Opto-Electronic Adapter Sequencing to Prevent Fiber Burning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of fiber burning during optical signal transmission in silicon photonics transceivers due to improper sequencing of electrical and optical connector connections, leading to damage and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An opto-electronic adapter design where the optical connector is connected before the electrical connector, with a sliding mechanism ensuring the optical connection is established first, followed by the electrical connection, and incorporating a dust-proof component to prevent fiber damage from dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector is connected before the optical connector, then the electrical signal transmission is established first, but the optical fiber is prone to burning and damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is designed to be connected before the electrical connector through a plugging sequence control mechanism. The housing structure includes a plugging guide that forces the optical connector to engage first, establishing the optical signal path before electrical power is applied, thereby preventing fiber burning
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate optical and electrical components with distinct connection sequences. The optical connector and electrical connector are physically separated and engage at different stages during the plugging process, allowing independent control of their connection timing
2Productivity
If the optical connector and electrical connector are connected simultaneously, then the connection process is simplified, but fiber burning cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure incorporates a plugging guide that pre-determines the connection sequence, ensuring the optical connector engages before the electrical connector. This guided sequential connection maintains high productivity by automating the sequence control while preventing fiber burning
3Reliability
If dust is present in the optical connector, then the connector structure remains simple, but fiber damage occurs due to dust accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
A dust-proof component is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the optical fiber connection area. This component prevents dust particles from entering the optical connector, protecting the fiber from contamination and damage while adding minimal structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector has a first connection end configured to fit with a peer adapter. The electrical connector has a second connection end configured to fit with the peer adapter. The first connection end and the second connection end have a same opening direction. In addition, the first connection end may slide along a plugging direction of the peer adapter relative to the second connection end. The first connection end is configured to be connected to the peer adapter before the second connection end. The optical connector is connected to the peer adapter before the electrical connector. This ensures that a channel for transmitting an optical signal is communicated before a channel for transmitting an electrical signal is communicated, thereby avoiding fiber burning and improving security and reliability of the opto-electronic adapter during use.