Abstract: A transponder assembly for use with fiber optic digital communication cables having multiple parallel optic fiber elements. The transponder assembly features separate transmitter port and receiver ports and an electrical connector for connecting with computer or communication systems. The transponder assembly includes a parallel optic transmitter module and a parallel optic receiver module. The assembly also includes a circuit board on which a semiconductor chip useful for signal processing and the electrical connector are mounted. A Flex circuit is used in connecting the circuit board to the parallel optic modules. The semiconductor chip and electrical connector are mounted directly across from one another on opposite surfaces of the circuit board using ball grid arrays having overlapping attachment structures.

Abstract: A transponder assembly for use with fiber optic digital communication cables having multiple parallel optic fiber elements. The transponder assembly features a transmitter port and receiver port for connection with separate parallel optic cables for separately transmitting and receiving data and an electrical connector for connecting with computer or communication systems. The transponder assembly includes a parallel optic transmitter module and a parallel optic receiver module having pluggable edge connecters. The assembly also includes a circuit board on which a semiconductor chip useful for signal processing and the electrical connector are mounted. A Flex circuit is used in connecting the circuit board to the parallel optic modules. The semiconductor chip and electrical connector are mounted directly across from one another on opposite surfaces of the circuit board using ball grid arrays having overlapping attachment structures.

Abstract: A subassembly for use in fiber optic communications systems where multiple optical fibers are used in either transmitting or receiving optical signals. The subassembly is adapted for being mechanically and optically connected with a ferrule supporting a set of optical communications fibers. The subassembly uses a carrier assembly to support an optoelectronic device having a corresponding set of photoactive components which are operative for either converting photonic signals to electrical signals (in a receiver) or converting electrical signals to photonic signals (in a transmitter). The subassembly includes a lens and alignment frame having a set of guide pins and an array of lenses for interfacing the fibers of the ferrule with the photoactive components of the optoelectronic device on the carrier assembly. The carrier assembly may also include signal processing devices and a circuit board having an edge connector for removably connecting the subassembly with a computer or communications system.

Abstract: A lens array for use in fiber optic communications modules where multiple optical fibers are used in either transmitting or receiving optical signals. The lens array is adapted for optically interfacing a set of photoactive components such as semiconductor lasers or photo diodes deployed on an integrated circuit chip with a set of optical communications fibers supported in a ferrule. The individual lens elements within the array are shaped to have a greater height than width and are fitted together by being truncated along their boundaries with adjoining lenses. The increased height of the lens elements allows them to gather and transfer more light between the photoactive components and the optical fibers.