Separable Fiber Optic Ferrule Aligning Transceiver Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic-enabled silicon transceiver devices face challenges in aligning components for all six degrees of freedom without misalignment due to different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), and they are permanently attached, limiting testing and manufacturing flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver interface apparatus featuring a fiber optic ferrule with alignment projections and an optical transceiver component with a lens array and mechanical interface, allowing for separable and precise alignment across all six degrees of freedom, using a design with offset planes and fine alignment elements to accommodate varying CTEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are permanently attached to maximize coupling efficiency, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and testing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the transceiver interface into separable components: a ferrule assembly with alignment features and an optical transceiver component with corresponding receptacles. This segmentation allows the components to be permanently attached for optimal coupling while maintaining the ability to separate assemblies for testing and manufacturing flexibility.
2Reliability
If components are permanently attached, then coupling efficiency is maximized, but the ability to test and manufacture with flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into separable assemblies that can be permanently attached during operation for optimal coupling. However, the assemblies themselves remain separable for testing and manufacturing purposes, providing the needed adaptability and versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single component controls all six degrees of freedom, then alignment is achieved, but misalignment occurs due to different coefficients of thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented across multiple components: the ferrule provides mechanical alignment for three degrees of freedom, while the optical transceiver component provides alignment for the remaining three degrees of freedom. This distribution prevents misalignment due to thermal expansion differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a gap between mating surfaces that prevents direct thermal contact, allowing each component to accommodate thermal expansion independently in its own dimension while maintaining optical alignment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If components are separated repeatedly, then flexibility is improved, but connection stability and coupling efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide pins, alignment holes, and precision-machined surfaces are pre-configured on the ferrule and transceiver components. These preliminary alignment provisions ensure that repeated separations and reconnections maintain consistent alignment and coupling efficiency without deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a transceiver interface includes an fiber optic ferrule and an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component. The engagement of the two components may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.