Pluggable Optical Modules for Front-Panel Fiber Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center communication systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and reconfiguring optical fiber connections to data processors without requiring the opening of the front panel, especially in environments with numerous fiber optic cables and rackmount servers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pluggable modules with co-packaged optical modules, multi-fiber push on connectors, and fiber guides that allow for optical and electrical signal conversion, enabling convenient connection and disconnection of fiber optic links without opening the front panel, and supporting high bandwidth through two-dimensional fiber arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional optical modules are used requiring front panel opening for connection, then reliable optical connection is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is nested within a pluggable cage assembly that can be inserted into and removed from the server through the front panel opening. The cage contains the optical module and fiber optic cable in a compact nested structure, allowing the entire assembly to pass through the limited front panel space while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
A pluggable cage assembly serves as an intermediary between the optical module and the front panel interface. The cage includes a connector that interfaces with external fiber optic cables, allowing operators to connect and reconfigure optical links by simply plugging or unplugging the cage assembly through the front panel without opening internal compartments.
2Ease of operation
If fiber optic cables are routed through the front panel, then easy access for connection is achieved, but mechanical support and cable management become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber optic cable, optical module, connector, and mounting structure into a single integrated pluggable cage assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate cable management systems, as all components are pre-assembled in a compact unit that manages its own routing and connection through the front panel opening.
3Ease of operation
If pluggable modules with extended cable length are used, then ease of connection is improved, but module size and form factor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear cable routing to a compact three-dimensional arrangement within the cage assembly. The fiber optic cable is routed through the cage structure in a space-efficient manner, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to achieve adequate cable length for front panel access while maintaining a compact overall form factor that fits standard server configurations.
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
Facilitates quick reconfiguration of network connections and significantly increases bandwidth by allowing operators to manage optical links efficiently, even in large data centers with numerous rackmount servers, while adhering to small form factor pluggable module specifications.
Implementation Method 1
each server includes one or more optical communication modules for converting input optical signals received from optical fiber cables into input electrical signals that are provided to the one or more data processors
Implementation Method 2
converting output electrical signals from the one or more data processors to output optical signals that are output to the optical fiber cables
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a housing having a front panel, a substrate that is positioned at a distance from the front panel, and a data processor mounted on the substrate. The system includes a pluggable module having an optical module, at least one first optical connector, a first fiber optic cable optically coupled between the optical module and the first optical connector, and a fiber guide positioned between the optical module and the first optical connector and provides mechanical support for the optical module and the first optical connector. The optical module receives optical signals from the first optical connector and generates electrical signals based on the received optical signals, and the electrical signals are transmitted to the data processor. The pluggable module has a shape that enables the pluggable module to pass through an opening in the front panel to enable the optical module to be coupled to the substrate.