Abstract: A pluggable module connected to the backplane or other connection interface of an information system unit so as to provide additional functionality thereto (such as a communications interface to an electrical or fiber optics cable), and arranged to draw electrical power from the system. In order to prevent excessive in-rush current on connection, the module is provided with power control circuitry which is adapted to incrementally increase the supply voltage to components within the module in a manner so as to avoid power supply glitches in the system, such as a substantial voltage drop, and/or excessive current flow.

Abstract: An optical transceiver including an optical fiber ribbon, a housing permanently attached to the optical fiber ribbon, and an electrical connector extending from the housing. An electro/optical converter is disposed within the housing including an array of VCSELs and an array of photodiodes rigidly coupled to a ferrule supporting respective fibers of the fiber ribbon. A member is disposed on an outer surface of the housing adjacent the aperture that resists sharp bending of the optical fiber ribbon where the ribbon exits the housing through the aperture and blocks leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the housing.

Abstract: An optical transceiver including an optical fiber ribbon, a housing permanently attached to the optical fiber ribbon, and an electrical connector extending from the housing. An electro/optical converter is disposed within the housing including an array of VCSELs and an array of photodiodes rigidly coupled to a ferrule supporting respective fibers of the fiber ribbon. A member is disposed on an outer surface of the housing adjacent the aperture that resists sharp bending of the optical fiber ribbon where the ribbon exits the housing through the aperture and blocks leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the housing.

Abstract: A pluggable module connected to the backplane or other connection interface of an information system unit so as to provide additional functionality thereto (such as a communications interface to an electrical or fiber optics cable), and arranged to draw electrical power from the system. In order to prevent excessive in-rush current on connection, the module is provided with power control circuitry which is adapted to incrementally increase the supply voltage to components within the module in a manner so as to avoid power supply glitches in the system, such as a substantial voltage drop, and/or excessive current flow.

Abstract: Methods for qualifying the accuracy of a circuit board may include providing a printing mask pattern for first and second sides of the circuit board with a first sequence of spaced indicia parallel to a first edge of the printed circuit board, and a second sequence of spaced indicia parallel to a second edge of the printed circuit board opposite the first edge. A layer of visually conspicuous material may be printed on the board using the mask patterns. The board may be separated or cut to a predetermined size thereby removing, at least a portion of the spaced indicia of each sequence. The number of indicia printed on the first and second sides respectively of the circuit board may be determined after the circuit board is cut to the predetermined size. The circuit board may be accepted or rejected based upon the numerical determination against a qualification criteria.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having a pattern of fiducial marks on opposed edges of the board for assuring accuracy and alignment of an electrical connector printed on the board. The fiducial marks are printed as staggered indicia extending orthogoral to the printed contact row array of the electrical connector so that when the board is cut or routed, an inspection process can determine if the physical edges of the board, which determine the pin alignment with a mating receptacle, are within specification.

Abstract: An optical transceiver for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber includes a housing and coupled rigid and flex printed circuit boards. The housing includes a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and/or receiving an optical communications signal. The rigid printed circuit board is within the housing and includes an electrical connector for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device, and for transmitting and/or receiving an information-containing electrical communications signal. A first interface connector is for receiving or transferring the electrical signal. A flexible printed circuit board is also within the housing and coupled to the rigid printed circuit board, including a second interface connector for mating with the first interface connector, and transmitting or receiving the electrical signal to or from the rigid printed circuit board.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for fiber optic modules includes a board with multiple bends, forming a structure with sides and a bottom. The traces in the FPCB traverse from the opto-electronic chips, through the sides of the FPCB, to the module interconnects at the bottom. The multi-fold structure allows the FPCB to support a higher number of traces than conventional single-fold FPCB's, and it allows the fanning out of signal traces from the opto-electronic and electronic chips at the front of the fiber-optic module, thereby reducing the crosstalk between the traces. This higher number is provided with a FPCB that features a single insulating layer and without the need to criss-cross the traces, resulting in improved signal integrity over conventional multi-layer FPCB's.

Abstract: An optical transceiver for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber includes a housing and coupled rigid and flex printed circuit boards. The housing includes a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and/or receiving an optical communications signal. The rigid printed circuit board is within the housing and includes an electrical connector for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device, and for transmitting and/or receiving an information-containing electrical communications signal. A first interface connector is for receiving or transferring the electrical signal. A flexible printed circuit board is also within the housing and coupled to the rigid printed circuit board, including a second interface connector for mating with the first interface connector, and transmitting or receiving the electrical signal to or from the rigid printed circuit board.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for fiber optic modules includes a board with multiple bends, forming a structure with sides and a bottom. The traces in the FPCB traverse from the opto-electronic chips, through the sides of the FPCB, to the module interconnects at the bottom. The multi-fold structure allows the FPCB to support a higher number of traces than conventional single-fold FPCB's, and it allows the fanning out of signal traces from the opto-electronic and electronic chips at the front of the fiber-optic module, thereby reducing the crosstalk between the traces. This higher number is provided with a FPCB that features a single insulating layer and without the need to criss-cross the traces, resulting in improved signal integrity over conventional multi-layer FPCB's.