Pluggable Optical Assembly for Swappable Laser and I/O Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical assemblies are inflexible and do not easily accommodate different customer demands for varying technical environments, such as the need to replace laser modules with different wavelengths or interface modules.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly design featuring a base module with pluggable interfaces for laser and input-output modules, allowing easy replacement and assignment of modules with different wavelengths or functionalities, with a control unit to ensure compatibility and generate alarms if incorrect assignments are made.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If optical assemblies use fixed non-pluggable interfaces, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different customer demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly is divided into separate pluggable modules (laser module, transceiver module, interface module) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the base module to maintain structural stability while individual modules can be swapped to adapt to different customer demands for wavelengths, data rates, or interface types.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module is designed with universal pluggable interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of laser modules and interface modules. This universality allows a single base module to support various customer requirements by simply changing the pluggable modules, achieving both structural consistency and high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical assemblies allow easy module replacement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical assembly into standardized pluggable modules, the system achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity. Each module is independently designed and tested, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to fully integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable modules allow easy change of critical parameters such as wavelength, data rate, and interface type without redesigning the entire system. This parameter-based modularity provides high adaptability while keeping the base module design relatively simple and reusable.
3Ease of operation
If pluggable interfaces are used for module replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pluggable interfaces are pre-configured with alignment features, keying mechanisms, and contact structures that ensure proper mating and reliable electrical/optical connections. This preliminary design of connection features maintains reliability while enabling easy module replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the status of pluggable modules and provides feedback on connection integrity. This feedback mechanism detects module insertion, removal, and potential connection issues, allowing the system to maintain reliability through active monitoring and error detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical assembly comprising a laser module having a pluggable interface, an optical input-output module having a pluggable interface, and a base module having a first pluggable interface that is pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the laser module, a second pluggable interface that is pluggably connected to the pluggable interface of the input-output module, and a transceiver optically located between the first and second pluggable interface of the base module.