networking systems use separate connector designs, then standard-specific performance is optimized, but installation complexity increases in limited clearance applications
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector housing allows technicians to install a single type of adaptor for both InfiniBand and Ethernet applications, eliminating the need to identify and handle different connector types during installation. The configurable receptacles accommodate various ferrule sizes and types, simplifying the installation process in densely-packed racks where space and time are constrained.
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 splitting adapters enable adaptable connectivity for diverse networking systems, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying component installation in limited clearance applications by using a common housing design compliant with both InfiniBand® and Ethernet standards, ensuring efficient data transmission across different transceiver types.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fibers operably connecting the first connector housing and the second connector housing such that, in operation, the plurality of fibers is configured to perform optical splitting
Data Source
AI summary
Optical splitting adaptors and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. An example optical splitting adaptor includes a first connector housing that interfaces with a first optical transceiver having a first data rate, and the first connector housing accommodates a first type multi-fiber ferrule of a first number of fibers. The example optical splitting adaptor also includes a second connector housing that defines dual receptacles for interfacing with a second optical transceiver and a third optical transceiver, and the dual receptacles receive respective multi-fiber ferrules. The example optical splitting adaptor further includes a plurality of fibers operably connecting the first connector housing and the second connector housing such that, in operation, the plurality of fibers perform optical splitting between the first type multi-fiber ferrule of the first connector housing and the multi-fiber ferrules received by the dual receptacles of the second connector housing.