Planar Optical Interface Module with Perpendicular Ferrules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interface modules face challenges in efficiently transferring high-speed optical signals between optical fibers and electronic equipment with compact form factors and low power consumption, while maintaining high bandwidth and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The optical interface module incorporates an optical I/O connector with perpendicularly mounted ferrules and a light rotation module, utilizing Bend-Insensitive fibers or mirror arrays to bend signals, along with a U-shaped PCB for mounting detectors and emitters, and electrical interconnections for signal processing, enabling efficient signal transfer and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional optical interface modules are used to transfer high-speed optical signals, then signal transmission capability is achieved, but the form factor becomes large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the optical interface module by arranging optical components (ferrules, detectors, emitters) in a planar two-dimensional layout rather than traditional three-dimensional stacking. The connector, ferrules, and optical components are all mounted on the same PCB plane, reducing vertical height and overall volume while maintaining signal transmission capability through optimized lateral spacing and routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single compact module: the optical connector, ferrules for signal routing, photodetectors for optical-to-electrical conversion, VCSELs for electrical-to-optical conversion, and control logic are all combined on one PCB. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate housings and interconnections between discrete components, significantly reducing the overall form factor.
2Productivity
If traditional optical interface modules are used for high-speed signal transfer, then bandwidth is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical signal transmission paths with optical transmission using VCSELs and photodetectors. Optical signals carry higher bandwidth information with lower energy loss compared to electrical signals through copper traces. The direct optical coupling between ferrules and detectors minimizes energy conversion losses and reduces overall power consumption while achieving high bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes power consumption by implementing localized signal processing: photodetectors immediately convert optical signals to electrical signals at the point of reception, and VCSELs immediately convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission. This local conversion minimizes the distance electrical signals must travel through power-consuming PCB traces, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high bandwidth capability.
3Volume of moving object
If optical components are arranged in compact configuration, then form factor is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical interface module into distinct functional segments: a connector section for fiber attachment, ferrule sections for signal routing, a detection section with photodetectors, an emission section with VCSELs, and a control section. Each segment is independently designed and can be separately manufactured or tested, then assembled together. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity despite the compact overall form factor by allowing modular assembly and quality control.
4Productivity
If perpendicularly mounted ferrules are used for signal transfer, then signal routing efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment pins and precision mounting structures as intermediary elements between the ferrules and PCB. These intermediaries provide mechanical reference features that guide the perpendicular ferrules into correct alignment positions during assembly. The alignment pins compensate for minor manufacturing tolerances and ensure consistent optical coupling between ferrules and detectors/VCSELs, reducing the actual alignment precision requirements while maintaining efficient signal routing.
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
This configuration allows for high-speed interconnection with a small form factor and low power consumption, supporting data rates like 14 Gbps and 25 Gbps, ensuring high bandwidth and reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The light rotation module includes first and second sets of optical fibers that are bent at right angles and are configured to carry the input and output optical signals between the optical I/O connector and the first and second optical ferrules, respectively
Implementation Method 2
the light rotation module includes first and second arrays of mirrors that are configured to rotate the input and output optical signals at right angles between the optical I/O connector and the first and second optical ferrules, respectively
Implementation Method 3
the first optical ferrule includes an array of lenses for focusing the input optical signals onto the respective optical detectors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an optical Input/Output (I/O) connector, which has a central axis that is mounted in a plane and which is configured to connect to external optical fibers for transferring input optical signals to the apparatus and output optical signals from the apparatus. A first optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the optical I/O connector in the plane, and is configured to transfer the input optical signals from the optical I/O connector to respective optical detectors. A second optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the optical I/O connector in the plane, and is configured to transfer the output optical signals from respective optical emitters to the optical connector. A light rotation module is configured to bend and transfer the input and output optical signals between the optical I/O connector and the perpendicularly-mounted first and second optical ferrules.