Rigid-Flex Circuit Board Adapter for Transceiver Module Interfacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in designing an adapter device that can effectively connect and interface transceiver modules with different form factors, such as CFP and CFP2, due to the limited space and mechanical incompatibilities, which makes it difficult to fit the required electrical connections and electronics within the adapter device.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level rigid-flex circuit board is used to facilitate the interface between the transceiver module and the host socket, with a flexible portion connecting two levels of rigid circuit boards, allowing for high-speed electrical signal conveyance and accommodating the height difference between the form factors, while using industry-standard connectors and minimizing bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid circuit board is used to connect two levels, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different form factors deteriorates due to fixed height
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic structure with flexible portions that can bend and adjust. The flexible circuit board portion allows the board to adapt to different height requirements between form factors while maintaining electrical connections, enabling the same board to work with both CFP and CFP2 transceiver modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board's physical parameters are made variable through the flexible portion, allowing the height and angle between levels to change. This parameter change enables the board to accommodate different form factor specifications while maintaining structural integrity and electrical functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cable is used to connect two levels, then adaptability to different form factors is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board portion is integrated directly with the two rigid circuit board levels, merging the flexibility function into the board structure itself rather than using a separate flexible cable. This integration reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board portion uses a thin, flexible film structure to provide the necessary adaptability. This thin-film approach reduces bulkiness compared to traditional flexible cables while maintaining the ability to accommodate different form factor heights.
3Volume of moving object
If the circuit board is made compact to fit limited space, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into distinct rigid and flexible portions, each with specific functions. The rigid portions provide stable mounting areas for connectors and electronics, while the flexible portion provides the necessary adaptability. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each section while maintaining overall compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an adapter device for connecting and interfacing a transceiver module in conformance with first mechanical specifications and first connector specifications into a host socket adapted to receive transceiver modules in conformance with second mechanical specifications and second connector specifications. The adapter device comprises: a rigid-flex circuit board having first and second levels of rigid circuit board portions and a flexible circuit board portion interconnecting the two levels to convey high-speed electrical signals therebetween, the two levels being integral with said flexible circuit board portion; a first connector mounted on the first level of rigid circuit board and in conformance with the first connector specifications, for electrically connecting the transceiver module to the adapter device to convey high-speed signals; and a second connector mounted on the second level of rigid circuit board and in conformance with the second connector specifications, for electrically connecting the adapter device into the host socket to convey high-speed signals.