Optoelectrical Connector with Embedded Fiber for Pluggable Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring optoelectrical systems with different form factors requires new line cards, which is expensive and time-consuming, leading to increased costs and potential downtime during upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A method for upgrading optoelectrical systems by securing a transmitter to a line card with an optoelectrical connector, coupling a pluggable form factor module with an input and output port to the connector, and using electrical contacts to convert optical signals to electrical signals, allowing for the use of pluggable form factor transceivers that can transmit and receive signals without replacing the line card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new line cards are configured for different form factors, then the system can support various component form factors, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The line card is designed with a universal optoelectrical connector that can interface with multiple form factors (SFP, XFP, Large Form Factor, etc.) through a single standardized interface. This allows one line card design to support various component types without requiring separate line cards for each form factor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the transceiver components (transmitters and receivers) from the line card infrastructure. Transmitters can be coupled to the optoelectrical connector while receivers are housed in pluggable modules that interface with the same connector. This segmentation allows independent upgrading of transceiver components without replacing the entire line card, reducing overall system cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new line cards are configured for different form factors, then the system can support various component form factors, but the upgrade time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pluggable receiver modules that can be quickly inserted and removed from the optoelectrical connector without requiring system shutdown or complex reconfiguration. This dynamic, hot-swappable interface enables rapid upgrades from one form factor to another, minimizing upgrade time while maintaining form factor compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectrical connector is pre-configured on the line card with alignment features and coupling mechanisms that facilitate quick connection of transmitters and receiver modules. This preliminary preparation of the connector interface eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and installation procedures during upgrades.
3Productivity
If transmitters are coupled to the optoelectrical connector with embedded fiber, then optical signals can be transmitted efficiently, but the alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectrical connector incorporates self-aligning features such as mechanical guides and positioning structures that automatically align the embedded fiber with the transmitter output when components are coupled together. This self-alignment mechanism achieves the necessary alignment precision without requiring manual adjustment or complex alignment procedures, thereby maintaining transmission efficiency while reducing 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
Enables cost-effective and faster upgrades by allowing the use of components with different form factors without replacing the line card, reducing downtime and enabling efficient communication of optical and electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver configured to convert optical signals received at the input port into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter configured to transmit optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for upgrading an optoelectrical system includes securing a transmitter to a line card, wherein the line card comprises an optoelectrical connector. It also includes coupling the transmitter to the connector, wherein the connector comprises an embedded fiber configured to be coupled to the transmitter. In addition, the method includes inserting a pluggable form factor module comprising a receiver, an input port, and an output port into a cage secured to the line card. Further, the method includes coupling the pluggable form factor module to the connector such that an optical signal transmitted by the transmitter propagates in an optical line of sight between the embedded fiber of the connector and the output port. The connector comprises electrical contacts that are configured to be coupled to the module such that the receiver can convert optical signals received at the input port into electrical signals and transmit the electrical signals to the line card via the connector.