Optical Transceiver Module with Modular ROx Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable optical transceiver modules, such as SFP and QSFP, require bulky and expensive breakout cables to connect multi-lane cables to single-lane cables, increasing installation time and connection problems due to insufficient optical fibers in connectors like MPO and LC-Duplex.
Innovation Solution
Modular optical cable connectors (ROx) integrated into transceiver modules enable direct connection of independent optical cables with varying lane counts without breakout cables, supporting 4-fiber and 16-fiber connectivity, and a hot-pluggable 24-lane module for six independent ROx cables, ensuring interoperability across different lane densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breakout cables are used to connect multi-lane cables to single-lane cables, then connectivity between transceiver modules is achieved, but installation time increases and connection problems occur due to insufficient optical fibers in connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cable connector is divided into multiple independent receptacle bays, each capable of accepting separate optical cables. This segmentation allows direct connection of multiple optical cables without requiring breakout cables, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability through proper fiber alignment in each bay.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical cable connector is designed with multiple receptacle bays that can accommodate different lane densities (single-density and double-density) simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the same connector to handle various connection scenarios without requiring different cable types or breakout adapters, reducing installation complexity and time.
2Reliability
If breakout cables and boxes are used to connect multi-lane cables to single-lane cables, then connectivity is achieved, but connectivity costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into multiple independent receptacle bays, the system eliminates the need for expensive breakout cables and boxes. Each bay provides direct optical fiber connectivity, reducing material costs while maintaining reliable multi-lane to single-lane connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the breakout cable and box components from the connection system by integrating multiple connection points directly into the transceiver module's optical cable connector. This elimination of intermediate components reduces connectivity costs while preserving the ability to connect multiple optical cables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If breakout cables are used for connection, then multi-lane to single-lane connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into multiple receptacle bays that can independently accommodate different lane densities. This segmentation allows the system to support both single-density and double-density optical cables simultaneously, providing lane density compatibility while simplifying the connection topology by eliminating the need for external breakout boxes and complex cable assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
One example of an optical transceiver module includes a receptacle including at least one receptacle bay supporting at least 1-lane for optical transmit and receive signals. The at least one receptacle bay is to connect to any one of a 1-connector bay single-density optical cable and a 1-connector bay double-density optical cable.