Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fiber optical arrays, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to 3-dimentional array fiber optical couplers. More particularly, the present invention provides means of coupling semiconductor laser light sources to fiber-optic transmission devices.

Abstract: An optical coupler that provides for the direct mounting of integrated circuit(s). The coupler includes a two-part housing with grooves for accommodating optical fibers that are held in place when the two parts are put together. Circuitry is formed on the housing and solder balls, when heated to a liquid state and cooled (reflowed), are used to attach integrated circuit(s) onto the housing. At least one of these integrated circuit(s) is an optical die that is positioned in close proximity to the optical fibers to provide for the receipt and/or transmission of optical signals. The reflowing of the solder balls forms an electrical connection between the circuitry on the housing and the integrated circuit(s) and provides for alignment of these components. The housing is attached to a circuitized substrate using reflowed solder balls or wirebonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fiber optical arrays, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to 3-dimentional array fiber optical couplers. More particularly, the present invention provides means of coupling semiconductor laser light sources to fiber-optic transmission devices.

Abstract: The details of a printed wiring board (PWB) sub-assembly and the method of producing the same are described. The sub-assembly comprises a printed circuit board electrically joined through a plurality of connections to one or more area array devices, such as modules or printed wiring boards. The sub-assembly can serve as a part of an original assembly. The sub-assembly can function as an after market item that can be readily substituted as a replacement for a failed component wherein the dimensional space between the printed circuit board and one or both of the area array devices must provide sufficient clearance for surface mounted devices.

Abstract: A structure and method for electrically coupling two substrates (e.g., a printed wiring board and an electronic module). Initially, a dielectric core is provided. A conductive wiring is helically wound circumferentially around the dielectric core. Additionally, a dielectric jacket may be formed around the conductive wiring. The resultant conductive rod structure is cut axially along the length of the conductive rod to generate conductive buttons having end contacts. The end contacts of the conductive buttons may be used to electrically couple the two substrates at corresponding pads of the two substrates.

Abstract: Alignment systems for optoelectronic modules with overmolded chip carriers include drilled or milled substrate corners for engaging dowel pins to precisely align the substrate in a mold for molding an overmold frame on the substrate. The overmold frame includes slot and trilobe holes for receiving retainer posts to precisely align a retainer assembly on the overmold frame. Cooperating standoff pads on the overmold frame and on the retainer assembly stabilize the assembly of these components and provide a precise gap for receiving an adhesive to permanently attach these two components. The retainer assembly carries optoelectronic components that include a flexible circuit, and a distal end portion of this flexible circuit and walls of a receiving cavity in the overmold frame have cooperating features for precisely aligning distal electrical leads of the flexible circuit with an array of electrical pads on the substrate.

Abstract: The details of a printed wiring board (PWB) sub-assembly and the method of producing the same are described. The sub-assembly comprises a printed circuit board electrically joined through a plurality of connections to one or more area array devices, such as modules or printed wiring boards. The sub-assembly can serve as a part of an original assembly. The sub-assembly can function as an after market item that can be readily substituted as a replacement for a failed component wherein the dimensional space between the printed circuit board and one or both of the area array devices must provide sufficient clearance for surface mounted devices.

Abstract: A heat sink for a transceiver optoelectronic module including dual direct heat paths and a structure which encloses a number of chips having a central web which electrically isolates transmitter and receiver chips from each other. A retainer for an optical coupler having a port into which epoxy is poured. An overmolded base for an optoelectronic module having epoxy flow controller members built thereon. Assembly methods for an optoelectronic module including gap setting and variation of a TAB bonding process.

Abstract: An optical fiber guide includes a matrix of holes integrated directly into a substrate on which one or more optical chips are mounted. The substrate therefore functions both as a guide for optically coupling a plurality of optical fibers to an optical chip, as well as a carrier for the optical chip itself. The size of the fiber guide and its integration density is therefore improved over conventional fiber connectors. The substrate is preferably made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical chip. This ensures that the optical fibers will remain optically coupled to the chip through the matrix of holes in the substrate regardless of external temperature influences. If desired, integrated circuits may be mounted onto the substrate to increase the functionality of the fiber guide.

Abstract: A plug which has a plugging portion and a stem extending therefrom is formed of an elastomeric material in order to deform to create a wiping engagement and a seal with the walls of a receiving cavity. The stem and plugging portion include both cavities for receiving alignment pins in the device being plugged and a manually engageable portion on a distal end of the stem for removing the plug from the sealed cavity, such as within an optical subassembly module. The side edges of the plugging member conform to the cavity cross-section to enhance the sealing yet do not unduly deform the member. The sealing member is formed with one or more standoffs to engage an end face of the cavity, assuring no contact between the optical elements and the plug. The edges of the plug deform upon insertion to create the seal and form a wiping engagement with the cavity interior.

Abstract: A heat sink for a transceiver optoelectronic module including dual direct heat paths and structure which encloses a number of chips having a central web which electrically isolates transmitter and receiver chips from each other. A retainer for an optical coupler having a port into which epoxy is poured. An overmolded base for an optoelectronic module having epoxy flow controller members built thereon. Assembly methods for an optoelectronic module including gap setting and variation of a TAB bonding process.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes a first plate and a second plate superposed over the first plate. At least the second plate has at least one groove formed therein. The at least one groove extends continuously from one edge of the second plate to another edge of the second plate. An optical fiber is disposed in the at least one groove.

Abstract: An optical transceiver arrangement includes a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly includes at least one housing adapted to be coupled to a fiber optic cable, and at least one carrier assembly having a carrier, and a die chip attached to the carrier. The die chip has at least one active region. The optical transceiver arrangement further includes at least one optical coupler disposed within the housing for optically coupling the at least one active region to the fiber optic cable. The optical transceiver arrangement also includes a laminate assembly having the retainer assembly disposed thereon. The die chip is electrically coupled to the laminate assembly.

Abstract: A plug which has a plugging portion and a stem extending therefrom is formed of an elastomeric material in order to deform to create a wiping engagement and a seal with the walls of a receiving cavity. The stem and plugging portion include both cavities for receiving alignment pins in the device being plugged and a manually engageable portion on a distal end of the stem for removing the plug from the sealed cavity, such as within an optical subassembly module.. The side edges of the plugging member conform to the cavity cross-section to enhance the sealing yet do not unduly deform the member. The sealing member is formed with one or more standoffs to engage an end face of the cavity, assuring no contact between the optical elements and the plug. The edges of the plug deform upon insertion to create the seal and form a wiping engagement with the cavity interior.

Abstract: The details of a printed wiring board (PWB) sub-assembly and the method of producing the same are described. The sub-assembly comprises a printed circuit board electrically joined through a plurality of connections to one or more area array devices, such as modules or printed wiring boards. The sub-assembly can serve as a part of an original assembly. The sub-assembly can function as an after market item that can be readily substituted as a replacement for a failed component wherein the dimensional space between the printed circuit board and one or both of the area array devices must provide sufficient clearance for surface mounted devices.

Abstract: An optical coupler that provides for the direct mounting of integrated circuit(s). The coupler includes a two-part housing with grooves for accommodating optical fibers that are held in place when the two parts are put together. Circuitry is formed on the housing and solder balls, when heated to a liquid state and cooled (reflowed), are used to attach integrated circuit(s) onto the housing. At least one of these integrated circuit(s) is an optical die that is positioned in close proximity to the optical fibers to provide for the receipt and/or transmission of optical signals. The reflowing of the solder balls forms an electrical connection between the circuitry on the housing and the integrated circuit(s) and provides for alignment of these components. The housing is attached to a circuitized substrate using reflowed solder balls or wirebonds.

Abstract: An optical fiber guide includes a matrix of holes integrated directly into a substrate on which one or more optical chips are mounted. The substrate therefore functions both as a guide for optically coupling a plurality of optical fibers to an optical chip, as well as a carrier for the optical chip itself. The size of the fiber guide and its integration density is therefore improved over conventional fiber connectors. The substrate is preferably made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical chip. This ensures that the optical fibers will remain optically coupled to the chip through the matrix of holes in the substrate regardless of external temperature influences. If desired, integrated circuits may be mounted onto the substrate to increase the functionality of the fiber guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and structure for connecting a module to a printed circuit board, wherein a substantially rigid interposer having resilient conductors is disposed between a module and a printed circuit board. A clamping means urges the module and printed circuit board toward each other with compressive force upon an interposer positioned therebetween, preferably causing the module and printed circuit board to deform and thereby align their electrical contacts with the surfaces of the interposer. The interposer further comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture further having a deformable resilient conductor means for connecting a module contact to a PCB contact. The conductor is deformable in shear, which may travel and, therefore, makeup the CTE dimensional mismatch between the module and the PCB. The conductors are detachable, electrically connecting the module and PCB contacts without the requirement of solder or other permanent means.

Abstract: An electronic package contains a circuit card to which a chip carrier plate is attached via solder balls. A heat spreader plate, supporting a heat sink, is spring loaded against the semiconductor chip of the carrier plate by means of elastomeric disks disposed upon a spring retainer plate that is, itself, disposed adjacent the chip carrier plate. A plastic cover both protects and supports the heat sink and semiconductor chip. A retention latch is disposed between the cover plate and the spring retainer plate.

Abstract: An interposer for connecting two circuit members. The interposer has two extending conductive ends, is “Z” shaped, and has a center of gravity positioned relative to one of the conductive ends such that the interposer is capable of standing upright upon that end without external support. The interposer may be composed of a plated metal, and at least one of the extending conductive ends may have deposited dendrites or a raised bump. The Z-shaped interposer prevents bowing or cracking of the connected structure which otherwise occurs during use due to the different thermal coefficients of expansion of the two circuit members.