Opto-Electrical Connector Segmentation for Impedance Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-electrical connectors face challenges in achieving stable conduction between conductors and stable optical coupling between optical fibers due to mismatched high-frequency characteristic impedance and differing mating forces required for conductive wires and optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The opto-electrical connection system includes a first connector with exposed leading ends of conductors and optical fibers, and a second connector with similarly exposed leading ends, allowing for contact-based conduction and non-contact optical coupling. This configuration reduces the mismatch of high-frequency characteristic impedance and minimizes interference between conductor and optical fiber connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conductive wires and optical fibers are connected using the same contact-based method, then the connection structure is simplified, but the optical fiber connection becomes unstable due to excessive mating force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into two separate subsystems: one for electrical conductors and one for optical fibers. The electrical sub-connector and optical sub-connector are positioned at different locations within the connector body, allowing each to be optimized independently. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling simplified overall structure while maintaining specialized connection methods for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical element (lens or prism) as an intermediary between the optical fiber and the mating connector. This optical element enables non-contact optical coupling through optical fields, eliminating the need for direct physical contact between optical fibers. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability without requiring excessive mating force.
2Ease of operation
If optical fibers are connected through physical contact, then alignment is easier to achieve, but the mating force required interferes with the stable conduction of conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the alignment and connection functions into different subsystems. The electrical sub-connector handles conductor alignment and contact, while the optical sub-connector with optical elements handles optical fiber alignment and non-contact coupling. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without interference from the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based optical fiber connection with an optical field-based non-contact connection system. By using optical elements to couple light between fibers without physical contact, the system eliminates the harmful mechanical forces that would interfere with conductor conduction, while still maintaining alignment capability through the optical coupling mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a unified connection approach for both conductors and optical fibers, then manufacturing is simplified, but high-frequency characteristic impedance mismatch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into distinct electrical and optical sub-connectors with separate positioning and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each sub-connector to be manufactured and optimized according to its specific requirements, preventing the impedance mismatch issues that would arise from a unified approach while still maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different connection qualities and methods to different parts of the connector: contact-based connection for electrical conductors and non-contact optical coupling for optical fibers. This local differentiation of connection quality allows each component type to achieve its optimal performance characteristics, including proper impedance matching for high-frequency electrical signals, while the overall manufacturing process remains simplified through the modular segmented structure.
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 system achieves stability in both conduction between conductors and optical coupling between optical fibers, while reducing the mismatch of high-frequency characteristic impedance, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the opto-electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of first optical fibers and each of the plurality of second optical fibers are configured to be optically coupled to each other in a non-contact state
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of first conductors and each of the plurality of second conductors are configured to be brought into contact with each other to achieve conduction
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electrical connection system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a plurality of first conductors, a plurality of first optical fibers, and a first housing. The second connector includes a plurality of second conductors, a plurality of second optical fibers, and a second housing. The first housing includes a first end face, and the second housing includes a second end face. Each leading end portion of the first conductors is exposed at the first end face, and each leading end portion of the second conductors is exposed at the second end face. Each first conductor and each second conductor are configured to be brought into contact with each other to achieve conduction, and each first optical fiber and each second optical fiber are configured to be optically coupled to each other in a non-contact state.